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Adiponectin plays a central role as an antidiabetic and antiatherogenic adipokine. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 serve as receptors for adiponectin in vitro , and their reduction in obesity seems to be correlated with reduced adiponectin sensitivity. Here we show that adenovirus-mediated expression of AdipoR1 and R2 in the liver of Lepr −/− mice increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α signaling pathways, respectively. Activation of AMPK reduced gluconeogenesis, whereas expression of the receptors in both cases increased fatty acid oxidation and lead to an amelioration of diabetes. Alternatively, targeted disruption of AdipoR1 resulted in the abrogation of adiponectin-induced AMPK activation, whereas that of AdipoR2 resulted in decreased activity of PPAR-α signaling pathways. Simultaneous disruption of both AdipoR1 and R2 abolished adiponectin binding and actions, resulting in increased tissue triglyceride content, inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus leading to insulin resistance and marked glucose intolerance. Therefore, AdipoR1 and R2 serve as the predominant receptors for adiponectin in vivo and play important roles in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo .

Objective The Subcommittee on the Survey of Nuclear Medicine Practice in Japan has performed a nationwide survey of nuclear medicine practice every 5 years since 1982 to provide detailed information on its present status. Methods Questionnaires were sent to all institutions known to the Japan Radioisotope Association to conduct nuclear medicine examinations. The questionnaires addressed the number and kind of nuclear medicine examinations performed as well as the kind and dose of the radiopharmaceuticals used during the month of June 2007. The annual number of total or specific examinations was then estimated. Results Of the institutions sent questionnaires, 1219 were for in vivo study, 49 for in vitro study, and 212 for positron emission tomography (PET) study. Of these, 92.2% provided answers. A total of 1569 gamma cameras were installed in 1119 institutions, of which 70% were dual-head cameras. The estimated total annual number of in vivo examinations expressed by the number of administered radiopharmaceuticals was 1.41 million, representing a decrease of 11.5% when compared with that of the previous survey (2002). The frequency of study with respect to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) slightly increased to 42.3% from 39.9% in the previous survey. The most frequently performed scintigraphy was bone (38.3%), followed by myocardium (26.2%) and brain perfusion (14.1%). Brain perfusion scintigraphy slightly increased, whereas tumor scintigraphy decreased by one-half when compared with the previous survey. The most commonly used radiopharmaceutical for each scintigraphy was 99m Tc-HMDP for bone, thallium-201 ( 201 Tl)-chloride for myocardium, gallium-67 ( 67 Ga)-citrate for tumor, and technetium-99m-ethylcysteinate dimmer ( 99m Tc-ECD) for brain. The number of PET institutes increased from 36 to 212. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG)-PET dramatically increased 14.8-fold during the past 5 years. Radionuclide therapy also increased. 131 I therapy for thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism was conducted yearly in 2373 and 4146 patients, respectively. A total of 13.1 million in vitro radioassays were carried out yearly, the number of which has been decreasing continuously since 1992. Conclusions It was proved that the content of nuclear medicine practice in Japan has changed considerably in the past 5 years. Namely, 18 F-FDG-PET and radionuclide therapy increased. This report might be useful for understanding the present trends of nuclear medicine practice in Japan.

Vanitaracin A, an anti-hepatitis B virus polyketide, has been previously isolated from Talaromyces sp. In the present study, we searched for novel compounds in the culture broth obtained from a vanitaracin A-producing fungus under various conditions. Three novel compounds (vanitaracin C, vanitaraphilone A, and 2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylbenzaldehyde) were isolated, and their structures were determined using spectroscopic methods (1D/2D NMR and MS). In addition, the antiviral spectrum of vanitaracin A was examined by measuring its antiviral activities against rabies virus, Borna disease virus 1, and bovine leukemia virus. This compound exhibited antiviral activity against bovine leukemia virus, which is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. The anti-bovine leukemia virus effects of other compounds isolated from the vanitaracin A-producing fungus, namely, vanitaracins B and C, vanitaraphilone A, and 2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylbenzaldehyde, were also evaluated. Vanitaracin B, vanitaraphilone A and 2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylbenzaldehyde were also found to exhibit activity against bovine leukemia virus. These findings reveal the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of the vanitaracin scaffold and suggest several candidates for the development of anti-bovine leukemia virus drugs.

Antiviral agents are highly sought after. In this study, a novel alkylated decalin-type polyketide, alaspelunin, was isolated from the culture broth of the fungus Talaromyces speluncarum FMR 16671, and its structure was determined using spectroscopic analyses (1D/2D NMR and MS). The compound was condensed with alanine, and its absolute configuration was determined using Marfey’s method. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of alaspelunin against various viruses was evaluated, and it was found to be effective against both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and pseudorabies (Aujeszky’s disease) virus, a pathogen affecting pigs. Our results suggest that this compound is a potential broad-spectrum antiviral agent.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria that form biofilms in periodontal pockets. The gingival epithelium acts as the first physical barrier in fighting attacks by periodontopathogenic pathogens, such as the primary etiological agent Porphyromonas gingivalis, and various exogenous chemicals, as well as regulates the local innate immune responses. Therefore, the development of novel oral care products to inhibit inflammatory reactions caused by bacterial infection and protect the gingival epithelium is necessary. Juncus effusus L. has generally been used as an indigenous medicine, such as a diuretic, an antipyretic, and an analgesic, in ancient practice. In this study, we examined the effects of a water extract from J. effusus L. on the inhibition of the inflammatory reaction elicited by bacterial infection and protection of the oral epithelium by chemical irritation. Pretreatment of oral epithelial cells with the water extract from J. effusus L. significantly reduced P. gingivalis or its lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) mediated production of chemokines (interleukin-8 and C-C-chemokine ligand20) in a concentration-dependent manner with comparable to or greater effects than epigallocatechin gallate and protected oral epithelial cells from injury by chemical irritants, cetylpyridinium chloride, and benzethonium chloride. Moreover, the water extract from J. effusus L. in the presence of antimicrobial agents or antifibrinolytics already used as ingredients in mouthwash could significantly reduce the production of chemokines from P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated oral epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the water extract from J. effusus L. is potentially useful for oral care to prevent oral infections, such as periodontal infections, and maintain oral epithelial function.

The GCOM-C (SHIKISAI) satellite was developed to understand the mechanisms of global climate change. The second-generation global imager (SGLI) onboard GCOM-C is an optical sensor observing wavelengths from 380 nm to 12.0 μm in 19 bands. One of the notable features is that the resolution of the 1.63, 10.8, and 12.0 µm bands is 250 m, with an observation frequency of 2–3 days. To investigate the effective use and potential of the 250 m resolution of these SGLI bands in the study of eruptive activities, we analyzed four practical cases. As an example of large-scale effusive activity, we studied the 2018 Kilauea eruption. By analyzing the series of 10.8 μm band images using cumulative thermal anomaly maps, we could observe that the lava effused on the lower East Rift Zone, initially flowed down the southern slope to the sea, and then moved eastward. As an example of lava dome growth and generation of associated pyroclastic flows, the activity at Sheveluch between December 2018 and December 2019 was analyzed. The 1.63 and 10.8 µm bands were shown to be suitable for observing growth of the lava dome and occurrence of pyroclastic flows, respectively. We found that the pyroclastic flows occurred during periods of rapid lava dome expansion. For the study of an active crater lake, the activity of Ijen during 2019 was analyzed. The lake temperature was found to rise rapidly in mid-May and reach 38 °C in mid-June. We also analyzed the intermittent activities of small-scale vulcanian eruptions at Sakurajima in 2019. The 1.63 µm band was useful for detecting activities that are associated with vulcanian eruptions. Analytical results for these case studies demonstrated that the GCOM-C SGLI images are beneficial for observing various aspects of volcanic activity, and their real-time use may contribute to reducing eruption-related disasters.

New hydroquinone derivatives bearing a vinyl alkyne, pestalotioquinols A and B, were isolated from a fungal culture broth of Pestalotiopsis microspora. The structures of these novel compounds were determined by interpretation of spectroscopic data (1D/2D NMR, MS, and IR), and the absolute configuration of the stereogenic center of pestalotioquinol A was assigned using the modified Mosher’s method. Nerve growth factor-differentiated neuronal PC12 cells were pretreated with pestalotioquinols A and B and removed from the medium, and then treated with a generator of peroxynitrite (ONOO–), a reactive nitrogen species, to induce cell death. The cytotoxicity of the treated cells was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase leakage. As a result, 1–3 μM pretreatment of pestalotioquinols A and B rescued neuronal PC12 cells from peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity and the protective activity was sustained after removing each compound from the medium. These results demonstrate that pestalotioquinol derivatives are a new class of hydroquinones possessing a vinyl alkyne and exhibiting relatively high neuroprotective effects.

The oral cavity is suggested as the reservoir of bacterial infection, and the oral and pharyngeal biofilms formed by oral bacterial flora, which is comprised of over 700 microbial species, have been found to be associated with systemic conditions. Almost all oral microorganisms are non-pathogenic opportunistic commensals to maintain oral health condition and defend against pathogenic microorganisms. However, oral Streptococci, the first microorganisms to colonize oral surfaces and the dominant microorganisms in the human mouth, has recently gained attention as the pathogens of various systemic diseases, such as infective endocarditis, purulent infections, brain hemorrhage, intestinal inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, as well as bacteremia. As pathogenic factors from oral Streptococci, extracellular polymeric substances, toxins, proteins and nucleic acids as well as vesicles, which secrete these components outside of bacterial cells in biofilm, have been reported. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that the relevance of these pathogenic factors to systemic diseases and also vaccine candidates to protect infectious diseases caused by Streptococci. This review article focuses on the mechanistic links among pathogenic factors from oral Streptococci, inflammation, and systemic diseases to provide the current understanding of oral biofilm infections based on biofilm and widespread systemic diseases.

Background/Objective: Postoperative dysphagia is a common cause of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Although the reclining posture is effective for general dysphagia, its effectiveness after esophagectomy remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore effective approaches in the management of dysphagia after esophagectomy. Methods: This study included patients who underwent esophagectomy at the Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hospital between January 2018 and March 2021. For the postoperative swallowing evaluation, the patients underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study by drinking 30 mL of liquid in two postures, a 45-degree reclining position (45°R) and a 90-degree upright position (90°U), and assessments were performed using the Penetration–Aspiration Scale. Results: Eighty-seven patients participated in the study. Laryngeal penetration and aspiration were, respectively, observed in 19 (21.8%) and 21 patients (24.1%) at 90°U, and in 14 (16.1%) and five patients (5.7%) at 45°R (p < 0.05). PPCs occurred in 10 patients (11.5%), and vocal cord paralysis occurred in 22 patients (25.3%). However, after adjusting the feeding conditions based on the results of the swallowing assessment, PPCs after meal initiation occurred in only five of these 10 patients (5.7%). Conclusions: Although dysphagia after esophagectomy is observed in approximately half of the patients, including those with minor dysphagia, the risk of aspiration can be reduced by changing the patient’s posture during food consumption. Thus, postural changes may be a useful approach for reducing the risk of PPCs.

Background Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) arising from the esophagus (EsoNEC) is extreme rare, accounting for approximately 1% of esophageal cancer. Even for localized NEC, multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy is recommended in treatment guidelines because of its high rates of systemic recurrence. However, it is controversial whether adding surgery or radiotherapy is appropriate local treatment for EsoNEC. There have been few reports regarding the clinical outcomes of definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for EsoNEC. The purpose of this study was to clarify the survival outcome of patients with locally advanced EsoNEC treated with dCRT. Methods Clinical outcomes, feasibility, and prognostic factors of patients with locally advanced EsoNEC treated with radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fraction) in combination with platinum plus etoposide (CE‐RT) or cisplatin plus 5‐fluorouracil (CF‐RT) at the National Cancer Center Hospital from 2001 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 22 patients were identified as the subjects of this study. The overall response rate and clinical complete remission rate in all patients were 86.4% and 77.3%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival and median survival time in all patients were 12.7 and 37.5 months, associated with a 5‐year survival rate of 45.4%. Patients treated with CE‐RT experienced more hematological adverse events, especially in neutropenia (≥grade 3) and febrile neutropenia(≥grade 3), but achieved more long‐term progression‐free survival than with CF‐RT. Conclusions Definitive chemoradiotherapy can be considered as an important treatment option for locally advanced esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma. Definitive chemoradiotherapy can be considered as an important treatment option as well as surgery for locally advanced esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma.