Biology subjects

Ando, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Ando, M..

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Label-free Raman imaging defines distinct cell populations in human skin

Understanding cellular heterogeneity in human skin is crucial for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this study, we applied label-free Raman imaging to visualize molecular features corresponding to the three-dimensional architecture of the epidermis. Spatially resolved Raman spectra, combined with multivariate data analysis, enabled the identification of cell-layer-specific molecular signatures. Based on the region-specific spectra analysis, component C5 was predominantly localized to the basal layer within rete ridges and was characterized by {beta}-sheet-enriched keratin features. This spatially restricted distribution reflects the molecular microenvironment of epidermal stem cell niches, suggesting that C5 may serve as a biomarker for basal stem cell populations associated with skin undulations. These findings provide insight into the molecular basis of epidermal architecture and demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a label-free tool for evaluating stem cell localization and differentiation status.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Membrane Coating of Gelatin Nanospheres with Drug Release Ability for Inflammatory Tissue Targeting

Improvements in drug delivery have been achieved using nanospheres to prolong drug efficacy, accelerate absorption, and target tissues with ongoing inflammation. Although nanospheres have numerous pharmacokinetic advantages their tissue-targeting ability is poor. In contrast, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) accumulate in high numbers in inflammatory tissues via the interaction between CXC-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expressed on MSC and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) secreted during inflammation. Therefore, this study investigated coating gelatin nanospheres (GNS) with MSC membranes (MSC-GNS) by extrusion and ultrasonication methods to enhance their inflammatory tissue tropism. {zeta}-potential measurements, western blotting and single-particle analysis of MSC-GNS by flow cytometry demonstrated the GNS surface was successfully coated with MSC membranes. Dot blotting demonstrated the binding ability of CXCR4 for SDF-1 was retained by MSC-GNS but absent for MSC-membrane-free GNS. The blood clearance of MSC-GNS was examined by their intravenous injection into mice. Although MSC-GNS and GNS were retained during the early distribution phase, MSC-GNS had a higher retention than GNS during the later elimination phase. Finally, we investigated the tissue distribution of MSC-GNS by intravenous injection into a mouse model of liver fibrosis and their potential therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis. We found a higher accumulation of MSC-GNS in inflamed livers and higher blood retention compared with MSC-membrane-free GNS. Furthermore, MSC-GNS loaded with an anti-fibrotic agent (LSKL, a 4-amino acid peptide that inhibits fibrosis progression) had an enhanced therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis than uncoated nanoparticles. Therefore, MSC-GNS might be a drug carrier with inflammatory tissue targeting and controlled drug release abilities. Synopsis Table of Contents Graphic O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=81 SRC="FIGDIR/small/657318v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (22K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12331d8org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@19d7b43org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@79591org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1ec805a_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG Mesenchymal stem cell membrane coated gelatin nanosphere as DDS nanocarrier

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2025

Generation of iPSC-derived CD4+ Th1 cells enhancing chimeric antigen receptor-T cell cytotoxicity

CD4+ T cells are anticipated to enhance the overall immune response, including the anti-tumor activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. In the past, we established a culture system to generate CD8+ T cells from iPS cells (iPSCs); however, it was challenging to generate CD4+ T cells. Drawing inspiration from the observation that adult T cell leukemia (ATL) cells are consistently CD4+ and possess Treg characteristics, we successfully generated CD4+ Treg cells by reprogramming ATL cells into iPSCs and then differentiating them into T cells. Gene expression analysis of this generation system suggested that RUNX3 serves as a key regulator in T cell differentiation within the ex vivo generation system. By knocking out RUNX3, we demonstrated the generation of antigen-specific CD4+ Th1 cells via the iPSC route, thereby enhancing the activity of CD8+ CAR-T cells against GD2-expressing lymphoma. These technologies hold significant promise for contributing to "off-the-shelf" immunotherapies against malignant tumors, including solid tumors.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2024

Ccrk-Mak/Ick kinase signaling axis is a ciliary transport regulator essential for retinal photoreceptor maintenance

Primary cilia are microtubule-based sensory organelles whose dysfunction leads to ciliopathies in humans. The formation, function, and maintenance of primary cilia depend crucially on intraflagellar transport (IFT); however, the regulatory mechanisms of IFT and their physiological roles are poorly understood. In the current study, we screened and identified that the ciliopathy kinase Mak is a ciliary tip-localized IFT regulator that cooperatively acts with the ciliopathy kinase Ick, an IFT regulator. Simultaneous disruption of Mak and Ick resulted in loss of photoreceptor ciliary axonemes and severe degeneration in the mouse retina. Mak overexpression restored ciliary defects caused by Ick deficiency in cultured cells. Gene delivery of Ick and pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptors, negative regulators of Ick, ameliorated retinal degeneration in Mak-/-mice. In addition, we identified that Ccrk kinase is an upstream activator of Mak and Ick in retinal photoreceptor cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Mak, Ick, and Ccrk and pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptors suppressed ciliopathy-related phenotypes caused by cytoplasmic dynein inhibition in cultured cells. Collectively, our results show that the Ccrk-Mak/Ick axis is an essential IFT regulator crucial for retinal photoreceptor maintenance. This study sheds light on pathological mechanisms underlying retinitis pigmentosa caused by mutations in the human MAK gene and presents activation of Ick as a potential therapeutic approach for this retinal degenerative disease.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2024

NR4A3 deficiency ameliorates contact hypersensitivity and exacerbates psoriasis by regulating gene expression in dendritic cells

NR4A3 is a transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. To reveal the roles of NR4A3 in skin diseases, we constructed contact hypersensitivity (CHS)- and imiquimod-induced psoriasis models in Nr4a3-/- mice. In the CHS induced Nr4a3-/- mice, ear swelling was significantly reduced, accompanied by suppressed migration of dendritic cells (DCs), in which CCR7 expression was reduced. In contrast, ear swelling in psoriasis model Nr4a3-/- mice was enhanced. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in psoriasis skin lesions and in TLR7-ligand-stimulated DCs were increased by NR4A3 deficiency. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of hapten-treated Nr4a3+/+ DCs induced ear swelling in Nr4a3-/- mice, and s.c. injection of TLR7-ligand-stimulated Nr4a3-/- DCs caused significant ear swelling. Compared with Nr4a3+/+ DCs, Nr4a3-/- DCs expressed lower levels of CCR7 and IRF4, and higher levels of TLR7, IRF7, IFN-{beta}, and PU.1. Taken together, NR4A3 deficiency ameliorates CHS and exacerbates psoriasis by regulating the expression of CCR7, TLR7, and related transcription factors in DCs.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

Artificial Intelligence Enables the Label-Free Identification of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells with Mitochondrial Morphological Alterations

Long-term tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) causes various adverse events. Achieving a deep molecular response (DMR) is necessary for discontinuing TKIs and attaining treatment-free remission. Thus, early diagnosis is crucial as a lower DMR achievement rate has been reported in high-risk patients. Therefore, we attempted to identify CML cells using a novel technology that combines artificial intelligence (AI) with flow cytometry and investigated the basis for AI- mediated identification. Our findings indicate that BCR-ABL1-transduced cells and leukocytes from patients with CML showed significantly fragmented mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, BCR-ABL1 enhanced the phosphorylation of Drp1 via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, inducing mitochondrial fragmentation. Finally, the AI identified cell line models and patient leukocytes that showed mitochondrial morphological changes. Our study suggested that this AI- based technology enables the highly sensitive detection of BCR-ABL1-positive cells and early diagnosis of CML.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2023

The gut lactic acid bacteria metabolite, 10-oxo-cis-6,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid, suppresses inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating the NRF2 pathway and GPCR-signaling

Various gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus plantarum, possess several enzymes that produce hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), oxo FAs, conjugated FAs, and partially saturated FAs from polyunsaturated FAs as secondary metabolites. Among these derivatives, we identified 10-oxo-cis-6,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid ({gamma}KetoC), a {gamma}-linolenic acid (GLA)-derived enon FA, as the most effective immunomodulator, which inhibited the antigen-induced immunoactivation and LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. The treatment with {gamma}KetoC significantly suppressed proliferation of CD4+ T cells, LPS-induced activation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), and LPS-induced IL-6 release from peritoneal cells, splenocytes, and CD11c+ cells isolated from the spleen. {gamma}KetoC also inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines from BMDCs stimulated with poly-I:C, R-848, or CpG. Further in vitro experiments using an agonist of GPR40/120 suggested the involvement of these GPCRs in the effects of {gamma}KetoC on DCs. We also found that {gamma}KetoC stimulated the NRF2 pathway in DCs, and the suppressive effects of {gamma}KetoC and agonist of GPR40/120 on the release of IL-6 and IL-12 were reduced in Nrf2-/- BMDCs. We evaluated the role of NRF2 in the anti-inflammatory effects of {gamma}KetoC in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. The oral administration of {gamma}KetoC significantly reduced body weight loss, improved stool scores, and attenuated atrophy of the colon, in wild-type C57BL/6 and Nrf2+/- mice with colitis. In contrast, the pathology of colitis was deteriorated in Nrf2-/- mice even with the administration of {gamma}KetoC. Collectively, the present results demonstrated the involvement of the NRF2 pathway and GPCRs in {gamma}KetoC-mediated anti-inflammatory responses.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

Butyrate, valerate, and niacin ameliorate anaphylaxis by suppressing IgE-dependent mast cell activation: Roles of GPR109A, PGE2, and epigenetic regulation

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were recently shown to modulate the development and functions of immune-related cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which SCFAs regulate mast cells (MCs) are not fully understood. We found that the oral administration of valerate or butyrate ameliorated passive systemic anaphylaxis in mice. Butyrate and valerate suppressed the IgE-mediated degranulation of bone marrow-derived MCs, which were eliminated by pertussis toxin and by the knockdown of Gpr109a. A treatment with trichostatin A suppressed IgE-mediated MC activation and reduced the surface expression level of Fc{varepsilon}RI on MCs. Acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin attenuated the suppressive effects of SCFAs on degranulation. The degranulation degree was significantly decreased by the treatment with PGE2 whose release from MCs was markedly enhanced by SCFAs. The SCFA-mediated amelioration of anaphylaxis was exacerbated by COX inhibitors and an EP3 antagonist. The administration of niacin, a ligand of GPR109A, alleviated the symptoms of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, which was inhibited by COX inhibitors and the EP3 antagonist. Key MessagesShort chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate and valerate, suppress the IgE-mediated activation of mast cells (MCs) in vivo and in vitro. SCFAs enhance the release of PGE2 from MCs, which inhibits the IgE-mediated activation of MCs. Niacin, a ligand of GPR109A, ameliorates IgE-dependent anaphylaxis. The administration of COX inhibitors or an antagonist of PGE2 receptor 3 (EP3) inhibited the suppressive effects of butyrate and niacin on IgE-dependent anaphylaxis.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

Kaempferol suppresses the activation of mast cells by modulating the expression of FcϵRI and SHIP1

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of kaempferol on bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Kaempferol treatment significantly and dose-dependently inhibited IgE-induced degranulation, and cytokine production of BMMCs under the condition that cell viability was maintained. Kaempferol downregulated the surface expression levels of Fc{varepsilon}RI on BMMCs, but the mRNA levels of Fc{varepsilon}RI, {beta}, and {gamma}-chains were not changed by kaempferol treatment. Furthermore, the kaempferol-mediated downregulation of surface Fc{varepsilon}RI on BMMCs was still observed in the presence of a protein-synthesis inhibitor. These results suggest that kaempferol reduced the surface Fc{varepsilon}RI on BMMCs, independently of transcription and translation. We also found that kaempferol inhibited both LPS- and IL-33-induced IL-6 production from BMMCs, without affecting the expression levels of their receptors, TLR4 and ST2. Although kaempferol treatment increased the protein amount of NRF2, a master transcription factor of antioxidant stress, in BMMCs, inhibition of NRF2 did not alter the suppressive effect of kaempferol on degranulation. Finally, we observed that kaempferol treatment increased the levels of mRNA and protein of a phosphatase SHIP1 in BMMCs. These results indicate that kaempferol inhibited the IgE-induced activation of BMMCs by downregulating Fc{varepsilon}RI and upregulating SHIP1, and the SHIP1 increase is involved in the suppression of various signaling-mediated stimulations of BMMCs, such as those associated with TLR4 and ST2.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2022

Mycelial differentiation linked avermectin production in studied with Raman imaging

Streptomyces avermitilis is a gram-positive bacterium that undergoes complex physiological and morphological differentiation during its life cycle, which has implications in secondary metabolites production. Avermectin, produced by S. avermitilis, is widely used as an anthelmintic and insecticidal agent. In this study, we have applied Raman microspectroscopic imaging to elucidate the correlation between production of avermectin and the morphological differentiation in S. avermitilis. We demonstrate distinctive variations in the localization of avermectin at various morphological stages, such as, substrate mycelium, spore-bearing mycelium, spiral spore chains under solid culture conditions. Under liquid culture condition, however, avermectin is detected only in mycelia after early MII stage of differentiation. Morphological differentiation was observed in liquid and solid cultures, but the chemical profiles of the mycelia were substantially different. Spherical bodies containing avermectin with characteristically different chemical composition to that of spores were also observed under solid culture, which suggests possible release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Key pointsO_LIAvermectin production is regulated during mycelial differentiation C_LIO_LILiquid and solid culture conditions affects mycelial differentiation C_LIO_LIRaman microspectroscopic analysis reveals localization profiles of avermectin C_LI

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2022

Memory B cells and memory T cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination or infection show different dynamics and efficacy to the Omicron variant.

Although BNT162b2 vaccination was shown to prevent infection and reduce COVID-19 severity, and the persistence of immunological memory generated by the vaccination has not been well elucidated. We evaluated memory B and T cell responses to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein before and after the third BNT162b2 booster. Although the antibody titer against the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) decreased significantly 8 months after the second vaccination, the number of memory B cells continued to increase, while the number of memory T cells decreased slowly. Memory B and T cells from unvaccinated infected patients showed similar kinetics. After the third vaccination, the antibody titer increased to the level of the second vaccination, and memory B cells increased at significantly higher levels before the booster, while memory T cells recovered close to the second vaccination levels. In memory T cells, the frequency of CXCR5+CXCR3+CCR6- cTfh1 was positively correlated with RBD-specific antibody-secreting B cells. Furthermore, T cell-dependent antibody production from reactivated memory B cells in vitro was correlated to the Tfh-like cytokine levels. For the response to variant RBDs, although 60%-80% of memory B cells could bind to the Omicron RBD, their binding affinity was low, while memory T cells show an equal response to the Omicron spike. Thus, the persistent presence of memory B and T cells will quickly upregulate antibody production and T cell responses after Omicron strain infection, which prevents severe illness and death due to COVID-19.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2022

Rose flavor compound β-damascone regulates dendritic cell-mediated immunoresponses by modulating the NRF2 pathway and ameliorates contact hypersensitivity

Dendritic cells (DCs), which are typical antigen-presenting cells, localize to various sites in the body, particularly the front line of infection as sentinels, and are involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. Although the functions of DCs, such as pathogen-induced cytokine production and antigen-specific T cell activation, are important for host defenses against infection and tumorigenesis, the hyper- and/or extended activation of DCs leads to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In the present study, {beta}-damascone, a major ingredient of rose fragrance, was selected from an aroma library as a candidate compound that suppresses antigen-induced immune responses. {beta}-Damascone inhibited the functions of DCs, including the antigen-dependent proliferation of T cells, DC-induced Th1 development, and the TLR ligand-induced production of inflammatory cytokines by DCs. The {beta}-damascone treatment also increased the protein level of the transcription factor NRF2, which plays key roles in antioxidant responses, and the transcription of Hmox1, a target gene of NRF2, in DCs. Nrf2-/- DCs induced Th1-development and produced large amount of IL-12p40 even in the presence of {beta}-damascone, whereas these functions by Nrf2+/- DCs were inhibited by {beta}-damascone under the same conditions. The intake of {beta}-damascone suppressed ear swelling in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model mice, but not in CHS-induced Nrf2-/- mice. Collectively, the present results indicate the potential of the rose aroma compound {beta}-damascone, which suppresses DC-mediated immune responses by activating the NRF2 pathway in DCs, for the prevention and/or attenuation of immune-mediated diseases.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2022

Aberrant mechanosensitive signaling underlies activation of vascular endothelial xanthine oxidoreductase that promotes aortic aneurysm formation in Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene encoding fibrillin-1, a matrix component of extracellular microfibrils. The main cause of morbidity and mortality in MFS is thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, but the underlying mechanisms remain undetermined. We found a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in ascending aorta of MFS patients and MFS mice harboring the Fbn1 mutation (C1039G), which was associated with up-regulation of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) protein in aortic endothelial cells (ECs). Mechanosensitive signaling involving focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and early growth response-1 (Egr- 1) was aberrantly activated in ascending aorta of Fbn1C1039G/+ mice, and mechanical stress on human aortic ECs up-regulated XOR expression through FAK-p38 MAPK activation and Egr-1 up-regulation. Inhibition of XOR function by ECs-specific disruption of Xdh gene or by systemic administration of XOR inhibitor febuxostat in Fbn1C1039G/+ mice suppressed ROS generation, FAK-p38 MAPK activation, and Egr-1 up-regulation, leading to attenuation of aortic aneurysm formation. These findings unveil aberrant mechanosensitive signaling in vascular ECs triggering endothelial XOR activation and ROS generation as a culprit underlying the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm formation in MFS, and highlight a drug repositioning approach using a uric acid lowering drug febuxostat as a potential therapy for MFS.

pathology↗

bioRxiv2021

Raman microspectroscopy imaging analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) biogenesis by filamentous fungus Penicilium chrysogenum

Mechanism of production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their molecular contents are of great interest owing to their diverse roles in biological systems and are far from being completely understood. Even though, cellular cargo release mediated by EVs have been demonstrated in several cases, their role in secondary metabolite production and release remains elusive. In this study we investigate this aspect in detail using Raman micro-spectroscopic imaging. We provide considerable evidence to suggest that the release of antibiotic penicillin by filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum involves EVs. Morphological modifications of the fungal body during biogenesis, changes in cell composition at the locus of biogenesis, and major molecular contents of the released EVs are also revealed in this study. ImportanceExtracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in cellular communications. EVs role in functioning of fungi are relatively less explored. Here we show selective enrichment of chemical contents at certain locations of mycelium of P. chrysogenum forming protruding regions. Secondary metabolite penicillin is excessively localized in them. We provide evidence to show that EVs are released from these protrusions. Raman imaging has been applied for molecular profiling of the mycelium and for characterizing chemical contents of the EVs. Our study suggests a possible general role of EVs in the release of antibiotics from the producing organisms.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Single-cell metabolite detection and genomics reveals uncultivated talented producer

The production of bioactive metabolites is increasingly recognized as an important function of host-associated bacteria. An example is defensive symbiosis that might account for much of the chemical richness of marine invertebrates including sponges (Porifera), one of the oldest metazoans. However, as most complex microbiomes remain largely uncultivated and lack reference genomes, unequivocally linking metabolic functions to a cellular source is a challenge. Here we report an analysis pipeline of microfluidic encapsulation, Raman microscopy, and integrated digital genomics (MERMAID) for an efficient identification of uncultivated producers. We applied this method to the chemically rich bacteriosponge Theonella swinhoei, previously shown to contain Entotheonella symbionts providing most of its bioactive substances except for the antifungal aurantosides that lacked biosynthetic gene candidates in the metagenome. Raman-guided single-bacterial analysis and sequencing revealed a cryptic, distinct multiproducer, Candidatus Poriflexus aureus from a new Chloroflexi lineage. Its exceptionally large genome contains numerous biosynthetic loci and suggested an even higher chemical richness of this sponge than previously appreciated. This study highlights the importance of complementary technologies to uncover microbiome functions, reveals remarkable parallels between distantly related symbionts of the same host, and adds functional support for diverse chemically prolific lineages being present in microbial dark matter. Significance StatementThe production of bioactive metabolites is increasingly recognized as an important function of host-associated bacteria. However, the acquisition of integrated genomic and metabolic data from uncultivated environmental bacteria is still challenging. In this work, we explored the combination of Raman microscopy and single-cell sequencing to localize chemical features to a specific bacterium in an uncultivated microbiome, and we specified the bacteria in the uncultured lineage as a producer of aurantoside, an antifungal natural product, from a chemically and microbially complex sponge. This study offers a new methodology as well as insights into chemical functions of uncultivated life.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Detection of Penicillin G Produced by Penicillium chrysogenum KF 425 in Vivo with Raman Microspectroscopy and Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares Methods

Raman microspectroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that can identify molecular structure without labeling. In this study, we demonstrate in vivo detection of the bioactive compound penicillin G inside Penicillium chrysogenum KF425 fungus cells. Highly overlapped spectroscopic signatures acquired using Raman microspectroscopic imaging are analyzed using a multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) method to extract the pure spectra of individual molecular constituents. In addition to detecting multiple constituents such as proteins and lipids, we observe the subcellular localization of penicillin G like granule particle inside the fungus body. To date, there have been no reports of direct visualization of intracellular localization of penicillin G. The methodology we present in this article is expected to be applied as a screening tool for the production of bioactive compounds by microorganisms.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Molecular profiling of lipid droplets inside HuH7 Cells with Raman micro-spectroscopy

Raman imaging has become an attractive technology in molecular biology because of its ability to detect multiple molecular components simultaneously without labeling. Two major limitations in accurately accounting for spectral features, viz. background removal and spectral unmixing, have been overcome by employing a modified and effective routine in multivariate curve resolution (MCR). With our improved strategy, we have spectrally isolated seven structurally specific biomolecules without any post-acquisition spectral treatments. Consequently, the isolated intensity profiles reflected concentrations of corresponding biomolecules with high statistical accuracy. Our study reveals the changes in the molecular composition of lipid droplets (LD) inside HuH7 cells and its relation to the physiological state of the cell. Further, we show that the accurate separation of spectral components permits analysis of in vivo structural modification of molecules after cellular uptake. A detailed discussion is presented to highlight the potential of Raman spectroscopy with MCR in semi-quantitative molecular profiling of living cells.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2019

Mass evacuation and increases in long-term care benefits: lessons from the Fukushima nuclear disaster

BackgroundThough mass evacuation may increase the need for long-term care (LTC) services, how the need for LTC services increases and how the public LTC system affects it is not well understood. We evaluated changes in public LTC benefits for the people living in the mandatory evacuation areas established after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and examined the roles of the universal LTC insurance system in Japan.\n\nMethodsIn order to evaluate the effect of the mandatory evacuation on LTC benefits, we examined the trends of LTC benefits in the Fukushima evacuation group and the nationwide non-evacuation group. We first decomposed per-elderly-individual benefits at the municipality level into the LTC certification rate and per-certified-individual benefits, and then implemented difference-in-differences analysis using these variables as outcomes.\n\nResultsPer-elderly-individual benefits significantly increased from 2012 onward in the evacuation group, and this was explained by an increase in the certification rate rather than in per-certified-individual benefits. Increases in per-elderly-individual benefits and the certification rate in the post-disaster period were observed in all but the highest care level, and the corresponding outcomes for the highest care level decreased immediately after the disaster. We also found that the increase in the certification rate had been mostly realized by an increase in the number of certified individuals.\n\nConclusionsThe increase in LTC benefits can be associated with the impact of the increase in the number of people newly certified to receive LTC benefits after the mandatory evacuation. In order to cope with the increase in utilization of long-term care and associated costs after disasters in aging societies, both formal long-term care services and social support for informal care for evacuees should be considered important.

epidemiology↗