Biodegradation of the methylenedioxyphenyl group in piperine and its derivatives: discovery of a novel methylenetransferase in an actinomycete.

IMPORTANCE: Pepper is a spice that has been used worldwide since the Age of Discovery. The substance that is responsible for the spiciness in pepper is piperine, a type of alkaloid. It has never been reported how piperine is degraded by microorganisms. In this study, we discovered a bacterium in the soil that is capable of catabolizing piperine as its sole nitrogen source. Furthermore, we discovered the enzyme involved in piperine metabolism. This enzyme decomposed the methylenedioxyphenyl group, which is the common structure in various plant-derived bioactive compounds such as sesamin, piperonal, safrole, and berberin. By utilizing this enzyme, piperine can be converted into a useful antioxidant compound. The findings about previously unknown metabolic pathways in nature can lead to the discovery of new enzymes and provide methods for the enzymatic synthesis of useful compounds.

Evaluation of Anterior Coverage in Children With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Using Transverse Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 2 Years Is Predictive of Future Radiographic Coverage.

BACKGROUND: Although normal anterior acetabular coverage provides stability to the hip, acetabular retroversion leads to femoroacetabular impingement related to hip osteoarthritis. Previous studies have focused on acetabular version and anteroposterior coverage in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); however, the correlation between anteroposterior coverage and acetabular development is unclear. We measured anteroposterior acetabular coverage in DDH patients using transverse magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequent bony acetabular growth, and evaluated the correlation of those findings. METHODS: We evaluated 37 DDH (dislocations) in 36 patients who underwent MRI at 2 years of age. The mean age was 2.2±0.3 years at the time of MRI (1.6±0.4 y after reduction) and 6.0±0.1 years at the time of plain radiography for the Severin classification. On MRI scans, we measured the cartilaginous center-edge angle (CCEA) and cartilaginous acetabular-head index (CAHI) in the coronal plane and the anterior and posterior cartilaginous center-edge angles (AC-CEA and PC-CEA, respectively) in the transverse plane. Severin I or II was defined as a good outcome and III or IV as a poor outcome. RESULTS: In the evaluations conducted at 2 years of age, the mean CCEA, CAHI, AC-CEA, and PC-CEA were 14±9 degrees, 66%±10%, 39±8 degrees, and 77±7 degrees, respectively; the CEA at 6 years of age was 13±7 degrees. Twelve and 25 hips were classified in the good and poor outcome groups, respectively. Although CCEA, CAHI, and AC-CEA were significantly associated with the outcome in a single regression analysis ( P <0.05), only AC-CEA was significant in the multiple regression analysis with a stepwise selection method ( P =0.018). The cutoff AC-CEA value for a good outcome was 38 degrees (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 68%) using a receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSIONS: Among MRI findings for acetabular cartilaginous morphology, AC-CEA was strongly associated with the outcome. Anteroposterior coverage was correlated with bony acetabular growth in childhood, and anterior coverage was particularly important for subsequent acetabular growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Influence of commuting methods on low back pain and musculoskeletal function of the lower limbs in elementary school children: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb flexibility is known to be decreased in those living in mountainous areas, and musculoskeletal growth is often influenced by lifestyle factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the means of transportation to school and lower limb musculoskeletal function and low back pain. METHODS: During routine medical examinations conducted in two cities in a prefecture in 2016, a questionnaire was administered. The parents of 15,259 students who attended elementary school answered questions evaluating the following parameters: (1) anteflexion limit in the standing posture, (2) crouching failure, (3) one leg standing failure, (4) low back pain during lumbar extension, (5) lower limb alignment abnormalities, and (6) flat foot. Students were divided into a walking commuting group (13,569 students) and a vehicle commuting group (1690 students), and findings were compared between the two groups using chi-square tests. RESULTS: In the walking and vehicle commuting groups, anteflexion limit in the standing posture was present in 23.3% and 26.1% of students, respectively (p = 0.013). Crouching failure was present in 4.6% and 7.3% of students (p < 0.001); one leg standing failure in 5.3% and 8.5% of students (p < 0.001); low back pain in 5.0% and 7.1% of students (p < 0.001); positive leg alignment abnormalities in 7.3% and 8.0% of students (p = 0.260); and flat foot in 7.4% and 8.7% of students (p = 0.067), respectively. Significant differences were observed in all four of the failure measures. No significant differences were observed in the two methods evaluating morphological abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased walking duration and increased sitting duration associated with vehicle commuting had little effect on lower limb morphology but could induce lower limb dysfunction and low-back pain in children. Thus, supplemental walking should be instated for children who commute by car.

The relationship between gluteus medius and minimus muscle volumes and hip development in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Several studies in adult hips have revealed the role of the gluteus medius (Gmed) and gluteus minimus (Gmin) muscles in maintaining the stability and centripetal force of the hip joint. Hip centripetality in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients contributes to subsequent healthy hip development later in life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Gmed and Gmin volume and centripetality of the hip in infant DDH patients. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 41 unilateral DDH patients (4 males, 37 females) who were treated by closed reduction from 2006 to 2016 and underwent magnetic resonance imaging at around 2 years old. Gmed, and Gmin volume was measured in magnetic resonance imaging. We defined both Gmin and Gmed together as hip abductor gluteus muscles (GMs; Gmed + Gmin). The muscle volume ratio of the affected side was calculated by dividing the GMs volume of the affected side by the contralateral side. Relationships between center-head distance discrepancy (CHDD) at 2 years old, and at 4-6 years old and GMs volume ratio were investigated by Pearson's correlation coefficient within the same patients. RESULTS: Mean age of closed reduction was 0.8 years old and mean age at MRI was 2.2 years old with a mean follow-up period of 3.7 years. Mean GMs volume in the affected side, contralateral side, and muscle volume ratio were 25.3 cm3, 27.0 cm3, and 0.94, respectively. GMs volumes were significantly higher in the contralateral side (p < 0.001). GMs volume ratio at 2 years old significantly correlated with CHDD at 4-6 years old (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GMs volume at 2 years old was found to be associated with later hip afferents. Promoting the healthy development of GMs by properly maintaining the infant's natural hip movement is important for the healthy hip development. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Childhood Acetabular Development in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to clarify childhood acetabular development and to identify the incidence of children's hip dysplasia in Japan using radiographs of the contralateral hip. METHODS: We performed radiological cross-sectional evaluation of hip development in 211 patients (106 boys, 211 hips) in different age groups (age range: 3-9 years). We excluded patients who complained of bilateral coxalgia at the first visit or had received a diagnosis of acetabular dysplasia. We measured the acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CEA), and acetabular head index (AHI) in plain radiographs taken at the first visit. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between age and CEA in boys, but other parameters had no significant correlation. The mean AI values in boys and girls were 18 ± 3° and 20 ± 4° (p < 0.01), respectively, and the mean CEA values were 25 ± 5° and 24 ± 5° (p = 0.43), respectively. The mean AHI values in boys and girls were 83 ± 6% and 81 ± 7%, respectively (p < 0.01). Two of the 120 children (66 boys and 54 girls) aged ≥6 years old had a hip CEA < 15°; both were girls. CONCLUSIONS: We found decreased acetabular development in girls, and 4% (2/54) of girls without any history of dislocation belonged to Severin's group III. Acetabular dysplasia was observed more frequently in children from Japanese than in those from other countries. Girls with less than two standard deviations in hip dysplasia indices had an AI of 28°, an AHI of 67%, and a CEA of 14°. These reference values may be useful as prognostic indicators for hip dysplasia and OA in adulthood.

Four-year musculoskeletal examinations among elementary and junior high school students across a single city.

Objective: In 2016, Japan started conducting musculoskeletal examinations that included "limb status" of students as an essential item. Our institution implemented a unified musculoskeletal examination for all public elementary and junior high schools in T-city. In this study, we aimed to report the progress in the past 4 years. Patients and Methods: The Tsukuba Childhood Locomotive-Organ Screening Sheet (T-CLOSS), which is a questionnaire that includes some nationwide-recommended questions, was prepared and distributed to students. Results of the questionnaires were analyzed, and the orthopedic surgeon conducted examinations for the extracted items. From these questionnaires, the ratio of each item, rate of advisory for screening, and content of the advisory were investigated. Results: During 2016-2019, musculoskeletal examinations were conducted in every public schools, with nearly 20,000 students in T-city. The consultation advisory rate was 6.7% in 2019. Of the 524 students who received the third screening recommendation, the actual consultation rate was 248 (40.8%). After the third screening, the proportion of students requiring treatment and outpatient visits was 46.7% (n=248), which accounted for 1.2% of all elementary and junior high school students in the city. Conclusion: We reported the results of 4-year musculoskeletal examinations in a city. In our screening, we distributed a uniform questionnaire throughout the city, and orthopedic surgeons performed secondary examinations of identified students in all schools. This appears to be an advanced effort to prevent musculoskeletal impairment in students. We hope to conduct more sophisticated musculoskeletal examinations using our results, aiming at early detection, early treatment, and improvement of musculoskeletal function in elementary and junior high school students.

Determining the relationship between physical status and musculoskeletal injuries in children: a cohort study.

Background: In Japan, in 2016, the School Health and Safety Act was revised and examination of extremities in addition to scoliosis became mandatory. Musculoskeletal examinations were subsequently started using a mark sheet-type questionnaire. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between physical findings and musculoskeletal problems and propose a preventive strategy for musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: In 2017, a total of 4,073 elementary and middle school students underwent direct musculoskeletal examination. In a direct examination, the following elements were included: torticollis; scoliosis; stiffness of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle; flexion and extension in standing position; flat foot; hallux valgus; and alignment of the upper and lower extremities. Of the 4,073 students who underwent direct examination in early 2017, only 3,754 were able to complete the mark sheet-type questionnaires in early 2018. A prospective longitudinal analysis of the data gathered was performed. Results: A total of 396 (11%) students had injuries. The ankle sprain/non-ankle sprain group comprised 119 (3%)/3,635 (97%) students, while the fracture/non-fracture group comprised 105 (2.8%)/3,650 (97.2%) students, respectively. Comparing the sprain group with the non-sprain group, ankle stiffness significantly correlated with ankle sprain in the univariable and multivariable analyses. Injuries occurred more frequently among boys, older students, students with stiff bodies, and students who were involved in sports activities of longer duration. Conclusion: Ankle stiffness was assumed to be a risk factor for ankle sprain. Stretching of the ankle might be effective for preventing ankle sprain. However, further interventional studies are needed to confirm this finding.

A DNA duplex with extremely enhanced thermal stability based on controlled immobilization on gold nanoparticles.

The effect of DNA loadings on the thermal stability of DNA duplex immobilized on gold nanoparticles has been investigated. The modestly loaded duplexes on the gold nanoparticles showed enhanced thermal stability, as compared to that of the free duplex (without gold nanoparticles). However, the highly loaded duplex showed stability similar to that of free duplex. The stability could be controlled over a wide temperature range simply by varying the salt concentration (over 50 degrees C). Additionally, the gold nanoparticles with modestly loaded oligonucleotides could be used as nanoprobes for effective and fast strand exchange reactions, based on the increased thermal stability of the immobilized duplex. These results indicate that the interaction between the duplex and the nanoparticle surface plays an important role in determining the stability of the duplex.