We segregated a QTL for peak BMD on Chr 13 by generating congenic sublines of the senescence-accelerated mouse SAMP6. Sfrp 4 within this locus was responsible for lower BMD of SAMP6.Introduction: Our genome-wide linkage study using SAMP6 and SAMP2 showed a significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for peak BMD on chromosome (Chr) 13. To verify the gene that regulates peak BMD, we generated a congenic strain, P6.P2-Pbd2
MES is a rat strain that spontaneously develops severe blood eosinophilia as a hereditary trait. Herein, we report that eosinophilia in MES rats is caused by a lossof-function mutation in the gene for cytochrome b (-245), ␣ polypeptide (Cyba; also known as p22 phox ), which is an essential component of the superoxidegenerating NADPH oxidase complex. The MES rat has a deletion of four nucleotides, including the 5Ј splice donor GpT of intron 4 of the Cyba gene. As a consequence of the deletion, a 51-nucleotide sequence of intron 4 is incorporated into the Cyba transcripts. Leukocytes from the MES strain lack both CYBA protein and NADPH oxidase activity. Nevertheless, unlike patients with chronic granulomatous disease, who suffer from infections with pathogens due to similar genetic defects in NADPH oxidase, MES rats retain normal innate immune defense against Staphylococcus aureus infection. This is due to large quantities of peritoneal eosinophils in MES rats, which phagocytose and kill the bacteria. MES rat has a balance defect due to impaired formation of otoconia in the utricles and saccules. Eosinophilia of the MES rat was normalized by introduction of a normal Cyba transgene. The mechanisms by which impairment of NADPH oxidase leads to eosinophilia in the MES rat are elusive. However, our study highlights the essential role of NADPH oxidase in homeostatic regulation of innate immunity beyond conventional microbicidial functions.
The present study aimed to prepare a small acute-phase cerebral infarction phantom made of gelatin and sucrose to simulate brain parenchymal cells, and a phantom made of collagen peptides and sucrose to simulate cerebral infarction for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). During the preparation of gelatin and sucrose mixture (17.0 wt% gelatin, 20.0 wt% sucrose), a cylindrical wooden bar was placed in the center of the phantom and covered with a heat-shrinkable film to ensure space remained after gelling. A mixed solution composed of collagen peptide and sucrose (16.0 wt% collagen peptide, 27.5 wt% sucrose) was then enclosed within the space. The T relaxation time and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the phantom were set equal to those observed in actual patients with acute-phase cerebral infarction. The mixture was selected based on the signal intensity of both the healthy brain tissue and that subjected to acute cerebral infarction, such that no contrast was observed during T-weighted imaging (TWI). TWI and DWI were performed using a 1.5 T scanner. Although contrast between the mixed gel and mixed solution was obscure on TWI, cerebral infarction was clearly visible on DWI. However, the phantom exhibited mono-exponential changes in the ADC value at b values of 0 and 1,000 (s/mm), and was affected by the proton density and T value depending on the imaging condition.
Migrants face several challenges in their daily lives in the host country due to limited knowledge about the language, culture, and social system of the host country. Their vulnerability increases in a time of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant communities were severely affected. Evidence on migrants’ access to COVID-19-related information and services is limited. We conducted a qualitative, descriptive study among migrants from Vietnam, Myanmar, and Nepal living in Japan to explore the barriers and promoting factors for their access to health-related information, health services, and welfare services during the first wave of COVID-19. We used a thematic analysis to identify key themes according to the study’s objectives. Further, these themes were assessed using an adapted version of the ecological model. The migrants mainly relied on the information available on social networking sites and were not aware of formal sources of information. Language was a major barrier, followed by cognitive bottlenecks and time constraints for migrants accessing health-related information and services. Social media, short-form information provided using their native language or plain Japanese and illustrations, and supportive people around could help them to access health-related information and services. The findings from this study demonstrate how migrants can represent a vulnerable group in a host country, even more so in a time of crisis.
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