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  • Article
    Mesquita J, Santos FM, Sousa JP, Vaz-Pereira S, Tavares-Ratado P, Neves A, Mesquita R, Tomaz CT.
    Cureus. 2024 Feb;16(2):e54862.
    Purpose The primary objective of this study was to compare placenta growth factor (PlGF) levels in the serum and vitreous of diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients to non-diabetic controls. Additionally, the study aimed to establish associations between serum and vitreous PlGF concentrations and to examine the correlation between vitreous PlGF in DR patients and morphological parameters. Methods This study included serum and vitreous samples from 38 patients, including 21 patients with DR and 17 non-diabetic controls. The control group included non-diabetic patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with retinal tears secondary to posterior vitreous detachment or trauma. PlGF levels were quantified in vitreous and serum samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans from DR patients were evaluated to measure the central retinal thickness (CRT) and macular volume (MV). Results DR patients had significantly higher mean vitreous PlGF levels compared to non-DR patients (70.0±39.2 vs. 46.47±9.7 pg/mL, p-value=0.004). However, no significant increase in mean serum PlGF levels was observed in DR patients (p-value=0.232). Within the DR group, proliferative DR (PDR) patients presented significantly higher vitreous PlGF levels than non-PDR (NPDR) patients (76.5±41.0 vs. 42.5±5.0 pg/mL, p-value=0.009). There was no association between serum and vitreous PlGF levels. The correlation between vitreous PlGF levels and morphological parameters was rsp=0.175, p-value=0.488 for CRT, and rsp=0.288, p-value=0.262 for MV. Conclusion This study emphasizes the important role of PlGF in neovascularization, specifically highlighting its overexpression exclusively in vitreous from PDR patients. The observed increase in PlGF levels may be indicative of disease severity. The lack of correlation between vitreous and serum PlGF levels suggests a potential dissociation between intravitreal and systemic PlGF synthesis. Consequently, targeting PlGF in therapeutic approaches may offer an additional strategy for ocular pathologies with a neovascular component.
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  • Article
    Osawa I, Goto T, Tabuchi T, Koga HK, Tsugawa Y.
    BMJ Open. 2022 12 16;12(12):e054862.
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate determining factors of happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    DESIGN: Observational study.
    SETTING: Large online surveys in Japan before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 25 482 individuals who are representatives of the Japanese population.
    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported happiness measured using a 10-point Likert scale, where higher scores indicated higher levels of happiness. We defined participants with ≥8 on the scale as having high levels of happiness.
    RESULTS: Among the 25 482 respondents, the median score of self-reported happiness was 7 (IQR 6-8), with 11 418 (45%) reporting high levels of happiness during the pandemic. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that meaning in life, having a spouse, trust in neighbours and female gender were positively associated with happiness (eg, adjusted OR (aOR) for meaning in life 4.17; 95% CI 3.92 to 4.43; p<0.001). Conversely, self-reported poor health, anxiety about future household income, psychiatric diseases except depression and feeling isolated were negatively associated with happiness (eg, aOR for self-reported poor health 0.44; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.48; p<0.001). Using machine-learning methods, we found that meaning in life and social capital (eg, having a spouse and trust in communities) were the strongest positive determinants of happiness, whereas poor health, anxiety about future household income and feeling isolated were important negative determinants of happiness. Among 6965 subjects who responded to questionnaires both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no systemic difference in the patterns as to determinants of declined happiness during the pandemic.
    CONCLUSION: Using machine-learning methods on data from large online surveys in Japan, we found that interventions that have a positive impact on social capital as well as successful pandemic control and economic stimuli may effectively improve the population-level psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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  • Article
    Kawamura K, Takano K, Suetsugu S, Kurisu S, Yamazaki D, Miki H, Takenawa T, Endo T.
    J Biol Chem. 2004 Dec 24;279(52):54862-71.
    During skeletal muscle regeneration caused by injury, muscle satellite cells proliferate and migrate toward the site of muscle injury. This migration is mainly induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secreted by intact myofibers and also released from injured muscle. However, the intracellular machinery for the satellite cell migration has not been elucidated. To examine the mechanisms of satellite cell migration, we utilized satellite cell-derived mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. HGF induced reorganization of actin cytoskeleton to form lamellipodia in C2C12 myoblasts. HGF treatment facilitated both nondirectional migration of the myoblasts in phagokinetic track assay and directional chemotactic migration toward HGF in a three-dimensional migration chamber assay. Endogenous N-WASP and WAVE2 were concentrated in the lamellipodia at the leading edge of the migrating cells. Moreover, exogenous expression of wild-type N-WASP or WAVE2 promoted lamellipodial formation and migration. By contrast, expression of the dominant-negative mutant of N-WASP or WAVE2 and knockdown of N-WASP or WAVE2 expression by the RNA interference prevented the HGF-induced lamellipodial formation and migration. When the cells were treated with LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, the HGF-induced lamellipodial formation and migration were abrogated. These results imply that both N-WASP and WAVE2, which are activated downstream of phosphati-dylinositol 3-kinase, are required for the migration through the lamellipodial formation of C2C12 cells induced by HGF.
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  • Article
    Hirai H, Kamio N, Huang G, Matsusue A, Ogino S, Kimura N, Satake S, Ashihara E, Imanishi J, Tenen DG, Maekawa T.
    PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e54862.
    In contrast to the definitive role of the transcription factor, CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), in steady-state granulopoiesis, previous findings have suggested that granulopoiesis during emergency situations, such as infection, is dependent on C/EBPβ. In this study, a novel lentivirus-based reporter system was developed to elucidate the molecular switch required for C/EBPβ-dependency. The results demonstrated that two cyclic AMP responsive elements (CREs) in the proximal promoter region of C/EBPβ were involved in the positive regulation of C/EBPβ transcription during granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-induced differentiation of bone marrow cells. In addition, the transcripts of CRE binding (CREB) family proteins were readily detected in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. CREB was upregulated, phosphorylated and bound to the CREs in response to GM-CSF stimulation. Retroviral transduction of a dominant negative CREB mutant reduced C/EBPβ mRNA levels and significantly impaired the proliferation/differentiation of granulocyte precursors, while a constitutively active form of CREB facilitated C/EBPβ transcription. These data suggest that CREB proteins are involved in the regulation of granulopoiesis via C/EBPβ upregulation.
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  • Article
    Kou P, Han Y, Li Y.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Oct;28(39):54852-54862.
    Considering the bargaining power of enterprises, this paper distinguishes between "Offering Bribes Voluntarily" (OBV) and "Offering Bribes under Pressure from Environmental Inspectors" (NOBV). An evolutionary game model between environmental inspectors and enterprises is constructed to study the corruption of environmental inspectors in the process of environmental tax collection under the system of upward accountability. At the same time, numerical simulations are carried out using China's pollution discharge data and pollution discharge fee collection standards in 2017. The results show that when enterprises have different bargaining powers, there are differences in the evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) in the process of environmental tax collection. Enterprises with weak bargaining power may adopt "OBV" strategy. Under the system of upward accountability, it is difficult for the public to form adequate supervision over polluting enterprises and environmental inspectors. Only with the power of the upper-level government can the public's supervisory role be brought into play. High audit costs and environmental tax rates may be objective incentives for environmental inspectors' corruption and enterprises' bribery.
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  • Article
    Guo Y, Li L, Huang S, Sun H, Shao Y, Li Z, Song F.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2023 Nov 29;15(47):54851-54862.
    Water is ubiquitous in natural systems where it builds an essential environment supporting biological supramolecular polymers to function, transport, and exchange. However, this extreme polar environment becomes a hindrance for the superhydrophobic functional π-conjugated molecules, causing significant negative impacts on regulating their aggregation pathways, structures, and properties of the subsequently assembled nanomaterials. It especially makes the self-assembly of ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) functional nanomaterials by π-conjugated molecules a grand challenge in water, although ultrathin 2D functional nanomaterials have exhibited unique and superior properties. Herein, we demonstrate the organic solvent-free self-assembly of one-molecule-thick 2D nanosheets based on exploring how side chain modifications rule the aggregation behaviors of π-conjugated macrocycles in water. Through an in-depth understanding of the roles of linking groups for side chains on affecting the aggregation behaviors of porphyrins in water, the regulation of molecular arrangement in the aggregated state (H- or J-type aggregation) was attained. Moreover, by arranging ionic porphyrins into 2D single layers through J-aggregation, the ultrathin nanosheets (thickness ≈ 2 nm) with excellent solubility and stability were self-assembled in pure water, which demonstrated both outstanding 1O2 generation and photothermal capability. The ultrathin nanosheets were further investigated as metal- and carrier-free nanodrugs for synergetic phototherapies of cancers both in vitro and in vivo, which are highly desirable by combining the advantages and avoiding the disadvantages of the single use of PDT or PTT.
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  • Article
    Bonomo M, Taheri B, Bonandini L, Castro-Hermosa S, Brown TM, Zanetti M, Menozzi A, Barolo C, Brunetti F.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2020 Dec 09;12(49):54862-54875.
    Long-term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is one of the main issues to be solved for forthcoming commercialization of this technology. In this work, thermosetting polyurethane (PU)-based resins are proposed as effective encapsulants for perovskite solar cells to prevent degradation caused by both moisture and oxygen. Application consists of drop-casting the precursor mixture directly over the devices followed by in situ polymerization, avoiding the use of other adhesives. PUs are cost-effective, lightweight, thermal, and light-stable materials whose mechanical, chemical, and physical properties can be easily tuned by thoughtful choice of their precursor. Encapsulated PSCs show extremely good stability when stored under ambient light (maximum, 1000 lux), controlled humidity (28-65%), and temperature (18-30 °C) by retaining 94% of the initial power conversion efficiency after 2500 h (4 months), whereas control devices lose 90% of their performance after 500 h (T80 = 37 h); once stored according to ISOS-D-1, PU-protected devices showed T80 > 1200 h. Encapsulated devices are stable even when immersed in pure water. The demonstration of PUs as promising solution-processed encapsulant materials for PSCs can pave the way for these to become a cost-effective encapsulation route alternative for future industrialization of this technology.
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  • Book
    Natalie D. Muth, Mary Tanaka
    Summary: This new reference provides primary care clinicians with essential nutrition information, guidance, tools, and resources that are needed to offer patients optimal care concerning nutrition in the primary care setting. In addition, it includes tables designed for at-a-glance reference throughout the chapters, case studies for further learning, nutritional recipes for daily meals, and a frequently asked questions section to address caregivers' and patients' questions. With this authoritative reference, clinicians will learn how to Take a nutrition history. Evaluate growth and development, weight and adiposity, and signs of nutritional deficiency or excess. Complete a nutrition assessment and provide a patient-specific nutrition treatment plan. Select and interpret findings from screening and laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures to assess and manage a patient's nutrition. Use behavioral change strategies and coaching techniques matched to a patient and family's readiness for change, including motivational interviewing, SMART goal setting, problem-solving, self-monitoring, stimulus control, and the 5 A's (ask, assess, assist, advise, arrange). Provide age-specific nutrition guidance for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adolescents based on the most up-to-date information, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Effectively incorporate scientifically sound nutrition guidance into the treatment of common pediatric concerns, including anemia, reflux, constipation, underweight, childhood overweight and obesity, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension, disordered eating, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Consult or refer to registered dietitians and other health care professionals and community resources as appropriate. Screen for food insecurity and connect families with public health resources. Confidently answer the most commonly asked nutrition questions from parents and patients. Advise patients and families on how to integrate nutrition principles into everyday life including through application of culinary medicine.

    Contents:
    Dietary Reference Intakes
    Carbohydrates
    Protein
    Fats
    Vitamins
    Minerals
    Water and Hydration
    Anthropometric Measures
    Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation
    Dietary History, Social History, and Food Insecurity Screening
    Dietary Guidelines and Principles of Healthy Eating
    Healthy Eating Plans
    Culinary Medicine and Strategies for Healthy Eating
    Theories of Behavior Change and Motivational Interviewing
    SMART Goals and Action Plans
    Nutrition in Infancy
    Nutrition in Childhood and Adolescence
    Sports and Athletic Performance
    Mental Health, Behavioral, and Developmental Conditions
    Obesity and Related Health Conditions
    Nutrition for Common Gastrointestinal, Autoimmune, and Inflammatory Conditions
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Case Studies
    Recipes.
    Digital Access AAP ebooks [2023]
  • Article
    Fed Regist. 1995 Oct 26;60(207):54848-62.
    On October 3, 1995, 60 FR 51779, the Department of Defense published the "Notice of DRG Revised Rates" without Tables 1 and 2. These tables provide the rates and weights to be used under the CHAMPUS DRG-based payment system during FY 1996. This amendment is to display the updated rates and weights for Tables 1 and 2.
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