Electrical Stimulation-Based Twitch Exercise Suppresses Progression of Immobilization-Induced Muscle Fibrosis via Downregulation of PGC-1?/VEGF Pathway

This study aimed to determine whether electrical stimulation-based twitch exercise is effective in inhibiting the progression of immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis. 19 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=6), an immobilization group (n=6; with immobilization only), and a Belt group (n=7; with immobilization and twitch exercise through the belt electrode device, beginning 2 weeks after immobilization). The bilateral soleus muscles were harvested after the experimental period. The right soleus muscles were used for histological analysis, and the left soleus muscles were used for biochemical and molecular biological analysis. As a result, in the picrosirius red images, the perimysium and endomysium were thicker in both the immobilization and Belt groups compared to the control group. However, the perimysium and endomysium thickening were suppressed in the Belt group. The hydroxyproline content and alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, and HIF-1alpha mRNA expressions were significantly higher in the immobilization and belt groups than in the control group. These expressions were significantly lower in the Belt group than in the immobilization group. The capillary-to-myofiber ratio and the mRNA expressions of VEGF and PGC-1alpha were significantly lower in the immobilization and belt groups than in the control group, these were significantly higher in the Belt group than in the immobilization group. From these results, Electrical stimulation-based twitch exercise using the belt electrode device may prevent the progression of immobilization-induced muscle fibrosis caused by downregulating PGC-1alpha/VEGF pathway, we surmised that this intervention strategy might be effective against the progression of muscle contracture. Keywords: Immobilization, Skeletal muscle, Fibrosis, Electrical stimulation-based twitch exercise, PGC-1alpha/VEGF pathway.

Comprehensive image dataset for enhancing object detection in chemical experiments

The application of image recognition in chemical experiments has the potential to enhance experiment recording and risk management. However, the current scarcity of suitable benchmarking datasets restricts the applications of machine vision techniques in chemical experiments. This data article presents an image dataset featuring common chemical apparatuses and experimenter's hands. The images have been meticulously annotated, providing detailed information for precise object detection through deep learning methods. The images were captured from videos filmed in organic chemistry laboratories. This dataset comprises a total of 5078 images including diverse backgrounds and situations surrounding the objects. Detailed annotations are provided in accompanying text files. The dataset is organized into training, validation, and test subsets. Each subset is stored within independent folders for easy access and utilization.

Effects of Climate Conditions before Harvest Date on Edamame Metabolome

Edamame is a green soybean that is rich in nutrients. Boiled edamame has been traditionally used for food in the East Asia region. It was known among farmers that conditions, such as temperature and climate on the day of harvest, affect the quality of edamame. Large-scale farmers harvest edamame on multiple days in the same year; however, the quality of edamame varies from day to day due to variations in climate conditions. In this study, we harvested edamame over several days between 2013 and 2018, obtained the climate conditions on the harvest date, and performed metabolome analysis using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry. To clarify the correlation between climate conditions before the harvest date and edamame components, comparative analyses of the obtained meteorological and metabolomic data were conducted. We found positive and negative correlations between the sunshine duration and average temperature, and the amounts of some edamame components. Furthermore, correlations were observed between the annual fluctuations in climate conditions and edamame components. Our findings suggest that the climate conditions before the date of harvesting are closely related to edamame quality.

Identification of a gene set that maintains tumorigenicity of the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Li-7

The identification and development of therapeutic targets in cancer stem cells that lead to tumor development, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance is an important goal in cancer research. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Li-7 contains functionally different types of cells. Cells with tumor-forming activity are enriched in cancer stem cell-like CD13+CD166- cells and this cell population gradually decreases during culture in conventional culture medium (RPMI1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum). When Li-7 cells are cultured in mTeSR1, a medium developed for human pluripotent stem cells, CD13+CD166- cells, and their tumorigenicity is maintained. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms of tumorigenicity in this sub-population. We compared gene expression profiles of CD13+CD166- cells with other cell sub-populations and identified nine overexpressed genes (ENPP2, SCGN, FGFR4, MCOLN3, KCNJ16, SMIM22, SMIM24, SERPINH1, and TMPRSS2) in CD13+CD166- cells. After transfer from mTeSR1 to RPMI1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum, the expression of these nine genes decreased in Li-7 cells and they lost tumorigenicity. In contrast, when these genes of Li-7 cells were forcibly expressed in cultures using RPMI1640 containing 10% fetal bovine serum, Li-7 cells maintained tumorigenicity. A metabolome analysis using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry showed that two metabolic pathways, "Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism" and "Arginine biosynthesis" were activated in cancer stem-cell-like cells. Our analyses here showed potential therapeutic target genes and metabolites for treatment of cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.

A Nomogram Based on Pretreatment Radiomics and Dosiomics Features for Predicting Overall Survival for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer: Multi-Institutional Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The current study aims to propose a nomogram-based 2- and 3-years survival prediction model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated by definitive radiotherapy using pretreatment computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (FDG PET) radiomic features and dosiomics features in addition to the common clinical factors using multi-institution data.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Data of 112 patients from one institution and 28 patients from the other institution were retrospectively collected. Radiomics and dosiomics features were extracted using five segmentations on CT and PET images and dose distribution. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with logistic regression was used to select radiomics and dosiomics features by calculating the radiomics and dosiomics scores (Rad-score and Dos-score), respectively, in the training model. The predictive clinical factors, Rad-score, and Dos-score were identified to develop a nomogram model.

RESULTS

We extracted 15219 features from the radiomics and dosiomics analysis. By LASSO Cox regression analysis, 13 CT-based radiomics features, 11 PET-based radiomics features, and 19 dosiomics features were selected. Clinical factors of T-stage, N-stage, and clinical stage were selected as significant prognostic factors by univariate Cox regression analysis. A predictive nomogram for prognosis in was established using these factors. In the external validation cohort, the C-index of the combined model of CT-based radiomics, PET-based radiomics, and dosiomics features with clinical factors were 0.74, 0.82, and 0.92, respectively. Moreover, we divided the cohort into high-risk and low-risk groups using the median nomogram score. Significant differences in overall survival (OS) in the combine model of CT-based radiomics, PET-based radiomics, and dosiomics features with clinical factors were observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups (P = 0.019, P = 0.038, and 0.014, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The current study established and validated 2- and 3-year survival prediction models based on radiomics and dosiomics features with clinical factors. The prediction model with dosiomics analysis could better predict OS than CT- and PET-based radiomics analysis in esophageal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

Multicenter Retrospective Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Patients with Previously Untreated Initial Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been shown in many studies and its therapeutic effect is similar to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, many of these studies were done in combination with transcatheter chemoembolization (TACE), for recurrent HCC, or on a small scale. To better understand the specific outcomes of SBRT for HCC, we conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of SBRT for previously untreated initial HCC at Japanese Society of Clinical Oncology (JCOG) member hospitals.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patientswho underwent SBRT for HCC at JCOG member hospitals between July 2013 and December 2017 and met the following eligibility criteria were included: (1) initial HCC; (2) ≤ 3 nodules, ≤ 5 cm in diameter; (3) a Child-Pugh (CP) score of A or B; and (4) unsuitability for or refusal of standard treatment, such as surgery, transplantation, RFA and TACE. We evaluated the overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) which was defined as the first instance of intra-hepatic recurrence after SBRT, disease-specific survival (DSS) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Using Grey's test, patients who died of other diseases were analyzed as competing risks to estimate the cumulative incidence of local recurrence (CLR). Adverse events directly related to SBRT also analyzed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (CTCAE v5.0).

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients with 79 lesions from 14 hospitals were analyzed. The median age was 77 years (range; 50-89 years), and the median tumor size was 23 mm (range; 6-50 mm). The median radiation dose was 40 Gy (range; 35-60 Gy) in five fractions (range; 4-8). The median follow-up period was 45 months (range; 0-103 months). There were three cases where follow-up was not possible due to unexpected events unrelated to SBRT, while the remaining 70 patients were successfully followed for at least six months. The 2 and 3year OS, RFS, DSS, and CLR rates were 84.3% (95% CI: 75.8-92.8%) and 69.9% (95% CI: 58.7-81%), 67.5% (95% CI: 56.0-79.0%) and 57.9% (95% CI: 45.2-70.5%), 95.1% (95% CI:89.7-100%)/87.6% (95% CI:78.8-96.3%), and 11.4% (95% CI: 5.3-20.0%) and 20.0% (95% CI: 11.2-30.5%), respectively. Four cases (5.5%) of adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported: one case of grade 3 laboratory toxicities, one case of grade 3 liver failure, one case of grade 3 portal tumor thrombosis, and one case of grade 4 duodenal ulcer. No grade 5 toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study demonstrate that SBRT for HCC is highly effective in achieving local control and is safe to administer. In addition, survival outcomes are favorable. SBRT is a promising treatment modality, especially for small HCCs for that is not suitable for standard treatment.

Nsp14 of SARS-CoV-2 inhibits mRNA processing and nuclear export by targeting the nuclear cap-binding complex

To facilitate selfish replication, viruses halt host gene expression in various ways. The nuclear export of mRNA is one such process targeted by many viruses. SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome, also prevents mRNA nuclear export. In this study, Nsp14, a bifunctional viral replicase subunit, was identified as a novel inhibitor of mRNA nuclear export. Nsp14 induces poly(A)+ RNA nuclear accumulation and the dissolution/coalescence of nuclear speckles. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed the global dysregulation of splicing and 3'-end processing defects of replication-dependent histone mRNAs by Nsp14. These abnormalities were also observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. A mutation introduced at the guanine-N7-methyltransferase active site of Nsp14 diminished these inhibitory activities. Targeted capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry analysis (CE-MS) unveiled the production of N7-methyl-GTP in Nsp14-expressing cells. Association of the nuclear cap-binding complex (NCBC) with the mRNA cap and subsequent recruitment of U1 snRNP and the stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) were impaired by Nsp14. These data suggest that the defects in mRNA processing and export arise from the compromise of NCBC function by N7-methyl-GTP, thus exemplifying a novel viral strategy to block host gene expression.

Effects of the mixer shape in a flow-type supercritical hydrothermal reactor as evaluated by neutron radiography and CeO2 nanoparticle synthesis

The mixer shape in flow-type reactors plays a vital role when the reaction rate is much faster than the mixing rate. In this study, we performed neutron radiography measurements on...

Utilising TMS-EEG to Assess the Response to Cerebellar-Brain Inhibition

Cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI) is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigm indexing excitability of cerebellar projections to motor cortex (M1). Stimulation involved with CBI is often considered to be uncomfortable, and alternative ways to index connectivity between cerebellum and the cortex would be valuable. We therefore sought to assess the utility of electroencephalography in conjunction with TMS (combined TMS-EEG) to record the response to CBI. A total of 33 volunteers (25.7 ± 4.9 years, 20 females) participated across three experiments. These investigated EEG responses to CBI induced with a figure-of-eight (F8; experiment 1) or double cone (DC; experiment 2) conditioning coil over cerebellum, in addition to multisensory sham stimulation (experiment 3). Both F8 and DC coils suppressed early TMS-evoked EEG potentials (TEPs) produced by TMS to M1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the TEP produced by CBI stimulation was related to the motor inhibitory response to CBI recorded in a hand muscle (P < 0.05), but only when using the DC coil. Multisensory sham stimulation failed to modify the M1 TEP. Cerebellar conditioning produced changes in the M1 TEP that were not apparent following sham stimulation, and that were related to the motor inhibitory effects of CBI. Our findings therefore suggest that it is possible to index the response to CBI using TMS-EEG. In addition, while both F8 and DC coils appear to recruit cerebellar projections, the nature of these may be different.

Integrative omics approaches revealed a crosstalk among phytohormones during tuberous root development in cassava

Integrative omics approaches revealed a crosstalk among phytohormones during tuberous root development in cassava. Tuberous root formation is a complex process consisting of phase changes as well as cell division and elongation for radial growth. We performed an integrated analysis to clarify the relationships among metabolites, phytohormones, and gene transcription during tuberous root formation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). We also confirmed the effects of the auxin (AUX), cytokinin (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), gibberellin (GA), brassinosteroid (BR), salicylic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid conjugated with aspartic acid on tuberous root development. An integrated analysis of metabolites and gene expression indicated the expression levels of several genes encoding enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis and sucrose metabolism are up-regulated during tuberous root development, which is consistent with the accumulation of starch, sugar phosphates, and nucleotides. An integrated analysis of phytohormones and gene transcripts revealed a relationship among AUX signaling, CK signaling, and BR signaling, with AUX, CK, and BR inducing tuberous root development. In contrast, ABA and JA inhibited tuberous root development. These phenomena might represent the differences between stem tubers (e.g., potato) and root tubers (e.g., cassava). On the basis of these results, a phytohormonal regulatory model for tuberous root development was constructed. This model may be useful for future phytohormonal studies involving cassava.

Overexpression of nicotinamidase 3 (NIC3) gene and the exogenous application of nicotinic acid (NA) enhance drought tolerance and increase biomass in Arabidopsis

Overexpressing Nicotinamidase 3 gene, and the exogenous application of its metabolite nicotinic acid (NA), enhance drought stress tolerance and increase biomass in Arabidopsis thaliana. With progressive global climatic changes, plant productivity is threatened severely by drought stress. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms regarding genes responsible for balancing plant growth and stress amelioration could imply multiple possibilities for future sustainable goals. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis and recycling/ distribution is a crucial feature for plant growth. The current study focuses on the functional characterization of nicotinamidase 3 (NIC3) gene, which is involved in the biochemical conversion of nicotinamide (NAM) to nicotinic acid (NA) in the salvage pathway of NAD biosynthesis. Our data show that overexpression of NIC3 gene enhances drought stress tolerance and increases plant growth. NIC3-OX plants accumulated more NA as compared to WT plants. Moreover, the upregulation of several genes related to plant growth/stress tolerance indicates that regulating the NAD salvage pathway could significantly enhance plant growth and drought stress tolerance. The exogenous application of nicotinic acid (NA) showed a similar phenotype as the effect of overexpressing NIC3 gene. In short, we contemplated the role of NIC3 gene and NA application in drought stress tolerance and plant growth. Our results would be helpful in engineering plants with enhanced drought stress tolerance and increased growth potential.

Ipso -Type Regiocontrolled Benzannulation for the Synthesis of Uniquely Substituted α-Arylnaphthalenes: Application to the First Total Synthesis of Chaihunaphthone

A distinctive method for synthesizing a variety of multisubstituted α-arylnaphthalenes utilizing novel regiocontrolled ipso-type [4 + 2] benzannulation is presented. Ortho- and para-substituted 1-Ar1-1-Ar2-2,2-dichlorocyclopropylmethanols (AACM) were transformed to the corresponding ipso-type α-arylnaphthalenes. (i) The reaction of ortho-AACM using TiCl4 or SnCl4 (1.0 equiv) proceeded smoothly to afford ipso-type α-arylnaphthalenes (seven examples; 49-69% yield) exclusively, without producing conventional benzannulation isomers. (ii) Para-AACM also underwent the reaction successfully to afford the desired ipso-type α-arylnaphthalenes (14 examples; 39-98% yield) without producing conventional benzannulation isomers. (iii) In contrast, meta-AACM underwent the previously reported conventional benzannulation. (iv) The present method exhibited sufficient substrate generality for application to ortho- and para-substituted AACM substrates bearing Me-, Cl-, and MeO- groups. (v) The six key structures were unambiguously confirmed by X-ray structure analyses. (vi) A plausible reaction mechanism for the present ipso-type reaction is proposed and supported by three careful cross-over and comparable experiments. To demonstrate the utility of the present reaction, we achieved the first total synthesis of chaihunaphthone, a uniquely (highly congested) substituted and less accessible natural lignan lactone with three contiguous trimethoxy substituents (total eight steps, overall 6.4% yield).

N-terminal region of RecQ4 inhibits non-homologous end joining and chromatin association of the Ku heterodimer in Xenopus egg extracts

RecQ4, a member of the RecQ helicase family, is required for the maintenance of genome integrity. RecQ4 has been shown to promote the following two DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). However, its molecular function has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of RecQ4 in NHEJ using Xenopus egg extracts. The N-terminal 598 amino acid region of Xenopus RecQ4 (N598), which lacks a central helicase domain and a downstream C-terminal region, was added to the extracts and its effect on the joining of DNA ends was analyzed. We found that N598 inhibited the joining of linearized DNA ends in the extracts. In addition, N598 inhibited DSB-induced chromatin binding of Ku70, which is essential for NHEJ, while the DSB-induced chromatin binding of the HR-associated proteins, replication protein A (RPA) and Rad51, increased upon the addition of N598. These results suggest that RecQ4 possibly influences the choice of the DSB repair pathway by influencing the association of the Ku heterodimer with the DNA ends.

Analysis of carbon flow at the metabolite level reveals that starch synthesis from hexose is a limiting factor in a high-yielding rice cultivar

Understanding the limiting factors of grain filling is essential for the further improvement of grain yields in rice (Oryza sativa). The relatively slow grain growth of the high-yielding cultivar 'Momiroman' is not improved by increasing carbon supply, and hence low sink activity (i.e. the metabolic activity of assimilate consumption/storage in sink organs) may be a limiting factor for grain filling. However, there is no metabolic evidence to corroborate this hypothesis, partly because there is no consensus on how to define and quantify sink activity. In this study, we investigated the carbon flow at a metabolite level from photosynthesis in leaves to starch synthesis in grains of three high-yielding cultivars using the stable isotope 13C. We found that a large amount of newly fixed carbon assimilates in Momiroman was stored as hexose instead of being converted to starch. In addition, the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and the expression of AGPS2b, which encodes a subunit of the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase enzyme, were both lower in Momiroman than in the other two cultivars in grains in superior positions on panicle branches. Hence, slower starch synthesis from hexose, which is partly explained by the low expression level of AGPS2b, may be the primary metabolic reason for the lower sink activity observed in Momiroman.

Novel -75°C SEM cooling stage: application for martensitic transformation in steel

Microstructural changes during the martensitic transformation from face-centred cubic (FCC) to body-centred cubic (BCC) in an Fe-31Ni alloy were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a newly developed Peltier stage available at temperatures to  −75°C. Electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) was utilized for the in situ observation during cooling. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis at ambient temperature (20°C) after the transformation was performed for the crystallographic characterization. A uniform dislocation slip in the FCC matrix associated with the transformation was detected at −57°C. Gradual growth of a BCC martensite was recognized upon cooling from −57°C to −63°C.

The effects of wheel-running using the upper limbs following immobilization after inducing arthritis in the knees of rats

This study investigated the effects of wheel-running using the upper limbs following immobilization after inducing arthritis in the knees of rats. Forty male Wistar rats (aged 8 weeks) divided into four groups randomly: arthritis (AR), immobilization after arthritis (Im), wheel-running exercise with the upper limbs following immobilization after arthritis induction (Im+Ex) and sham arthritis induction (Con). The knee joints of the Im and Im+Ex groups were immobilized with a cast for 4 weeks. In the Im+Ex group, wheel-running exercise was administered for 60 min/day (5 times/week). The swelling and the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the knee joint were evaluated for observing the condition of inflammatory symptoms in affected area, and the paw withdraw response (PWR) was evaluated for observing the condition of secondary hyperalgesia in distant area. Especially, in order to evaluate histological inflammation in the knee joint, the number of macrophage (CD68-positive cells) in the synovium was examined. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the spinal dorsal horn (L2-3 and L4-5) was examined to evaluate central sensitization. The Im+Ex group showed a significantly better recovery than the Im group in the swelling, PPTs, and PWRs. Additionally, CGRP expression of the spinal dorsal horn (L2-3 and L4-5) in the Im+Ex group was significantly decreased compared with the Im group. According to the results, upper limb exercise can decrease pain in the affected area, reduce hyperalgesia in distant areas, and suppress the central sensitization in the spinal dorsal horn by triggering exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH).

Assessing Dynamic Changes of Taste-Related Primary Metabolism During Ripening of Durian Pulp Using Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

Durian is an economically important fruit of Southeast Asia. There is, however, a lack of in-depth information on the alteration of its metabolic networks during ripening. Here, we annotated 94 ripening-associated metabolites from the pulp of durian cv. Monthong fruit at unripe and ripe stages, using capillary electrophoresis- and gas chromatography- time-of-flight mass spectrometry, specifically focusing on taste-related metabolites. During ripening, sucrose content increased. Change in raffinose-family oligosaccharides are reported herein for the first time. The malate and succinate contents increased, while those of citrate, an abundant organic acid, were unchanged. Notably, most amino acids increased, including isoleucine, leucine, and valine, whereas aspartate decreased, and glutamate was unchanged. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis was performed to analyze the dynamic changes in sugar metabolism, glycolysis, TCA cycle, and amino acid pathways to identify key candidate genes. Taken together, our results elucidate the fundamental taste-related metabolism of durian, which can be exploited to develop durian metabolic and genetic markers in the future.

A case of Trousseau's syndrome due to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with an extremely high level of CA19-9

BACKGROUND

Trousseau's syndrome is a cancer-associated thrombosis. Trousseau's syndrome with cholangiocarcinoma is a rare condition with poor prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 59-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain, headache, and nausea. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography revealed liver tumor, splenic infarction, and bilateral renal infarction. Multiple acute cerebral infarctions were also detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Her preoperative serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were > 120,000 U/mL and 589.6 ng/mL, respectively, which were extremely high. Histopathology after right hepatectomy revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma consistent with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Her serum levels of CA19-9 were trending down to 9029.2 and 2659.8 U/mL at 1 and 3 weeks after surgery, respectively. However, at 7 weeks after surgery, her CA19-9 levels increased in the presence of positive imaging findings in the remnant liver, hilar lymph nodes, and peritoneal cavity. The initiation of combination chemotherapy including gemcitabine and cisplatin had a significant effect. The patient was doing well at 6 months after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

This rare case of Trousseau's syndrome due to cholangiocarcinoma suggests that extremely high CA19-9 levels might be a pathogenic factor of this syndrome.

Arogenate dehydratases can modulate the levels of phenylacetic acid in Arabidopsis

Phenylacetic acid (PAA) is one type of natural auxin and widely exists in plants. Previous biochemical studies demonstrate that PAA in plants is synthesized from phenylalanine (Phe) via phenylpyruvate (PPA), but the PAA biosynthetic genes and its regulation remain unknown. In this article, we show that the AROGENATE DEHYDRATASE (ADT) family, which catalyzes the conversion of arogenate to Phe, can modulate the levels of PAA in Arabidopsis. We found that overexpression of ADT4 or ADT5 remarkably increased the amounts of PAA. Due to an increase in PAA levels, ADT4ox and ADT5ox plants can partially restore the auxin-deficient phenotypes caused by treatments with an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a main auxin in plants. In contrast, the levels of PAA were significantly reduced in adt multiple knockout mutants. Moreover, the levels of PPA are substantially increased in ADT4 or ADT5 overexpression plants but reduced in adt multiple knockout mutants, suggesting that PPA is a key intermediate of PAA biosynthesis. These results provide an evidence that members of the ADT family of Arabidopsis can modulate PAA level via the PPA-dependent pathway.

Development of Duodenal Ulcers due to the Discontinuation of Proton Pump Inhibitors After the Induction of Sofosbuvir Plus Ledipasvir Therapy: A Report of Two Cases

Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir (SOF-LDV) combination therapy is a promising therapy for post-transplant hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection. It is known that gastric pH elevation induces lower absorption of ledipasvir; therefore, the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) should be considered regarding dose reduction after SOF-LDV therapy induction. Here, we report two patients who developed duodenal ulcers due to the discontinuation of PPIs after the induction of SOF-LDV therapy for post-transplant HCV reinfection. The first patient was a 71-year-old man who had undergone living donor liver transplantation due to HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Lansoprazole, 30 mg daily, was discontinued upon SOF-LDV therapy induction. Seven days after SOF-LDV therapy induction, gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of a duodenal ulcer. The second patient was a 54-year-old man who had undergone living donor liver transplantation due to HCV-related end-stage liver disease. Similar to the first patient, rabeprazole sodium was discontinued upon the induction of SOF-LDV therapy. Eighteen days after SOF-LDV therapy induction, gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of a duodenal ulcer. In both cases, these duodenal ulcers improved after the resumption of the administration of PPIs, and a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks was achieved by SOF-LDV therapy with PPI use. Thus, PPI use should be continued consistently during SOF-LDV therapy for post-transplant HCV reinfection.

Molecular Components of Arabidopsis Intact Vacuoles Clarified with Metabolomic and Proteomic Analyses

We analyzed the metabolites and proteins contained in pure intact vacuoles isolated from Arabidopsis suspension-cultured cells using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS), Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR)-MS and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS. We identified 21 amino acids and five organic acids as major primary metabolites in the vacuoles with CE-MS. Further, we identified small amounts of 27 substances including well-known vacuolar molecules, but also some unexpected substances (e.g. organic phosphate compounds). Non-target analysis of the vacuolar sample with FT-ICR-MS suggested that there are 1,106 m/z peaks that could predict the 5,090 molecular formulae, and we have annotated 34 compounds in these peaks using the KNapSAck database. By conducting proteomic analysis of vacuolar sap, we found 186 proteins in the same vacuole samples. Since the vacuole is known as a major degradative compartment, many of these were hydrolases, but we also found various oxidoreductases and transferases. The relationships between the proteins and metabolites in the vacuole are discussed.

Metabolic variation in the pulps of two durian cultivars: Unraveling the metabolites that contribute to the flavor

Durian (Durio zibethinus M.) is a major economic fruit crop in Thailand. In this study, two popular cultivars, namely Chanee and Mon Thong, were collected from three orchards located in eastern Thailand. The pulp metabolome, including 157 annotated metabolites, was explored using capillary electrophoresis-time of flight/mass spectrometry (CE-TOF/MS). Cultivars and harvest years had more impact on metabolite profile separation than cultivation areas. We identified cultivar-dependent metabolite markers related to durian fruit quality traits, such as nutritional value (pyridoxamine), odor (cysteine, leucine), and ripening process (aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid). Interestingly, durian fruit were found to contain high amounts of γ-glutamylcysteine (810.3 ± 257.5 mg/100 g dry weight) and glutathione (158.1 ± 80.4 mg/100 g dry weight), which act as antioxidants and taste enhancers. This metabolite information could be related to consumer preferences and exploited for durian fruit quality improvement.

Chiral syntheses of methyl (R)-2-Sulfanylcarboxylic esters and acids with optical purity determination using HPLC

Accessible chiral syntheses of 3 types of (R)-2-sulfanylcarboxylic esters and acids were performed: (R)-2-sulfanylpropanoic (thiolactic) ester (53%, 98%ee) and acid (39%, 96%ee), (R)-2-sulfanylsucciinic diester (59%, 96%ee), and (R)-2-mandelic ester (78%, 90%ee) and acid (59%, 96%ee). The present practical and robust method involves (i) clean S_N 2 displacement of methanesulfonates of (S)-2-hydroxyesters by using commercially available AcSK with tris(2-[2-methoxyethoxy])ethylamine and (ii) sufficiently mild deacetylation. The optical purity was determined by the corresponding (2R,5R)-trans-thiazolidin-4-one and (2S,5R)-cis-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives based on accurate high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with high-resolution efficiency. Compared with the reported method utilizing AcSCs (generated from AcSH and CsCO₃ ), the present method has several advantages, that is, the use of odorless AcCOSK reagent, reasonable reaction velocity, isolation procedure, and accurate, reliable optical purity determination. The use of accessible AcSK has advantages because of easy-to-handle odorless and hygroscopic solid that can be used in a bench-top procedure. The Ti(OiPr)₄ catalyst promoted smooth trans-cyclo-condensation to afford (2R,5R)-trans-thiazolidin-4-one formation of (R)-2-sulfanylcarboxylic esters with available N-(benzylidene)methylamine under neutral conditions without any racemization, whereas (2S,5R)-cis-thiazollidin-4-ones were obtained via cis-cyclo-condensation and no catalysts. Direct high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of methyl (R)-mandelate was also performed; however, the resolution efficiency was inferior to that of the thaizolidin-4-one derivatizations.

Simultaneous leaching of arsenite, arsenate, selenite and selenate, and their migration in tunnel-excavated sedimentary rocks: II. Kinetic and reactive transport modeling

Predicting the fates of arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in natural geologic media like rocks and soils necessitates the understanding of how their various oxyanionic species behave and migrate under dynamic conditions. In this study, geochemical factors and processes crucial in the leaching and transport of arsenite (As^III), arsenate (As^V), selenite (Se^IV) and selenate (Se^VI) in tunnel-excavated rocks of marine origin were investigated using microscopic/extraction techniques, column experiments, dissolution-precipitation kinetics and one-dimensional reactive transport modeling. The results showed that evaporite salts were important because aside from containing As and Se, they played crucial roles in the evolution of pH and concentrations of coexisting ions, both of which had strong effects on adsorption-desorption reactions of As and Se species with iron oxyhydroxide minerals/phases. The observed leaching trends of As^V, As^III, Se^IV and Se^VI were satisfactorily simulated by one-dimensional reactive transport models, which predict that preferential adsorptions of As^V and Se^IV were magnified by geochemical changes in the columns due to water flow. Moreover, our results showed that migrations of As^III, Se^IV and Se^VI could be predicted adequately by 1D solute transport with simple activity-K'_d approach, but surface complexation was more reliable to simulate adsorption-desorption behavior of As^V.

Simultaneous leaching of arsenite, arsenate, selenite and selenate, and their migration in tunnel-excavated sedimentary rocks: I. Column experiments under intermittent and unsaturated flow

Rocks excavated in tunnel construction projects for roads and railways throughout Japan often leached out hazardous trace elements like arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) upon their exposure to the environment. In nature, the various oxyanionic species of As and Se not only coexist but also exhibit contrasting adsorption-desorption behaviors, so speciation is a crucial factor in their migration through natural geologic media. In this study, the leaching and transport of arsenite (As^III), arsenate (As^V), selenite (Se^IV) and selenate (Se^VI) in four tunnel-excavated rocks from the Cretaceous-Paleocene Yezo forearc basin were investigated using laboratory column experiments supplemented by batch leaching experiments. The single- and consecutive-batch leaching results revealed that As^III, As^V, Se^IV and Se^VI were released simultaneously, which could be attributed to the rapid dissolution of trace evaporite salts found in the rocks. Arsenic in the leachates was also predominated by As^V while Se^IV and Se^VI concentrations were nearly equal, which are both consistent with predictions of equilibrium Eh-pH diagrams. Under intermittent and unsaturated flow, however, periods when As^III and Se^VI predominated in the effluents were observed. Spatial distributions of As and Se species with depth at the end of the column experiments suggest that migrations of As^III, As^V and Se^IV were delayed, the extent of which depended on the rock. These results indicate that migration and speciation of As and Se in the rocks are controlled by preferential adsorption-desorption reactions, the effects of which were most probably magnified by changes in the pH and concentrations of coexisting ions due to intermittent and unsaturated flow.

Dynamic encapsulation of corannulene molecules into a single-walled carbon nanotube

Corannulene molecules dynamically encapsulated into a single-walled carbon nanotube form an ordered stack or a partially ordered stack where concave–concave corannulene dimers are the structural motif.