start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=43 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1108 end-page=1116 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spray-drying of polymer solutions across a broad concentration range and the subsequent formation of a few micro- ∼nano-meter sized fibers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Spray drying is a widely utilized technique for the concentration and fine particulation of dried products. This study demonstrated that a versatile spray dryer, equipped with a two-fluid nozzle atomizer, can convert polymer solutions into nanoscale fibers by manipulating the conditions of the polymer solutions. The polymers employed in this research included polyvinylpyrrolidones (Mw 24.5 k to 60 kDa), dextrans (70 k to 450–650 kDa), pullulan, gum Arabic, Eudragit and agar, with methanol and water serving as solvents. Various combinations of polymers and solvents were subjected to spray drying at polymer concentrations ranging from 5 to 1000 g/L. Scanning electron microscopy analyses of the spray-dried samples indicated that the products transitioned from micrometer-sized particles to sub-micrometer fibers in several instances when the polymer concentrations exceeded specific threshold levels. The investigation also explored the relationship between these threshold concentrations and the surface tension and viscosity of the polymer solutions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AragaChika en-aut-sei=Araga en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKaito en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kaito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHaruna en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Haruna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaNao en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Nao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaTakato en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Takato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakasoKoichi en-aut-sei=Nakaso en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaNaoyuki en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Naoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImamuraKoreyoshi en-aut-sei=Imamura en-aut-mei=Koreyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Sub-micron fiber kn-keyword=Sub-micron fiber en-keyword=spray-drying kn-keyword=spray-drying en-keyword=two fluid nozzle atomizer kn-keyword=two fluid nozzle atomizer en-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone kn-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone en-keyword=polysaccharide kn-keyword=polysaccharide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=85 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1082 end-page=1096 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250314 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Myeloid Cells Induce Infiltration and Activation of B Cells and CD4+ T Follicular Helper Cells to Sensitize Brain Metastases to Combination Immunotherapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Brain metastasis is a poor prognostic factor in patients with cancer. Despite showing efficacy in many extracranial tumors, immunotherapy with anti–PD-1 mAb or anti–CTLA4 mAb seems to be less effective against intracranial tumors. Promisingly, recent clinical studies have reported that combination therapy with anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA4 mAbs has a potent antitumor effect on brain metastasis, highlighting the need to elucidate the detailed mechanisms controlling the intracranial tumor microenvironment (TME) to develop effective immunotherapeutic strategies. In this study, we analyzed the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in murine models of brain metastasis that responded to anti–CTLA4 and anti–PD-1 mAbs. Activated CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cells with high CTLA4 expression characteristically infiltrated the intracranial TME, which were activated by combination anti–CTLA4 and anti–PD-1 treatment. The loss of TFH cells suppressed the additive effect of CTLA4 blockade on anti–PD-1 mAb. B-cell–activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) produced by abundant myeloid cells, particularly CD80hiCD206lo proinflammatory M1-like macrophages, in the intracranial TME induced B-cell and TFH-cell infiltration and activation. Furthermore, the intracranial TME of patients with non–small cell lung cancer featured TFH- and B-cell infiltration as tertiary lymphoid structures. Together, these findings provide insights into the immune cell cross-talk in the intracranial TME that facilitates an additive antitumor effect of CTLA4 blockade with anti–PD-1 treatment, supporting the potential of a combination immunotherapeutic strategy for brain metastases.
Significance: B-cell and CD4+ T follicular helper cell activation via BAFF/APRIL from abundant myeloid cells in the intracranial tumor microenvironment enables a combinatorial effect of CTLA4 and PD-1 blockade in brain metastases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NinomiyaToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KemmotsuNaoya en-aut-sei=Kemmotsu en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MukoharaFumiaki en-aut-sei=Mukohara en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MagariMasaki en-aut-sei=Magari en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoAi en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYouki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Youki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshinoTakamasa en-aut-sei=Ishino en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiJoji en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHidetaka en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hidetaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TachibanaKota en-aut-sei=Tachibana en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaJoji en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShota en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoIsamu en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Isamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Medical Protein Engineering, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Droplet Impact Behavior on Convex Surfaces with a Circumferential Wettability Difference en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Controlling the bouncing behavior of the impacting droplets is an important issue for splay cooling, icing prevention, and other applications. The bouncing behavior of impacting droplets on superhydrophobic curved surfaces and flat substrates with a wettability difference has been widely investigated, and droplets impacting these surfaces show shorter contact times than those on superhydrophobic flat surfaces and droplet transport. However, there have been few studies on the droplet impact behavior on curved surfaces with a wettability difference, where efficient droplet control could be achieved by combining the features. In the present study, droplet impact experiments were conducted using copper cylinders with different circumferential wettabilities from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, varying the impact velocity, cylinder diameter, and rotation angle. Droplets that impacted the wettability boundary showed asymmetric deformation and moved to the hydrophilic side, owing to the driving force of the wettability difference. Moreover, the droplet behavior was classified into four types: the droplet bounced off the surface, the droplet bounced off the surface and split, the droplet attached to the surface, and the droplet attached to the surface and split. The droplet behavior was estimated by using the maximum spreading width of the droplet impacted on the flat substrate. We evaluated whether the droplets attached to the surface or bounced off the surface after impact using the Weber number and rotation angle, and the estimations were in agreement with the experimental results for cylinder diameters of 4 and 6 mm. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshikawaTaku en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Taku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=752 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=151481 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250308 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Discovery of myeloid zinc finger (MZF) 1 nuclear bodies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) is a multifaceted transcription factor that can act either as a transcriptional activator or a gene repressor. We examined its production of nuclear bodies (NBs) and subcellular localization. Proteomic and protein–protein interaction analysis were used to identify its cofactors and interactions. These revealed the presence of MZF1-NBs (intranuclear oligomers containing MZF1). MZF-NBs are similar to some other nuclear bodies, notably promyelocytic leukemia (PML) -NBs in terms of size and morphology. However the two structures appear to be different. MZF-NBs and PML-NBs were found to associate in the nucleus. Both MZF1 and PML are SUMO1-SUMOylated in PC-3 cells. Sumoylated MZF1 can interact with proteins containing SUMO-interaction motifs (SIM) through SUMO-SIM interaction. Interactome analysis revealed that its NBs participate in the stress response (TPR and UBAP2L), protein folding (CALR and ANKRD40), transcription, post-translational modification (TRIM33, ACOT7, CAMK2D, and CAMK2G), and RNA binding (ALURBP and CPSF5). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EguchiTakanori en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=CalderwoodStuart K. en-aut-sei=Calderwood en-aut-mei=Stuart K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=Myeloid zinc finger 1 kn-keyword=Myeloid zinc finger 1 en-keyword=MZF1 kn-keyword=MZF1 en-keyword=Nuclear body kn-keyword=Nuclear body en-keyword=PML kn-keyword=PML en-keyword=Sumoylation kn-keyword=Sumoylation en-keyword=SCAN domain protein kn-keyword=SCAN domain protein END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=210 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=112952 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A microfluidic paper-based analytical device that uses gelatin film to assay protease activity via time readout en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Food processing, detergents, and pharmaceuticals frequently employ proteases, which are enzymes that break the chemical bonds of both proteins and peptides. In this work, we developed a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for protease activity assays via time readout. To accomplish this, we folded the µPAD to form layers, then inserted a water-insoluble gelatin film between the layers of paper to form the device. Lamination helps to maintain the gelatin film between the introduction zone, which is the upper layer, and the detection channel, which is the lower layer. Proteases decompose the gelatin film when it enters the introduction zone, which then allows it to flow into the detection channel. The protease activity in the sample solution determines the time required to dissolve the gelatin film, which leads to a linear relationship between the logarithm of the protease concentration and the time required to flow the solution a specific distance on the detection channel. The µPAD was used to measure proteases in concentrations that ranged from 0.25 to 1 mg L−1 for bromelain, 2.5 to 10 mg L−1 for papain, and 1 to 8 mg L−1 for trypsin. The limits of quantification for bromelain, papain, and trypsin were 0.41, 2.7, and 9.2 mg mL−1, respectively. The relative standard deviations for bromelain were smaller than 2 % for concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 mg L−1. We compared the µPAD to a commercially available protease activity assay kit, which relies on quenching fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled casein. Both methods demonstrated the same order of activity: bromelain > papain > trypsin. The proposed device allowed the assay of bromelain in both pineapple pulp and juice, which were stored at room temperature. When first using the proposed device, the bromelain in the pulp gradually lost its activity, while the activity of the bromelain in the juice showed no significant change for five days. The µPAD requires no analytical instruments for quality control and monitoring of the protease activity in food. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RenJianchao en-aut-sei=Ren en-aut-mei=Jianchao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DanchanaKaewta en-aut-sei=Danchana en-aut-mei=Kaewta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanetaTakashi en-aut-sei=Kaneta en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Microfluidic paper-based analytical device kn-keyword=Microfluidic paper-based analytical device en-keyword=Protease kn-keyword=Protease en-keyword=Enzyme assay kn-keyword=Enzyme assay en-keyword=Time readout kn-keyword=Time readout END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=102660 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Intention and potential determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers at a single university hospital in Japan, 2024–2025 pre-season en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Financial accessibility has emerged as a significant barrier to vaccine uptake following the cessation of universal public funding for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs. This investigation assessed the intention and determinant factors of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Japan in the 2024–2025 pre-season.
Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted utilizing data collected from hospital staff at Okayama University Hospital, Japan, to inform the COVID-19 vaccination strategy in October 2024. The analysis evaluated demographic characteristics, vaccine intention, perceived barriers to vaccination, and maximum acceptable out-of-pocket expenditure.
Results: The study population of 3417 respondents comprised 843 medical doctors (24.7 %), 1131 nurses (33.1 %), 320 other medical staff (9.4 %), 286 dental doctors (8.4 %), and 627 administrative officers (18.3 %). At full cost, 2109 (61.7 %) indicated no intention to receive vaccination, while only 4.4 % expressed willingness to be vaccinated and 33.9 % remained undecided. With total self-payment, the vaccination acceptance rates were the highest and lowest among medical doctors (11.4 %) and nurses (1.0 %), respectively. Cost (38.1 %), followed by safety issues (29.5 %) and concerns regarding efficacy or medical necessity (20.3 %), emerged as the primary barrier. The projected vaccination intention increased to 43.9 % and 54.9 % at reduced self-pay costs of 3000 JPY and 5000 JPY, respectively.
Conclusions: Addressing financial constraints through policy interventions could be effective strategies in increasing overall vaccination coverage among healthcare workers. In addition, providing tailored education on vaccine safety, efficacy, and necessity may further facilitate increased vaccine uptake within this critical population. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujitaYasushi en-aut-sei=Fujita en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiguchiTakashi en-aut-sei=Kiguchi en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManabeYohei en-aut-sei=Manabe en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=Immunization kn-keyword=Immunization en-keyword=Reimbursement kn-keyword=Reimbursement en-keyword=Healthcare workers kn-keyword=Healthcare workers en-keyword=Financial support kn-keyword=Financial support END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=106 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106690 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=EGF-induced P-gp expression in tumor vasculature contributes to therapeutic resistance to doxorubicin-PEG-liposomes in mice bearing doxorubicin-resistant B16-BL6 tumors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We previously indicated that doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes (DOX-PEG-liposomes) were therapeutically effective in mice bearing DOX-resistant colon-26 (C26/DOX) tumors, and the efficacy was comparable in mice bearing DOX-sensitive C26 tumors. However, in the current study, DOX-PEG-liposomes exerted no therapeutic activity in DOX-resistant B16-BL6 melanoma (B16/DOX)-bearing mice, although they significantly suppressed DOX-sensitive B16 tumor growth in mice. Although we previously reported that the anti-tumor effects in C26/DOX-bearing mice were derived from the cytotoxic effects of DOX on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in tumors, the B16/DOX tumor vasculature was not substantially damaged after administration of DOX-PEG-liposomes. In B16/DOX tumors, P-gp expression was significantly induced in the VECs, but not in the C26/DOX tumors, indicating that the high expression of P-gp in the tumor vasculature would be responsible for the lack of therapeutic effect of DOX-PEG-liposomes in B16/DOX-bearing mice. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a possible induction factor for P-gp expression, was highly expressed in B16/DOX cells and tumor tissues, and significantly induced P-gp expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The EGF receptor (EGFR) was also highly expressed in B16/DOX tumor VECs, suggesting that the activation of EGF/EGFR signaling may induce P-gp expression in VECs in B16/DOX tumors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MaruyamaMasato en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaTomoki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IenakaYusuke en-aut-sei=Ienaka en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TojoHaruka en-aut-sei=Tojo en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HyodoKenji en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaraKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Ogawara en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiKazutaka en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Kazutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Eisai Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Kobe Pharmaceutical University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Drug resistance kn-keyword=Drug resistance en-keyword=P-glycoprotein kn-keyword=P-glycoprotein en-keyword=Liposome kn-keyword=Liposome en-keyword=Tumor vascular endothelial cells kn-keyword=Tumor vascular endothelial cells en-keyword=Melanoma kn-keyword=Melanoma END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=209 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114663 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Repeated sequential administration of pegylated emulsion of SU5416 and liposomal paclitaxel enhances anti-tumor effect in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To improve vascular normalization strategy for intractable triple-negative breast cancer 4T1, we examined the anti-tumor effects of repeated sequential administration of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified emulsion of SU5416 (PE-SU5416), a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 kinase inhibitor, and PEG-modified liposomal paclitaxel (PL-PTX) in mice bearing 4T1 cells. Three sequential administrations (Seq×3) of PE-SU5416 and PL-PTX exhibited significantly higher anti-tumor activity than a single sequential administration (Seq×1). The tumor vasculatures were structurally normalized until after two PE-SU5416 (PE-SU5416×2) or sequential (Seq×2) administrations, while the improvement in vascular function, such as oxygen supply, blood flow, and PEG-liposomal distribution, was evident until after three administrations of PE-SU5416 (PE-SU5416×3) and Seq×3. Although some discrepancies between the structural and functional improvement in tumor vasculatures were observed after PE-SU5416×3 and Seq×3, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and collagen levels were significantly reduced after PE-SU5416×2, PE-SU5416×3, Seq×2, and Seq×3, suggesting that a possible decrease in interstitial fluid pressure due to the reduction in CAFs and collagen would have compensated for vascular function. Furthermore, PE-SU5416×2, PE-SU5416×3, Seq×2, and Seq×3 significantly decreased tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), an activator of CAFs, in tumor tissues, suggesting that the reduction in TGF-β levels by PE-SU5416 suppresses CAF activation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MaruyamaMasato en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToriiReiya en-aut-sei=Torii en-aut-mei=Reiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuiHazuki en-aut-sei=Matsui en-aut-mei=Hazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaraKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Ogawara en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiKazutaka en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Kazutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Kobe Pharmaceutical University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Drug delivery kn-keyword=Drug delivery en-keyword=Vascular normalization kn-keyword=Vascular normalization en-keyword=Breast cancer kn-keyword=Breast cancer en-keyword=Liposome kn-keyword=Liposome en-keyword=Cancer-associated fibroblast kn-keyword=Cancer-associated fibroblast END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=96 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1241 end-page=1252 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2021 dt-pub=20210728 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Validated international definition of the thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, renal insufficiency, and organomegaly clinical subtype (TAFRO) of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, renal insufficiency, and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome is a heterogeneous entity manifesting with a constellation of symptoms described above that can occur in the context of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) as well as infectious diseases, malignancies, and rheumatologic disorders. So, iMCD-TAFRO is an aggressive subtype of iMCD with TAFRO syndrome and often hyper-vascularized lymph nodes. Since we proposed diagnostic criteria of iMCD-TAFRO in 2016, we have accumulated new insights on the disorder and additional cases have been reported worldwide. In this systematic review and cohort analysis, we established and validated a definition for iMCD-TAFRO. First, we searched PubMed and Japan Medical Abstracts Society databases using the keyword “TAFRO” to extract cases. Patients with possible systemic autoimmune diseases and hematologic malignancies were excluded. Our search identified 54 cases from 50 articles. We classified cases into three categories: (1) iMCD-TAFRO (TAFRO syndrome with lymph node histopathology consistent with iMCD), (2) possible iMCD-TAFRO (TAFRO syndrome with no lymph node biopsy performed and no other co-morbidities), and (3) TAFRO without iMCD or other co-morbidities (TAFRO syndrome with lymph node histopathology not consistent with iMCD or other comorbidities). Based on the findings, we propose an international definition requiring four clinical criteria (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever/hyperinflammatory status, organomegaly), renal dysfunction or characteristic bone marrow findings, and lymph node features consistent with iMCD. The definition was validated with an external cohort (the ACCELERATE Natural History Registry). The present international definition will facilitate a more precise and comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of iMCD-TAFRO. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FajgenbaumDavid C. en-aut-sei=Fajgenbaum en-aut-mei=David C. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PiersonSheila K. en-aut-sei=Pierson en-aut-mei=Sheila K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwakiNoriko en-aut-sei=Iwaki en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishikoriAsami en-aut-sei=Nishikori en-aut-mei=Asami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraNaoya en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IzutsuKoji en-aut-sei=Izutsu en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiKengo en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Kengo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraMidori Filiz en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Midori Filiz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshizakiKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Yoshizaki en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=OksenhendlerEric en-aut-sei=Oksenhendler en-aut-mei=Eric kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=van RheeFrits en-aut-sei=van Rhee en-aut-mei=Frits kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYasuharu en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yasuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Hematology/Respiratory Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Pathophysiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Rheumatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Organic Fine Chemicals, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Clinical Immunology, Hôpital Saint-Louis kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Division of Pathophysiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=236 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=74 end-page=81 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristics of porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes derived from various sizes of antral follicles and classified by brilliant cresyl blue staining, and developmental competence of the oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The present study sought to determine the characteristics of porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) derived from very small and small antral follicles (with less than 1 mm and 1–3 mm in diameter, respectively; VSF and SF) in comparison with controls from medium ones (with 3–6 mm in diameter; MF). Additionally, the present study examined the utility of brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining for assessing these OCCs. The incidence of BCB- oocytes in VSF- and SF-derived OCCs was higher than that in MF-derived OCCs. Although the meiotic and developmental competences of BCB+ oocytes from MF were superior to those from VSF and SF, blastocysts were successfully obtained from BCB+ oocytes even derived from VSF. The mean numbers of both total and viable cumulus cells surrounding an oocyte were significantly affected not only by the origin of the OCCs, but also by the BCB status of the oocytes (largest in MF-derived OCCs containing BCB+ oocytes). Although the outer and inner diameters of zona pellucida were affected by the origin of OCCs and the BCB status of oocytes (largest in MF-derived oocytes), the ooplasmic diameter of BCB+ oocytes did not differ among those derived from VSF, SF, and MF. Regardless of the BCB status, the transcriptional levels of G6PD and TKT in cumulus cells decreased during follicular development from VSF to MF, whereas the RPIA mRNA level in cumulus cells of MF-derived BCB+ OCCs was lower than in the others. These results underscore the utility of BCB staining for selecting MF-, SF-, and even VSF-derived OCCs containing oocytes with relatively higher meiotic and developmental competences, as well as the importance of having a sufficient number of healthy cumulus cells expressing genes related to the pentose phosphate pathway at lower levels. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=VanPhong Ngoc en-aut-sei=Van en-aut-mei=Phong Ngoc kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FonsekaWanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha en-aut-sei=Fonseka en-aut-mei=Wanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=234 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=125 end-page=132 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250301 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mitochondrial content and mtDNA copy number in spermatozoa and penetrability into oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The current narrative review aims to summarize the relation of mitochondrial content (MC) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (MDCN) in spermatozoa with sperm penetrability, and to discuss the various determining factors during the process of spermatogenesis in mammals. There are many potential factors associated with the quantitative alteration of MC and MDCN in male gametes from spermatogenesis to ejaculation. Particularly, spermatogenesis may be the first step to jointly contribute to an incomplete reduction of MC and MDCN in spermatozoon. It appears to be now quite clear that some abnormalities during spermatogenesis and oxidative stress are the main factors highly associated with the quantitative change of MC and MDCN in spermatozoa, consequently affecting sperm quality and their penetrability into oocytes. Currently, a series of proteins contributing to form sperm midpiece during spermatogenesis and cytoplasmic elimination during spermiation have been currently identified. The present review provides insight into how these factors interact with sperm MC and MDCN, and handholds to gain a better understanding of their roles. This review also highlights the uniqueness of normal fertile spermatozoa which have relatively lower MC and MDCN, but have mitochondria that function completely in multiple pivotal physiological pathways. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Spermatozoa kn-keyword=Spermatozoa en-keyword=Mitochondria kn-keyword=Mitochondria en-keyword=Mitochondrial DNA kn-keyword=Mitochondrial DNA en-keyword=Penetrability kn-keyword=Penetrability en-keyword=Spermatogenesis kn-keyword=Spermatogenesis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=35 article-no= start-page=e2320189121 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240821 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Somatic mutations in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes impact on antitumor immunity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exert clinical efficacy against various types of cancers by reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells that can expand and directly attack cancer cells (cancer-specific T cells) among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Although some reports have identified somatic mutations in TILs, their effect on antitumor immunity remains unclear. In this study, we successfully established 18 cancer-specific T cell clones, which have an exhaustion phenotype, from the TILs of four patients with melanoma. We conducted whole-genome sequencing for these T cell clones and identified various somatic mutations in them with high clonality. Among the somatic mutations, an SH2D2A loss-of-function frameshift mutation and TNFAIP3 deletion could activate T cell effector functions in vitro. Furthermore, we generated CD8+ T cell–specific Tnfaip3 knockout mice and showed that Tnfaip3 function loss in CD8+ T cell increased antitumor immunity, leading to remarkable response to PD-1 blockade in vivo. In addition, we analyzed bulk CD3+ T cells from TILs in additional 12 patients and identified an SH2D2A mutation in one patient through amplicon sequencing. These findings suggest that somatic mutations in TILs can affect antitumor immunity and suggest unique biomarkers and therapeutic targets. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MukoharaFumiaki en-aut-sei=Mukohara en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataKazuma en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshinoTakamasa en-aut-sei=Ishino en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InozumeTakashi en-aut-sei=Inozume en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiJoji en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYouki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Youki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoToshihide en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Toshihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaHideki en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaseKatsushige en-aut-sei=Kawase en-aut-mei=Katsushige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaekiYuka en-aut-sei=Saeki en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawashimaShusuke en-aut-sei=Kawashima en-aut-mei=Shusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaKazuo en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Kazuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYu en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=Honobe-TabuchiAkiko en-aut-sei=Honobe-Tabuchi en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeHiroko en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=DansakoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Dansako en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraTatsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Tatsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiYutaka en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Mano en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawazuMasahito en-aut-sei=Kawazu en-aut-mei=Masahito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=KOTAI Biotechnologies, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Skin Oncology/Dermatology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, University of Yamanashi kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, University of Yamanashi kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer immunology kn-keyword=cancer immunology en-keyword=somatic mutation kn-keyword=somatic mutation en-keyword=T cell kn-keyword=T cell en-keyword=tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes kn-keyword=tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=170 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=109242 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250315 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of small fatigue crack deflection behavior on copper using electron backscatter diffraction and crystal plasticity finite element analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this study, it was conducted to observe the propagation behavior of small fatigue cracks generated on the surface of α-brass and pure copper, using an electrodynamic plane bending fatigue testing machine. The EBSD method was also used to analyze the crystal orientation near the bottom of the notch on the surface of the test piece. For each slip system of the grain, we calculated the slip factor, defined as the ratio of resolved shear stresses that considers the singular stress field at the crack tip, and investigated the relationship between the propagation behavior of small cracks and the slip factor. Furthermore, we performed a crystal plasticity finite element analysis (CP-FEM) using a crystal plasticity FEM model created from the grains obtained by the EBSD method to predict the deflection behavior of small fatigue cracks when propagating through the grain boundaries. The results indicated that when a crack propagates across a grain boundary, it is difficult to predict the deflection behavior using slip factors, however, the deflection behavior of a crack can be predicted from the resolved shear stress calculated using CP-FEM, which considers the mechanical interactions between crystal grains. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ArakawaJinta en-aut-sei=Arakawa en-aut-mei=Jinta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YabukiRyo en-aut-sei=Yabuki en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UemoriTakeshi en-aut-sei=Uemori en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoMasato en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YaguchiKenichi en-aut-sei=Yaguchi en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation kn-affil= en-keyword=Small fatigue crack kn-keyword=Small fatigue crack en-keyword=Crystal orientation kn-keyword=Crystal orientation en-keyword=CP-FEM kn-keyword=CP-FEM en-keyword=EBSD kn-keyword=EBSD END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=361 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114657 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Crosstalk between prolactin, insulin-like growth factors, and thyroid hormones in feather growth regulation in neonatal chick wings en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The elongation of primary feathers in neonatal chicks is delayed by the late-feathering K gene located on the Z chromosome. We recently found that the K gene slows feather growth by reducing the number of functional prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) dimers. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which PRL promotes feather elongation. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that PRLRs are predominantly localized in the pulp rather than in the epidermal layer of the feather follicle. Treatment of primary cultured feather pulp cells with PRL increased the expression of mRNAs for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs; IGF-1 and IGF-2) and type 2 deiodinase (DIO2). Furthermore, treatments with IGF-1 and triiodothyronine (T3) reciprocally enhanced the expression of mRNAs for DIO2 and IGFs. Additionally, BrdU staining in neonatal chicks showed that T3 promoted cell proliferation in both the epidermal layer and pulp cells, while this effect was suppressed by an IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitor. These findings suggest a novel model in which PRL upregulates IGFs and DIO2 in feather pulp cells, creating a positive feedback loop between IGFs and T3, ultimately leading to the promotion of cell proliferation in both the epidermal layer and the pulp cells by IGFs. This is the first report proposing crosstalk between PRL, thyroid hormone (TH), and IGFs in feather follicles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NozawaYuri en-aut-sei=Nozawa en-aut-mei=Yuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraAyako en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaMasamichi en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Masamichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Prolactin kn-keyword=Prolactin en-keyword=Thyroid hormone kn-keyword=Thyroid hormone en-keyword=IGF kn-keyword=IGF en-keyword=Iodothyronine deiodinase kn-keyword=Iodothyronine deiodinase en-keyword=Feather growth kn-keyword=Feather growth END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=941 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=149244 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250315 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Identification of pennaceous barbule cell factor (PBCF), a novel gene with spatiotemporal expression in barbule cells during feather development en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bird contour feathers exhibit a complex hierarchical structure composed of a rachis, barbs, and barbules, with barbules playing a crucial role in maintaining feather structure and function. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying barbule formation is essential for advancing our knowledge of avian biology and evolution. In this study, we identified a novel gene, pennaceous barbule cell factor (PBCF), using microarray analysis, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. PBCF is expressed in barbule cells adjacent to the ramus during pennaceous barbule formation, where these cells fuse with the ramus to establish the feather’s branching structure. PBCF expression occurs transiently after melanin pigmentation of the barbule plates but before the expression of barbule-specific keratin 1 (BlSK1). Orthologues of PBCF, predicted to be secreted proteins, are conserved across avian species, with potential homologues detected in reptiles, suggesting an evolutionary lineage-specific adaptation. Additionally, PBCF is expressed in non-vacuolated notochord cells and the extra-embryonic ectoderm of the yolk sac, hinting at its broader developmental significance. The PBCF gene produces two mRNA isoforms via alternative splicing, encoding a secreted protein and a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane-bound protein, indicating functional versatility. These findings suggest that PBCF may be involved as an avian-specific extracellular matrix component in cell adhesion and/or communication, potentially contributing to both feather development and embryogenesis. Further investigation of PBCF’s role in feather evolution and its potential functions in other vertebrates could provide new insights into the interplay between development and evolution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakaokaMinori en-aut-sei=Nakaoka en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgoshiMaho en-aut-sei=Ogoshi en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Feather kn-keyword=Feather en-keyword=Barbule kn-keyword=Barbule en-keyword=Branching kn-keyword=Branching en-keyword=Chicken kn-keyword=Chicken en-keyword=Yolk sac membrane kn-keyword=Yolk sac membrane en-keyword=Notochord kn-keyword=Notochord END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=741 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=151006 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241231 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine metabolism is involved in the sperm motility and in vitro fertility rate in mouse en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Increased fragmentation of sperm DNA has been implicated in male infertility. Folate deficiency results in impaired methionine synthesis, depletion of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels, an increase in S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) levels, and increased DNA fragmentation. Disruption of the dynamic balance between SAM and SAH may also contribute, although the details of this process are not yet fully understood. We investigated the localization of SAM, SAH, and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH), and whether SAM/SAH metabolism contributes to sperm motility and fertilization rate. SAM, SAH, and SAHH levels were assessed in the acrosome, midpiece, and tail of spermatozoa. Chemical inhibition of SAM/SAH metabolism and extracellular SAH significantly decreased the straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and amplitude lateral head displacement (ALH) of sperm cells, which were thus unable to swim forward and perform oscillatory movements in place. This significantly reduced the fertilization rate. Therefore, the disruption of the SAM/SAH balance may contribute to male infertility. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawaiTomoko en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAtsushi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=SAM/SAH metabolism kn-keyword=SAM/SAH metabolism en-keyword=Sperm motility kn-keyword=Sperm motility en-keyword=Fertilization rate kn-keyword=Fertilization rate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=125 end-page=132 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=ナトリウムチャネル異常とてんかん en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name= en-aut-sei= en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=大守(川﨑)伊織 kn-aut-sei=大守(川﨑) kn-aut-mei=伊織 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院教育学域 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=326 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=F1054 end-page=F1065 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240530 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Preventive effects of vasohibin-2-targeting peptide vaccine for diabetic nephropathy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Diabetic nephropathy remains the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in many countries, and additional therapeutic targets are needed to prevent its development and progression. Some angiogenic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Vasohibin-2 (VASH2) is a novel proangiogenic factor, and our previous study showed that glomerular damage is inhibited in diabetic Vash2 homozygous knockout mice. Therefore, we established a VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine as a tool for anti-VASH2 therapy in diabetic nephropathy. In this study, the preventive effects of the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine against glomerular injury were examined in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. The mice were subcutaneously injected with the vaccine at two doses 2 wk apart and then intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg STZ for 5 consecutive days. Glomerular injury was evaluated 20 wk after the first vaccination. Treatment with the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine successfully induced circulating anti-VASH2 antibody without inflammation in major organs. Although the vaccination did not affect blood glucose levels, it significantly prevented hyperglycemia-induced increases in urinary albumin excretion and glomerular volume. The vaccination did not affect increased VASH2 expression but significantly inhibited renal angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) expression in the diabetic mice. Furthermore, it significantly prevented glomerular macrophage infiltration. The preventive effects of vaccination on glomerular injury were also confirmed in db/db mice. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine may prevent diabetic glomerular injury in mice by inhibiting Angpt2-mediated microinflammation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaYuri en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Yuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MifuneTomoyo en-aut-sei=Mifune en-aut-mei=Tomoyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakadoiTakato en-aut-sei=Nakadoi en-aut-mei=Takato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagamiHironori en-aut-sei=Nakagami en-aut-mei=Hironori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYasufumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yasufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=albuminuria kn-keyword=albuminuria en-keyword=diabetic nephropathy kn-keyword=diabetic nephropathy en-keyword=macrophages kn-keyword=macrophages en-keyword=peptide vaccine kn-keyword=peptide vaccine en-keyword=vasohibin-2 kn-keyword=vasohibin-2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=129 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=726 end-page=735 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241231 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hydronium Ions Are Less Excluded from Hydrophobic Polymer–Water Interfaces than Hydroxide Ions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The cloud point temperatures of aqueous poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) solutions were measured from pH 1.0 to pH 13.0 at a constant ionic strength of 100 mM. This ionic strength was reached by mixing the appropriate concentration of NaCl with either HCl or NaOH. The phase transition temperature of both polymers was nearly constant between pH 2.0 and 12.0. However, the introduction of 100 mM HCl (pH 1.0) led to an increase in the cloud point temperature, although this value was still lower than the cloud point temperature in the absence of salt. By contrast, the introduction of 100 mM NaOH (pH 13.0) caused a decrease in the cloud point temperature, both relative to adding 100 mM NaCl and adding no salt. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of these systems were performed below the cloud point temperature, and the chemical shifts closely tracked the corresponding changes in the phase transition temperature. Specifically, the introduction of 100 mM HCl caused the 1H chemical shift to move downfield for the CH resonances from both PNIPAM and PEO, while 100 mM NaOH caused the same resonances to move upfield. Virtually no change in the chemical shift was seen between pH 2.0 and 12.0. These results are consistent with the idea that a sufficient concentration of H3O+ led to polymer swelling compared to Na+, while substituting Cl– with OH– reduced swelling. Finally, classical all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with a monomer and 5-mer corresponding to PNIPAM. The results correlated closely with the thermodynamic and spectroscopic data. The simulation showed that H3O+ ions more readily accumulated around the amide oxygen moiety on PNIPAM compared with Na+. On the other hand, OH– was more excluded from the polymer surface than Cl–. Taken together, the thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and MD simulation data revealed that H3O+ was less depleted from hydrophobic polymer/water interfaces than any of the monovalent Hofmeister metal cations or even Ca2+ and Mg2+. As such, it should be placed on the far-right side of the cationic Hofmeister series. On the other hand, OH– was excluded from the interface and could be positioned in the anionic Hofmeister series between H2PO4– and SO42–. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MyersRyan L. en-aut-sei=Myers en-aut-mei=Ryan L. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TairaAoi en-aut-sei=Taira en-aut-mei=Aoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanChuanyu en-aut-sei=Yan en-aut-mei=Chuanyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LeeSeung-Yi en-aut-sei=Lee en-aut-mei=Seung-Yi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WelshLauren K. en-aut-sei=Welsh en-aut-mei=Lauren K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IaniroPatrick R. en-aut-sei=Ianiro en-aut-mei=Patrick R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangTinglu en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Tinglu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KogaKenichiro en-aut-sei=Koga en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=CremerPaul S. en-aut-sei=Cremer en-aut-mei=Paul S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250108 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-Term Follow-Up of a Patient With SPG11 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We present a case of a male patient with disease-causing variants in SPG11, a causative gene for autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia with a thin corpus callosum (ARHSP-TCC), as well as juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS5) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT2X). A neurological examination at age 18 revealed dysarthria, muscle weakness in bilateral lower extremities, hyperreflexia in patellar reflex, hyporeflexia in Achilles reflex with an extensor plantar reflex, and intellectual disability. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thin corpus callosum and ears of the lynx sign. At the age of 26, weakness and muscle atrophy progressed. While no sensory disturbances were noted, there was a mild decrease in sensory nerve action potentials of the sural nerve over the 8 years between 18 and 26. Clinicians should be aware that SPG11 belongs to the same spectrum of disorders as ALS5 and CMT2X and presents various phenotypes depending on the stage of the disease. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OsakadaYosuke en-aut-sei=Osakada en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiTaijun en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Taijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaChika en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsunodaKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Tsunoda en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=DeguchiKentaro en-aut-sei=Deguchi en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=102570 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241202 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Epidemiology and clinical features of patients with tick bites in the Japanese spotted fever-endemic zone en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology and clinical features of tick bites in a Japanese spotted fever (JSF)-endemic area.
Method: The clinical records of patients with tick bites were retrospectively reviewed based on a survey conducted at Numakuma Hospital, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan, from 2016 to 2023. Data on basic characteristics, visit dates, residential address, exposure activities, tick-bite sites, and prophylactic antimicrobial prescriptions for each patient with tick bites were collected at the JSF hotspot hospital.
Results: A total of 443 patients with tick bites visited the hospital, of which data on 305 cases (68.8 %) were reviewed. The median age of these patients was 71 years, with a higher proportion of women (63.0 %). One-third of the patients had a preceding history of working in fields, whereas two-thirds had entered mountains or agricultural fields. Nearly 90 % of the patients visited the hospital from April to August, and the most common bite sites were the lower extremities (45.1 %). Most patients (76.1 %) resided in the southern area of Numakuma Hospital. Nearly all patients were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics (minocycline in 87.8 % of cases), and none subsequently developed JSF.
Conclusion: Continued surveillance of patients with tick bites is warranted to better understand changes in the clinical impact of tick-borne diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumidaTakaomi en-aut-sei=Sumida en-aut-mei=Takaomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamataOsamu en-aut-sei=Kawamata en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HidaniYoshimi en-aut-sei=Hidani en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Global warming kn-keyword=Global warming en-keyword=Japanese spotted fever kn-keyword=Japanese spotted fever en-keyword=Tick bite kn-keyword=Tick bite en-keyword=Tick-borne diseases kn-keyword=Tick-borne diseases END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=102575 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical and microbiological characteristics of high-level daptomycin-resistant Corynebacterium species: A systematic scoping review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Corynebacterium species potentially develop high-level daptomycin resistance (HLDR) shortly after daptomycin (DAP) administration. We aimed to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of HLDR Corynebacterium infections.
Methods: We first presented a clinical case accompanied by the results of a comprehensive genetic analysis of the isolate, and then performed a systematic scoping review. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we searched for articles with related keywords, including “Corynebacterium”, “Daptomycin", and "Resistance”, in the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases from the database inception to October 25, 2024. Clinical case reports and research articles documenting the isolation of HLDR Corynebacterium species, defined by a minimum inhibitory concentration of DAP at ≥256 μg/mL, were deemed eligible for this review.
Results: Of 80 articles screened, seven case reports detailing eight cases of HLDR Corynebacterium infections, as well as five research articles, were included. C. striatum was the most common species (7/9 cases, 77.8 %), and prosthetic device-associated infections accounted for 66.7 % of the cases. Duration of DAP administration before the emergence of HLDR isolates ranged from 5 days to 3 months; three-quarters of the cases developed within 17 days. Three HLDR isolates were genetically confirmed to have an alteration in pgsA2. The majority of the patients were treated with either glycopeptides or linezolid, with favorable outcomes. In vitro experiments confirmed that C. striatum strains acquire the HLDR phenotype at higher rates (71 %–100 %) within 24 h of incubation, compared to other Corynebacterium strains.
Conclusion: DAP monotherapy, especially for prosthetic device-associated infections, can result in the development of HLDR Corynebacterium. Additional research is warranted to investigate the clinical implications of this potentially proliferating antimicrobial resistant pathogen. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkazawaHidemasa en-aut-sei=Akazawa en-aut-mei=Hidemasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaOsamu en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=Antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=Corynebacterium kn-keyword=Corynebacterium en-keyword=Daptomycin kn-keyword=Daptomycin en-keyword=High-level daptomycin resistance kn-keyword=High-level daptomycin resistance en-keyword=pgsA2 kn-keyword=pgsA2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=102554 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241105 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Human Papillomavirus vaccination awareness and uptake among healthcare students in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The vaccination rate for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) has remained significantly low in Japan because of the administrative suspension of active recommendation. This study investigates the awareness and uptake of the HPV vaccine among healthcare students in Japan following the reinstatement of active recommendation for young women in April 2022.
Methods: A web-based survey was administered to 2567 healthcare students from Okayama and Shujitsu Universities in Japan in July 2023. The survey assessed participants' backgrounds, immunization status, awareness of vaccine recommendations, and knowledge of cervical cancer across various demographics, including sex, academic year, and department (Medicine, Health Science, Pharmaceutical, and Dentistry).
Results: The response rate was 36.3 % (933 students; 181 male, 739 female, and 13 unspecified gender). The overall immunization rate among female students was 55.6 %, with higher rates observed in medical (73.8 %) and dental (63.0 %) students. Awareness of the government's change in vaccine recommendation was notably high among female and senior male students. Over half of the female students (54.7 %) reported receiving vaccinations based on their parents' advice. Among those unvaccinated but interested in future immunization, concerns about adverse reactions (47.4 %) and challenges in scheduling vaccinations (29.1 %) were predominant.
Conclusion: Healthcare students exhibited a higher HPV vaccination rate than the general population. Ongoing education to improve vaccine literacy is crucial for augmenting HPV vaccination rates in Japan. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimbeMadoka en-aut-sei=Shimbe en-aut-mei=Madoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYoichi en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cervical cancer kn-keyword=Cervical cancer en-keyword=Human Papillomavirus kn-keyword=Human Papillomavirus en-keyword=Immunization kn-keyword=Immunization en-keyword=Vaccine literacy kn-keyword=Vaccine literacy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=228 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=30 end-page=36 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241015 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exogenous expression of PGC-1α during in vitro maturation impairs the developmental competence of porcine oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives of the current study were to examine the effects of exogenous expression of PGC-1α, which is a transcription factor responsive for controlling mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, mitochondria quantity control, mitochondrial biogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) maintenance, in porcine oocytes during in-vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental competence, as well as mitochondrial quantity and function. Exogenous over-expression of PGC-1α by injection of the mRNA construct into oocytes 20 h after the start of IVM culture significantly increased the copy number of mtDNA in the oocytes, but reduced the incidences of oocytes matured to the metaphase-II stage after the IVM culture for totally 44 h and completely suppressed the early development in vitro to the blastocyst stage following parthenogenetic activation. The exogenous expression of PGC-1α also significantly induced spindle defects and chromosome misalignments. Furthermore, markedly higher ROS levels were observed in the PGC-1α-overexpressed mature oocytes, whereas mRNA level of SOD1, encoded for a ROS scavenging enzyme, was decreased. These results conclude that forced expression of PGC-1α successfully increase mtDNA copy number but led to increased ROS production, evidently by downregulation of SOD1 gene expression, inducement of spindle aberration/chromosomal misalignment, and consequently reduction in the meiotic and developmental competences of porcine oocytes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Porcine kn-keyword=Porcine en-keyword=Mitochondria kn-keyword=Mitochondria en-keyword=Oocytes kn-keyword=Oocytes en-keyword=PGC-1 alpha kn-keyword=PGC-1 alpha en-keyword=In vitro maturation kn-keyword=In vitro maturation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=226 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=158 end-page=166 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240915 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The impact of cumulus cell viability and pre-culture with the healthy cell mass on brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining assessment and meiotic competence of suboptimal porcine oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives of the present study were to investigate the characteristics including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, as determined by Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining, of suboptimal porcine oocytes and to enhance the meiotic competence of those through pre-culture with cumulus cell masses (CCMs). Percentage of oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) derived from small follicles (SF; <3 mm in diameter) containing the oocytes that were assessed as BCB-negative (BCB-) was significantly higher than those derived from medium follicles (MF; 3–6 mm in diameter). Degrees of dead cumulus cells were significantly higher in OCCs containing BCB- oocytes, regardless of the origin of OCCs (MF vs. SF), than those containing BCB-positive (BCB+) ones. Exposing OCCs containing BCB+ oocytes to the apoptosis inducer, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, for 20 h significantly induced the transition to BCB- and meiotic progression of exposed OCCs were significantly reduced in both SF and MF derived ones. Transit of BCB- oocytes to BCB+ was induced when OCCs were pre-cultured with CCMs of MF derived OCCs containing BCB+ oocytes for 20 h before IVM. This pre-culture also significantly increased the meiotic competence of BCB- oocytes, particularly in SF derived ones. However, reactive oxygen species levels were significantly higher in BCB+ oocytes as compared with BCB- ones, regardless of pre-culture with CCMs, whereas no significant differences were found in the ATP contents among the treatment groups. In conclusion, the BCB result of oocytes could be regulated by the healthy status and content of surrounding cumulus cells and the meiotic competence of suboptimal BCB- porcine oocytes is improved by pre-culture with healthy CCMs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FonsekaWanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha en-aut-sei=Fonseka en-aut-mei=Wanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=VanPhong Ngoc en-aut-sei=Van en-aut-mei=Phong Ngoc kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Oocytes kn-keyword=Oocytes en-keyword=Meiotic competence kn-keyword=Meiotic competence en-keyword=Brilliant cresyl blue kn-keyword=Brilliant cresyl blue en-keyword=Cumulus cells kn-keyword=Cumulus cells END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=102494 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cryptococcal prostatitis in an immunocompromised patient with tocilizumab and glucocorticoid therapy: A case report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cryptococcus prostatitis is an uncommon manifestation of cryptococcal infection that occurs mostly in immunocompromised patients. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, has been associated with an increased risk of cryptococcal infections. However, there have been no documented cases of cryptococcal prostatitis in patients receiving tocilizumab therapy. We report a case of cryptococcal prostatitis in a 72-year-old man treated with glucocorticoids and tocilizumab for giant cell arteritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The patient presented dysuria and his serum level of prostate-specific antigen was elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a prostate mass, and a prostate biopsy was performed, leading to a pathologic diagnosis of cryptococcal prostatitis. Fungal cultures for blood and urine were negative, while the cryptococcal antigen for both serum and urine showed positive results. There were no particular findings in the pulmonary and central nervous systems. The patient was successfully treated with oral fluconazole (400 mg/day) and was discharged. Although cryptococcal prostatitis is a rare entity, clinicians should note that an immunosuppressed patient may develop such a difficult-to-diagnose disease. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakehiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyawakiYoshia en-aut-sei=Miyawaki en-aut-mei=Yoshia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoSawako en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Sawako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cryptococcosis kn-keyword=Cryptococcosis en-keyword=Fluconazole kn-keyword=Fluconazole en-keyword=Glucocorticoids kn-keyword=Glucocorticoids en-keyword=Prostatitis kn-keyword=Prostatitis en-keyword=Tocilizumab kn-keyword=Tocilizumab END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=65 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=105534 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Currency portfolios and global foreign exchange ambiguity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates whether cross-sectional global foreign exchange (FX) ambiguity impacts currency portfolios. We observe that, in contrast to FX volatility, high FX ambiguity leads to high currency carry returns. We also reveal that FX ambiguity is weakly associated with the highest interest rate portfolio, but strongly related to the second highest interest rate portfolio. These results suggest that FX ambiguity captures elements of uncertainty that are not captured by FX volatility. In addition, FX ambiguity is not linked to returns on currency momentum and value portfolios. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsanoTakao en-aut-sei=Asano en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=CaiXiaojing en-aut-sei=Cai en-aut-mei=Xiaojing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakemotoRyuta en-aut-sei=Sakemoto en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Economics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Economics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Economics and Business, Hokkaido University kn-affil= en-keyword=Currency portfolio kn-keyword=Currency portfolio en-keyword=Ambiguity kn-keyword=Ambiguity en-keyword=Carry trades kn-keyword=Carry trades en-keyword=FX volatility kn-keyword=FX volatility END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=24 end-page=28 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Initial trial of three‑lead wearable electrocardiogram monitoring in a full marathon en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sudden cardiac arrest during exercise can occur without prior warning signs at rest, highlighting the importance of monitoring for its prevention. To detect the signs of ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery anomalies, ST changes must be detected using three‑lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) corresponding to each region of the three coronary artery branches. We conducted ECG monitoring of five runners during a marathon using a wearable three‑lead ECG device (e-skin ECG; Xenoma Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Data without noise or artifacts were successfully collected for one of five runners during the entire marathon. Within the initial hour of the marathon, poor electrode adhesion to the skin hindered the data collection for the remaining four runners, which resulted in significantly decreased acquisition rate compared with the first hour (86.7 ± 13.4 % to 37.3 ± 36.9 %, p = 0.028). Couplets of premature ventricular contractions with clear ECG waveforms in the three leads were detected in one runner during the marathon. Further device improvements are necessary to enable marathon runners to obtain ECGs efficiently without affecting their performance. This study also demonstrated the potential applications of three‑lead wearable ECG monitoring for other short-duration sports and remote home-based cardiac rehabilitation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiraiKenta en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakanoNoriko en-aut-sei=Sakano en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OozawaSusumu en-aut-sei=Oozawa en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OusakaDaiki en-aut-sei=Ousaka en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurokoYosuke en-aut-sei=Kuroko en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasaharaShingo en-aut-sei=Kasahara en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Clinical Safety, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= en-keyword=Sudden cardiac arrest kn-keyword=Sudden cardiac arrest en-keyword=Sports cardiology kn-keyword=Sports cardiology en-keyword=Electrocardiogram kn-keyword=Electrocardiogram en-keyword=Wearable device kn-keyword=Wearable device en-keyword=Cardiac rehabilitation kn-keyword=Cardiac rehabilitation en-keyword=Coronary artery anomalies kn-keyword=Coronary artery anomalies END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=42 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=529 end-page=537 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240809 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Adverse Events after Different Endoscopic Resection Procedures for Small and Intermediate-Sized Colorectal Polyps en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) have been developed recently, in addition to conventional methods, but adverse events of each method have not been fully clarified. We compared the outcomes of each method for the appropriate choice. Methods: Patients who underwent CSP, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)/hot snare polypectomy (HSP), or UEMR for small and intermediate-sized colorectal polyps between April 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively examined. The rate of adverse events and recurrences due to each method were determined as the main outcomes. Clinical factors related to adverse events were examined. Results: A total of 1,025 patients with 3,163 polyps underwent polypectomy using any of the methods. CSP, EMR/HSP, and UEMR were performed for 704 (22.2%), 2,145 (67.8%), and 314 polyps (9.9%), and the median size for each method was 4, 6, and 7 mm, respectively. Delayed bleeding for CSP, EMR/HSP, and UEMR was 0%, 0.2%, and 0.6% (p = 0.15), and perforation was 0%, 0.1%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.62). Recurrence after CSP, EMR/HSP, and UEMR was 0.3%, 0.09%, and 1.3%, respectively (p < 0.01). Recurrence for UEMR was significantly higher in the early stage of procedure introduction (p = 0.015). Oral anticoagulants were the risk factor for delayed bleeding (p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: There was no significant difference regarding adverse events among each method for small and intermediate-sized polyps, although the recurrence rate after UEMR was higher than other methods. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ToyosawaJunki en-aut-sei=Toyosawa en-aut-mei=Junki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamasakiYasushi en-aut-sei=Yamasaki en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AoyamaYuki en-aut-sei=Aoyama en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeiKensuke en-aut-sei=Takei en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IgawaShoko en-aut-sei=Igawa en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=InokuchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Inokuchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinugasaHideaki en-aut-sei=Kinugasa en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaharaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Takahara en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraokaSakiko en-aut-sei=Hiraoka en-aut-mei=Sakiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection kn-keyword=Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection en-keyword=Endoscopic mucosal resection kn-keyword=Endoscopic mucosal resection en-keyword=Cold snare polypectomy kn-keyword=Cold snare polypectomy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241214 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of aged microplastics on paddy soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions under laboratory aerobic conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Microplastics (MPs) formed after changes in chemical or physical properties may alter soil properties, which in turn may affect microbial activities and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, few studies have focused on the effects of aged MPs changes on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of MPs with different aging times on soil GHG emissions and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Low-density polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) were treated with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for 0–2 weeks. Soil was incubated with PE or PLA 1% (w/w) concentration at 60% water holding capacity (WHC) for 35 days. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Results showed that CO2 and N2O emissions were higher (p < 0.05) in MPs-amended treatments than those without MPs and increased with MPs age. The addition of virgin PE did not affect soil DOC content, whereas aged PE and all PLA additions significantly increased soil DOC content on day 0, probably because UV irradiation caused the degradation of MPs to smaller molecules. In addition, aged MPs addition altered DOC spectral characteristics on day 7, possibly because aged PE and PLA promote microbial decomposition of organic matter by altering soil properties. Changes in soil DOC content and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) by aged PE and PLA probably promoted the emissions of CO2 and N2O compared to virgin MPs or soil only. Our study revealed that aged PE and PLA promote GHG emissions from soil by changing DOC contents and qualities. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangTian en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Tian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SomuraHiroaki en-aut-sei=Somura en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkaoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akao en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaNozomi en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Nozomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=PereraGamamada Liyanage Erandi Priyangika en-aut-sei=Perera en-aut-mei=Gamamada Liyanage Erandi Priyangika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoChiyu en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Chiyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaMorihiro en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Morihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Environmental Management Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Aged MPs kn-keyword=Aged MPs en-keyword=biodegradable plastics kn-keyword=biodegradable plastics en-keyword=microplastics kn-keyword=microplastics en-keyword=nitrogen transformation kn-keyword=nitrogen transformation en-keyword=organic carbon decomposition kn-keyword=organic carbon decomposition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=51 article-no= start-page=11111 end-page=11116 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241216 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Electrogenerated Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Claisen Rearrangement of Allyl Aryl Ethers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Catalysts for Claisen rearrangement have been intensively studied to overcome the need for high temperature. However, previous studies have encountered challenges, such as the need for heating, a long reaction time, and/or the need for equivalent amounts of catalyst. In this study, we introduce an effective electrogenerated boron-based Lewis acid catalyst for the aromatic Claisen rearrangement, which proceeds in a few minutes at ambient temperature. Generation of the electrogenerated Lewis acid catalyst is discussed based on NMR analysis and DFT calculations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NikiYuta en-aut-sei=Niki en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Potassium tert-Butoxide-Mediated Ring-Opening of Indolines: Concise Synthesis of 2-Vinylanilines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A concise and metal-free procedure has been developed for the synthesis of 2-vinylanilines. Reactions of indolines with tert-BuOK in DMSO afford the decorated 2-vinylanilines in yields up to 92 %. In addition, the 2, or 3-substituted indolines could be converted to trisubstituted alkenes. Also, the protocol can be scaled to afford gram quantities of the decorated 2-vinylanilines. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsaiShota en-aut-sei=Asai en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=2-vinylanilines kn-keyword=2-vinylanilines en-keyword=indolines kn-keyword=indolines en-keyword=Potassium tert-butoxide kn-keyword=Potassium tert-butoxide en-keyword=Elimination kn-keyword=Elimination en-keyword=Ring-opening kn-keyword=Ring-opening END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=53 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=upae196 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=SNAr hexafluoroisopropoxylation of electron-rich aryl fluoride with a catalytic electrical input en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anodic oxidation–promoted SNAr reactions of electron-rich aryl fluoride were developed. The anodic oxidation of 4-fluoroanisole in hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol (HFIP) with K2CO3 led to SNAr-type hexafluoroisopropoxylation, and the reaction was completed with a catalytic electrical input. The results of cyclic voltammetry suggest that the radical cation of 4-fluoroanisole, which would react with the alkoxide of HFIP, is generated. Electron transfer between the intermediate and the starting material constructs the catalytic cycle, and the elimination of fluoride from the Meisenheimer complex produces the desired compound. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakahamaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Nakahama en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=anodic oxidation kn-keyword=anodic oxidation en-keyword=organic electrochemistry kn-keyword=organic electrochemistry en-keyword=SNAr reaction kn-keyword=SNAr reaction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=169 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106712 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20249 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The parallel stack loading problem of minimizing the exact number of relocations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study addresses the parallel stack loading problem, a general optimization problem arising in storage facilities such as container yards, slab yards, and warehouses. In this problem, we load incoming items into parallel stacks in the loading phase to minimize the number of relocations in the subsequent retrieval phase. Because of difficulties in treating the nested problem structure originating from the mutual dependence of the two phases, the existing studies approximately minimized the number of relocations using surrogate objective functions. In contrast, this study considers the parallel stack loading problem aiming to minimize the exact number of relocations. We first provide an integer programming formulation and next develop a nested branch-and-bound algorithm. In a computational study, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed branch-and-bound algorithm and evaluate the known surrogate objective functions based on the exact minimization. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaShunji en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shunji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ElWakilMohamed en-aut-sei=ElWakil en-aut-mei=Mohamed kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EltawilAmr en-aut-sei=Eltawil en-aut-mei=Amr kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life and Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Production Engineering and Mechanical Design, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Logistics kn-keyword=Logistics en-keyword=Parallel stack loading problem kn-keyword=Parallel stack loading problem en-keyword=Relocation kn-keyword=Relocation en-keyword=Integer programming kn-keyword=Integer programming en-keyword=Branch-and-bound algorithm kn-keyword=Branch-and-bound algorithm END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=801 end-page=804 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202411 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Preventable Fraction in the Context of Disease Progression en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The relevance of the epidemiologic concept of preventable fraction to the study of the population-level impact of preventive exposures is unequivocal. Here, we discuss how the preventable fraction can be usefully understood for the class of outcomes that relate to disease progression (e.g., clinical severity given diagnosis), and, under the principal stratification framework, derive an expression for this quantity for this type of outcome. In particular, we show that, in the context of disease progression, the preventable fraction is a function of the effect on the postdiagnosis outcome in the principal stratum in the unexposed group who would have disease regardless of exposure status. This work will facilitate an understanding of the contribution of principal effects to the impact of preventive exposures at the population level. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GonçalvesBronner P. en-aut-sei=Gonçalves en-aut-mei=Bronner P. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Counterfactual framework kn-keyword=Counterfactual framework en-keyword=Disease progression kn-keyword=Disease progression en-keyword=Disease severity kn-keyword=Disease severity en-keyword=Preventable fraction kn-keyword=Preventable fraction en-keyword=Principal stratification kn-keyword=Principal stratification END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=1324 end-page=1326 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Detailed regimens for the prolonged β-lactam infusion therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the efficacy and safety of prolonged versus intermittent β-lactam infusion in adult sepsis patients. The findings revealed a significant decrease in all-cause mortality and marked clinical success in the prolonged infusion group. Unfortunately, however, the manuscript lacked data and discussion for the specific regimens of prolonged β-lactam infusion defined in the included 15 RCT studies, which are herein additionally provided. Excluding one RCT, all protocols adopted a continuous infusion for the prolonged treatment. Except for three RCTs, dosages and timings of bolus injection were clearly defined. The total daily antibiotic dose for the continuous therapy was equivalent to those recommended for intermittent therapy. We believe this supplementary data aids clinicians in providing prolonged β-lactam infusions, contributing to enhanced treatment outcomes for patients suffering from severe sepsis or septic shock. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Sepsis kn-keyword=Sepsis en-keyword=Continuous infusion kn-keyword=Continuous infusion en-keyword=Prolonged infusion kn-keyword=Prolonged infusion en-keyword=Pharmacokinetics kn-keyword=Pharmacokinetics END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Machine-learning-assisted prediction of the size of microgels prepared by aqueous precipitation polymerization en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The size of soft colloids (microgels) is essential; however, control over their size has typically been established empirically. Herein, we report a linear-regression model that can predict microgel size using a machine learning method, sparse modeling for small data, which enables the determination of the synthesis conditions for target-sized microgels. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinatoHaruka en-aut-sei=Minato en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYuji en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NamiokaRyuji en-aut-sei=Namioka en-aut-mei=Ryuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IgarashiYasuhiko en-aut-sei=Igarashi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataRisako en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Risako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OakiYuya en-aut-sei=Oaki en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Textile Science & Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=1992 end-page=2000 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202411 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=INVESTIGATION OF THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE FOVEOSCHISIS: Analysis of Longitudinal Changes in Visual Functions, Retinal Structures, and Retinal Traction Force en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To analyze the pathophysiology of epiretinal membrane foveoschisis (FS) by evaluating the longitudinal changes in visual function and several optical coherence tomography parameters.
Methods: The medical records of 33 consecutive patients (35 eyes) with untreated epiretinal membrane foveoschisis were retrospectively reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity, M-CHARTS score, and optical coherence tomography parameters including epiretinal membrane area, maximum depth of retinal folds, FS area, and FS circularity were evaluated.
Results: A wide range of FS area changes was observed at the final follow-up visit (59.68%–240.45% of the baseline FS area). In the FS enlargement group, best-corrected visual acuity and mean M-CHARTS scores significantly worsened and maximum depth of retinal folds significantly increased over time, whereas in the FS non-enlargement group, no significant change was observed in the best-corrected visual acuity, mean M-CHARTS scores, or maximum depth of retinal folds during the follow-up period. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that maximum depth of retinal folds (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.10, P = 0.048) and FS circularity (odds ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.00, P = 0.043) were significantly associated with FS enlargement.
Conclusion: Epiretinal membrane foveoschisis encompasses diverse pathophysiologies. Since visual functions do not worsen in some cases, monitoring the changes in visual functions and retinal morphology over time is recommended to determine surgical indications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaYuki en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=en-face imaging kn-keyword=en-face imaging en-keyword=epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane en-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis en-keyword=foveoschisis kn-keyword=foveoschisis en-keyword=lamellar macular hole kn-keyword=lamellar macular hole en-keyword=metamorphopsia kn-keyword=metamorphopsia en-keyword=optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=optical coherence tomography en-keyword=retinal fold kn-keyword=retinal fold en-keyword=retinal traction kn-keyword=retinal traction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1785 end-page=1792 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=MIXED PATHOPHYSIOLOGIES OF LAMELLAR MACULAR HOLES AND RELATED DISEASES: A Multimodal Optical Coherence Tomography–Based Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of mixed pathophysiologies in lamellar macular holes (LMHs) and related diseases using multimodal optical coherence tomography.
Methods: Overall, 126 eyes diagnosed with LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis, or macular pseudohole using the horizontal B-scan image according to the definition proposed by Hubschman et al in 2020 were analyzed using multimodal optical coherence tomography imaging including horizontal and vertical 5-line B-scan, radial scan, and macular three-dimensional volume scan images. If at least two diagnostic criteria for LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis, or macular pseudohole were satisfied in these scans, the patient was diagnosed as having a “mixed type.” Retinal traction force was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the maximum depth of the retinal folds using en-face images.
Results: Mixed types constituted 34.1% of the cases. The LMH-related mixed group demonstrated intermediate characteristics between the epiretinal membrane foveoschisis/macular pseudohole and true LMH groups in terms of retinal traction and LMH-specific features and had a significant positive correlation between the maximum depth of the retinal folds and mean M-CHARTS scores (P = 0.034).
Conclusion: A thorough optical coherence tomography analysis is necessary to accurately diagnose LMH and related diseases. A significant positive correlation was observed between the maximum depth of the retinal folds and the degree of metamorphopsia in the LMH-related mixed group. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaYuki en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=en-face imaging kn-keyword=en-face imaging en-keyword=epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane en-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis en-keyword=lamellar macular hole kn-keyword=lamellar macular hole en-keyword=metamorphopsia kn-keyword=metamorphopsia en-keyword=mixed type kn-keyword=mixed type en-keyword=optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=optical coherence tomography en-keyword=retinal fold kn-keyword=retinal fold en-keyword=retinal traction kn-keyword=retinal traction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241023 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Deep learning-based approach for acquisition time reduction in ventilation SPECT in patients after lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We aimed to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) with lung ventilation single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images acquired briefly using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in patients after lung transplantation and to explore the feasibility of short acquisition times. We retrospectively identified 93 consecutive lung-transplant recipients who underwent ventilation SPECT/computed tomography (CT). We employed a CNN to distinguish the images acquired in full time from those acquired in a short time. The image quality was evaluated using the structural similarity index (SSIM) loss and normalized mean square error (NMSE). The correlation between functional volume/morphological volume (F/M) ratios of full-time SPECT images and predicted SPECT images was evaluated. Differences in the F/M ratio were evaluated using Bland–Altman plots, and the diagnostic performance was compared using the area under the curve (AUC). The learning curve, obtained using MSE, converged within 100 epochs. The NMSE was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and the SSIM was significantly higher (P < 0.001) for the CNN-predicted SPECT images compared to the short-time SPECT images. The F/M ratio of full-time SPECT images and predicted SPECT images showed a significant correlation (r = 0.955, P < 0.0001). The Bland–Altman plot revealed a bias of -7.90% in the F/M ratio. The AUC values were 0.942 for full-time SPECT images, 0.934 for predicted SPECT images and 0.872 for short-time SPECT images. Our findings suggest that a deep-learning-based approach can significantly curtail the acquisition time of ventilation SPECT, while preserving the image quality and diagnostic accuracy for CLAD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiRyohei en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IguchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iguchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Chronic lung allograft dysfunction kn-keyword=Chronic lung allograft dysfunction en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation en-keyword=Single photon emission computed tomography kn-keyword=Single photon emission computed tomography en-keyword=Deep learning kn-keyword=Deep learning en-keyword=Convolutional neural network kn-keyword=Convolutional neural network END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=kwae096 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240531 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Re: “Defining and identifying local average treatment effects” en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoEiji en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University of Science kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=8 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e2400228 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240919 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Response to Imatinib in a Patient With Gastric Adenocarcinoma With KIT Q556_K558 In-Frame Deletion: A Case Report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NinomiyaKiichiro en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Kiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoKunio en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Kunio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoMidori en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Midori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraSatoko en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Satoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AyadaYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Ayada en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoGo en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkitaNatsuko en-aut-sei=Okita en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TabataMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tabata en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Research Management Division, Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=51 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=875 end-page=879 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Endoscopic Transpterygoid Repair of Sphenoid Sinus Meningocele: A Comprehensive Case Report and Literature Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a challenging and uncommon case involving a 53-year-old Japanese man with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage caused by a meningocele in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus. Our innovative treatment approach involved a combination of transpterygoid and endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy techniques, with special emphasis on the preservation of the sphenopalatine artery. This strategic preservation was pivotal to the successful use of the ipsilateral nasoseptal flap for reconstruction, which played a crucial role in the prevention of postoperative CSF leakage. Otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons collaborated to perform the bath-plugging technique; effective collaboration was instrumental to the success of the procedure. This report highlights significant advancement from conventional frontal craniotomy to a more sophisticated endoscopic technique, shows the importance of meticulous surgical planning and execution, emphasizes careful preservation of critical anatomical structures during complex neurosurgical and otolaryngological procedures, and underscores the evolving landscape of surgical approaches for managing complex medical conditions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimizuAiko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiharaSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Makihara en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImotoRyoji en-aut-sei=Imoto en-aut-mei=Ryoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirashitaKoji en-aut-sei=Hirashita en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoMizuo en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Mizuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cerebrospinal fluid leakage kn-keyword=Cerebrospinal fluid leakage en-keyword=Meningocele kn-keyword=Meningocele en-keyword=Transpterygoid approach kn-keyword=Transpterygoid approach en-keyword=Ipsilateral nasoseptal flap kn-keyword=Ipsilateral nasoseptal flap en-keyword=Bath-plug technique kn-keyword=Bath-plug technique END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=73 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=763 end-page=779 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240223 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=GRP78 Contributes to the Beneficial Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitor on Proximal Tubular Cells in DKD en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The beneficial effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on kidney function are well-known; however, their molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We focused on 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and its interaction with SGLT2 and integrin-β1 beyond the chaperone property of GRP78. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse kidneys, GRP78, SGLT2, and integrin-β1 increased in the plasma membrane fraction, while they were suppressed by canagliflozin. The altered subcellular localization of GRP78/integrin-β1 in STZ mice promoted epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis, which were mitigated by canagliflozin. High-glucose conditions reduced intracellular GRP78, increased its secretion, and caused EMT-like changes in cultured HK2 cells, which were again inhibited by canagliflozin. Urinary GRP78 increased in STZ mice, and in vitro experiments with recombinant GRP78 suggested that inflammation spread to surrounding tubular cells and that canagliflozin reversed this effect. Under normal glucose culture, canagliflozin maintained sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity, promoted ER robustness, reduced ER stress response impairment, and protected proximal tubular cells. In conclusion, canagliflozin restored subcellular localization of GRP78, SGLT2, and integrin-β1 and inhibited EMT and fibrosis in DKD. In nondiabetic chronic kidney disease, canagliflozin promoted ER robustness by maintaining SERCA activity and preventing ER stress response failure, and it contributed to tubular protection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakatsukaAtsuko en-aut-sei=Nakatsuka en-aut-mei=Atsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Kidney, Diabetes and Endocrine Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=36 article-no= start-page=7343 end-page=7348 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Indoline hemiaminals: a platform for accessing anthranilic acid derivatives through oxidative deformylation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=2-Aminobenzoyl chlorides possess both a nucleophilic nitrogen atom and an electrophilic carbonyl group, and thus selective acylation of nucleophiles is challenging; self-dimerization and sluggish reactions occur. Herein, we introduce a new synthetic protocol using 2-aminobenzoyl surrogates, allowing concise entry to decorated 2-aminobenzoyl derivatives in the absence of transition metals, acid chlorides, and specific reagents. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoboriYuito en-aut-sei=Kobori en-aut-mei=Yuito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsaiShota en-aut-sei=Asai en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240905 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Job strain and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A scoping review and meta‐analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Previous studies have shown that job strain is associated with low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA). We conducted a scoping review and meta-analysis to assess the association between job strain and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed. We included English-language studies that examined the association between job strain (based on the Karasek demand-control model) and pregnancy outcomes. We excluded letters, posters, reviews, and qualitative studies. Random effects meta-analysis was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using τ2 and I2 statistics. Potential bias was assessed using standard funnel plots. Asymmetry was evaluated by Egger's test. Leave-one-out analysis was performed for sensitivity analyses.
Results: Three eligible studies were found for LBW, seven for PTB, and four for SGA. The number of subjects ranged from 135 to 4889, and the prevalence of high job strain ranged from 6.64% to 33.9%. The pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for LBW, PTB, and SGA were 1.23 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.56), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.22), and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.39) respectively, indicating modest associations. Heterogeneity for LBW and PTB may not be important but may be moderate for SGA. No publication bias was detected for LBW and PTB, but possible publication bias exists for SGA.
Conclusion: We found a modest association between job strain and PTB. Since job strain is only one of the many aspects of an unhealthy work environment, interventions that improve working conditions more broadly are needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakayamaKota en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SlopenNatalie en-aut-sei=Slopen en-aut-mei=Natalie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawachiIchiro en-aut-sei=Kawachi en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health kn-affil= en-keyword=birthweight kn-keyword=birthweight en-keyword=gestational age kn-keyword=gestational age en-keyword=meta‐analysis kn-keyword=meta‐analysis en-keyword=occupational stress kn-keyword=occupational stress en-keyword=preterm birth kn-keyword=preterm birth END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=357 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114601 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241001 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Revisiting the hormonal control of sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sexual dimorphism in plumage is widespread among avian species. In chickens, adult females exhibit countershading, characterized by dull-colored round feathers lacking fringe on the saddle, while adult males display vibrant plumage with deeply fringed bright feathers. This dimorphism is estrogen-dependent, and administering estrogen to males transforms their showy plumage into cryptic female-like plumage. Extensive studies have shown that estrogen’s role in female plumage formation requires thyroid hormone; however, the precise mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of estrogen and thyroid hormone in creating sexual dimorphism in the structure and coloration of saddle feathers by administering each hormone to adult males and observing the resulting changes in regenerated feathers induced by plucking. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), responsible for thyroid hormone inactivation, correlates with fringing. Estrogen suppressed DIO3 and agouti signaling protein (ASIP) expression while stimulating BlSK1, a marker of barbule cells, resulting in female-like feathers with mottled patterns and lacking fringes. Administration of thyroxine (T4) stimulated BlSK1 and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, with no effect on ASIP, leading to the formation of solid black feathers lacking fringes. Triiodothyronine (T3) significantly increased POMC expression in pulp cells in culture. Taken together, these findings suggest that estrogen promotes the formation of solid vanes by suppressing DIO3 expression, while also inducing the formation of mottled patterns through inhibition of ASIP expression and indirect stimulation of melanocortin expression via changes in local T3 concentration. This is the first report describing molecular mechanism underlying hormonal crosstalk in creating sexual dimorphism in feathers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YouLi en-aut-sei=You en-aut-mei=Li kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishioKaori en-aut-sei=Nishio en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KowataKinue en-aut-sei=Kowata en-aut-mei=Kinue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorikawaMinaru en-aut-sei=Horikawa en-aut-mei=Minaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgoshiMaho en-aut-sei=Ogoshi en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Melanocortin kn-keyword=Melanocortin en-keyword=Thyroid hormone kn-keyword=Thyroid hormone en-keyword=ASIP kn-keyword=ASIP en-keyword=Estrogen kn-keyword=Estrogen en-keyword=Deiodinase kn-keyword=Deiodinase END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=897 end-page=900 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A randomized, open-label phase II study on the preventive effect of goshajinkigan against peripheral neuropathy induced by paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy: The OLCSG2101 study protocol en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) is an essential cytotoxic anticancer agent and a standard treatment regimen component for various malignant tumors, including advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer, thymic cancer, and primary unknown cancers. However, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) caused by PTX is a significant adverse event that may lead to chemotherapy discontinuation and deterioration of the quality of life (QOL). Although treatment modalities such as goshajinkigan (GJG), pregabalin, and duloxetine are empirically utilized for CIPN, there is no established evidence for an agent as a preventive measure. We designed a randomized phase II trial (OLCSG2101) to investigate whether prophylactic GJG administration can prevent the onset of CIPN induced by PTX.
Methods: This study was designed as a two-arm, prospective, randomized, multicenter phase II trial. The patients will be randomly assigned to either the GJG prophylaxis arm (Arm A) or the GJG non-prophylaxis arm (Arm B), using cancer type (lung cancer or not) and age (<70 years or not) as adjustment factors. A total of 66 patients (33 in each arm) will be enrolled.
Discussion: The results of this study may contribute to better management of CIPN, which can enable the continuation of chemotherapy and maintenance of the patient's QOL.
Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the certified review board of Okayama University (approval no. CRB21-005) on September 28, 2021. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number jRCTs061210047). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraNaoki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoGo en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoYuka en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzeIsao en-aut-sei=Oze en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KozukiToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Kozuki en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaToshihide en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Toshihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaHirohisa en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Hirohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuyamaShoichi en-aut-sei=Kuyama en-aut-mei=Shoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaraNaofumi en-aut-sei=Hara en-aut-mei=Naofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=HottaKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center of Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Center of Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Kampo kn-keyword=Kampo en-keyword=CIPN kn-keyword=CIPN en-keyword=prophylaxis kn-keyword=prophylaxis en-keyword=neuropathy kn-keyword=neuropathy en-keyword=taxane kn-keyword=taxane END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=38 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=394 end-page=408 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2020 dt-pub=20200221 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The neurotoxicity of psychoactive phenethylamines “2C series” in cultured monoaminergic neuronal cell lines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxicity of psychoactive abused 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines “2C series” in monoaminergic neurons.
Methods After the exposure to “2C series”, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylthiophenethylamine (2C-T-7), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-isopropylthiophenethylamine (2C-T-4), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylthiophenthylamine (2C-T-2), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I) or 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chlorophenethylamine (2C-C), we examined their neurotoxicity, morphological changes, and effects of concomitant exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or methamphetamine (METH), using cultured neuronal dopaminergic CATH.a cells and serotonin-containing B65 cells.
Results Single dose exposure to “2C series” for 24 h showed significant cytotoxicity as increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from both monoaminergic neurons: 2C-T-7, 2C-C (EC50; 100 µM) > 2C-T-2 (150 µM), 2C-T-4 (200 µM) > 2C-I (250 µM) in CATH.a cells and 2C-T-7, 2C-I (150 µM) > 2C-T-2 (250 µM) > 2C-C, 2C-T-4 (300 µM) in B65 cells. The “2C series”-induced neurotoxicity in both cells was higher than that of MDMA or METH (EC50: ≥ 1–2 mM). In addition, apoptotic morphological changes were observed at relatively lower concentrations of “2C series”. The concomitant exposure to non-toxic dose of MDMA or METH synergistically enhanced 2C series drugs-induced LDH release and apoptotic changes in B65 cells, but to a lesser extent in CATH.a cells. In addition, the lower dose of 2C-T-7, 2C-T-2 or 2C-I promoted reactive oxygen species production in the mitochondria of B65 cells, even at the early stages (3 h) without apparent morphological changes.
Conclusion The 2,5-dimethoxy-substitution of “2C series” induced severe neurotoxicity in both dopaminergic and serotonin-containing neurons. The non-toxic dose of MDMA or METH synergistically enhanced its neurotoxicity in serotonergic neurons. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsanumaMasato en-aut-sei=Asanuma en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiIkuko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunadaMasahiko en-aut-sei=Funada en-aut-mei=Masahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Drug Dependence, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= en-keyword=Psychoactive drugs kn-keyword=Psychoactive drugs en-keyword=2,5-Dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines kn-keyword=2,5-Dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines en-keyword=Neurotoxicity kn-keyword=Neurotoxicity en-keyword=Serotonin-containing neurons kn-keyword=Serotonin-containing neurons en-keyword=Dopamine neurons kn-keyword=Dopamine neurons en-keyword=Reactive oxygen species kn-keyword=Reactive oxygen species END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=149 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=13 end-page=16 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2018 dt-pub=201809 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Functional analysis of N-terminal propeptide in the precursor of Vibrio vulnificus metalloprotease by using cell-free translational system en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Vibrio vulnificus is a human pathogen causing fatal septicemia with edematous and hemorrhagic skin damage. Among multiple virulence factors, an extracellular metalloprotease termed as V. vulnificus protease (VVP) is known to play a crucial role in eliciting the skin damage. The mature VVP (413 aa) is composed of two domains, the N-terminal core domain with proteolytic activity and the C-terminal domain mediates efficient attachment to protein substrates. However, VVP is produced as an inactive precursor (609 aa) with a signal peptide (24 aa) and propeptide (172 aa). In order to clarify the function of propeptide, a series of DNA fragments encoding the VVP precursor and its various domains were designed and the proteins were expressed in vitro by using cell-free translational system. The results indicated that the propeptide might function as an intramolecular chaperon to promote the proper folding of both N-terminal and C-terminal domains. The obtained results also suggest that the propeptide, itself was unstable and thus digested easily by the enzymes present in cell lysate used for cell-free system. Additionally, the C-terminal domain in VVP found to inhibit the folding of the N-terminal domain in absence of propeptide. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawaseTomoka en-aut-sei=Kawase en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiuraFumi en-aut-sei=Miura en-aut-mei=Fumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DebnathAnusuya en-aut-sei=Debnath en-aut-mei=Anusuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImakuraKinuyo en-aut-sei=Imakura en-aut-mei=Kinuyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiShin-ichi en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Shin-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Vibrio vulnificus kn-keyword=Vibrio vulnificus en-keyword=Protease kn-keyword=Protease en-keyword=Propeptide kn-keyword=Propeptide en-keyword=Domain kn-keyword=Domain en-keyword=Cell-free translational system kn-keyword=Cell-free translational system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=42 cd-vols= no-issue=21 article-no= start-page=126156 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202408 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers after booster vaccinations during an Omicron surge in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Despite the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and waning immunity after initial vaccination, data on antibody kinetics following booster doses, particularly those adapted to Omicron subvariants like XBB.1.5, remain limited. This study assesses the kinetics of anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) IgG antibody titers post-booster vaccination in a Japanese population during the Omicron variant epidemic.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Bizen City, Japan, from November 2023 to January 2024. Participants included residents and workers aged ≥18 years, with at least three COVID-19 vaccinations. Antibody levels were measured from venous blood samples. The study analyzed 424 participants and 821 antibody measurements, adjusting for variables such as age, sex, underlying conditions, and prior infection status. Mixed-effects models were employed to describe the kinetics of log-transformed S-RBD antibody titers.
Results: The study found that S-RBD antibody titers declined over time but increased with the number of booster vaccinations, particularly those adapted to Omicron and its subvariant XBB.1.5 (Pfizer-BioNTech Omicron-compatible: 0.156, 95%CI −0.032 to 0.344; Pfizer-BioNTech XBB-compatible: 0.226; 95%CI −0.051 to 0.504; Moderna Omicron-compatible: 0.279, 95%CI 0.012 to 0.546; and Moderna XBB-compatible: 0.338, 95%CI −0.052 to 0.728). Previously infected individuals maintained higher antibody titers, which declined more gradually compared to uninfected individuals (coefficient for interaction with time 0.006; 95%CI 0.001 to 0.011). Sensitivity analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations and interval-censored random intercept model confirmed the robustness of these findings.
Conclusions: The study provides specific data on antibody kinetics post-booster vaccination, including the XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine, in a highly vaccinated Japanese population. The results highlight the importance of considering individual demographics and prior infection history in optimizing vaccination strategies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiAyako en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadowakiTomoka en-aut-sei=Kadowaki en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaoSoshi en-aut-sei=Takao en-aut-mei=Soshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 kn-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 en-keyword=Vaccine kn-keyword=Vaccine en-keyword=Antibody kn-keyword=Antibody en-keyword=Mixed-effects model kn-keyword=Mixed-effects model en-keyword=Omicron kn-keyword=Omicron END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=378 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=113269 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mesoporous carbon with extremely low micropore content synthesized from graphene oxide modified with alkali metal nitrates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High-temperature thermal exfoliation is a simple, rapid, and cost-efficient method for transforming graphene oxide (GO) materials into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) materials. In this study, GO materials were dispersed with alkali metal nitrates (MNO3), leading to the preparation of porous rGO materials characterized by high specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume via high-temperature thermal exfoliation. Experimental data indicate that the metal cations of MNO3 tend to react directly with the oxygen functional groups (OFG) of GO, modulating the OFG content. Simultaneously, nitrate anions have preferential interaction with alkali metal ions and adhere to the surface of the GO. The presence of MNO3 on the surface of GO facilitates the thermal exfoliation process and leads to the formation of structures with an extremely high proportion of mesoporous content. The isothermal gas adsorption results show that the exfoliation efficiency of the samples activated with different nitrate salts decreases in the order rGO-KNO3 > rGO-NaNO3 > rGO-LiNO3. Among these samples, rGO modified with KNO3 exhibited the greatest exfoliation efficiency, with a mesopore-to-micropore volume ratio of 22.4, more than 1.7 times that of rGO. Its SSA and pore volume were 359 m2 g−1 and 1.26 cm3 g−1, respectively. These values significantly surpass those of rGO. Our research findings demonstrate that activation with MNO3 significantly increases the SSA and pore volume of the GO material after high-temperature annealing. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiZhao en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Zhao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyotaMoeto en-aut-sei=Toyota en-aut-mei=Moeto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhkuboTakahiro en-aut-sei=Ohkubo en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Mesoporous carbon kn-keyword=Mesoporous carbon en-keyword=Alkali metal nitrates kn-keyword=Alkali metal nitrates en-keyword=Oxygen functional groups kn-keyword=Oxygen functional groups en-keyword=Activation kn-keyword=Activation en-keyword=Thermal exfoliation kn-keyword=Thermal exfoliation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=32 article-no= start-page=16994 end-page=17000 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240730 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of Droplet-Removal Processes on Fog-Harvesting Performance on Wettability-Controlled Wire Array with Staggered Arrangement en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Development of freshwater resources is vital to overcoming severe worldwide water scarcity. Fog harvesting has attracted attention as a candidate technology that can be used to obtain fresh water from a stream of foggy air without energy input. Drainage of captured droplets from fog harvesters is necessary to maintain the permeability of harp-shaped harvesters. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the droplet-removal process on the amount of water harvested using a harvester constructed by wettability-controlled wires with an alternating and staggered arrangement. Droplet transfer from hydrophobic to hydrophilic wires, located upstream and downstream of the fog flow, respectively, was observed with a fog velocity greater than 1.5 m/s. The proportion of harvesting resulting from droplet transfer exceeded 30% of the total, and it reflected more than 20% increase of the harvesting performance compared with that of a harvester with wires of the same wettability: this value varied with the adhesive property of the wires and fog velocity. Scaled-up and multilayered harvesters were developed to enhance harvesting performance. We demonstrated certain enhancements under multilayered conditions and obtained 15.99 g/30 min as the maximum harvested amount, which corresponds to 13.3% of the liquid contained in the fog stream and is enhanced by 10% compared with that without droplet transfer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkaJunya en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Junya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=zbae092 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240716 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cytosolic acidification and oxidation are the toxic mechanisms of SO2 in Arabidopsis guard cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=SO2/H2SO3 can damage plants. However, its toxic mechanism has still been controversial. Two models have been proposed, cytosolic acidification model and cellular oxidation model. Here, we assessed the toxic mechanism of H2SO3 in three cell types of Arabidopsis thaliana, mesophyll cells, guard cells (GCs), and petal cells. The sensitivity of GCs of Chloride channel a (CLCa)-knockout mutants to H2SO3 was significantly lower than those of wildtype plants. Expression of other CLC genes in mesophyll cells and petal cells were different from GCs. Treatment with antioxidant, disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (tiron), increased the median lethal concentration (LC50) of H2SO3 in GCs indicating the involvement of cellular oxidation, while the effect was negligible in mesophyll cells and petal cells. These results indicate that there are two toxic mechanisms of SO2 to Arabidopsis cells: cytosolic acidification and cellular oxidation, and the toxic mechanism may vary among cell types. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MozhganiMahdi en-aut-sei=Mozhgani en-aut-mei=Mahdi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OoiLia en-aut-sei=Ooi en-aut-mei=Lia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EspagneChristelle en-aut-sei=Espagne en-aut-mei=Christelle kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FilleurSophie en-aut-sei=Filleur en-aut-mei=Sophie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriIzumi C en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Izumi C kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cytosolic acidification kn-keyword=cytosolic acidification en-keyword=Arabidopsis kn-keyword=Arabidopsis en-keyword=cellular oxidation kn-keyword=cellular oxidation en-keyword=chloride channel a kn-keyword=chloride channel a en-keyword=sulfur dioxide kn-keyword=sulfur dioxide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=804 end-page=810 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20249 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Augmented humoral response to third and fourth dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in lung transplant recipients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Since lung transplant recipients (LTRs) exhibit low immunogenicity after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, optimal vaccine strategies for SARS-CoV-2 are required in LTRs. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the third and fourth doses of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in LTRs.
Methods: We conducted a single-center study of 73 LTRs and 23 healthy controls (HCs). Participants received two-to-four doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. The LTRs were divided into three groups based on the number of vaccine dose. IgG titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured, and adverse events were assessed. Factors associated with humoral response were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results: The Dose 4 group (n = 27) had a higher humoral response rate (P = 0.018) and higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody (P = 0.04) than the Dose 2 group (n = 14). The Dose 3 group (n = 32) had lower humoral response rates (P = 0.005) and levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody (P = 0.0005) than the HCs (n = 23) even after the same dose. Systemic adverse events were milder in the LTRs than in the HCs (P < 0.05). Increased number of vaccine dose was identified as a predictor of positive humoral response (P = 0.021).
Conclusion: Booster doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines may enhance humoral response with mild adverse events in LTRs. Repeated vaccination might be warranted for LTRs to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawanaShinichi en-aut-sei=Kawana en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChoshiHaruki en-aut-sei=Choshi en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaMegumi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabuTomohiro en-aut-sei=Habu en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasanori en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Office of Innovative Medicine, Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Adverse events kn-keyword=Adverse events en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=Immunogenicity kn-keyword=Immunogenicity en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation en-keyword=mRNA vaccine kn-keyword=mRNA vaccine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=39 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=463 end-page=483 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240731 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Detailed Re-Examination of the Period Gene Rescue Experiments Shows That Four to Six Cryptochrome-Positive Posterior Dorsal Clock Neurons (DN1p) of Drosophila melanogaster Can Control Morning and Evening Activity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Animal circadian clocks play a crucial role in regulating behavioral adaptations to daily environmental changes. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster exhibits 2 prominent peaks of activity in the morning and evening, known as morning (M) and evening (E) peaks. These peaks are controlled by 2 distinct circadian oscillators located in separate groups of clock neurons in the brain. To investigate the clock neurons responsible for the M and E peaks, a cell-specific gene expression system, the GAL4-UAS system, has been commonly employed. In this study, we re-examined the two-oscillator model for the M and E peaks of Drosophila by utilizing more than 50 Gal4 lines in conjunction with the UAS-period16 line, which enables the restoration of the clock function in specific cells in the period (per) null mutant background. Previous studies have indicated that the group of small ventrolateral neurons (s-LNv) is responsible for controlling the M peak, while the other group, consisting of the 5th ventrolateral neuron (5th LNv) and the three cryptochrome (CRY)-positive dorsolateral neurons (LNd), is responsible for the E peak. Furthermore, the group of posterior dorsal neurons 1 (DN1p) is thought to also contain M and E oscillators. In this study, we found that Gal4 lines directed at the same clock neuron groups can lead to different results, underscoring the fact that activity patterns are influenced by many factors. Nevertheless, we were able to confirm previous findings that the entire network of circadian clock neurons controls M and E peaks, with the lateral neurons playing a dominant role. In addition, we demonstrate that 4 to 6 CRY-positive DN1p cells are sufficient to generate M and E peaks in light-dark cycles and complex free-running rhythms in constant darkness. Ultimately, our detailed screening could serve as a catalog to choose the best Gal4 lines that can be used to rescue per in specific clock neurons. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SekiguchiManabu en-aut-sei=Sekiguchi en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ReinhardNils en-aut-sei=Reinhard en-aut-mei=Nils kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukudaAyumi en-aut-sei=Fukuda en-aut-mei=Ayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatohShun en-aut-sei=Katoh en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=RiegerDirk en-aut-sei=Rieger en-aut-mei=Dirk kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=Helfrich-FörsterCharlotte en-aut-sei=Helfrich-Förster en-aut-mei=Charlotte kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiiTaishi en-aut-sei=Yoshii en-aut-mei=Taishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=period kn-keyword=period en-keyword=GAL4-UAS kn-keyword=GAL4-UAS en-keyword=clock neuron kn-keyword=clock neuron en-keyword=activity rhythm kn-keyword=activity rhythm en-keyword=two-oscillator model kn-keyword=two-oscillator model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=89 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=10349 end-page=10354 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Formal One Carbon Deletion of Indoline Hemiaminals under Tautomeric Control to Access 2-Aminobenzyl Compounds en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Unprecedented tert-BuOK-mediated one carbon deletion of indoline hemiaminals has been achieved. This novel protocol provides an efficient synthetic tool for the construction of 2-aminobenzyl compounds with high chemoselectivity. In addition, functionalized 2-aminobenzyl compounds are difficult to make, for which few limited means of access currently exist. The key to success is the use of in situ generated Heyns rearrangement products (α-amino carbonyl compounds) as precursors for formal one carbon deletion. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=100 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=219 end-page=228 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240625 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Novel Peptidome Technology for the Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease by Selected Reaction Monitoring en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background:With the aging of populations worldwide, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a concern due to its high prevalence and the continued lack of established treatments. Early diagnosis is required as a preventive intervention to modify the disease’s progression. In our previous study, we performed peptidomic analysis of serum samples obtained from AD patients and age-matched healthy subjects to seek peptide biomarker candidates for AD by using BLOTCHIP-MS analysis, and identified four peptides as AD biomarker candidates.
Objective:The objective was to validate the serum biomarker peptides to distinguish mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in comparison to cognitively healthy controls using a new peptidome technology, the Dementia Risk Test.
Methods:We enrolled 195 subjects with normal cognitive function (NC; n = 70), MCI (n = 55), and AD (n = 70), The concentrations of cognitive impairment marker peptides (Fibrinogen α chain (FAC), Fibrinogen β chain (FBC), Plasma protease C1 inhibitor (PPC1I), α2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG)) were quantified by using a selected reaction monitoring assay based on liquid chromatography-MS/MS.
Results:The present study confirmed that three peptides, FAC, FBC, and PPC1I, were significantly upregulated during the onset of AD. This three-peptide set was both highly sensitive in determining AD (sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 95.7%, AUC: 0.900) and useful in distinguishing MCI (sensitivity: 61.8%, specificity: 98.6%, AUC: 0.824) from NC.
Conclusions:In this validation study, we confirmed the high diagnostic potential of the three peptides identified in our previous study as candidate serum biomarkers for AD. The Dementia Risk Test may be a powerful tool for detecting AD-related pathological changes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TadokoroKoh en-aut-sei=Tadokoro en-aut-mei=Koh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMinaki en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Minaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaKyoichi en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Kyoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LeeLyang-Ja en-aut-sei=Lee en-aut-mei=Lyang-Ja kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TachikiHidehisa en-aut-sei=Tachiki en-aut-mei=Hidehisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeKoji en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Protosera, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Protosera, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Protosera, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Protosera, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer’s disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer’s disease en-keyword=biochemical marker kn-keyword=biochemical marker en-keyword=dementia risk test kn-keyword=dementia risk test en-keyword=liquid chromatography-MS/MS kn-keyword=liquid chromatography-MS/MS en-keyword=mild cognitive impairment kn-keyword=mild cognitive impairment en-keyword=peptidome kn-keyword=peptidome en-keyword=selected reaction monitoring kn-keyword=selected reaction monitoring END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=162 end-page=177 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Generalized hypergeometric functions for degree k hypersurface in CPN-1 and intersection numbers of moduli space of quasimaps from CP1 with two marked points to CPN-1 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this paper, we derive the generalized hypergeometric functions used in mirror computation of degree k hypersurface in CPN-1 as generating functions of intersection numbers of the moduli space of quasimaps from CP1 with two marked points to CPN-1. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JinzenjiMasao en-aut-sei=Jinzenji en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuzakaKohki en-aut-sei=Matsuzaka en-aut-mei=Kohki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mathematics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Integrated Media, Ikueikan University kn-affil= en-keyword=Givental's I-function kn-keyword=Givental's I-function en-keyword=Generalized hypergeometric series kn-keyword=Generalized hypergeometric series en-keyword=Moduli space of quasimaps kn-keyword=Moduli space of quasimaps en-keyword=Intersection number kn-keyword=Intersection number END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240702 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A case of membranous nephropathy complicated by Cronkhite–Canada syndrome successfully treated with mizoribine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a non-hereditary disorder characterized by non-neoplastic hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis, hair loss, nail atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and diarrhea. While the relationship between CCS and nephritis remains unclear, seven cases of nephritis complicated by CCS have been reported to date, all of which were membranous nephropathy (MN). A 57-year-old man presented with taste disturbance, hair loss, nail plate atrophy, skin pigmentation, and frequent diarrhea. Endoscopic findings showed multiple polyposis of the stomach and large intestine. Given the above, he was diagnosed with CCS. The symptoms gradually improved with prednisolone treatment, although urinary protein and hypoproteinemia appeared during the tapering of prednisolone. He was diagnosed with MN using a renal biopsy, and immunofluorescence microscopy with IgG subclass staining showed predominantly diffuse granular capillary wall staining of IgG4. The cause of secondary MN was not found, including malignant tumors. Nephrotic-range proteinuria persisted despite treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Additional treatment with mizoribine resulted in incomplete remission type 1 of nephrotic syndrome, suggesting that mizoribine may be a treatment option for patients with CCS with steroid-resistant MN. Considering a high prevalence of hypoproteinemia due to chronic diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy in patients with CCS, proteinuria might be overlooked; thus, follow-up urinalysis would be recommended in patients with CCS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakanohHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Nakanoh en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoShiho en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamuroMasaya en-aut-sei=Iwamuro en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cronkhite–Canada syndrome kn-keyword=Cronkhite–Canada syndrome en-keyword=Membranous nephropathy kn-keyword=Membranous nephropathy en-keyword=Nephrotic syndrome kn-keyword=Nephrotic syndrome en-keyword=Mizoribine kn-keyword=Mizoribine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=128 cd-vols= no-issue=27 article-no= start-page=6509 end-page=6517 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Bidirectional Optical Control of Proton Motive Force in Escherichia coli Using Microbial Rhodopsins en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Proton (H+) motive force (PMF) serves as the energy source for the flagellar motor rotation, crucial for microbial motility. Here, to control PMF using light, we introduced light-driven inward and outward proton pump rhodopsins, RmXeR and AR3, into Escherichia coli. The motility of E. coli cells expressing RmXeR and AR3 significantly decreased and increased upon illumination, respectively. Tethered cell experiments revealed that, upon illumination, the torque of the flagellar motor decreased to nearly zero (28 pN nm) with RmXeR, while it increased to 1170 pN nm with AR3. These alterations in PMF correspond to +146 mV (RmXeR) and −140 mV (AR3), respectively. Thus, bidirectional optical control of PMF in E. coli was successfully achieved by using proton pump rhodopsins. This system holds a potential for enhancing our understanding of the roles of PMF in various biological functions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakanishiKotaro en-aut-sei=Nakanishi en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKeiichi en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SowaYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Sowa en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudoYuki en-aut-sei=Sudo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Frontier Bioscience and Research Center for Micro-Nano Technology, Hosei University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=2400078 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240704 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Unabsorbed Fecal Fat Content Correlates with a Reduction of Immunoglobulin a Coating of Gut Bacteria in High‐Lard Diet‐Fed Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Scope: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) selectively coats gut bacteria and contributes to regulatory functions in gastrointestinal inflammation and glucose metabolism. Excess intake of lard leads to decrease in the IgA coating of gut bacteria, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study validates how unabsorbed fat derived from a high-lard diet in the gut affects the IgA coating of bacteria, as assessed in mouse models using three types of dietary fat (lard, medium-, and long-chain triglycerides [MLCTs], and medium-chain triglycerides [MCTs]) exhibiting different digestibilities.
Methods and results: C57BL/6J mice are maintained on diets containing lard, MLCTs, or MCTs at 7% or 30% w/w for 10 weeks (n = 6 per group). The fecal fatty acid concentration is measured to quantify unabsorbed fat content. The ratio of IgA-coated bacteria to total bacteria (IgA coating ratio) in the feces is measured by flow cytometry. Compared to lard-fed mice, MLCT- and MCT-fed mice exhibit lower fecal concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid and higher IgA coating ratios at both 7% and 30% dietary fat, and these parameters exhibit significant negative correlations.
Conclusion: Unabsorbed fat content in the gut may result in attenuated IgA coating of bacteria in high-lard diet-fed mice.
en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatsumataEmiko en-aut-sei=Katsumata en-aut-mei=Emiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SonoyamaKei en-aut-sei=Sonoyama en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiMio en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Mio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraokaMao en-aut-sei=Teraoka en-aut-mei=Mao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyang en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=TAIYO YUSHI Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=TAIYO YUSHI Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=gut bacteria kn-keyword=gut bacteria en-keyword=immunoglobulin A kn-keyword=immunoglobulin A en-keyword=lard kn-keyword=lard END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=469 end-page=472 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Errors in the Calculation of the Population Attributable Fraction en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=One of the common errors in the calculation of the population attributable fraction (PAF) is the use of an adjusted risk ratio in the Levin formula. In this article, we discuss the errors visually using wireframes by varying the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and associational risk ratio (aRR) when the prevalence of exposure is fixed. When SMR >1 and SMR > aRR, the absolute bias is positive, and its magnitude increases as the difference between SMR and aRR increases. By contrast, when aRR > SMR > 1, the absolute bias is negative and its magnitude is relatively small. Moreover, when SMR > aRR, the relative bias is larger than one, whereas when SMR < aRR, the relative bias is smaller than one. Although the target population of the PAF is the total population, the target of causation of the PAF is not the total population but the exposed group. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoEiji en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University of Science kn-affil= en-keyword=Attributable fraction kn-keyword=Attributable fraction en-keyword=Bias kn-keyword=Bias en-keyword=Causality kn-keyword=Causality en-keyword=Counterfactual model kn-keyword=Counterfactual model en-keyword=Potential outcomes kn-keyword=Potential outcomes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=110 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=116399 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cefazolin inoculum effect in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of Cefazolin inoculum effect (CInE) among clinical MSSA isolates in Japan. Although 35.5 % (39 isolates) were positive for the blaZ gene, none met the phenotypic criteria for CInE. Our findings suggested a very low prevalence of CInE among MSSA isolates in our clinical setting. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManabeTadahiro en-aut-sei=Manabe en-aut-mei=Tadahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaOsamu en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Beta-lactamase kn-keyword=Beta-lactamase en-keyword=blaZ kn-keyword=blaZ en-keyword=Cefazolin kn-keyword=Cefazolin en-keyword=Inoculum effect kn-keyword=Inoculum effect en-keyword=Staphylococcus aureus kn-keyword=Staphylococcus aureus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=100 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=938 end-page=946.e1 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240613 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Virtual indigo carmine chromoendoscopy images: A novel modality for peroral cholangioscopy using artificial intelligence technology (with video) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Aims: Accurately diagnosing biliary strictures is crucial for surgical decisions, and although peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) aids in visual diagnosis, diagnosing malignancies or determining lesion margins via this route remains challenging. Indigo carmine is commonly used to evaluate lesions during GI endoscopy. We aimed to establish the utility of virtual indigo carmine chromoendoscopy (VICI) converted from POCS images using artificial intelligence.
Methods: This single-center, retrospective study analyzed 40 patients with biliary strictures who underwent POCS using white-light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). A cycle-consistent adversarial network was used to convert the WLI into VICI of POCS images. Three experienced endoscopists evaluated WLI, NBI, and VICI via POCS in all patients. The primary outcome was the visualization quality of surface structures, surface microvessels, and lesion margins. The secondary outcome was diagnostic accuracy.
Results: VICI showed superior visualization of the surface structures and lesion margins compared with WLI (P < .001) and NBI (P < .001). The diagnostic accuracies were 72.5%, 87.5%, and 90.0% in WLI alone, WLI and VICI simultaneously, and WLI and NBI simultaneously, respectively. WLI and VICI simultaneously tended to result in higher accuracy than WLI alone (P = .083), and the results were not significantly different from WLI and NBI simultaneously (P = .65).
Conclusions: VICI in POCS proved valuable for visualizing surface structures and lesion margins and contributed to higher diagnostic accuracy comparable to NBI. In addition to NBI, VICI may be a novel supportive modality for POCS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoRyosuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinugasaHideaki en-aut-sei=Kinugasa en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiyaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tomiya en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimotoTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Tanimoto en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtoAkimitsu en-aut-sei=Ohto en-aut-mei=Akimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKei en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriNao en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Nao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObataTaisuke en-aut-sei=Obata en-aut-mei=Taisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoKazuya en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoKosaku en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Kosaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasawaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Terasawa en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiYuki en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsutsumiKoichiro en-aut-sei=Tsutsumi en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriguchiShigeru en-aut-sei=Horiguchi en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoHironari en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Hironari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYoshiro en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yoshiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Business Strategy Division, Ryobi Systems Co, Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Business Strategy Division, Ryobi Systems Co, Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Business Strategy Division, Ryobi Systems Co, Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=820 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=137598 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240118 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neurogenesis impairment with glial activation in the hippocampus-connected regions of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-injected mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ) is impaired by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (icv-STZ) to rodents. Although neural cells in the several brain regions which connect with the hippocampus or SVZ is thought to be involved in the adult neurogenesis, few studies have investigated morphological alterations of glial cells in these areas. The present study revealed that icv-STZ induces reduction of neural progenitor cells and a dramatic increase in reactive astrocytes and microglia especially in the hippocampus and various hippocampus-connected brain areas. In contrast, there was no significant neuronal damage excluding demyelination of the stria medullaris. The results indicate the hippocampal neurogenesis impairment of this model might be occurred by activated glial cells in the hippocampus, or hippocampus-connected regions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MasaiKaori en-aut-sei=Masai en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaYuta en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinKotaro en-aut-sei=Shin en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaharaChiaki en-aut-sei=Sugahara en-aut-mei=Chiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiIkuko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuharaTakao en-aut-sei=Yasuhara en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateIsao en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsanumaMasato en-aut-sei=Asanuma en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Streptozotocin kn-keyword=Streptozotocin en-keyword=Adult neurogenesis kn-keyword=Adult neurogenesis en-keyword=Astrocyte kn-keyword=Astrocyte en-keyword=Microglia kn-keyword=Microglia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=25 article-no= start-page=e2322765121 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240612 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Argonaute-independent, Dicer-dependent antiviral defense against RNA viruses en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) is conserved from yeasts to mammals. Dicer recognizes and cleaves virus-derived double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and/or structured single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) into small-interfering RNAs, which guide effector Argonaute to homologous viral RNAs for digestion and inhibit virus replication. Thus, Argonaute is believed to be essential for antiviral RNAi. Here, we show Argonaute-independent, Dicer-dependent antiviral defense against dsRNA viruses using Cryphonectria parasitica (chestnut blight fungus), which is a model filamentous ascomycetous fungus and hosts a variety of viruses. The fungus has two dicer-like genes (dcl1 and dcl2) and four argonaute-like genes (agl1 to agl4). We prepared a suite of single to quadruple agl knockout mutants with or without dcl disruption. We tested these mutants for antiviral activities against diverse dsRNA viruses and ssRNA viruses. Although both DCL2 and AGL2 worked as antiviral players against some RNA viruses, DCL2 without argonaute was sufficient to block the replication of other RNA viruses. Overall, these results indicate the existence of a Dicer-alone defense and different degrees of susceptibility to it among RNA viruses. We discuss what determines the great difference in susceptibility to the Dicer-only defense. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoYukiyo en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yukiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=RNAi kn-keyword=RNAi en-keyword=Argonaute kn-keyword=Argonaute en-keyword=Dicer kn-keyword=Dicer en-keyword=fungal virus kn-keyword=fungal virus en-keyword=chestnut blight kn-keyword=chestnut blight END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=25 article-no= start-page=e2318150121 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240612 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Replication of single viruses across the kingdoms, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=It is extremely rare that a single virus crosses host barriers across multiple kingdoms. Based on phylogenetic and paleovirological analyses, it has previously been hypothesized that single members of the family Partitiviridae could cross multiple kingdoms. Partitiviridae accommodates members characterized by their simple bisegmented double-stranded RNA genome; asymptomatic infections of host organisms; the absence of an extracellular route for entry in nature; and collectively broad host range. Herein, we show the replicability of single fungal partitiviruses in three kingdoms of host organisms: Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Betapartitiviruses of the phytopathogenic fungusRosellinia necatrix could replicate in protoplasts of the carrot (Daucus carota), Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum, in some cases reaching a level detectable by agarose gel electrophoresis. Moreover, betapartitiviruses showed more robust replication than the tested alphapartitiviruses. One of the fungal betapartitiviruses, RnPV18, could persistently and stably infect carrot plants regenerated from virion-transfected protoplasts. Both alpha- and betapartitiviruses, although with different host preference, could replicate in two insect cell lines derived from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Our results indicate the replicability of single partitiviruses in members of three kingdoms and provide insights into virus adaptation, host jumping, and evolution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TelengechPaul en-aut-sei=Telengech en-aut-mei=Paul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HyodoKiwamu en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Kiwamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuwataRyusei en-aut-sei=Kuwata en-aut-mei=Ryusei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cross- kingdom infection kn-keyword=cross- kingdom infection en-keyword=partitivirus kn-keyword=partitivirus en-keyword=fungal virus kn-keyword=fungal virus en-keyword=Plantae kn-keyword=Plantae en-keyword=Animalia kn-keyword=Animalia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2497 end-page=2509 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240531 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Senescent Fibroblasts Potentiate Peritoneal Metastasis of Diffuse-type Gastric Cancer Cells via IL-8–mediated Crosstalk en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Aim: Diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) often forms peritoneal metastases, leading to poor prognosis. However, the underlying mechanism of DGC-mediated peritoneal metastasis is poorly understood. DGC is characterized by desmoplastic stroma, in which heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), including myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and senescent CAFs (sCAFs), play a crucial role during tumor progression. This study investigated the CAF subtypes induced by GC cells and the role of sCAFs in peritoneal metastasis of DGC cells. Materials and Methods: Conditioned medium of human DGC cells (KATOIII, NUGC-4) and human intestinal-type GC (IGC) cells (MKN-7, N87) was used to induce CAFs. CAF subtypes were evaluated by analyzing the expression of α–smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), and p16 in human normal fibroblasts (GF, FEF-3). A cytokine array was used to explore the underlying mechanism of GC-induced CAF subtype development. The role of sCAFs in peritoneal metastasis of DGC cells was analyzed using a peritoneally metastatic DGC tumor model. The relationships between GC subtypes and CAF-related markers were evaluated using publicly available datasets. Results: IGC cells significantly induced α-SMA+ myCAFs by secreting transforming growth factor–β, whereas DGC cells induced SA-β-gal+/p16+ sCAFs by secreting interleukin (IL)-8. sCAFs further secreted IL-8 to promote DGC cell migration. In vivo experiments demonstrated that co-inoculation of sCAFs significantly enhanced peritoneal metastasis of NUGC-4 cells, which was attenuated by administration of the IL-8 receptor antagonist navarixin. p16 and IL-8 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis of DGC patients. Conclusion: sCAFs promote peritoneal metastasis of DGC via IL-8–mediated crosstalk. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LIYUNCHENG en-aut-sei=LI en-aut-mei=YUNCHENG kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TAZAWAHIROSHI en-aut-sei=TAZAWA en-aut-mei=HIROSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NAGAIYASUO en-aut-sei=NAGAI en-aut-mei=YASUO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUJITASHUTO en-aut-sei=FUJITA en-aut-mei=SHUTO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OKURATOMOHIRO en-aut-sei=OKURA en-aut-mei=TOMOHIRO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SHOJIRYOHEI en-aut-sei=SHOJI en-aut-mei=RYOHEI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YAMADAMOTOHIKO en-aut-sei=YAMADA en-aut-mei=MOTOHIKO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KIKUCHISATORU en-aut-sei=KIKUCHI en-aut-mei=SATORU kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KURODASHINJI en-aut-sei=KURODA en-aut-mei=SHINJI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OHARATOSHIAKI en-aut-sei=OHARA en-aut-mei=TOSHIAKI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NOMAKAZUHIRO en-aut-sei=NOMA en-aut-mei=KAZUHIRO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NISHIZAKIMASAHIKO en-aut-sei=NISHIZAKI en-aut-mei=MASAHIKO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KAGAWASHUNSUKE en-aut-sei=KAGAWA en-aut-mei=SHUNSUKE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUJIWARATOSHIYOSHI en-aut-sei=FUJIWARA en-aut-mei=TOSHIYOSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Gastric cancer kn-keyword=Gastric cancer en-keyword=peritoneal metastasis kn-keyword=peritoneal metastasis en-keyword=senescent fibroblast kn-keyword=senescent fibroblast en-keyword=IL-8 kn-keyword=IL-8 en-keyword=CXCR1/2 kn-keyword=CXCR1/2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Switchable synthesis of 3-aminoindolines and 2′-aminoarylacetic acids using Grignard reagents and 3-azido-2-hydroxyindolines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The switchable synthesis of 3-aminoindolines and 2′-aminoaryl acetic acids from the same substrates, 3-azido-2-hydroxyindolines, was developed through denitrogenative electrophilic amination of Grignard reagents. The key to success is the serendipitous discovery that the reaction conditions, including solvents and reaction temperature, can affect the chemoselectivity. It is noteworthy that isotope-labeling experiments revealed the occurrence of the aziridine intermediate in the production of 2′-aminoaryl acetic acids. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamashiroToshiki en-aut-sei=Yamashiro en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240516 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of output factors of different radiotherapy planning systems using Exradin W2 plastic scintillator detector en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aims to evaluate the output factors (OPF) of different radiation therapy planning systems (TPSs) using a plastic scintillator detector (PSD). The validation results for determining a practical field size for clinical use were verified. The implemented validation system was an Exradin W2 PSD. The focus was to validate the OPFs of the small irradiation fields of two modeled radiation TPSs using RayStation version 10.0.1 and Monaco version 5.51.10. The linear accelerator used for irradiation was a TrueBeam with three energies: 4, 6, and 10 MV. RayStation calculations showed that when the irradiation field size was reduced from 10 × 10 to 0.5 × 0.5 cm2, the results were within 2.0% of the measured values for all energies. Similarly, the values calculated using Monaco were within approximately 2.0% of the measured values for irradiation field sizes between 10 × 10 and 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 for all beam energies of interest. Thus, PSDs are effective validation tools for OPF calculations in TPS. A TPS modeled with the same source data has different minimum irradiation field sizes that can be calculated. These findings could aid in verification of equipment accuracy for treatment planning requiring highly accurate dose calculations and for third-party evaluation of OPF calculations for TPS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AndoYasuharu en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Yasuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNatsuko en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkuhiroKawasaki en-aut-sei=Ikuhiro en-aut-mei=Kawasaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiriuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kiriu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Hiroshima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Hiroshima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Hiroshima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Plastic scintillator kn-keyword=Plastic scintillator en-keyword=Radiation therapy kn-keyword=Radiation therapy en-keyword=Small irradiation field kn-keyword=Small irradiation field en-keyword=Output factor kn-keyword=Output factor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=165 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106013 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Salivary buffering capacity is correlated with umami but not sour taste sensitivity in healthy adult Japanese subjects en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: Saliva serves multiple important functions crucial for maintaining a healthy oral and systemic environment. Among them, the pH buffering effect, which is primarily mediated by bicarbonate ions, helps maintain oral homeostasis by neutralizing acidity from ingested foods. Therefore, higher buffering capacity, reflecting the ability to neutralize oral acidity, may influence taste sensitivity, especially for sour taste since it involves sensing H+ ions. This study aims to explore the relationship between salivary buffering capacity and taste sensitivities to the five basic tastes in healthy adult humans.
Design: Eighty seven healthy adult students participated in this study. Resting saliva volume was measured using the spitting method. The liquid colorimetric test was used to assess salivary buffering capacity. The whole-mouth taste testing method was employed to determine the recognition threshold for each tastant (NaCl, sucrose, citric acid, quinine-HCl, monosodium glutamate).
Results: Taste recognition thresholds for sour taste as well as sweet, salty, and bitter tastes showed no correlation with salivary buffering capacity. Interestingly, a negative relationship was observed between recognition threshold for umami taste and salivary buffering capacity. Furthermore, a positive correlation between salivary buffering capacity and resting saliva volume was observed.
Conclusions: Salivary buffering capacity primarily influences sensitivity to umami taste, but not sour and other tastes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HyodoAiko en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikamiAyaka en-aut-sei=Mikami en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorieKengo en-aut-sei=Horie en-aut-mei=Kengo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitohYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Mitoh en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaYuzo en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaSeiji en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=taste recognition threshold kn-keyword=taste recognition threshold en-keyword=resting saliva kn-keyword=resting saliva en-keyword=bicarbonate kn-keyword=bicarbonate en-keyword=xerostomia kn-keyword=xerostomia en-keyword=TAS1R kn-keyword=TAS1R END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=391 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=249 end-page=267 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221122 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The medaka mutant deficient in eyes shut homolog exhibits opsin transport defects and enhanced autophagy in retinal photoreceptors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Eyes shut homolog (EYS) encodes a proteoglycan and the human mutation causes retinitis pigmentosa type 25 (RP25) with progressive retinal degeneration. RP25 most frequently affects autosomal recessive RP patients with many ethnic backgrounds. Although studies using RP models have facilitated the development of therapeutic medications, Eys has been lost in rodent model animals. Here we examined the roles for Eys in the maintenance of photoreceptor structure and function by generating eys-null medaka fish using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Medaka EYS protein was present near the connecting cilium of wild-type photoreceptors, while it was absent from the eys−/− retina. The mutant larvae exhibited a reduced visual motor response compared with wild-type. In contrast to reported eys-deficient zebrafish at the similar stage, no retinal cell death was detected in the 8-month post-hatching (8-mph) medaka eys mutant. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant reduction in the length of cone outer segments (OSs), retention of OS proteins in the inner segments of photoreceptors, and abnormal filamentous actin network at the base of cone OSs in the mutant retina by 8 mph. Electron microscopy revealed aberrant structure of calyceal processes, numerous vesiculation and lamellar interruptions, and autophagosomes in the eys-mutant cone photoreceptors. In situ hybridization showed an autophagy component gene, gabarap, was ectopically expressed in the eys-null retina. These results suggest eys is required for regeneration of OS, especially of cone photoreceptors, and transport of OS proteins by regulating actin filaments. Enhanced autophagy may delay the progression of retinal degeneration when lacking EYS in the medaka retina. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoKeita en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuYang en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Yang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhuchiHideyo en-aut-sei=Ohuchi en-aut-mei=Hideyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Eyes shut homolog kn-keyword=Eyes shut homolog en-keyword=Eys kn-keyword=Eys en-keyword=Retinitis pigmentosa kn-keyword=Retinitis pigmentosa en-keyword=RP25 kn-keyword=RP25 en-keyword=Cone photoreceptor kn-keyword=Cone photoreceptor en-keyword=Autophagy kn-keyword=Autophagy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Body-size-dependent predation by some jumping spider species (Araneae: Salticidae) on Tribolium castaneum (Coletptera: Tenebrionidae) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We examined the predation of two synanthropic jumping spiders, Hasarius adansoni (Araneae: Salticidae) and Plexippus paykulli (Araneae: Salticidae), on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coletptera: Tenebrionidae), a grain storage pest, that is sometimes found with these species to determine whether the predatory success of synanthropic and grassland jumping spiders on T. castaneum differs. We examined the predation of two synanthropic and three grassland jumping spiders on T. castaneum adults and larvae. We found that the two synanthropic species preyed on T. castaneum adults and larvae, while the three grassland species never attacked T. castaneum adults. The success or failure of predation on T. castaneum adults also depended on the body size of the jumping spiders. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HayashiToma en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Toma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumuraKentarou en-aut-sei=Matsumura en-aut-mei=Kentarou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyatakeTakahisa en-aut-sei=Miyatake en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Skeletal Formation of Carbocycles with CO2: Selective Synthesis of Indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles or Cyclophanes from Indoles, CO2, and Phenylsilane en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The catalytic reactions of indoles with CO2 and phenylsilane afforded indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles, where the fused benzene ring was constructed by forming two C–H bonds and four C–C bonds with two CO2 molecules via deoxygenative conversions. Nine-membered cyclophanes made up of three indoles and three CO2 molecules were also obtained, where the cyclophane framework was constructed by forming six C–H bonds and six C–C bonds. These multicomponent cascade reactions giving completely different carbocycles were switched simply by choosing the solvent, acetonitrile or ethyl acetate. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiSha en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Sha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaShoko en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiTaishin en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Taishin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataTakumi en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaishiKazuto en-aut-sei=Takaishi en-aut-mei=Kazuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EmaTadashi en-aut-sei=Ema en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=452 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=115613 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Photochemical synthesis and solvatochromic fluorescence behavior of imide-fused phenacenes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Chrysenes, picene, fulminene, modified with imide, bromo, and amino functionalities, were synthesized through Mallory photoreaction as the key step, and their electronic spectra were investigated. Fluorescence spectra of chrysene-diimide CHRDI and bromo-substituted phencanene-imides, BrCHRI, BrPICI, BrFULI were dependent on solvent polarity to display appreciable fluorescence color changes. The solvatofluorochromic behavior was analyzed by conventional relationships between Stokes shift and solvent polarity parameters, such as Lippert-Mataga and Bilot-Kawski equations. The results indicated that the solvatofluorochromism was derived from the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) nature in the excited state. Theoretical studies using time-dependent density-functional theory revealed that the phenacene-imide molecules in the fluorescent state possessed ICT characters between the strongly electron-withdrawing imide moiety and moderately electron-donating phenacene cores. Amino-substituted chrysene-imide NH2CHRI showed fluorescence band in a red region (λFL = 618 nm) in toluene with a very large Stokes shift (Δ nu= 7630 cm−1) suggesting that the molecule in the fluorescent state was highly polarized. The present results indicate that phenacenes would provide potential platforms for constructing future functional fluorophores through an appropriate functionalization. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NoseKeito en-aut-sei=Nose en-aut-mei=Keito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamajiMinoru en-aut-sei=Yamaji en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniFumito en-aut-sei=Tani en-aut-mei=Fumito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoKenta en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Gunma University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Phenacene kn-keyword=Phenacene en-keyword=Imide kn-keyword=Imide en-keyword=Fluorescence kn-keyword=Fluorescence en-keyword=Solvatofluorochromism kn-keyword=Solvatofluorochromism en-keyword=Intramolecular charge transfer kn-keyword=Intramolecular charge transfer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=88 end-page=97 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240228 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhancing effect of the coexisting alpha-tocopherol on quercetin absorption and metabolism en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The aim of this study is to investigate the modulating effect of coexisting food components on the absorption and metabolism of quercetin and blood plasma antioxidant potentials. The combination of quercetin with α-tocopherol (αT), cellulose, or a commercially available vegetable beverage containing αT and dietary fiber was orally administered to mice. Compared to the single administration of quercetin aglycone, the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly increased the plasma quercetin concentration at 0.5 h, whereas the combination of quercetin and cellulose decreased it. Interestingly, the administration of quercetin mixed with the vegetable beverage showed no significant change in the quercetin concentration in the mice plasma. The treatment of the cells with the blood plasma after the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly upregulated the gene expression of the antioxidant enzyme (heme oxygenase-1), whereas the quercetin and cellulose combination did not. In the plasma of the quercetin-administered mice, eight types of quercetin metabolites were detected, and their quantities were affected by the combination with αT. The potentials of the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression by these metabolites were very limited, although several metabolites showed radical scavenging activities comparable to aglycone in the in vitro assays. These results suggested that the combination of αT potentiates the quercetin absorption and metabolism and thus the plasma antioxidant potentials, at least in part, by the quantitative changes in the quercetin metabolites. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MitsuzaneRikito en-aut-sei=Mitsuzane en-aut-mei=Rikito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkuboReiko en-aut-sei=Okubo en-aut-mei=Reiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishikawaMiyu en-aut-sei=Nishikawa en-aut-mei=Miyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkushiroShinichi en-aut-sei=Ikushiro en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MunemasaShintaro en-aut-sei=Munemasa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=quercetin kn-keyword=quercetin en-keyword=metabolite kn-keyword=metabolite en-keyword=absorption kn-keyword=absorption en-keyword=metabolism kn-keyword=metabolism en-keyword=antioxidant activity kn-keyword=antioxidant activity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Sequential Paired Electrochemical Transformation of Styrene Oxide via Anodic Meinwald Rearrangement and Cathodic Nitro­methylation in an Electrochemical Flow Reactor with Catalytic Electrical Input en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Paired electrosynthesis, which utilize both anodic and cathodic events in electrolysis, enables attractive transformations with higher current efficiency than conventional electrosynthesis. The electrochemical flow technique has been widely employed to ensure stable reaction conditions and mitigate issues stemming from mass transfer. In this study, the electrochemical Meinwald rearrangement of styrene oxides was investigated, yielding aldehydes as intermediates, followed by the nitromethylation of aldehydes to produce β-nitro alcohols. These reactions were achieved with catalytic electrical input, enabling the conversion of various styrene oxides into the corresponding β-nitro alcohols. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagamineKanon en-aut-sei=Nagamine en-aut-mei=Kanon kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiChika en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunimotoShumpei en-aut-sei=Kunimoto en-aut-mei=Shumpei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=electrochemical organic synthesis kn-keyword=electrochemical organic synthesis en-keyword=paired electrolysis kn-keyword=paired electrolysis en-keyword=Meinwald rearrangement kn-keyword=Meinwald rearrangement en-keyword=nitromethylation kn-keyword=nitromethylation en-keyword=flow synthesis kn-keyword=flow synthesis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1828 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=148790 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Protective effect of scallop-derived plasmalogen against vascular dysfunction, via the pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis, in a novel mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease with cerebral hypoperfusion en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A strong relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dysfunction has been the focus of increasing attention in aging societies. In the present study, we examined the long-term effect of scallop-derived plasmalogen (sPlas) on vascular remodeling-related proteins in the brain of an AD with cerebral hypoperfusion (HP) mouse model. We demonstrated, for the first time, that cerebral HP activated the axis of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE)/phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3)/provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1)/nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), accounting for such cerebral vascular remodeling. Moreover, we also found that cerebral HP accelerated pSTAT3-mediated astrogliosis and activation of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, probably leading to cognitive decline. On the other hand, sPlas treatment attenuated the activation of the pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis independent of RAGE and significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, demonstrating the beneficial effect on AD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhaiYun en-aut-sei=Zhai en-aut-mei=Yun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FengTian en-aut-sei=Feng en-aut-mei=Tian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuXinran en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xinran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianZhihong en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Zhihong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuHaibo en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Haibo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakemotoMami en-aut-sei=Takemoto en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYumiko en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiTaijun en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Taijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TangYing en-aut-sei=Tang en-aut-mei=Ying kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer's disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer's disease en-keyword=Hypoperfusion kn-keyword=Hypoperfusion en-keyword=Cerebral vascular remodeling kn-keyword=Cerebral vascular remodeling en-keyword=Scallop-derived plasmalogen kn-keyword=Scallop-derived plasmalogen en-keyword=pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis kn-keyword=pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=036617 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240319 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of non-local near-resonant interactions of Rossby waves on formation of large-scale zonal flows in unforced two-dimensional turbulence on rotating sphere en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates the effect of nonlinear interactions of Rossby waves on large-scale zonal flow formation in two-dimensional turbulence on a rotating sphere. The coefficients of nonlinear interactions are first calculated. Then, the non-local, near-resonant, and non-local near-resonant interactions are investigated in detail. The results show that the formation of large-scale westward circumpolar zonal flows is directly caused by non-local energy transfer due to the three-wave near-resonant interactions of Rossby waves. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagimoriYusuke en-aut-sei=Hagimori en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObuseKiori en-aut-sei=Obuse en-aut-mei=Kiori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaMichio en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Michio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=120 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=128 end-page=134 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spontaneous regression of multiple solitary plasmacytoma harboring Epstein–Barr virus: a case report and literature review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a rare case of spontaneous regression (SR) in an elderly untreated patient with multiple solitary plasmacytoma (MSP). Diagnosis of MSP was confirmed through surgical resection of the left nasal cavity mass and subsequent biopsy of the right humerus. The patient was considered ineligible for chemotherapy due to poor performance status. At 3-month post-diagnosis, the patient’s condition worsened with deteriorating bone lesions and emergence of a new serum monoclonal protein. However, these clinical findings completely disappeared at 6 months, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography at 1 year confirmed complete metabolic remission. Notably, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were inversely correlated with tumor progression and remission. Pathological re-evaluation of the initial biopsy specimens revealed programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. In addition, tumor cells were infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) but were negative for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which is the most potent immune escape mechanism in tumor cells. While the mechanism underlying SR remains unclear, our findings suggest that host immune response as well as EBV infection may contribute to SR. Further studies are needed to elucidate the clinicopathologic mechanisms of tumor regression in plasma cell neoplasms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KitamuraWataru en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaMinori en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsekiAkiko en-aut-sei=Iseki en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuyamaShoichi en-aut-sei=Kuyama en-aut-mei=Shoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Otorhinolaryngology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=Plasmacytoma kn-keyword=Plasmacytoma en-keyword=Epstein–Barr virus kn-keyword=Epstein–Barr virus en-keyword=Spontaneous regression kn-keyword=Spontaneous regression END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=46 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=180 end-page=186 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exploration of urine metabolic biomarkers for new-onset, untreated pediatric epilepsy: A gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: The discovery of objective indicators for recent epileptic seizures will help confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy and evaluate therapeutic effects. Past studies had shortcomings such as the inclusion of patients under treatment and those with various etiologies that could confound the analysis results significantly. We aimed to minimize such confounding effects and to explore the small molecule biomarkers associated with the recent occurrence of epileptic seizures using urine metabolomics.
Methods: This is a multicenter prospective study. Subjects included pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years old with new-onset, untreated epilepsy, who had had the last seizure within 1 month before urine collection. Controls included healthy children aged 2 to 12 years old. Those with underlying or chronic diseases, acute illnesses, or recent administration of medications or supplements were excluded. Targeted metabolome analysis of spot urine samples was conducted using gas chromatography (GC)- and liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
Results: We enrolled 17 patients and 21 controls. Among 172 metabolites measured by GC/MS/MS and 41 metabolites measured by LC/MS/MS, only taurine was consistently reduced in the epilepsy group. This finding was subsequently confirmed by the absolute quantification of amino acids. No other metabolites were consistently altered between the two groups.
Conclusions: Urine metabolome analysis, which covers a larger number of metabolites than conventional biochemistry analyses, found no consistently altered small molecule metabolites except for reduced taurine in epilepsy patients compared to healthy controls. Further studies with larger samples, subjects with different ages, expanded target metabolites, and the investigation of plasma samples are required. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkiyamaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigusaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Saigusa en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueTakushi en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Takushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokorodaniChiho en-aut-sei=Tokorodani en-aut-mei=Chiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkiyamaMari en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MichiueRie en-aut-sei=Michiue en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriAtsushi en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HishinumaEiji en-aut-sei=Hishinuma en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataTakashi en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaHiroki en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKatsuhiro en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Katsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Laboratory of Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Neurology, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Shiga Medical Center for Children kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Amino acids kn-keyword=Amino acids en-keyword=Gas chromatography kn-keyword=Gas chromatography en-keyword=Liquid chromatography kn-keyword=Liquid chromatography en-keyword=Mass spectrometry kn-keyword=Mass spectrometry en-keyword=New-onset epilepsy kn-keyword=New-onset epilepsy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=358 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=142060 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Size, polyglycerol grafting, and net surface charge of iron oxide nanoparticles determine their interaction and toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The widespread application of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in environmental remediation has raised public concerns about their toxicity to aquatic organisms. Although appropriate surface modification can mitigate the ecotoxicity of NPs, the lack of polymer coating to inhibit toxicity completely and the insufficient knowledge about charge effect hinder the development of safe nanomaterials. Herein, we explored the potential of polyglycerol (PG) functionalization in alleviating the environmental risks of NPs. Iron oxide NPs (ION) of 20, 100, and 200 nm sizes (IONS, IONM and IONL, respectively) were grafted with PG to afford ION-PG. We examined the interaction of ION and ION-PG with Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and found that PG suppressed non-specific interaction of ION with C. elegans to reduce their accumulation and to inhibit their translocation. Particularly, IONS-PG was completely excluded from worms of all developmental stages. By covalently introducing sulfate, carboxyl and amino groups onto IONS-PG, we further demonstrated that positively charged IONS-PG-NH3+ induced high intestinal accumulation, cuticle adhesion and distal translocation, whereas the negatively charged IONS-PG-OSO3– and IONS-PG-COO– were excreted out. Consequently, no apparent deleterious effects on brood size and life span were observed in worms treated by IONS-PG and IONS-PG bearing negatively charged groups. This study presents new surface functionalization approaches for developing ecofriendly nanomaterials. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZouYajuan en-aut-sei=Zou en-aut-mei=Yajuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShikanoYutaka en-aut-sei=Shikano en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinaYuta en-aut-sei=Nishina en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomatsuNaoki en-aut-sei=Komatsu en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=Kage-NakadaiEriko en-aut-sei=Kage-Nakadai en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraMasazumi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Masazumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nutrition, Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=iron oxide nanoparticles kn-keyword=iron oxide nanoparticles en-keyword=polyglycerol functionalization kn-keyword=polyglycerol functionalization en-keyword=C. elegans kn-keyword=C. elegans en-keyword=accumulation kn-keyword=accumulation en-keyword=distribution kn-keyword=distribution en-keyword=toxicity kn-keyword=toxicity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=76 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=476 end-page=485 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Perioperative and Postoperative Continuous Nutritional Counseling Improves Quality of Life of Gastric Cancer Patient Undergoing Gastrectomy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Post-gastrectomy syndrome (PGS) and body weight loss (BWL) decrease quality of life (QOL) and survival of the patient undergoing gastrectomy. We have introduced perioperative and post-discharge continuous nutritional counseling (CNC) to prevent BWL and improve QOL after gastrectomy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CNC on QOL using the Post-gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Eighty-three patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent curative gastrectomy between March 2018 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received either pre-discharge nutritional counseling alone (control group, n = 45) or CNC (CNC group, n = 38) after gastrectomy. QOL at 12 months after gastrectomy was compared between the two groups. In QOL assessment, change in body weight (−7.98% vs. −12.77%, p = 0.0057), ingested amount of food per meal (7.00 vs. 6.07, p = 0.042) and ability for working (1.89 vs. 2.36, p = 0.049) were significantly better in CNC group than control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that CNC was a significantly beneficial factor for abdominal pain subscale (p = 0.028), diarrhea subscale (p = 0.047), ingested amount of food per meal (p = 0.012), Ability for working (p = 0.031) and dissatisfaction at the meal (p = 0.047). Perioperative and postoperative CNC could improve QOL in the patient undergoing gastrectomy in addition to preventing postoperative BWL. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HanzawaShunya en-aut-sei=Hanzawa en-aut-mei=Shunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuchiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaShinji en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShojiRyohei en-aut-sei=Shoji en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KashimaHajime en-aut-sei=Kashima en-aut-mei=Hajime kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiYuki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiAyako en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakiuchiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Kakiuchi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeShunsuke en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShikataKenichi en-aut-sei=Shikata en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Clinical Nutrition, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Clinical Nutrition, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=143 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=110894 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=First-principles molecular dynamics simulations for the properties of boron-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Based on first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations combined with a liquid quenching method, we study the effects of boron doping at 0 %, 2 %, 4 %, 6 % on the properties of tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) with an initial density of 3.0 g/cm3. The results of bond structures and internal stress show the promotion of graphitization with increase in the concentration of boron doping. In addition, simulation of electronic states reveals that the Fermi level shifts to valence band and the intensity of density of electronic states near Fermi level increases with the boron concentration increasing. A covalent bond formation between carbon and boron atoms is also shown by analyzing projected densities of electronic states (PDOS) and electron density distribution. The results of electronic state and bond formation strongly indicate that the boron-doped ta-C is like a p-type semiconductor. The present simulation results provide useful information for deeper understanding on the physical properties of boron-doped ta-C. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YueQiang en-aut-sei=Yue en-aut-mei=Qiang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyaTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yokoya en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaYuji en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Boron-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon kn-keyword=Boron-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon en-keyword=First-principles molecular dynamics kn-keyword=First-principles molecular dynamics en-keyword=Liquid quenching method kn-keyword=Liquid quenching method END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=8074 end-page=8082 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240405 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Engineering Interconnected Open-Porous Particles via Microfluidics Using Bijel Droplets as Structural Templates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Designing porous structures is key in materials science, particularly for separation, catalysis, and cell culture systems. Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels represent a unique class of soft matter formed by kinetically arresting the separation of the spinodal decomposition phase, which is stabilized by colloidal particles with neutral wetting. This study introduces a microfluidic technique to create highly interconnected open-porous particles using bijel droplets stabilized with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified silica particles. Monodisperse droplets comprising a hydrophobic monomer, water, ethanol, silica particles, and CTAB were initially formed in the microfluidic device. The diffusion of ethanol from these droplets into the continuous cyclohexane phase triggered spinodal decomposition within the droplets. The phase-separated structure within the droplets was stabilized by the CTAB-modified silica particles, and subsequent photopolymerization yielded microparticles with highly interconnected, open pores. Moreover, the influence of the ratio of the CTAB and silica particles, fluid composition, and microchannel direction on the final structure of the microparticles was explored. Our findings indicated that the phase-separated structure of the particles transitioned from oil-in-water to water-in-oil as the CTAB/silica ratio was increased. At intermediate CTAB/silica ratios, microparticles with bicontinuous structures were formed. Regardless of the fluid composition, the pore size of the particles increased with time after phase separation. However, this coarsening was arrested 15 s after droplet formation in the CTAB-modified silica particles, accompanied by a change in the particle shape from spherical to ellipsoidal. In situ observations of the bijel droplet formation revealed that the particle shape deformation is caused by the rolling of elastic bijel droplets at the bottom of the microchannel. As such, the channel setup was altered from horizontal to vertical to prevent the deformation of bijel droplets, resulting in spherical particles with open pores. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MasaokaMina en-aut-sei=Masaoka en-aut-mei=Mina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakaichi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Takaichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoTsutomu en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1314 end-page=1328 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Wetting property of Fe‐S melt in solid core: Implication for the core crystallization process in planetesimals en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In differentiated planetesimals, the liquid core starts to crystallize during secular cooling, followed by the separation of liquid–solid phases in the core. The wetting property between liquid and solid iron alloys determines whether the core melts are trapped in the solid core or they can separate from the solid core during core crystallization. In this study, we performed high-pressure experiments under the conditions of the interior of small bodies (0.5–3.0 GPa) to study the wetting property (dihedral angle) between solid Fe and liquid Fe-S as a function of pressure and duration. The measured dihedral angles are approximately constant after 2 h and decrease with increasing pressure. The dihedral angles range from 30° to 48°, which are below the percolation threshold of 60° at 0.5–3.0 GPa. The oxygen content in the melt decreases with increasing pressure and there are strong positive correlations between the S + O or O content and the dihedral angle. Therefore, the change in the dihedral angle is likely controlled by the O content of the Fe-S melt, and the dihedral angle tends to decrease with decreasing O content in the Fe-S melt. Consequently, the Fe-S melt can form interconnected networks in the solid core. In the obtained range of the dihedral angle, a certain amount of the Fe-S melt can stably coexist with solid Fe, which would correspond to the “trapped melt” in iron meteorites. Excess amounts of the melt would migrate from the solid core over a long period of core crystallization in planetesimals. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsubaraShiori en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Shiori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasakiHidenori en-aut-sei=Terasaki en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinoTakashi en-aut-sei=Yoshino en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UrakawaSatoru en-aut-sei=Urakawa en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumitoriDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yumitori en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=564 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=121937 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Synthesis and characterization of iron(II) complex with unsymmetrical heterocyclic (2-pyridyl)(4-imidazolyl)azine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A new iron(II) complex bearing unsymmetrical azine, [Fe(HLH)2](PF6)2·H2O·MeCN (HLH = 2-pyridylmethylidenehydrazono(4-imidazolyl)methane), was synthesized exclusively by a reaction of 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde, 1H-imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde, hydrazine monohydrate and FeCl2·4H2O (in a molar ratio of 2:2:2:1) in methanol, followed by the addition of an aqueous NH4PF6 solution. It was characterized using spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis, magnetic measurement, and cyclic voltammetry. The molecular and crystal structure of the compound was revealed by X-ray analysis, where an iron(II) ion was surrounded by two HLH azines with a planar E(py),Z(im) conformation, and tridentate κ3N,N’,N” coordination mode, forming a monomeric six-coordinated and diamagnetic complex. The complex cations were linked by water molecules via intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the imidazole N−H and the neighboring uncoordinated azine-N atom, forming a 1D chain structure. The selective formation of this unsymmetrical azine (HLH) from a stoichiometric mixture of the components would result from the steric preference of the five- and six-membered chelate rings by the 2-pyridyl and 4-imidazolyl azine moieties, respectively, with the E(py),Z(im) configuration. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HayiborKennedy Mawunya en-aut-sei=Hayibor en-aut-mei=Kennedy Mawunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunatsukiYukinari en-aut-sei=Sunatsuki en-aut-mei=Yukinari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil= kn-affil= en-keyword=(Pyridyl)(imidazolyl)azine kn-keyword=(Pyridyl)(imidazolyl)azine en-keyword=Aldazines kn-keyword=Aldazines en-keyword=Iron(II) complex kn-keyword=Iron(II) complex en-keyword=Crystal structure kn-keyword=Crystal structure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=245 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=14 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240130 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Experimental apparatus for detection of radiative decay of 229Th isomer from Th-doped CaF2 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Among all the nuclei, Thorium-229 has the lowest excited level at approximately 8.3 eV. This level is an isomeric state with a long radiative lifetime. Therefore, 229Th can be excited to the isomeric state using a vacuum ultraviolet laser and is expected to have applications such as in frequency standards. Our group has been conducting experiments to excite 229Th to the isomeric state via the second excited state using the high-intensity X-ray beam available at the SPring-8 facility. To detect vacuum ultraviolet photons from the isomeric state of 229Th, a dedicated apparatus was constructed. We employed 229Th-doped CaF2 crystals as the irradiation target. Because these targets emit numerous scintillation photons due to nuclear decay and X-ray beam irradiation, detectors are required to significantly reduce these background events. To achieve this, we adopted dichroic mirrors and a photomultiplier tube for detecting scintillation photons by nuclear decay, in addition to a solar-blind photomultiplier tube for detecting decay photons from the isomeric state of 229Th. In this proceedings paper, we describe the experimental apparatus used in the beamtime in 2023. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HirakiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Hiraki en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=229Th kn-keyword=229Th en-keyword=Isomeric state kn-keyword=Isomeric state en-keyword=Vacuum ultraviolet light kn-keyword=Vacuum ultraviolet light en-keyword=X-ray beam kn-keyword=X-ray beam en-keyword=SPring-8 kn-keyword=SPring-8 en-keyword=Detector kn-keyword=Detector END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=240 end-page=246 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-term outcomes of lung transplantation requiring renal replacement therapy: A single-center experience en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background
Life-long immunosuppressive therapy after lung transplantation (LT) may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). We aimed to investigate the characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing LT and requiring RRT.

Methods
This study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into the RRT (n = 15) and non-RRT (n = 170) groups. We summarized the clinical features of patients in the RRT group and compared patient characteristics, overall survival, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)-free survival between the two groups.

Results
The cumulative incidences of ESRD requiring RRT after LT at 5, 10, and 15 years were 0.8 %, 7.6 %, and 25.2 %, respectively. In the RRT group, all 15 patients underwent hemodialysis but not peritoneal dialysis, and two patients underwent living-donor kidney transplantation. The median follow-up period was longer in the RRT group than in the non-RRT group (P < 0.001). The CLAD-free survival and overall survival did not differ between the two groups. The 5-year survival rate even after the initiation of hemodialysis was 53.3 %, and the leading cause of death in the RRT group was infection.

Conclusions
Favorable long-term outcomes can be achieved by RRT for ESRD after LT. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TomiokaYasuaki en-aut-sei=Tomioka en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiotaniToshio en-aut-sei=Shiotani en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChoshiHaruki en-aut-sei=Choshi en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaMegumi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniShinji en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation en-keyword=Dialysis kn-keyword=Dialysis en-keyword=Living-donor kidney transplantation kn-keyword=Living-donor kidney transplantation en-keyword=End -stage renal disease kn-keyword=End -stage renal disease en-keyword=Renal replacement therapy kn-keyword=Renal replacement therapy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=63 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=03SP03 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240207 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of transducer for cryogenic actuators by equivalent circuit model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cryogenic environments are increasingly used in scientific and industrial fields. Recently, cryogenic environments are also used for storage and supply of liquid hydrogen, which is considered essential for the realization of a decarbonized society. Actuators to drive a valve that controls such a low-temperature fluid are required. In this study, a piezoelectric transducer that can be driven in the cryogenic environment has been fabricated and evaluated. Although the performance of piezoelectric elements degrades at cryogenic temperatures in general, the application of a preload can suppress the degradation of performance. Equivalent circuits were used for evaluation, and force factors and figures of merit were compared. As a result, the force factor was as high as that at RT even at cryogenic temperatures, and a high figure of merit was obtained. The result indicates that the transducer can be used for the driving of micro actuator at cryogenic temperature. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuboKazuki en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagiKairi en-aut-sei=Yagi en-aut-mei=Kairi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaTakefumi en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Takefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasudaKoa en-aut-sei=Yasuda en-aut-mei=Koa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakimotoShuichi en-aut-sei=Wakimoto en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cryogenic kn-keyword=cryogenic en-keyword=ultrasonic kn-keyword=ultrasonic en-keyword=piezoelectric kn-keyword=piezoelectric en-keyword=transducer kn-keyword=transducer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=322 end-page=328 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of attenuation correction method for head holder in brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Head holder attenuation affects brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image quality. Here, we proposed a head holder-attenuation correction (AC) method using attenuation coefficient maps calculated by Chang’s method from CT images. Then, we evaluated the effectiveness of the head holder-AC method by numerical phantom and clinical cerebral perfusion SPECT studies. In the numerical phantom, the posterior counts were 10.7% lower than the anterior counts without head holder-AC method. However, by performing head holder-AC, the posterior count recovered by approximately 6.8%, approaching the true value. In the clinical study, the normalized count ratio was significantly increased by performing the head holder-AC method in the posterior-middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery and cerebellum regions. There were no significant increases in other regions. The head holder-AC method can correct the counts attenuated by the head holder. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamazakiYuta en-aut-sei=Yamazaki en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=ivision of Radiological Technology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Canon Medical Systems Corporation kn-affil= en-keyword=Attenuation correction kn-keyword=Attenuation correction en-keyword=Brain perfusion kn-keyword=Brain perfusion en-keyword=Head holder kn-keyword=Head holder en-keyword=Single-photon emission computed tomography kn-keyword=Single-photon emission computed tomography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1756 end-page=1764 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Synthetic strategies for the construction of C3–N1′ bisindoles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=C3–N1′ bisindoles are unique structures, and the construction of these structures has drawn much attention. However, their synthesis still presents significant challenges that limit the functional group compatibility. This minireview summarizes the recent progress in the methodology for constructing C3–N1′ bisindoles. There are two approaches for access to C3–N1′ bisindoles: (1) direct approaches including reverse polarity techniques. (2) Stepwise approaches using designed and prefunctionalized substrates enable further functionalization by additional reactions to facilitate access to the target products. I believe that this review will allow its readers to develop novel approaches for the synthesis of C3–N1′ bisindoles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The authorship of teachers: jissen kiroku as the core of professionalism in Japanese jugyo kenkyu en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the significance of teacher authorship (jissen kiroku) developed during jugyo kenkyu. Specifically, it explores the structural conditions of jugyo kenkyu that enabled the flourishing of jissen kiroku.

Design/methodology/approach
To find how jissen kiroku developed in jugyo kenkyu, this paper settled triad of authors-text-readers as the analytical perspective. Disputes through 1960s–1980s are adequate to inquire because it can elucidate how readers read jissen kiroku, which is typically challenging to observe.

Findings
Jissen kiroku is a powerful tool for semantically preserving, reconstructing and consolidating professional values and knowledge in jugyo kenkyu with deepening connoisseurship. Voluntary educational research associations (VERAs) encourage teachers to write and read jissen kiroku to develop their professionalism, which also helped develop exclusive semantics within the field. These developments were possible due to the public nature of jissen kiroku, disseminated to lesson study (LS) actors, thereby strengthening discussions both inside and outside VERAs.

Research limitations/implications
The paper proposes shift in views on educational science and emphasizes authorship as authority in that professionalism of teaching can be protected and elevated through authoring.

Originality/value
The significant roles of writing practice have not been explored enough. This paper finds the value of authorship in terms of public nature and openness to all teachers which enable the enhancement of professionalism of the LS field. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoYuichi en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Yuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Jugyo kenkyu kn-keyword=Jugyo kenkyu en-keyword=Jissen kiroku kn-keyword=Jissen kiroku en-keyword=Authorship kn-keyword=Authorship en-keyword=Voluntary educational research associations kn-keyword=Voluntary educational research associations en-keyword=Semantic preservation and reconstruction kn-keyword=Semantic preservation and reconstruction en-keyword=Connoisseurship kn-keyword=Connoisseurship END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=46 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=536 end-page=541 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240119 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A comparison between the adverse event profiles of patients receiving palbociclib and abemaciclib: analysis of two real-world databases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Palbociclib and abemaciclib are cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors currently used to treat breast cancer. Although their therapeutic efficacies are considered comparable, differences in adverse event (AE) profiles of the two drugs remain unclear.
Aim We analysed two real-world databases, the World Health Organization’s VigiBase and the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), to identify differences in AE profiles of palbociclib and abemaciclib.
Method Data of patients with breast cancer receiving palbociclib or abemaciclib recorded until December 2022 were extracted from the VigiBase and FAERS databases. In total, 200 types of AEs were analysed. The reporting odds ratios were calculated using a disproportionality analysis.
Results Cytopenia was frequently reported in patients receiving palbociclib, whereas interstitial lung disease and diarrhoea were frequently reported in those receiving abemaciclib. Moreover, psychiatric and nervous system disorders were more common in the palbociclib group, whereas renal and urinary disorders were more common in the abemaciclib group.
Conclusion This study is the first to show comprehensively the disparities in the AE profiles of palbociclib and abemaciclib. The findings highlight the importance of considering these differences when selecting a suitable CDK4/6 inhibitor to ensure safe and favourable outcomes for patients with breast cancer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakedaTatsuaki en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Tatsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoShiho en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoJun en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNaohiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamotoAkihiko en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiAya Fukuma en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Aya Fukuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamanoHirofumi en-aut-sei=Hamano en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AriyoshiNoritaka en-aut-sei=Ariyoshi en-aut-mei=Noritaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Personalized Medicine and Preventive Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Abemaciclib kn-keyword=Abemaciclib en-keyword=Adverse event kn-keyword=Adverse event en-keyword=Breast cancer kn-keyword=Breast cancer en-keyword=Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor kn-keyword=Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor en-keyword=Palbociclib kn-keyword=Palbociclib END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=e202302963 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240108 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=On Demand Synthesis of C3−N1’ Bisindoles by a Formal Umpolung Strategy: First Total Synthesis of (±)‐Rivularin A en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this work, a straightforward synthesis of C3−N1’ bisindolines is achieved by a formal umpolung strategy. The protocols were tolerant of a wide variety of substituents on the indole and indoline ring. In addition, the C3−N1’ bisindolines could be converted to C3−N1’ indole-indolines and C3−N1’-bisindoles. Also, we have successfully synthesized (±)-rivularin A through a biomimetic late-stage tribromination as a key step. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=C3-N1' bisindoles kn-keyword=C3-N1' bisindoles en-keyword=bromination kn-keyword=bromination en-keyword=umpolung kn-keyword=umpolung en-keyword=rivularin A kn-keyword=rivularin A en-keyword=alkaloid kn-keyword=alkaloid END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=116 end-page=123 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240104 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Intercondylar notch width and osteophyte width impact meniscal healing and clinical outcomes following transtibial pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between intercondylar notch width (ICNW), osteophyte width (OW), and the healing of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) following arthroscopic pullout repair.
Methods: The study included 155 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who underwent transtibial pullout repair. Meniscal healing status was evaluated on second-look arthroscopy using a previously reported meniscus healing score. Patients were divided into two groups based on this score: the high healing score (group HH, healing score ≥ 8 points) and suboptimal healing score (group SO, healing score ≤ 6 points) groups. Computed tomography scans were performed on patients 1 week postsurgery. ICNW and OW widths were measured and relatively evaluated based on their ratio to the intercondylar distance (ICD), represented as the ICNW/ICD ratio (%) and OW/ICD ratio (%), respectively. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and on second-look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: There were no significant demographic differences between the SO and HH group (n = 35 and 120 patients, respectively). Regarding radiographic measurements, significant differences were observed in the ICNW/ICD ratio (group SO, 24.2%; group HH, 25.2%; p = 0.024), OW (group SO, 2.6 mm; group HH, 2.0 mm; p < 0.001), and OW/ICD ratio (group SO, 3.5%; group HH, 2.7%; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar preoperative clinical scores, but postoperative clinical scores, including KOOS-activities of daily living (group SO, 83.4; group HH, 88.7; p = 0.035) and VAS (group SO, 19.1; group HH, 11.3; p = 0.005), were significantly better in group HH.
Conclusion: The study suggests that ICNW and OW may play a crucial role in MMPRT healing following arthroscopic pullout repair, as evidenced by the worse clinical outcomes associated with a narrower ICNW and wider OW. These findings highlight the potential significance of ICNW and OW assessments when evaluating meniscal repair indications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=XueHaowei en-aut-sei=Xue en-aut-mei=Haowei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=intercondylar notch width kn-keyword=intercondylar notch width en-keyword=intercondylar osteophyte kn-keyword=intercondylar osteophyte en-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tear kn-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tear en-keyword=transtibial pullout repair kn-keyword=transtibial pullout repair END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=64 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=532 end-page=542 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=pSPICA Force Field Extended for Proteins and Peptides en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Many coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) studies have been performed to investigate biological processes involving proteins and lipids. CG force fields (FFs) in these MD studies often use implicit or nonpolar water models to reduce computational costs. CG-MD using water models cannot properly describe electrostatic screening effects owing to the hydration of ionic segments and thus cannot appropriately describe molecular events involving water channels and pores through lipid membranes. To overcome this issue, we developed a protein model in the pSPICA FF, in which a polar CG water model showing the proper dielectric response was adopted. The developed CG model greatly improved the transfer free energy profiles of charged side chain analogues across the lipid membrane. Application studies on melittin-induced membrane pores and mechanosensitive channels in lipid membranes demonstrated that CG-MDs using the pSPICA FF correctly reproduced the structure and stability of the pores and channels. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior of the highly charged nona-arginine peptides on lipid membranes changed with salt concentration, indicating the pSPICA FF is also useful for simulating protein adsorption on membrane surfaces. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyazakiYusuke en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinodaWataru en-aut-sei=Shinoda en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=53 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104348 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202402 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Multi-isotopic analysis of domestic burials from sin Cabezas, Escuintla, Guatemala en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We present the results from the stable isotope measurements of strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ 18O) in tooth enamel from 36 individuals from the site of Sin Cabezas, Escuintla, Guatemala. This is the first contribution of isotopic proveniencing from the Pacific Coast of Guatemala and offers new solid baseline reference data from a large archaeological sample. Although some outlier cases are identified, the high homogeneity is the most evident feature in the sample. Based on this homogeneity, we discuss a critical issue of baseline data between Teotihuacan and the Pacific Coast, where the material culture has indicated intimate cultural interactions. A critical overlap for both strontium and oxygen reference between the Mexican metropolis and the coastal region is pointed out. This is why detecting human movement between both regions is still elusive. A case study of a possible Mexican individual is introduced. We also assess the outlier cases in terms of proveniencing and add several osteobiographic notes for the most relevant cases whose origin could be seen among the Northern - Eastern part of the Guatemalan Highlands, the Soconusco border region, or Central Honduras. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiShintaro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=BarrientosTomás en-aut-sei=Barrientos en-aut-mei=Tomás kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MejíaHéctor en-aut-sei=Mejía en-aut-mei=Héctor kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PriceT. Douglas en-aut-sei=Price en-aut-mei=T. Douglas kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Centro de Investigaciones Arqueológicas y Antropológicas, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Transportadora de Energía de Centroamérica, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=University of Wisconsin kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=117 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=181 end-page=188 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Features of Patients With Second Primary Lung Cancer After Head and Neck Cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background In survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC), second primary lung cancer (SPLC) often develop as a result of a common risk factor, that is, smoking. A multicenter experience was reviewed to evaluate how the history of a diagnosis of HNC affects the outcomes of patients undergoing pulmonary resection for SPLC.
Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized between January 2012 and December 2018 was performed. From a cohort of 4521 patients undergoing therapeutic pulmonary resection for primary non-small cell lung cancer, 100 patients with a previous history of HNC (HNC group) were identified. These patients were compared with a control group consisting of 200 patients without an HNC history from the same cohort pair-matched with operating facility, age, sex, and pathologic stage of lung cancer.
Results At the time of surgery for SPLC, the HNC group showed malnutrition with a lower prognostic nutritional index compared with the control group (P < .001). The HNC group was determined to have postoperative complications more frequently (P = .02). The 5-year overall survival rates in the HNC and control groups were 59.0% and 83.2%, respectively (P < .001). Statistically, HNC history, lower prognostic nutritional index, squamous cell lung cancer, and TNM stage were identified to be independently associated with poor survival.
Conclusions Patients with SPLC after primary HNC often present with malnutrition and are predisposed to postoperative complications and poor survival after pulmonary resection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakatsuFumiaki en-aut-sei=Takatsu en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMototsugu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Mototsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayamaMakio en-aut-sei=Hayama en-aut-mei=Makio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoRyujiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Ryujiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiYuho en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Yuho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiya en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkitaRiki en-aut-sei=Okita en-aut-mei=Riki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=InokawaHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Inokawa en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tao en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiramiYuji en-aut-sei=Hirami en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaEisuke en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaMotohiro en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Motohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanoYoshifumi en-aut-sei=Sano en-aut-mei=Yoshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuuraMotoki en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Motoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizutaniHisao en-aut-sei=Mizutani en-aut-mei=Hisao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=221 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=125047 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Bayesian optimization of periodic multilayered slabs for passive absorptivity control en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A vanadium dioxide (VO2) film grown on a titanium oxide crystal shows a metal–insulator transition at room temperature with drastically changed optical properties. A multilayered slab with a sub-micron scale VO2 film was proposed to utilize its unique properties for passive intensity control of sunlight absorption and radiative cooling. Its optimal geometries were numerically explored using the Bayesian optimization (BO) method. BO was applied for three types of multilayered slabs, those having one, two, or three isolated slabs of different widths. For each type of multilayered slab, BO could optimize geometric variables with practical calculation times considering the total number of possible combinations of variables, which is subsequently referred to as the total number of candidates. Optimization results revealed that two isolated slabs had the most suitable spectral absorptivity in both hot and cold environments. The infrared absorptivity of the double slab was kept low in cold conditions to suppress radiative cooling. However, the double slab exhibited good radiative cooling performance under hot conditions. Electromagnetic energy density surrounding the slab illustrated that metallic VO2 and gold placed in a parallel manner excited the coupled mode of surface plasmon polaritons to enhance absorptivity. Radiative cooling faded for the triple slab because each slab could couple with radiation propagating only across a portion of the cross-sectional area. Through three BO trials, improvement of the VO2 visible reflectivity was recognized as a future issue for further development of passive sunlight absorption control. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Radiative cooling kn-keyword=Radiative cooling en-keyword=Sunlight absorption kn-keyword=Sunlight absorption en-keyword=Bayesian optimization kn-keyword=Bayesian optimization en-keyword=Vanadium dioxide kn-keyword=Vanadium dioxide en-keyword=Short-range surface plasmon polariton kn-keyword=Short-range surface plasmon polariton END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e12636 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in childhood obesity in Japan: A nationwide observational study from 2012 to 2021 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The persistent ascension of childhood obesity on a global scale constitutes a significant quandary. The prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan peaked in the early 2000s and has been reported to have declined since then, but recent data and its trend including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era are not available. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies examining the correlation between the trend in childhood obesity and exercise habits over the past decade. This study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of obesity, physical fitness, and exercise habits over the past 10 years in Japanese children. We investigated the prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan, using the School Health Statistics Survey data from 2012 to 2021. The dataset has a sample size representative of children nationwide and includes variables for obesity, such as height, weight, and age. Data were classified into groups by sex and age (6–8, 9–11, and 12–14 years age). Children weighing 20% or more of the standard body weight are classified as obese. The annual percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were estimated using the joinpoint regression model. We also examined the trends in the physical fitness test score and exercise time. Average annual percentage changes of boys increased, especially in the 6- to 8-year age group (3.4%–4.6%). For girls, average annual percentage changes had increased in 6- to 8-year (2.5%–4.0%) and 9- to 11-year (0.9%–2.2%) age groups. Since the late 2010s, significantly increasing annual percentage changes were observed in 12- to 14-year age boys (6.7%–8.9%) and girls of many age groups (2.6%–8.6%). The physical fitness test score and exercise time showed decreasing trends since the late 2010s. Childhood obesity may have generally risen in Japan, in the last decade. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity through school policies and curricula is necessary. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiwaraShintaro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=childhood obesity kn-keyword=childhood obesity en-keyword=epidemiology kn-keyword=epidemiology en-keyword=joinpoint regression analysis kn-keyword=joinpoint regression analysis en-keyword=paediatrics kn-keyword=paediatrics en-keyword=trend analysis kn-keyword=trend analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=237 end-page=249 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231222 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=International Trends in Adverse Drug Event-Related Mortality from 2001 to 2019: An Analysis of the World Health Organization Mortality Database from 54 Countries en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objective
Adverse drug events (ADEs) are becoming a significant public health issue. However, reports on ADE-related mortality are limited to national-level evaluations. Therefore, we aimed to reveal overall trends in ADE-related mortality across the 21st century on an international level.
Methods
This observational study analysed long-term trends in ADE-related mortality rates from 2001 to 2019 using the World Health Organization Mortality Database. The rates were analysed according to sex, age and region. North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Western Pacific regions were assessed. Fifty-four countries were included with four-character International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes in the database, population data in the World Population Prospects 2019 report, mortality data in more than half of the study period, and high-quality or medium-quality death registration data. A locally weighted regression curve was used to show international trends in age-standardised rates.
Results
The global ADE-related mortality rate per 100,000 population increased from 2.05 (95% confidence interval 0.92–3.18) in 2001 to 6.86 (95% confidence interval 5.76–7.95) in 2019. Mortality rates were higher among men than among women, especially in those aged 20–50 years. The population aged ≥ 75 years had higher ADE-related mortality rates than the younger population. North America had the highest mortality rate among the five regions. The global ADE-related mortality rate increased by approximately 3.3-fold from 2001 to 2019.
Conclusions
The burden of ADEs has increased internationally with rising mortality rates. Establishing pharmacovigilance systems can facilitate efforts to reduce ADE-related mortality rates globally. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IinumaShunya en-aut-sei=Iinuma en-aut-mei=Shunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoMichio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Michio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NiimuraTakahiro en-aut-sei=Niimura en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OsakiYuka en-aut-sei=Osaki en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraSayoko en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Sayoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=143 end-page=150 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Weight loss enhances meniscal healing following transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This study investigated the impact of weight change on the success of transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (MMPRTs).
Methods: The study included 129 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who had undergone transtibial pullout repair. The patients were screened between July 2018 and November 2021. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). MM extrusion (MME) and ΔMME (postoperative MME – preoperative MME) were calculated preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging.
Results: Patients were divided into weight loss (body mass index [BMI] decrease of at least 0.5 kg/m2 after primary repair; n = 63) and weight gain (BMI increase of at least 0.5 kg/m2; n = 66) groups. Both groups had similar demographic variables and preoperative clinical scores; patient-reported outcomes significantly improved postoperatively. The weight loss group had significantly greater improvement in KOOS–quality of life (weight loss, 29.4 ± 23.7; weight gain, 23.9 ± 27.6; p = 0.034), lower postoperative MME (weight loss, 3.9 ± 1.7 mm; weight gain, 4.2 ± 1.2 mm; p = 0.043) and lower ΔMME (weight loss, 0.8 ± 0.8 mm; weight gain, 1.2 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.002) than the weight gain group. Total arthroscopic healing scores (weight loss, 7.6 ± 1.0; weight gain, 7.2 ± 1.5; p = 0.048) and associated subscales, including anteroposterior bridging tissue width (weight loss, 4.0 ± 0.0; weight gain, 3.8 ± 0.7; p = 0.004) and MM posterior root stability (weight loss, 2.6 ± 0.7; weight gain, 2.4 ± 0.7; p = 0.041), significantly differed between the groups.
Conclusions: Weight loss was associated with better meniscal healing and less MME progression after MMPRT repair, highlighting the significance of weight management in individuals undergoing meniscal surgery. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical significance of weight loss in the success of transtibial pullout repair for MMPRTs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=clinical outcomes kn-keyword=clinical outcomes en-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tears kn-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tears en-keyword=transtibial pullout repair kn-keyword=transtibial pullout repair en-keyword=weight change kn-keyword=weight change END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=140 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=110514 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Molecular dynamics simulation of deposition of amorphous carbon films on sapphire surfaces en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The growth of amorphous carbon films on a sapphire surface was investigated using classical molecular dynamics simulation. The kinetic energy of carbon particles was set as 10 eV and ReaxFF potential was used to express the interaction between different kinds of particles. The results of the temperature distribution in both deposition time and deposition space are reported. Simulation results reveal that the grown amorphous carbon film consists of four regions, namely interlayer, low density, stable growth, and surface regions. In the interlayer region, the interlayer between substrate and pure carbon film is formed. In the low density region, a pure carbon film is grown while the film density decreases initially and then increases. In the stable growth region, the film density remains almost constant. The film density decreases rapidly in the surface region. The radial distribution function (RDF) analysis suggests that a structure similar to that of diamond exists in the stable growth region of the film. The lower film density in the low density and surface regions was interpreted to indicate the existence of abundant sp1 chain structures, which is supported by the depth profile of the sp fractions. The present results are in good agreement with previous experimental and simulation results and demonstrate the suitability of the ReaxFF potential in the simulation of amorphous carbon growth on sapphire substrate. Our study provides a good starting point for the simulation study of amorphous carbon films on sapphire substrates. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YueQiang en-aut-sei=Yue en-aut-mei=Qiang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyaTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yokoya en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaYuji en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Amorphous carbon kn-keyword=Amorphous carbon en-keyword=Sapphire substrate kn-keyword=Sapphire substrate en-keyword=Molecular dynamics simulation kn-keyword=Molecular dynamics simulation en-keyword=Empirical potential kn-keyword=Empirical potential END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=153 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=107623 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202311 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prediction of slip activity of crystal grains around semi-circular and semi-elliptical notches in thin-sheet specimens of pure titanium using formulated macroscopic stress distribution and crystal orientation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Thin metal sheets and wires are important materials for various devices used in electrical, mechanical, and medical fields. With the downsizing of these devices, demand for thinner sheets and wires has increased. Amongst the many metals available, pure titanium has been attracting much attention for use in medical and dental devices because of its good biocompatibility in addition to its light weight and high corrosion resistance. However, thin metal sheets and wires are usually polycrystalline materials and, with the downsizing of materials, there is a loss of homogeneity during deformations. Inhomogeneous deformation becomes significant in thin sheets and wires, owing to the different crystal orientations and geometries of crystal grains. Furthermore, the shapes of such devices are not uniform, unlike, say, a simple rod. Therefore, macroscopic stress and strain concentrations should be taken into consideration when designing these devices as they affect the localization of deformation and the resultant fracture. In this study, semi-circular and semi-elliptical notched specimens made of thin-sheet polycrystalline pure titanium are subjected to tensile testing. Inhomogeneous deformation caused by crystallographic slip is observed near the notch root. Analysis of the crystal orientation and observation of the slip line show that the slip initiation in crystal grains is affected by the macroscopic stress distribution and can be predicted from the slip activity calculated from both the critical resolved shear stress on the slip systems and the resolved shear stress acting on prospective slip planes obtained from the macroscopic multiaxial stress distribution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TadaNaoya en-aut-sei=Tada en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UemoriTakeshi en-aut-sei=Uemori en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoJunji en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Junji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Mechanical engineering kn-keyword=Mechanical engineering en-keyword=Microdevices made of thin metal sheet kn-keyword=Microdevices made of thin metal sheet en-keyword=Pure titanium kn-keyword=Pure titanium en-keyword=Deformation kn-keyword=Deformation en-keyword=Microscopic characterization and microanalysis kn-keyword=Microscopic characterization and microanalysis en-keyword=Plastic deformation kn-keyword=Plastic deformation en-keyword=Microscopic inhomogeneity and stress kn-keyword=Microscopic inhomogeneity and stress en-keyword=concentration kn-keyword=concentration en-keyword=Slip activity control kn-keyword=Slip activity control END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=210 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=154 end-page=161 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231015 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Negative correlations of mitochondrial DNA copy number in commercial frozen bull spermatozoa with the motility parameters after thawing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between mitochondrial content of commercial frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa and motility. Firstly, mitochondrial DNA copy number per spermatozoon (MDCN), mitochondrial content (MC), the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and motility parameters of frozen-thawed spermatozoa derived from five bulls were determined by using qPCR, flow cytometry and CASA, respectively, and analyzed the relationships. Results showed that all parameters examined, including MDCN, MC, HMMP, ROS and motility indicators, significantly differed among frozen spermatozoa from different bulls. Both MDCN and MC were negatively correlated with HMMP and motility indicators, but positively with ROS, of course, whereas there was a highly positive relationship between MDCN and MC. Secondly, when MDCN and MC were examined in frozen spermatozoa prepared at different points in the lives of four bulls, those did not correlate overall throughout their lives (1.3–14.3 years old), but did correlate significantly in two sires. From these results, we conclude that MDCN and MC of frozen spermatozoa differ among sires, and are negatively correlated with HMMP and sperm motility parameters, probably due to mitochondrial oxidative stress resulted in the presence of ROS, demonstrating that these appear to be useful markers to assess sires’ spermatozoa. It should be noted that the MDCN and MC of bull spermatozoa may not vary overall with the age of the sire, whereas those changes with age in some individuals and may affect sperm motility. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama Prefectural Center for Animal Husbandry and Research kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Spermatozoa kn-keyword=Spermatozoa en-keyword=Bulls kn-keyword=Bulls en-keyword=Mitochondrial content kn-keyword=Mitochondrial content en-keyword=Motility kn-keyword=Motility en-keyword=Frozen semen kn-keyword=Frozen semen END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1278 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=341723 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231016 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Determination of mass-dependent chromium isotopic compositions in geological samples by double spike-total evaporation-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (DS-TE-TIMS) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Chromium isotopes have been used to trace geochemical and cosmochemical processes in the past. However, the presence of multivalent Cr species has made it difficult to isolate Cr from geological samples, particularly for samples with a low Cr mass fraction.
Results: Here, a simple three-step ion exchange chromatography procedure is presented to separate Cr from various sample matrices, ranging from ultramafic to felsic rocks. Throughout each of the column chromatography step, 1 mL of cation exchange resin AG50W-X8 (200–400 mesh) was used as the stationary phase and oxalic acid as a chelating agent, was used in addition to the inorganic acids. This method yielded high recoveries of Cr [93 ± 8% (2SD, N = 7)] regardless of the lithology. The total procedural blank of Cr was <0.5 ng. We also developed a double spike-total evaporation-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (DS-TE-TIMS) technique that significantly reduced sample consumption to ∼20 ng of Cr per each measurement of mass-dependent 53Cr/52Cr.
Significance: This study achieved a 2SD external precision of 0.02‰ for the analysis of NIST NBS3112a and of 0.01–0.07‰ for the geological samples. This study enabled high-precision Cr isotope analysis in geological samples with various matrix and Cr compositions using relatively small sample volumes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RatnayakeDilan M. en-aut-sei=Ratnayake en-aut-mei=Dilan M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaRyoji en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Ryoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraEizo en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Eizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Cr isotopes kn-keyword=Cr isotopes en-keyword=DS-TE-TIMS kn-keyword=DS-TE-TIMS en-keyword=Cation exchange resin kn-keyword=Cation exchange resin en-keyword=Low blank kn-keyword=Low blank en-keyword=High precision kn-keyword=High precision END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=436 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=168319 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240301 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Molecular Property, Manipulation, and Potential Use of Opn5 and Its Homologs en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Animal opsin is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and binds retinal as a chromophore to form a photopigment. The Opsin 5 (Opn5) group within the animal opsin family comprises a diverse array of related proteins, such as Opn5m, a protein conserved across all vertebrate lineages including mammals, and other members like Opn5L1 and Opn5L2 found in non-mammalian vertebrate genomes, and Opn6 found in non-therian vertebrate genomes, along with Opn5 homologs present in invertebrates. Although these proteins collectively constitute a single clade within the molecular phylogenetic tree of animal opsins, they exhibit markedly distinct molecular characteristics in areas such as retinal binding properties, photoreaction, and G-protein coupling specificity. Based on their molecular features, they are believed to play a significant role in physiological functions. However, our understanding of their precise physiological functions and molecular characteristics is still developing and only partially realized. Furthermore, their unique molecular characteristics of Opn5-related proteins suggest a high potential for their use as optogenetic tools through more specialized manipulations. This review intends to encapsulate our current understanding of Opn5, discuss potential manipulations of its molecular attributes, and delve into its prospective utility in the burgeoning field of animal opsin optogenetics. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoKeita en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhuchiHideyo en-aut-sei=Ohuchi en-aut-mei=Hideyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Opn5 kn-keyword=Opn5 en-keyword=rhodopsin kn-keyword=rhodopsin en-keyword=optogenetics kn-keyword=optogenetics en-keyword=retinal protein kn-keyword=retinal protein en-keyword=non-image-forming opsin kn-keyword=non-image-forming opsin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=236 end-page=241 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relevance of complement immunity with brain fog in patients with long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction
This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with long COVID (coronavirus disease 2019), especially focusing on 50% hemolytic complement activity (CH50).

Methods
This retrospective observational study focused on patients who visited Okayama University Hospital (Japan) for the treatment of long COVID between February 2021 and March 2023. CH50 levels were measured using liposome immunometric assay (Autokit CH50 Assay, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Japan); high CH50 was defined as ≥59 U/mL. Univariate analyses assessed differences in the clinical background, long COVID symptoms, inflammatory markers, and clinical scores of patients with normal and high CH50. Logistic regression model investigated the association between high CH50 levels and these factors.

Results
Of 659 patients who visited our hospital, 478 patients were included. Of these, 284 (59.4%) patients had high CH50 levels. Poor concentration was significantly more frequent in the high CH50 group (7.2% vs. 13.7%), whereas no differences were observed in other subjective symptoms (fatigue, headache, insomnia, dyspnea, tiredness, and brain fog). Multivariate analysis was performed on factors that could be associated with poor concentration, suggesting a significant relationship to high CH50 levels (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–5.49). Also, high CH50 was significantly associated with brain fog (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04–2.66).

Conclusions
High CH50 levels were frequently reported in individuals with long COVID, indicating a relationship with brain fog. Future in-depth research should examine the pathological role and causal link between complement immunity and the development of long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukawaMasanori en-aut-sei=Furukawa en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Complement immunity kn-keyword=Complement immunity en-keyword=Complement system kn-keyword=Complement system en-keyword=Coronavirus disease 2019 kn-keyword=Coronavirus disease 2019 en-keyword=Inflammation kn-keyword=Inflammation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=75 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=102337 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Continued mycovirus discovery expanding our understanding of virus lifestyles, symptom expression, and host defense en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High-throughput sequencing technologies have greatly expanded the RNA virome in general and have led to an exponential increase in new fungal viruses, also known as mycoviruses. Mycoviruses are omnipresent in fungi and usually induce symptomless infections. Some mycoviruses infecting fungi pathogenic to plants, insects, and mammals are known to modify host virulence positively and negatively and attract particular interests. In addition, fungal viruses continue to provide intriguing research materials and themes that lead to discoveries of peculiar viruses as infectious entities and insights into virus evolution and diversity. In this review, we outline the diversity and neolifestyle of recently discovered fungal RNA viruses, and phenotypic alterations induced by them. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in research regarding the fungal antiviral defense and viral counterdefense, which are closely associated with host phenotype alterations. We hope that this article will enhance understanding of the interesting and growing fungal virology field. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoYukiyo en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yukiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=194 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e63525 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Radiological characteristics of skeletal growth in neonates and infants with achondroplasia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by a rhizomelic short stature. Radiological skeletal findings in pediatric and adult patients with ACH include short long bones, a relatively longer fibula compared to the tibia, a narrow lumbar interpedicular distance, and a hypoplastic iliac wing. Nonetheless, the characteristics of skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods have scarcely been explored. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the radiological skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods in 41 Japanese patients with genetically confirmed ACH. The length of long bones in the upper and lower limbs and the lumbar interpedicular distances at L1 and L4 were measured. These parameters showed significant positive correlations with age. The upper segment-to-lower segment ratio in the lower limbs resembled the data of healthy controls from previous reports. The L1/L4 and fibula/tibia ratios increased with age, suggesting that some representative skeletal phenotypes of ACH were less distinct during the neonatal and infantile periods. In conclusion, for the first time, this study radiologically characterized skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods of patients with genetically confirmed ACH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyaharaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AgoYuko en-aut-sei=Ago en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutagawaNatsuko en-aut-sei=Futagawa en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiYousuke en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Yousuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeTadashi en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Iwakuni Clinical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bone development kn-keyword=bone development en-keyword=dwarfism kn-keyword=dwarfism en-keyword=growth kn-keyword=growth en-keyword=infant kn-keyword=infant en-keyword=radiography kn-keyword=radiography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=307 end-page=316 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Significant delayed conduction and characteristic ventricular tachycardias in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and electrical storm en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Electrical storm (ES) of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) is an important cause of sudden death in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). VTAs in CS are associated with myocardial scarring and inflammation. However, little is known about the risk factors of ES in patients with CS and VTAs. The objective of this study is to clarify the characteristics and risk factors for the development of ES in patients with CS.
Methods: The study population included consecutive 52 patients with CS and sustained VTA. Twenty-five out of 52 patients experienced ES. We evaluated clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters to determine the risk factors associated with ES.
Results: Half of the patients experienced VTAs as the initial symptom of sarcoidosis, and eight patients had ES as the initial VTA episode. There were no differences in cardiac imaging abnormalities between patients with and without ES. Among ECG markers, significant QRS fragmentation (odds ratio [OR]: 7.9, p = .01) and epsilon waves (OR: 12.24, p = .02) were associated with ES. Among the ventricular tachycardia (VT) characteristics, multiple morphologies of monomorphic VTs (OR: 10.9, p < .01), short VT cycle lengths (OR: 12.5, p < .01), and polymorphic VT (OR: 13.5, p < .01) were associated with ES. Bidirectional VTs were detected in 10 patients with ES and one patient without ES. Immunosuppressive therapy relieved ES in some patients.
Conclusions: ES was common in patients with CS and VTAs. Significant depolarization abnormalities that appeared as QRS fragmentation, epsilon waves, and specific VT characteristics were associated with ES.
en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoritaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagawaKoji en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeokaAkira en-aut-sei=Ueoka en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoTomofumi en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Tomofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaTakuro en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Takuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaSaori en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Saori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoMasakazu en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Nishii en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= en-keyword=cardiac sarcoidosis kn-keyword=cardiac sarcoidosis en-keyword=ventricular tachycardia kn-keyword=ventricular tachycardia en-keyword=electrical storm kn-keyword=electrical storm en-keyword=ventricular fibrillation kn-keyword=ventricular fibrillation en-keyword=sudden cardiac death kn-keyword=sudden cardiac death END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=e202301130 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231219 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Concise Synthesis of Thiazolo[4,5-b]indoles via Ring Switch/Cyclization Sequences en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The unexpected reactions of indoline hemiaminals affords 2,5-diaryl-4-hydroxythiazolines through a thioamidation/ring switch sequence. The key to success of this transformation is to use a thioamide as a thiazoline precursor under transient tautomeric control. This transformation features mild reaction conditions and good yields with broad functional group tolerance (17 examples, up to 99 % yield). Further transformations of the thiazolines provide a direct entry to dihydrothiazolo[4,5-b]indoles and thiazolo[4,5-b]indoles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaKoji en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsubogoTetsu en-aut-sei=Tsubogo en-aut-mei=Tetsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanazawaHikaru en-aut-sei=Kanazawa en-aut-mei=Hikaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshizukaSayaka en-aut-sei=Ishizuka en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhyamaKoutaro en-aut-sei=Ohyama en-aut-mei=Koutaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaidaMasaki en-aut-sei=Kaida en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hemiaminals kn-keyword=hemiaminals en-keyword=indoles kn-keyword=indoles en-keyword=ring-switch kn-keyword=ring-switch en-keyword=thiazolo[4.5-b]indoles kn-keyword=thiazolo[4.5-b]indoles en-keyword=thioamides kn-keyword=thioamides END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1208 end-page=1219 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Nuclear Transformation of the Marine Pennate Diatom Nitzschia sp. Strain NIES-4635 by Multi-Pulse Electroporation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nitzschia is one of the largest genera of diatoms found in a range of aquatic environments, from freshwater to seawater. This genus contains evolutionarily and ecologically unique species, such as those that have lost photosynthetic capacity or those that live symbiotically in dinoflagellates. Several Nitzschia species have been used as indicators of water pollution. Recently, Nitzschia species have attracted considerable attention in the field of biotechnology. In this study, a transformation method for the marine pennate diatom Nitzschia sp. strain NIES-4635, isolated from the coastal Seto Inland Sea, was established. Plasmids containing the promoter/terminator of the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c binding protein gene (fcp, or Lhcf) derived from Nitzschia palea were constructed and introduced into cells by multi-pulse electroporation, resulting in 500 μg/mL nourseothricin-resistant transformants with transformation frequencies of up to 365 colonies per 108 cells. In addition, when transformation was performed using a new plasmid containing a promoter derived from a diatom-infecting virus upstream of the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp), 44% of the nourseothricin-resistant clones exhibited GFP fluorescence. The integration of the genes introduced into the genomes of the transformants was confirmed by Southern blotting. The Nitzschia transformation method established in this study will enable the transformation this species, thus allowing the functional analysis of genes from the genus Nitzschia, which are important species for environmental and biotechnological development. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkadaKoki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoYu en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiraishiYukine en-aut-sei=Shiraishi en-aut-mei=Yukine kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraTakashi en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MayamaShigeki en-aut-sei=Mayama en-aut-mei=Shigeki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadonoTakashi en-aut-sei=Kadono en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiMasao en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IfukuKentaro en-aut-sei=Ifuku en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NemotoMichiko en-aut-sei=Nemoto en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=The Advanced Support Center for Science Teachers, Tokyo Gakugei University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Diatom kn-keyword=Diatom en-keyword=Genetic transformation kn-keyword=Genetic transformation en-keyword=Nitzschia kn-keyword=Nitzschia en-keyword=Multi-pulse electroporation kn-keyword=Multi-pulse electroporation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=96 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=609 end-page=622 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231107 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Protective Effects of Rivaroxaban on White Matter Integrity and Remyelination in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Combined with Cerebral Hypoperfusion en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and memory loss that is accompanied by pathological changes to white matter. Some clinical and animal research revealed that AD combined with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) exacerbates AD progression by inducing blood-brain barrier dysfunction and fibrinogen deposition. Rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant, has been shown to reduce the rates of dementia in atrial fibrillation patients, but its effects on white matter and the underlying mechanisms are unclear.
Objective:The main purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of rivaroxaban on the white matter of AD+CCH mice.
Methods:In this study, the therapeutic effects of rivaroxaban on white matter in a mouse AD+CCH model were investigated to explore the potential mechanisms involving fibrinogen deposition, inflammation, and oxidative stress on remyelination in white matter.
Results:The results indicate that rivaroxaban significantly attenuated fibrinogen deposition, fibrinogen-related microglia activation, oxidative stress, and enhanced demyelination in AD+CCH mice, leading to improved white matter integrity, reduced axonal damage, and restored myelin loss.
Conclusions:These findings suggest that long-term administration of rivaroxaban might reduce the risk of dementia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BianZhihong en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Zhihong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuXinran en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xinran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuXia en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Xia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuHaibo en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Haibo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer’s disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer’s disease en-keyword=cerebral amyloid angiopathy kn-keyword=cerebral amyloid angiopathy en-keyword=chronic cerebral hypoperfusion kn-keyword=chronic cerebral hypoperfusion en-keyword=rivaroxaban kn-keyword=rivaroxaban en-keyword=white matter kn-keyword=white matter END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=42 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=227 end-page=237 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Flavor retention characteristics of amorphous solid dispersion of flavors, prepared by vacuum-foam- and spray-drying under different conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the powderization of flavoring substances, using an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technique, in which hydrophobic molecules are separately embedded in a water-soluble carrier matrix. Six flavors, five carrier forming materials (polyvinylpyrrolidone/disaccharides), two solvents (methanol/ethanol) and two drying methods (vacuum-foam-/spray-drying) were employed. The drying conditions for the two drying processes were first examined, and under the optimal drying conditions, various flavor-carrier combinations and compositions of ASD samples were prepared and their flavor retention after drying and during storage under a vacuum were compared. Results demonstrated that flavor loss during drying and storage was minimized when the material was vacuum-foam-dried with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Vacuum-foam-drying in the presence of α-maltose or palatinose also resulted in a greater retention of flavor during drying and storage than a typical O/W emulsification-based powderization. These findings suggest that the ASD-based powderization of flavoring materials is a feasible alternative to the currently used produces. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NittaYuna en-aut-sei=Nitta en-aut-mei=Yuna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHaruna en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Haruna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoRina en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Rina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImanakaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Imanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaNaoyuki en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Naoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImamuraKoreyoshi en-aut-sei=Imamura en-aut-mei=Koreyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Flavor kn-keyword=Flavor en-keyword=amorphous solid dispersion kn-keyword=amorphous solid dispersion en-keyword=vacuum foam drying kn-keyword=vacuum foam drying en-keyword=spray drying kn-keyword=spray drying en-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone kn-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone en-keyword=disaccharide kn-keyword=disaccharide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=125001 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231121 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Photoelectron holographic evidence for the incorporation site of Se and suppressed atomic displacement of the conducting layer of La(O,F)BiSSe en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=La(O,F)BiS2-xSex is a layered material that is considered to be a candidate exotic superconductor as well as a promising thermoelectrical material. We performed soft X-ray photoelectron holography to study the Se incorporation site and the local atomic arrangement of the conducting layer. A comparison of the experimental holograms with the simulated holograms indicates that Se atoms preferentially occupy the S sites in the conducting Bi–S plane of La(O,F)BiS2. A comparison between the state-of-the-art holographic reconstructions of La(O,F)BiSSe and La(O,F)BiS2 suggests that Se substitution suppresses the displacement of S atoms in La(O,F)BiS2. These results provide photoelectron holographic evidence for the Se incorporation site and the Se-induced suppression of in-plane disorder. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiYaJun en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=YaJun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunZeXu en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=ZeXu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SetoguchiTaro en-aut-sei=Setoguchi en-aut-mei=Taro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoYusuke en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSoichiro en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KogaShunjo en-aut-sei=Koga en-aut-mei=Shunjo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoshiKazuhisa en-aut-sei=Hoshi en-aut-mei=Kazuhisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizuguchiYoshikazu en-aut-sei=Mizuguchi en-aut-mei=Yoshikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakitaTakanori en-aut-sei=Wakita en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaYuji en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyaTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yokoya en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Engineering Research Center of Integrated Circuit Packaging and Testing, Ministry of Education, Tianshui Normal University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Physics, Tokyo Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Physics, Tokyo Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=photoelectron holography kn-keyword=photoelectron holography en-keyword=La(O,F)BiS2-x Se x kn-keyword=La(O,F)BiS2-x Se x en-keyword=local structure kn-keyword=local structure en-keyword=dopant site kn-keyword=dopant site END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=96 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=129536 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Direct evaluation of polarity of the ligand binding pocket in retinoid X receptor using a fluorescent solvatochromic agonist en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High selectivity of small-molecule drug candidates for their target molecule is important to minimize potential side effects. One factor that contributes to the selectivity is the internal polarity of the ligand-binding pocket (LBP) in the target molecule, but this is difficult to measure. Here, we first confirmed that the retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist 6-(ethyl(1-isobutyl-2-oxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-dihydroquinolin-7-yl)amino)nicotinic acid (NEt-iFQ, 1) exhibits fluorescence solvatochromism, i.e., its Stokes shift depends on the polarity of the solvent, and then we utilized this property to directly measure the internal polarity of the RXRα-LBP. The Stokes shift of 1 when bound to the RXRα-LBP corresponded to that of 1 in chloroform solution. This finding is expected to be helpful for designing RXR-selective ligands. A similar approach should be appliable to evaluate the internal polarity of the LBPs of other receptors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiuraKizuku en-aut-sei=Miura en-aut-mei=Kizuku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiharaMichiko en-aut-sei=Fujihara en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasaki en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakamuraYuta en-aut-sei=Takamura en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawasakiMayu en-aut-sei=Kawasaki en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoShogo en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakutaHiroki en-aut-sei=Kakuta en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=RXR kn-keyword=RXR en-keyword=Fluorescence kn-keyword=Fluorescence en-keyword=Solvatochromism kn-keyword=Solvatochromism en-keyword=Binding assay kn-keyword=Binding assay END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=65 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e15696 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Adverse reactions in young children receiving the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: We sought to investigate the occurrence of adverse reactions in Japanese children aged 6 months to 4 years who received the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, to examine parental considerations, and to evaluate potential risk factors associated with post-vaccination fever.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey study targeted 1617 children aged 6 months to 4 years who received their primary doses of BNT162b2 from November 10, 2022, to April 30, 2023, in Okayama Prefecture. We surveyed the occurrence of local and systemic reactions within 1 week after vaccination, and described the incidence proportions of adverse reactions for 515 participants overall and by age group. The study also examined the impact of previous COVID-19 infection and co-administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine on post-vaccination fever. A survey also assessed parents' reasons for vaccinating their children and the sources of information they used.
Results: Adverse reactions were infrequent (5.2%, with fever ≥37.5°C; no cases exceeded 39°C) and did not increase with vaccine doses administered. The risk of post-vaccination fever was not statistically associated with a history of COVID-19—the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) was 0.99, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.41–2.39—but was associated with co-administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine (aRR 3.24, 95% CI 1.14–9.18). Parental decisions regarding vaccination were influenced by official government guidelines and primary care physicians' opinion.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insight into the safety profile of the BNT162b2 vaccine in Japanese children aged 6 months to 4 years. Further research involving larger cohorts and appropriate control groups is needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuJunya en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Junya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYuji en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization, Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Aiiku Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=adverse reaction kn-keyword=adverse reaction en-keyword=BNT162b2 kn-keyword=BNT162b2 en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=vaccine kn-keyword=vaccine en-keyword=young children kn-keyword=young children END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=39 cd-vols= no-issue=44 article-no= start-page=15587 end-page=15596 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Analysis of Evaporation of Droplet Pairs by a Quasi-Steady-State Diffusion Model Coupled with the Evaporative Cooling Effect en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Multidroplet evaporation is a common phase-change phenomenon not only in nature but also in many industrial applications, including inkjet printing and spray cooling. The evaporation behavior of these droplets is strongly affected by the distance between neighboring droplets, and in particular, evaporation suppression occurs as the distance decreases. However, further quantitative information, such as the temperature and local evaporation flux, is limited because the analytical models of multidroplet evaporation only treat vapor diffusion, and the effect of the latent heat transfer through the liquid–vapor phase change is ignored. Here, we perform a numerical analysis of evaporating droplet pairs that linked vapor diffusion from the droplet surface and evaporative cooling. Heat transfer through the liquid and gas phases is also considered because the saturation pressure depends on the temperature. The results show an increase in the vapor concentration in the region between the two droplets. Consequently, the local evaporation flux in the proximate region significantly decreases with decreasing separation distance. This means that the latent heat transfer through the phase change is diminished, and an asymmetrical temperature distribution occurs in the liquid and gas phases. These numerical results provide quantitative information about the temperature and local evaporation flux of evaporating droplet pairs, and they will guide further investigation of multiple droplet evaporation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=19K14910 kn-keyword=19K14910 en-keyword=21K03898 kn-keyword=21K03898 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=89 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=101854 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The long-run risk premium in the intertemporal CAPM: International evidence en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates whether long-run conditional covariance risk is linked to expected returns in the Intertemporal CAPM framework. We observe that the long-run value risk is positively associated with the expected returns on the global portfolios excluding the US. We also find that the long-run momentum risk is negatively related to the expected returns. In contrast, the long-run market risk is not associated with them, due to the low covariance variation across portfolios. Finally, we uncover that the long-run value premiums were strong for the global and European portfolios before the COVID-19 pandemic. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakemotoRyuta en-aut-sei=Sakemoto en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University, Okayama-ken, Japan and Keio Economic Observatory, Keio University kn-affil= en-keyword=ICAPM kn-keyword=ICAPM en-keyword=long-run risk kn-keyword=long-run risk en-keyword=value anomalies kn-keyword=value anomalies en-keyword=factor models kn-keyword=factor models en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=DCC-MIDAS kn-keyword=DCC-MIDAS END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104585 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Do commodity factors work as inflation hedges and safe havens? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates whether commodity futures factor portfolios work as hedges and safe havens against inflation shocks. We observe that momentum, basis momentum, and a combination of factor portfolios act as strong hedges against core inflation shocks, suggesting that holding the factor portfolios generates not only higher Sharpe ratios but also strong hedge effects against inflation. Moreover, the momentum, basis momentum, and value portfolios have weak safe haven properties against inflation shocks. In addition, our empirical results suggest that hedge effects for commodity future portfolios are stronger during the pre-financialization period. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakagawaKei en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakemotoRyuta en-aut-sei=Sakemoto en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University, Keio Economic Observatory, Keio University kn-affil= en-keyword=Commodity futures kn-keyword=Commodity futures en-keyword=Factor investment kn-keyword=Factor investment en-keyword=Hedgen kn-keyword=Hedgen en-keyword=Safe have kn-keyword=Safe have en-keyword=Inflation kn-keyword=Inflation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=47 article-no= start-page=e202300835 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231113 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Electrochemical Coupling Reactions Using Non‐Transition Metal Mediators: Recent Advances en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Indirect electrolysis method using appropriate mediators enables numerous chemical reactions. The general principles of mediators were described herein with a particular focus on non-transition metal mediators. Recent representative examples of bond formation reactions by indirect electrolysis are summarized and discussed here. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkumuraYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Okumura en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=electrocatalysis kn-keyword=electrocatalysis en-keyword=electrochemistry kn-keyword=electrochemistry en-keyword=electrosynthesis kn-keyword=electrosynthesis en-keyword=indirect electrolysis kn-keyword=indirect electrolysis en-keyword=mediator kn-keyword=mediator END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=67 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=346 end-page=352 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230417 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A nationwide survey of newly certified visually impaired individuals in Japan for the fiscal year 2019: impact of the revision of criteria for visual impairment certification en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To determine the status of visual impairment certification in Japan in the fiscal year 2019 and the impact of revising the criteria for visual impairment certification implemented in 2018.
Study Design Observational cross-sectional study.
Methods We requested welfare offices throughout Japan to submit data of age, sex, causative diseases, and visual impairment grades for newly certified visually impaired individuals aged ≥ 18 years during the fiscal year 2019. The certification was based on criteria of the Act on Welfare of Physically Disabled Persons.
Results Altogether, data were collected for 16,504 newly certified visually impaired individuals. The most common age group was 80–89 years (29.6%), followed by 70–79 (28.2%) and 60–69 (15.3%) years. The most common causative disease was glaucoma (40.7%), followed by retinitis pigmentosa (13.0%), diabetic retinopathy (10.2%), and macular degeneration (9.1%). The most common impairment grade was grade 2 (40.8%), followed by 5 (21.2%) and 1 (17.0%). Compared to the fiscal year 2015, there was a considerable increase in the number of individuals certified with glaucoma in the fiscal year 2019. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the number of individuals with certified grades 1 and 2 visual impairment, with a decrease in the number of individuals with certified grade 6 visual impairment.
Conclusion The changes revealed in this study were primarily due to the revised certification criteria implemented in July 2018, indicating that it is important to review the certification criteria and to repeat surveys similar to the present study. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoNoriko en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawasakiRyo en-aut-sei=Kawasaki en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraMiyuki en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Miyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanenagaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kanenaga en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoTaiji en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Taiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Vision Informatics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Yamagata City Institute of Public Health kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Visual impairment kn-keyword=Visual impairment en-keyword=Japan kn-keyword=Japan en-keyword=Certification criteria kn-keyword=Certification criteria en-keyword=Survey kn-keyword=Survey en-keyword=Glaucoma kn-keyword=Glaucoma END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=259 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=2503 end-page=2512 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2021 dt-pub=20210312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Assessment of epiretinal membrane formation using en face optical coherence tomography after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To investigate epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation using en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 64 consecutive eyes (64 patients) with RRD treated by vitrectomy without ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling. ERMs and retinal folds were detected by B-scan and en face imaging. The maximum depth of retinal folds (MDRF) was quantified using en face imaging. ERM severity was staged using B-scan imaging. Main outcome measures were ERM detection rate with B-scan and en face imaging, MDRF, ERM staging, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), and risk factors for ERM formation.
Results The detection rate for ERM formation was significantly higher with en face imaging (70.3%) than with B-scan imaging (46.9%; P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in postoperative BCVA between eyes with ERM formation (0.06 ± 0.26) and those without ERM formation (0.01 ± 0.14; P = 0.298). Forty of 45 (88.9%) eyes with ERM formation were classified as stage 1. Twenty-seven of 45 (60.0%) eyes with ERM formation developed parafoveal retinal folds. The mean MDRF was 27.4 ± 32.2 μm. Multiple retinal breaks and a maximum retinal break size of ≥ 2 disc diameters were significantly associated with ERM formation (P = 0.033 and P = 0.031, respectively).
Conclusion Although ERM formation was observed in 70.3% patients after RRD repair, the formed ERM was not severe and had minimal impact on the postoperative visual acuity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiShinichiro en-aut-sei=Doi en-aut-mei=Shinichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiSayumi en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Sayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio Morizane en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio Morizane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKosuke en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment kn-keyword=Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment en-keyword=Epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=Epiretinal membrane en-keyword=Vitrectomy kn-keyword=Vitrectomy en-keyword=Internal limiting membrane kn-keyword=Internal limiting membrane en-keyword=En face optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=En face optical coherence tomography en-keyword=Retinal folds kn-keyword=Retinal folds END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=262 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=469 end-page=476 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231021 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of epiretinal membrane formation after scleral buckling for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: En face optical coherence tomography image-based study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To assess epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, severity, and the associated risk factors after scleral buckling using en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.
Methods Medical records of 61 consecutive patients (66 eyes) with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent scleral buckling were retrospectively reviewed. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was determined based on B-scan OCT images. En face OCT images were used to visualize the ERM and retinal folds. ERM formation was identified by comparing en face images pre- and post-surgery. The maximum depth of the retinal folds (MDRF) was measured using en face imaging to objectively assess traction strength.
Results ERM formation occurred in 15 (22.7%) eyes at the final visit; the foveal pit was preserved in all cases. Parafoveal retinal folds were present in 5 (7.6%) eyes, with a mean MDRF of 21.8 ± 12.6 µm. No significant difference was observed in best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) between the ERM formation (-0.019 ± 0.128) and non-ERM formation (-0.001 ± 0.213) groups at the final visit (P = 0.593; Mann-Whitney U test). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age and the presence of PVD were significant risk factors for ERM formation (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.14, P = 0.032; odds ratio 5.26, 95% confidence interval 1.06–26.10, P = 0.042; respectively).
Conclusion ERM occurred in 22.7% of cases but was mild and did not affect visual acuity. Older age and the presence of PVD are risk factors for ERM formation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio Morizane en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio Morizane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=Epiretinal membrane en-keyword=Scleral buckling kn-keyword=Scleral buckling en-keyword=Retinal detachment kn-keyword=Retinal detachment en-keyword=Optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=Optical coherence tomography en-keyword=En face imaging kn-keyword=En face imaging en-keyword=Posterior vitreous detachment kn-keyword=Posterior vitreous detachment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=054107 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231016 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Diamond quantum sensors in microfluidics technology en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Diamond quantum sensing is an emerging technology for probing multiple physico-chemical parameters in the nano- to micro-scale dimensions within diverse chemical and biological contexts. Integrating these sensors into microfluidic devices enables the precise quantification and analysis of small sample volumes in microscale channels. In this Perspective, we present recent advancements in the integration of diamond quantum sensors with microfluidic devices and explore their prospects with a focus on forthcoming technological developments. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiwaraMasazumi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Masazumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=291 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1119 end-page=1130 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231020 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hepatitis C virus NS5B triggers an MDA5-mediated innate immune response by producing dsRNA without the replication of viral genomes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=During the replication of viral genomes, RNA viruses produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), through the activity of their RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) as viral replication intermediates. Recognition of viral dsRNA by host pattern recognition receptors – such as retinoic acid-induced gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors and Toll-like receptor 3 – triggers the production of interferon (IFN)-β via the activation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-3. It has been proposed that, during the replication of viral genomes, each of RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) form homodimers for the efficient activation of a downstream signalling pathway in host cells. We previously reported that, in the non-neoplastic human hepatocyte line PH5CH8, the RdRp NS5B derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) could induce IFN-β expression by its RdRp activity without the actual replication of viral genomes. However, the exact mechanism by which HCV NS5B produced IFN-β remained unknown. In the present study, we first showed that NS5B derived from another Flaviviridae family member, GB virus B (GBV-B), also possessed the ability to induce IFN-β in PH5CH8 cells. Similarly, HCV NS5B, but not its G317V mutant, which lacks RdRp activity, induced the dimerization of MDA5 and subsequently the activation of IRF-3. Interestingly, immunofluorescence analysis showed that HCV NS5B produced dsRNA. Like HCV NS5B, GBV-B NS5B also triggered the production of dsRNA and subsequently the dimerization of MDA5. Taken together, our results show that HCV NS5B triggers an MDA5-mediated innate immune response by producing dsRNA without the replication of viral genomes in human hepatocytes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DansakoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Dansako en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaMasanori en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AriumiYasuo en-aut-sei=Ariumi en-aut-mei=Yasuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoNobuyuki en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Nobuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Biological Information Technology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Management Department of Biosafety, Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, National Institute of Infectious Diseases kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=double-stranded RNA kn-keyword=double-stranded RNA en-keyword=hepatitis C virus kn-keyword=hepatitis C virus en-keyword=innate immunity kn-keyword=innate immunity en-keyword=RIG-I-like receptor kn-keyword=RIG-I-like receptor en-keyword=RNA virus kn-keyword=RNA virus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=123 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=105627 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Fluorometric assay of laccase in mushroom extracts and comparisons with absorption spectrophotometry en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Laccase is a lignin-degrading enzyme that is expected to move industrial applications to a greener form of biotechnology. Here, we used 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as a mediator and N-benzoyl leucomethylene blue (BLMB) as a substrate to develop a fluorometric assay that we used to measure laccase activity in mushroom extracts. We then compared this novel approach to conventional absorption spectrophotometry. With this novel approach, laccase oxidizes ABTS to produce ABTS radicals that show an absorption maximum at 415 nm. The ABTS radicals oxidize BLMB to generate fluorescent methylene blue that is measured by fluorometry while absorption spectrophotometry directly measures the absorbance of the ABTS radicals at 415 nm. Under the optimal conditions, the fluorometric assay showed a linear calibration curve with limits of detection and quantification of 1.0 × 10-2 mg mL-1 and 3.2 × 10-2 mg mL-1, respectively, and those values are 1.4-fold lower than the results using conventional absorption spectrophotometry to measure ABTS radicals. Laccase activity of extracts from species of mushrooms that include eryngii and shiitake were successfully determined via both fluorometry and absorption spectrophotometry. The eryngii extract showed the highest level of activity, which was followed by the shiitake extract, but laccase activity was not observed in the shimeji extract. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RenJianchao en-aut-sei=Ren en-aut-mei=Jianchao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DanchanaKaewta en-aut-sei=Danchana en-aut-mei=Kaewta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiKeiko en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanetaTakashi en-aut-sei=Kaneta en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Laccase kn-keyword=Laccase en-keyword=Mushroom kn-keyword=Mushroom en-keyword=Fluorometry kn-keyword=Fluorometry en-keyword=2,2'-Azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) kn-keyword=2,2'-Azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) en-keyword=N-Benzoyl leucomethylene blue kn-keyword=N-Benzoyl leucomethylene blue END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1821 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=148565 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231215 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Injection of exogenous amyloid-β oligomers aggravated cognitive deficits, and activated necroptosis, in APP23 transgenic mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the loss of synapses and neurons in the brain, and the accumulation of amyloid plaques. Aβ oligomers (AβO) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Although there is increasing evidence to support the involvement of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD, the exact mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we explored the effect of exogenous AβO injection on cell necroptosis and cognitive deficits in APP23 transgenic mice. We found that intrahippocampal injection of AβO accelerated the development of AD pathology and caused cognitive impairment in APP23 mice. Specifically, AβO injection significantly accelerated the accumulation of AβO and increased the expression level of phosphorylated-tau, and also induced necroptosis. Behavioral tests showed that AβO injection was associated with cognitive impairment. Furthermore, necroptosis induced by AβO injection occurred predominantly in microglia of the AD brain. We speculate that AβO increased necroptosis by activating microglia, resulting in cognitive deficits. Our results may aid in an understanding of the role played by AβO in AD from an alternative perspective and provide new ideas and evidence for necroptosis as a potential intervention and therapeutic target for AD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YuHaibo en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Haibo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Ota-ElliottRicardo en-aut-sei=Ota-Elliott en-aut-mei=Ricardo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianZhihong en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Zhihong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuXinran en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xinran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeKoji en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer's disease (AD) kn-keyword=Alzheimer's disease (AD) en-keyword=Amyloid-13 oligomers (A13O) kn-keyword=Amyloid-13 oligomers (A13O) en-keyword=Necroptosis kn-keyword=Necroptosis en-keyword=Microglia kn-keyword=Microglia en-keyword=Neurodegeneration kn-keyword=Neurodegeneration END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=50 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=101990 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prognostic nutritional index is a prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer undergoing proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy by the double-flap technique: A secondary analysis of the rD-FLAP study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) is commonly used in patients with upper gastric cancer (GC) and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, long-term prognostic factors in these patients are poorly understood. The double-flap technique (DFT) is an esophagogastrostomy with anti-reflux mechanism after PG; we previously conducted a multicenter retrospective study (rD-FLAP) to evaluate the short-term outcomes of DFT reconstruction. Here, we evaluated the long-term prognostic factors in patients with upper GC and EGJ cancer.
Methods: The study was conducted as a secondary analysis of the rD-FLAP Study, which enrolled patients who underwent PG with DFT reconstruction, irrespective of disease type, between January 1996 and December 2015.
Results: A total of 509 GC and EGJ cancer patients were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival demonstrated that a preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) < 45 (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.59, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.93–6.67) was an independent poor prognostic factor alongside pathological T factor ([pT] ≥2) (p = 0.010, HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.22–4.30) and pathological N factor ([pN] ≥1) (p = 0.001, HR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.66–6.46). In patients with preoperative PNI ≥45, PNI change (<90%) at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.019, HR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.16–5.54) was an independent poor prognostic factor, for which operation time (≥300 min) and blood loss (≥200 mL) were independent risk factors. No independent prognostic factors were identified in patients with preoperative PNI <45.
Conclusions: PNI is a prognostic factor in upper GC and EGJ cancer patients. Preoperative nutritional enhancement and postoperative nutritional maintenance are important for prognostic improvement in these patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KakiuchiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Kakiuchi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaShinji en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChodaYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Choda en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaShinya en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeyamaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Ueyama en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaNorimitsu en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Norimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HatoShinji en-aut-sei=Hato en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamikawaYasuaki en-aut-sei=Kamikawa en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Mihara Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Matsuda Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Double -flap technique kn-keyword=Double -flap technique en-keyword=Gastric cancer kn-keyword=Gastric cancer en-keyword=Prognostic factor kn-keyword=Prognostic factor en-keyword=Prognostic nutritional index kn-keyword=Prognostic nutritional index en-keyword=Proximal gastrectomy kn-keyword=Proximal gastrectomy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=3353 end-page=3367 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230313 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Comparison of Thermal Characteristics in Various Aspect Ratios for Radial-Flux and Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Machines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This paper proposes an axial-flux permanent magnet machine (AFPM) that uses a neodymium-bonded permanent magnet (Nd-bonded PM) and a coreless rotor structure and assesses how it performs in industrial applications requiring high efficiency and low cost. The AFPM is able to achieve high efficiency in high-speed regions because its Nd-bonded PM can restrain eddy current loss. Additionally, the AFPM can continuously function at the rated operating point without a cooling system, so the expenses for one can be eliminated. Hence, the AFPM can simultaneously achieve high efficiency and low-cost mass production. In this paper, a comprehensive comparison including the thermal characteristics of the proposed AFPM and a conventional radial-flux permanent magnet machine (RFPM) is shown. Furthermore, this paper also focuses on how the aspect ratio influences the thermal characteristics of both machines. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed AFPM in industrial applications is assessed using 3D-FEA and experimental results. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsunataRen en-aut-sei=Tsunata en-aut-mei=Ren kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakemotoMasatsugu en-aut-sei=Takemoto en-aut-mei=Masatsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImaiJun en-aut-sei=Imai en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoTatsuya en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Industrial Innovation Sciences Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd kn-affil= en-keyword=Aspect ratio kn-keyword=Aspect ratio en-keyword=axial-flux machine kn-keyword=axial-flux machine en-keyword=axial-gap motor kn-keyword=axial-gap motor en-keyword=cooling kn-keyword=cooling en-keyword=high efficiency kn-keyword=high efficiency en-keyword=mass production kn-keyword=mass production en-keyword=PMSM kn-keyword=PMSM en-keyword=radial-flux machine kn-keyword=radial-flux machine en-keyword=soft magnetic composite kn-keyword=soft magnetic composite en-keyword=thermal characteristic kn-keyword=thermal characteristic END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=8 cd-vols= no-issue=31 article-no= start-page=e202301644 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230817 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Polymer Template Synthesis of CuOx/Clay Nanocomposites with Controllable CuOx Formation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Metal oxides have the excellent functions including high thermal stability, electrical properties, catalytic performance, and adsorption properties of acid gases such as CO2 via the acid-base interactions. However, they suffer from low reserves, porosity control, and low adsorption efficiency per weight compared with lightweight materials including carbon and silica. To solve these issues, various methods for supporting metal oxides on porous carriers, such as decomposition-precipitation and impregnation, have been investigated, but controlling the formation of metal oxide on clay nanosheets remains as a challenge. Herein, we developed a soft-template method for supporting metal oxide (CuOx) nanoparticles on activated clay nanosheets. The intercalation of polyethyleneimine (PEI)−Cu2+ complexes between the layers of clay nanosheets followed by calcination to construct CuOx and remove the PEI templates afforded CuOx/clay nanocomposites. The constructed CuOx/clay nanocomposites had the close porosity to that of clay. Tuning the Cu2+/PEI ratio in PEI−Cu2+ complex allowed to control CuOx states (loadings, particle sizes, etc.). Tuning of the supporting conditions allowed constructing a structure suitable for CO2 uptake. These findings will contribute to the development of the material science of metal oxide nanoparticles and their hybrid materials in diverse fields including CO2 adsorbents, energy devices, and catalysts. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakeuchiYuki en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhkuboTakahiro en-aut-sei=Ohkubo en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Clay nanosheets kn-keyword=Clay nanosheets en-keyword=CO2 adsorption kn-keyword=CO2 adsorption en-keyword=Metal oxide nanoparticles kn-keyword=Metal oxide nanoparticles en-keyword=Nanocomposites kn-keyword=Nanocomposites en-keyword=Template method kn-keyword=Template method END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=154 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=169 end-page=179 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230823 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Low frequency of intracranial progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with cancer immunotherapies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Intracranial metastases are common in nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, whose prognosis is very poor. In addition, intracranial progression is common during systemic treatments due to the inability to penetrate central nervous system (CNS) barriers, whereas the intracranial effects of cancer immunotherapies remain unclear. We analyzed clinical data to evaluate the frequency of intracranial progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with PD-1 blockade therapies compared with those treated without PD-1 blockade therapies, and found that the frequency of intracranial progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with PD-1 blockade therapies was significantly lower than that in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapies. In murine models, intracranial rechallenged tumors after initial rejection by PD-1 blockade were suppressed. Accordingly, long-lived memory precursor effector T cells and antigen-specific T cells were increased by PD-1 blockade in intracranial lesions. However, intracranial rechallenged different tumors are not suppressed. Our results indicate that cancer immunotherapies can prevent intracranial progression, maintaining long-term effects intracranially as well as systemically. If intracranial recurrence occurs during the treatment with PD-1 blockade therapies, aggressive local therapies could be worthwhile. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KemmotsuNaoya en-aut-sei=Kemmotsu en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaKiichiro en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Kiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunimasaKei en-aut-sei=Kunimasa en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshinoTakamasa en-aut-sei=Ishino en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiJoji en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MichiueHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Michiue en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhashiKadoaki en-aut-sei=Ohashi en-aut-mei=Kadoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueTakako en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Takako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamiyaMotohiro en-aut-sei=Tamiya en-aut-mei=Motohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiKazuko en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Kazuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYouki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Youki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=DansakoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Dansako en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishioKazuto en-aut-sei=Nishio en-aut-mei=Kazuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiuraKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Kiura en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateIsao en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer immunotherapy kn-keyword=cancer immunotherapy en-keyword=intracranial metastasis kn-keyword=intracranial metastasis en-keyword=intracranial progression kn-keyword=intracranial progression en-keyword=memory precursor effector T cell kn-keyword=memory precursor effector T cell en-keyword=nonsmall-cell lung cancer kn-keyword=nonsmall-cell lung cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=361 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114603 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231016 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A soft rotary actuator with a flexible shaft using flexible pneumatic actuators en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This paper proposes a soft rotary actuator that can rotate even when its shaft is bent. The tested rotary actuator consists of three Extension-type Flexible Pneumatic Actuators (EFPA), flexible plates for restraining the EFPAs geometrically, and a polyurethane tube as a shaft. The EFPA consists of a silicone rubber tube covered with a sleeve that can expand significantly in the axial direction when the tube is pressurized. By restraining the EFPA to a helical shape using plates, the proposed rotary actuator can rotate when the three EFPAs are extended in the rotational direction upon the application of pressure. It is confirmed that the tested actuator could rotate even if the shaft is bent, because the shaft and EFPAs consist of flexible materials. The maximum rotation angle and torque are approximately 400° and 0.5 Nm, respectively, for an input pressure of 500 kPa. An analytical model of the tested actuator is proposed to predict the relationship between the rotation angle and the input pressure. A comparison between the calculated and experimental rotation angles reveals that the experimental results can be accurately predicted using the proposed analytical model, which considers the effects of EFPA friction and restraining. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimookaSo en-aut-sei=Shimooka en-aut-mei=So kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanakaMiku en-aut-sei=Kawanaka en-aut-mei=Miku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GofukuAkio en-aut-sei=Gofuku en-aut-mei=Akio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Soft rotary actuator kn-keyword=Soft rotary actuator en-keyword=Extension soft actuator kn-keyword=Extension soft actuator en-keyword=Flexible shaft kn-keyword=Flexible shaft en-keyword=Pneumatic drive kn-keyword=Pneumatic drive END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=263 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=133 end-page=166 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230816 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The universal factorial Hall–Littlewood P- and Q-functions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We introduce factorial analogues of the ordinary Hall–Littlewood P- and Q-polynomials, which we call the factorial Hall–Littlewood P- and Q-polynomials. Using the universal formal group law, we further generalize these polynomials to the universal factorial Hall–Littlewood P- and Q-functions. We show that these functions satisfy the vanishing property which the ordinary factorial Schur S-, P-, and Q-polynomials have. By the vanishing property, we derive the Pieri-type formula and a certain generalization of the classical hook formula. We then characterize our functions in terms of Gysin maps from flag bundles in complex cobordism theory. Using this characterization and Gysin formulas for flag bundles, we obtain generating functions for the universal factorial Hall–Littlewood P- and Q-functions. Using our generating functions, we show that our factorial Hall–Littlewood P- and Q-polynomials have a certain cancellation property. Further applications such as Pfaffian formulas for K-theoretic factorial Q-polynomials are also given. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakagawaMasaki en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaruseHiroshi en-aut-sei=Naruse en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Education Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Education University of Yamanashi kn-affil= en-keyword=factorial Hall-Littlewood P-and Q-functions kn-keyword=factorial Hall-Littlewood P-and Q-functions en-keyword=generating func-tions kn-keyword=generating func-tions en-keyword=formal group laws kn-keyword=formal group laws en-keyword=complex cobordism theory kn-keyword=complex cobordism theory en-keyword=Gysin formulas kn-keyword=Gysin formulas END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=360 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114524 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230711 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Fabrication and characterization of a submillimeter-scale ultrasonic motor en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Submillimeter-scale electrically driven micromotors have the potential to revolutionize micro-robotic systems, but difficulties in their fabrication processes and unknown physical phenomena prevent their development. In this paper, we propose a submillimeter-scale rotary piezoelectric ultrasonic motor with the smallest stator (0.41 mm × 0.41 mm × 0.25 mm) reported to date. The micromachining technologies enable the creation of tiny components. A micromanipulator that can control a small amount of adhesive of sub-milligram order engenders success in manufacture of the stator. Several experiments clarify the submillimeter-scale physical behaviors, such as the admittance and the quality factor. With appropriate piezoelectric materials, submillimeter-scale ultrasonic motors are built and characterized using a rotor with 0.15 mm diameter. The motor with typical hard PZTs demonstrated maximum torque of 5.4 nNm and a maximum angular velocity of 714 rad/s at an applied voltage with amplitude of 44.8 Vp-p. Furthermore, another motor with single-crystal PMN-PT piezoelectric elements presented the possibility of low-voltage actuation. These submillimeter-scale ultrasonic motors were compared with existing comparable-size micromotors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KikuchiKohei en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HussainMudassir en-aut-sei=Hussain en-aut-mei=Mudassir kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MashimoTomoaki en-aut-sei=Mashimo en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Actuators kn-keyword=Actuators en-keyword=Ferroelectricity kn-keyword=Ferroelectricity en-keyword=Microfabrication kn-keyword=Microfabrication en-keyword=Micromotors kn-keyword=Micromotors en-keyword=Piezoelectricity kn-keyword=Piezoelectricity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=232 end-page=243 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202206 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=A Study of the Experiences of Sexual Minorities in Sex Education at School kn-title=学校での性教育において性的マイノリティが得る経験に関する研究―異性愛主義と性的マイノリティの不在性の視点から― en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=The study aimed to clarify the experiences of sexual minorities concerning sex education at school, scrutinize how the assumption that everyone is heterosexual affects sexual minorities, and examine the challenges faced by heterosexual-based sex education. Based on the interview survey of nine sexual minority parties, their experiences were organized into seven types: “receiving sex education based on heterosexuality,” “skepticism and criticism of heterosexism,” “acceptance and following of heterosexism,” “facing unintended coming-out,” “vague image of oneself in the future,” “awareness of belonging to a minority” and “learning about sexual minorities.” It was suggested that sexual minorities face tremendous difficulties where they have to deal with the various difficulties that arise when they receive sex education through trial and error, gather information necessary for themselves as sexual minorities in places and through opportunities other than school education, and learn about sex by self-study. The realization of inclusive sex education that takes the existence of learners of various sexualities into account is warranted. kn-abstract=本研究は,学校での性教育において性的マイノリティが得る経験を明らかにし,異性愛を前提とした性教育が性的マイノリティにもたらす影響と抱える課題の2つについて検討することを目的とした。性的マイノリティ9名を対象にしたインタビュー調査の結果,経験は「異性愛を前提にした性教育を受ける」「異性愛が前提であることへの疑問や批判をもつ」「異性愛が前提であることを受け入れる」「意図せぬカミングアウトを迫られる」「将来の自分の姿が想像つかない」「周囲とは違う存在であることを自覚する」「性的マイノリティについて学ぶ」の7つに整理された。性的マイノリティは,性教育で直面するさまざまな困難に試行錯誤のもと対処しながら学校教育以外の場や機会で自分に必要な情報を集め,自主学習の形で性の学習を行うという厳しい状況に置かれることが示唆された。様々なセクシュアリティの学習者の存在を想定した性教育の実現が求められる。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WADAMarie en-aut-sei=WADA en-aut-mei=Marie kn-aut-name=和田真理絵 kn-aut-sei=和田 kn-aut-mei=真理絵 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ITOTakehiko en-aut-sei=ITO en-aut-mei=Takehiko kn-aut-name=伊藤武彦 kn-aut-sei=伊藤 kn-aut-mei=武彦 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Education (Master’s Course), Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 修士課程 affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院教育学研究科 en-keyword=School-based Sexuality education kn-keyword=School-based Sexuality education en-keyword=Sexual minority kn-keyword=Sexual minority en-keyword=Heterosexism kn-keyword=Heterosexism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1706 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=464247 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230913 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Separation and fractionation of glutamic acid and histidine via origami isoelectric focusing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We demonstrated the fractionation of two amino acids, glutamic acid and histidine, separated via isoelectric focusing (IEF) on filter paper folded and stacked in an origami fashion. Channels for electrophoresis were fabricated as circular zones acquired via wax printing onto the filter paper. An ampholyte solution with amphiphilic samples was deposited on all the circle zones, which was followed by folding to form the electrophoresis channels. IEF was achieved by applying an electrical potential between the anodic and cathodic chambers filled with phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions, respectively. A pH gradient was formed using either a wide-range ampholyte with a pH of 3 to 10 or a narrow-range version with a pH of 5 to 8, which was confirmed by adding pH indicators to each layer. The origami IEF was used to separate the amino acids, glutamic acid and histidine, by mixing with the ampholytes, which were deposited on the layers. The components in each layer were extracted with water and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography using pre-column derivatization with dansyl chloride. The results indicated that the focus for glutamic acid and that for histidine were at different layers, according to their isoelectric points. The origami isoelectric focusing achieved the fractionation of amino acids in less than 3 min using voltage as low as 30 V. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DanchanaKaewta en-aut-sei=Danchana en-aut-mei=Kaewta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaNayu en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Nayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaMika I. en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Mika I. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanetaTakashi en-aut-sei=Kaneta en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Paper-based analytical device kn-keyword=Paper-based analytical device en-keyword=Isoelectric focusing kn-keyword=Isoelectric focusing en-keyword=Origami electrophoresis kn-keyword=Origami electrophoresis en-keyword=Amino acids kn-keyword=Amino acids END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=677 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1 end-page=5 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231015 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Demonstration of iodide-dependent UVA-triggered growth inhibition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and identification of its suppressive molecules en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Upon white light illumination, the growth of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was extremely impaired only in the presence of iodide ions, but not fluoride, chloride and bromide ions. Action spectroscopy revealed that the maximum wavelength of the light is around at 373 nm, corresponding to the UVA region. Using a genetic approach, several genes, including OPY1, HEM1, and PAU11, were identified as suppressors of this growth inhibition. This iodide-dependent UVA-triggered growth inhibition method, along with its suppressive molecules, would be beneficial for understanding cell growth processes in eukaryotes and can be utilized for medium sterilization using UVA light. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OnoRyota en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaekiNozomu en-aut-sei=Saeki en-aut-mei=Nozomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKeiichi en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriyaHisao en-aut-sei=Moriya en-aut-mei=Hisao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudoYuki en-aut-sei=Sudo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=UVA kn-keyword=UVA en-keyword=Saccharomyces cerevisiae kn-keyword=Saccharomyces cerevisiae en-keyword=Iodide kn-keyword=Iodide en-keyword=Growth inhibition kn-keyword=Growth inhibition en-keyword=Suppressive molecule kn-keyword=Suppressive molecule END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=67 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=645 end-page=651 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230810 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Accuracy of ultrasound vs. Fourier-domain optic biometry for measuring preoperative axial length in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To identify a method for accurately measuring preoperative axial length (AL) in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
Study design Retrospective study.
Methods This retrospective study included 83 eyes of 83 patients who underwent vitrectomy for RRD and had both preoperative and postoperative data for AL. Preoperative AL measurements for the affected eye were obtained using ultrasound (aUS-AL) and compared with those for affected and fellow eyes measured using optical biometry (aOB-AL and fOB-AL, respectively). Absolute differences between preoperative aUS-AL, aOB-AL, or fOB-AL measurements and postoperative AL (aPost-AL) were examined.
Results In the 41 eyes without macular detachment, the absolute difference between aOB-AL and aPost-AL (0.06±0.07 mm) was significantly smaller than between aUS-AL and aPost-AL (0.21±0.18 mm) and that between fOB-AL and aPost-AL (0.29±0.35 mm) (P = 0.017 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the 42 eyes with macular detachment, the absolute difference between aOB-AL and aPost-AL (1.22±2.40 mm) was significantly larger than between aUS-AL and aPost-AL (0.24±0.24 mm) and between fOB-AL and aPost-AL (0.35±0.49 mm) (P = 0.006, P = 0.016, respectively).
Conclusion The current findings suggest that aOB-AL is more accurate than aUS-AL or fOB-AL in cases of RRD without macular detachment, while aUS-AL or fOB-AL is more accurate than aOB-AL in cases with macular detachment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio Morizane en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio Morizane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoYasuhito en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Yasuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanenagaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kanenaga en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Axial length kn-keyword=Axial length en-keyword=Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment kn-keyword=Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment en-keyword=Macular detachment kn-keyword=Macular detachment en-keyword=Fourier-domain optic biometry kn-keyword=Fourier-domain optic biometry en-keyword=Ultrasound kn-keyword=Ultrasound END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=e13324 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230716 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neuropeptidergic control circuits in the spinal cord for male sexual behaviour: Oxytocin–gastrin‐releasing peptide systems en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The neuropeptidergic mechanisms controlling socio-sexual behaviours consist of complex neuronal circuitry systems in widely distributed areas of the brain and spinal cord. At the organismal level, it is now becoming clear that “hormonal regulations” play an important role, in addition to the activation of neuronal circuits. The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) system in the lumbosacral spinal cord is an important component of the neural circuits that control penile reflexes in rats, circuits that are commonly referred to as the “spinal ejaculation generator (SEG).” Oxytocin, long known as a neurohypophyseal hormone, is now known to be involved in the regulation of socio-sexual behaviors in mammals, ranging from social bonding to empathy. However, the functional interaction between the SEG neurons and the hypothalamo-spinal oxytocin system remains unclear. Oxytocin is known to be synthesised mainly in hypothalamic neurons and released from the posterior pituitary into the circulation. Oxytocin is also released from the dendrites of the neurons into the hypothalamus where they have important roles in social behaviours via non-synaptic volume transmission. Because the most familiar functions of oxytocin are to regulate female reproductive functions including parturition, milk ejection, and maternal behaviour, oxytocin is often thought of as a “feminine” hormone. However, there is evidence that a group of parvocellular oxytocin neurons project to the lower spinal cord and control male sexual function in rats. In this report, we review the functional interaction between the SEG neurons and the hypothalamo-spinal oxytocin system and effects of these neuropeptides on male sexual behaviour. Furthermore, we discuss the finding of a recently identified, localised “volume transmission” role of oxytocin in the spinal cord. Findings from our studies suggest that the newly discovered “oxytocin-mediated spinal control of male sexual function” may be useful in the treatment of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OtiTakumi en-aut-sei=Oti en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoHirotaka en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Hirotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=gastrin-releasing peptide kn-keyword=gastrin-releasing peptide en-keyword=male sexual function kn-keyword=male sexual function en-keyword=non-synaptic volume transmission kn-keyword=non-synaptic volume transmission en-keyword=oxytocin kn-keyword=oxytocin en-keyword=spinal cord kn-keyword=spinal cord END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=895 end-page=908 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230705 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=High Expression of MHC Class I Overcomes Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance Due to IFNγ Signaling Pathway Defects en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=IFNγ signaling pathway defects are well-known mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, conflicting data have been reported, and the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we have demonstrated that resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors owing to IFNγ signaling pathway defects may be primarily caused by reduced MHC-I expression rather than by the loss of inhibitory effects on cellular proliferation or decreased chemokine production. In particular, we found that chemokines that recruit effector T cells were mainly produced by immune cells rather than cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of a mouse model, with defects in IFNγ signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in a patient with JAK-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma whose HLA-I expression level was maintained. In addition, CRISPR screening to identify molecules associated with elevated MHC-I expression independent of IFNγ signaling pathways demonstrated that guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit gamma 4 (GNG4) maintained MHC-I expression via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results indicate that patients with IFNγ signaling pathway defects are not always resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors and highlight the importance of MHC-I expression among the pathways and the possibility of NF-κB–targeted therapies to overcome such resistance. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawaseKatsushige en-aut-sei=Kawase en-aut-mei=Katsushige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawashimaShusuke en-aut-sei=Kawashima en-aut-mei=Shusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiJoji en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InozumeTakashi en-aut-sei=Inozume en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanjiEtsuko en-aut-sei=Tanji en-aut-mei=Etsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawazuMasahito en-aut-sei=Kawazu en-aut-mei=Masahito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HanazawaToyoyuki en-aut-sei=Hanazawa en-aut-mei=Toyoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=82 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=102233 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Safety and usefulness of nebulized liposomal amphotericin B: Systematic scoping review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose
Invasive fungal infections potentially result in fatal outcomes in immunocompromised hosts. Compared to intravenous administration, a nebulization therapy can achieve a high concentration of drug delivered in the respiratory tract, without a systematic absorption. We herein summarized the study findings on the safety and clinical utility of nebulized liposomal amphotericin B therapy.
Methods
According to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, we performed a search on MEDLINE and EMBASE for articles with relevant keywords, including “inhaled liposomal amphotericin B″, “nebulized liposomal amphotericin B″, or “aerosolized liposomal amphotericin B″, from the inception of these databases to August 31, 2022.
Results
Of the 172 articles found, 27 articles, including 13 case reports, 11 observational studies, and 3 clinical trials, were selected. Generally, findings showed that nebulized liposomal amphotericin B treatment appeared to be safe and without severe adverse effects. We found an accumulated evidence for the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of nebulized liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis among lung transplantation recipients; however, a randomized controlled study has yet to be reported. Data on hemato-oncological patients are relatively scarce; however, a randomized controlled study suggested the prophylactic effect of nebulized liposomal amphotericin B on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Observational and randomized controlled studies to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of the nebulized liposomal amphotericin B therapy have not been performed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we found increasing evidence for the effectiveness of the inhalation therapy among patients after lung transplantation and with hemato-oncological diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Amphotericin B kn-keyword=Amphotericin B en-keyword=Fungal infection kn-keyword=Fungal infection en-keyword=Inhalation kn-keyword=Inhalation en-keyword=Nebulization kn-keyword=Nebulization en-keyword=Aerosolization kn-keyword=Aerosolization END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=37 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1772 end-page=1787 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230713 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Anti-oppressive global citizenship education in English language teaching: a three-pillar approach en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anti-oppressive global citizenship education (GCE), a specific strand of critical GCE, is a new field, especially concerning empirical studies within English classrooms. Based on an anti-oppressive GCE framework and the research question, “what does anti-oppressive theory look like in practice in English classrooms and how can this be woven into GCE?”, this paper explains the results of a project which used a portraiture methodology to collect and analyze approximately 6 hours of semi-structured interviews, detailed impressionistic records, and several lessons collected with one secondary school English teacher in Ontario, Canada. The portrait showcases how the educator implements a three-pillar approach to anti-oppressive GCE language education and the need to shine light on minoritized identities, create healthy soil for the foundation of learning about systemic oppression, and give the proper amounts of water/support to each student. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=CarrollShawna M. en-aut-sei=Carroll en-aut-mei=Shawna M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Anti-oppression education kn-keyword=Anti-oppression education en-keyword=global citizenship education kn-keyword=global citizenship education en-keyword=language teaching kn-keyword=language teaching en-keyword=portraiture kn-keyword=portraiture END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=37 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=e15077 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230717 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Percentage of low attenuation area on computed tomography detects chronic lung allograft dysfunction, especially bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, after bilateral lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: The percentage of low attenuation area (%LAA) on computed tomography (CT) is useful for evaluating lung emphysema, and higher %LAA was observed in patients with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). This study investigated the relationship between the %LAA and the development of CLAD after bilateral lung transplantation (LT).
Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of 75 recipients who underwent bilateral LT; the recipients were divided into a CLAD group (n = 30) and a non-CLAD group (n = 45). The %LAA was calculated using CT and compared between the two groups from 4 years before to 4 years after the diagnosis of CLAD. The relationships between the %LAA and the percent baseline values of the pulmonary function test parameters were also calculated.
Results: The %LAA was significantly higher in the CLAD group than in the non-CLAD group from 2 years before to 2 years after the diagnosis of CLAD (P < .05). In particular, patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) exhibited significant differences even from 4 years before to 4 years after diagnosis (P < .05). Significant negative correlations between the %LAA and the percent baseline values of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = −.36, P = .0031), the forced vital capacity (r = −.27, P = .027), and the total lung capacity (r = −.40, P < .001) were seen at the time of CLAD diagnosis.
Conclusion: The %LAA on CT was associated with the development of CLAD and appears to have the potential to predict CLAD, especially BOS, after bilateral LT. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuboYujiro en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Yujiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiotaniToshio en-aut-sei=Shiotani en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome kn-keyword=bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome en-keyword=chronic lung allograft dysfunction kn-keyword=chronic lung allograft dysfunction en-keyword=computed tomography kn-keyword=computed tomography en-keyword=lung transplantation kn-keyword=lung transplantation en-keyword=restrictive allograft syndrome kn-keyword=restrictive allograft syndrome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=88 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=9920 end-page=9926 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230711 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Oxytrofalcatin Puzzle: Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of Oxytrofalcatins B and C en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The previously reported structures of oxytrofalcatins B and C possess a benzoyl indole core. However, following synthesis and NMR comparison of both the proposed structure and the synthesized oxazole, we have revised the structure of oxytrofalcatins B and C as oxazoles. The synthetic route developed herein can further our understanding of the biosynthetic pathways that govern the production of natural 2,5-diaryloxazoles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SugitateKazuma en-aut-sei=Sugitate en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashiroToshiki en-aut-sei=Yamashiro en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiIbuki en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Ibuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKoji en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-tobetsu, Hokkaido 0610293, Japan kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=127 cd-vols= no-issue=28 article-no= start-page=13837 end-page=13845 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230707 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Lithium-Ion Dynamics in Sulfolane-Based Highly Concentrated Electrolytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Here, we report the use of molecular dynamics simulations with a polarizable force field to investigate Li-ion dynamics in sulfolane (SL)-based electrolytes. In SL-based highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) (e.g., SL/Li = 2:1), Li displays faster translational motion than other components, which should be related to the structural and dynamical properties of SL. In HCEs, a transient conduction network that penetrated the simulation system was always observed. Rapid (<1 ns) Li-ion hopping between adjacent coordination sites was observed throughout the network. Additionally, SLs rotated in the same timeframe without disrupting the conduction network. This rotation is believed to promote the hopping diffusion in the network. This was followed by a rotational relaxation of the SL dipole axis around the non-polar cyclohydrocarbon segment of SL (∼3.3 ns), which involves a reorganization of the network structure and an enhancement of the translational motion of the coordinating Li ions. The observed lifetime of Li–SL coordination was longer (>11 ns). Hence, it was concluded that the faster Li translational motion was obtained due to the faster rotational relaxation time of SL rather than the lifetime of Li–SL binding. The faster rotation of SL is related to its amphiphilic molecular structure with compact non-polar segments. Transport properties, such as the Onsager transport coefficients, ionic conductivity, and transference number under anion-blocking conditions, were also analyzed to characterize the features of the SL-based electrolyte. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IkedaShuhei en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuzukiSeiji en-aut-sei=Tsuzuki en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudohTaku en-aut-sei=Sudoh en-aut-mei=Taku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigenobuKeisuke en-aut-sei=Shigenobu en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoKazuhide en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Kazuhide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=DokkoKaoru en-aut-sei=Dokko en-aut-mei=Kaoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinodaWataru en-aut-sei=Shinoda en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre (ACERC), Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre (ACERC), Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre (ACERC), Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre (ACERC), Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University, kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=567 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=216260 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230728 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Dual antiplatelet therapy inhibits neutrophil extracellular traps to reduce liver micrometastases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer metastasis is being clarified, but the relationship between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and NETs remains unclear. The presence of NETs was verified by multiple fluorescence staining in clinically resected specimens of iCCA. Human neutrophils were co-cultured with iCCA cells to observe NET induction and changes in cellular characteristics. Binding of platelets to iCCA cells and its mechanism were also examined, and their effects on NETs were analyzed in vitro and in in vivo mouse models. NETs were present in the tumor periphery of resected iCCAs. NETs promoted the motility and migration ability of iCCA cells in vitro. Although iCCA cells alone had a weak NET-inducing ability, the binding of platelets to iCCA cells via P-selectin promoted NET induction. Based on these results, antiplatelet drugs were applied to these cocultures in vitro and inhibited the binding of platelets to iCCA cells and the induction of NETs. Fluorescently labeled iCCA cells were injected into the spleen of mice, resulting in the formation of liver micrometastases coexisting with platelets and NETs. These mice were treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) consisting of aspirin and ticagrelor, which dramatically reduced micrometastases. These results suggest that potent antiplatelet therapy prevents micrometastases of iCCA cells by inhibiting platelet activation and NET production, and it may contribute to a novel therapeutic strategy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YoshimotoMasashi en-aut-sei=Yoshimoto en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiokaHiroki en-aut-sei=Kajioka en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiAtsuki en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Atsuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaShinji en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuchiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakiuchiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Kakiuchi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagiTomohiko en-aut-sei=Yagi en-aut-mei=Tomohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NogiShohei en-aut-sei=Nogi en-aut-mei=Shohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraishiFuminori en-aut-sei=Teraishi en-aut-mei=Fuminori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuKunitoshi en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Kunitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaYuzo en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TazawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tazawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Aspirin kn-keyword=Aspirin en-keyword=Ticagrelor kn-keyword=Ticagrelor en-keyword=P-selectin kn-keyword=P-selectin en-keyword=Platelet kn-keyword=Platelet en-keyword=Time-lapse imaging kn-keyword=Time-lapse imaging END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=167 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=2833 end-page=2838 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Identification of novel totiviruses from the ascomycetous fungus Geotrichum candidum en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Mycoviruses are widely distributed across the kingdom Fungi, including ascomycetous yeast strains of the class Saccharomycetes. Geotrichum candidum is an important fungal pathogen belonging to Saccharomycetes and has a diverse host range. Here, we report the characterization of four new classical totiviruses from two distinct Geotrichum candidum strains from Pakistan. The four identified viruses were tentatively named “Geotrichum candidum totivirus 1, 2, 3a, and 3b” (GcTV1-3b). The complete dsRNA genomes of the identified totiviruses are 4621, 4592, 4576, and 4576 bp in length, respectively. All totivirus genomes have two open reading frames, encoding a capsid protein (CP) and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), respectively. The downstream RdRP domain is assumed to be expressed as a CP-RdRP fusion product via -1 frameshifting mediated by a heptameric slippery site. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that each of the discovered viruses belongs to a new species of the genus Totivirus in the family Totiviridae, with GcTV1 and GcTV3 (a and b strains) clustering in one subgroup and GcTV2 in another subgroup. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KhanHaris Ahmed en-aut-sei=Khan en-aut-mei=Haris Ahmed kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShahiSabitree en-aut-sei=Shahi en-aut-mei=Sabitree kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=BhattiMuhammad Faraz en-aut-sei=Bhatti en-aut-mei=Muhammad Faraz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=63 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1344 end-page=1353 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230609 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Efficient granulocyte collection method using high concentrations of medium molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Granulocyte transfusion therapy is a rational therapeutic option for patients with prolonged, severe neutropenia. Although high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch (hHES) facilitates the separation of red blood cells during granulocyte collection, renal dysfunction has been noted as a potential side effect. HES130/0.4 (Voluven®) is a medium molecular weight HES (mHES) with superior safety profiles compared to hHES. Although HES130/0.4 is reportedly effective in the collection of granulocytes, we lack studies comparing the efficiency of granulocyte collection using HES130/0.4 and hHES.
Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively collected the data from 60 consecutive apheresis procedures performed on 40 healthy donors at the Okayama University Hospital between July 2013 and December 2021. All procedures were performed using the Spectra Optia system. Based on the HES130/0.4 concentration in the separation chamber, granulocyte collection methods using HES130/0.4 were classified into m0.46, m0.44, m0.37, and m0.8 groups. We used HES130/0.4 and hHES groups to compare the various sample collection methods.
Results: The median granulocyte collection efficiency (CE) was approximately 24.0% and 28.1% in the m0.8 and hHES groups, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the m0.46, m0.44, and m0.37 groups. One month following granulocyte collection with HES130/0.4, no significant changes were observed in serum creatinine levels compared to those before the donation.
Conclusion: Therefore, we propose a granulocyte collection approach employing HES130/0.4, which is comparable to the use of hHES in terms of the granulocyte CE. A high concentration of HES130/0.4 in the separation chamber was considered crucial for granulocyte collection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KondoTakumi en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiKeiko en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiNobuharu en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Nobuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumiiYuichi en-aut-sei=Sumii en-aut-mei=Yuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UrataTomohiro en-aut-sei=Urata en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraMaiko en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Maiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaMasayuki en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkegawaShuntaro en-aut-sei=Ikegawa en-aut-mei=Shuntaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=WashioKana en-aut-sei=Washio en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraHideaki en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaNoboru en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Noboru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimoriHisakazu en-aut-sei=Nishimori en-aut-mei=Hisakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaKen‐ichi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Ken‐ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Division of Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=blood center operations kn-keyword=blood center operations en-keyword=cellular therapy kn-keyword=cellular therapy en-keyword=therapeutic apheresis kn-keyword=therapeutic apheresis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=29 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=919 end-page=921 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202309 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Super acute-onset disseminated BCG infection: A case report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation is an established immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer. Herein, we describe a case of disseminated BCG infection that developed immediately after the first BCG injection. A 76-year-old man diagnosed with non-invasive bladder cancer underwent intravesical BCG instillation; he developed high fever and systemic arthralgia later that night. General examination did not reveal any infectious sources, and a combination therapy of isoniazid, rifabutin, and ethambutol was initiated after collecting his blood, urine, bone marrow, and liver biopsy samples for mycobacterial cultures. Three weeks later, Mycobacterium bovis was detected in the urine and bone marrow samples, and pathological investigation of liver biopsy revealed multiple small epithelial granulomas with focal multinucleated giant cells, leading to a diagnosis of disseminated BCG infection. The patient recovered after long-term antimycobacterial therapy without remarkable sequelae. Most cases of disseminated BCG infection occur after several doses of BCG injections, and its onset reportedly varies among cases, ranging from a few days to several months. The present case was notable as disease onset was observed only a few hours after the first BCG injection. Although rare, development of disseminated BCG infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients at any time after intravesical BCG instillation therapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakaseRyosuke en-aut-sei=Takase en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimoriTakumi en-aut-sei=Fujimori en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYukika en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yukika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKou en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=165 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=411 end-page=421 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202302 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Modified single-patch repair for atrioventricular septal defects results in good functional outcomes in the absence of deep ventricular septal defects en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives
We compared 2-patch repair (TP) with modified single-patch repair (MSP) for complete atrioventricular septal defects and evaluated their effect on the left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) competence. We also identified risk factors for unfavorable functional outcomes.

Methods
This retrospective study included 118 patients with complete atrioventricular septal defects who underwent intracardiac repair from 1998 to 2020 (MSP: 69; TP: 49). The median follow-up period was 10.4 years. The functional outcome of freedom from moderate or greater LAVV regurgitation (LAVVR) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results
The hospital mortality was 1.7% (2/118) and late mortality was 0.8% (1/118). Eight patients required LAVV-related reoperation (MSP: 4; TP: 4) and none required left ventricular outflow tract-related reoperation. In the MSP group without LAVV anomaly, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the ventricular septal defect (VSD) depth was strongly associated with moderate or greater postoperative LAVVR, with the best cutoff at 10.9 mm. When stratified according to the combination of intracardiac repair type and VSD depth, the MSP-deep VSD (VSD depth >11 mm) group showed the worst LAVV competence among the 4 groups (P = .002). According to multivariate analysis, weight <4.0 kg, LAVV anomaly, and moderate or greater preoperative LAVVR were independent risk factors for moderate or greater postoperative LAVVR, whereas MSP was not a risk factor.

Conclusions
Postoperative LAVVR remains an obstacle to improved functional outcomes. MSP provides LAVV competence similar to TP unless deep VSD is present. The surgical approach should be selected on the basis of anatomical variations, specifically VSD depth. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KobayashiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasaharaShingo en-aut-sei=Kasahara en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanoShunji en-aut-sei=Sano en-aut-mei=Shunji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KotaniYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Kotani en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=atrioventricular septal defect kn-keyword=atrioventricular septal defect en-keyword=modified single-patch repair kn-keyword=modified single-patch repair en-keyword=left atrioventricular valve regurgitation kn-keyword=left atrioventricular valve regurgitation en-keyword=ventricular septal defect kn-keyword=ventricular septal defect END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=43 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=585 end-page=593 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=IMPACT OF MACULAR INTRARETINAL HEMORRHAGE AND MACULAR HOLE ON THE VISUAL PROGNOSIS OF SUBMACULAR HEMORRHAGE DUE TO RETINAL ARTERIAL MACROANEURYSM RUPTURE en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To compare the effects of macular intraretinal hemorrhage (IRH) and macular hole (MH) on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after displacement of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) due to retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) rupture.
Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 48 eyes with SMH due to RAM rupture. Cases underwent vitrectomy to displace SMH and were followed up for 6 months. We classified cases according to the presence of IRH and MH and compared the postoperative BCVA among the groups.
Results: We classified the eyes into IRH(+)MH(+) group (10 eyes), IRH(+)MH(−) group (23 eyes), and IRH(−)MH(−) group (15 eyes). The postoperative BCVA was significantly worse in the IRH(+)MH(+) and IRH(+)MH(−) groups than in the IRH(−)MH(−) group (0.91 ± 0.41 in logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution units, Snellen equivalent 20/163, 0.87 ± 0.45, 20/148, and 0.18 ± 0.21, 20/30, respectively; P < 0.001). The postoperative central retinal thickness was significantly lower in the IRH(+) group (IRH(+)MH(+) and IRH(+)MH(−) groups combined) than in the IRH(−) group (IRH(−)MH(−) group) (121.4 ± 70.1 µm and 174.3 ± 32.9 µm, respectively, P = 0.008). The postoperative external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone continuities were significantly discontinuous in the IRH(+) group (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that both IRH(+)MH(+) and IRH(+)MH(−) were associated with the postoperative BCVA (regression coefficient, 0.799 and 0.711, respectively; P < 0.001 for both).
Conclusion: Both IRH and MH were poor prognostic indicators in cases with SMH due to RAM rupture. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DoiShinichiro en-aut-sei=Doi en-aut-mei=Shinichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoShoko en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueMakoto en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuraiToshiya en-aut-sei=Sakurai en-aut-mei=Toshiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoboriAkira en-aut-sei=Kobori en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HisatomiToshio en-aut-sei=Hisatomi en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImaiHisanori en-aut-sei=Imai en-aut-mei=Hisanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuriyamaShoji en-aut-sei=Kuriyama en-aut-mei=Shoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakasuIppei en-aut-sei=Takasu en-aut-mei=Ippei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio Morizane en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio Morizane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Kyorin Eye Center, Kyorin University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Tane Memorial Eye Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Fukui Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Chikushi Hospital, Fukuoka University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Otowa Eye Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Takasu Eye Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=macular intraretinal hemorrhage kn-keyword=macular intraretinal hemorrhage en-keyword=macular hole kn-keyword=macular hole en-keyword=submacular hemorrhage kn-keyword=submacular hemorrhage en-keyword=retinal arterial macroaneurysm kn-keyword=retinal arterial macroaneurysm en-keyword=fluffy sign kn-keyword=fluffy sign en-keyword=tissue plasminogen activator kn-keyword=tissue plasminogen activator END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=107 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=52 end-page=59 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Comprehensive study of metabolic changes induced by a ketogenic diet therapy using GC/MS- and LC/MS-based metabolomics en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet, is effective for a subset of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, although the mechanisms of the KD have not been fully elucidated. The aims of this observational study were to investigate comprehensive short-term metabolic changes induced by the KD and to explore candidate metabolites or pathways for potential new therapeutic targets.
Methods: Subjects included patients with intractable epilepsy who had undergone the KD therapy (the medium-chain triglyceride [MCT] KD or the modified Atkins diet using MCT oil). Plasma and urine samples were obtained before and at 2–4 weeks after initiation of the KD. Targeted metabolome analyses of these samples were performed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).
Results: Samples from 10 and 11 patients were analysed using GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS, respectively. The KD increased ketone bodies, various fatty acids, lipids, and their conjugates. In addition, levels of metabolites located upstream of acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA, including catabolites of branched-chain amino acids and structural analogues of γ-aminobutyric acid and lactic acid, were elevated.
Conclusions: The metabolites that were significantly changed after the initiation of the KD and related metabolites may be candidates for further studies for neuronal actions to develop new anti-seizure medications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkiyamaMari en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkiyamaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigusaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Saigusa en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HishinumaEiji en-aut-sei=Hishinuma en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataTakashi en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaHiroki en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriAtsushi en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiYuji en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MogamiYukiko en-aut-sei=Mogami en-aut-mei=Yukiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokorodaniChiho en-aut-sei=Tokorodani en-aut-mei=Chiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuwaharaKozue en-aut-sei=Kuwahara en-aut-mei=Kozue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=Numata-UematsuYurika en-aut-sei=Numata-Uematsu en-aut-mei=Yurika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueKenji en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKatsuhiro en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Katsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Paediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Shiga Medical Centre for Children kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Paediatrics, Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Paediatric Neurology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Paediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Centre kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Paediatrics, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Paediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Shiga Medical Centre for Children kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Paediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Amino acids kn-keyword=Amino acids en-keyword=Biomarkers kn-keyword=Biomarkers en-keyword=Intractable epilepsy kn-keyword=Intractable epilepsy en-keyword=Ketone bodies kn-keyword=Ketone bodies en-keyword=Organic acids kn-keyword=Organic acids END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=18 end-page=33 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2017 dt-pub=201706 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=中国地方における農業協同組合による小水力発電を支えたステークホルダーの役割 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= 本稿では、中国地方の農業協同組合による小水力発電の導入期と維持期における課題とステークホルダーの役割を明らかにした。
 小水力発電の導入時期と主導者織田史郎の活動期間より、1940年代後半から1960年代までを導入期、1970年以降を維持期と判断できる。導入期は多額の初期投資と電力会社との連系が課題であった。農山漁村電気導入促進法による低金利融資や中国電力による原価主義・全量売電制度などにより、多数の発電所が建設された。維持期は売電単価向上と多額の修繕費が課題であり、これらの解決に向けて中国小水力発電協会が中心的な役割を担った。本事例より、小水力発電の導入と維持には地域外部からの支援獲得のための運動や交渉が重要であったことが指摘できる。固定価格買取制度成立以降も、再生可能エネルギー事業の持続性という観点から、地域間ないしは電力会社といった外部との関係構築が重要となると考えられる。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name= en-aut-sei= en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=本田恭子 kn-aut-sei=本田 kn-aut-mei=恭子 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name= en-aut-sei= en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=松岡崇暢 kn-aut-sei=松岡 kn-aut-mei=崇暢 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name= en-aut-sei= en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=岩本光一郎 kn-aut-sei=岩本 kn-aut-mei=光一郎 aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学 affil-num=2 en-affil= kn-affil=日本福祉大学まちづくり研究センター affil-num=3 en-affil= kn-affil=愛知東邦大学 en-keyword=再生可能エネルギー kn-keyword=再生可能エネルギー en-keyword=小水力発電 kn-keyword=小水力発電 en-keyword=農業協同組合 kn-keyword=農業協同組合 en-keyword=コミュニティ・パワー kn-keyword=コミュニティ・パワー en-keyword=ステークホルダー kn-keyword=ステークホルダー END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=2407 end-page=2416 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230530 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Sequential flotation of 4 components in silicon-based waste solar cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Si, Al, Cu, and Ag particles’ mixture which mainly composes pulverized silicon-based waste solar cells were individually separated by the batch flotation experiments with high recovery and content, and then a general flow chart of the sequential flotation procedure of n-component was postulated including 2-, 3-, and 4-components. The n-component mixture was separated to 1: n-1 or i: j (i + j = n) by a flotation procedure and n-1 times operation was necessary to divide into the individual component. The first flotation process to separate Al into the froth layer was carried out with a collector of SDS solution after dipping Si, Al, Cu, and Ag mixture into the SDS solution. Si was separated in the froth by the second flotation with a collector of a commercial neutral detergent after Al etching by HCl, and Si, Cu and Ag mixture dipped in the detergent. The Cu and Ag mixture was calcinated at 673 or 773 K and dipped into the detergent, and the third flotation with the collector of the detergent led to Cu in the froth and Ag in the sediment. The 4-component mixture was successfully separated into each component by the 3-consecutive flotation processes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MizukawaMami en-aut-sei=Mizukawa en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraNoriko en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UddinMd. Azhar en-aut-sei=Uddin en-aut-mei=Md. Azhar kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoYoshiei en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Yoshiei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaYu-ichi en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Yu-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Fundamental Engineering, Nippon Institute of Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Flotation kn-keyword=Flotation en-keyword=Multicomponent kn-keyword=Multicomponent en-keyword=Waste solar cell kn-keyword=Waste solar cell en-keyword=Silicon kn-keyword=Silicon en-keyword=Recovery kn-keyword=Recovery END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=6 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=2300163 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230428 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Code System‐Based Microdosimetry for the Development of Boron Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiation therapy that selectively kills cancer cells at the cellular level using the boron neutron capture reaction (BNCR) (10B(n.α)7Li). The amount of boron 10B delivers in boronophenylalanine (BPA)-BNCT to achieve anti-tumor effects is ≈15–40 ppm. The same is true for all boron drugs; however, whether the same amount of 10B is required for other boron drugs with different accumulation characteristics has not been intensively investigated. Therefore, herein, a virtual cell model with intracellular organelles is prepared, and the BPA equivalent dose concentration to the cell nucleus is analyzed using particle and heavy ion transport code system-based microdosimetry. Additionally, the intranuclear minimal region (IMR) is set as a reference for the concept of the intranuclear domain in the microdosimetric kinetic model, and the BPA equivalent dose concentration to the IMR is estimated. The required boron delivery dose greatly varies depending on the dose assessment based on the accumulation characteristics of boron agents in intracellular organelles. Evaluation of the BNCR effect according to the accumulation characteristics without being influenced by the specified value of 15–40 ppm is recommended. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShigehiraTakafumi en-aut-sei=Shigehira en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HanafusaTadashi en-aut-sei=Hanafusa en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IgawaKazuyo en-aut-sei=Igawa en-aut-mei=Kazuyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasaiTomonari en-aut-sei=Kasai en-aut-mei=Tomonari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FuruyaShuichi en-aut-sei=Furuya en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimoriHisakazu en-aut-sei=Nishimori en-aut-mei=Hisakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MichiueHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Michiue en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAtsushi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Research Laboratory of Accelerator-Based BNCT system, Graduate School of Engineering Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology Okayama University Hospital Okayama Okayama 700–8558 Japan kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=boron agents kn-keyword=boron agents en-keyword=boron neutron capture therapy kn-keyword=boron neutron capture therapy en-keyword=simulation study kn-keyword=simulation study END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=826 end-page=834 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Flotation kinetics of aluminum powders derived from waste crystalline silicon solar cells and its comparison between batch, continuous and column flotation practices en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this study, floatability rate of aluminum (Al) powders was analyzed for the purpose of separating valuable resources from residual materials in waste photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, and equations for flotation recovery were developed for various flotation types according to the rate-determining steps of the gas flowrate and feed rate. The flotation rate became a zero-order reaction at the rate-determining step of the gas flow rate and had the same form between a batch and continuous typed practices by substituting residence time with real time. Under the rate-determining step of the feed rate, the flotation rate was expressed by the linear combination of the first-order reaction of an even group material. The flotation recovery rate of Al powders was analyzed by the data of a batch floatability experiment and indicated by the linear expression of the first-order reaction of two groups due to the rate-determining step of the feed rate. The calculated separation recovery of n-cell type device increased as the number of cells increased and approached that of the batch and column types. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatoYoshiei en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Yoshiei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaSho en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraNoriko en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UddinMd. Azhar en-aut-sei=Uddin en-aut-mei=Md. Azhar kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaYu-ichi en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Yu-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Fundamental Engineering, Nippon Institute of Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Flotation kn-keyword=Flotation en-keyword=Recovery kn-keyword=Recovery en-keyword=Waste solar cell kn-keyword=Waste solar cell en-keyword=Column flotation kn-keyword=Column flotation en-keyword=Cell-to-cell flotation kn-keyword=Cell-to-cell flotation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=1743 end-page=1772 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Unraveling the stagnation of employee pay in Japanese firms: the impact of profit creation, employee productivity, and employee share en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the causes of stagnant employee pay in Japanese firms. By analyzing agency theory and Japanese governance structure, we argue that pay levels are affected by profit creation, employee productivity, and employee share. Dysfunctional processes in these areas can result in pay stagnation. Our findings demonstrate that employee productivity and profit creation have equally significant impacts on pay levels, whereas employee share affects pay only with high employee productivity. These results suggest that the main reason for stagnant employee pay in Japan is not a failure of profit sharing but rather a failure to link corporate and employee capabilities to a firm’s earning power. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GongYuanyuan en-aut-sei=Gong en-aut-mei=Yuanyuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakinoShige en-aut-sei=Makino en-aut-mei=Shige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuAqi en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Aqi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuHuanchen en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Huanchen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangJingyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jingyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Discovery Program for Global Learners, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Industrial Development Department, China Merchants Group Limited kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Business Administration, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=UNSW Business School, University of New South Wales kn-affil= en-keyword=Employee pay level kn-keyword=Employee pay level en-keyword=Wage stagnation kn-keyword=Wage stagnation en-keyword=Compensation strategy kn-keyword=Compensation strategy en-keyword=Corporate governance kn-keyword=Corporate governance en-keyword=Profit creation kn-keyword=Profit creation en-keyword=Employee productivity kn-keyword=Employee productivity en-keyword=Profit allocation kn-keyword=Profit allocation en-keyword=Japan kn-keyword=Japan END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=67 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=410 end-page=416 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230428 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A factor for predicting simultaneous internal limiting membrane peeling during epiretinal membrane removal: swept-source optical coherence tomography-based evaluation of epiretinal membrane adhesion to the retina en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To investigate preoperative factors associated with simultaneous internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling during epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal.
Study design Observational cross-sectional study.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed 60 eyes with idiopathic ERM that underwent vitrectomy. The gap between the ERM and ILM was visualized using en face optical coherence tomography. The depth and width of the ERM–ILM gap at the initiation site of ERM removal were measured, and the relationship between preoperative factors including these parameters and simultaneous ILM peeling during ERM removal was investigated.
Results The ILM was simultaneously peeled during ERM removal in 30 eyes, but not in the other 30 eyes. Age was significantly higher (P = 0.017) and the width of the ERM–ILM gap was significantly smaller (P < 0.001) in the simultaneous ILM peeling (+) group than in the simultaneous ILM peeling (–) group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the width of the ERM–ILM gap as a significant negative predictor for simultaneous ILM peeling (odds ratio, 0.992; 95% confidence interval, 0.986–0.997; P = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the width of the ERM–ILM gap revealed that the optimal cutoff for predicting simultaneous ILM peeling was 187.1 µm.
Conclusion The small width of the ERM–ILM gap at the initiation site of ERM removal was significantly associated with simultaneous ILM peeling, indicating that the adhesion strength between the ERM and ILM at the initial ERM grasping site determines whether simultaneous ILM peeling will occur during ERM removal. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=Epiretinal membrane en-keyword=Internal limiting membrane kn-keyword=Internal limiting membrane en-keyword=Vitrectomy kn-keyword=Vitrectomy en-keyword=Optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=Optical coherence tomography en-keyword=En face imaging kn-keyword=En face imaging END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=SJ article-no= start-page=SJ0803 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230427 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Acoustic metasurfaces and topological phononics for acoustic/elastic device design en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This paper reviews recent progress in acoustic metasurfaces and the novel concept of "topological acoustic/phononics" for designing compact yet efficient acoustic devices. After a brief review of this research area and its impact on ultrasonic technologies, some of the efforts to develop highly efficient sound absorption devices using acoustic metasurfaces are introduced. A resonance-based mechanism to achieve efficient absorption in metasurface structures thinner than the wavelength of the incident sound is briefly discussed, and its extensions to a broad spectrum are highlighted. Next, a valley topological phononic system is introduced, and its applications to the design of phononic waveguides are exemplified. The band structure design for extracting topologically protected edge modes is shown together with a numerical and experimental demonstration of the robustness of phononic waveguides constructed in both acoustic and elastic regimes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsurutaKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=275 end-page=285 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221214 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Primer on Deep Learning-Based Cellular Image Classification of Changes in the Spatial Distribution of the Golgi Apparatus After Experimental Manipulation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The visual classification of cell images according to differences in the spatial patterns of subcellular structure is an important methodology in cell and developmental biology. Experimental perturbation of cell function can induce changes in the spatial distribution of organelles and their associated markers or labels. Here, we demonstrate how to achieve accurate, unbiased, high-throughput image classification using an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. We show that a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm can classify distinct patterns of Golgi images after drug or siRNA treatments, and we review our methods from cell preparation to image acquisition and CNN analysis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakaoDaisuke en-aut-sei=Takao en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KyunaiYuki M. en-aut-sei=Kyunai en-aut-mei=Yuki M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaYasushi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatohAyano en-aut-sei=Satoh en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Engineering, Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Convolutional neural network kn-keyword=Convolutional neural network en-keyword=Image classification kn-keyword=Image classification en-keyword=Golgins kn-keyword=Golgins en-keyword=Golgi kn-keyword=Golgi en-keyword=Microtubule kn-keyword=Microtubule END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=235 end-page=246 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221214 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Electron Tomographic Analysis of Giantin-Deficient Golgi Proposes a New Function of the Golgin Protein Family en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Golgi apparatus is an organelle that mediates modifications, sorting, and transport of proteins and lipids. Golgins are a group of proteins with coiled-coil structures that localize to the Golgi and are thought to function as tethers to facilitate the docking of vesicles, Rab GTPases, and cytoskeleton components to the Golgi stack. Giantin is the longest golgin and has been thought to function as a tether for COPI vesicles along with other golgins, such as p115 and GM130. Contrary to our expectation that the loss of the tether will result in an increase in untethered COPI vesicles in the cytoplasm, our electron microscopy observations showed that the fenestrae normally present in Golgi cisternae were reduced upon Giantin knockdown. We also found that this structural change is accompanied by altered secretion of cargo proteins and cell surface glycosylation. These results indicate that there exists a correlation between Golgi structural changes caused by the loss of Giantin and Golgi function. Here, we describe electron tomography methods for the detection of structural changes in the Golgi. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatohAyano en-aut-sei=Satoh en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Hayashi-NishinoMitsuko en-aut-sei=Hayashi-Nishino en-aut-mei=Mitsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoKunihiko en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Kunihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University kn-affil= en-keyword=Golgi kn-keyword=Golgi en-keyword=Golgin kn-keyword=Golgin en-keyword=Giantin kn-keyword=Giantin en-keyword=Electron tomography kn-keyword=Electron tomography en-keyword=3D modeling kn-keyword=3D modeling en-keyword=Vesicles kn-keyword=Vesicles END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=48 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=533 end-page=540 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of the national sarcoma guidelines on the prevalence and outcome of inadvertent excisions of soft tissue sarcomas: An observational study from a UK tertiary referral centre en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of the national guideline on the prevalence and outcome in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) who had undergone inadvertent excisions.
Methods: A total of 2336 patients were referred to a tertiary sarcoma centre from six regions (North East, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales, and South West) in the United Kingdom with a diagnosis of STS between 1996 and 2016, of whom 561 patients (24.0%) had undergone inadvertent excisions. Patients were categorised into two groups of 10-year periods pre and post the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline implementation in 2006.
Results: The proportion of inadvertent excisions decreased after the NICE guideline implementation: 27.2% (pre-NICE) versus 19.8% (post-NICE) (p = 0.001). A substantial regional variation (17.4%–34.5%) in the proportion of inadvertent excisions in the pre-NICE era was reduced in the post-NICE era (14.3%–22.4%). The 5-year disease-specific survival was 77.7% (pre-NICE) versus 75.6% (post-NICE) (p = 0.961) and there was a trend toward lower incidence of local recurrence in the post-NICE era; 13.5% (pre-NICE) versus 10.5% (post-NICE) (p = 0.522). Multivariate analyses revealed that residual tumours in re-resection specimens were independently associated with an increased risk of disease-specific mortality (HR, 3.35; p < 0.001) and local recurrence (HR, 1.99; p = 0.017), which was significantly reduced after the NICE guideline implementation (53.2% versus 42.0%; p = 0.022).
Conclusions: The NICE guideline implementation reduced the proportion of patients with STS who had undergone inadvertent excisions and residual tumour in re-resection specimens, indicating an improved pre-referral management of STSs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EvansScott en-aut-sei=Evans en-aut-mei=Scott kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=StevensonJonathan en-aut-sei=Stevenson en-aut-mei=Jonathan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsudaYusuke en-aut-sei=Tsuda en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=GregoryJonathan en-aut-sei=Gregory en-aut-mei=Jonathan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GrimerRobert en-aut-sei=Grimer en-aut-mei=Robert kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbuduAdesegun en-aut-sei=Abudu en-aut-mei=Adesegun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Oncology Service, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Oncology Service, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Oncology Service, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Oncology Service, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Oncology Service, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Oncology Service, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust kn-affil= en-keyword=NICE guideline kn-keyword=NICE guideline en-keyword=Soft-tissue sarcoma kn-keyword=Soft-tissue sarcoma en-keyword=Inadvertent excision kn-keyword=Inadvertent excision en-keyword=Prevalence kn-keyword=Prevalence en-keyword=Outcome kn-keyword=Outcome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=97 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=652 end-page=652 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202204 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Half-and-Half Toenails en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=135 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e106 end-page=e106 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Adrenal and Testicular Tumor Formation Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=29 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=523 end-page=526 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202305 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Buruli ulcer caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans subsp. shinshuense: A case report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Buruli ulcer is the third most common mycobacterial infection worldwide and is mainly diagnosed in tropical regions. Globally, this progressive disease is caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans; however, Mycobacterium ulcerans subsp. shinshuense, an Asian variant, has been exclusively identified in Japan. Because of insufficient clinical cases, the clinical features of M. ulcerans subsp. shinshuense–associated Buruli ulcer remain unclear. A 70-year-old Japanese woman presented with erythema on her left backhand. The skin lesion deteriorated without an apparent etiology of inflammation, and she was referred to our hospital 3 months after disease onset. A biopsy specimen was incubated in 2% Ogawa medium at 30 °C. After 66 days, we detected small yellow-pigmented colonies, suggesting scotochromogens. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI Biotyper; Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA, USA) indicated that the organism was Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii or Mycobacterium marinum. However, additional PCR testing for the insertion sequence 2404 (IS2404) was positive, suggesting that the pathogen was either M. ulcerans or M. ulcerans subsp. shinshuense. Further examination by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, focusing on nucleotide positions 492, 1247, 1288, and 1449–1451, we finally identified the organism as M. ulcerans subsp. shinshuense. The patient was successfully treated with 12 weeks of clarithromycin and levofloxacin treatment. Mass spectrometry is the latest microbial diagnostic method; however, it cannot be used to identify M. ulcerans subsp. shinshuense. To accurately detect this enigmatic pathogen and uncover its epidemiology and clinical characteristics in Japan, more accumulation of clinical cases with accurate identification of the causative pathogen is essential. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujimoriTakumi en-aut-sei=Fujimori en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamasakiOsamu en-aut-sei=Yamasaki en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoYuji en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoshinoYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Hoshino en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakehiAyaka en-aut-sei=Kakehi en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkuraMami en-aut-sei=Okura en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinabeHiroshi en-aut-sei=Minabe en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYukika en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yukika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashikageAkihito en-aut-sei=Higashikage en-aut-mei=Akihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Mycobacteriology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Buruli ulcer kn-keyword=Buruli ulcer en-keyword=Mycobacterium ulcerans kn-keyword=Mycobacterium ulcerans en-keyword=Mycobacterium ulcerans subsp kn-keyword=Mycobacterium ulcerans subsp en-keyword=shinshuense kn-keyword=shinshuense en-keyword=16S rRNA sequencing analysis kn-keyword=16S rRNA sequencing analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=28 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1060 end-page=1067 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230908 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The stability of repaired meniscal root can affect postoperative cartilage status following medial meniscus posterior root repair en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background
Transtibial pullout repair yields beneficial clinical outcomes in patients with medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tear. However, the relationship between repaired meniscal root healing status and postoperative clinical outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate changes in articular cartilage damage and clinical scores after pullout repair using two simple stitches (TSS).

Methods
Thirty-three patients who underwent pullout repair using TSS were assessed. Healing status was assessed by a semi-quantitative second-look arthroscopic scoring system comprising three evaluation criteria (width of bridging tissues, stability of the repaired root, and synovial coverage), 1 year postoperatively. MM medial extrusion (MMME) and cartilage damage were assessed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The medial compartment was divided into 8 zones (A-H) for comparison of preoperative and 1-year postoperative cartilage damage. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee scores, and visual analogue scale pain score.

Results
Although cartilage damage did not aggravate significantly in most medial compartment areas, MMME progressed at 1 year postoperatively. No statistical differences were observed in cartilage damage between the central-to-medial area of the medial femoral condyle and the medial tibial plateau area at 1 year postoperatively. Regarding semi-quantitative healing scores, the stability score was significantly correlated with the International Cartilage Repair Society grade at 1 year postoperatively. All 1-year and 2-year clinical scores significantly improved compared with the preoperative scores.

Conclusion
Regarding TSS repair, stability of repaired meniscal root negatively correlated with cartilage damage in the medial compartment loading area. All 1-year and 2-year clinical scores significantly improved than those of the preoperative scores. Achieving MM stability is crucial for suppressing cartilage degeneration.

Level of evidence
IV case series study. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangXiming en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Ximing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=XueHaowei en-aut-sei=Xue en-aut-mei=Haowei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KintakaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kintaka en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazawaShinichi en-aut-sei=Miyazawa en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=1834 end-page=1837 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Improving disease resistance to rice false smut without yield penalty by manipulating the expression of effector target en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangQiong en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Qiong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoYoji en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Yoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=436 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=120232 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220515 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Call for correction: Mid and long-term neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome: A meta-analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=3306 end-page=3308.e2 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of COVID-19 pandemic-associated reduction in respiratory viral infections on childhood asthma onset in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadowakiTomoka en-aut-sei=Kadowaki en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakanagaSatoe en-aut-sei=Takanaga en-aut-mei=Satoe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaMasanori en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=52 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=417 end-page=422 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relationships between squamous cell carcinoma antigen and cytokeratin 19 fragment values and renal function in oral cancer patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are used to screen and monitor oral cancer patients. However, recent studies have reported that tumour markers become elevated as renal function decreases, regardless of tumour progression. A retrospective study was performed of 423 oral cancer patients who underwent blood testing for these tumour markers and other blood analytes during a 10-year period. The values of SCC-Ag and CYFRA increased significantly with decreasing renal function (P < 0.01), and the values were abnormal at a median 2.6 ng/ml for SCC-Ag and 4.7 ng/ml for CYFRA in the group with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values of< 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The factors that were related to the variation in tumour markers were albumin and creatinine. The cut-off values of eGFR were 59.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 for SCC-Ag and 63.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 for CYFRA, and the cut-off age when the tumour markers might rise due to the effect of renal function were 72 years for SCC-Ag and 73 years for CYFRA. In conclusion, decreased renal function should be taken into account when evaluating tumour markers in oral cancer. In addition, tumour markers are likely to be overestimated in patients over the age of 72–73 years. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ObataK. en-aut-sei=Obata en-aut-mei=K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YutoriH. en-aut-sei=Yutori en-aut-mei=H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaK. en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoY. en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Y. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoK. en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IbaragiS. en-aut-sei=Ibaragi en-aut-mei=S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Oral cancer kn-keyword=Oral cancer en-keyword=Tumor markers kn-keyword=Tumor markers en-keyword=Squamous cell carcinoma kn-keyword=Squamous cell carcinoma en-keyword=Tumor antigens kn-keyword=Tumor antigens en-keyword=CYFRA cytokeratin fragment kn-keyword=CYFRA cytokeratin fragment en-keyword=Renal function kn-keyword=Renal function END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=178 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1 end-page=10 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=PD-1 blockade augments CD8+ T cell dependent antitumor immunity triggered by Ad-SGE-REIC in Egfr-mutant lung cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: No immunotherapeutic protocol has yet been established in never-smoking patients with lung cancer harboring driver oncogenic mutations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. The immunostimulatory effect of Ad-REIC, a genetically engineered adenovirus vector expressing a tumor suppressor gene, reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC), has been investigated in clinical trials for various solid tumors. However, the immunostimulatory effect of the Ad-REIC in EGFR-mutant lung cancer with a non-inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) has not been explored.
Materials and methods: We used a syngeneic mouse model developed by transplanting Egfr-mutant lung cancer cells into single or double flanks of C57BL/6J mice. Ad-SGE-REIC, a 2nd-generation vector with an enhancer sequence, was injected only into the tumors from one flank, and its antitumor effects were assessed. Tumor-infiltrating cells were evaluated using immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry. The synergistic effects of Ad-SGE-REIC and PD-1 blockade were also examined.
Results: Injection of Ad-SGE-REIC into one side of the tumor induced not only a local antitumor effect but also a bystander abscopal effect in the non-injected tumor, located on the other flank. The number of PD-1+CD8+ T cells increased in both injected and non-injected tumors. PD-1 blockade augmented the local and abscopal antitumor effects of Ad-SGE-REIC by increasing the number of CD8+ T cells in the TME of Egfr-mutant tumors. Depletion of CD8+ cells reverted the antitumor effect, suggesting they contribute to antitumor immunity.
Conclusion: Ad-SGE-REIC induced systemic antitumor immunity by modifying the TME status from non-inflamed to inflamed, with infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Additionally, in Egfr-mutant lung cancer, this effect was enhanced by PD-1 blockade. These findings pave the way to establish a novel combined immunotherapy strategy with Ad-SGE-REIC and anti-PD-1 antibody for lung cancer with a non-inflamed TME. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakasukaTakamasa en-aut-sei=Nakasuka en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhashiKadoaki en-aut-sei=Ohashi en-aut-mei=Kadoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiiKazuya en-aut-sei=Nishii en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirabaeAtsuko en-aut-sei=Hirabae en-aut-mei=Atsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkawaSachi en-aut-sei=Okawa en-aut-mei=Sachi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomonobuNahoko en-aut-sei=Tomonobu en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakadaKenji en-aut-sei=Takada en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoChihiro en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Chihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeHiromi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hiromi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoGo en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaKiichiro en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Kiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiMasanori en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuboToshio en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=HottaKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TabataMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tabata en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=KumonHiromi en-aut-sei=Kumon en-aut-mei=Hiromi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiuraKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Kiura en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Innovation Center Okayama for Nanobio-targeted Therapy, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=EGFR mutation kn-keyword=EGFR mutation en-keyword=Non-small cell lung cancer kn-keyword=Non-small cell lung cancer en-keyword=Antitumor immunity kn-keyword=Antitumor immunity en-keyword=Non-inflamed tumor kn-keyword=Non-inflamed tumor en-keyword=Ad-SGE-REIC kn-keyword=Ad-SGE-REIC en-keyword=Gene therapy kn-keyword=Gene therapy en-keyword=PD-1 kn-keyword=PD-1 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=447 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=120608 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neuroprotective effects of carnosine in a mice stroke model concerning oxidative stress and inflammatory response en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a natural dipeptide with multiple neuroprotective properties. Previous studies have advertised that carnosine scavenges free radicals and displays anti-inflammatory activity. However, the underlying mechanism and the efficacies of its pleiotropic effect on prevention remained obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammative, and anti-pyroptotic effects of carnosine in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model. After a daily pre-treatment of saline or carnosine (1000 mg / kg / day) for 14 days, mice (n = 24) were subjected to tMCAO for 60 min and continuously treated with saline or carnosine for additional 1 and 5 days after reperfusion. The administration of carnosine significantly decreased infarct volume 5 days after the tMCAO (*p < 0.05) and effectively suppressed the expression of 4-HNE, 8-OHdG, Nitrotyrosine 5 days, and RAGE 5 days after tMCAO. Moreover, the expression of IL-1β was also significantly suppressed 5 days after tMCAO. Our present findings demonstrated that carnosine effectively relieves oxidative stress caused by ischemic stroke and significantly attenuates neuroinflammatory responses related to IL-1β, suggesting that carnosine can be a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HuXinran en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xinran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FengTian en-aut-sei=Feng en-aut-mei=Tian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianZhihong en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Zhihong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuHaibo en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Haibo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuXiao en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xiao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakemotoMami en-aut-sei=Takemoto en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYumiko en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiTaijun en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Taijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeKoji en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Ischemic stroke kn-keyword=Ischemic stroke en-keyword=Carnosine kn-keyword=Carnosine en-keyword=Middle cerebral artery occlusion kn-keyword=Middle cerebral artery occlusion en-keyword=Oxidative stress kn-keyword=Oxidative stress en-keyword=Inflammation kn-keyword=Inflammation en-keyword=Pyroptosis kn-keyword=Pyroptosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=69 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230311 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Synthesis and Characterization of Silica-Encapsulated n-Tetracosane and the Effect of Surface Modification by Silane Coupling Agents en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Microencapsulation of n-tetracosane, whose melting point is approximately 50 degrees C, in a silica shell has been performed through the sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the precursor for silica-shell formation. Additionally, two types of silane coupling agents were used to modify the surface of the microcapsules to change the wettability. The morphology of the microcapsules was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results confirmed the presence of n-tetracosane and silica in the synthesized microcapsules. Wettability analysis showed hydrophobic and hydrophilic features because of the added silane coupling agents. From the results of differential scanning calorimetry measurements, the encapsulation ratio of the microcapsules increased with decreasing TEOS/n-tetracosane ratio, and the highest encapsulation ratio was 87.1 % at a TEOS/n-tetracosane ratio of 0.25. The pH in the microcapsule solution was affected by addition of a silane coupling agent, and shifting the pH to the basic side lowered the encapsulation ratio owing to enhancement of silica condensation. After 100 differential scanning calorimetry cycles, there was no significant degradation in the phase-change temperatures and enthalpies, which confirmed the good phase-change stability and repeatability. Therefore, the microcapsules are a potential material for thermal-energy-storage systems to effectively utilize energy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkunoKyosuke en-aut-sei=Okuno en-aut-mei=Kyosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Microcapsule kn-keyword=Microcapsule en-keyword=n-Tetracosane kn-keyword=n-Tetracosane en-keyword=Silane coupling agent kn-keyword=Silane coupling agent en-keyword=Sol-gel method kn-keyword=Sol-gel method en-keyword=Thermal energy storage kn-keyword=Thermal energy storage END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=2023324 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Improvements in thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions with ozone addition in a natural gas-diesel dual fuel engine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Here, ozone (O-3) was introduced into the intake air in a natural gas fueled engine ignited by diesel fuel, a natural gas-diesel dual fuel engine, to utilize the reactive O-radicals decomposed from the O-3 for the promotion of the ignition and for improvements in the thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions. The engine experiments were performed over a range of equivalence ratios of the natural gas in a single cylinder engine. The timing of the pilot injection of the diesel fuel was varied from early in the compression stroke to near top dead center to examine the changes in the effects of the O-3 addition on the ignition and combustion with the pilot injection timing while varying the O-3 concentration. The results showed that the combination of the O-3 addition and the early pilot injection is a means to improve the thermal efficiency and unburned emissions with a small amount of O-3. Further, the improvement in the thermal efficiency and the reduction of the unburned hydrocarbons with the O-3 addition are more pronounced for lower equivalence ratios of natural gas, while the O-3 addition has a limited effect on the thermal efficiency and the unburned hydrocarbons for higher equivalence ratios of the natural gas. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KobashiYoshimitsu en-aut-sei=Kobashi en-aut-mei=Yoshimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=InagakiRyuya en-aut-sei=Inagaki en-aut-mei=Ryuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataGen en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Gen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaHideyuki en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Energy and Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Energy and Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Energy and Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= en-keyword=Dual fuel engine kn-keyword=Dual fuel engine en-keyword=ozone kn-keyword=ozone en-keyword=natural gas kn-keyword=natural gas en-keyword=diesel fuel kn-keyword=diesel fuel en-keyword=pilot injection kn-keyword=pilot injection en-keyword=thermal efficiency kn-keyword=thermal efficiency en-keyword=exhaust emissions kn-keyword=exhaust emissions END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=221 end-page=238 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202303 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=キビ・イズモ・ヤマト en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name= en-aut-sei= en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=今津勝紀 kn-aut-sei=今津 kn-aut-mei=勝紀 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学文明動態学研究所 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=56 end-page=65 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Utility of genome-wide DNA methylation profiling for pediatric-type diffuse gliomas en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Despite the current progress of treatment, pediatric-type diffuse glioma is one of the most lethal primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system (CNS). Since pediatric-type CNS tumors are rare disease entities and highly heterogeneous, the diagnosis is challenging. An accurate diagnosis is essential for the choice of optimal treatment, which leads to precision oncology and improvement of the patient’s outcome. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling recently emerged as one of the most important tools for the diagnosis of CNS tumors, and the utility of this novel assay has been reported in both pediatric and adult patients. In the current World Health Organization classification published in 2021, several new entities are recognized in pediatric-type diffuse gliomas, some of which require methylation profiling. In this review, we investigated the utility of genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in pediatric-type diffuse glioma, as well as issues in clinical application of this assay. Furthermore, the combination of genome-wide DNA methylation profiling and other comprehensive genomic assays, which may improve diagnostic accuracy and detection of the actionable target, will be discussed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OtaniYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatomiKaishi en-aut-sei=Satomi en-aut-mei=Kaishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SurugaYasuki en-aut-sei=Suruga en-aut-mei=Yasuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaJoji en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiKentaro en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchimuraKoichi en-aut-sei=Ichimura en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateIsao en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kyorin University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Brain Disease Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling kn-keyword=Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling en-keyword=pediatric-type diffuse glioma kn-keyword=pediatric-type diffuse glioma en-keyword=pediatric brain tumor kn-keyword=pediatric brain tumor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=28 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=41 end-page=49 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=2022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Interpretation of the official Japanese translation summary of the “MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy” (Updated 2019-2020) kn-title=「MASCC/ISOO 口腔粘膜障害のマネジメントに関する臨床ガイドライン(2019-2020改訂版)」公式日本語訳概要の解釈について en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=Adverse events frequently occur with chemotherapy, radiation therapy involving the oral cavity, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in cancer treatment. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and the International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) have developed a systematic review methodology and published a updated version of the “MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy” in 2019-2020. In addition, an official Japanese translation of the summary overview was also published. However, because it is an international guideline, some references are made to unapproved drugs or off-label use in Japan. In addition, some parts of the summary outline do not convey the intent derived from the original text. This paper introduces the contents of the revised guideline and details the contents of the summary overview of the guideline with the above-mentioned problems in mind. kn-abstract=がん治療における化学療法、口腔を照射野に含む放射線療法、および造血幹細胞移植では、有害事象として口腔粘膜障害がしばしば発生する。がん支持療法の国際学会であるMultinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer および International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO)は、システマティックレビューの手法により、2019年から2020年にかけて、「MASCC/ISOO 口腔粘膜障害のマネジメントに関する臨床ガイドライン」の改訂版を発表した。さらに、総括の概要について、日本語の公式翻訳版も発表された。しかし、国際的なガイドラインであるが故に、日本での非承認薬あるいは適応外使用について言及されている内容が多い。また、総括の概要で、原文に由来する意図が伝わりにくい箇所がある。本稿では、改訂されたガイドラインの内容について紹介するとともに、上述した問題点を念頭に、ガイドラインの総括の概要に記載された内容について詳述した。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SOGAYoshihiko en-aut-sei=SOGA en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name=曽我賢彦 kn-aut-sei=曽我 kn-aut-mei=賢彦 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil=岡山大学病院 医療支援歯科治療部 en-keyword=口腔粘膜障害 kn-keyword=口腔粘膜障害 en-keyword=口腔粘膜炎 kn-keyword=口腔粘膜炎 en-keyword=がん治療 kn-keyword=がん治療 en-keyword=ガイドライン kn-keyword=ガイドライン en-keyword=MASCC/ISOO kn-keyword=MASCC/ISOO END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=127 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2223 end-page=2230 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Uniform Formation of a Characteristic Nanocomposite Structure of Biogenous Iron Oxide for High Rate Performance as the Anode of Lithium-Ion Batteries en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recently, Fe2O3 has been considered as an alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical capacity (approximately 1000 mA h g-1), low cost, and nontoxicity. However, its rate performance remains poor relative to that of the conventional graphite anode. In this study, Fe2O3-based anodes were prepared through the annealing of biogenous Fe2O3 (L-BIOX) samples produced by an aquatic Fe-oxidizing bacterium. The effect of the annealing temperature on the performance of the synthesized Fe2O3-based material as the anode of an LIB was investigated. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the annealed L-BIOX samples at 300-700 degrees C exhibited higher rate performances than the unannealed material. Particularly, the sample annealed at 700 degrees C exhibited the highest capacity among the synthesized materials and showed a higher performance than the previously reported Fe2O3-based anodes. It exhibited a capacity of 923 mA h g-1 even at a high current density of 2 A g-1. After annealing at 700 degrees C and discharging, the synthesized biogenous material had a uniform nanocomposite structure composed of alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in an amorphous matrix of Li-Si-P oxide. To form this uniform nanostructure, the solid-state diffusion resistance of the Li+ ions in the active material was reduced, which consequently improved the rate performance of the electrode. Therefore, this study provides substantial insights into the development and improvement of the performance of novel Fe2O3-based nanomaterials as the anode of LIBs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakahashiMasakuni en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Masakuni kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakumaRyo en-aut-sei=Sakuma en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoHideki en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiTatsuo en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Tatsuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakadaJun en-aut-sei=Takada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=284 end-page=299 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=2023214 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Pigment-dispersing factor and CCHamide1 in the Drosophila circadian clock network en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Animals possess a circadian central clock in the brain, where circadian behavioural rhythms are generated. In the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), the central clock comprises a network of approximately 150 clock neurons, which is important for the maintenance of a coherent and robust rhythm. Several neuropeptides involved in the network have been identified, including Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) and CCHamide1 (CCHa1) neuropeptides. PDF signals bidirectionally to CCHa1-positive clock neurons; thus, the clock neuron groups expressing PDF and CCHa1 interact reciprocally. However, the role of these interactions in molecular and behavioural rhythms remains elusive. In this study, we generated Pdf (01) and CCHa1(SK8) double mutants and examined their locomotor activity-related rhythms. The single mutants of Pdf (01) or CCHa1(SK8) displayed free-running rhythms under constant dark conditions, whereas approximately 98% of the double mutants were arrhythmic. In light-dark conditions, the evening activity of the double mutants was phase-advanced compared with that of the single mutants. In contrast, both the single and double mutants had diminished morning activity. These results suggest that the effects of the double mutation varied in behavioural parameters. The double and triple mutants of per (01), Pdf (01), and CCHa1(SK8) further revealed that PDF signalling plays a role in the suppression of activity during the daytime under a clock-less background. Our results provide insights into the interactions between PDF and CCHa1 signalling and their roles in activity rhythms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuwanoRiko en-aut-sei=Kuwano en-aut-mei=Riko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuraMaki en-aut-sei=Katsura en-aut-mei=Maki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataMai en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Mai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokosakoTatsuya en-aut-sei=Yokosako en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiiTaishi en-aut-sei=Yoshii en-aut-mei=Taishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Neuropeptide kn-keyword=Neuropeptide en-keyword=neural network kn-keyword=neural network en-keyword=clock protein kn-keyword=clock protein en-keyword=activity rhythm kn-keyword=activity rhythm en-keyword=masking effect kn-keyword=masking effect END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=166 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=926 end-page=932 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202309 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=When to Intervene the Pulmonary Artery: Importance of Anatomical Assessment in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Artery Coarctation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: Pulmonary artery coarctation (PACoA) is a major problem that increases the frequency of intervention. However, there is little evidence regarding the prediction of PACoA development.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 42 patients who underwent modified Blalock-Taussig shunt and preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography. An uneven PA branching was defined as an abnormal ductus arteriosus connection to the left PA distal to the PA branching on contrast-enhanced computed tomography.
Results: Nineteen (45.2%) of 42 patients were diagnosed with PACoA. The median diameters of the ductus on the aorta and PA sides were 4.1 mm and 3.6 mm in the PACoA group and 3.6 mm and 2.9 mm in the non-PACoA group, respectively (P = .07 and .28, respectively). Tortuous ductus was recognized in 7 (36.8%) patients in the PACoA group and 14 (60.8%) patients in the non-PACoA group (P = .12). PACoA was associated with pulmonary atresia (16 patients [84.2%] in the PACoA group and 12 patients [52.1%] in the non-PACoA group) (P = .02). All 19 patients had uneven PA branching in the PACoA group, whereas 5 of 23 (21.7%) patients had uneven PA branching in the non-PACoA group (P < .001).
Conclusions: Uneven PA branching rather than the ductus arteriosus size was strongly associated with PACoA development; therefore, morphologic assessment by contrast-enhanced computed tomography should be considered in patients with pulmonary atresia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KisamoriEiri en-aut-sei=Kisamori en-aut-mei=Eiri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KotaniYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Kotani en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiJunko en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawabataTakuya en-aut-sei=Kawabata en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurokoYosuke en-aut-sei=Kuroko en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasaharaShingo en-aut-sei=Kasahara en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=pulmonary artery coarctation kn-keyword=pulmonary artery coarctation en-keyword=congenital heart disease kn-keyword=congenital heart disease en-keyword=neonate kn-keyword=neonate en-keyword=pulmonary artery stenosis kn-keyword=pulmonary artery stenosis en-keyword=anatomy kn-keyword=anatomy en-keyword=CT kn-keyword=CT END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=170 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=132 end-page=138 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Simplified PADUA REnal (SPARE) Nephrometry System can Describe the Surgical Difficulty of Renal Masses With High Accuracy Even Without 3D Renal Models en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: To evaluate whether a 2-dimensional(2D) model describes the surgical difficulty of a renal mass accurately comparable to that obtained using a 3D model with the Simplified PADUA REnal nephrometry system (SPARE).
Methods: A total of 100 patients underwent RAPN in our hospital between October 2018 and May 2021. We excluded patients with CT images inappropriate for evaluation or for construction of 3D models, patients with multiple tumors, and those who underwent preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the remaining patients using SPARE predictions from CT images (2D-SPARE) and SPARE predictions from 3D models (3D-SPARE). We evaluated the difference between the 2 nephrometry scores and compared them by their ability to predict the achievement of the desired surgical outcome: absence of positive margins, absence of ischemia, and absence of significant complications.
Results: A total of 87 patients were included in this study. Total score, and risk categorization using 3D-SPARE was significantly different from those using 2D-SPARE (P <.05), but in their areas under the curve (AUC), the scores and categorizations were not significantly different (score, 0.763 vs 0.742; P = .501; categorization, 0.711 vs 0.701; P = .755).
Conclusion: The SPARE system can describe the surgical difficulty of renal masses with high accuracy even without the use of 3D renal models. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeTomofumi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Tomofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SadahiraTakuya en-aut-sei=Sadahira en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SekitoTakanori en-aut-sei=Sekito en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaYuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=EdamuraKohei en-aut-sei=Edamura en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiMotoo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Motoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=renal cell carcinoma kn-keyword=renal cell carcinoma en-keyword=robot-assisted surgery kn-keyword=robot-assisted surgery en-keyword=three-dimensional imaging kn-keyword=three-dimensional imaging END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=85 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=436 end-page=480 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Poor vaccine responsiveness towards third-dose mRNA vaccine of COVID-19 in Japanese older people en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HikitaTakao en-aut-sei=Hikita en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabuTomohiro en-aut-sei=Habu en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaMasaki en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasanori en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Office of Innovative Medicine, Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Departments of Medical Education, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Office of Innovative Medicine, Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=53 end-page=63 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230118 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Fbxl4 Regulates the Photic Entrainment of Circadian Locomotor Rhythms in the Cricket Gryllus bimaculatus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Photic entrainment is an essential property of the circadian clock that sets the appropriate timing of daily behavioral and physiological events. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the entrainment remain largely unknown. In the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, the immediate early gene c-fosB plays an important role in photic entrainment, followed by a mechanism involving cryptochromes (crys). However, the association between c-fosB expression and crys remains unclear. In the present study, using RNA-sequencing analysis, we found that five Fbxl family genes (Fbxl4, Fbxl5, Fbxl16, Fbxl-like1, and Fbxl-like2) encoding F-box and leucine-rich repeat proteins are likely involved in the mechanism following light-dependent c-fosB induction. RNA interference (RNAi) of c-fosA/B significantly downregulated Fbxls expression, whereas RNAi of the Fbxl genes exerted no effect on c-fosB expression. The Fbxl genes showed rhythmic expression under light-dark cycles (LDs) with higher expression levels in early day (Fbxl16), whole day (Fbxl-like1), or day-to-early night (Fbxl4, Fbxl5, and Fbxl-like2), whereas their expression was reduced in the dark. We then examined the effect of their RNAi on the photic entrainment of the locomotor rhythm and found that RNAi of Fbxl4 either disrupted or significantly delayed the re-entrainment of the locomotor rhythm to shifted LDs. These results suggest that light-induced c-fosB expression stimulates Fbxl4 expression to reset the circadian clock. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakeuchiKazuki en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukaMirai en-aut-sei=Matsuka en-aut-mei=Mirai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaTsugumichi en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Tsugumichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMayuko en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Mayuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiyamaYasuaki en-aut-sei=Tomiyama en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiokaKenji en-aut-sei=Tomioka en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=301 end-page=306 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2021 dt-pub=20210412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A posterior shiny-corner lesion of the tibia is observed in the early phase after medial meniscus posterior root tear en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Backgrounds
Medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tear (PRT) results in joint overloading and degenerative changes in the knee, and pullout repair is recommended to prevent subsequent osteoarthritis. Diagnosing MMPRT is sometimes difficult, especially in the case of an incomplete tear. A posterior shiny-corner lesion (PSCL) is reported to be useful for diagnosis, although the association between MMPRT and PSCL is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the properties of PSCL, such as the location, volume, and duration from injury to the time of MRI (duration). We hypothesized that PSCL is observed in the early phase after the MMPRT onset.

Methods
T2-weighted fat-suppression magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained from 55 patients with MMPRT preoperatively. The prevalence of the PSCL; giraffe neck, cleft, and ghost signs; severe MM extrusion (> 3 mm); and the PSCL volume were evaluated. The PSCL lesion elliptical volume (mm3) was calculated by measuring the anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal dimensions.


Results
PSCL was observed in 34 (62%) cases. The mean volume of the PSCL was 102.0 mm3. A significantly shorter duration was observed in the PSCL-positive group (5.6 weeks) than that in the PSCL-negative group (40.9 weeks, P < 0.01), although no significant correlation was observed between the PSCL volume and duration. The sensitivity for the MMPRT was 90.5% when the cut-off duration value was 3 weeks and 81.8% when the cut-off value was 8 weeks.

Conclusions
MRI examination may detect PSCL if it is performed early following MMPRT onset. Detecting PSCL may be useful in diagnosing MMPRT with high sensitivity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajikiYuya en-aut-sei=Kajiki en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KintakaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kintaka en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodamaYuya en-aut-sei=Kodama en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamatsukiYusuke en-aut-sei=Kamatsuki en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Posterior shiny-corner lesion kn-keyword=Posterior shiny-corner lesion en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Posterior root tear kn-keyword=Posterior root tear en-keyword=Magnetic resonance imaging kn-keyword=Magnetic resonance imaging en-keyword=Diagnosis kn-keyword=Diagnosis en-keyword=Sensitivity kn-keyword=Sensitivity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=353 end-page=359 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230206 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Do not overwork: cellular communication network factor 3 for life in cartilage en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cellular communication network factor (CCN) 3, which is one of the founding members of the CCN family, displays diverse functions. However, this protein generally represses the proliferation of a variety of cells. Along with skeletal development, CCN3 is produced in cartilaginous anlagen, growth plate cartilage and epiphysial cartilage. Interestingly, CCN3 is drastically induced in the growth plates of mice lacking CCN2, which promotes endochondral ossification. Notably, chondrocytes in these mutant mice with elevated CCN3 production also suffer from impaired glycolysis and energy metabolism, suggesting a critical role of CCN3 in cartilage metabolism. Recently, CCN3 was found to be strongly induced by impaired glycolysis, and in our study, we located an enhancer that mediated CCN3 regulation via starvation. Subsequent investigations specified regulatory factor binding to the X-box 1 (RFX1) as a transcription factor mediating this CCN3 regulation. Impaired glycolysis is a serious problem, resulting in an energy shortage in cartilage without vasculature. CCN3 produced under such starved conditions restricts energy consumption by repressing cell proliferation, leading chondrocytes to quiescence and survival. This CCN3 regulatory system is indicated to play an important role in articular cartilage maintenance, as well as in skeletal development. Furthermore, CCN3 continues to regulate cartilage metabolism even during the aging process, probably utilizing this regulatory system. Altogether, CCN3 seems to prevent "overwork" by chondrocytes to ensure their sustainable life in cartilage by sensing energy metabolism. Similar roles are suspected to exist in relation to systemic metabolism, since CCN3 is found in the bloodstream. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KubotaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawakiHarumi en-aut-sei=Kawaki en-aut-mei=Harumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PerbalBernard en-aut-sei=Perbal en-aut-mei=Bernard kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakigawaMasaharu en-aut-sei=Takigawa en-aut-mei=Masaharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawataKazumi en-aut-sei=Kawata en-aut-mei=Kazumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriTakako en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Takako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Biochemistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=International CCN Society kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences/Dental School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=CCN family kn-keyword=CCN family en-keyword=CCN3 kn-keyword=CCN3 en-keyword=cartilage kn-keyword=cartilage en-keyword=chondrocytes kn-keyword=chondrocytes en-keyword=energy metabolism kn-keyword=energy metabolism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=261 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114087 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230118 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Oxytocin increased intragastric pressure in the forestomach of rats via the dorsal vagal complex en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We previously reported that appetite enhancing peptides facilitated phasic contractions of the distal stomach and relaxed the forestomach via the dorsal vagal complex (DVC). The present study investigated the effects of anorectic substances on gastric reservoir function. The effects of oxytocin on the motility of the forestomach were examined in rats anesthetized with urethane chloralose. Gastric motor responses were measured using an intragastric balloon. The fourth ventricular administration of oxytocin (0.1 1.0 nmol) increased intragastric pressure (IGP) in the forestomach in a dose dependent manner. Conversely, the administration of oxytocin (0.3 nmol) suppressed phasic contractions of the distal stomach. These responses were opposite to those of appetite enhancing peptides in previous studies. The oxytocin response in the forestomach was not observed after bilateral cervical vagotomy. The effects of oxytocin on forestomach motility were examined in animals that underwent ablation of the area postrema (AP) to clarify its involvement. Although the magnitude of the response to the fourth ventricular administration of oxytocin decreased, a significant response was still observed. A microinjection of oxytocin (3 pmol) into the AP, the left medial nucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS), the left commissural part of the NTS, or the left dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus was performed. The oxytocin injection into the AP and/or mNTS induced a rapid and large increase in IGP in the forestomach. Prior injection of L-368,899, an oxytocin receptor antagonist, into both the AP and mNTS attenuated the oxytocin response of the forestomach induced by fourth ventricular administration of oxytocin. These results indicate that oxytocin acts on the AP and/or mNTS to increase IGP in the forestomach via vagal preganglionic neurons. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KobashiMotoi en-aut-sei=Kobashi en-aut-mei=Motoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimataniYuichi en-aut-sei=Shimatani en-aut-mei=Yuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujitaMasako en-aut-sei=Fujita en-aut-mei=Masako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo City University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=oxytocin kn-keyword=oxytocin en-keyword=motility kn-keyword=motility en-keyword=area postrema kn-keyword=area postrema en-keyword=forestomach kn-keyword=forestomach en-keyword=nucleus tractus solitarius kn-keyword=nucleus tractus solitarius END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=69 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=137 end-page=147 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230110 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soil amended with kitchen compost of varying ages en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Although the use of kitchen waste compost is very common, GHG emissions from soil amended with kitchen waste compost have not been studied. This study aimed to determine the effects of kitchen compost age and application rates on GHG emissions to identify optimal compost management. Soil samples mixed with kitchen waste compost at three different ages: 1 month (1M), 2 months (2M), and 3 months (3M) at two application rates (1% and 2% w/w) were incubated at 25 degrees C for 28 days under aerobic conditions. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) were determined on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Results showed that N2O and CO2 emissions decreased with compost age (p < 0.05). Increased application rates of compost led to increased CO2 emissions and suppression of N2O emissions. Furthermore, CH4 was emitted from soil amended with kitchen compost even under aerobic conditions. This study suggests that 3M kitchen waste compost is optimal in terms of GHG emissions upon application to soil under aerobic conditions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ChauTran Thi Minh en-aut-sei=Chau en-aut-mei=Tran Thi Minh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SomeyaTakashi en-aut-sei=Someya en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkaoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akao en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMasato en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OritateFumiko en-aut-sei=Oritate en-aut-mei=Fumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SomuraHiroaki en-aut-sei=Somura en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneShinzo en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Shinzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaMorihiro en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Morihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute for Rural Engineering, NARO kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute for Rural Engineering, NARO kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Aerobic conditions kn-keyword=Aerobic conditions en-keyword=greenhouse gas emissions kn-keyword=greenhouse gas emissions en-keyword=kitchen waste compost kn-keyword=kitchen waste compost END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=478 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1779 end-page=1790 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221226 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Significance of UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7 genetic variants and their mRNA expression in the clinical outcome of renal cell carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) metabolizes a number of endogenous and exogenous substrates. Renal cells express high amounts of UGT; however, the significance of UGT in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unknown. In this study, we profile the mRNA expression of UGT subtypes (UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7) and their genetic variants in the kidney tissue of 125 Japanese patients with RCC (Okayama University Hospital, Japan). In addition, we elucidate the association between the UGT variants and UGT mRNA expression levels and clinical outcomes in these patients. The three representative genetic variants, namely, UGT1A6 541A > G, UGT1A9 i399C > T, and UGT2B7-161C > T, were genotyped, and their mRNA expression levels in each tissue were determined. We found that the mRNA expression of the three UGTs (UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7) are significantly downregulated in RCC tissues. Moreover, in patients with RCC, the UGT2B7-161C > T variant and high UGT2B7 mRNA expression are significantly correlated with preferable cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. As such, the UGT2B7-161C > T variant and UGT2B7 mRNA expression level were identified as significant independent prognostic factors of CSS and CSS/OS, respectively. Taken together, these findings indicate that UGT2B7 has a role in RCC progression and may, therefore, represent a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with RCC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoJun en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimotoAnzu en-aut-sei=Nishimoto en-aut-mei=Anzu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatariShogo en-aut-sei=Watari en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UekiHideo en-aut-sei=Ueki en-aut-mei=Hideo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiromizuShoya en-aut-sei=Shiromizu en-aut-mei=Shoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNaohiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaTatsuaki en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Tatsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UshioSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ushio en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajizonoMakoto en-aut-sei=Kajizono en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiyoshiMasachika en-aut-sei=Fujiyoshi en-aut-mei=Masachika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiMotoo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Motoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaKoichiro en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NasuYasutomo en-aut-sei=Nasu en-aut-mei=Yasutomo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=AriyoshiNoritaka en-aut-sei=Ariyoshi en-aut-mei=Noritaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Personalized Medicine and Preventive Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Personalized Medicine and Preventive Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Urology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Tottori University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceuticals Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Personalized Medicine and Preventive Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Genetic variant kn-keyword=Genetic variant en-keyword=Polymorphism kn-keyword=Polymorphism en-keyword=Renal cell carcinoma kn-keyword=Renal cell carcinoma en-keyword=Survival kn-keyword=Survival en-keyword=UDP-glucuronosyltransferase kn-keyword=UDP-glucuronosyltransferase END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=2391 end-page=2400 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221228 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Concomitant posterior anchoring further reduces posterior meniscal extrusion during pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears: a retrospective study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose
Transtibial pullout repair improves the clinical outcomes of medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (PRTs); however, reducing MM extrusion remains challenging. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of additional posterior anchoring (PA) during pullout repair in reducing the severity of MM extrusion compared to pullout repair alone.

Methods
Patients who underwent pullout repair with two-cinch stitches (TCS) only or TCS combined with PA (TCSPA)-deployment of an additional suture anchor in the posteromedial corner of MM-were included retrospectively. MM medial and posterior extrusion (MMME and MMPE), MM extrusion and remaining volume (MMEV and MMRV), and corresponding ratios were evaluated pre-operatively and three months post-operatively using a three-dimensional meniscal model at 10 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion and compared within and between groups.

Results
A total of 15 and 16 patients treated with TCS and TCS-PA, respectively, were enrolled. At 90 degrees knee flexion, both techniques significantly reduced MMPE (TCS: 4.2 +/- 0.7 mm to 3.5 +/- 0.6 mm, p < 0.05; TCS-PA: 3.7 +/- 0.8 mm to 2.8 +/- 0.7 mm, p < 0.05) at three months post-operatively. TCS-PA reduced MMPE more significantly than TCS alone (p < 0.05). Only TCS-PA significantly improved the MMEV and MMRV ratios (39.6 +/- 8.9% to 28.1 +/- 6.0%, p < 0.05 and 60.4 +/- 8.9% to 71.9 +/- 6.0%, p < 0.05, respectively). Significance was not found in all other comparisons.

Conclusions
Both techniques improved MMPE at knee flexion at the three month follow-up, with TCS-PA providing significantly superior results. Our findings support the evidence that the application of PA may be an effective surgical option for alleviating persistent MMPE. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=XueHaowei en-aut-sei=Xue en-aut-mei=Haowei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KintakaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kintaka en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhangXiming en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Ximing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Pullout repair kn-keyword=Pullout repair en-keyword=Meniscal extrusion kn-keyword=Meniscal extrusion en-keyword=Meniscal root tear kn-keyword=Meniscal root tear en-keyword=Suture anchor kn-keyword=Suture anchor en-keyword=Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging kn-keyword=Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2323 end-page=2330 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221225 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The clinical and radiographic outcomes of type 2 medial meniscus posterior root tears following transtibial pullout repair en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of different subtypes of type 2 medial meniscus posterior root tears following transtibial pullout repair.
Methods In total, 147 patients (mean age: 66.2 +/- 8.3 years) who were diagnosed with type 2 medial meniscus posterior root tears and underwent transtibial pullout repair were included. Patients were divided into 2A (n = 31), 2B (n = 90), and 2C (n = 26) groups according to tear type. Clinical outcomes were assessed pre-operatively and at second-look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The meniscal healing status was evaluated at second-look arthroscopy. Medial meniscus extrusion was calculated using magnetic resonance imaging pre-operatively and at second-look arthroscopy.
Results No significant differences in pre-operative or post-operative clinical scores were observed between each subtype, although clinical scores improved post-operatively for each subtype. Significant differences were noted in the anteroposterior width of the bridging tissues at second-look arthroscopy (2A, 7.1 +/- 1.2; 2B, 6.2 +/- 1.7; and 2C, 6.2 +/- 1.7 mm; p = 0.045); type 2A tears were the widest. There was a significant difference in post-operative medial meniscus extrusion (2A, 3.2 +/- 0.9; 2B, 4.0 +/- 1.2; and 2C, 4.0 +/- 1.4 mm; p = 0.004) and its progression (2A, 0.7 +/- 0.6; 2B, 1.2 +/- 0.8; and 2C, 1.2 +/- 0.8 mm; p= 0.008), and type 2A tears were the shortest.
Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in the post-operative clinical scores among different type 2 tears in the short term, type 2A tears showed better healing and medial meniscus extrusion progression prevention, thus indicating the usefulness of classifying tear type in estimating post-operative outcomes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KintakaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kintaka en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=XueHaowei en-aut-sei=Xue en-aut-mei=Haowei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Medial meniscus posterior root tear kn-keyword=Medial meniscus posterior root tear en-keyword=Magnetic resonance imaging kn-keyword=Magnetic resonance imaging en-keyword=Medial meniscus extrusion kn-keyword=Medial meniscus extrusion en-keyword=Pullout repair kn-keyword=Pullout repair en-keyword=Type 2 tear kn-keyword=Type 2 tear END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=29 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=39 end-page=42 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221112 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Examining the association between vaccine reactogenicity and antibody titer dynamics after the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine using a mixed-effects model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: To mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have recommended the use of booster vac-cinations. The relationship between the degree of adverse vaccine reactions and elevated antibody titers is of interest; however, no studies have investigated the temporal changes in antibody titers based on repeated measurements after a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine.
Methods: This prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 62 healthcare workers who received a third dose of the BNT162b2 at Okayama University Hospital, Japan. Venous blood draw and fingertip whole blood test sample collection were conducted at the early (3-13 days) and 1-month time points; only FWT sample collection was conducted at the 2-month time point. Information on adverse reactions within 1 week after vaccination was also obtained. The association between fever of 37.5 degrees C or higher and antibody titers after the third dose of BNT162b2 was examined using a mixed-effects model and Poisson regression with robust variance.
Results: A trend toward higher antibody titers in the early period after vaccination was observed in the febrile individuals, but the differences were not significant at 1 and 2 months post-vaccination (the partial regression coefficient for fever was 8094.3 [-1910.2, 18,098.8] at 1 month after vaccination, and 1764.1 [-4133.9, 7662.1] at 2 months after vaccination in the adjusted models).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the presence of fever after the third vaccine does not predict a sustained elevation in serum antibody titers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasanori en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukawaMasanori en-aut-sei=Furukawa en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaoSoshi en-aut-sei=Takao en-aut-mei=Soshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Office of Innovative Medicine, Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 kn-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 en-keyword=Vaccine kn-keyword=Vaccine en-keyword=Antibody kn-keyword=Antibody en-keyword=Reactogenicity kn-keyword=Reactogenicity en-keyword=Adverse reaction kn-keyword=Adverse reaction en-keyword=Mixed-effects model kn-keyword=Mixed-effects model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=21 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=632 end-page=638 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221220 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Chemical synthesis and antifouling activity of monoterpene–furan hybrid molecules en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Geraniol, a monoterpene, and furan are structural motifs that exhibit antifouling activity. In this study, monoterpene-furan hybrid molecules with potentially enhanced antifouling activity were designed and synthesized. The nine synthetic hybrids showed antifouling activity against the cypris larvae of the barnacle Balanus (Amphibalanus) amphitrite with EC50 values of 1.65-4.70 mu g mL(-1). This activity is higher than that of geraniol and the reference furan compound. This hybridization approach to increase antifouling activity is useful and can also be extended to other active structural units. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakamuraHiroyoshi en-aut-sei=Takamura en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaYuya en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorisueTakefumi en-aut-sei=Yorisue en-aut-mei=Takefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadotaIsao en-aut-sei=Kadota en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Hyogo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=28 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=76 end-page=88 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221109 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Growing neural gas based navigation system in unknown terrain environment for an autonomous mobile robot en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recently, various types of autonomous robots have been expected in many fields such as a disaster site, forest, and so on. The autonomous robots are assumed to be utilized in unknown environments. In such environments, a path planning to a target point set in the unknown area is a fundamental capability for efficiently executing tasks. To realize the 3D space perception, GNG with Different Topologies (GNG-DT) proposed in our previous work can learn the multiple topological structures with in the framework of learning algorithm. This paper proposes a GNG-DT based 3D perception method by utilizing the multiple topological structures for perceiving the 3D unknown terrain environment and a path planning method to the target point set in the unknown area. Especially, a traversability property of the robot is added to GNG-DT as a new property of the topological structures for clustering the 3D terrain environment from the 3D point cloud measured by 3D Lidar. Furthermore, this paper proposes a path planning method utilizing the multiple topological structures. Next, this paper shows several experimental results of the proposed method using simulation terrain environments for verifying the effectiveness of our proposed method. Finally, we summarize our proposed method and discuss the future direction on this research. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TodaYuichiro en-aut-sei=Toda en-aut-mei=Yuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzasaKoki en-aut-sei=Ozasa en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsunoTakayuki en-aut-sei=Matsuno en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate school of natural science and technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate school of natural science and technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate school of natural science and technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Growing neural gas kn-keyword=Growing neural gas en-keyword=3D perception kn-keyword=3D perception en-keyword=Navigation system kn-keyword=Navigation system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=39 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1423 end-page=1442 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221216 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Judicial barriers to inclusive education as a human right: An analysis of relevant legal cases in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Article 24 of the CRPD guarantees inclusive education as a fundamental human right. In Japan, the education policy has shifted from a segregated education to an inclusive one with the ratification of the CRPD. However, recent lawsuits on children with disabilities and their school placement/attendance reveal such policy changes are not reflected in practice. In this article, we reviewed notable court cases in Japan to investigate how Japanese courts interpreted the reform of the legal system. We divide the article into two parts: Firstly, we describe the history of Japanese education reform. Secondly, we discuss the court cases with regard to Japanese education system reform and the schooling of children with disabilities over three time periods. Our findings show that the court continues to make judicial decisions based on the old notion of segregated education and fails to recognize or even understand that inclusive education is a fundamental human right. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YoshitoshiMunehisa en-aut-sei=Yoshitoshi en-aut-mei=Munehisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriguchiGoro en-aut-sei=Horiguchi en-aut-mei=Goro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKiriko en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Kiriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Law, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaʻi at Mānoa kn-affil= en-keyword=Human rights kn-keyword=Human rights en-keyword=inclusive education kn-keyword=inclusive education en-keyword=court litigation kn-keyword=court litigation en-keyword=reasonable accommodation kn-keyword=reasonable accommodation en-keyword=symbiotic society kn-keyword=symbiotic society END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=430 end-page=442 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221213 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Endoscopic ablation therapy for the pancreatic neoplasms en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation therapy has been reported as a less invasive therapy for patients with pancreatic neoplasms. Some ablation techniques, including injective ablation (using ethanol or other ablative agents), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), photodynamic therapy, and laser ablation, have been described in the literature. Among these, injective ablation and RFA are more frequently used for treating pancreatic neoplasms. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of EUS-guided ethanol ablation (EUS-EA) for potentially malignant solid neoplasms (neuroendocrine neoplasms or solid pseudopapillary neoplasms) and have reported a complete response (CR) rate of 60-80%. In addition, the CR rate after EUS-RFA for these lesions has been reported to be 55-100%, with no additional procedure-related adverse events (AEs). Regarding the amelioration of the symptoms of an insulinoma, the success rates of both the therapies were found to be excellent. Regarding complete tumor ablation, EUS-RFA appeared to be superior to EUS-EA. Although EUS-RFA has been reported as a safe treatment for pancreatic cancers, its effectiveness remains inadequate. Some studies have examined the effectiveness of EUS-guided injection ablation therapy for pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) and have reported CR rates that range from 35% to 79%. Alcohol-free chemotherapeutic agent ablation appears to be effective, with a low risk of AEs. However, studies on the effectiveness of EUS-RFA for PCNs are limited. In the future, EUS-guided ablation therapy could become a more widely used approach for potentially malignant and malignant pancreatic lesions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoHironari en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Hironari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=ablation techniques kn-keyword=ablation techniques en-keyword=endoscopic ultrasonography kn-keyword=endoscopic ultrasonography en-keyword=ethanol kn-keyword=ethanol en-keyword=pancreatic neoplasms kn-keyword=pancreatic neoplasms en-keyword=radiofrequency ablation kn-keyword=radiofrequency ablation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=74 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1059 end-page=1073 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221116 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The secreted immune response peptide 1 functions as a phytocytokine in rice immunity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Small signalling peptides play important roles in various plant processes, but information regarding their involvement in plant immunity is limited. We previously identified a novel small secreted protein in rice, called immune response peptide 1 (IRP1). Here, we studied the function of IRP1 in rice immunity. Rice plants overexpressing IRP1 enhanced resistance to the virulent rice blast fungus. Application of synthetic IRP1 to rice suspension cells triggered the expression of IRP1 itself and the defence gene phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 (PAL1). RNA-seq results revealed that 84% of genes up-regulated by IRP1, including 13 OsWRKY transcription factors, were also induced by a microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP), chitin, indicating that IRP1 and chitin share a similar signalling pathway. Co-treatment with chitin and IRP1 elevated the expression level of PAL1 and OsWRKYs in an additive manner. The increased chitin concentration arrested the induction of IRP1 and PAL1 expression by IRP1, but did not affect IRP1-triggered mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation. Collectively, our findings indicate that IRP1 functions as a phytocytokine in rice immunity regulating MAPKs and OsWRKYs that can amplify chitin and other signalling pathways, and provide new insights into how MAMPs and phytocytokines cooperatively regulate rice immunity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangPingyu en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Pingyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=JiaHuimin en-aut-sei=Jia en-aut-mei=Huimin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GuoTing en-aut-sei=Guo en-aut-mei=Ting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhangYuanyuan en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Yuanyuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangWanqing en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Wanqing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraHideki en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiZhengguo en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Zhengguo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoYoji en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Yoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Immunity kn-keyword=Immunity en-keyword=IRP1 kn-keyword=IRP1 en-keyword=pattern-triggered immunity kn-keyword=pattern-triggered immunity en-keyword=phytocytokine kn-keyword=phytocytokine en-keyword=Pyricularia oryzae kn-keyword=Pyricularia oryzae en-keyword=rice kn-keyword=rice END