start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=66 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1044 end-page=1060 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250527 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Oxygen supply is a prerequisite for response to aluminum in cultured cells of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Responses to aluminum (Al) were investigated in tobacco cells (cell line SL) in a calcium-sucrose solution for up to 24 h under shaking (aerobic) condition. Microarray analysis of upregulated and downregulated genes under Al exposure and following Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of biological process category revealed only one GO term to be enriched for the upregulated genes, “response to chitin,” annotated with genes encoding transcription factors (NtERF1 and NtMYB3) and MAP kinase (WIPK), and nine GO terms for the downregulated genes, including “cell wall loosening” and “lipid transport,” annotated with genes encoding expansin (NtEXPA4) and lipid transfer protein (LTP)/LTP-like (NtLTP3 and NtEIG-C29), respectively. Al triggered the production of nitric oxide (NO) then reactive oxygen species (ROS). Addition of NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide decreased the levels of NO and a part of the transcriptional changes described above, but increased the levels of ROS and a loss of growth capacity, suggesting a role of the NO to induce the transcriptional changes partly and to repress these toxic responses under Al exposure. Under non-shaking (anaerobic) condition, the cells exhibited upregulation of several hypoxia-responsive genes. The cells exposed to Al exhibited the same level of Al accumulation but much lower levels of the Al responses including NO production, ROS production, a loss of growth capacity, citrate secretion, and a part of the transcriptional changes described above, compared with the cells under shaking condition. These results suggest that coexistence of oxygen with Al is necessary to trigger the Al responses related to toxicity and tolerance. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuharaMaki en-aut-sei=Katsuhara en-aut-mei=Maki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiTakayuki en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoYoko en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=aluminum toxicity kn-keyword=aluminum toxicity en-keyword=aluminum-responsive genes kn-keyword=aluminum-responsive genes en-keyword=cell wall loosening kn-keyword=cell wall loosening en-keyword=chitin-responsive genes kn-keyword=chitin-responsive genes en-keyword=dioxygen kn-keyword=dioxygen en-keyword=hypoxia kn-keyword=hypoxia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=8226 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250925 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Persistent homology elucidates hierarchical structures responsible for mechanical properties in covalent amorphous solids en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Understanding how atomic-level structures govern the mechanical properties of amorphous materials remains a fundamental challenge in solid-state physics. Under mechanical loading, amorphous materials exhibit simple affine and spatially inhomogeneous nonaffine displacements that contribute to the elastic modulus through the Born (affine) and nonaffine terms, respectively. The differences between soft local structures characterized by small Born terms or large nonaffine displacements have yet to be elucidated. This challenge is particularly complex in covalent amorphous materials such as silicon, where the medium-range order (MRO) plays a crucial role in the network structure. To address these issues, we combined molecular dynamics simulations with persistent homology analysis. Our results reveal that local structures with small Born terms are governed by short-range characteristics, whereas those with large nonaffine displacements exhibit hierarchical structures in which short-range disorder is embedded within the MRO. These hierarchical structures are also strongly correlated with low-energy localized vibrational excitations. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanical responses and dynamic properties of covalent amorphous materials are intrinsically linked to the MRO, providing a framework for understanding and tailoring their properties. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MinamitaniEmi en-aut-sei=Minamitani en-aut-mei=Emi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraTakenobu en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Takenobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObayashiIppei en-aut-sei=Obayashi en-aut-mei=Ippei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoHideyuki en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=SANKEN, The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Materials and Chemistry Materials DX Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Data Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=20056 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250612 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Pharmacokinetics and the effectiveness of pyrogen-free bioabsorbable wet adhesives en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bioabsorbable materials are essential for advanced therapies, including surgical sealing, cell therapy, and drug delivery. Natural bioabsorbable materials, including collagen and hyaluronic acid, have better biocompatibility than synthetic bioabsorbable polymers; however, they are mainly derived from animals, presenting infection risks. Non-animal origin polymers have a lower molecular weight than those of animal origins. Their viscosity increases with increase in molecular weight, making endotoxin removal difficult. Here, using the phosphoryl chloride disposal method, we present a strategy for synthesizing pyrogen-free bioabsorbable adhesives with controlled molecular weight. Phosphopullulan, a polysaccharide derivative, had less than detectable endotoxin levels and controllable average molecular weight of approximately 300,000 to over 1,400,000. Furthermore, it is important to ensure the safety as well as efficacy of bio-implantable materials. We have evaluated the biosafety of polysaccharide derivatives we are developing, and have examined their cell phagocytosis and pharmacokinetics in vitro and in vivo, and have confirmed that they are safe. We have also evaluated their adhesion to wet tissue adhesions and confirmed that they leak less than existing materials. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OshimaRisa en-aut-sei=Oshima en-aut-mei=Risa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiharaKumiko en-aut-sei=Yoshihara en-aut-mei=Kumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanishiKo en-aut-sei=Nakanishi en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkasakaTsukasa en-aut-sei=Akasaka en-aut-mei=Tsukasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimojiShinji en-aut-sei=Shimoji en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraTeppei en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Teppei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkiharaTakumi en-aut-sei=Okihara en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMariko en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Mariko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamadaIkkei en-aut-sei=Tamada en-aut-mei=Ikkei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=Van MeerbeekBart en-aut-sei=Van Meerbeek en-aut-mei=Bart kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugayaTsutomu en-aut-sei=Sugaya en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Applied Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Clinical Psychology, Kyushu University of Medical and Science kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=BIOMAT, Department of Oral Health Sciences, & UZ Leuven, Dentistry, KU Leuven kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= en-keyword=Phosphopullulan kn-keyword=Phosphopullulan en-keyword=Polysaccharide kn-keyword=Polysaccharide en-keyword=ADME kn-keyword=ADME en-keyword=Animal study kn-keyword=Animal study en-keyword=Endodontic sealer kn-keyword=Endodontic sealer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=22 end-page=32 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250805 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Data inventory, processing, and reporting on plant blindness among high school students in three schools in West Java en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Plant blindness is a problem related to a person's inability to realize, recognize, and know the benefits and roles of plants. After some research, there was a shift in the term, from Plant Blindness to Plant Awareness Disparity. This study aims to find out the prevalence of Plant Blindness in three high schools in West Java. The method used in this study is descriptive Cross sectional. The results of this study revealed that there were differences in the level of plant awareness in the three schools studied. One of the schools in the city of Bandung showed the highest plant awareness rate. In addition, it was also found that students who had a high level of plant awareness had a high perception of plant awareness. As a follow-up, further research can be carried out to collect more data so that it becomes a whole population. In addition, researchers can then use additional instruments so that more things can be revealed about plant blindness. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SorayaPuan Helwa Rezha en-aut-sei=Soraya en-aut-mei=Puan Helwa Rezha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SolihatRini en-aut-sei=Solihat en-aut-mei=Rini kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanjayaYayan en-aut-sei=Sanjaya en-aut-mei=Yayan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaTaro en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Taro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Biology Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Biology Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Biology Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Descriptive statistics kn-keyword=Descriptive statistics en-keyword=Inferential statistics kn-keyword=Inferential statistics en-keyword=Plant Blindness kn-keyword=Plant Blindness END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=38 article-no= start-page=eadv9952 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250919 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Polymeric microwave rectifiers enabled by monolayer-thick ionized donors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Solution processing of polymeric semiconductors provides a facile way to fabricate functional diodes. However, energy barriers at metal-semiconductor interfaces often limit their performance. Here, we report rectifying polymer diodes with markedly modified energy-level alignments. The gold electrode surface was treated with a dimeric metal complex, which resulted in a shallow work function of 3.7 eV by forming a monolayer-thick ionized donor layer. When a polymeric semiconductor was coated on the treated electrode, most of the ionized donors remained at the metal-semiconductor interface. The confined ionized donors with the ideal thickness enabled fabrication of a polymer diode with a forward current density of over 100 A cm−2. Furthermore, a power conversion efficiency of 7.9% was observed for rectification at a microwave frequency of 920 MHz, which is orders of magnitude higher than that reported for organic diodes. Our findings will pave a way to solution-processed high-frequency and high-power devices. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OsakabeNobutaka en-aut-sei=Osakabe en-aut-mei=Nobutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HerJeongeun en-aut-sei=Her en-aut-mei=Jeongeun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanetaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kaneta en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TajimaAkiko en-aut-sei=Tajima en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LonghiElena en-aut-sei=Longhi en-aut-mei=Elena kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TangKan en-aut-sei=Tang en-aut-mei=Kan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Fujimori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=BarlowStephen en-aut-sei=Barlow en-aut-mei=Stephen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MarderSeth R. en-aut-sei=Marder en-aut-mei=Seth R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeShun en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeyaJun en-aut-sei=Takeya en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaYu en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics, Georgia Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado Boulder kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics, Georgia Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics, Georgia Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Material Innovation Research Center (MIRC) and Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=463 end-page=474 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241225 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Nationwide diversity of symbolic “city flowers” in Japan is increasing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recognizing and maintaining locally rooted human–nature interactions is essential for utilizing ecosystem services. Although the general public's awareness of biodiversity and ecosystem services has been examined using various proxies, it remains unclear how local governments—key sectors in creating conservation policies—appreciate them within a solid local context. Here, we focused on the “city flower,” an official symbolic species of Japanese cities, as a new proxy for measuring governmental attitudes toward biota and its services. We aimed to capture temporal changes in the awareness of species with locally relevant value at the city government level by examining the changes in city flowers over more than half a century. Data from the official websites of municipalities, including the names, the adoption years, and the reasons for adoption, revealed two major periods of adoption, with a notable increase in species diversity in and after 1993. This increase could be attributed to a recent reduction in bias toward popular flowers and growing interest in alternative, less popular flowers. Analysis of the reasons for adoption suggested that the temporal change in adopted flower species was related to the increasing emphasis on species with an explicit local context, especially those with instrumental value to the city. Our findings indicate the tendency for local governments to increasingly recognize their biocultural backgrounds and the ecosystem services of plants within their regions. The growing awareness of the local governments regarding their biocultural background is a positive sign for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsuzukiYoichi en-aut-sei=Tsuzuki en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhsakiHaruna en-aut-sei=Ohsaki en-aut-mei=Haruna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaguchiYawako W. en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Yawako W. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiSayaka en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaShogo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtakeYurie en-aut-sei=Otake en-aut-mei=Yurie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaNaoto en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Naoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuharaKoki R. en-aut-sei=Katsuhara en-aut-mei=Koki R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=awareness of local governments kn-keyword=awareness of local governments en-keyword=biocultural diversity kn-keyword=biocultural diversity en-keyword=ecosystem services kn-keyword=ecosystem services en-keyword=manual web scraping kn-keyword=manual web scraping en-keyword=temporal trend kn-keyword=temporal trend END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=142 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104967 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cross-feeding between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria to utilize eukaryotic host cell-derived sialic acids and bacteriophages shape the pathogen-host interface milieu en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Under an inflamed-intestinal milieu, increased free sialic acids are associated with the overgrowth of some pathogenic bacterial strains. Recently, the protective immunomodulatory activity of gut bacteriophages (phages) has also been highlighted. However, the role of phages in triple reciprocal interactions between pathogenic bacteria, beneficial bacteria, and their host cell sialic acids has not been studied so far. We established a sialidase-explicit model in which beneficial and pathogenic bacteria interact through cross-feeding and competition for free sialic acid using a human triple co-culture cell model incorporating colonocytes (T84 cells), monocytes (THP-1 cells), and hepatocytes (Huh7 cells). Triple co-cultured cells were challenged with Gram-positive Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum) and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (P. a PAO1) in the absence or presence of its KPP22 phage in two different cell culture mediums: 1) standard Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and 2) DMEM with 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA). Changes in physiological, functional, and structural health markers of stimulated cocultured cells were evaluated. The concentrations of sialic acid and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cell culture supernatants were quantified. P. a PAO1 triggered the release of interleukin 6 and 8 (IL-6 and IL-8), accompanied by increased levels of free sialic acid, reduced viability of co-cultured cells, and disrupted the integrity of the cellular monolayer. These disruptive effects were markedly attenuated by KPP22 phage and B. bifidum. In addition to well-documented differences in the structure and composition of the bacterial cell walls of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and bifidobacteria, two distinct factors seem to be pivotal in modulating the pathogen-host interface milieu: (i) the presence of phages and (ii) the utilization of free sialic acids secreted from host cells by bifidobacteria. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GhadimiDarab en-aut-sei=Ghadimi en-aut-mei=Darab kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Fölster-HolstRegina en-aut-sei=Fölster-Holst en-aut-mei=Regina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=BlömerSophia en-aut-sei=Blömer en-aut-mei=Sophia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EbsenMichael en-aut-sei=Ebsen en-aut-mei=Michael kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=RöckenChristoph en-aut-sei=Röcken en-aut-mei=Christoph kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchiyamaJumpei en-aut-sei=Uchiyama en-aut-mei=Jumpei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuzakiShigenobu en-aut-sei=Matsuzaki en-aut-mei=Shigenobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=BockelmannWilhelm en-aut-sei=Bockelmann en-aut-mei=Wilhelm kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Clinic of Dermatology, Venerology und Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Clinic of Dermatology, Venerology und Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Städtisches MVZ Kiel GmbH (Kiel City Hospital), Department of Pathology kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Pathology, Kiel University, University Hospital, Schleswig-Holstein kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kochi Gakuen University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut kn-affil= en-keyword=Bacterial sialidase kn-keyword=Bacterial sialidase en-keyword=Inflammation kn-keyword=Inflammation en-keyword=Cytokines kn-keyword=Cytokines en-keyword=Infection kn-keyword=Infection en-keyword=Bifidobacteria kn-keyword=Bifidobacteria en-keyword=Phages kn-keyword=Phages END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=e70004 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Oregon Wolfe barley genetic stocks – Research and teaching tools for next generation scientists en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Oregon Wolfe Barley (OWB) mapping population (Reg. no. MP-4, NSL 554937 MAP) is a resource for genetics research and instruction. The OWBs are a set of doubled haploid barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lines developed at Oregon State University from the F1 of a cross between Dr. Robert Wolfe's dominant and recessive marker stocks. Exhibiting a high level of genetic and phenotypic diversity, the OWBs are used throughout the world as a research tool for barley genetics. To date, these endeavors have led to 56 peer-reviewed publications, as well as three reports in the Barley Genetics Newsletter. At the same time, the OWBs are widely used as an instructor resource at the K–12, undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. They are currently used at universities and/or institutes in German, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the United States and are currently being developed further for educational use in other countries. Genotype and phenotype data, lesson plans, and seed availability information are available herein and online. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KrauseMargaret R. en-aut-sei=Krause en-aut-mei=Margaret R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArbelaezJuan David en-aut-sei=Arbelaez en-aut-mei=Juan David kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsdalÅsmund en-aut-sei=Asdal en-aut-mei=Åsmund kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=BelkodjaRamzi en-aut-sei=Belkodja en-aut-mei=Ramzi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BouryNancy en-aut-sei=Boury en-aut-mei=Nancy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=BlakeVictoria C. en-aut-sei=Blake en-aut-mei=Victoria C. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BrownPatrick J. en-aut-sei=Brown en-aut-mei=Patrick J. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=CasasAna en-aut-sei=Casas en-aut-mei=Ana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=CistuéLuis en-aut-sei=Cistué en-aut-mei=Luis kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=Farré‐MartínezAlba en-aut-sei=Farré‐Martínez en-aut-mei=Alba kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FiskScott en-aut-sei=Fisk en-aut-mei=Scott kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FuerstGregory S. en-aut-sei=Fuerst en-aut-mei=Gregory S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=GiménezEstela en-aut-sei=Giménez en-aut-mei=Estela kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=Guijarro‐RealCarla en-aut-sei=Guijarro‐Real en-aut-mei=Carla kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=GuthrieKaty en-aut-sei=Guthrie en-aut-mei=Katy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=HalsteadMargaret en-aut-sei=Halstead en-aut-mei=Margaret kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=HelgersonLaura en-aut-sei=Helgerson en-aut-mei=Laura kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=HisanoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Hisano en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=IgartuaErnesto en-aut-sei=Igartua en-aut-mei=Ernesto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=LillemoMorten en-aut-sei=Lillemo en-aut-mei=Morten kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=Martínez‐GarcíaMarina en-aut-sei=Martínez‐García en-aut-mei=Marina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=Martínez‐SubiràMariona en-aut-sei=Martínez‐Subirà en-aut-mei=Mariona kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=McCouchSusan en-aut-sei=McCouch en-aut-mei=Susan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=McGheeLaurie en-aut-sei=McGhee en-aut-mei=Laurie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=NickolsTravis en-aut-sei=Nickols en-aut-mei=Travis kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=PetersNick en-aut-sei=Peters en-aut-mei=Nick kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=PorterRaymond en-aut-sei=Porter en-aut-mei=Raymond kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=RomagosaIgnacio en-aut-sei=Romagosa en-aut-mei=Ignacio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= en-aut-name=RuudAnja Karine en-aut-sei=Ruud en-aut-mei=Anja Karine kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=29 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=30 ORCID= en-aut-name=SalviSilvio en-aut-sei=Salvi en-aut-mei=Silvio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=31 ORCID= en-aut-name=SangiorgiGiuseppe en-aut-sei=Sangiorgi en-aut-mei=Giuseppe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=32 ORCID= en-aut-name=SchüllerRebekka en-aut-sei=Schüller en-aut-mei=Rebekka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=33 ORCID= en-aut-name=SenTaner Z. en-aut-sei=Sen en-aut-mei=Taner Z. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=34 ORCID= en-aut-name=SorianoJosé Miguel en-aut-sei=Soriano en-aut-mei=José Miguel kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=35 ORCID= en-aut-name=StuparRobert M. en-aut-sei=Stupar en-aut-mei=Robert M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=36 ORCID= en-aut-name=TingTo‐Chia en-aut-sei=Ting en-aut-mei=To‐Chia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=37 ORCID= en-aut-name=ViningKelly en-aut-sei=Vining en-aut-mei=Kelly kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=38 ORCID= en-aut-name=von KorffMaria en-aut-sei=von Korff en-aut-mei=Maria kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=39 ORCID= en-aut-name=WallaAgatha en-aut-sei=Walla en-aut-mei=Agatha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=40 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangDiane R. en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Diane R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=41 ORCID= en-aut-name=WaughRobbie en-aut-sei=Waugh en-aut-mei=Robbie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=42 ORCID= en-aut-name=WiseRoger P. en-aut-sei=Wise en-aut-mei=Roger P. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=43 ORCID= en-aut-name=WolfeRobert en-aut-sei=Wolfe en-aut-mei=Robert kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=44 ORCID= en-aut-name=YaoEric en-aut-sei=Yao en-aut-mei=Eric kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=45 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayesPatrick M. en-aut-sei=Hayes en-aut-mei=Patrick M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=46 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Nordic Genetic Resource Centre kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=CIHEAM-Zaragoza kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Plant Sciences, University of California-Davis kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Departamento de Genética y Producción Vegetal, Estación Experimental Aula Dei–CSIC kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Departamento de Genética y Producción Vegetal, Estación Experimental Aula Dei–CSIC kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Universidad de Lleida kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Iowa State University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology-Plant Biology, School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology-Plant Biology, School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Aardevo North America kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Departamento de Genética y Producción Vegetal, Estación Experimental Aula Dei–CSIC kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Plant Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology-Plant Biology, School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Universidad de Lleida kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Colfax-Mingo Community High School kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies, Huntington University kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Universidad de Lleida kn-affil= affil-num=29 en-affil=Department of Plant Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=30 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=31 en-affil=Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna kn-affil= affil-num=32 en-affil=Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna kn-affil= affil-num=33 en-affil=Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign kn-affil= affil-num=34 en-affil=Crop Improvement and Genetics Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service kn-affil= affil-num=35 en-affil=AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Universidad de Lleida kn-affil= affil-num=36 en-affil=Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota kn-affil= affil-num=37 en-affil=Agronomy Department, Purdue University kn-affil= affil-num=38 en-affil=Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= affil-num=39 en-affil=Institute of Plant Genetics, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf kn-affil= affil-num=40 en-affil=Institute of Plant Genetics, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf kn-affil= affil-num=41 en-affil=Agronomy Department, Purdue University kn-affil= affil-num=42 en-affil=Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee kn-affil= affil-num=43 en-affil=Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University kn-affil= affil-num=44 en-affil=Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada kn-affil= affil-num=45 en-affil=Crop Improvement and Genetics Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service kn-affil= affil-num=46 en-affil=Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State 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=20250811 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=RNA Delivery Using a Graphene Oxide-Polyethylenimine Hybrid Inhibiting Myotube Differentiation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Graphene oxide (GO) conjugated with short polyethylenimine (PEI) chains (GO-PEI) has been designed as a candidate nanocarrier for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery to mammalian cells based on the efficient interaction between the positively charged GO-based platform and the negatively charged siRNA. The function and efficiency of siRNA delivery using GO-PEI were compared to those using the positive control Lipofectamine RNAiMax by analyzing the differentiation to myotubes, and myogenin gene and protein expression in C2C12 cells. RNAiMax transfection induced cellularization and reduction of both myogenin gene and protein expression, suggesting that the differentiation of C2C12 cells was triggered by gene silencing. While GO-PEI also promoted cellularization, the myogenin gene expression remained comparable to scrambled controls, whereas the protein levels were higher than those observed with RNAiMax. Mechanistically, we attributed the reduced gene silencing efficiency of GO-PEI to a poor endosomal escape, despite strong siRNA complexation. This limitation was likely due to a low buffering capacity of GO-PEI, as a significant fraction of nitrogen atoms were already protonated, reducing the availability of free amines necessary for endosomal disruption. An appropriate chemical modification to enhance siRNA release from the endosomes is therefore essential for advancing the development of GO-based platforms as versatile and efficient nanocarriers in gene therapy applications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuuraKoji en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ReinaGiacomo en-aut-sei=Reina en-aut-mei=Giacomo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GaoZhengfeng en-aut-sei=Gao en-aut-mei=Zhengfeng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BiancoAlberto en-aut-sei=Bianco en-aut-mei=Alberto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=CNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISIS kn-affil= en-keyword=graphene oxide kn-keyword=graphene oxide en-keyword=polyethylenimine kn-keyword=polyethylenimine en-keyword=myotubes kn-keyword=myotubes en-keyword=myogenin kn-keyword=myogenin en-keyword=small interfering RNA kn-keyword=small interfering RNA en-keyword=transfection kn-keyword=transfection END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=2500368 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250629 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Integration of Cholesterol Oxidase‐Based Biosensors on a Smart Contact Lens for Wireless Cholesterol Monitoring from Tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cholesterol plays a critical role in physiological functions, but elevated levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular cholesterol monitoring is essential for elderly or obese individuals. Current methods, such as blood tests, are invasive, inconvenient, and require a professional operator. In contrast, tears, as an accessible body fluid, offer a promising alternative for noninvasive monitoring due to their correlation with blood cholesterol levels. Herein, a noninvasive approach for monitoring cholesterol levels in tears using a biosensor integrated into a smart contact lens is reported. The biosensor employs cholesterol oxidases as the biocatalyst, coupled with an osmium-based mediator, to detect cholesterol concentrations ranging from 0.1 mM to 1.2 mM in artificial tears. A key challenge is the extremely low cholesterol concentration in tears, which is addressed using a parity-time (P-T) symmetry-based magnetic resonance coupling system. This system enables wireless signal reading and achieves high sensitivity due to its high-quality (Q) factor, which can achieve a detection limit of 0.061 mM. This portable, high-sensitivity smart contact lens demonstrates significant potential as a wearable device for continuous, noninvasive cholesterol monitoring. The findings contribute to advancing tear-based diagnostic systems and highlight the scientific importance of utilizing tear biomarkers for health monitoring. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=CuiYang en-aut-sei=Cui en-aut-mei=Yang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhuoLin en-aut-sei=Zhuo en-aut-mei=Lin 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=AzhariSaman en-aut-sei=Azhari en-aut-mei=Saman kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakeTakeo en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Takeo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda 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 Information, Production and Systems, Waseda University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda University kn-affil= en-keyword=cholesterol kn-keyword=cholesterol en-keyword=magnetic resonance coupling kn-keyword=magnetic resonance coupling en-keyword=parity-time symmetry kn-keyword=parity-time symmetry en-keyword=smart contact lens kn-keyword=smart contact lens END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=305 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250818 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Precise stratification of prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients based on pre- and postoperative genomic information en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the highest mortality rate among all cancers; hence, multidisciplinary treatment is essential for patients with PDAC. Although the resectability status, tumour marker, KRAS circulating tumour DNA (mutKRAS-ctDNA) mutations, and GATA binding 6 (GATA6) expression status are promising prognostic biomarkers, their effective integration before and after surgery remains unclear.
Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients with PDAC who had undergone radical resection were enrolled, and pre- and postoperative independent factors associated with poor prognosis were identified using Cox hazard modelling. Risk stratification systems were developed using the identified prognostic factors and investigated for the ability to predict prognosis.
Results A total of 91 patients with PDAC were included (median follow-up duration, 28 months). Borderline resectable or locally advanced cancer at diagnosis, elevated carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) level, and mutKRAS-ctDNA-positive status were identified as independent preoperative factors associated with poor prognosis. The postoperative factors significantly associated with shorter overall survival were low GATA6 expression, elevated CA19-9 level, and mutKRAS-ctDNA-positive status. Finally, the preoperative and postoperative risk scoring systems developed using Cox modelling hazard ratio values could significantly stratify prognosis after curative resection for PDAC.
Conclusion A risk stratification system based on liquid biopsy, specialised for each phase (pre- and post-surgery), has been proven to be a useful, simple, and practical prognostic prediction clinical tool to determine the optimal multidisciplinary treatment protocol for PDAC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoKokichi en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Kokichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 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=8 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=9 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=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiToshiaki en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeKazuya en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KayanoMasashi en-aut-sei=Kayano en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaTakeyoshi en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Takeyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 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=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 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=17 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=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaMizuki en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Mizuki 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= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 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 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science 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 Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Biomedical Informatics, Okayama University Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma kn-keyword=Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma en-keyword=Risk stratification kn-keyword=Risk stratification en-keyword=Prognosis kn-keyword=Prognosis en-keyword=Tumour marker kn-keyword=Tumour marker en-keyword=KRAS kn-keyword=KRAS 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=20250903 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Vendor‐Agnostic Vision Transformer‐Based Artificial Intelligence for Peroral Cholangioscopy: Diagnostic Performance in Biliary Strictures Compared With Convolutional Neural Networks and Endoscopists en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: Accurate diagnosis of biliary strictures remains challenging. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system for peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) using a Vision Transformer (ViT) architecture and to evaluate its performance compared to different vendor devices, conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and endoscopists.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 125 patients with indeterminate biliary strictures who underwent POCS between 2012 and 2024. AI models including the ViT architecture and two established CNN architectures were developed using images from CHF-B260 or B290 (CHF group; Olympus Medical) and SpyScope DS or DS II (Spy group; Boston Scientific) systems via a patient-level, 3-fold cross-validation. For a direct comparison against endoscopists, a balanced 440-image test set, containing an equal number of images from each vendor, was used for a blinded evaluation.
Results: The 3-fold cross-validation on the entire 2062-image dataset yielded a robust accuracy of 83.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 80.9–86.7) for the ViT model. The model's accuracy was consistent between CHF (82.7%) and Spy (86.8%, p = 0.198) groups, and its performance was comparable to the evaluated conventional CNNs. On the 440-image test set, the ViT's accuracy of 78.4% (95% CI, 72.5–83.8) was comparable to that of expert endoscopists (82.0%, p = 0.148) and non-experts (73.0%, p = 0.066), with no statistically significant differences observed.
Conclusions: The novel ViT-based AI model demonstrated high vendor-agnostic diagnostic accuracy across multiple POCS systems, achieving performance comparable to conventional CNNs and endoscopists evaluated in this study. 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=TomiyaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tomiya en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 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=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkiKentaro en-aut-sei=Oki en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajitaniSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kajitani en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuchiTatsuya en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 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=10 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=11 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=12 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=13 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=14 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=15 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=16 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=Healthcare Solutions Division, Ryobi Systems Co., Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Healthcare Solutions Division, Ryobi Systems Co., Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Healthcare Solutions Division, Ryobi Systems Co., Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital 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= en-keyword=artificial intelligence kn-keyword=artificial intelligence en-keyword=bile duct neoplasms kn-keyword=bile duct neoplasms en-keyword=cholangioscopy kn-keyword=cholangioscopy en-keyword=computer-assisted diagnosis kn-keyword=computer-assisted diagnosis en-keyword=vision transformer kn-keyword=vision transformer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=8145 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250822 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Augmentation of the Benzyl Isothiocyanate-Induced Antiproliferation by NBDHEX in the HCT-116 Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Increased drug metabolism and elimination are prominent mechanisms mediating multidrug resistance (MDR) to not only chemotherapy drugs but also anti-cancer natural products, such as benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). To evaluate the possibility of combined utilization of a certain compound to overcome this resistance, we focused on glutathione S-transferase (GST)-dependent metabolism of BITC. The pharmacological treatment of a pi-class GST-selective inhibitor, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), significantly increased BITC-induced toxicity in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells. However, NBDHEX unexpectedly increased the level of the BITC–glutathione (GSH) conjugate as well as BITC-modified proteins, suggesting that NBDHEX might increase BITC-modified protein accumulation by inhibiting BITC–GSH excretion instead of inhibiting GST. Furthermore, NBDHEX significantly potentiated BITC-induced apoptosis with the enhanced activation of apoptosis-related pathways, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and caspase-3 pathways. These results suggested that combination treatment with NBDHEX may be an effective way to overcome MDR with drug efflux and thus induce the biological activity of BITC at lower doses. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SunRuitong en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Ruitong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanoAina en-aut-sei=Yano en-aut-mei=Aina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 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=4 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=5 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=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= 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 Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, 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 Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=benzyl isothiocyanate kn-keyword=benzyl isothiocyanate en-keyword=multidrug resistance kn-keyword=multidrug resistance en-keyword=glutathione S-transferase kn-keyword=glutathione S-transferase en-keyword=NBDHEX kn-keyword=NBDHEX en-keyword=apoptosis kn-keyword=apoptosis en-keyword=c-Jun N-terminal kinase kn-keyword=c-Jun N-terminal kinase END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=60 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=e70059 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250528 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=When Confidence in Institutions Backfires: Power‐Distance Orientation Moderates the Relationship Between Institutional Trust and Civic Honesty Across Eight Countries en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Confidence in institutions is a key predictor of civic honesty, yet evidence shows that this relationship varies across contexts and individuals. This study examined whether power-distance orientation (PDO)—the extent to which individuals accept hierarchical power relations—moderates this association. High-PDO individuals tend to view institutional authorities as entitled to privilege, inclined to engage in patronage relationships and potentially corrupt. We hypothesised that for individuals high in PDO, confidence in institutions could backfire and be linked to the rejection of civic honesty. Using data from 2088 participants across eight countries, we found support for this hypothesis. Specifically, the positive link between institutional confidence and civic honesty was reversed among those who strongly endorse PDO. These findings suggest that individual-level variation in the link between confidence in institutions and civic honesty partly reflects broader beliefs about authorities. We discuss implications of this interaction and outline directions for future research. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=D'OttoneSilvana en-aut-sei=D'Ottone en-aut-mei=Silvana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TravaglinoGiovanni A. en-aut-sei=Travaglino en-aut-mei=Giovanni A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=BurgmerPascal en-aut-sei=Burgmer en-aut-mei=Pascal kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=GiammussoIsabella en-aut-sei=Giammusso en-aut-mei=Isabella kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImadaHirotaka en-aut-sei=Imada en-aut-mei=Hirotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaoYanhui en-aut-sei=Mao en-aut-mei=Yanhui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MirisolaAlberto en-aut-sei=Mirisola en-aut-mei=Alberto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoonChanki en-aut-sei=Moon en-aut-mei=Chanki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NawataKengo en-aut-sei=Nawata en-aut-mei=Kengo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzekiMiki en-aut-sei=Ozeki en-aut-mei=Miki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute for the Study of Power, Crime and Society, Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway University of London kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=School of Psychology, University of Southampton kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute for the Study of Power, Crime and Society, Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway University of London kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Institute of Applied Psychology, Psychological Research and Counseling Center, Southwest Jiaotong University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Institute for the Study of Power, Crime and Society, Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway University of London kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Humanities, Fukuoka University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=civic honesty kn-keyword=civic honesty en-keyword=confidence in institutions kn-keyword=confidence in institutions en-keyword=corruption kn-keyword=corruption en-keyword=power-distance orientation kn-keyword=power-distance orientation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e72549 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250624 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Optimization of Preemptive Therapy for Cytomegalovirus Infections With Valganciclovir Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Protocol for a Phase II, Single-Center, Single-Arm Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Valganciclovir (VGCV) is the first-line drug for preemptive therapy of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. However, even when administered at the dose specified in the package insert, there is significant interindividual variability in the plasma concentrations of ganciclovir (GCV). In addition, correlations have been reported between the area under the concentration–time curve and therapeutic efficacy or adverse events. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can be used to improve the efficacy and safety of preemptive VGCV therapy.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether the dosage adjustment of VGCV based on TDM in patients undergoing preemptive therapy for CMV infections is associated with the successful completion rate of treatment without severe hematological adverse effects.
Methods: This phase II, single-center, single-arm trial aims to enroll 40 patients admitted at the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Hospital, who will receive oral VGCV as preemptive therapy for CMV infections. Participants will begin treatment with VGCV at the dose recommended in the package insert, with subsequent dose adjustments based on weekly TDM results. The primary end point will be the proportion of patients who achieve CMV antigenemia negativity within 3 weeks without severe hematological adverse events. The secondary end points will include weekly changes in CMV antigen levels, total VGCV dose, and duration of preemptive therapy. For safety evaluation, the occurrence, type, and severity of VGCV-related adverse events will be analyzed. Additionally, this study will explore the correlations between the efficacy and safety of preemptive therapy and the pharmacokinetic parameters of GCV, CMV-polymerase chain reaction values, and nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) genetic polymorphisms. The correlation between GCV plasma concentrations obtained from regular venous blood and blood concentrations will be examined using dried blood spots.
Results: This study began with patient recruitment in September 2024, with 5 participants enrolled as of June 16, 2025. The target enrollment is 40 participants, and the anticipated study completion is set for July 2027.
Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the impact of TDM intervention in patients receiving VGCV as preemptive therapy. The findings are postulated to provide valuable evidence regarding the utility of TDM in patients receiving VGCV as preemptive therapy.
Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs051240080; https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs051240080
International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/72549 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TamuraNaoki en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoharaKotaro en-aut-sei=Itohara en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Yo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitahiroYumi en-aut-sei=Kitahiro en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaneToshiyasu en-aut-sei=Sakane en-aut-mei=Toshiyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaegusaJun en-aut-sei=Saegusa en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanoIkuko en-aut-sei=Yano en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Integrated Clinical and Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kobe Pharmaceutical University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=valganciclovir kn-keyword=valganciclovir en-keyword=ganciclovir kn-keyword=ganciclovir en-keyword=cytomegalovirus kn-keyword=cytomegalovirus en-keyword=therapeutic drug monitoring kn-keyword=therapeutic drug monitoring en-keyword=preemptive therapy kn-keyword=preemptive therapy en-keyword=dried blood spots kn-keyword=dried blood spots END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250225 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Age-related behavioural abnormalities in C57BL/6.KOR–Apoe shl mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Spontaneously hyperlipidaemic (Apoeshl) mice were discovered in 1999 as mice lacking apolipoprotein E (ApoE) owing to a mutation in the Apoe gene. However, age-related behavioural changes in commercially available Apoeshl mice have not yet been clarified. The behavioural abnormalities of ApoE-deficient mice, which are genetically modified mice artificially deficient in ApoE, have been investigated in detail, and it has been reported that they can serve as a model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To understand whether Apoeshl mice can also serve as a murine model of AD, it is necessary to investigate age-related behavioural abnormalities in Apoeshl mice. In this study, we conducted a series of behavioural experiments on 7- and 11-month-old Apoeshl mice to investigate the behavioural abnormalities associated with ageing in Apoeshl mice. In this study, 7-month-old Apoeshl mice showed decreased body weight and grip strength compared to age-matched wild-type mice. In the open field test, 7-month-old Apoeshl mice showed increased anxiety-like behaviour compared to wild-type mice, whereas 11-month-old Apoeshl mice showed decreased anxiety-like behaviour. Moreover, Apoeshl mice aged 7 and 11 months had increased serum cholesterol levels. These results indicate that the behaviour of Apoeshl mice changes with age. However, 11-month-old Apoeshl mice did not show a decline in cognitive function or memory ability similar to murine models of AD. Our findings indicate that Apoeshl mice can be used to investigate the function of ApoE in the central nervous system. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UenoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYu en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriSachiko en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Sachiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitanoEriko en-aut-sei=Kitano en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiShinji en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WaniKenta en-aut-sei=Wani en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiTetsuji en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Tetsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoYosuke en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoMotoi en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Motoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=age kn-keyword=age en-keyword=apolipoprotein kn-keyword=apolipoprotein en-keyword=behavioural test kn-keyword=behavioural test en-keyword=central nervous system kn-keyword=central nervous system en-keyword=mouse kn-keyword=mouse END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250222 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Rearing in an envy-like environment increases anxiety-like behaviour in mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Interest in the societal and psychological harm caused by widespread envy and social comparison is increasing. Envy is associated with anxiety and depression, though the mechanism by which envy affects neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, remains unclear. Clarifying the neurobiological basis of envy’s effects on behaviour and emotion regulation in experimental mice is essential for developing disease-prevention and treatment strategies. As mice recognize other mice in neighbouring cages, this study investigated whether they recognize neighbouring cages housed in environmentally enriched cages and suffer psychological stress due to envy. After being raised in an envy-like environment for 3 weeks, we revealed changes in the behaviour of the mice through a series of behavioural experiments. Mice raised in an envious environment showed increased body weight and anxiety-like behaviour but decreased social behaviour and serum corticosterone levels compared to control mice. Thus, mice recognize their neighbouring cages and experience psychological stress due to envy. This study revealed a part of the scientific basis for why envy increased anxiety. Using this novel experimental breeding environment, it may be possible to create an experimental animal model of anxiety disorders. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UenoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitanoEriko en-aut-sei=Kitano en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYu en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriSachiko en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Sachiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiShinji en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WaniKenta en-aut-sei=Wani en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoYosuke en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoMotoi en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Motoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=behaviour kn-keyword=behaviour en-keyword=anxiety kn-keyword=anxiety en-keyword=mouse kn-keyword=mouse en-keyword=envy kn-keyword=envy en-keyword=rodent kn-keyword=rodent END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=2024 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=9215607 end-page= 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=Mice Recognise Mice in Neighbouring Rearing Cages and Change Their Social Behaviour en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Mice are social animals that change their behaviour primarily in response to visual, olfactory, and auditory information from conspecifics. Rearing conditions such as cage size and colour are important factors influencing mouse behaviour. In recent years, transparent plastic cages have become standard breeding cages. The advantage of using a transparent cage is that the experimenter can observe the mouse from outside the cage without touching the cage. However, mice may recognise the environment outside the cage and change their behaviour. We speculated that mice housed in transparent cages might recognise mice in neighbouring cages. We used only male mice in this experiment. C57BL/6 mice were kept in transparent rearing cages with open lids, and the cage positions were maintained for 3 weeks. Subsequently, we examined how mice behaved toward cagemate mice, mice from neighbouring cages, and mice from distant cages. We compared the level of interest in mice using a social preference test. Similar to previous reports, subject mice showed a high degree of interest in unfamiliar mice from distant cages. By contrast, subject mice reacted to mice from neighbouring cages as familiar mice, similar to cagemate mice. This suggests that mice housed in transparent cages with open lids perceive the external environment and identify mice in neighbouring cages. Researchers should pay attention to the environment outside the mouse cage, especially for the social preference test. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UenoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYu en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriSachiko en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Sachiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiShinji en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WaniKenta en-aut-sei=Wani en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoYosuke en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoMotoi en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Motoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1561628 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250321 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Histidine-rich glycoprotein inhibits TNF-α–induced tube formation in human vascular endothelial cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced angiogenesis plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis, making it an important therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Suppressing angiogenesis can effectively limit tumor growth and metastasis. However, despite advancements in understanding angiogenic pathways, effective strategies to inhibit TNF-α-mediated angiogenesis remain limited.
Methods: This study investigates the antiangiogenic effects of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), a multifunctional plasma protein with potent antiangiogenic properties, on TNF-α-stimulated human endothelial cells (EA.hy926). Tube formation assays were performed to assess angiogenesis, and gene/protein expression analyses were conducted to evaluate HRG’s effects on integrins αV and β8. The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in HRG-mediated antiangiogenic activity was also examined through nuclear translocation assays and NRF2 activation studies.
Results: At physiological concentrations, HRG effectively suppressed TNF-α-induced tube formation in vitro and downregulated TNF-α-induced expression of integrins αV and β8 at both the mRNA and protein levels. HRG treatment promoted NRF2 nuclear translocation in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, activation of NRF2 significantly reduced TNF-α-induced tube formation and integrin expression, suggesting that NRF2 plays a key role in HRG-mediated antiangiogenic effects.
Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings indicate that HRG suppresses TNF-α-induced angiogenesis by promoting NRF2 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation, which in turn inhibits integrin αV and β8 expression. Given the essential role of angiogenesis in tumor progression, HRG’s ability to regulate this process presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HatipogluOmer Faruk en-aut-sei=Hatipoglu en-aut-mei=Omer Faruk kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinakaTakashi en-aut-sei=Nishinaka en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YaykasliKursat Oguz en-aut-sei=Yaykasli en-aut-mei=Kursat Oguz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriShuji en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Shuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasahiro en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyomuraTakao en-aut-sei=Toyomura en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiboriMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nishibori en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakeHidenori en-aut-sei=Wake en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiHideo en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Hideo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Translational Research and Dug Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=histidine-rich glycoprotein kn-keyword=histidine-rich glycoprotein en-keyword=tumor necrosis factor-α kn-keyword=tumor necrosis factor-α en-keyword=integrin kn-keyword=integrin en-keyword=tube formation kn-keyword=tube formation en-keyword=angiogenesis kn-keyword=angiogenesis en-keyword=factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 kn-keyword=factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=43 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1261 end-page=1268 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Overview of task shifting guidelines in Japan: from radiologists to radiological technologists en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=As one of the key pillars of work style reform for physicians, task shifting and sharing from radiologists to radiological technologists has been considered. In May 2021, the Radiological Technologists Act was amended, allowing for the expansion of several duties. Alongside these legal and regulatory changes, a notice from Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare was issued, highlighting tasks to be particularly promoted under the current system prior to the amendment of the Radiological Technologists Act. These amendments authorize radiological technologists to perform advanced and specialized tasks, such as securing venous access for contrast agent administration, which require significantly higher skill levels than their traditional roles. However, the amended legislation did not include specific guidelines, rules, or considerations for the practical implementation of these new duties in daily medical practice, especially from the perspectives of patient safety and quality of care. To address this, the Japan Radiological Society, the Japanese College of Radiology, and the Japan Association of Radiological Technologists collaborated with other related societies to develop guidelines on five key topics:-Guidelines for Safe Conduct of CT/MRI Contrast-Enhanced Examinations: Considering the expanded scope of practice for radiological technologists. -Guidelines for Safe Conduct of Nuclear Medicine Examinations: Aligned with the expanded responsibilities of radiological technologists. -Guidelines for Clinical application of Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). -Guidelines for Safe Conduct of Angiography and Interventional Radiology (IR): Adapted for the expanded roles of radiological technologists. -Guidelines for Reporting Findings of STAT Imaging: Addressing urgent conditions with potential impact on life prognosis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KidoAki en-aut-sei=Kido en-aut-mei=Aki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhnoKazuko en-aut-sei=Ohno en-aut-mei=Kazuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKei en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamakadoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamakado en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirakiTakao en-aut-sei=Hiraki en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizowakiTakashi en-aut-sei=Mizowaki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AidaNoriko en-aut-sei=Aida en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=Oyama-ManabeNoriko en-aut-sei=Oyama-Manabe en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Kodama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKatsuhiko en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Katsuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokiShigeki en-aut-sei=Aoki en-aut-mei=Shigeki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiyamaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Tomiyama en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Toyama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kyoto University of Medial Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiology, The Hospital of Hyogo College of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology and Image-Applied Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Health Sciences at Narita, International University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Health Data Science, Department of Radiology/Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Task shifting and sharing kn-keyword=Task shifting and sharing en-keyword=Radiological technologists kn-keyword=Radiological technologists en-keyword=Guideline kn-keyword=Guideline en-keyword=IGRT kn-keyword=IGRT en-keyword=STAT kn-keyword=STAT END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=89 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1217 end-page=1226 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250527 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Microbial biotransformation of proteins into amino acids in unpolished Thai and polished Japanese rice varieties cultivated with distinct industrial strains of koji mold en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We previously reported the cultivation of industrial koji mold strains to produce unpolished Thai-colored rice kojis. These kojis, along with those made from unpolished Thai white rice and polished Japanese white rice, showed increased polyphenol content after cultivation, with the highest levels observed in unpolished Thai-colored rice kojis. In this study, an increase in both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acid contents, particularly γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content, was observed in both unpolished Thai and polished Japanese rice kojis, suggesting the ability of koji mold in the biotransformation of proteins. This increase was almost comparable even when using different rice varieties; in contrast, it varied depending on the koji mold strain used. The observed increase in both polyphenol and functional amino acid contents, especially GABA content, highlights the potential of unpolished Thai and polished Japanese rice kojis, particularly unpolished Thai-colored rice koji, as multifunctional materials, benefiting from polyphenol and amino acid functionalities. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JitpakdeeJirayu en-aut-sei=Jitpakdee en-aut-mei=Jirayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoKazunari en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Kazunari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaninoYuka en-aut-sei=Tanino en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiHayato en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Hayato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaHideyuki en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagawaTakuro en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Takuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NitodaTeruhiko en-aut-sei=Nitoda en-aut-mei=Teruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Industrial Technology Center of Okayama Prefecture kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Industrial Technology Center of Okayama Prefecture kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Industrial Technology Center of Okayama Prefecture kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Higuchi Matsunosuke Shoten Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Higuchi Matsunosuke Shoten Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Amino acid kn-keyword=Amino acid en-keyword=GABA kn-keyword=GABA en-keyword=koji mold kn-keyword=koji mold en-keyword=rice koji kn-keyword=rice koji en-keyword=Thai-colored rice kn-keyword=Thai-colored rice END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=329 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=L183 end-page=L196 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Activated factor X inhibition ameliorates NF-κB-IL-6-mediated perivascular inflammation and pulmonary hypertension en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Activated factor X (FXa) induces inflammatory response and cell proliferation in various cell types via activation of proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and/or PAR2. We thus aimed to investigate the impact of FXa on the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and the mechanisms involved. The effects of edoxaban, a selective FXa inhibitor, on hemodynamic, right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, and vascular remodeling were evaluated in a monocrotaline (MCT)-exposed pulmonary hypertension (PH) rat model. At 21 days after a single subcutaneous injection of MCT of 60 mg/kg, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and total pulmonary vascular resistance index (TPRI) were elevated concomitant with the increased plasma FXa and lung interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA. Daily administration of edoxaban (10 mg/kg/day, by gavage) starting from the day of MCT injection for 21 days ameliorated RVSP, TPRI, RV hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and macrophage accumulation. Edoxaban reduced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity and IL-6 mRNA level in the lungs of MCT-exposed rats. mRNA levels of FXa, PAR1, and PAR2 in cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) isolated from patients with PAH were higher than those seen in normal PASMCs. FXa stimulation increased cell proliferation and mRNA level of IL-6 in normal PASMCs, both of which were blunted by edoxaban and PAR1 antagonist. Moreover, FXa stimulation activated extracellularly regulated kinases 1/2 in a PAR1-dependent manner. Inhibition of FXa ameliorates NF-κB-IL-6-mediated perivascular inflammation, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and the development of PH in MCT-exposed rats, suggesting that FXa may be a potential target for the treatment of PAH.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrated that chronic treatment with activated factor X (FXa) inhibitor ameliorated NF-κB-IL-6-mediated perivascular inflammation in a rat model with pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is associated with elevated FXa activity. FXa may act on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, inducing cell proliferation and inflammatory response via upregulated PAR1, thereby contributing to pulmonary vascular remodeling. Understanding the patient-specific pathophysiology is a prerequisite for applying FXa-targeted therapy to the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ImakiireSatomi en-aut-sei=Imakiire en-aut-mei=Satomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuroKeiji en-aut-sei=Kimuro en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKeimei en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Keimei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasakiKohei en-aut-sei=Masaki en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IzumiRyo en-aut-sei=Izumi en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImabayashiMisaki en-aut-sei=Imabayashi en-aut-mei=Misaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakanori en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikawaTomohito en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Tomohito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaKazuya en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushimaShouji en-aut-sei=Matsushima en-aut-mei=Shouji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoToru en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsukiShunsuke en-aut-sei=Katsuki en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatobaTetsuya en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 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=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranoKatsuya en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Katsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsutsuiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tsutsui en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeKohtaro en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Kohtaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= en-keyword=factor Xa kn-keyword=factor Xa en-keyword=IL-6 kn-keyword=IL-6 en-keyword=proteinase-activated receptor kn-keyword=proteinase-activated receptor en-keyword=pulmonary arterial hypertension kn-keyword=pulmonary arterial hypertension en-keyword=pulmonary hypertension kn-keyword=pulmonary hypertension END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=30648 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250820 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of mechanical stretching stimulation on maturation of human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In the realm of regenerative medicine, despite the various techniques available for inducing the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into cardiomyocytes, there remains a need to enhance the maturation of the cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to improve the differentiation and subsequent maturation of iPS-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) by incorporating mechanical stretching. Human iPS cells were co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stretch chamber, where mechanical stretching stimulation was applied during the induction of cardiomyocyte differentiation. The maturation of iPS-CMs was assessed using qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, calcium imaging and contractility comparisons. Results indicated significantly elevated gene expression levels of cardiomyocyte markers (cTnT) and the mesodermal marker (Nkx2.5) in the stretch group compared to the control group. Fluorescent immunocytochemical staining revealed the presence of cardiac marker proteins (cTnT and MYL2) in both groups, with higher protein expression in the stretch group. Additionally, structural maturation of iPS-CMs in the stretch group was notably better than in the control group. A significant increase in the contractility and calcium cycle of iPS-CMs was observed in the stretch group. These findings demonstrate that mechanical stretching stimulation enhances the maturation of iPS-CMs co-cultured with HGF. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangMengxue en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Mengxue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeiHarumi en-aut-sei=Idei en-aut-mei=Harumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangChen en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Chen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiangYin en-aut-sei=Liang en-aut-mei=Yin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuYun en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Yun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYusuke en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKen en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamiokaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kamioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaruseKeiji en-aut-sei=Naruse en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nursing, School of Life and Health Sciences, HuZhou College kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Human induced pluripotent stem cell kn-keyword=Human induced pluripotent stem cell en-keyword=Cardiomyocyte kn-keyword=Cardiomyocyte en-keyword=Human gingival fibroblast kn-keyword=Human gingival fibroblast en-keyword=Mechanical stretching kn-keyword=Mechanical stretching END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e240601 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250320 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Is subclinical hypothyroidism associated with cardiovascular disease in the elderly? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is diagnosed when thyroid function tests show that the serum thyrotropin (TSH) level is elevated and the serum free thyroxine (FT4) level is normal. SCH is mainly caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the prevalence of which increases with aging. Recently, it has been revealed that SCH is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia and hypertension, leading to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, there are still controversies regarding the diagnosis and treatment of SCH in elderly patients. In this review, we present recent evidence regarding the relationship between SCH and CVD and treatment recommendations for SCH, especially in elderly patients. Studies have shown that SCH is associated with CVD and all-cause mortality. Patients aged less than 65 years showed significant associations of SCH with CVD risk and all-cause mortality, whereas patients aged 65 or older did not show such associations. It was shown that levothyroxine therapy was associated with lower all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in younger SCH patients (<65–70 years) but not in SCH patients aged 65–70 years or older. In elderly SCH patients, levothyroxine treatment should be considered individually according to the patient’s age, serum TSH level, hypothyroid symptoms, CVD risk and other comorbidities. To further elucidate the impact of SCH on CVD in elderly patients, studies should be conducted using age-specific reference ranges of results of thyroid function tests, focusing on elderly patients, specific serum TSH levels, thyroid antibody status and cardiovascular risk factors. 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=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=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 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= 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=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=cardiovascular disease kn-keyword=cardiovascular disease en-keyword=elderly patients kn-keyword=elderly patients en-keyword=subclinical hypothyroidism kn-keyword=subclinical hypothyroidism en-keyword=thyroid disease kn-keyword=thyroid disease END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=567 end-page=579 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=ChatGPT Responses to Clinical Questions in the Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease 2022 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aims: Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in the medical field. We assessed the accuracy and reproducibility of responses by ChatGPT to clinical questions (CQs) in the Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases 2022 (JAS Guidelines 2022).
Methods: In June 2024, we assessed responses by ChatGPT (version 3.5) to CQs, including background questions (BQs) and foreground questions (FQs). Accuracy was assessed independently by three researchers using six-point Likert scales ranging from 1 (“completely incorrect”) to 6 (“completely correct”) by evaluating responses to CQs in Japanese or translated into English. For reproducibility assessment, responses to each CQ asked five times separately in a new chat were scored using six-point Likert scales, and Fleiss kappa coefficients were calculated.
Results: The median (25th–75th percentile) score for ChatGPT’s responses to BQs and FQs was 4 (3–5) and 5 (5–6) for Japanese CQs and 5 (3–6) and 6 (5–6) for English CQs, respectively. Response scores were higher for FQs than those for BQs (P values ＜0.001 for Japanese and English). Similar response accuracy levels were observed between Japanese and English CQs (P value 0.139 for BQs and 0.586 for FQs). Kappa coefficients for reproducibility were 0.76 for BQs and 0.90 for FQs.
Conclusions: ChatGPT showed high accuracy and reproducibility in responding to JAS Guidelines 2022 CQs, especially FQs. While ChatGPT primarily reflects existing guidelines, its strength could lie in rapidly organizing and presenting relevant information, thus supporting instant and more efficient guideline interpretation and aiding in medical decision-making. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HisamatsuTakashi en-aut-sei=Hisamatsu en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukudaMari en-aut-sei=Fukuda en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinutaMinako en-aut-sei=Kinuta en-aut-mei=Minako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaHideyuki en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Autonomic intelligence kn-keyword=Autonomic intelligence en-keyword=ChatGPT kn-keyword=ChatGPT en-keyword=Accuracy kn-keyword=Accuracy en-keyword=Reproducibility kn-keyword=Reproducibility en-keyword=Guidelines kn-keyword=Guidelines END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=48 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=51 end-page=59 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250129 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Underlying Mechanism for the Altered Hypoglycemic Effects of Nateglinide in Rats with Acute Peripheral Inflammation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The hypoglycemic effects of nateglinide (NTG) were examined in rats with acute peripheral inflammation (API) induced by carrageenan treatment, and the mechanisms accounting for altered hypoglycemic effects were investigated. NTG was administered through the femoral vein in control and API rats, and its plasma concentration profile was characterized. The time courses of the changes in plasma glucose and insulin levels were also examined. Although the plasma concentration profile of NTG in API rats was marginally distinguishable from that in control rats, the hypoglycemic effect of NTG was more persistent in API rats than in control rats. In addition, NTG elevated the plasma level of insulin more intensely in API rats than in control rats. Then, the islets of Langerhans were procured by perfusing the pancreas with collagenase solution in control and API rats, and the pancreatic mRNA expression of preproinsulin (Ins1), as well as that of sulfonylurea receptor ABCC8 (Abcc8), were examined. As a result, the expression of preproinsulin and ABCC8 mRNA increased in API rats. These findings suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of NTG was potentiated in API rats due to increased insulin secretion in the pancreas, which was caused by enhanced preproinsulin synthesis and expression of the sulfonylurea receptor. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokoHaruka en-aut-sei=Toko en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OginoManami en-aut-sei=Ogino en-aut-mei=Manami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiwakiAkane en-aut-sei=Nishiwaki en-aut-mei=Akane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojinaMoeko en-aut-sei=Kojina en-aut-mei=Moeko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AibaTetsuya en-aut-sei=Aiba en-aut-mei=Tetsuya 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=blood sugar kn-keyword=blood sugar en-keyword=inflammation kn-keyword=inflammation en-keyword=insulin kn-keyword=insulin en-keyword=Langerhans islet kn-keyword=Langerhans islet en-keyword=nateglinide kn-keyword=nateglinide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=6 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=53 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250606 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical, Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE), Accelerates Neuritogenesis and Outgrowth of Cortical Neurons via the G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) is the main component of epoxy resin and is used for the inner coating of canned foods and plastic food containers. BADGE can easily migrate from containers and result in food contamination; the compound is known as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. We previously reported that maternal exposure to bisphenol A bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (BADGE·2H2O), which is the most detected BADGE derivative not only in canned foods but also in human specimens, during gestation and lactation, could accelerate neuronal differentiation in the cortex of fetuses and induce anxiety-like behavior in juvenile mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-dose BADGE·2H2O (1–100 pM) treatment on neurites and the mechanism of neurite outgrowth in cortical neurons. BADGE·2H2O exposure significantly increased the number of dendrites and neurite length in cortical neurons; these accelerating effects were inhibited by estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780 and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) antagonist G15. BADGE·2H2O down-regulated Hes1 expression, which is a transcriptional repressor, and increased levels of neuritogenic factor neurogenin-3 (Ngn3) in the cortical neurons; the changes were significantly blocked by G15. These data suggest that direct BADGE·2H2O exposure can accelerate neuritogenesis and outgrowth in cortical neurons through down-regulation of Hes1 and by increasing Ngn3 levels through ERs, particularly GPER. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyazakiIkuko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaChiharu en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Chiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagoshiTakeru en-aut-sei=Nagoshi en-aut-mei=Takeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakoAkane en-aut-sei=Miyako en-aut-mei=Akane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoSuzuka en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Suzuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaIchika en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Ichika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsseAika en-aut-sei=Isse en-aut-mei=Aika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomimotoKana en-aut-sei=Tomimoto en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasaiKaori en-aut-sei=Masai en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZenshoKazumasa en-aut-sei=Zensho en-aut-mei=Kazumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 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 Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=BADGE kn-keyword=BADGE en-keyword=neurite outgrowth kn-keyword=neurite outgrowth en-keyword=estrogen receptor kn-keyword=estrogen receptor en-keyword=GPER kn-keyword=GPER en-keyword=Hes1 kn-keyword=Hes1 en-keyword=neurogenin-3 kn-keyword=neurogenin-3 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=20250802 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Berberine Prevents NSAID-Induced Small Intestinal Injury by Protecting Intestinal Barrier and Inhibiting Inflammasome-Associated Activation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), which are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation, often cause gastrointestinal injuries, including small intestinal damage. Berberine (BBR) is a traditional Chinese medicine that protects against these injuries. However, the mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Aims This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of BBR against NSAID-induced intestinal injury and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods We evaluated the effects of BBR on NSAID-induced intestinal injury using a combination of mouse models and human gut organoids. Mice were treated with indomethacin with or without BBR to induce small intestinal injury. Human gut organoids were exposed to NSAID, with or without BBR, to assess their direct epithelial effects. Histological analyses, cytokine measurements, and Western blotting were performed to evaluate intestinal damage, tight junction integrity, and inflammasome-associated activation.
Results In NSAID-treated mice, BBR markedly reduced ulcers and adhesions and preserved ileal Claudin-1, Occludin, and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) levels. BBR inhibited both NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 6 and NOD-like receptor family caspase recruitment domain–containing protein 4 inflammasome activation, reducing Caspase-1 maturation and downstream interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α release. In human gut organoids, BBR demonstrated comparable protective effects by directly mitigating NSAID-induced epithelial barrier disruption caused by Claudin-1 and Occludin downregulation, although it did not restore ZO-1 expression.
Conclusions BBR effectively prevented NSAID-induced small intestinal injury by maintaining tight junction integrity and inhibiting inflammasome-associated activation, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent against such damage. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshiguroMikako en-aut-sei=Ishiguro en-aut-mei=Mikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakakiAkinobu en-aut-sei=Takaki en-aut-mei=Akinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyosawaJyunki en-aut-sei=Toyosawa en-aut-mei=Jyunki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 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=7 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=8 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=9 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=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 and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced small intestinal injury kn-keyword=Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced small intestinal injury en-keyword=Berberine kn-keyword=Berberine en-keyword=Tight junction protein kn-keyword=Tight junction protein en-keyword=Inflammasomes kn-keyword=Inflammasomes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e70139 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=Progression of patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration within 1 year after medial meniscus posterior root repair: A retrospective study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To assess postoperative progression of patellofemoral (PF) cartilage degeneration after medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) repair and identify potential risk factors.
Methods: Data from patients who underwent transtibial pullout repair for complete radial MMPR tears between April 2018 and October 2021 were retrospectively investigated. Patients with severe chondral lesions of the PF joint at primary surgery were excluded. All patients underwent second-look arthroscopy at 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative changes using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade were evaluated. Associated open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were assessed.
Results: In total, 40 patients (30 women, 10 men; mean age: 64.0 years) were evaluated. PF joint cartilage degeneration progressed significantly postoperatively. Abnormal signal intensity (ASI) of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) was observed in 15 (37.5%) patients. Arthroscopic findings in groups between IPFP with and without ASI were compared. The incidence of postoperative ICRS grade worsening (≥2 grades) on the patella or trochlea was significantly higher among patients with ASI (53%) than among those without (20%, p = 0.04). ICRS grade worsening in the medial femorotibial compartment and meniscus-healing status were comparable between the groups. Patients with ASI of the IPFP showed greater decrease in the distance between the patellar and anterior cruciate ligament insertions on knee flexion MRI (−1.5 ± 0.7 mm) than that in those without (−0.2 ± 0.3 mm, p < 0.01). A delayed rehabilitation protocol was a risk factor according to the logistic regression analysis (p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Progressive PF cartilage degeneration occurred following MMPR repair, highlighting the need for diligent postoperative PF joint management.
Level of Evidence: Level IV case series. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori 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=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=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaTsubasa en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Tsubasa 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 Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital 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= en-keyword=medial meniscus kn-keyword=medial meniscus en-keyword=posterior root tear kn-keyword=posterior root tear en-keyword=pullout repair kn-keyword=pullout repair en-keyword=rehabilitation kn-keyword=rehabilitation en-keyword=second‐look arthroscopy kn-keyword=second‐look arthroscopy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e70276 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=Occupational motions such as kneeling and squatting are associated with the increased development of medial meniscus posterior root tears, regardless of the medial posterior tibial slope angle en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: The relationship between occupational motions and the medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS) with the development of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) has not been investigated. The development of non-traumatic degenerative MMPRTs may be influenced by repetitive occupational motions and bone morphological characteristics. Herein, we examined the association between occupational motions and MPTS in patients with MMPRT development.
Methods: During the first medical examination, MPTS was measured using lateral knee radiographic images, and occupational motions were investigated in 559 patients (591 knees). Occupational motions were classified as kneeling and squatting, standing and walking, sitting, lifting heavy weights, and housework. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare patient characteristics between male and female patients and MPTS relative to occupational motion.
Results: The most frequent occupational motion was housework (160/559 patients, 28.6%), followed by kneeling and squatting (140/559, 25.0%), standing and walking (128/559, 22.9%), sitting (82/559, 14.7%), and lifting heavy weights (49/559, 8.8%). Furthermore, housework (10.0 ± 2.6°) involved significantly greater MPTS than kneeling and squatting (9.3 ± 2.7°; p = 0.012). However, the MPTS associated with other occupational motions was not significantly different from that associated with housework.
Conclusion: The most frequent occupational motion among patients with MMPRTs was housework, followed by kneeling and squatting. Patients who performed housework tended to have a higher MPTS. Occupational motions such as kneeling and squatting potentially increase the development of MMPRTs, even without a high MPTS.
Level of Evidence: Level IV. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=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=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 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= en-keyword=kneeling kn-keyword=kneeling en-keyword=meniscus kn-keyword=meniscus en-keyword=occupational motion kn-keyword=occupational motion en-keyword=posterior root tear kn-keyword=posterior root tear en-keyword=posterior tibial slope kn-keyword=posterior tibial slope END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=40 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between lower limb muscle strength and musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom complex in patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in and the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and physical function before and after medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) repair.
Methods Thirty-three patients who underwent MMPR repair were evaluated. Pain was evaluated with the numerical rating scale (NRS), and knee flexor/extensor muscle strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Physical function was evaluated using a timed up and go (TUG) test. The NRS, knee flexor/extensor muscle strength, and TUG were compared preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The correlation of patient characteristics, NRS score, knee flexor/extensor muscle strength, and preoperative TUG with the postoperative TUG was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results NRS (3.5 ± 2.1 to 0.1 ± 0.5 points), knee flexor strength (111.9 ± 50.2 to 146.7 ± 51.5 Nm), knee extensor strength (181.9 ± 92.8 to 256.9 ± 107.1 Nm), and TUG (12.3 ± 5.7 to 9.2 ± 2.2 s) all improved significantly from preoperatively to 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). The postoperative TUG was negatively correlated with the preoperative TUG (r = 0.578, p < 0.001), preoperative knee flexor muscle strength (r = − 0.355, p = 0.042), preoperative knee extensor muscle strength (r = − 0.437, p = 0.010), and postoperative knee extensor muscle strength (r = − 0.478, p = 0.004).
Conclusion In patients undergoing MMPR repair, surgery and rehabilitation significantly improve lower limb muscle strength and physical function. There was a significant correlation between lower limb muscle strength and TUG, and further strengthening of the lower limb muscles from the preoperative level is desirable to improve patients’ physical function further.
Level of evidence IV. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukubaMikao en-aut-sei=Fukuba en-aut-mei=Mikao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 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=6 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=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital 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 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital 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= en-keyword=Musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom complex kn-keyword=Musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom complex en-keyword=Meniscus kn-keyword=Meniscus en-keyword=Posterior root tear kn-keyword=Posterior root tear en-keyword=Physical therapy kn-keyword=Physical therapy en-keyword=Rehabilitation kn-keyword=Rehabilitation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=30 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241128 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Transtibial pullout repair improved short-term clinical outcomes in patients with oblique medial meniscus posterior root tear comparable to radial root tear en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose Medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (PRT) can lead to excessive knee loading and unsatisfactory clinical outcomes after non-operative treatment or meniscectomy. Although favourable clinical outcomes after MM posterior root (PR) repair have been reported, no study has specifically investigated the outcomes of different types of MMPRT. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with complete radial and oblique MMPRT following MMPR repair.
Methods Forty patients who had undergone MMPR repair were retrospectively investigated. Patients with type 2 (20 knees) and 4 MMPRT (20 knees) were included in this study. The MMPRT type was classified according to the LaPrade classification. Plain radiographs, magnetic resonance images, arthroscopic findings, and pre- and postoperative clinical outcomes were evaluated.
Results At 1 year postoperatively, clinical outcomes notably improved in patients with type 2 and 4 MMPRT. No significant differences were observed in any of the evaluations between these patients, both before and after the surgery.
Conclusion Patients with type 2 and type 4 MMPRT exhibited significantly improved clinical outcomes. MMPR repair is beneficial in treating type 2 and type 4 MMPRT.
Level of evidence IV en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro 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=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=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=HasegawaTsubasa en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Tsubasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoharaToshiki en-aut-sei=Kohara en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Clinical outcomes kn-keyword=Clinical outcomes en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Oblique tear kn-keyword=Oblique tear en-keyword=Posterior root tear kn-keyword=Posterior root tear en-keyword=Pullout repair kn-keyword=Pullout repair en-keyword=Radial tear kn-keyword=Radial tear END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=253 end-page=259 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Study of Periprosthetic Femoral Stem Fractures in Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the risk factors for bone fragility and perioperative periprosthetic femoral stem fractures in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures. The records of 215 patients (42 male, 173 female; mean age, 84.4 years) were analyzed to assess correlations among periprosthetic fracture rates and sex, age, body mass index (BMI), Dorr classification, femoral stem fixation type (cemented/cementless), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the contralateral proximal femur. The overall prevalence of perioperative periprosthetic fractures was 4.7%. All patients with periprosthetic fractures were female, and all but one were ≥ 80 years of age. Fracture rates were higher in patients with lower BMI, although this difference was not significant. The fracture rates were 0%, 4.7%, and 7.9% for Dorr types A, B, and C, respectively, and 0% and 5.3% for patients who received cemented and cementless stems, respectively. The findings indicated that female patients, those of advanced age, those with lower BMI, and those with Dorr type C had lower BMDs. Although BMD was significantly lower in patients who received cemented stems compared to those who received cementless stems, no fractures were observed in the former group, suggesting that the use of cemented stems is safe for this high-risk population. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyakeYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiToru en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonishiikeTaizo en-aut-sei=Konishiike en-aut-mei=Taizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=bone mineral density kn-keyword=bone mineral density en-keyword=cemented stem kn-keyword=cemented stem en-keyword=Dorr classification kn-keyword=Dorr classification en-keyword=femoral neck fracture kn-keyword=femoral neck fracture en-keyword=periprosthetic femoral stem fracture kn-keyword=periprosthetic femoral stem fracture END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=243 end-page=251 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Work Productivity of Cancer-survivor and Non-cancer-survivor Workers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the work productivity levels of employed cancer survivors and non-cancer-survivor workers by conducting a cross-sectional study in Japan between February and March 2019, using an online survey. A total of 561 employed individuals aged 20-64 years were analyzed. Work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health questionnaire which evaluates absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work productivity loss. The questionnaire responses demonstrated that the cancer survivors within 1 year of diagnosis had significantly higher absenteeism compared to the non-cancer workers (p=0.048). Although presenteeism and overall work productivity loss were also higher in the non-cancer-survivor group, the differences were not significant. Cancer survivors within 1 year of diagnosis exhibited higher absenteeism, but their work productivity appeared to recover to levels comparable to those of the non-cancer workers over time. These findings may contribute to workplace policies supporting cancer survivors’ return to work. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KamanoMika en-aut-sei=Kamano en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaKanae en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Kanae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NgatuNlandu Roger en-aut-sei=Ngatu en-aut-mei=Nlandu Roger kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiAkitsu en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Akitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadoriYusuke en-aut-sei=Yamadori en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraoTomohiro en-aut-sei=Hirao en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Cancer Center, Kagawa University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer survivor kn-keyword=cancer survivor en-keyword=work productivity kn-keyword=work productivity en-keyword=absenteeism kn-keyword=absenteeism en-keyword=presenteeism kn-keyword=presenteeism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=231 end-page=242 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Bloodstream Infections Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria in Geriatric Patients: Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance and The Factors Affecting Mortality en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of geriatric patients who developed BSIs due to gram-negative bacteria in order to evaluate the epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and the factors affecting mortality. The cases of 110 patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022 were assessed; 70 (63.6%) of the BSIs were healthcare-associated BSIs. The urinary system was the most common detectable source of infection at 43.6%. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, in that order. Carbapenem resistance was detected in 17 patients (15.5%), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production from Enterobacterales family members was detected in 37 (51.4%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that (i) the probability of mortality in the patients with total bilirubin was increased by approx. sixfold and (ii) the likelihood of mortality for those with a Pitt bacteremia score (PBS) ≥ 4 points was approx. 17 times higher. PBS and simplified qPitt scores can help predict mortality and manage geriatric patients. There is a significant increase in mortality among patients with procalcitonin (PCT) levels at ≥ 2 nm/ml. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KardanM Enes en-aut-sei=Kardan en-aut-mei=M Enes kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ErdemIlknur en-aut-sei=Erdem en-aut-mei=Ilknur kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YildizEmre en-aut-sei=Yildiz en-aut-mei=Emre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KirazNuri en-aut-sei=Kiraz en-aut-mei=Nuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ÇelikkolAliye en-aut-sei=Çelikkol en-aut-mei=Aliye kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= en-keyword=geriatrics kn-keyword=geriatrics en-keyword=gram-negative bacteria kn-keyword=gram-negative bacteria en-keyword=epidemiology kn-keyword=epidemiology en-keyword=antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=mortality kn-keyword=mortality END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=e70057 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=Quadriceps muscle strength of the affected limb in medial meniscus posterior root tears is negatively correlated with the progression of postoperative medial joint space narrowing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: The effect of quadriceps muscle strength on medial joint space (MJS) narrowing after repair for medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (MMPRTs) has not yet been determined. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength on the change in MJS (ΔMJS) in MMPRTs.
Methods: Thirty patients who underwent pullout repair for MMPRTs were retrospectively evaluated. The MJS width using fixed-flexion view radiographs, MM extrusion (MME) using magnetic resonance imaging, quadriceps muscle strength using the Locomo Scan-II and clinical scores were measured and compared preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Correlations between the ΔMJS, change in MME (ΔMME), and preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
Results: MJS narrowing and MME progressed significantly at 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). Quadriceps muscle strength in MMPRT knees and all clinical scores significantly improved at 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). ΔMJS and ΔMME showed a significant positive correlation (0.50 ± 0.70 and 1.22 ± 0.92 mm, respectively; r = 0.516, p = 0.004). Both preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength in MMPRT knees showed significant negative correlations with ΔMJS (preoperative: r = −0.529, p = 0.003; postoperative: r = −0.477, p = 0.008) and ΔMME (preoperative: r = −0.431, p = 0.018; postoperative: r = −0.443, p = 0.014).
Conclusions: In pullout repair for MMPRTs, preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength in MMPRT knees was negatively correlated with the progression of MJS narrowing and MME. Rehabilitation with a focus on quadriceps muscle strengthening, including preoperative rehabilitation, may delay knee-osteoarthritis progression after pullout repair for MMPRTs.
Level of Evidence: Level IV. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukubaMikao en-aut-sei=Fukuba en-aut-mei=Mikao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 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=4 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=5 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=6 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=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=meniscus extrusion kn-keyword=meniscus extrusion en-keyword=medial joint space kn-keyword=medial joint space en-keyword=muscle strength kn-keyword=muscle strength en-keyword=posterior root tear kn-keyword=posterior root tear en-keyword=quadriceps kn-keyword=quadriceps END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=30648 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250820 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of mechanical stretching stimulation on maturation of human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In the realm of regenerative medicine, despite the various techniques available for inducing the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into cardiomyocytes, there remains a need to enhance the maturation of the cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to improve the differentiation and subsequent maturation of iPS-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) by incorporating mechanical stretching. Human iPS cells were co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stretch chamber, where mechanical stretching stimulation was applied during the induction of cardiomyocyte differentiation. The maturation of iPS-CMs was assessed using qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, calcium imaging and contractility comparisons. Results indicated significantly elevated gene expression levels of cardiomyocyte markers (cTnT) and the mesodermal marker (Nkx2.5) in the stretch group compared to the control group. Fluorescent immunocytochemical staining revealed the presence of cardiac marker proteins (cTnT and MYL2) in both groups, with higher protein expression in the stretch group. Additionally, structural maturation of iPS-CMs in the stretch group was notably better than in the control group. A significant increase in the contractility and calcium cycle of iPS-CMs was observed in the stretch group. These findings demonstrate that mechanical stretching stimulation enhances the maturation of iPS-CMs co-cultured with HGF. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangMengxue en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Mengxue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeiHarumi en-aut-sei=Idei en-aut-mei=Harumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangChen en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Chen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiangYin en-aut-sei=Liang en-aut-mei=Yin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuYun en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Yun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYusuke en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKen en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamiokaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kamioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaruseKeiji en-aut-sei=Naruse en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nursing, School of Life and Health Sciences, HuZhou College kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Human induced pluripotent stem cell kn-keyword=Human induced pluripotent stem cell en-keyword=Cardiomyocyte kn-keyword=Cardiomyocyte en-keyword=Human gingival fibroblast kn-keyword=Human gingival fibroblast en-keyword=Mechanical stretching kn-keyword=Mechanical stretching END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=272 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=36 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Genetic and functional analyses of SPTLC1 in juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor system. Pathogenic variants in SPTLC1, encoding a subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase, cause hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1), and have recently been associated with juvenile ALS. SPTLC1 variants associated with ALS cause elevated levels of sphinganines and ceramides. Reports on ALS associated with SPTLC1 remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of SPTLC1 variants in ALS and relevant clinical characteristics.
Methods We analyzed whole-exome and whole-genome sequence data from 40 probands with familial ALS and 413 patients with sporadic ALS without previously identified causative variants. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) were used to assess splicing and mosaicism, respectively. Plasma sphingolipid levels were quantified to analyze biochemical consequences.
Results The heterozygous c.58G>A, p.Ala20Thr variant was identified in a 21-year-old Japanese female patient presenting with symmetric weakness which slowly progressed over 15 years. RT-PCR analysis showed no splice defects. Plasma sphingolipid levels in the patient were significantly increased compared to her asymptomatic parents. ddPCR revealed that the asymptomatic father harbored a mosaic variant with 17% relative mutant allele abundance in peripheral blood leukocytes.
Conclusions We identified a pathogenic c.58G>A, p.Ala20Thr SPTLC1 variant in a patient with juvenile ALS, likely inherited from an asymptomatic parent with mosaicism. Lipid analysis results are consistent with previous findings on SPTLC1-associated ALS. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical effect of mosaic variants of SPTLC1. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkuboSo en-aut-sei=Okubo en-aut-mei=So kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaruseHiroya en-aut-sei=Naruse en-aut-mei=Hiroya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Sudo en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=EsakiKayoko en-aut-sei=Esaki en-aut-mei=Kayoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuiJun en-aut-sei=Mitsui en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaTakashi en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatakeWataru en-aut-sei=Satake en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=GreimelPeter en-aut-sei=Greimel en-aut-mei=Peter kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShingaiNanoka en-aut-sei=Shingai en-aut-mei=Nanoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OyaYasushi en-aut-sei=Oya en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshikawaTakeo en-aut-sei=Yoshikawa en-aut-mei=Takeo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiShoji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TodaTatsushi en-aut-sei=Toda en-aut-mei=Tatsushi 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, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo 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, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Sojo University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Laboratory for Cell Function Dynamics, RIKEN Centre for Brain Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Sojo University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= en-keyword=Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis kn-keyword=Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis en-keyword=SPTLC1 kn-keyword=SPTLC1 en-keyword=Sphingolipids kn-keyword=Sphingolipids en-keyword=Mosaicism kn-keyword=Mosaicism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=79 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250703 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association of the expression of 5‑FU biomarkers with aging and prognosis in elderly patients with lung cancer treated with S‑1 adjuvant chemotherapy: Follow‑up results of the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 1201 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Managing elderly patients presents several challenges because of age‑related declines; however, age should not be the sole determinant for adjuvant treatment decisions in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, age may affect the expression of 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) biomarkers. The present study assessed: i) The effect of age on the expression levels of 5‑FU biomarkers by analyzing a public database; and ii) the ability of these biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NSCLC who underwent complete resection in the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 1201 (SCLG1201) followed by S‑1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Changes in gene expression levels across age groups were assessed by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The expression of 5‑FU biomarkers, including thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and excision repair cross‑complementation group 1 (ERCC1), were assessed via quantitative reverse‑transcription PCR assays in 89 elderly patients (≥75 years) with NSCLC who received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug S‑1 in the SLCG1201 trial. TCGA database analysis (n=955) showed that TS expression decreased significantly with aging, especially in the age group ≥75. In the SCLG1201 trial, univariate analysis revealed that EGFR upregulation and TS downregulation were correlated with favorable recurrence‑free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that pathological stage was an independent prognostic factor for both RFS and OS. EGFR mutations were associated with upregulation of DPD and EGFR, and downregulation of TS and ERCC1. In conclusion, although pathological stage is an independent prognostic factor for survival, EGFR upregulation and TS downregulation may be a greater predictor of clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NSCLC treated with S‑1 adjuvant chemotherapy. The age‑related decrease in TS expression supports the potential benefit of 5‑FU therapies in elderly patients. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to validate these results. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SohJunichi en-aut-sei=Soh en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkumuraNorihito en-aut-sei=Okumura en-aut-mei=Norihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataMasao en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=GembaKenicehi en-aut-sei=Gemba en-aut-mei=Kenicehi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanoIsao en-aut-sei=Sano en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujinagaTakuji en-aut-sei=Fujinaga en-aut-mei=Takuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaMasafumi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Masafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasakiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Terasaki en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimotoNobukazu en-aut-sei=Fujimoto en-aut-mei=Nobukazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 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=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosakaShinji en-aut-sei=Kosaka en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 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=15 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=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueMasaaki en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraHiroshige en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Hiroshige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaYoshinori en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYuta en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=TorigoeHidejiro en-aut-sei=Torigoe en-aut-mei=Hidejiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHiroki en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 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=23 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=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiokaHiroshige en-aut-sei=Yoshioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoKeitaro en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Keitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoJunichi en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateHiroshi en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=29 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=30 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, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chest Surgery, Fukushima Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chugoku Central Hospital, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720‑0001, Japan; 8Department of Respiratory Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Nagara Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Surgery and Respiratory Center, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Surgery, Saga Medical Center Koseikan kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Yamaguchi‑Ube Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shimonoseki City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Tottori University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Kansai Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Biomedical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Tokai Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=29 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=30 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=non‑small cell lung cancer kn-keyword=non‑small cell lung cancer en-keyword=elderly patients kn-keyword=elderly patients en-keyword=adjuvant chemotherapy kn-keyword=adjuvant chemotherapy en-keyword=S‑1 kn-keyword=S‑1 en-keyword=EGFR kn-keyword=EGFR en-keyword=TP kn-keyword=TP en-keyword=TS kn-keyword=TS en-keyword=OPRT kn-keyword=OPRT en-keyword=ERCC1 kn-keyword=ERCC1 en-keyword=DPD kn-keyword=DPD END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=60 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1215 end-page=1227 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241121 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhanced design of pCMViR-TSC plasmid vector for sustainably high cargo gene expression in mammalian cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The first-generation pCMViR-TSC, implemented through the promoter sandwich rule, yields 10- to 100-fold higher gene expression than the standard plasmid used with the CMV (cytomegalovirus) or CAG promoter. However, the vector’s shortcomings limit its utility to transient expression only, as it is not suitable for establishing stable transformants in mammalian cells. To overcome this weakness, we here introduce the improved plasmid vector pSAKA-4B, derived from pCMViR-TSC as a second-generation chromosome-insertable vector. This vector facilitates the linear entry of the expression unit into the TTAA site of DNA universally with transposase assistance. The vector is helpful for the indefinite expression of our target gene. The new vector system is proven here to be efficient in establishing stable transformants with a high likelihood of positive clones that exhibit significantly elevated expression levels of the delivered foreign gene. This system, alongside the first-generation vector, is therefore instrumental for diverse basic research endeavors concerning genes, proteins, cells, and animals, and potentially for clinical applications such as gene therapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaRie en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaguchiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutamiJunichiro en-aut-sei=Futami en-aut-mei=Junichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiAkira en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataHitoshi en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiTetta en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Tetta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=GoharaYuma en-aut-sei=Gohara en-aut-mei=Yuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiToshiki en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=JiangFan en-aut-sei=Jiang en-aut-mei=Fan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomalasariNi Luh Gede Yoni en-aut-sei=Komalasari en-aut-mei=Ni Luh Gede Yoni kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenYouyi en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Youyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=RumaI Made Winarsa en-aut-sei=Ruma en-aut-mei=I Made Winarsa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumardikaI Wayan en-aut-sei=Sumardika en-aut-mei=I Wayan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhouJin en-aut-sei=Zhou en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=HonjoTomoko en-aut-sei=Honjo en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiFutoshi en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Futoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=SagayamaKazumi en-aut-sei=Sagayama en-aut-mei=Kazumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 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=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoEisaku en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Eisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueYusuke en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Microbiology, Tokushima Bunri University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of the Dalian University of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Organization for Research and Innovation Strategy, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=21 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=22 en-affil=Division of Tumor Pathology, Near InfraRed Photo-Immuno-Therapy Research Institute, Kansai Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Faculty of Science and Technology, Division of Molecular Science, Gunma University kn-affil= en-keyword=Plasmid kn-keyword=Plasmid en-keyword=Gene engineering kn-keyword=Gene engineering en-keyword=Cancer kn-keyword=Cancer en-keyword=Cell culture kn-keyword=Cell culture END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e70262 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=Clinical outcomes following medial meniscus posterior root repairs: A minimum of 5‐year follow‐up study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This study assessed the clinical outcomes of the FasT-Fix dependent modified Mason-Allen suture (F-MMA) and two simple stitches (TSS) on mid-term postoperative outcomes following medial meniscus (MM) posterior root repair.
Methods: Forty-three patients who underwent transtibial pullout repair for MM posterior root tear (PRT) between November 2016 and September 2018 were initially enrolled. Patients with a femorotibial angle ≤ 180°, Kellgren–Lawrence grade of 0–2, and modified Outerbridge grade I or II cartilage lesions were included. The Lysholm, Tegner activity, International Knee Documentation Committee score, pain visual analogue scale and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome scores were assessed as clinical outcomes. Conversion surgery to knee arthroplasty was considered as the endpoint. Surgeries other than second-look arthroscopy and plate or screw removal were also recorded.
Results: The mean follow-up period was 5.9 years. All evaluated 5-year postoperative clinical outcomes were significantly improved compared to the preoperative outcomes (p < 0.001). Both the F-MMA and TSS significantly improved all clinical scores at 5 years postoperatively in patients with MMPRT, whereas the F-MMA and TSS groups showed no significant differences in the pre- and postoperative clinical scores. None of the patients required ipsilateral knee arthroplasty during the follow-up, and the survival rate after pullout repair was 100%. However, the progression of osteoarthritis could not be completely suppressed, although there were no Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4 cases. The rate of subsequent knee-related surgical treatment was 11.6% in pullout-repaired knees, including arthroscopic debridement for arthrofibrosis with a limited range of motion, an additional all-inside suture repair and partial meniscectomy.
Conclusion: Both F-MMA and TSS pullout repairs yielded satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with MMPRT with a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, and no conversion to knee arthroplasty was required. Further follow-up is warranted to assess long-term survival rates.
Level of Evidence: Level III. 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=SugiuKazuhisa en-aut-sei=Sugiu en-aut-mei=Kazuhisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 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=4 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=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaTsubasa en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Tsubasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=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=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 Saiseikai General Hospital 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= en-keyword=clinical outcome kn-keyword=clinical outcome en-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tear kn-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tear en-keyword=mid‐term follow‐up kn-keyword=mid‐term follow‐up en-keyword=survival rate kn-keyword=survival rate en-keyword=transtibial pullout repair kn-keyword=transtibial pullout repair END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=6 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=654 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250812 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Biogeochemical impact of nickel and urea in the great oxidation event en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Great Oxidation Event marks the first substantial increase in atmospheric oxygen on Earth. Despite the oxygenic photosynthesis that emerged hundreds of million years before this event, the specific biogeochemical mechanisms responsible for maintaining low oxygen levels for an extended period remain elusive. Here, we show the critical role of urea as a nitrogen source for cyanobacteria, the cascading impact of nickel on abiotic urea production, and their combined effects on the proliferation of cyanobacteria leading to the great oxidation event. Urea formation was experimentally evaluated under simulated Archean conditions and cyanobacterial growth was monitored providing urea as the nitrogen source. Our findings demonstrate that urea can be produced in the Archean cyanobacterial habitats with UV-C irradiation, shedding light on the controversy regarding the evolution of nitrogen-fixing enzymes in primitive cyanobacteria. We propose that environmental conditions in the early Archean, characterized by elevated urea and nickel concentration, may have hindered cyanobacterial expansion, contributing to the delay between the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis and the onset of the great oxidation event. 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= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=150 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=19 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250813 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Biallelic variants in DNAJC7 cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with the TDP-43 pathology en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. ALS pathology primarily involves the failure of protein quality control mechanisms, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, particularly TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). TDP-43 aggregation is a central pathological feature of ALS. Maintaining protein homeostasis is critical and facilitated by heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly the HSP40 family, which includes co-chaperones such as DNAJC7. Here, we report a family with three siblings affected by ALS who carry a homozygous c.518dupC frameshift variant in DNAJC7, a member of the HSP40 family. All three patients exhibited progressive muscle weakness, limb atrophy, bulbar palsy, and respiratory failure. Pathological examination revealed degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, with phosphorylated TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the frontal and temporal cortices. Immunoblot analysis were consistent with a type B pattern of phosphorylated TDP-43 in the precentral gyrus. Immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing analyses demonstrated a substantial reduction in DNAJC7 expression at both the protein and RNA levels in affected brain regions. In a TDP-43 cell model, DNAJC7 knockdown impaired the disassembly of TDP-43 following arsenite-induced stress, whereas DNAJC7 overexpression suppressed the assembly and promoted the disassembly of arsenite-induced TDP-43 condensates. Furthermore, in a zebrafish ALS model, dnajc7 knockdown resulted in increased TDP-43 aggregation in motor neurons and reduced survival. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence linking biallelic loss-of-function variants in DNAJC7 to familial ALS with TDP-43 pathology. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokotaOsamu en-aut-sei=Yokota en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaraguchiTakashi en-aut-sei=Haraguchi en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=Ota-ElliottRicardo Satoshi en-aut-sei=Ota-Elliott en-aut-mei=Ricardo Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoTomohito en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Tomohito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=Nakashima-YasudaHanae en-aut-sei=Nakashima-Yasuda en-aut-mei=Hanae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 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=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=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaMasato en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosonoYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Hosono en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeradaSeishi en-aut-sei=Terada en-aut-mei=Seishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakakiManabu en-aut-sei=Takaki en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 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=17 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 Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, 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, National Hospital Organisation Minami-Okayama Medical Centre 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=Department of Psychiatry, Zikei Hospital 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= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis kn-keyword=Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis en-keyword=Heat shock protein kn-keyword=Heat shock protein en-keyword=DNAJC7 kn-keyword=DNAJC7 en-keyword=TDP-43 kn-keyword=TDP-43 en-keyword=Live-cell imaging kn-keyword=Live-cell imaging en-keyword=Zebrafish disease model kn-keyword=Zebrafish disease model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=27502 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250728 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Autoantibody spark response predicts treatment outcome in patients receiving chemoradiation followed by durvalumab therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The PACIFIC regimen, comprising chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by maintenance with the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) durvalumab, has become the standard of care for patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although ICI is used to prevent recurrence by targeting residual microtumors, biomarkers capable of monitoring immune activity during this phase remain lacking. Here, we evaluated whether temporal changes in serum autoantibody levels can predict treatment efficacy. This retrospective study included 20 patients with unresectable stage II or III NSCLC who received the PACIFIC regimen. Serum autoantibodies against 130 antigens were quantified before CRT, after CRT, and two weeks after the first ICI dose. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), and its association with autoantibody dynamics was examined. We observed an immediate and strong autoantibody response (spark response [SR]) after ICI initiation in patients with favorable treatment outcomes. Patients with SR and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression ≥ 50% showed better PFS (two-year PFS; 72.9% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.0021). These findings suggest that serial monitoring of serum autoantibodies can provide a noninvasive approach to assess immune activity and predict treatment outcomes in patients receiving CRT or ICI therapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoriTakeru en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Takeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaMio en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Mio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaTomokazu en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SomeyaMasanori en-aut-sei=Someya en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GochoToshio en-aut-sei=Gocho en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HonjoTomoko en-aut-sei=Honjo en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateMirei en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Mirei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriiMariko en-aut-sei=Morii en-aut-mei=Mariko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 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=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutamiJunichiro en-aut-sei=Futami en-aut-mei=Junichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 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=Department of Radiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Autoantibodies kn-keyword=Autoantibodies en-keyword=PACIFIC regimen kn-keyword=PACIFIC regimen en-keyword=ICIs kn-keyword=ICIs en-keyword=Immune monitoring kn-keyword=Immune monitoring END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240826 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Characteristic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding to Identify Morton Neuroma: The Slug Sign en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Morton neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain and sensory disturbances, but it is difficult to identify on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of a characteristic MRI finding (slug sign) for identifying Morton neuroma and to clarify the relationship between excised neuroma characteristics and preoperative MRI findings.
Methods: Twenty-two web spaces were retrospectively assessed from the second and third intermetatarsal spaces of 11 feet of 10 patients (7 women and 3 men, aged average 59.5 years) who underwent surgical excision of Morton neuroma between 2017 and 2022. Asymptomatic web spaces were used as control. Neuromas with 2 branches of the plantar digital nerves on axial T1-weighted MRI (MRI-T1WI) were considered the slug sign. We investigated the preoperative presence of the slug sign in Morton neuroma and asymptomatic control web spaces. We also investigated the relationship between the maximum transverse diameter of the excised specimen and that estimated on coronal MRI-T1WI.
Results: A total of 15 Morton neuromas were excised and assessed. The slug signs were present in 10 intermetatarsal spaces in 15 web spaces with Morton neuroma whereas the sign was found in 1 intermetatarsal space in 7 asymptomatic web spaces. The sensitivity and specificity for the slug sign to diagnose Morton neuroma was 66.7% and 85.7%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 90.9% and 54.5%, respectively. The mean maximum transverse diameter of excised neuromas was 4.7 mm. The mean maximum transverse diameter of neuromas on coronal MRI-T1WI was 3.4 mm. A significant positive correlation was found between the maximum transverse diameters of excised specimens and diameters estimated on coronal MRI-T1WI (r = 0.799, P < .001).
Conclusion: The slug sign may be a useful indicator of Morton neuroma on MRI to confirm nerve involvement after bifurcation.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective series. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HoritaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Horita en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigaKenta en-aut-sei=Saiga en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Morton neuroma kn-keyword=Morton neuroma en-keyword=T1-weighted MRI kn-keyword=T1-weighted MRI en-keyword=forefoot pain kn-keyword=forefoot pain en-keyword=slug sign kn-keyword=slug sign END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=779 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=152453 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250912 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=1,2-naphthoquinone enhances IFN-γ-induced MHC-I expression in dendritic cells, thereby inducing CD8 T cell activation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dendritic cells play a crucial role in immune responses by capturing pathogens and presenting antigens to T cells via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, thus triggering adaptive immune responses. 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ), a quinone found in diesel exhaust and cigarette smoke, has various physiological functions. In this study, we investigated the effect of 1,2-NQ on the expression of antigen presentation-related molecules in the dendritic cell line DC2.4. The results revealed that 1,2-NQ enhanced the IFN-γ-induced upregulation of MHC-I expression at the transcriptional level. Moreover, it upregulated the expression of NLRC5, a transcriptional activator of MHC-I. 1,2-NQ is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing reagent. The 1,2-NQ-induced upregulation of MHC-I expression and downregulation of MHC-II expression were abolished by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. Similar effects on MHC expression were also observed with ROS-inducing reagents, such as paraquat and diethyl maleate. In addition, dendritic cells stimulated with 1,2-NQ exhibited enhanced efficacy in CD8 T cell activation, which was accompanied by increased IFN-γ production by T cells. These findings demonstrate that 1,2-NQ enhances the IFN-γ-induced activation of dendritic cells and promotes the activation of CD8 T cells. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FurutaKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Furuta en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazatoKanon en-aut-sei=Miyazato en-aut-mei=Kanon kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobataKai en-aut-sei=Kobata en-aut-mei=Kai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikawaKazuya en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaitoChikara en-aut-sei=Kaito en-aut-mei=Chikara 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=1,2-Napthoquinone kn-keyword=1,2-Napthoquinone en-keyword=Dendritic cell kn-keyword=Dendritic cell en-keyword=IFN-γ kn-keyword=IFN-γ en-keyword=MHC-I kn-keyword=MHC-I en-keyword=CD8 T cell kn-keyword=CD8 T cell END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=218 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104922 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Alteration of perineuronal nets and parvalbumin interneurons in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and correlation with blood corticosterone in activity-based anorexia model mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by restricted energy intake, severely underweight status, and frequent hyperactivity. Previous research has shown structural and functional alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus of AN patients. To investigate the pathological mechanism of AN, we analyzed the expression and distribution of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are implicated in the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders, in the mPFC and hippocampus dorsal (HPCd) and ventral (HPCv) using an activity-based anorexia (ABA) mouse model. We found that PNN expression and density increased in the mPFC, with minor alterations in the HPCd and HPCv of ABA mice. The expression and distribution of PV neurons were unchanged in the brains of ABA mice, except for a regional decrease in PV-expressing neuron density in the HPCd. Co-localization analysis showed an increased number of PNNs enwrapping PV-negative neurons in the mPFC of ABA mice. Furthermore, the upregulation of PNN expression in the mPFC was positively correlated with elevated blood corticosterone levels, a well-known stress indicator, in ABA mice. Our findings suggest that the increased expression and distribution of PNNs surrounding PV-negative neurons in the mPFC may indicate the pathological mechanisms of AN. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NguyenHoang Duy en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hoang Duy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiHaruko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Haruko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangZiyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Ziyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoShinji en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakakiManabu en-aut-sei=Takaki en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OohashiToshitaka en-aut-sei=Oohashi en-aut-mei=Toshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=anorexia nervosa kn-keyword=anorexia nervosa en-keyword=activity-based anorexia kn-keyword=activity-based anorexia en-keyword=perineuronal nets kn-keyword=perineuronal nets en-keyword=parvalbumin kn-keyword=parvalbumin en-keyword=corticosterone kn-keyword=corticosterone en-keyword=prefrontal cortex kn-keyword=prefrontal cortex en-keyword=hippocampus kn-keyword=hippocampus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=kwaf146 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250711 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Immortal time bias from selection: a principal stratification perspective en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immortal time bias due to post-treatment definition of eligibility criteria can affect experimental and observational studies, and yet, in contrast to the extensive literature on the classical form of immortal time bias, it has seldom been the focus of methodological discussions. Here, we propose an account of eligibility-related immortal time bias that uses the principal stratification framework to explain the noncomparability of treatment arms (or exposure groups) conditional on selection. In particular, we show that the statistical estimand that conditions on observed eligibility after time zero of follow-up can be interpreted using partially overlapping principal strata. Furthermore, we show that, under this perspective, as the timing of eligibility approaches time zero of follow-up, the probabilities of the outcome for eligible individuals monotonically approach the corresponding unconditional (in absence of selection) expected potential outcomes under different treatment levels. Our study provides a potential outcomes-based explanation of eligibility-related immortal time bias, and indicates that, in addition to the target trial emulation framework, principal effects might, for some studies, be useful causal estimands. 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=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=immortal time bias kn-keyword=immortal time bias en-keyword=principal stratification kn-keyword=principal stratification en-keyword=potential outcomes kn-keyword=potential outcomes en-keyword=causal inference kn-keyword=causal inference END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=26752 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250723 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=ADAR1 as a prognostic marker for patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis and a predictor of chemotherapy efficacy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=RNA editing by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes plays a role in cancer progression. However, its clinical significance in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether ADAR1 expression predicts prognosis and treatment response in colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous liver metastasis. This study included 40 patients with stage IV CRC and synchronous liver metastases. ADAR1 expression in tumor tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Expression levels were quantified using the immunoreactive score, and associations with clinicopathological features, overall survival (OS), and chemotherapy response were examined. High ADAR1 expression was significantly associated with multiple liver metastases (P = 0.0206), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0241), and reduced response to chemotherapy (P = 0.0224). Significantly shorter OS was observed in patients with high ADAR1 expression in the nucleus (P = 0.0458). ADAR1 expression was an independent prognostic factor comparable to the presence of extrahepatic metastases. Low ADAR1 expression was correlated with a higher likelihood of achieving a response to chemotherapy. ADAR1 expression can reflect tumor aggressiveness and chemotherapy resistance in patients with CRC and synchronous liver metastasis. ADAR1 has considerable potential as a dual-purpose biomarker for stratifying patients based on prognosis and optimizing treatment intensity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NittaKaori en-aut-sei=Nitta en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaHibiki en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiToshiaki en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeKazuya en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaSho en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishimotoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kishimoto en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 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=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KayanoMasashi en-aut-sei=Kayano en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraShunsuke en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 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=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanayaNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Kanaya en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYuhei en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakeEiki en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 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=22 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=23 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=24 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=25 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=26 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=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=RNA editing kn-keyword=RNA editing en-keyword=Liver metastasis kn-keyword=Liver metastasis en-keyword=Chemotherapy kn-keyword=Chemotherapy en-keyword=Biomarker kn-keyword=Biomarker en-keyword=Colorectal cancer kn-keyword=Colorectal cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=2286 end-page=2299 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=Effects of Palliative Surgical Treatment for Spinal Metastases on the Patient’s Quality of Life With a Focus on the Segment of the Metastasis: A Prospective Multicenter Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Study Design: Prospective multicenter study.
Objectives: Palliative surgery is crucial for maintaining the quality of life (QOL) in patients with spinal metastases. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of QOL after palliative surgery between patients with metastatic spinal tumors at different segments.
Methods: We prospectively compared the data of 203 patients with spinal metastases at 2-3 consecutive segments who were divided into the following three groups: cervical, patients with cervical spine lesions; thoracic, patients with upper–middle thoracic spine lesions; and TL/L/S, patients with lesions at the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar and sacral regions. Preoperative and postoperative EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ5D) 5-level were compared.
Results: All groups exhibited improvement in the Frankel grade, performance status, pain, Barthel index, EQ5D health state utility value (HSUV), and EQ5D visual analog scale (VAS) postoperatively. Although preoperative EQ5D HSUVs did not significantly differ between the groups (cervical, 0.461 ± 0.291; thoracic, 0.321 ± 0.292; and TL/L/S, 0.376 ± 0.272), the thoracic group exhibited significantly lower postoperative EQ5D HSUVs than the other two groups (cervical, 0.653 ± 0.233; thoracic, 0.513 ± 0.252; and TL/L/S, 0.624 ± 0.232). However, postoperative EQ5D VAS was not significantly different between the groups (cervical, 63.4 ± 25.8; thoracic, 54.7 ± 24.5; and TL/L/S, 61.7 ± 21.9).
Conclusions: Palliative surgery for metastatic spinal tumors provided comparable QOL improvement, irrespective of the spinal segment involved. Patients with upper and middle thoracic spinal metastases had poorer QOL outcomes than those with metastases in other segments; however, sufficient QOL improvement was achieved. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SegiNaoki en-aut-sei=Segi en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoSadayuki en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Sadayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OuchidaJun en-aut-sei=Ouchida en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirataniYuki en-aut-sei=Shiratani en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuTakaki en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Takaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiAkinobu en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Akinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraiHidetomi en-aut-sei=Terai en-aut-mei=Hidetomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakutaniKenichiro en-aut-sei=Kakutani en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaYutaro en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Yutaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TominagaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tominaga en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraIchiro en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaMasayuki en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=PakuMasaaki en-aut-sei=Paku en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYohei en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Funaba en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunayamaToru en-aut-sei=Funayama en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakajimaHideaki en-aut-sei=Nakajima en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkedaKoji en-aut-sei=Akeda en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraiTakashi en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueHirokazu en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanishiKazuo en-aut-sei=Nakanishi en-aut-mei=Kazuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunaoHaruki en-aut-sei=Funao en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=OshigiriTsutomu en-aut-sei=Oshigiri en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukiBungo en-aut-sei=Otsuki en-aut-mei=Bungo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayakawaKazu en-aut-sei=Kobayakawa en-aut-mei=Kazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanishimaShinji en-aut-sei=Tanishima en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKo en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= en-aut-name=IimuraTakuya en-aut-sei=Iimura en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=29 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaHirokatsu en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Hirokatsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=30 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=31 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManabeHiroaki en-aut-sei=Manabe en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=32 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwaiChizuo en-aut-sei=Iwai en-aut-mei=Chizuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=33 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamabeDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yamabe en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=34 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiyamaAkihiko en-aut-sei=Hiyama en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=35 ORCID= en-aut-name=SekiShoji en-aut-sei=Seki en-aut-mei=Shoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=36 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoYuta en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=37 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiMasashi en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=38 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=39 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamaeToshio en-aut-sei=Nakamae en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=40 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaitoTakashi en-aut-sei=Kaito en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=41 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagoshiNarihito en-aut-sei=Nagoshi en-aut-mei=Narihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=42 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=43 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeKota en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=44 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImagamaShiro en-aut-sei=Imagama en-aut-mei=Shiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=45 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueGen en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Gen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=46 ORCID= en-aut-name=FuruyaTakeo en-aut-sei=Furuya en-aut-mei=Takeo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=47 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Medial University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Medial University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate school of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Fukui Faculty of Medical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Rehabilitation Center, Jichi Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=29 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=30 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=31 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=32 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=33 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=34 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Iwate Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=35 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=36 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toyama kn-affil= affil-num=37 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City University kn-affil= affil-num=38 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University kn-affil= affil-num=39 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=40 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=41 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=42 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University kn-affil= affil-num=43 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University kn-affil= affil-num=44 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University kn-affil= affil-num=45 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=46 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=47 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=spinal metastasis kn-keyword=spinal metastasis en-keyword=metastasis segment kn-keyword=metastasis segment en-keyword=palliative surgery kn-keyword=palliative surgery en-keyword=quality of life kn-keyword=quality of life en-keyword=activities of daily living kn-keyword=activities of daily living en-keyword=pain kn-keyword=pain en-keyword=anxiety kn-keyword=anxiety END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=2715 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=Predicting Surgical Site Infections in Spine Surgery: Association of Postoperative Lymphocyte Reduction en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: Postoperative lymphopenia is reported as an excellent indicator to predict surgical-site infection (SSI) after spine surgery. However, there is still controversy concerning which serological markers can predict spinal SSI. This study aims to evaluate excellent and early indicators for detecting SSI, focusing on spine instrumented surgery. Materials and Methods: This study included 268 patients who underwent spinal instrumented surgery from January 2022 to December 2023 (159 female and 109 male, average 62.9 years). The SSI group included 20 patients, and the non-SSI group comprised 248 patients. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and glycemic levels were measured in both groups. The complete blood cell counts, differential counts, albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured pre-surgery and postoperative on Days 1, 3, and 7. In comparing the groups, the Mann–Whitney U test analysis was used for continuous variables, while the chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were used for dichotomous variables. Results: The incidence of SSI after spinal instrumentation was 7.46% and was relatively higher in scoliosis surgery. The SSI group had significantly longer surgical times (248 min vs. 180 min, p = 0.0004) and a higher intraoperative blood loss (772 mL vs. 372 mL, p < 0.0001) than the non-SSI group. In the SSI group, the Day 3 (10.5 ± 6.2% vs. 13.8 ± 6.0%, p = 0.012) and Day 7 (14.4 ± 4.8% vs. 18.8 ± 7.1%, p = 0.012) lymphocyte ratios were lower than the non-SSI group. Albumin levels on Day 1 in the SSI group were lower than in the non-SSI group (2.94 ± 0.30 mg/dL vs. 3.09 ± 0.38 mg/dL, p = 0.045). There is no difference in CRP and lymphocyte count between the two groups. Conclusions: SSI patients had lower lymphocyte percentages than non-SSI patients, which was a risk factor for SSI, with constant high inflammation. The Day 3 lymphocyte percentage may predict SSI after spinal instrumented surgery. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoAkiyoshi en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Akiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaMasato en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FloresAngel Oscar Paz en-aut-sei=Flores en-aut-mei=Angel Oscar Paz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuDongwoo en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Dongwoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=JainMukul en-aut-sei=Jain en-aut-mei=Mukul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HengChristan en-aut-sei=Heng en-aut-mei=Christan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomatsubaraTadashi en-aut-sei=Komatsubara en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AratakiShinya en-aut-sei=Arataki en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaKensuke en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=surgical site infection kn-keyword=surgical site infection en-keyword=spine surgery kn-keyword=spine surgery en-keyword=instrumentation kn-keyword=instrumentation en-keyword=diagnosis kn-keyword=diagnosis en-keyword=lymphocyte kn-keyword=lymphocyte END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=60 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=519 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240322 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Retrospective Cohort Study of Early versus Delayed Ballon Kyphoplasty Intervention for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture Treatment en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of early balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) intervention compared with late intervention for osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF). Background: Osteoporotic vertebral fracture can lead to kyphotic deformity, severe back pain, depression, and disturbances in activities of daily living (ADL). Balloon kyphoplasty has been widely utilized to treat symptomatic OVFs and has proven to be a very effective surgical option for this condition. Furthermore, BKP is relatively a safe and effective method due to its reduced acrylic cement leakage and greater kyphosis correction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at our hospital for patients who underwent BKP for osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the time frame between January 2020 and December 2022. Ninety-nine patients were included in this study, and they were classified into two groups: in total, 36 patients underwent early BKP intervention (EI) at <4 weeks, and 63 patients underwent late BKP intervention (LI) at ≥4 weeks. We performed a clinical, radiological and statistical comparative evaluation for the both groups with a mean follow-up of one year. Results: Adjacent segmental fractures were more frequently observed in the LI group compared to the EI group (33.3% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.034). There was a significant improvement in postoperative vertebral angles in both groups (p = 0.036). The cement volume injected was 7.42 mL in the EI, compared with 6.3 mL in the LI (p = 0.007). The mean surgery time was shorter in the EI, at 30.2 min, compared with 37.1 min for the LI, presenting a significant difference (p = 0.0004). There was no statistical difference in the pain visual analog scale (VAS) between the two groups (p = 0.711), and there was no statistical difference in cement leakage (p = 0.192). Conclusions/Level of Evidence: Early BKP for OVF treatment may achieve better outcomes and fewer adjacent segmental fractures than delayed intervention. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoAkiyoshi en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Akiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=PariharUmesh en-aut-sei=Parihar en-aut-mei=Umesh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KumawatChetan en-aut-sei=Kumawat en-aut-mei=Chetan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=El Kader Al AskarAbd en-aut-sei=El Kader Al Askar en-aut-mei=Abd kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaMasato en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GunjotikarSharvari en-aut-sei=Gunjotikar en-aut-mei=Sharvari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaokaTakuya en-aut-sei=Taoka en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomatsubaraTadashi en-aut-sei=Komatsubara en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=AratakiShinya en-aut-sei=Arataki en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=ballon kyphoplasty kn-keyword=ballon kyphoplasty en-keyword=osteoporotic vertebral fractures kn-keyword=osteoporotic vertebral fractures en-keyword=kyphosis kn-keyword=kyphosis 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=20250609 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Employment of artificial intelligence for an unbiased evaluation regarding the recovery of right ventricular function after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aims Long-standing severe mitral regurgitation (MR) leads to left atrial (LA) enlargement, elevated pulmonary artery pressures, and ultimately right heart failure. While mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) alleviates left-sided volume overload, its impact on right ventricular (RV) recovery is unclear. This study aims to use both conventional echocardiography and artificial intelligence to assess the recovery of RV function in patients undergoing M-TEER for severe MR.
Methods and results The change in RV function from baseline to 3-month follow-up was analysed in a dual-centre registry of patients undergoing M-TEER for severe MR. RV function was conventionally assessed by measuring the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Additionally, RV function was evaluated using a deep learning model that predicts RV ejection fraction (RVEF) based on two-dimensional apical four-chamber view echocardiographic videos. Among the 851 patients who underwent M-TEER, the 1-year survival rate was 86.8%. M-TEER resulted in a significant reduction in both LA volume and estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) levels (median LA volume: from 123 ml [interquartile range, IQR 92–169 ml] to 104 ml [IQR 78–142 ml], p < 0.001; median sPAP: from 46 mmHg [IQR 35–58 mmHg] to 41 mmHg [IQR 32–54 mmHg], p = 0.036). In contrast, TAPSE remained unchanged (median: from 17 mm [IQR 14–21 mm] to 18 mm [IQR 15–21 mm], p = 0.603). The deep learning model confirmed this finding, showing no significant change in predicted RVEF after M-TEER (median: from 43.1% [IQR 39.1–47.4%] to 43.2% [IQR 39.2–47.2%], p = 0.475).
Conclusions While M-TEER improves left-sided haemodynamics, it does not lead to significant RV function recovery, as confirmed by both conventional echocardiography and artificial intelligence. This finding underscores the importance of treating patients before irreversible right heart damage occurs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FortmeierVera en-aut-sei=Fortmeier en-aut-mei=Vera kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HesseAmelie en-aut-sei=Hesse en-aut-mei=Amelie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TrenkwalderTeresa en-aut-sei=Trenkwalder en-aut-mei=Teresa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokodiMárton en-aut-sei=Tokodi en-aut-mei=Márton kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KovácsAttila en-aut-sei=Kovács en-aut-mei=Attila kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=RippenElena en-aut-sei=Rippen en-aut-mei=Elena kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TervoorenJule en-aut-sei=Tervooren en-aut-mei=Jule kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FettMichelle en-aut-sei=Fett en-aut-mei=Michelle kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HarmsenGerhard en-aut-sei=Harmsen en-aut-mei=Gerhard kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KühleinMoritz en-aut-sei=Kühlein en-aut-mei=Moritz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=CovarrubiasHéctor Alfonso Alvarez en-aut-sei=Covarrubias en-aut-mei=Héctor Alfonso Alvarez kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=von ScheidtMoritz en-aut-sei=von Scheidt en-aut-mei=Moritz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=RoskiFerdinand en-aut-sei=Roski en-aut-mei=Ferdinand kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=GerçekMuhammed en-aut-sei=Gerçek en-aut-mei=Muhammed kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=SchusterTibor en-aut-sei=Schuster en-aut-mei=Tibor kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=MayrN. Patrick en-aut-sei=Mayr en-aut-mei=N. Patrick kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=XhepaErion en-aut-sei=Xhepa en-aut-mei=Erion kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=LaugwitzKarl‐Ludwig en-aut-sei=Laugwitz en-aut-mei=Karl‐Ludwig kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=JonerMichael en-aut-sei=Joner en-aut-mei=Michael kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=RudolphVolker en-aut-sei=Rudolph en-aut-mei=Volker kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=LachmannMark en-aut-sei=Lachmann en-aut-mei=Mark kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center Northrhine-Westfalia, Ruhr University Bochum kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM University Hospital, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM University Hospital, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM University Hospital, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center Northrhine-Westfalia, Ruhr University Bochum kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, German Heart Center Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM University Hospital, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, German Heart Center Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM University Hospital, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, German Heart Center Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM University Hospital, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center Northrhine-Westfalia, Ruhr University Bochum kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Family Medicine, McGill University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Institute of Anesthesiology, German Heart Center Munich, School of Medicine and Health, TUM University Hospital, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM University Hospital, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of General and Interventional Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center Northrhine-Westfalia, Ruhr University Bochum kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine I, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TUM University Hospital, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich kn-affil= en-keyword=Echocardiography kn-keyword=Echocardiography en-keyword=Mitral regurgitation kn-keyword=Mitral regurgitation en-keyword=Right ventricular dysfunction kn-keyword=Right ventricular dysfunction en-keyword=Deep learning kn-keyword=Deep learning en-keyword=Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair kn-keyword=Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=37 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=395 end-page=412.e6 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202502 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Maternal circadian rhythms during pregnancy dictate metabolic plasticity in offspring en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Tissue-level oscillation is achieved by tissue-intrinsic clocks along with network-dependent signals originating from distal organs and organismal behavior. Yet, it remains unexplored whether maternal circadian rhythms during pregnancy influence fetal rhythms and impact long-term susceptibility to dietary challenges in offspring. Here, we demonstrate that circadian disruption during pregnancy decreased placental and neonatal weight yet retained transcriptional and structural maturation. Intriguingly, diet-induced obesity was exacerbated in parallel with arrhythmic feeding behavior, hypothalamic leptin resistance, and hepatic circadian reprogramming in offspring of chronodisrupted mothers. In utero circadian desynchrony altered the phase-relationship between the mother and fetus and impacted placental efficiency. Temporal feeding restriction in offspring failed to fully prevent obesity, whereas the circadian alignment of caloric restriction with the onset of the active phase virtually ameliorated the phenotype. Thus, maternal circadian rhythms during pregnancy confer adaptive properties to metabolic functions in offspring and provide insights into the developmental origins of health and disease. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YaoNa en-aut-sei=Yao en-aut-mei=Na kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinouchiKenichiro en-aut-sei=Kinouchi en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatohManami en-aut-sei=Katoh en-aut-mei=Manami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AshtianiKousha Changizi en-aut-sei=Ashtiani en-aut-mei=Kousha Changizi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbdelkarimSherif en-aut-sei=Abdelkarim en-aut-mei=Sherif kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TorimitsuTakuto en-aut-sei=Torimitsu en-aut-mei=Takuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KozumaTakahide en-aut-sei=Kozuma en-aut-mei=Takahide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwaharaAkihide en-aut-sei=Iwahara en-aut-mei=Akihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosugiShotaro en-aut-sei=Kosugi en-aut-mei=Shotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomuroJin en-aut-sei=Komuro en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoKyosuke en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Kyosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TonomuraShun en-aut-sei=Tonomura en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraToshifumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItohArata en-aut-sei=Itoh en-aut-mei=Arata kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiShintaro en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinoJun en-aut-sei=Yoshino en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=IrieJunichiro en-aut-sei=Irie en-aut-mei=Junichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoHisayuki en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Hisayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatohAkiko en-aut-sei=Satoh en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikamiYohei en-aut-sei=Mikami en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaShusaku en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Shusaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=UekiTakatoshi en-aut-sei=Ueki en-aut-mei=Takatoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomuraSeitaro en-aut-sei=Nomura en-aut-mei=Seitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=BaldiPierre en-aut-sei=Baldi en-aut-mei=Pierre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiKaori en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItohHiroshi en-aut-sei=Itoh en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Computer Science, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Computer Science, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Academic Field, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Integrative Physiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Computer Science, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=circadian rhythm kn-keyword=circadian rhythm en-keyword=metabolism kn-keyword=metabolism en-keyword=circadian clock kn-keyword=circadian clock en-keyword=pregnancy kn-keyword=pregnancy en-keyword=developmental origins of health and disease kn-keyword=developmental origins of health and disease en-keyword=obesity kn-keyword=obesity en-keyword=leptin kn-keyword=leptin en-keyword=time-restricted feeding kn-keyword=time-restricted feeding en-keyword=caloric restriction kn-keyword=caloric restriction en-keyword=eating behavior kn-keyword=eating behavior END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=7238 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250627 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Protective Effects of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Distylium racemosum Against Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously referred to as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is accompanied by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Despite its increasing prevalence, available treatment options for MASH are limited. Here, we investigated the protective effects of the Distylium racemosum ethyl acetate fraction (DRE) using MASH models and explored its key physiologically active components. Palmitic acid (PA)-induced AML12 hepatocytes and high-fat methionine- and choline-deficient-fed C57BL/6 mice were used as MASH models. Lipid accumulation was evaluated via triglyceride measurement, oil red O staining, and histological analysis. Lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis-associated gene expression were evaluated via real-time polymerase chain reaction. The physiologically active components of DRE were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography. Lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in PA-treated AML12 cells following DRE treatment. Additionally, DRE inhibited the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis (FAS and SREBP1c), inflammation (CD68, IL-6, and MCP-1), and fibrosis (COL1A1, COL1A2, and TIMP1). DRE reduced the liver weight, liver-to-body weight ratio, and hepatic steatosis in MASH model mice. It increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 levels and decreased CD36 and transforming growth factor-β levels in the MASH mouse liver. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the extract contained rutin flavonoid family members. Overall, DRE was involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis regulation, exerting potent hepatoprotective effects partly attributed to rutin and serving as a potential preventive candidate for MASH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LeeYoung-Hyeon en-aut-sei=Lee en-aut-mei=Young-Hyeon kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YeoMin-Ho en-aut-sei=Yeo en-aut-mei=Min-Ho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChangKyung-Soo en-aut-sei=Chang en-aut-mei=Kyung-Soo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoonWeon-Jong en-aut-sei=Yoon en-aut-mei=Weon-Jong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimHye-Sook en-aut-sei=Kim en-aut-mei=Hye-Sook kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimJongwan en-aut-sei=Kim en-aut-mei=Jongwan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimHye-Ran en-aut-sei=Kim en-aut-mei=Hye-Ran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Catholic University of Pusan kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Catholic University of Pusan kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Catholic University of Pusan kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Clean Bio Business Division, Biodiversity Research Institute (JBRI), Jeju Technopark (JTP) kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Dongguk University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis kn-keyword=metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis en-keyword=Distylium racemosum kn-keyword=Distylium racemosum en-keyword=ethyl acetate fraction kn-keyword=ethyl acetate fraction en-keyword=extract kn-keyword=extract END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=144-145 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=109001 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Investigating the fate of Zirconium-89 labelled antibody in cynomolgus macaques en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Preclinical pharmacokinetic studies of therapeutic antibodies in non-human primates are desired because of the difficulty in extrapolating ADME data from animal models to humans. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of 89Zr (Zirconium-89) -labelled anti-KLH human IgG and its metabolites to confirm their non-specific/physiological accumulation in healthy cynomolgus macaques. The anti-KLH antibody was used as a negative control, ensuring that the observed distribution reflected general IgG behavior rather than antigen-specific accumulation. This provides a valuable reference for comparing the biodistribution of targeted antibodies.
Methods: Selected IgG was conjugated to desferrioxamine (DFO), labelled with 89Zr, and injected into healthy cynomolgus macaques. PET/CT images at the whole-body level were acquired at different time points, and standard uptake values (SUV) in regions of interest, such as the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, bone, and muscles, were calculated. The distribution of a shortened antibody variant, 89Zr-labelled Fab, as well as that of [89Zr]Zr-DFO and [89Zr]Zr-oxalate, the expected metabolites of 89Zr- labelled IgG, was also assessed.
Results: After 89Zr-labelled IgG injection, the SUV in the heart, vertebral body, and muscle decreased, in line with the 89Zr concentration decrease in the circulation, whereas radioactivity increased over time in the kidneys and liver. Autoradiography of the renal sections indicated that most of the 89Zr- labelled IgG radioactivity accumulated in the renal cortex. Relatively high accumulation in the kidneys was also observed in 89Zr- labelled Fab-injected macaques, and renal autoradiographs of these animals showed that the renal cortex was the preferred accumulation site. However, [89Zr]Zr-DFO was rapidly excreted into the urine, whereas [89Zr]Zr-oxalate was highly accumulated in the epiphysis of the long bones and vertebral body.
Conclusion: In the non-human primate cynomolgus macaque, 89Zr- labelled IgG accumulated in the kidneys and the liver. However, [89Zr]Zr-DFO and 89Zr did not accumulate in these organs. This preclinical pharmacokinetic study performed with human IgG in a non-human primate model using PET is of great significance as it sheds light on the basic fate and distribution of 89Zr- labelled IgG. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SasakiTakanori en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraSadaaki en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Sadaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiSosuke en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Sosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkehiMasaru en-aut-sei=Akehi en-aut-mei=Masaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiaiKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Ochiai en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasami en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuuraEiji en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Astellas Pharma Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Astellas Pharma Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Astellas Pharma Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Astellas Pharma Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=School of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=PET imaging kn-keyword=PET imaging en-keyword=Zirconium-89 kn-keyword=Zirconium-89 en-keyword=Therapeutic antibodies kn-keyword=Therapeutic antibodies en-keyword=Non-human primates kn-keyword=Non-human primates END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1711 end-page=1720 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Dotinurad Treatment for Patients With Hyperuricemia Complicating CKD en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: The management of hyperuricemia is important to reduce cardiovascular risk and the progression of renal injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dotinurad, a novel urate transporter-1 inhibitor, in patients with hyperuricemia and CKD.
Methods: In a nonrandomized, parallel interventional study, patients were grouped based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline. The starting dotinurad dose was 0.5 mg/d and titrated to a final dose of 2 mg/d to 4 mg/d. The primary end point was the noninferiority of the change in serum uric acid (UA) levels between the G1/G2 and G3/G4 groups at week 24. The main secondary end points were changes in eGFR and UA clearance-to-creatinine clearance ratio (CUA/CCr). Reported adverse events were also investigated.
Results: Ninety-eight patients continued the dose titration. The mean percentage reduction in serum UA level at week 24 were 47.2% and 42.8% for the G1/G2 and G3/G4 groups, respectively; the between-group difference was −4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], −9.5% to 0.9%, noninferiority P = 0.0321), validating the noninferiority of treatment in the G3/G4 group to the G1/G2 group. eGFR tended to increase slightly through to week 24, suggesting that spontaneous eGFR decline was counteracted. Mean CUA/CCr generally increased over time from week 4 to week 24. No new safety issues of particular concern were identified; and there were no marked changes in urinary pH.
Conclusion: Dotinurad therapy may be well-tolerated in patients with hyperuricemia and may have efficacy comparable with existing standard treatment in patients with CKD stages G3/G4. Randomized controlled trials in larger patient groups are needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NunoueTomokazu en-aut-sei=Nunoue en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItabashiNaoki en-aut-sei=Itabashi en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraAkihiko en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhbayashiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ohbayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeKyoko en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Kyoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosoyaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Hosoya en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaShinichi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 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=12 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=Nunoue Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Itabashi Diabetes and Dermatology Medical Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Osafune Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Tohno Chuo Clinic 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=Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Okayama Saiseikai Outpatient Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Hosoya Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Okada Medical Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=chronic kidney disease kn-keyword=chronic kidney disease en-keyword=dotinurad kn-keyword=dotinurad en-keyword=efficacy kn-keyword=efficacy en-keyword=hyperuricemia kn-keyword=hyperuricemia en-keyword=safety kn-keyword=safety en-keyword=serum uric acid kn-keyword=serum uric acid END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=104 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=104810 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=An ultra-simplified protocol for PCR template preparation from both unsporulated and sporulated Eimeria oocysts en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Molecular biological techniques have enabled the accurate identification of the avian Eimeria parasite, however, the preparation of PCR template remains a bottleneck due to contaminants from feces and the robust oocyst's wall resistant to chemical and mechanical force. Generally, the preparation of PCR template involves three main steps: (1) pretreatment of oocysts; (2) disruption of oocysts; and (3) purification of genomic DNA. We prepared PCR templates from both unsporulated and sporulated E. tenella oocysts using various protocols, followed by species-specific PCR to define the limit of detection. Our data revealed that whereas neither pretreatment of oocysts with sodium hypochlorite nor purification of genomic DNA with commercial kits improved the limit of detection of PCR, disruption of oocysts was a critical step in the preparation of PCR templates. The most sensitive PCR assay was achieved with the template prepared by disrupting oocysts suspended in distilled water, followed by bead-beating and heating at 99°C for 5 min, which detected 0.16 oocysts per PCR. This ultra-simplified protocol for preparation of PCR template, which does not require expensive reagents or equipment, will significantly enhance the sensitive and efficient molecular identification of Eimeria. It will improve our understanding of the prevalence of this parasite at the species level and contribute to the development of techniques for the control in the field. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakanoAruto en-aut-sei=Takano en-aut-mei=Aruto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmaliDennis V. en-aut-sei=Umali en-aut-mei=Dennis V. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WardhanaApril H. en-aut-sei=Wardhana en-aut-mei=April H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawitriDyah H. en-aut-sei=Sawitri en-aut-mei=Dyah H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeramotoIsao en-aut-sei=Teramoto en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HatabuToshimitsu en-aut-sei=Hatabu en-aut-mei=Toshimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KidoYasutoshi en-aut-sei=Kido en-aut-mei=Yasutoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanekoAkira en-aut-sei=Kaneko en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasaiKazumi en-aut-sei=Sasai en-aut-mei=Kazumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatohHiromitsu en-aut-sei=Katoh en-aut-mei=Hiromitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubayashiMakoto en-aut-sei=Matsubayashi en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Departments of Veterinary Immunology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Departments of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Departments of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Departments of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Departments of Veterinary Immunology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Departments of Veterinary Immunology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Departments of Veterinary Immunology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University kn-affil= en-keyword=Coccidian parasite kn-keyword=Coccidian parasite en-keyword=Eimeria tenella kn-keyword=Eimeria tenella en-keyword=Extraction kn-keyword=Extraction en-keyword=Molecular identification kn-keyword=Molecular identification en-keyword=Oocyst kn-keyword=Oocyst END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1041 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250318 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Longitudinal changes and tracking of in-school physical activity in primary school children: four-year longitudinal study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background There is little evidence on the tracking of physical activity during school hours. In addition, tracking physical activity in schools provides important evidence for understanding children’s physical activity and conducting intervention studies. Therefore, this study examined longitudinal changes and tracking of in-school physical activity in primary school children.
Methods In this study, physical activity was investigated longitudinally in primary school children for 4 years. The baseline participants consisted of 103 second-grade students (7–8 years old) who participated. Step counts and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in school and during first recess and lunch/second recess were examined using an accelerometer (Kenz Lifecorder GS 4-second version; Suzuken Co. Ltd, Nagoya, Japan).
Results After excluding missing data (moving school; n = 8, physical activity; n = 8), 87 (43 boys and 44 girls) of whom were included in the final analysis. Step counts and MVPA during school and physical education in boys did not decrease across the school years. By contrast, in girls, step counts during school did not decrease across the school years, however MVPA did decrease. In addition, for both sexes, step counts and MVPA during first recess decrease across the school years. During lunch/second recess, only step counts decrease across the school years in both sexes. In addition, the tracking coefficients for step counts and MVPA for boys in school and during first recess and lunch/second recess were found across many school years. Contrarily, girls had fewer significant tracking coefficients between school years than boys. There were also few significant tracking coefficients between grades for physical education step counts and MVPA for both boys and girls.
Conclusions Our results suggested that in-school step counts for both boys and girls does not decrease across the school years. However, given that girls demonstrated reduced levels of in-school MVPA across the school years, it is important to promote strategies to increase MVPA in this group. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SasayamaKensaku en-aut-sei=Sasayama en-aut-mei=Kensaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasunebeJin en-aut-sei=Yasunebe en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiMinoru en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Mie University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Physical activity kn-keyword=Physical activity en-keyword=Step counts kn-keyword=Step counts en-keyword=Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity kn-keyword=Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity en-keyword=Youth kn-keyword=Youth en-keyword=Recess kn-keyword=Recess en-keyword=Physical education kn-keyword=Physical education en-keyword=Longitudinal study kn-keyword=Longitudinal study en-keyword=Tracking kn-keyword=Tracking END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=4932 end-page=4951 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241021 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase QSK1 regulates PRR-RBOHD complexes targeted by the bacterial effector HopF2Pto en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Plants detect pathogens using cell-surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as ELONGATION Factor-TU (EF-TU) RECEPTOR (EFR) and FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2), which recognize bacterial EF-Tu and flagellin, respectively. These PRRs belong to the leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (LRR-RK) family and activate the production of reactive oxygen species via the NADPH oxidase RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG D (RBOHD). The PRR-RBOHD complex is tightly regulated to prevent unwarranted or exaggerated immune responses. However, certain pathogen effectors can subvert these regulatory mechanisms, thereby suppressing plant immunity. To elucidate the intricate dynamics of the PRR-RBOHD complex, we conducted a comparative coimmunoprecipitation analysis using EFR, FLS2, and RBOHD in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified QIAN SHOU KINASE 1 (QSK1), an LRR-RK, as a PRR-RBOHD complex-associated protein. QSK1 downregulated FLS2 and EFR abundance, functioning as a negative regulator of PRR-triggered immunity (PTI). QSK1 was targeted by the bacterial effector HopF2Pto, a mono-ADP ribosyltransferase, reducing FLS2 and EFR levels through both transcriptional and transcription-independent pathways, thereby inhibiting PTI. Furthermore, HopF2Pto transcriptionally downregulated PROSCOOP genes encoding important stress-regulated phytocytokines and their receptor MALE DISCOVERER 1-INTERACTING RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 2. Importantly, HopF2Pto requires QSK1 for its accumulation and virulence functions within plants. In summary, our results provide insights into the mechanism by which HopF2Pto employs QSK1 to desensitize plants to pathogen attack. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GotoYukihisa en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Yukihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadotaYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Kadota en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MbengueMalick en-aut-sei=Mbengue en-aut-mei=Malick kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LewisJennifer D en-aut-sei=Lewis en-aut-mei=Jennifer D kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuiHidenori en-aut-sei=Matsui en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiNoriko en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NgouBruno Pok Man en-aut-sei=Ngou en-aut-mei=Bruno Pok Man kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SklenarJan en-aut-sei=Sklenar en-aut-mei=Jan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=DerbyshirePaul en-aut-sei=Derbyshire en-aut-mei=Paul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataArisa en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Arisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchihashiYasunori en-aut-sei=Ichihashi en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=GuttmanDavid S en-aut-sei=Guttman en-aut-mei=David S kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagamiHirofumi en-aut-sei=Nakagami en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiTakamasa en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=MenkeFrank L H en-aut-sei=Menke en-aut-mei=Frank L H kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=RobatzekSilke en-aut-sei=Robatzek en-aut-mei=Silke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=DesveauxDarrell en-aut-sei=Desveaux en-aut-mei=Darrell kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZipfelCyril en-aut-sei=Zipfel en-aut-mei=Cyril kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirasuKen en-aut-sei=Shirasu en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cell and System Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Function and Evolution, University of Toronto kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cell and System Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Function and Evolution, University of Toronto kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Plant Proteomics Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Cell and System Biology, Centre for the Analysis of Genome Function and Evolution, University of Toronto kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Plant Immunity Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=uhae248 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240904 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A low-cost dpMIG-seq method for elucidating complex inheritance in polysomic crops: a case study in tetraploid blueberry en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Next-generation sequencing (NGS) library construction often requires high-quality DNA extraction, precise adjustment of DNA concentration, and restriction enzyme digestion to reduce genome complexity, which results in increased time and cost in sample preparation and processing. To address these challenges, a PCR-based method for rapid NGS library preparation, named dpMIG-seq, has been developed and proven effective for high-throughput genotyping. However, the application of dpMIG-seq has been limited to diploid and polyploid species with disomic inheritance. In this study, we obtained genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for tetraploid blueberry to evaluate genotyping and downstream analysis outcomes. Comparison of genotyping qualities inferred across samples with different DNA concentrations and multiple bioinformatics approaches revealed high accuracy and reproducibility of dpMIG-seq-based genotyping, with Pearson's correlation coefficients between replicates in the range of 0.91 to 0.98. Furthermore, we demonstrated that dpMIG-seq enables accurate genotyping of samples with low DNA concentrations. Subsequently, we applied dpMIG-seq to a tetraploid F1 population to examine the inheritance probability of parental alleles. Pairing configuration analysis supported the random meiotic pairing of homologous chromosomes on a genome-wide level. On the other hand, preferential pairing was observed on chr-11, suggesting that there may be an exception to the random pairing. Genotypic data suggested quadrivalent formation within the population, although the frequency of quadrivalent formation varied by chromosome and cultivar. Collectively, the results confirmed applicability of dpMIG-seq for allele dosage genotyping and are expected to catalyze the adoption of this cost-effective and rapid genotyping technology in polyploid studies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NagasakaKyoka en-aut-sei=Nagasaka en-aut-mei=Kyoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraKazusa en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Kazusa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MotokiKo en-aut-sei=Motoki en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamagataKeigo en-aut-sei=Yamagata en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaSoichiro en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneHisayo en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Hisayo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaoRyutaro en-aut-sei=Tao en-aut-mei=Ryutaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoRyohei en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakazakiTetsuya en-aut-sei=Nakazaki en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto 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 Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=271 end-page=285 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=Effects of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells on CH4 and CO2 Emissions from Straw Amended Paddy Soil en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Straw returning into paddy soil enhances soil organic matter which usually promotes the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The application of sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to paddy soil activates power-generating microorganisms and enhances organic matter biodegradation. In the present study, rice straw addition in SMFCs was examined to determine its effect on CH4 and CO2 emissions. Columns (height, 25 cm; inner diameter, 9 cm) with four treatments: soil without and with rice straw under SMFC and without SMFC conditions were incubated at 25°C for 70 days. Anodic potential values at 7 cm depth sediment were kept higher by SMFCs than those without SMFCs. Cumulative CH4 emission was significantly reduced by SMFC with straw amendment (p < 0.05) with no significant effect on CO2 emission. 16S rRNA gene analysis results showed that Firmicutes at the phylum, Closteridiales and Acidobacteriales at order level were dominant on the anode of straw-added SMFC, whereas Methanomicrobiales were in the treatment without SMFC, indicating that a certain group of methanogens were suppressed by SMFC. Our results suggest that the anodic redox environment together with the enrichment of straw-degrading bacteria contributed to a competitive advantage of electrogenesis over methanogenesis in straw-added SMFC system. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BekeleAdhena Tesfau en-aut-sei=Bekele en-aut-mei=Adhena Tesfau kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=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=SomuraHiroaki en-aut-sei=Somura en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 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=6 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=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=straw kn-keyword=straw en-keyword=methane mitigation kn-keyword=methane mitigation en-keyword=SMFC kn-keyword=SMFC en-keyword=microorganisms kn-keyword=microorganisms en-keyword=current generation kn-keyword=current generation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=93 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=335 end-page=343 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=Elucidation of Low-temperature Regulated Flavone Synthesis in Dahlia Variabilis and its Effects on Flower Color en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) flower colors are diverse and are determined by the accumulation of flavonoids. Cultivars with dark red flowers accumulate more anthocyanins in their petals. Flower color changes such as color fading often occur in some cultivars. In this study, low minimum temperature regulated flower color fading and flavonoid synthesis in dahlia ‘Nessho’ were investigated. The pigment contents and expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis genes were investigated in detail under several growing environments in which color fading occurs. Flavones accumulate more in color-faded orange flowers than in dark red ray florets. The expression analysis of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway genes indicated that the upregulation of flavone synthase (DvFNS) gene expression correlated with the high accumulation of flavones in color-faded petals. DvFNS expression was also detected in young leaves, and the expression level was higher in winter than in summer. Seasonal changes in DvFNS expression in young leaves significantly correlated with color fading in petals. The change in DvFNS expression in young unexpanded leaves of relatively high-sensitive plants was significantly higher than that of low-sensitive plants before and after treatment under inductive conditions. In conclusion, low-temperature-inducible changes in the flavonoid accumulation in petals was suggested to reflect a change in DvFNS expression occurring in the meristem prior to flower bud formation. This temporal DvFNS expression in young unexpanded leaves of ‘Nessho’ dahlia could be an insight for the selection and breeding of non-color fading plants. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=K. MuthamiaEdna en-aut-sei=K. Muthamia en-aut-mei=Edna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoKoji en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaHiromasa en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KarasawaYukino en-aut-sei=Karasawa en-aut-mei=Yukino kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikumuraTokuyu en-aut-sei=Kikumura en-aut-mei=Tokuyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaraTakuya en-aut-sei=Nara en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamauzuYasunori en-aut-sei=Hamauzu en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MotokiKo en-aut-sei=Motoki en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasubaKen-ichiro en-aut-sei=Yasuba en-aut-mei=Ken-ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYuichi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraYoshikuni en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Yoshikuni kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoTanjuro en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Tanjuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 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 Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=anthocyanin kn-keyword=anthocyanin en-keyword=dahlia kn-keyword=dahlia en-keyword=flavone synthase kn-keyword=flavone synthase en-keyword=seasonal color fading kn-keyword=seasonal color fading en-keyword=young unexpanded leaves kn-keyword=young unexpanded leaves END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=57 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1 end-page=20 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250724 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Re-Thinking the Locus of Innovation kn-title=イノベーションの発生源研究の再検討 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=　This study aims to theoretically examine prior research on the locus of innovation, with a particular focus on clarifying "when," "where," and "by whom" innovation is generated. The analysis reveals that in the context of B to B (Industrial Goods) , the shift of innovation sources toward enterprise users has been explained from the perspective of economic rationality, incorporating multiple factors such as transaction cost, expected innovation rents, sticky information, internal capabilities (Absorptive Capacity) , and external industrial structures (Product Architecture, Ecosystem) . In contrast, in the B to C context (Consumer Goods) , end users pursue innovation for a wide variety of reasons, including manufacturers' lack of responsiveness to niche markets, the enjoyment of creative activity, connection with user communities, and personal growth. Among these, the enjoyment derived from creative activity has deemed to be identified as one of the most fundamental motivational factors. However, the methodological articulation of such psychological factors is not enough. Leaving the psychological drivers behind innovation as a black box is not merely a matter of academic curiosity but presents a significant challenge for management studies as a social science. This is because management is always purposive attempts for directing and controlling the process of value creation and sometimes psychological exaltation, which may be recently called 'flow' experience, may conflict such attempts. In future research on the locus of innovation, it is essential to focus on these psychological aspects of individual innovator and to develop new research approaches. First, it has a room for further elucidation of the mechanisms by which positive emotions contribute to innovation, but this challenge is hardly easy to overcome. Since creativity is essentially a construct of the individual level and innovation is not, the argument of balancing the entrepreneurial motivational drivers and the managerial direction and control of creative destruction needs to be mediated by meso-level constructs. In our prospect, such concepts as underdeveloped ecosystem on the supply side and immature connoisseur on the side of consumers may be promising. Another concern is the generally limited sample size of creative minds. The existent research tactics that have been found in our neighboring disciplines sharing the same problem as ours, either qualitative or quantitative, may provide us with methodical benchmarks. kn-abstract=　本論文は，イノベーションの発生源に関する先行研究を振り返り，「いつ」「どこで」「誰によって」イノベーションが生み出されるのかを理論的に考察することを目的とする。考察の結果，「B to B」の文脈においては，イノベーションの発生源が企業ユーザーへ移行するメカニズムとして，取引コスト理論，期待利益仮説，情報粘着性の仮説，企業内部の独自能力（吸収能力），および外部の産業構造（製品アーキテクチャ・エコシステム）といった複数の要素からなる経済的合理性の観点から分析されていることが明らかになった。一方，「B to C」の文脈では，エンドユーザーがイノベーションに向かう動機として，「ニッチ市場に対するメーカーの消極的な対応」「創造的活動の楽しさ」「ユーザーコミュニティとの繋がり」「知識・スキルの向上」など多種多様な要素が存在し，中でも創造的活動の楽しさが根源的な動機づけの1つであると確認された。一方で，イノベーターを突き動かす心理的要因をブラックボックス化したまま放置することは，単なる知的好奇心の問題に留まらず，社会科学としての経営学にとっても重要な問題であると考えられる。今後のイノベーションの発生源研究においては，起業家をはじめとするイノベーター個人の心理的側面にいかに目を向け，創造的活動におけるポジティブな感情が働くメカニズムをイノベーションの発生メカニズムにいかに位置づけるか，その研究アプローチの提示が求められる。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HuangQi en-aut-sei=Huang en-aut-mei=Qi kn-aut-name=黄琪 kn-aut-sei=黄 kn-aut-mei=琪 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiDaiji en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Daiji kn-aut-name=藤井大児 kn-aut-sei=藤井 kn-aut-mei=大児 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学大学院ヘルスシステム統合科学研究科 affil-num=2 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院ヘルスシステム統合科学学域 en-keyword=イノベーションの発生源 (Locus of Innovation) kn-keyword=イノベーションの発生源 (Locus of Innovation) en-keyword=ユーザーイノベーション (User Innovation) kn-keyword=ユーザーイノベーション (User Innovation) en-keyword=経済的合理性 (Economic Rationality) kn-keyword=経済的合理性 (Economic Rationality) en-keyword=内発的動機づけ (Intrinsic Motivation) kn-keyword=内発的動機づけ (Intrinsic Motivation) en-keyword=フロー体験 (Flow Experience) kn-keyword=フロー体験 (Flow Experience) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=6927 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250718 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Inhibitory Effects of Vandetanib on Catecholamine Synthesis in Rat Pheochromocytoma PC12 Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Gain-of-function gene alterations in rearranged during transfection (RET), a receptor tyrosine kinase, are observed in both sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs) and pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target RET have been proven to be effective on MTCs and PCCs. Recently, TKIs, namely, sunitinib and selpercatinib, which were clinically used to target PPGLs, have been reported to decrease catecholamine levels without reducing tumor size. Our clinical case of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, which is associated with RET mutations undergoing treatment with vandetanib, also suggests that vandetanib can decrease catecholamine levels. Therefore, we investigated the effect of vandetanib, a representative multi-targeted TKI for RET-related MTC, on cell proliferation and catecholamine synthesis in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Vandetanib reduced viable cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The dopamine and noradrenaline levels of the cell lysate were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. They also decreased more prominently at lower concentrations of vandetanib compared to the inhibition of cell proliferation. The RNA knockdown study of Ret revealed that this inhibitory effect on catecholamine synthesis is mainly mediated by the suppression of RET signaling. Next, we focused on two signaling pathways downstream of RET, namely, ERK and AKT signaling. Treatment with vandetanib reduced both ERK and AKT phosphorylation in PC12 cells. Moreover, both an MEK inhibitor U0126 and a PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 suppressed catecholamine synthesis without decreasing viable cells. This study in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells reveals the direct inhibitory effects of vandetanib on catecholamine synthesis via the suppression of RET-ERK and RET-AKT signaling. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ItohYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Itoh en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=InagakiKenichi en-aut-sei=Inagaki en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasakaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Terasaka en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoEisaku en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Eisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Ishii en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaokaKimitomo en-aut-sei=Yamaoka en-aut-mei=Kimitomo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Satoshi 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, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=tyrosine kinase inhibitor kn-keyword=tyrosine kinase inhibitor en-keyword=multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 kn-keyword=multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 en-keyword=paraganglioma kn-keyword=paraganglioma en-keyword=RET kn-keyword=RET en-keyword=ERK kn-keyword=ERK en-keyword=AKT kn-keyword=AKT END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e70046 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spider mite tetranins elicit different defense responses in different host habitats en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are a major threat to economically important crops. Here, we investigated the potential of tetranins, in particular Tet3 and Tet4, as T. urticae protein-type elicitors that stimulate plant defense. Truncated Tet3 and Tet4 proteins showed efficacy in activating the defense gene pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1) and inducing phytohormone production in leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris. In particular, Tet3 caused a drastically higher Ca2+ influx in leaves, but a lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation compared to other tetranins, whereas Tet4 caused a low Ca2+ influx and a high ROS generation in the host plants. Such specific and non-specific elicitor activities were examined by knockdown of Tet3 and Tet4 expressions in mites, confirming their respective activities and in particular showing that they function additively or synergistically to induce defense responses. Of great interest is the fact that Tet3 and Tet4 expression levels were higher in mites on their preferred host, P. vulgaris, compared to the levels in mites on the less-preferred host, Cucumis sativus, whereas Tet1 and Tet2 were constitutively expressed regardless of their host. Furthermore, mites that had been hosted on C. sativus induced lower levels of PR1 expression, Ca2+ influx and ROS generation, i.e., Tet3- and Tet4-responsive defense responses, in both P. vulgaris and C. sativus leaves compared to the levels induced by mites that had been hosted on P. vulgaris. Taken together, these findings show that selected tetranins respond to variable host cues that may optimize herbivore fitness by altering the anti-mite response of the host plant. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EndoYukiko en-aut-sei=Endo en-aut-mei=Yukiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaMiku en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Miku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UemuraTakuya en-aut-sei=Uemura en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimuraKaori en-aut-sei=Tanimura en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DesakiYoshitake en-aut-sei=Desaki en-aut-mei=Yoshitake kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzawaRika en-aut-sei=Ozawa en-aut-mei=Rika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BonzanoSara en-aut-sei=Bonzano en-aut-mei=Sara kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaffeiMassimo E. en-aut-sei=Maffei en-aut-mei=Massimo E. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinyaTomonori en-aut-sei=Shinya en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=GalisIvan en-aut-sei=Galis en-aut-mei=Ivan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArimuraGen‐ichiro en-aut-sei=Arimura en-aut-mei=Gen‐ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Plant Physiology Unit, University of Turin kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Plant Physiology Unit, University of Turin kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= en-keyword=Cucumis sativus kn-keyword=Cucumis sativus en-keyword=elicitor kn-keyword=elicitor en-keyword=Phaseolus vulgaris kn-keyword=Phaseolus vulgaris en-keyword=spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) kn-keyword=spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) en-keyword=tetranin kn-keyword=tetranin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=186 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=118030 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=(+)-Terrein exerts anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects by regulating the differentiation and thermogenesis of brown adipocytes in mice fed a high-fat diet en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: (+)-Terrein, a low-molecular-weight secondary metabolite from Aspergillus terreus, inhibits adipocyte differentiation in vitro. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of (+)-terrein on adipocytes remain unclear. We hypothesized that (+)-terrein modulates adipogenesis and glucose homeostasis in obesity and diabetes via anti-inflammatory action and regulation of adipocyte differentiation. Hence, in this study, we aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of (+)-terrein.
Methods: Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed normal chow or high-fat (HF) diet and administered (+)-terrein (180 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests, serum biochemical assays, and histological analyses were also performed. Rat brown preadipocytes, mouse brown preadipocytes (T37i cells), and inguinal white adipose tissue (ingWAT) preadipocytes were exposed to (+)-terrein during in vitro adipocyte differentiation. Molecular markers associated with thermogenesis and differentiation were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.
Results: (+)-Terrein-treated mice exhibited improved insulin sensitivity and reduced serum lipid and glucose levels, irrespective of the diet. Furthermore, (+)-terrein suppressed body weight gain and mitigated fat accumulation by activating brown adipose tissue in HF-fed mice. (+)-Terrein facilitated the in vitro differentiation of rat brown preadipocytes, T37i cells, and ingWAT preadipocytes by upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). This effect was synergistic with that of a PPARγ agonist.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that (+)-terrein effectively induces PPARγ expression and brown adipocyte differentiation, leading to reduced weight gain and improved glucose and lipid profiles in HF-fed mice. Thus, (+)-terrein is a potent novel agent with potential anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Aoki-SaitoHaruka en-aut-sei=Aoki-Saito en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MandaiHiroki en-aut-sei=Mandai en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakakuraTakashi en-aut-sei=Nakakura en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiTsutomu en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraTadahiro en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Tadahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HisadaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Hisada en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaShuichi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaMasanobu en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Masanobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoTsugumichi en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Tsugumichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gifu University of Medical Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Anatomy, Teikyo University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Diabetes, Soleiyu Asahi Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Health & Sports Sciences, Faculty of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University kn-affil= en-keyword=(+)-Terrein kn-keyword=(+)-Terrein en-keyword=Brown adipose tissue kn-keyword=Brown adipose tissue en-keyword=Thermogenesis kn-keyword=Thermogenesis en-keyword=Obesity kn-keyword=Obesity en-keyword=PPARγ kn-keyword=PPARγ END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=10712 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241227 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Shoot-Silicon-Signal protein to regulate root silicon uptake in rice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Plants accumulate silicon to protect them from biotic and abiotic stresses. Especially in rice (Oryza sativa), a typical Si-accumulator, tremendous Si accumulation is indispensable for healthy growth and productivity. Here, we report a shoot-expressed signaling protein, Shoot-Silicon-Signal (SSS), an exceptional homolog of the flowering hormone “florigen” differentiated in Poaceae. SSS transcript is only detected in the shoot, whereas the SSS protein is also detected in the root and phloem sap. When Si is supplied from the root, the SSS transcript rapidly decreases, and then the SSS protein disappears. In sss mutants, root Si uptake and expression of Si transporters are decreased to a basal level regardless of the Si supply. The grain yield of the mutants is decreased to 1/3 due to insufficient Si accumulation. Thus, SSS is a key phloem-mobile protein for integrating root Si uptake and shoot Si accumulation underlying the terrestrial adaptation strategy of grasses. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamajiNaoki en-aut-sei=Yamaji en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Mitani-UenoNamiki en-aut-sei=Mitani-Ueno en-aut-mei=Namiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiToshiki en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinyaTomonori en-aut-sei=Shinya en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShaoJi Feng en-aut-sei=Shao en-aut-mei=Ji Feng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanukiShota en-aut-sei=Watanuki en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitohYasunori en-aut-sei=Saitoh en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaJian Feng en-aut-sei=Ma en-aut-mei=Jian Feng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=12857 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250414 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=OsPIP2;4 aquaporin water channel primarily expressed in roots of rice mediates both water and nonselective Na+ and K+ conductance en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aquaporin (AQP)-dependent water transport across membranes is indispensable in plants. Recent evidence shows that several AQPs, including plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), facilitate the electrogenic transport of ions as well as water transport and are referred to as ion-conducting aquaporins (icAQPs). The present study attempted to identify icAQPs that exhibit cation transport activity among PIPs from rice. Electrophysiological experiments on 11 OsPIPs using Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed that OsPIP2;4 mediated the electrogenic transport of alkali monovalent cations with the selectivity sequence of Na+ ≈ K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ > Li+, suggesting non-selective cation conductance for Na+ and K+. Transcripts of OsPIP2;4 were abundant in the elongation and mature zones of roots with similar expression levels between the root stelar and remaining outer parts in the cultivar Nipponbare. Immunostaining using sections of the crown roots of Nipponbare plants revealed the expression of OsPIP2;4 in the exodermis and sclerenchyma of the surface region and in the endodermis and pericycle of the stelar region. The present results provide novel insights into OsPIP2;4-dependent non-selective Na+ and K+ transport and its physiological roles in rice. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TranSen Thi Huong en-aut-sei=Tran en-aut-mei=Sen Thi Huong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuharaMaki en-aut-sei=Katsuhara en-aut-mei=Maki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitoYunosuke en-aut-sei=Mito en-aut-mei=Yunosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiAya en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigaAyaka en-aut-sei=Higa en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoShuntaro en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Shuntaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=PaulNewton Chandra en-aut-sei=Paul en-aut-mei=Newton Chandra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorieRie en-aut-sei=Horie en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorieTomoaki en-aut-sei=Horie en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=Division of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= en-keyword=Ion-conducting Aquaporins kn-keyword=Ion-conducting Aquaporins en-keyword=Non-selective cation channel kn-keyword=Non-selective cation channel en-keyword=Rice kn-keyword=Rice en-keyword=Roots kn-keyword=Roots END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=653 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=119205 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=Meteoritic and asteroidal amino acid heterogeneity: Implications for planetesimal alteration conditions and sample return missions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Carbonaceous chondrites (CC) and asteroid return samples contain amino acids (AA), which are essential for an origin of life on the early Earth and can provide important information concerning planetesimal alteration processes. While many studies have investigated AA from CC, separate studies have often found differing abundances for the same meteorite. Accordingly, analytical bias, differing terrestrial contamination levels and intrinsic sample heterogeneity have been proposed as potential reasons. However, current analytical techniques allow for the analysis of several mg-sized samples and can thus enable an investigation of AA heterogeneity within single meteorite specimens. Here, such an analytical technique is applied to characterise the AA in triplicate aliquots of three CCs. The results indicate that CCs are heterogenous in terms of their AA at the mm-scale. Furthermore, the results help to further constrain the effects of planetesimal alteration on organic matter and the requirements of future sample return missions that aim to obtain organic-bearing extraterrestrial materials. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=PotiszilChristian en-aut-sei=Potiszil en-aut-mei=Christian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaTsutomu en-aut-sei=Ota en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamanakaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Yamanaka en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKatsura en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Katsura kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 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=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Carbonaceous chondrite kn-keyword=Carbonaceous chondrite en-keyword=Heterogeneity kn-keyword=Heterogeneity en-keyword=Planetesimal kn-keyword=Planetesimal en-keyword=Aqueous alteration kn-keyword=Aqueous alteration en-keyword=Amino acid and meteorite kn-keyword=Amino acid and meteorite END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=17720 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A meta-linked isomer of ITIC: influence of aggregation patterns on open-circuit voltage in organic solar cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Improving the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of organic solar cells (OSCs) remains an important challenge. While it is known that the energy levels at the donor/acceptor (D/A) interface affect the VOC, the impact of aggregation patterns on the energy levels at the D/A interface has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we focus on ITIC, a widely used acceptor in OSCs, and designed a meta-linked isomer of ITIC (referred to as im-ITIC) to alter molecular symmetry and modify substitution arrangements. Concentration-dependent 1H NMR spectra revealed that im-ITIC shows stronger aggregation behavior in solution. Single-crystal X-ray analysis showed that im-ITIC forms both tail-to-tail (J-aggregation) and face-to-face (H-aggregation) stacking modes, whereas ITIC exclusively forms tail-to-tail stacking. OSCs based on PBDB-T:im-ITIC showed a high VOC value of 1.02 V, which is 0.12 V higher than that of those based on PBDB-T:ITIC. Time-resolved infrared measurements revealed the lifetime of free electrons for the pristine and blend films. The energy levels of the charge transfer state (ECT) for PBDB-T:im-ITIC- and PBDB-T:ITIC OSCs were determined to be 1.57 and 1.39 eV, respectively, correlating with the VOC values. Theoretical calculations indicated that pronounced H-aggregation in im-ITIC increases the ECT compared with J-aggregation, contributing to the improved VOC. This study underscores the critical impact of molecular aggregation patterns on energy alignment and VOC enhancement, offering insights into molecular design for achieving high VOC in OSCs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangKai en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Kai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=JinnaiSeihou en-aut-sei=Jinnai en-aut-mei=Seihou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UesakaKaito en-aut-sei=Uesaka en-aut-mei=Kaito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamakataAkira en-aut-sei=Yamakata en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IeYutaka en-aut-sei=Ie en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), The University of Osaka kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=29 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=379 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250709 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical and microbiological effects of a propolis toothpaste in patients with periodontitis under supportive periodontal therapy: a randomized double-blind clinical trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives Propolis possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While its application in oral care has garnered significant attention, evidence supporting its effectiveness against periodontal bacteria is limited. This study used a randomized double-blind protocol to assess the safety and efficacy of toothpaste containing propolis compared to a placebo in patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).
Materials and methods Thirty-two participants in SPT were randomized into two groups: toothpaste containing 2.5% ethanol-extracted propolis (EEP) and a placebo without EEP. Participants brushed twice daily for four weeks, and clinical parameters, bacterial counts, and salivary characteristics were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results The propolis group showed a significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth (P = 0.006), with a mean depth of 3.80 mm compared to 4.35 mm in the placebo group. Bleeding on probing was significantly reduced in both groups (P = 0.032 in the propolis group and 0.0498 in the placebo group), but did not differ between groups. Total bacterial and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) counts did not differ significantly between the groups; however, the number of patients with decreased P. gingivalis was slightly larger than those in the placebo group (not significant). Additionally, saliva acidity decreased significantly in the propolis group (P = 0.041), suggesting a shift toward a less pathogenic oral environment. No adverse events were observed.
Conclusion These findings suggest that propolis may contribute to stabilizing periodontal disease during supportive periodontal therapy by modulating salivary acidity.
Clinical relevance Periodontal pocket depth and the rate of bleeding on probing are reduced, along with decreased saliva acidity. Meanwhile, the levels of P. gingivalis in the periodontal pockets remain low. Propolis-dentifrice may help alleviate gingival inflammation during SPT.
Clinical trial registration Registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (ID: UMIN000029554). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Takeuchi-HatanakaKazu en-aut-sei=Takeuchi-Hatanaka en-aut-mei=Kazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoMasahiro en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaHiroe en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Hiroe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=Shinoda-ItoYuki en-aut-sei=Shinoda-Ito en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology–Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology–Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology–Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Propolis kn-keyword=Propolis en-keyword=Toothpaste kn-keyword=Toothpaste en-keyword=Periodontitis kn-keyword=Periodontitis en-keyword=Periodontal pocket kn-keyword=Periodontal pocket en-keyword=Saliva kn-keyword=Saliva en-keyword=Randomized controlled trial kn-keyword=Randomized controlled trial END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1073 end-page=1082 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250520 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Direct insertion of an ion channel immobilized on a soft agarose gel bead into a lipid bilayer: an optimized method en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this paper, we report the development of a device that improves the conventional artificial lipid bilayer method and can measure channel currents more efficiently. Ion channel proteins are an attractive research target in biophysics, because their functions can be measured at the single-molecule level with high time resolution. In addition, they have attracted attention as targets for drug discovery because of their crucial roles in vivo. Although electrophysiological methods are powerful tools for studying channel proteins, they suffer from low measurement efficiency and require considerable skill. In our previous paper, we reported that by immobilizing channel proteins on agarose gel beads and forming an artificial lipid bilayer on the bead surface, we simultaneously solved two problems that had been hindering the efficiency of the artificial bilayer method: the time-consuming formation of artificial lipid bilayers and the time-consuming incorporation of channels into artificial bilayers. Previous studies have utilized crosslinked hard beads; however, here we show that channel current measurement can be achieved more simply and efficiently using non-crosslinked soft beads. In this study, we detailed the process of immobilizing channel proteins on the surface of non-crosslinked beads through chemical modification, allowing us to measure their channel activity. This method enables current measurements without the need for stringent bead size selection or high negative pressure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsakuraMami en-aut-sei=Asakura en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangShuyan en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Shuyan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranoMinako en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Minako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeToru en-aut-sei=Ide en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Ion channel kn-keyword=Ion channel en-keyword=Artificial lipid bilayer kn-keyword=Artificial lipid bilayer en-keyword=Suction fixation kn-keyword=Suction fixation en-keyword=Soft agarose bead kn-keyword=Soft agarose bead en-keyword=Current recording kn-keyword=Current recording END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=329 end-page=334 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241220 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Efficient single-channel current measurements of the human BK channel using a liposome-immobilized gold probe en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The human BK channel (hBK) is an essential membrane protein that regulates various biological functions, and its dysfunction leads to serious diseases. Understanding the biophysical properties of hBK channels is crucial for drug development. Artificial lipid bilayer recording is used to measure biophysical properties at the single-channel level. However, this technique is time-consuming and complicated; thus, its measurement efficiency is very low. Previously, we developed a novel technique to improve the measurement efficiency by rapidly forming lipid bilayer membranes and incorporating ion channels into the membrane using a hydrophilically modified gold probe. To further improve our technique for application to the hBK channel, we combined it using the gold probe with a liposome fusion method. Using a probe on which liposomes containing hBK channels were immobilized, the channels were efficiently incorporated into the lipid bilayer membrane, and the measured channel currents showed the current characteristics of the hBK channel. This technique will be useful for the efficient measurements of the channel properties of hBK and other biologically important channels. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiranoMinako en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Minako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsakuraMami en-aut-sei=Asakura en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeToru en-aut-sei=Ide en-aut-mei=Toru 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=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Human BK channel kn-keyword=Human BK channel en-keyword=Artificial lipid bilayer recording kn-keyword=Artificial lipid bilayer recording en-keyword=Ion channel current kn-keyword=Ion channel current en-keyword=Single-channel recording kn-keyword=Single-channel recording END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=808 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250630 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Carnosol, a Rosemary Ingredient Discovered in a Screen for Inhibitors of SARM1-NAD+ Cleavage Activity, Ameliorates Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin receptor motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) hydrolase involved in axonal degeneration and neuronal cell death. SARM1 plays a pivotal role in triggering the neurodegenerative processes that underlie peripheral neuropathies, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, SARM1 knockdown or knockout prevents the degeneration; as a result, SARM1 has been attracting attention as a potent therapeutic target. In recent years, the development of several SARM1 inhibitors derived from synthetic chemical compounds has been reported; however, no dietary ingredients with SARM1 inhibitory activity have been identified. Therefore, we here focused on dietary ingredients and found that carnosol, an antioxidant contained in rosemary, inhibits the NAD+-cleavage activity of SARM1. Purified carnosol inhibited the enzymatic activity of SARM1 and suppressed neurite degeneration and cell death induced by the anti-cancer medicine vincristine (VCR). Carnosol also inhibited VCR-induced hyperalgesia symptoms, suppressed the loss of intra-epidermal nerve fibers in vivo, and reduced the blood fluid level of phosphorylated neurofilament-H caused by an axonal degeneration event. These results indicate that carnosol has a neuroprotective effect via SARM1 inhibition in addition to its previously known antioxidant effect via NF-E2-related factor 2 and thus suppresses neurotoxin-induced peripheral neuropathy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MurataHitoshi en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaKazuki en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiYu en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiToshiki en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKen-Ichi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Ken-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaRie en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaYoji en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Yoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraHiromichi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiboriMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nishibori en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Tama Biochemical Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, 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 Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Tama Biochemical Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Tama Biochemical Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Translational Research and Drug Development, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=SARM1 kn-keyword=SARM1 en-keyword=carnosol kn-keyword=carnosol en-keyword=NAD+ kn-keyword=NAD+ en-keyword=axon degeneration kn-keyword=axon degeneration en-keyword=peripheral neuropathy kn-keyword=peripheral neuropathy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=89 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=930 end-page=938 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250625 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hemodynamic Changes After Wire Frame Occluders vs. Metal Mesh Devices for Atrial Septal Defect en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is the first treatment option for secundum ASD, but parameters for optimal device selection have not been established. We compared outcomes between occluders with a wire frame and metal mesh devices.
Methods and Results: This study included secundum ASD patients implanted with a wire frame occluder (GORE®CARDIOFORM ASD occluder [GCA]; W.L. Gore & Associates) or metal mesh devices (Amplatzer septal occluder device [Abbott] and Occlutech Figulla Flex II device [Occlutech]). The presence of residual shunt and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels after implantation were compared. Of the 970 patients with either GCA (n=48) or a metal mesh device (n=922; control), 42 patients from each group were analyzed after propensity score matching. The prevalence of residual shunt was significantly lower in the GCA group 1 day and 1 month after implantation (P<0.001 and P=0.017, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference between the 2 groups 6 months later (P=0.088). BNP levels at 1 month were significantly higher in the GCA group (ratio of change 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.83), but did not differ significantly between the 2 groups at 6 months (ratio of change 1.04; 95% CI 0.65–1.65).
Conclusions: Patients implanted with a wire frame occluder had a lower prevalence of residual shunt and a greater increase in BNP levels in the early period after implantation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaMitsutaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Mitsutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakayaYoichi en-aut-sei=Takaya en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjiriKentaro en-aut-sei=Ejiri en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikiTakashi en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaRie en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiTeiji en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Teiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 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=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Amplatzer septal occluder kn-keyword=Amplatzer septal occluder en-keyword=GORE® CARDIOFORM ASD occluder kn-keyword=GORE® CARDIOFORM ASD occluder en-keyword=Occlutech Figulla Flex II kn-keyword=Occlutech Figulla Flex II en-keyword=Transcatheter atrial septal defect closure kn-keyword=Transcatheter atrial septal defect closure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e70055 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250107 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Short‐process incudo‐stapedioplasty in congenital ear malformation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: Although various stapedotomy and stapedectomy techniques exist, anchoring the piston can be challenging. We present a novel surgical approach for treating congenital stapes malformations with an atypical facial nerve trajectory.
Methods: This is a case of a 7-year-old boy presenting with bilateral conductive hearing loss. Prior attempts at tympanoplasty had proven unsuccessful in improving his hearing. Presurgical imaging studies revealed an unusual anatomical configuration, with the facial nerve positioned inferior to the oval window. This anatomical variation precluded the use of conventional prosthesis-anchoring techniques typically employed in stapedotomies. Thus, we devised an innovative approach, opting to anchor the prosthesis to the short process of the incus.
Results: This novel technique circumvented the atypical course of the facial nerve, allowing for successful reconstruction of the ossicular chain. The patient demonstrated an acceptable improvement (30 dB gain) in hearing 1-year post-surgery, with no reported complications.
Conclusion: This case underscores the critical importance of adapting surgical techniques to address the unique anatomical challenges that may arise in the context of congenital ear malformations. It also highlights the potential of the short process of the incus as a viable alternative anchoring site for stapes prostheses, thereby improving the outcomes of such complex cases. This technique not only restored the patient's hearing but also contributed valuable insights into the management of similar cases, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with rare and challenging anatomical variations.
Level of evidence: 5. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OmichiRyotaro en-aut-sei=Omichi en-aut-mei=Ryotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KariyaShin en-aut-sei=Kariya en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugayaAkiko en-aut-sei=Sugaya en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=congenital ear malformation kn-keyword=congenital ear malformation en-keyword=incus kn-keyword=incus en-keyword=prosthesis kn-keyword=prosthesis en-keyword=stapedectomy kn-keyword=stapedectomy en-keyword=stapedotomy kn-keyword=stapedotomy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=71 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=321 end-page=343 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250220 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Physiological and Biochemical Traits of Dormancy Release and Growth Resumption in Japanese Cedar in the Warm-Temperate Zone en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Global warming will disturb dormancy release and growth resumption of trees. To better understand this process, it is important to investigate physiological and biochemical traits related to these stages. We examined dormancy release and growth resumption in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica [L.] D. Don), an evergreen needle-leaved tree, in the warm-temperate zone by evaluating budbreak under growth-promoting conditions, and simultaneously examining respiration rates and contents of carbohydrates and phytohormones in shoots from November 2022 to March 2023. A long time to budbreak and the lowest budbreak rates of 75% in November indicated shallow dormancy. Budbreak rates of 98%, short time to budbreak, and first appearance of budbreak in the field in March indicated growth resumption. Continuous changes in budbreak rates and time to budbreak between dormancy and growth resumption indicated dormancy was gradually released. Surges in budbreak rates in December indicated dormancy was almost completely released by early winter. Contents of abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) decreased from November, remained low in March, and were strongly associated with budbreak rates according to principal component analysis. It was suggested that the depletion of SA led to the depletion of ABA, contributing to dormancy release and growth resumption. Fructose and trans-zeatin accumulated until February, and low levels of starch, indole-3-acetic acid, jasmonic acid, and jasmonic acid-isoleucine during winter was followed by accumulation in March. Although these biochemical traits were less related to budbreak rates compared to ABA and SA, they seemed to assist either dormancy release or growth resumption. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiejimaShoma en-aut-sei=Hiejima en-aut-mei=Shoma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SeinoHiroto en-aut-sei=Seino en-aut-mei=Hiroto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HachisukaRico en-aut-sei=Hachisuka en-aut-mei=Rico kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeYuka en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuuraTakakazu en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Takakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=UgawaShin en-aut-sei=Ugawa en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kagoshima University 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=The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University kn-affil= en-keyword=Japanese cedar kn-keyword=Japanese cedar en-keyword=Warm-temperate zone kn-keyword=Warm-temperate zone en-keyword=Dormancy release kn-keyword=Dormancy release en-keyword=Growth resumption kn-keyword=Growth resumption en-keyword=Physio-biochemical traits kn-keyword=Physio-biochemical traits END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1692 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250516 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Characteristics of Vitamin D Deficiency Detected in Long COVID Patients During the Omicron Phase en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: To characterize the clinical significance of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) detected in long COVID, a retrospective observational study was performed for outpatients who visited our clinic during the period from May 2024 to November 2024. Methods: Clinical trends in long COVID patients diagnosed with VDD who showed serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) lower than 20 ng/mL were compared with those in long COVID patients in a non-deficient vitamin D (NDD) group. Results: Of 126 patients with long COVID, 97 patients (female: 50) who had been infected during the Omicron phase were included. Sixty-six patients (68%) were classified in the VDD group. The median serum concentrations of 25-OHD were 14.8 ng/mL in the VDD group and 22.9 ng/mL in the NDD group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, severity of COVID-19, period after infection and vaccination history. Although the levels of serum calcium and phosphate were not significantly different between the two groups, the percentages of patients in the VDD group who complained of dizziness, memory impairment, palpitation and appetite loss were larger than those in the NDD group. Of note, the patients who complained of palpitation showed significantly lower concentrations of serum 25-OHD than those in the patients without palpitation (median: 11.9 vs. 17.3 ng/mL). Moreover, patients in the VDD group had significantly higher scores for physical and mental fatigue as well as higher scores for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Collectively, VDD is involved in clinical manifestations of long COVID, particularly symptoms of palpitation, fatigue and depression. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 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=4 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=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=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokotaYuya en-aut-sei=Yokota en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaseRyosuke en-aut-sei=Takase en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraDaisuke en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Daisuke 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= 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= 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=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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=25-hydroxyvitamin D kn-keyword=25-hydroxyvitamin D en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=palpitation kn-keyword=palpitation en-keyword=vitamin D deficiency kn-keyword=vitamin D deficiency END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=7 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e000923 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250427 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease under treatment with tocilizumab en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by systemic inflammation resulting from overproduction of interleukin 6 (IL-6). While iMCD primarily affects the lymph nodes and related tissues, it can also rarely involve the central nervous system.
Case presentation We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient with at least a 3-year history of iMCD, who experienced acute thunderclap headaches due to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). RCVS occurred 3 months after initiating treatment with tocilizumab, a humanised anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, and was accompanied by focal cortical subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Elevated IL-6 levels were found in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. MR angiography revealed multiple diffuse stenotic lesions in the bilateral middle and posterior cerebral arteries, which, along with bilateral cerebral oedema, resolved within 3 months. The diffuse nature of the cerebral vasospasm and the presence of bilateral brain oedema suggested that cerebral vasospasm was due to RCVS rather than SAH.
Conclusions In patients with Castleman disease, RCVS may occur due to IL-6-dependent chronic cerebral vascular inflammation, either as a primary condition or as a complication of tocilizumab treatment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KamimuraNaoya en-aut-sei=Kamimura en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaNaohisa en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Naohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraKatsuo en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Katsuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 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=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishidaHitaru en-aut-sei=Kishida en-aut-mei=Hitaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaFumiaki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Yokohama City University Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Yokohama City University Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Yokohama City University Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Yokohama City University Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=510 end-page=524 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250626 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=C1orf50 Drives Malignant Melanoma Progression Through the Regulation of Stemness en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Aim: Recent advancements in omics analysis have significantly enhanced our understanding of the molecular pathology of malignant melanoma, leading to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target specific vulnerabilities within the disease. Despite these improvements, the factors contributing to the poor prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of C1orf50 (Chromosome 1 open reading frame 50), a gene previously of unknown function, as a prognostic biomarker in melanoma.
Materials and Methods: We performed comprehensive transcriptome data analysis and subsequent functional validation of the human Skin Cutaneous Melanoma project from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
Results: Elevated expression levels of C1orf50 correlated with worse survival outcomes. Mechanistically, we revealed that C1orf50 plays a significant role in the regulation of cell cycle processes and cancer cell stemness, providing a potential avenue for novel therapeutic interventions in melanoma.
Conclusion: This study is the first to identify C1orf50 as a prognostic biomarker in melanoma. The clinical relevance of our results sheds light on the importance of further investigation into the biological mechanisms underpinning C1orf50’s impact on melanoma progression and patient prognosis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OTANIYUSUKE en-aut-sei=OTANI en-aut-mei=YUSUKE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MAEKAWAMASAKI en-aut-sei=MAEKAWA en-aut-mei=MASAKI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TANAKAATSUSHI en-aut-sei=TANAKA en-aut-mei=ATSUSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PEÑATIRSO en-aut-sei=PEÑA en-aut-mei=TIRSO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=CHINVANESSA D. en-aut-sei=CHIN en-aut-mei=VANESSA D. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ROGACHEVSKAYAANNA en-aut-sei=ROGACHEVSKAYA en-aut-mei=ANNA kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ROEHRLMICHAEL H. en-aut-sei=ROEHRL en-aut-mei=MICHAEL H. 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 Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=UMass Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 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 Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 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=C1orf50 kn-keyword=C1orf50 en-keyword=melanoma kn-keyword=melanoma en-keyword=cancer stem cells kn-keyword=cancer stem cells en-keyword=YAP/TAZ kn-keyword=YAP/TAZ END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=107 end-page=119 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=Investigation Towards Detecting Landing Websites for Fake Japanese Shopping Websites en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recently, the number of victims of fake shopping websites that imitate legitimate ones to defraud people has been increasing. It has been shown that fake shopping websites use legitimate defaced landing websites as their leading paths. Therefore, if the detection of landing websites for fake shopping websites can be achieved, it can assist in addressing these websites and reduce the opportunities for users to be redirected to fake shopping websites. In this study, we collect and investigate existing landing websites that redirect users to fake Japanese shopping websites and identify effective features for detecting them. We identified effective search terms for collecting landing websites for fake Japanese shopping websites and found that using Google searches with queries of top-level domain and product names was effective. We also investigated the conditions for activating analytical evasion functions in the collected landing websites for fake Japanese shopping websites and clarified the differences in search results between crawlers and users. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MichishitaDaigo en-aut-sei=Michishita en-aut-mei=Daigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro 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=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= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=164 end-page=173 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Nephronophthisis and Retinitis Pigmentosa (Senior-Loken Syndrome) After Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation: Twelve-Year Follow-Up in a Young Woman en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Senior-Loken syndrome is a hereditary ciliopathy with recessive trait that manifests as nephronophthisis and retinitis pigmentosa. This report described an 18-year-old woman who was referred to a University Hospital to set up a treatment plan for chronic renal failure of an unknown cause. She had experienced nocturnal polyurea from the age of 12 years and was found to have an elevated level of serum creatinine at 3 mg/dL at the age of 15 years. She underwent renal biopsy at a hometown regional hospital which showed global glomerulosclerosis in six of the 13 glomeruli examined, renal tubular dilation in irregular shape, and marked interstitial fibrosis with lymphocytic infiltration. At the age of 19 years, she received a living-donor kidney transplant from her 46-year-old father as a preemptive therapy. At surgery, biopsy of the father’s donor kidney showed two glomeruli with global sclerosis out of 24 glomeruli examined, in association with minimal interstitial fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltration. She began to have extended-release tacrolimus 4 mg daily and mycophenolate mofetil 1,000 mg daily. According to the standard protocol, she underwent biopsy of the transplanted donor kidney to reveal interstitial fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltration, in addition to no sign of rejection and no glomerular deposition of immunoglobulins and complements, both 4 weeks and 14 months after the kidney transplantation. At the age of 23 years, 4 years after the kidney transplantation, she was, for the first time, diagnosed retinitis pigmentosa, and hence, Senior-Loken syndrome. She was followed up in the stable condition with basal doses of tacrolimus 5 mg daily, mycophenolate mofetil 1,000 mg daily, and prednisolone 5 mg daily up until now in 12 years after the kidney transplantation. The interstitial fibrosis with lymphocytic infiltration in the donor kidney might be a milder presentation of the disease with recessive inheritance. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorinagaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morinaga en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 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=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Retinitis pigmentosa kn-keyword=Retinitis pigmentosa en-keyword=Nephronophthisis kn-keyword=Nephronophthisis en-keyword=Senior-Loken syndrome kn-keyword=Senior-Loken syndrome en-keyword=Kidney transplantation kn-keyword=Kidney transplantation en-keyword=Living donor kn-keyword=Living donor en-keyword=Kidney biopsy kn-keyword=Kidney biopsy en-keyword=Pathology kn-keyword=Pathology en-keyword=Computed tomography scan kn-keyword=Computed tomography scan en-keyword=Ciliopathy kn-keyword=Ciliopathy en-keyword=Optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=Optical coherence tomography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=21 article-no= start-page=13372 end-page=13380 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250520 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Transient Multilamellar Formation in Ethanol-Modified Vesicle Solutions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A recent microfluidic-based small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement intriguingly suggested the transient formation of multilamellar structures during the mixing of unilamellar vesicles with ethanol in an aqueous solution. This study explores a possible molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon, primarily through coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) simulations. We first examined lipid aggregate morphology as a function of ethanol concentration in an aqueous solution. Even though vesicles were observed in pure aqueous solution, increasing ethanol concentrations led to more frequent pore formation in vesicular membranes. At ethanol concentrations above 52%, vesicles destabilized and transformed into worm-like micelles. We hypothesized that the transient multilamellar structures might arise from vesicle stacking due to variations in the effective interactions between vesicles. However, a series of potential of mean force (PMF) calculations consistently showed repulsive interactions between vesicles, regardless of ethanol concentration, ruling out this possibility. In contrast, once lipid aggregates transformed into worm-like micelles, the PMF barrier between them dropped (∼5kBT), promoting fusion. Our CG-MD simulations further demonstrated that lipid aggregates (micelles) readily fused and grew in high ethanol concentrations. Upon subsequent exposure to lower ethanol levels, these enlarged aggregates reorganized into vesicles with internal lamellar structure─multilamellar vesicles. These findings suggest that the heterogeneous mixing of unilamellar vesicular solutions with ethanol in a microfluidic device plays a key role in the emergence of transient multilamellar structures. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShibataKana en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaekiMasatoshi en-aut-sei=Maeki en-aut-mei=Masatoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokeshiManabu en-aut-sei=Tokeshi en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=e70126 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Sulphur‐Acquisition Pathways for Cysteine Synthesis Confer a Fitness Advantage to Bacteria in Plant Extracts en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bacteria and plants are closely associated with human society, in fields such as agriculture, public health, the food industry, and waste disposal. Bacteria have evolved nutrient-utilisation systems adapted to achieve the most efficient growth in their major habitats. However, empirical evidence to support the significance of bacterial nutrient utilisation in adaptation to plants is limited. Therefore, we investigated the genetic and nutritional factors required for bacterial growth in plant extracts by screening an Escherichia coli gene-knockout library in vegetable-based medium. Mutants lacking genes involved in sulphur assimilation, whereby sulphur is transferred from sulphate to cysteine, exhibited negligible growth in vegetable-based medium or plant extracts, owing to the low cysteine levels. The reverse transsulphuration pathway from methionine, another pathway for donating sulphur to cysteine, occurring in bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, also played an important role in growth in plant extracts. These two sulphur-assimilation pathways were more frequently observed in plant-associated than in animal-associated bacteria. Sulphur-acquisition pathways for cysteine synthesis thus play a key role in bacterial growth in plant-derived environments such as plant residues and plant exudates. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshikawaKazuya en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiSaki en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Saki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaokaTaketo en-aut-sei=Tsukaoka en-aut-mei=Taketo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsunodaMakoto en-aut-sei=Tsunoda en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurutaKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Furuta en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaitoChikara en-aut-sei=Kaito en-aut-mei=Chikara kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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 Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Bacillus subtilis kn-keyword=Bacillus subtilis en-keyword=bacterial nutrient utilisation kn-keyword=bacterial nutrient utilisation en-keyword=cysteine synthesis kn-keyword=cysteine synthesis en-keyword=Escherichia coli kn-keyword=Escherichia coli en-keyword=plant-derived environments kn-keyword=plant-derived environments en-keyword=sulphur acquisition pathway kn-keyword=sulphur acquisition pathway END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=166 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=bqaf102 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250605 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neuromedin U Deficiency Disrupts Daily Testosterone Fluctuation and Reduces Wheel-running Activity in Rats en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of endogenous Neuromedin U (NMU) in rats by performing NMU knockout (KO). Male, but not female NMU KO rats exhibited decreased wheel-running activity vs wildtype (WT), although overall home cage activity was not affected. Plasma testosterone in WT rats varied significantly over the course of a day, with a peak at ZT1 and a nadir at ZT18, whereas in NMU KO rats testosterone remained stable throughout the day. Chronic administration of testosterone restored wheel-running activity in NMU KO rats to the same level as in WT rats, suggesting that the decrease in wheel-running activity in NMU KO rats is due to the disruption of the diurnal change of testosterone. Accordingly, expression of the luteinizing hormone beta subunit (Lhb) mRNA in the pars distalis of anterior pituitary was significantly lower in NMU KO rats; immunostaining revealed that the size of luteinizing hormone (LH)–expressing cells was also relatively small in those animals. In the brain of male WT rats, Nmu was highly expressed in the pars tuberalis, and the NMU receptor Nmur2 was highly expressed in the ependymal cell layer of the third ventricle. This study reveals a novel function of NMU and indicates that endogenous NMU in rats plays a role in the regulation of motivated activity via regulation of testosterone. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OtsukaMai en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Mai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiYu en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriyamaMaho en-aut-sei=Moriyama en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EgoshiSakura en-aut-sei=Egoshi en-aut-mei=Sakura kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoYuki en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GuTingting en-aut-sei=Gu en-aut-mei=Tingting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraAtsushi P en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Atsushi P kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaraguchiShogo en-aut-sei=Haraguchi en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 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=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuyamaMakoto en-aut-sei=Matsuyama en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=BentleyGeorge E en-aut-sei=Bentley en-aut-mei=George E kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 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=13 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 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= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Integrative Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Neuromedin U kn-keyword=Neuromedin U en-keyword=rat kn-keyword=rat en-keyword=motivation kn-keyword=motivation en-keyword=activity kn-keyword=activity en-keyword=testosterone kn-keyword=testosterone en-keyword=wheel-running kn-keyword=wheel-running END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=18981 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250530 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Role of galectin-9 in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is highly expressed in trophoblasts in placenta. Interaction between Gal-9 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (Tim-3) is important for the differentiation of tissue resident natural killer (trNK) cells in placenta and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Furthermore, the enhanced maternal systemic inflammation associated with increased proinflammatory cytokines in preeclampsia is mediated by enhanced interaction between Gal-9 and Tim-3. However, the role of Gal-9 in gestational diabetes (GDM) remains unexplored. Plasma Gal-9 levels were elevated at 3rd trimester in pregnant women with GDM and positively correlated with placenta and newborn weight. Lgals9 knockout pregnant mice fed with high fat diet (HFD KO) demonstrated maternal glucose intolerance and fetus macrosomia compared with controls (HFD WT). In HFD KO, increased proliferating cells, reduced apoptosis, and autophagy impairment were observed in junctional zones. The number of trNK cells and percentage of Tim-3 + trNK increased, while early apoptosis percentage in Tim-3 + trNK was reduced in placenta of HFD KO. The elevation of plasma Gal-9 may be a biomarker for prediction of maternal glucose intolerance and fetal macrosomia in pregnant women with GDM and Gal-9 functions as a compensation factor for GDM by inducing apoptosis in Tim-3 + trNK cells. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AlbuayjanHaya Hamed Hassan en-aut-sei=Albuayjan en-aut-mei=Haya Hamed Hassan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMayu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugawaraRyosuke en-aut-sei=Sugawara en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuyamaEri en-aut-sei=Katsuyama en-aut-mei=Eri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiseKoki en-aut-sei=Mise en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OiYukiko en-aut-sei=Oi en-aut-mei=Yukiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KannoAyaka en-aut-sei=Kanno en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangBoXuan en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=BoXuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaharaToshihisa en-aut-sei=Tahara en-aut-mei=Toshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojimaIchiro en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakatsukaAtsuko en-aut-sei=Nakatsuka en-aut-mei=Atsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=EguchiJun en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiJota en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Jota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=EtoEriko en-aut-sei=Eto en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayataKei en-aut-sei=Hayata en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasuyamaHisashi en-aut-sei=Masuyama en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 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=17 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 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, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University 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=2025 dt-pub=20250325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=総合診療の臨床にみられる血清GHとIGF-I値の関連性の検討 kn-title=Trends of correlations between serum levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in general practice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OGUNIKohei en-aut-sei=OGUNI en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name=大國皓平 kn-aut-sei=大國 kn-aut-mei=皓平 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=745 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250521 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exploring the relationship between posture-dependent airway assessment in orthodontics: insights from kinetic MRI, cephalometric data, and three-dimensional MRI analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Previous studies have assessed the upper airway using various examination methods, such as cephalometric imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is a significant gap in the research regarding the relationship between these different imaging modalities. This study compares airway assessments using kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans, examining their correlation with three dimensional (3D) MRI data.
Materials and methods Kinetic MRI, cephalometric scans, and 3D MRI of forty-seven participants were used in the present study. Airway areas and widths were measured at the retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal levels in both kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans. Airway volumes were calculated from 3D MRI data. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression, were performed to evaluate the data and identify significant differences, correlations, and prediction models, respectively.
Results Significant differences were found between kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans. Cephalometric data showed larger airway areas and widths compared to kinetic MRI measurements. Although both cephalometric and kinetic MRI showed a correlation with 3D MRI, kinetic MRI demonstrated stronger correlations with 3D MRI airway volumes than cephalometric scans. According to our linear regression model equations, RPA-Max (maximum retropalatal airway area) and RPA (retropalatal airway area) can elucidate variations in RPV (retropalatal airway volume). RGA-Med (median retroglossal airway area) and RGA-Min (minimum retroglossal airway area) can explain variations in RGV (retroglossal airway volume). HPA (hypopharyngeal airway area) and ULHPAW-Max (maximum upper limit hypopharyngeal airway width) account for variations in HPV (hypopharyngeal airway volume). Additionally, TA-Max (maximum total airway area) can account for variations in TPV (total pharyngeal airway volume).ConclusionBoth cephalometric data and kinetic MRI data showed correlations with 3D MRI data. The shared posture of kinetic MRI and 3D MRI led to stronger correlations between these two modalities. Although cephalometric data had fewer correlations with 3D MRI and predictors for 3D airway volume, they were still significant. Our study highlights the complementary nature of kinetic MRI and cephalometric imaging, as both provide valuable information for airway assessment and exhibit significant correlations with 3D MRI data. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkaNaoki en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabumugishaJanvier en-aut-sei=Habumugisha en-aut-mei=Janvier kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaTomoki en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaAtsuro en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Atsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanabeNoriaki en-aut-sei=Kawanabe en-aut-mei=Noriaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IzawaTakashi en-aut-sei=Izawa en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamiokaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kamioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Kinetic MRI kn-keyword=Kinetic MRI en-keyword=Posture kn-keyword=Posture en-keyword=Airway assessment kn-keyword=Airway assessment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=38 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=100782 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Involvement of PI3K–Akt Signaling in the Clinical and Pathological Findings of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease–Thrombocytopenia, Anasarca, Fever, Reticulin Fibrosis, and Organomegaly and Not Otherwise Specified Subtypes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that is clinically classified into idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL); thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly (TAFRO); and not otherwise specified (NOS). Although each subtype shows varying degrees of hypervascularity, no statistical data on the degree of vascularization have been reported. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying vascularization in each clinical subtype are poorly understood. Here, we aimed to clarify these mechanisms by evaluating the histopathological characteristics of each clinical subtype across 37 patients and performing a whole-transcriptome analysis focusing on angiogenesis-related gene expression. Histologically, TAFRO and NOS exhibited a significantly higher degree of vascularization than IPL (IPL vs TAFRO, P < .001; IPL vs NOS, P = .002). In addition, the germinal centers (GCs) were significantly more atrophic in TAFRO than in IPL. In TAFRO and NOS, “whirlpool vessels” in GCs were seen in most cases (TAFRO, 9/9, 100%; NOS, 6/8, 75%) but not in IPL (IPL vs TAFRO, P < .001; IPL vs NOS, P = .007). Likewise, immunostaining for Ets-related gene revealed higher levels in endothelial cells of GCs in TAFRO than in IPL (P = .014), and TAFRO and NOS were associated with a significantly higher number of endothelial cells in interfollicular areas compared with that in IPL (TAFRO vs IPL, P < .001; NOS vs IPL, P = .002). Gene expression analysis revealed that the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway was significantly enriched in the TAFRO and NOS (TAFRO/NOS) groups. This pathway, which may be activated by vascular endothelial growth factor A and some integrins, is known to affect angiogenesis by increasing vascular permeability, which may explain the clinical manifestations of anasarca and/or fluid retention in TAFRO/NOS. These results suggest that the PI3K–Akt pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of TAFRO/NOS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HaratakeTomoka en-aut-sei=Haratake en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=GonzalezMichael V. en-aut-sei=Gonzalez en-aut-mei=Michael V. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=LaiYou Cheng en-aut-sei=Lai en-aut-mei=You Cheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiSayaka en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsunodaManaka en-aut-sei=Tsunoda en-aut-mei=Manaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 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=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MomoseShuji en-aut-sei=Momose en-aut-mei=Shuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 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=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment and Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment and Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment and Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease kn-keyword=idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease en-keyword=integrin subunit alpha 5 kn-keyword=integrin subunit alpha 5 en-keyword=PI3K–Akt signaling pathway kn-keyword=PI3K–Akt signaling pathway en-keyword=platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta kn-keyword=platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta en-keyword=vascular endothelial growth factor A kn-keyword=vascular endothelial growth factor A en-keyword=vascularity kn-keyword=vascularity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e0320426 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250519 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=LeFood-set: Baseline performance of predicting level of leftovers food dataset in a hospital using MT learning en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Monitoring the remaining food in patients' trays is a routine activity in healthcare facilities as it provides valuable insights into the patients' dietary intake. However, estimating food leftovers through visual observation is time-consuming and biased. To tackle this issue, we have devised an efficient deep learning-based approach that promises to revolutionize how we estimate food leftovers. Our first step was creating the LeFoodSet dataset, a pioneering large-scale open dataset explicitly designed for estimating food leftovers. This dataset is unique in its ability to estimate leftover rates and types of food. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive dataset for this type of analysis. The dataset comprises 524 image pairs representing 34 Indonesian food categories, each with images captured before and after consumption. Our prediction models employed a combined visual feature extraction and late fusion approach utilizing soft parameter sharing. Here, we used multi-task (MT) models that simultaneously predict leftovers and food types in training. In the experiments, we tested the single task (ST) model, the ST Model with Ground Truth (ST-GT), the MT model, and the MT model with Inter-task Connection (MT-IC). Our AI-based models, particularly the MT and MT-IC models, have shown promising results, outperforming human observation in predicting leftover food. These findings show the best with the ResNet101 model, where the Mean Average Error (MAE) of leftover task and food classification accuracy task is 0.0801 and 90.44% in the MT Model and 0.0817 and 92.56% in the MT-IC Model, respectively. It is proved that the proposed solution has a bright future for AI-based approaches in medical and nursing applications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SariYuita Arum en-aut-sei=Sari en-aut-mei=Yuita Arum kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakazawaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Nakazawa en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WaniYudi Arimba en-aut-sei=Wani en-aut-mei=Yudi Arimba 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=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Nutrition Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Brawijaya University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=213 end-page=219 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Case of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasizing to the Cervical Lymph Nodes after Long-term Follow-up en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can metastasize hematogenously and recur after a long dormancy. Chromophobe RCC metastasized to the cervical lymph nodes 10 years after the primary resection in a woman who underwent nephrectomy for RCC (T1aN0M0 stage I). Metastatic RCC diagnosis was confirmed by aspiration. The lymph node mass was resected, and the tumor cells matched chromophobe RCC metastasis. No adjuvant therapy was administered due to the lack of evidence regarding adjuvant therapy for chromophobe RCC. Long-term surveillance is crucial in RCC because of the possibility of late metastasis. We reviewed the clinical aspects and literature on metastatic cervical RCC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeMakoto en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKanao en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Kanao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuyaNarutaka en-aut-sei=Katsuya en-aut-mei=Narutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikawaAkira en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamamotoTakao en-aut-sei=Hamamoto en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaharaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Tahara en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaTsutomu en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakenoSachio en-aut-sei=Takeno en-aut-mei=Sachio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology, Chugoku Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology, Chugoku Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology and Urological Surgery, Chugoku Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=renal cell carcinoma kn-keyword=renal cell carcinoma en-keyword=cervical lymph node metastasis kn-keyword=cervical lymph node metastasis en-keyword=late recurrence kn-keyword=late recurrence en-keyword=head and neck kn-keyword=head and neck END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=209 end-page=212 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Case of Aniline Poisoning Manifesting as Cyanosis with Unknown Cause en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A 38-year-old man was brought to the hospital for emergency treatment of cyanosis. The patient exhibited generalized cyanosis and impaired consciousness despite adequate oxygen therapy. Arterial blood was black, and arterial blood gas analysis revealed an abnormally high methemoglobin level of 67.8%. We later interviewed his colleagues regarding his exposure to aniline while working at the factory and diagnosed him with methemoglobinemia due to aniline poisoning. The patient was administered methylene blue (MB) after being transferred to another hospital, where this treatment was available, resulting in an improvement in symptoms. Although rare, methemoglobinemia is serious. A good understanding of the circumstances at disease onset, characteristic findings, and abnormal values of methemoglobinemia is important. In addition, MB is an important therapeutic for the treatment of methemoglobinemia; if MB is not available at a particular hospital, transfer of the patient to a hospital that stocks MB should be considered. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TaguchiKenichi en-aut-sei=Taguchi en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataSakura en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Sakura kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShoichi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=methemoglobinemia kn-keyword=methemoglobinemia en-keyword=aniline kn-keyword=aniline en-keyword=methylene blue kn-keyword=methylene blue en-keyword=cyanosis kn-keyword=cyanosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=97 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250411 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of aged garlic extract on experimental periodontitis in mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been reported to exert anti‑inflammatory effects. AGE has been recently found to reduce the inflammatory symptoms of periodontitis, a widespread chronic inflammatory disease caused by oral bacterial infection. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the effects of AGE on experimental periodontitis and the related inflammatory factors. AGE (2 g/kg/day) was orally administered to 15 mice during the experimental period, while a control group consisted of 15 mice that received pure water. A total of 3 days after initiation of administration, the left maxillary second molar was ligated with a 5‑0 silk thread for 7 days. Blood biochemical tests were performed to monitor the systemic effects of AGE. Alveolar bone loss was measured morphometrically using a stereomicroscope, and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was performed to assay mRNAs of proinflammatory cytokines in gingival tissues. A histological survey was also performed to identify osteoclasts in periodontitis lesions (five mice per group). The total protein and albumin levels showed no significant differences between the AGE and control groups. However, ligation‑induced bone resorption was lower in the AGE group than in the control group (P=0.01). Additionally, ligature increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, whereas AGE administration tended to suppress them. Remarkably, tumor necrosis factor gene expression was significantly suppressed (P=0.04). The number of osteoclasts in periodontitis lesions was reduced in the AGE‑treated group. These results indicate that AGE prevents alveolar bone loss by suppressing the inflammatory responses related to osteoclast differentiation in the periodontal tissue. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of AGE in reducing inflammatory bone resorption. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuangCanyan en-aut-sei=Kuang en-aut-mei=Canyan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraiAnna en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Anna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Kamei‑ΝagataChiaki en-aut-sei=Kamei‑Νagata en-aut-mei=Chiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NangoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Nango en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtaniMasahiro en-aut-sei=Ohtani en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology‑Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Periodontics and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Periodontics and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Central Research Institute, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Central Research Institute, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology‑Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology‑Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=AGE kn-keyword=AGE en-keyword=experimental periodontitis kn-keyword=experimental periodontitis en-keyword=bone resorption kn-keyword=bone resorption en-keyword=inflammation kn-keyword=inflammation en-keyword=osteoclasts kn-keyword=osteoclasts END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1559 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impacts of Dental Follicle Cells and Periodontal Ligament Cells on the Bone Invasion of Well-Differentiated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) frequently invades the jawbone, leading to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. While tumor-bone interactions have been studied, the specific roles of dental follicle cells (DFCs) and periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) in OSCC-associated bone resorption remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of DFCs and PDLCs on OSCC-induced bone invasion and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Primary human DFCs and PDLCs were isolated from extracted third molars and characterized by Giemsa and immunofluorescence staining. An in vitro co-culture system and an in vivo xenograft mouse model were established using the HSC-2 OSCC cell line. Tumor invasion and osteoclast activation were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). Results: DFCs significantly enhanced OSCC-induced bone resorption by promoting osteoclastogenesis and upregulating RANKL and PTHrP expression. In contrast, PDLCs suppressed RANKL expression and partially modulated PTHrP levels, thereby reducing osteoclast activity. Conclusions: DFCs and PDLCs exert opposite regulatory effects on OSCC-associated bone destruction. These findings underscore the importance of stromal heterogeneity and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting specific stromal-tumor interactions to mitigate bone-invasive OSCC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ChangAnqi en-aut-sei=Chang en-aut-mei=Anqi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PiaoTianyan en-aut-sei=Piao en-aut-mei=Tianyan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArashimaTakuma en-aut-sei=Arashima en-aut-mei=Takuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EainHtoo Shwe en-aut-sei=Eain en-aut-mei=Htoo Shwe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoeYamin en-aut-sei=Soe en-aut-mei=Yamin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinZin Zin en-aut-sei=Min en-aut-mei=Zin Zin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=oral squamous cell carcinoma kn-keyword=oral squamous cell carcinoma en-keyword=dental follicle cells kn-keyword=dental follicle cells en-keyword=periodontal ligament cells kn-keyword=periodontal ligament cells en-keyword=bone invasion kn-keyword=bone invasion en-keyword=receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand kn-keyword=receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand en-keyword=parathyroid hormone-related peptide kn-keyword=parathyroid hormone-related peptide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=374 end-page=380 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect Modification in Settings with “Truncation by Death” en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Epidemiologic studies recruiting individuals with higher-than-population-average mortality can be affected by “truncation by death,” whereby the outcome of interest (e.g., quality of life) is considered not to be defined for individuals who die before the end of follow-up. Here, we use the potential outcomes framework and principal stratification to derive conditions under which the survivor average causal effect, an estimand defined for the “always-survivors” stratum, is modified by a variable that represents a possible common cause of survival and the outcome of interest and by a variable that only affects survival. Further, we show that this principal effect can be expressed as a weighted average of this treatment effect for individuals with each level of these variables, and that these weights depend not only on the relative frequencies of the levels in the total population but also on the “always-survivors” principal stratum. We also discuss the implications of this work for the transportability of the survivor average causal effect. 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=Causal inference kn-keyword=Causal inference en-keyword=Effect modification kn-keyword=Effect modification en-keyword=Principal stratification kn-keyword=Principal stratification en-keyword=Transportability kn-keyword=Transportability END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=36 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250416 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Anticoagulant effects of edoxaban in cancer and noncancer patients with venous thromboembolism en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Edoxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), is a first-line treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the suppression of VTE recurrence. In patients with cancer, however, recurrent VTE after DOAC treatment may be more common than in noncancer patients. To evaluate our hypothesis that the anticoagulation effect of edoxaban is lower in VTE patients with cancer than in noncancer patients.
Methods This study was a prospective, multicenter, observational study including patients treated with edoxaban for VTE in Japan. The primary outcome was the difference in the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and D-dimer level at 5 h after initial edoxaban administration between the cancer and noncancer groups. An additional outcome was the longitudinal change in PT and APTT from 5 h to overnight after edoxaban administration. The incidence of adverse events was further investigated.
Results PT and APTT at 5 h after initial edoxaban administration were not significantly different between the cancer (n = 84) and noncancer groups (n = 138) (e.g., log-transformed APTT 3.55 vs. 3.55, p = 0.45). However, D-dimer in the cancer groups was significantly greater than that in the noncancer groups (log-transformed 1.83 vs. 1.79, p = 0.009). PT and APTT significantly decreased from 5 h to overnight after edoxaban, but a similar pattern was observed in each group. All adverse events after edoxaban administration were also similar between patients with cancer and noncancer.
Conclusion PT and APTT after edoxaban administration were similar between VTE patients with cancer and noncancer groups, suggesting that edoxaban has anticoagulation effects on cancer-associated VTE similar to those of noncancer patients.
Trial registration UMIN000041973; Registration Date: 2020.10.5. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YoshidaMasashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjiriKentaro en-aut-sei=Ejiri en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoNaoaki en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Naoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoTakanori en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokiokaKoji en-aut-sei=Tokioka en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HatanakaKunihiko en-aut-sei=Hatanaka en-aut-mei=Kunihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimotoRyohei en-aut-sei=Fujimoto en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaokaHidenaru en-aut-sei=Yamaoka en-aut-mei=Hidenaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajikawaYutaka en-aut-sei=Kajikawa en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SurugaKazuki en-aut-sei=Suruga en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHiroki en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyajiTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Miyaji en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=SarashinaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Sarashina en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 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=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Hosogi Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Okamura Isshindow Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Kuroda Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Factor Xa inhibitors kn-keyword=Factor Xa inhibitors en-keyword=Anticoagulation effects kn-keyword=Anticoagulation effects en-keyword=Cancer kn-keyword=Cancer en-keyword=Venous thromboembolism kn-keyword=Venous thromboembolism END 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=79 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=101 end-page=107 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=Effectiveness of Postoperative Irradiation in Patients with cN0 Early Breast Cancer Treated with Sentinel Lymph Node Surgery en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative irradiation (POI) for patients with cN0 early breast cancer, we retrospectively analyzed the cases of 650 consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN)-guided surgery (2005-2022) at our hospital. In this cohort, 53% (278/521) of the patients who underwent breast conservative surgery (BCS) and 96% (124/129) of those treated with mastectomy did not receive POI. The patients who underwent BCS were treated with POI using opposing tangential field irradiation. A false negative (FN) SLN was retrospectively defined as a negative metastasis in SLN plus positive recurrence in the axillary lymph nodes. Recurrence was detected in 83 patients. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the nuclear grade (odds ratio [OR] 1.69), POI (OR 0.41), and postoperative hormone therapy (OR 0.40) were each significantly related to recurrence. The 26.1% (12/46) FN rate of the non-POI patients decreased to 5.8% (1/17) compared to those treated with POI. The rate of axillary recurrence was significantly lower in the POI group (0.4%) versus the non-POI group (2.7%) (p=0.0355). The rate of locoregional recurrence was also significantly lower in the POI group (2.0%) versus the non-POI group (13.4%) (p<0.0001). No significant difference was observed in the rate of distant recurrence between the POI (4.0%) and non-POI (3.3%) (p=0.831) groups. These results indicated that the postoperative opposing tangential field irradiation of conserved breast tissue inhibited recurrence in the axillary lymph nodes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IsozakiHiroshi en-aut-sei=Isozaki en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoSasau en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Sasau kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakamaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Takama en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsozakiYuka en-aut-sei=Isozaki en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Oomoto Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Oomoto Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Oomoto Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Oomoto Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer en-keyword=postoperative irradiation kn-keyword=postoperative irradiation en-keyword=radiation therapy kn-keyword=radiation therapy en-keyword=sentinel lymph nodes kn-keyword=sentinel lymph nodes en-keyword=recurrence kn-keyword=recurrence END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=65 end-page=73 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=Association between the Pretreatment Body Mass Index and Anamorelin’s Efficacy in Patients with Cancer Cachexia: A Retrospective Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anamorelin (ANAM) is used to treat cancer-associated cachexia, a syndrome involving muscle loss and anorexia. The timing of the initiation of ANAM treatment is crucial to its efficacy. Although the body mass index (BMI) is a diagnostic criterion for cancer cachexia, no studies have explored its association with ANAM efficacy. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study to investigate the association between the pre-treatment BMI and ANAM efficacy in patients with cancer-associated cachexia (n=47). The ANAM treatment was considered effective if the patient’s appetite improved within 30 days of treatment initiation. We calculated a BMI cutoff value (19.5 kg/m2) and used it to divide the patients into high- and low-BMI groups. Their background, clinical laboratory values, cancer types, and treatment lines were investigated. Twenty (42.6%) had a high BMI (≥ 19.5 kg/m2) and 27 (57.4%) had a low BMI (< 19.5 kg/m2). High BMI was significantly associated with ANAM effectiveness (odds ratio 7.86, 95% confidence interval 1.99-31.00, p=0.003). Together these results indicate that it is beneficial to initiate ANAM treatment before a patient’s BMI drops below 19.5 kg/m2. Our findings will help advance cancer cachexia treatment and serve as a reference for clinicians to predict ANAM’s efficacy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MakiMasatoshi en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Masatoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakadaRyo en-aut-sei=Takada en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshigoTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Ishigo en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraMiki en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Miki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYoko en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraKoji en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamaokaTerutaka en-aut-sei=Hamaoka en-aut-mei=Terutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hospital Pharmacy, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hospital Pharmacy, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Sapporo Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Hospital Pharmacy, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hospital Pharmacy, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hospital Pharmacy, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hospital Pharmacy, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=anamorelin kn-keyword=anamorelin en-keyword=cancer-associated cachexia kn-keyword=cancer-associated cachexia en-keyword=body mass index kn-keyword=body mass index en-keyword=albumin kn-keyword=albumin en-keyword=efficacy rate kn-keyword=efficacy rate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=29 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=156 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250411 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical-level screening of sleep apnea syndrome with single-lead ECG alone is achievable using machine learning with appropriate time windows en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To establish a simple and noninvasive screening test for sleep apnea (SA) that imposes less burden on potential patients. The specific objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of past and future single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) data from SA occurrence sites in improving the estimation accuracy of SA and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) using machine learning.
Methods The Apnea-ECG dataset comprising 70 ECG recordings was used to construct various machine-learning models. The time window size was adjusted based on the accuracy of SA detection, and the performance of SA detection and SAS diagnosis (apnea‒hypopnea index ≥ 5 was considered SAS) was compared.
Results Using ECG data from a few minutes before and after the occurrence of SAs improved the estimation accuracy of SA and SAS in all machine learning models. The optimal range of the time window and achieved accuracy for SAS varied by model; however, the sensitivity ranged from 95.7 to 100%, and the specificity ranged from 91.7 to 100%.
Conclusions ECG data from a few minutes before and after SA occurrence were effective in SA detection and SAS diagnosis, confirming that SA is a continuous phenomenon and that SA affects heart function over a few minutes before and after SA occurrence. Screening tests for SAS, using data obtained from single-lead ECGs with appropriate past and future time windows, should be performed with clinical-level accuracy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamaneTakahiro en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaMizuki en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Mizuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biomedical Informatics, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biomedical Informatics, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Disease screening kn-keyword=Disease screening en-keyword=Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) kn-keyword=Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) en-keyword=Single-lead ECG kn-keyword=Single-lead ECG en-keyword=Artificial intelligence kn-keyword=Artificial intelligence en-keyword=Machine learning kn-keyword=Machine learning END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=2242 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Body Weight Gain During Nationwide Lockdown Due to COVID-19 Pandemic en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, people in Japan were urged to stay at home as much as possible, and this resulted in significant changes in lifestyle behavior. The new lifestyle included factors affecting both energy intake and energy consumption, and it is now thought that weight gain during the lockdown was the result of complex effects. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships among lifestyle habits, laboratory data, and body weight gain during the lockdown using medical check-up data. Methods: A total of 3789 individuals who had undergone consecutive medical check-ups during the period from 2018 to 2020 were included in this study. Participants whose body weight had increased by 5% or more were divided into two groups: a before-lockdown group (participants who had gained weight between 2018 and 2019) and an after-lockdown group (participants who had gained weight between 2019 and 2020). Physical measurements, laboratory data, and answers to six questions about lifestyle habits, for which information was obtained from the records from medical check-ups, were compared in the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the distribution of weight changes in 2018-2019 before the lockdown and the distribution of weight changes in 2019-2020 after the lockdown. The before-lockdown and after-lockdown groups both included about 7% of the total participants (279 and 273 participants, respectively). Diastolic blood pressure and levels of AST, ALT, and LDL-C were significantly higher in the after-lockdown group than in the before-lockdown group. The percentages of participants with alcohol consumption and exercise habits were significantly higher in the after-lockdown group than in the before-lockdown group, and an analysis by gender showed that the differences were significant for women but not for men. Conclusions: The distributions of weight changes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar. Exercise habits and alcohol consumption might have been unique factors causing weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in women. Our findings suggest that the impact of behavioral restrictions and lifestyle changes during a pandemic may be different in men and women. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishidaChisa en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Chisa 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=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=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu 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=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObikaMikako en-aut-sei=Obika en-aut-mei=Mikako 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 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=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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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=COVID-19 pandemic kn-keyword=COVID-19 pandemic en-keyword=lockdown kn-keyword=lockdown en-keyword=weight gain kn-keyword=weight gain en-keyword=medical check-ups kn-keyword=medical check-ups en-keyword=lifestyle kn-keyword=lifestyle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=75 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=100016 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202507 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Changes in adrenoceptor expression level contribute to the cellular plasticity of glioblastoma cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Glioblastoma cells are known to regulate their cellular plasticity in response to their surrounding microenvironment, but it is not fully understood what factors contribute to the cells' changing plasticity. Here, we found that glioblastoma cells alter the expression level of adrenoreceptors depending on their differentiation stage. Catecholamines are abundant in the central nervous system, and we found that noradrenaline, in particular, enhances the stemness of glioblastoma cells and promotes the dedifferentiation potential of already differentiated glioblastoma cells. Antagonist and RNAi experiments revealed that signaling through alpha 1D-adrenoreceptor is important for noradrenaline action on glioblastoma cells. We also found that high alpha 1Dadrenoreceptor expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with gliomas. These data suggest that glioblastoma cells increase the expression level of their own adrenoreceptors to alter the surrounding tumor microenvironment favorably for survival. We believe that our findings will contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsakaYutaro en-aut-sei=Asaka en-aut-mei=Yutaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasumotoToshio en-aut-sei=Masumoto en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UnedaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Uneda en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChinVanessa D. en-aut-sei=Chin en-aut-mei=Vanessa D. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniYusuke en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=PenaTirso en-aut-sei=Pena en-aut-mei=Tirso kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaHaruyoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Haruyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItanoTakuto en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Takuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoTeruhiko en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Teruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuangRongsheng en-aut-sei=Huang en-aut-mei=Rongsheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 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=Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=UMass Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School 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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Trauma Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Adrenoceptors kn-keyword=Adrenoceptors en-keyword=Glioma stem-like cells kn-keyword=Glioma stem-like cells en-keyword=Differentiated glioma cells kn-keyword=Differentiated glioma cells en-keyword=Noradrenaline kn-keyword=Noradrenaline en-keyword=Cellular plasticity kn-keyword=Cellular plasticity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=213 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=128 end-page=137 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=The potential mechanism maintaining transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa in the mouse stroke model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The disruption of transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) shuttling leads to the depletion of nuclear localization and the cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43. We aimed to evaluate the mechanism underlying the behavior of TDP-43 in ischemic stroke. Adult male C57BL/6 J mice were subjected to 30 or 60 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), and examined at 1, 6, and 24 h post reperfusion. Immunostaining was used to evaluate the expression of TDP-43, G3BP1, HDAC6, and RAD23B. The total and cytoplasmic number of TDP-43–positive cells increased compared with sham operation group and peaked at 6 h post reperfusion after tMCAO. The elevated expression of G3BP1 protein peaked at 6 h after reperfusion and decreased at 24 h after reperfusion in ischemic mice brains. We also observed an increase of expression level of HDAC6 and the number of RAD23B-positive cells increased after tMCAO. RAD23B was colocalized with TDP-43 24 h after tMCAO. We proposed that the formation of stress granules might be involved in the mislocalization of TDP-43, based on an evaluation of G3BP1 and HDAC6. Subsequently, RAD23B, may also contribute to the downstream degradation of mislocalized TDP-43 in mice tMCAO model. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting 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=Ota-ElliottRicardo Satoshi en-aut-sei=Ota-Elliott en-aut-mei=Ricardo Satoshi 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=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming 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=ZhaiYun en-aut-sei=Zhai en-aut-mei=Yun 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=HuXiao en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xiao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=AnHangping en-aut-sei=An en-aut-mei=Hangping kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuHongzhi en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Hongzhi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 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=12 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=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=TDP-43 kn-keyword=TDP-43 en-keyword=ALS kn-keyword=ALS en-keyword=RNA-binding protein kn-keyword=RNA-binding protein en-keyword=Mislocalization kn-keyword=Mislocalization en-keyword=G3BP1 kn-keyword=G3BP1 en-keyword=HDAC6 kn-keyword=HDAC6 en-keyword=RAD23B kn-keyword=RAD23B en-keyword=tMCAO kn-keyword=tMCAO END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=e0320482 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Serum uric acid level is associated with renal arteriolar hyalinosis and predicts post-donation renal function in living kidney donors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Major guidelines for living-donor kidney transplantation underscore the need for pre-donation evaluation of renal function, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and albuminuria to minimize the risk of donation from marginal donors. However, validity is yet to be established. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between clinical characteristics and histological indices in baseline renal biopsies (0-h biopsies) and whether these parameters could predict renal function in living kidney donors one year post-donation. Seventy-six living kidney donors were recruited for this study. In histological analyses, glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, arteriolar hyalinosis, and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores/indices were evaluated. Post-donation serum creatinine levels in kidney donors with arteriolar hyalinosis were significantly higher than those in individuals without arteriolar hyalinosis. There was a significant correlation between baseline serum uric acid levels and the arteriolar hyalinosis index, with baseline uric acid level identified as an independent factor for hyalinosis in multiple regression analysis. Additionally, the serum uric acid level was a significant prognostic factor for post-donation serum creatinine after adjustment for baseline clinical parameters. These data demonstrate that pre-donation serum uric acid levels are associated with arteriolar hyalinosis in the kidney and could predict a decline in renal function during the first year after donation in living kidney donors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KanoYuzuki en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Yuzuki 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=KitagawaMasashi en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamanoiTomoaki en-aut-sei=Yamanoi en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinagaKasumi en-aut-sei=Yoshinaga en-aut-mei=Kasumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BekkuKensuke en-aut-sei=Bekku en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraShingo en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 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=10 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 Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center and Department of Medical Care Work, Kawasaki College of Health Professions 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= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=e70139 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250402 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Induction Therapy With Oral Tacrolimus Provides Long-Term Benefit in Thiopurine-Naïve Refractory Ulcerative Colitis Patients Despite Low Serum Albumin Levels en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Aim: Oral tacrolimus is an effective treatment for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, tacrolimus is underutilized because of the difficulties in transitioning to subsequent maintenance therapy and concerns about adverse events.
Methods: We evaluated the clinical outcomes, adverse events, and accumulated medication costs in consecutive 72 UC patients treated with tacrolimus.
Results: Fifty-five (76%) patients with pancolitis and 43 (60%) patients with acute severe disease were entered. Fifty-four (75%) achieved clinical remission 8 weeks after starting tacrolimus. At the last visit, 62 (86%) patients had colectomy-free remission, and 55 (76%) patients had corticosteroid-free remission. Eighteen (25%) patients maintained remission without additional treatment after tacrolimus discontinuation. Patients with continuous remission had a significantly lower history of thiopurine use and lower serum albumin levels at the induction of tacrolimus than patients with failure to induce or maintain remission. No severe adverse events due to tacrolimus treatment were observed. The accumulated medication costs over 3 years in patients with continuous remission after the start of tacrolimus were lower than those in patients with induction and maintenance of infliximab (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Tacrolimus could have an irreplaceable role in the era of biologic therapies, especially for refractory UC patients with thiopurine-na & iuml;ve and low serum albumin levels. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IgawaShoko en-aut-sei=Igawa en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyosawaJunki en-aut-sei=Toyosawa en-aut-mei=Junki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 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=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=OkadaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 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=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 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 Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=biologics therapy kn-keyword=biologics therapy en-keyword=tacrolimus kn-keyword=tacrolimus en-keyword=thiopurine kn-keyword=thiopurine en-keyword=ulcerative colitis kn-keyword=ulcerative colitis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2485 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250311 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Vesicular Glutamate Transporter 3 Is Involved in Glutamatergic Signalling in Podocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Glomerular podocytes act as a part of the filtration barrier in the kidney. The activity of this filter is regulated by ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Adjacent podocytes can potentially release glutamate into the intercellular space; however, little is known about how podocytes release glutamate. Here, we demonstrated vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3)-dependent glutamate release from podocytes. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that rat glomerular podocytes and an immortal mouse podocyte cell line (MPC) express VGLUT1 and VGLUT3. Consistent with this finding, quantitative RT-PCR revealed the expression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT3 mRNA in undifferentiated and differentiated MPCs. In addition, the exocytotic proteins vesicle-associated membrane protein 2, synapsin 1, and synaptophysin 1 were present in punctate patterns and colocalized with VGLUT3 in MPCs. Interestingly, approximately 30% of VGLUT3 colocalized with VGLUT1. By immunoelectron microscopy, VGLUT3 was often observed around clear vesicle-like structures in differentiated MPCs. Differentiated MPCs released glutamate following depolarization with high potassium levels and after stimulation with the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. The depletion of VGLUT3 in MPCs by RNA interference reduced depolarization-dependent glutamate release. These results strongly suggest that VGLUT3 is involved in glutamatergic signalling in podocytes and may be a new drug target for various kidney diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishiiNaoko en-aut-sei=Nishii en-aut-mei=Naoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiTomoko en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuokaHiroki en-aut-sei=Yasuoka en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTadashi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TatsumiNanami en-aut-sei=Tatsumi en-aut-mei=Nanami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaYuika en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Yuika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyajiTakaaki en-aut-sei=Miyaji en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiShunai en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Shunai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukanoMoemi en-aut-sei=Tsukano en-aut-mei=Moemi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasami en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 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=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeiKohji en-aut-sei=Takei en-aut-mei=Kohji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 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 Cell Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Genomics and Proteomics, Advanced Science Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Genomics and Proteomics, Advanced Science Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Central Research Laboratory, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=VGLUT3 kn-keyword=VGLUT3 en-keyword=glutamate kn-keyword=glutamate en-keyword=podocyte kn-keyword=podocyte en-keyword=glutamatergic transmission kn-keyword=glutamatergic transmission END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=6 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1547222 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250311 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Interleukin-6/soluble IL-6 receptor-induced secretion of cathepsin B and L from human gingival fibroblasts is regulated by caveolin-1 and ERK1/2 pathways en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aims: Cathepsins are essential lysosomal enzymes that maintain organismal homeostasis by degrading extracellular substrates. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) increases the production of cathepsins through the caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, which have been implicated in the destruction of periodontal tissue. This study investigated the effect of the IL-6/soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) complex on the extracellular secretion of cathepsins in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and examined the function of extracellularly secreted cathepsins B and L under acidic culture conditions in vitro.
Methods: HGFs were isolated from healthy volunteer donors. The expression of Cav-1 was suppressed via transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Cav-1. The expression levels of cathepsins B and L induced by extracellular IL-6/sIL-6R were measured using western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Extracellular cathepsin activity following IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation was assessed using a methylcoumarylamide substrate in a fluorescence-based assay. IL-6/sIL-6R-induced expression of cathepsins B and L in HGFs was quantified under inhibitory conditions for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and/or JNK signaling, both of which are transduction pathways activated by IL-6/sIL-6R. This quantification was also performed in HGFs with suppressed Cav-1 expression using western blotting.
Results: Cathepsins B and L were secreted in their precursor forms from HGFs, with significantly elevated protein levels observed at 24, 48, and 72 h post-IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation. Under acidic culture conditions, cathepsin B activity increased at 48 and 72 h. Cav-1 suppression inhibited the secretion of cathepsin B regardless of IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation, whereas the secretion of cathepsin L was reduced only after 48 h of IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation. Inhibition of ERK1/2 and JNK pathways decreased the secretion of cathepsin B after 48 h of IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation, and JNK inhibition reduced the secretion of cathepsin L under similar conditions.
Conclusion: IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation increased the extracellular secretion of cathepsin B and L precursors in HGFs, and these precursors became activated under acidic conditions. Cav-1 and ERK1/2 are involved in regulating the secretion of cathepsin B precursors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GotoAyaka en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Yamaguchi-TomikawaTomoko en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi-Tomikawa en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroya en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=Shinoda-ItoYuki en-aut-sei=Shinoda-Ito en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraiKimito en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Kimito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Periodontics & Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cathepsin B kn-keyword=cathepsin B en-keyword=cathepsin L kn-keyword=cathepsin L en-keyword=human gingival fibroblast kn-keyword=human gingival fibroblast en-keyword=interleukin-6 kn-keyword=interleukin-6 en-keyword=caveolin kn-keyword=caveolin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e70053 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250323 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association of blood carboxyhemoglobin levels with mortality and neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Carbon monoxide (CO), produced endogenously by heme oxygenase-1, plays a crucial role in the immune system by mitigating cellular damage under stress. However, the significance of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is not well understood. This study aimed to explore the association between COHb levels at hospital arrival and within the first 24 h post-arrival with 30-day mortality and neurological outcomes in patients who experienced OHCA.
Methods: This single-center, retrospective study analyzed data from adult patients who experienced OHCA seen at Okayama University Hospital from 2019 to 2023. The patients were assigned to one of two study groups based on COHb levels (0.0% or >= 0.1%) upon hospital arrival. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.
Results: Among the 560 eligible patients who experienced OHCA, 284 (50.7%) were in the COHb 0.0% group and 276 (49.3%) were in the COHb >= 0.1% group. The 30-day mortality was significantly higher in the COHb 0.0% group compared to the COHb >= 0.1% group (264 [92.9%] vs. 233 [84.4%]). Multivariable logistic regression showed that the COHb 0.0% group was associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted ORs: 2.24, 95% CIs: 1.10-4.56). Non-survivors at 30 days who were admitted to the intensive care unit had lower COHb levels at hospital arrival (0.0% vs. 0.2%) and lower mean COHb levels during the first 24 h post-arrival (0.7% vs. 0.9%) compared to survivors.
Conclusions: COHb levels of 0.0% were linked to worse outcomes in patients experiencing OHCA, warranting further research on the prognostic implications of COHb in this context. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HongoTakashi en-aut-sei=Hongo en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Yumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraokaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Hiraoka en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiYuya en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObaraTakafumi en-aut-sei=Obara en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojimaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokageToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Aokage en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaoAtsunori en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Atsunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=brain injury kn-keyword=brain injury en-keyword=carbon monoxide kn-keyword=carbon monoxide en-keyword=carboxyhemoglobin kn-keyword=carboxyhemoglobin en-keyword=cardiac arrest kn-keyword=cardiac arrest en-keyword=resuscitation kn-keyword=resuscitation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=619 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250313 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Trehalose on Halitosis: A Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Objectives: Halitosis is a condition characterized by an unpleasant malodor. Intra-oral halitosis is caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and can be associated with oral dryness. Trehalose is one of the materials used to relieve oral dryness. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of trehalose on halitosis. Methods: This prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study enrolled volunteers from Okayama University Hospital. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, with one group receiving trehalose (a 10% trehalose solution) and the other receiving a placebo (distilled water) in a 1:1 allocation. The primary study outcome was the subjective organoleptic test. The secondary outcomes were the concentrations of the VSCs, which were measured using a portable gas chromatography device, and the oral moisture status, which was measured using an oral moisture meter. The planned sample size was 10 participants based on the previous study. Results: The final intention-to-treat analysis was performed using the data from 9 participants. After applying 10% trehalose as an oral spray, the organoleptic score decreased in a time-dependent manner. However, no significant differences were seen between the trehalose and placebo groups. In terms of secondary outcomes, the oral moisture levels increased immediately after the trehalose spray application, and significant differences in the amount of change from the baseline were seen between the trehalose and placebo groups (p = 0.047). No significant differences were seen in any of the other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We could not identify any positive effects on halitosis from a one-time 10% trehalose application as an oral spray in this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. However, the trehalose application immediately improved the oral moisture levels and was useful for treating oral dryness. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyaiHisataka en-aut-sei=Miyai en-aut-mei=Hisataka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomofujiTakaaki en-aut-sei=Tomofuji en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoHirofumi en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaMomoko en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Momoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaKota en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumitaIchiro en-aut-sei=Sumita en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaYurika en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Yurika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Toyama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoiAya en-aut-sei=Yokoi en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=Yamanaka-KohnoReiko en-aut-sei=Yamanaka-Kohno en-aut-mei=Reiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiNoriko en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Asahi University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=halitosis kn-keyword=halitosis en-keyword=trehalose kn-keyword=trehalose en-keyword=oral dryness kn-keyword=oral dryness en-keyword=cross-over study kn-keyword=cross-over study en-keyword=randomized trial kn-keyword=randomized trial END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=e81476 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250330 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Natural Course From Primary Intraocular Lymphoma to Brain Lymphoma in Four Years According to Patient's Choice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Primary intraocular lymphoma or vitreoretinal lymphoma is a rare entity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that presents vitreous opacity and retinal and choroidal infiltration. Primary central nervous system lymphoma would occur previously, later, or concurrently with respect to primary intraocular lymphoma. This study reported a 72-year-old patient with a pathological diagnosis of primary intraocular lymphoma who developed central nervous system lymphoma four years later in the course of no treatment. She presented with a four-year history of blurred vision in both eyes after cataract surgeries. Three weeks previously, she underwent a vitrectomy in the left eye at a clinic, and measurements of the vitreous fluid showed a high level of interleukin-10 at 5739 pg/mL, in contrast with interleukin-6 at 142 pg/mL. Cytology of the vitreous fluid was class III on the Papanicolaou classification. Head magnetic resonance imaging detected nothing abnormal. She underwent vitrectomy in the right eye as a diagnostic procedure to show large cells in the vitreous which were positive for CD20 and Ki-67 and negative for CD3, leading to a pathological diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma. Prophylactic chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate was recommended as a therapeutic option, but she chose observation since she did not have any eye or systemic symptoms. In the follow-up every three months by an oncologist and an ophthalmologist, she did not have any symptoms, and serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor were in the normal range at each visit. She was well for four years until the age of 76 years when she fell and hit her head, and an emergency head computed tomography scan showed a mass in the left occipital lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined circular mass in the left occipital lobe with a hyperintense signal in the T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image and diffusion-weighted image. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed no abnormal uptake systemically, except for the left occipital lesion. She underwent a brain biopsy by craniotomy to pathologically prove diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. She was recommended to receive first-line chemotherapy as the standard treatment but chose observation with no treatment and died of brain lymphoma nine months later. This case happened to illustrate a natural course of primary intraocular lymphoma which proceeded to central nervous system lymphoma four years later. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoShotaro en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Shotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Kurashiki Municipal Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=brain biopsy kn-keyword=brain biopsy en-keyword=cell block pathology kn-keyword=cell block pathology en-keyword=diffuse large b-cell lymphoma kn-keyword=diffuse large b-cell lymphoma en-keyword=natural course kn-keyword=natural course en-keyword=primary central nervous system lymphoma kn-keyword=primary central nervous system lymphoma en-keyword=primary intraocular (vitreoretinal) lymphoma kn-keyword=primary intraocular (vitreoretinal) lymphoma en-keyword=vitrectomy kn-keyword=vitrectomy en-keyword=vitreous opacity kn-keyword=vitreous opacity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=357 end-page=371 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250328 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Proposals for Supporting Children’s Adaptation in School Mergers and Closures kn-title=学校統廃合における児童の適応支援策の提言 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of school mergers and closures on children through a literature review and field survey and to propose strategies for supporting children's adaptation to the resulting environmental transitions. First, a literature review on school mergers and closures indicated that such experiences could influence children's later interpersonal relationships and increase stress responses. However, research on the impact of school mergers and closures on children remains limited, with insufficient understanding of their psychological effects on children. Next, interviews conducted as part of a field survey revealed that school mergers and closures could be significant sources of stress for children. Based on these findings, we recommends multi-level support measures targeting individuals, classes, grades, and entire schools, primarily through special activities, to help mitigate the impact of these transitions on children. kn-abstract=本研究の目的は，学校統廃合に係る文献検索および実態調査を通して，学校統廃合という環境移行が児童に与える影響について検討し，学校統廃合がもたらす環境移行に対する児童の適応支援策について提言することである。まず，学校統廃合に係る文献検索を行った結果，学校統廃合の経験が児童生徒のその後の人間関係形成やストレス反応の増加に影響を与えている可能性が示された。しかし，学校統廃合が児童に与える影響に関する研究は非常に少なく，統廃合の経験が児童に与える心理的影響については十分に解明されていないことがわかった。次に，実態調査として行ったインタビューにおいて，学校統廃合が児童にとって大きなストレス要因となる可能性があることがわかった。これらの現状を踏まえて，学校統廃合が児童に与える影響を和らげるため，特別活動を中心として，個人・学級・学年・学校レベルでの具体的な取組を提案した。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IKEDAYuka en-aut-sei=IKEDA en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name=池田祐加 kn-aut-sei=池田 kn-aut-mei=祐加 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IZUMITsuguyuki en-aut-sei=IZUMI en-aut-mei=Tsuguyuki kn-aut-name=伊住継行 kn-aut-sei=伊住 kn-aut-mei=継行 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Corse), Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院教育学研究科大学院生 affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院教育学域 en-keyword=学校統廃合 (School Consolidation) kn-keyword=学校統廃合 (School Consolidation) en-keyword=児童 (Children) kn-keyword=児童 (Children) en-keyword=人間関係形成 (Relationship Building) kn-keyword=人間関係形成 (Relationship Building) en-keyword=ストレス (Stress) kn-keyword=ストレス (Stress) en-keyword=特別活動 (Special Activities) kn-keyword=特別活動 (Special Activities) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=75 end-page=89 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250328 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Trends in Awareness of Earthquake Disaster Prevention among Students Aspiring to Become Childcare Providers kn-title=保育者志望学生の地震防災に対する意識の傾向 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=　In recent years, under the growing sense of crisis about the possibility of a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough, etc., it has become necessary to have more awareness of earthquake disaster prevention and to take measures for disaster prevention regularly. The purpose of this study was to clarify the actual situation of students who aspire to become childcare providers to protect children's lives. As a result of a questionnaire survey, we found that their awareness of the danger of earthquakes tended to differ by grade level and that their understanding and knowledge of earthquake disaster prevention differed depending on their awareness of earthquake disaster prevention. In the future, it will be necessary to consider conducting evacuation drills in kindergartens or nursery schools and providing guidance on disaster prevention education in training programs for childcare providers. kn-abstract=　近年，南海トラフ巨大地震や都市直下型地震に対する危機感が高まる中，地震防災に対する高い意識を持ち，普段から防災に関する取り組みに努めることが求められている。本研究では，子どもの命を守る保育者を目指す志望学生が，地震災害に対する意識をどのように持ち，地震防災に関する知識や理解をどの程度保持しているのかについて，その実態を明らかにすることを目的とした。保育者養成校４大学の学生に対する質問紙調査を行った結果，地震への危機意識が学年によって異なる傾向にあることや，地震防災に関する意識の高低によって，地震に対する知識や認識の違いがあることが判明した。今後，幼児教育・保育施設における避難訓練の実施や，保育者養成課程において防災教育に関する指導を検討していくことが求められる。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SATOHDaisuke en-aut-sei=SATOH en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name=佐藤大介 kn-aut-sei=佐藤 kn-aut-mei=大介 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TAKAHASHIKei en-aut-sei=TAKAHASHI en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name=髙橋慧 kn-aut-sei=髙橋 kn-aut-mei=慧 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=BABANoriko en-aut-sei=BABA en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name=馬場訓子 kn-aut-sei=馬場 kn-aut-mei=訓子 aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Health and Welfare, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare kn-affil=川崎医療福祉大学医療福祉学部 affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Childhood Education, Kurashiki Sakuyo University kn-affil=くらしき作陽大学子ども教育学部 affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院教育学域 en-keyword=地震防災 (earthquake disaster prevention) kn-keyword=地震防災 (earthquake disaster prevention) en-keyword=保育者志望学生 (students aspiring to become childcare providers) kn-keyword=保育者志望学生 (students aspiring to become childcare providers) en-keyword=意識調査 (questionnaire survey) kn-keyword=意識調査 (questionnaire survey) en-keyword=危機意識 (sense of crisis) kn-keyword=危機意識 (sense of crisis) en-keyword=地震防災教育 (education for earthquake disaster prevention) kn-keyword=地震防災教育 (education for earthquake disaster prevention) 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=20250316 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Novel pulmonary abdominal normothermic regional perfusion circuit for simultaneous in-donor evaluation and preservation of lungs and abdominal organs in donation after circulatory death en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective To overcome limitations of traditional ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) for controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) lungs, this study aimed to evaluate a novel pulmonary abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (PANRP) technique, which we uniquely designed, for in situ assessment of lungs from cDCD donors.
Methods We modified the abdominal normothermic regional perfusion circuit for simultaneous lung and abdominal organ assessment using independent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation components. Blood was oxygenated via a membrane oxygenator and returned to the body, with pulmonary flow adjusted to maintain pressure < 25 mmHg. Femoral cannulation was performed, and the lungs were ventilated with standard settings. Organ function was assessed over 2 h using PaO2/FiO2, AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr measurements to monitor perfusion and oxygen delivery.
Results PANRP maintained stable lung function, with P/F ratios above 300, and preserved abdominal organ parameters, including stable AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr levels. Adequate urine output was observed, indicating normal renal function. Pulmonary artery pressure remained < 20 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance was kept at 400 dyn・s/cm5, showing no signs of lung dysfunction or injury throughout the circuit.
Conclusions PANRP offers a promising alternative to traditional EVLP for cDCD lung evaluation, allowing in situ assessment of multiple organs simultaneously. This approach may overcome logistical and economic challenges associated with ex vivo techniques, enabling a more efficient evaluation process. Further studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability and impact on long-term outcomes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaMasashi en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UjikeHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ujike en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=RyukoTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Ryuko en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiokaYasuaki en-aut-sei=Tomioka en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 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=7 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=8 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=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Shimane University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Lung preservation kn-keyword=Lung preservation en-keyword=Donation after circulatory death kn-keyword=Donation after circulatory death en-keyword=Abdominal normothermic regional perfusion kn-keyword=Abdominal normothermic regional perfusion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=8502 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=Age-specific assessment of initial hemoglobin levels and shock index for predicting life-saving interventions in pediatric blunt liver and spleen injuries en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining initial hemoglobin levels with the shock index for predicting the need for life-saving interventions (LSI) in pediatric patients with blunt liver and spleen injuries (BLSI), specifically tailored to different age groups. This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with BLSI in Japan. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used to assess predictive accuracy. The study included 1,370 patients. LSI was required in 59 of 247 (23.9%) aged 1 to 6 years, 100 of 402 (24.9%) aged 7 to 12 years, and 125 of 297 (42.1%) patients aged 13 to 16 years. Within each specific age group, the predictability was categorized as fair and appeared higher than that of the entire cohort or when using either parameter alone. Notably, in the 1 to 6-year age group, the combined values showed the highest predictability, which was statistically superior to the shock index alone (AUROC of 0.770 vs. 0.671, P = 0.025). Tailoring initial hemoglobin levels and shock index to specific age groups enhances predictability of LSI in pediatric BLSI, showing a fair level of predictive accuracy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Yumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObaraTakafumi en-aut-sei=Obara en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HongoTakashi en-aut-sei=Hongo en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaAtsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Atsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaKohei en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuraMorihiro en-aut-sei=Katsura en-aut-mei=Morihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYutaka en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasudaHideto en-aut-sei=Yasuda en-aut-mei=Hideto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KushimotoShigeki en-aut-sei=Kushimoto en-aut-mei=Shigeki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 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=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaoAtsunori en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Atsunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=SHIPPs Study Group en-aut-sei=SHIPPs Study Group en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Okinawa Chubu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil= kn-affil= en-keyword=Abdominal injuries kn-keyword=Abdominal injuries en-keyword=Blood transfusions kn-keyword=Blood transfusions en-keyword=Hemoglobin kn-keyword=Hemoglobin en-keyword=Hemostasis kn-keyword=Hemostasis en-keyword=Shock index kn-keyword=Shock index END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=2 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=81 end-page=94 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=Building a Task Bank to Enhance Task-Supported Language Teaching : Tailoring Task Difficulty to Match Proficiency Levels of Japanese Language Learners kn-title=タスク支援型指導を支援するタスク・バンクの構築を目指して―日本語学習者の習熟度に合わせたタスクの難易度調整― en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=This paper reports on the creation and practice of using tasks for task-supported language teaching (TSLT). While focusing on TSLT, in which tasks are incorporated into the existing curriculum as a supplement, the aim is to construct a task bank to support the transition from PPP (Presentation-Practice-Production) classes to TSLT. The results of the analysis on the changes in utterances during tasks with different levels of difficulty showed that (1) the number of utterances did not increase in proportion to the number of items (elements or information) included in the task, (2) tasks with more items and higher difficulty increased the range of expressions used by Japanese learners, and (3) the goal of the task presented in the role card made it possible to predict the intention of the utterance, leading to a tendency to tolerate inaccurate utterances. kn-abstract=本稿では，タスク支援型指導（TSLT）用のタスクの作成およびタスクを用いた実践について報告する。既存のカリキュラムの中にタスクを補助的に取り入れるTSLTに着目し，PPP（Presentation-Practice-Production）授業からTSLTへの移行を支援するタスク・バンクの構築を目指し，初級日本語教科書のエクササイズをベースに，同じトピックで難易度の異なるタスクの作成を行った。難易度の違いによるタスク中の発話の変化を分析した結果，（1）発話数についてはタスクに含まれる項目数（要素や情報の数）の増加に比例して増えるわけではないこと，（2）項目数が多い難易度が高いタスクでは，日本語学習者の表現の使用幅が広がること，（3）タスクのゴールがロールカードにて提示されていることにより，発話意図の予測が可能になり，不正確な発話が許容される傾向があることが示された。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SUESHIGEMiwa en-aut-sei=SUESHIGE en-aut-mei=Miwa kn-aut-name=末繁美和 kn-aut-sei=末繁 kn-aut-mei=美和 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute for Promotion of Education and Campus Life, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学教育推進機構 en-keyword=PPP kn-keyword=PPP en-keyword=TSLT kn-keyword=TSLT en-keyword=タスク kn-keyword=タスク en-keyword=項目数 kn-keyword=項目数 en-keyword=難易度調整 kn-keyword=難易度調整 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=2 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=13 end-page=32 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=Research on Factors Promoting Study in Japan : Cases of International Students from South-East Asia kn-title=日本への留学を促進する要因に関する研究　－東南アジアからの留学生を事例として－ en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=In this study, international students from Southeast Asia were asked, 'Why did you decide to study in Japan?' and the information was collected through semi-structured interviews. The results showed that (i) international students' image of Japan, (ii) parents' image of Japan, (iii) the availability of scholarships, (iv) affordable tuition fees and living costs, and (v) the existence of a community of people from the country of origin., were found to be important. It was assumed that some of this information and image is formed by the international students' (1) satisfaction with their study destination, (2) opportunities to interact with Japanese people, (3) ease of living in Japan, (4) Japanese language level, (5) understanding of Japanese culture, etc., and is reinforced through word of mouth and the internet. Therefore, supporting the creation of these environments will create a positive image of studying in Japan and increase the number of students from Southeast Asia. kn-abstract=　本研究では、東南アジアから留学している留学生15人を対象として「なぜ日本に留学したのか？」、半構造化インタビューにより情報を収集した。その結果、(i) 留学生の日本に対するイメージ、(ii) 保護者の日本に対するイメージ、(iii) 奨学金の機会、(iv) 私費留学が可能な学費・生活費レベル、(v) 出身国コミュニティーの有無、が重要であることが分かった。これらの情報やイメージの一部は、(1) 留学先での満足度、(2) 日本人との交流機会、(3) 生活のしやすさ、(4) 留学生の日本語レベル、(5) 日本文化に対する理解等によって形成され、ロコミやインターネットを通じて強化されることが推測された。よって、上記の項目に着目し、留学生の満足度等を向上させるための環境づくりを支援していくことが、日本留学に対するプラスのイメージを作り、東南アジアからの留学生増につながっていくと考えられた。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=INAMORITakao en-aut-sei=INAMORI en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name=稲森岳央 kn-aut-sei=稲森 kn-aut-mei=岳央 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Global Human Resource Development, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学グローバル人材育成院 en-keyword=日本留学 kn-keyword=日本留学 en-keyword=留学生 kn-keyword=留学生 en-keyword=東南アジア kn-keyword=東南アジア en-keyword=ASEAN kn-keyword=ASEAN en-keyword=促進要因 kn-keyword=促進要因 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=56 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=15 end-page=33 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250321 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Survival, Creation, and Disappearance of Manufacturing Firms in the First Stage of Regional Revitalization kn-title=地方創生第１期における製造事業所の存続，発生，消失 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=　In many local municipalities, in addition to revitalizing existing businesses and creating new businesses, attracting manufacturing plants remains an important policy for regional development. Today, unlike the attraction of heavy, large-scale industries during the period of high economic growth, there is a trend to attract companies by making the most of the region's advantages. Although the job creation effect has become smaller than in the past, many manufacturing industries remain positioned as core industries in the region. During the first period of regional revitalization, we identify what manufacturing firms have disappeared, withdrawn, appeared, or survived in what regions, and analyze the factors behind those.
　Comparing manufacturing firms in 2014 and 2019, the average of value-added and the distribution of that shows that manufacturing firms that existed in both 2014 and 2019 had the highest labor productivity. The next highest was manufacturing firms that existed in 2019, and the lowest was manufacturing firms that existed in 2014 but did not exist in 2019. In addition, the results of the logit analysis suggest that manufacturing firms with high productivity and large size tend not to disappear, and that manufacturing firms with a high degree of urbanization tend to disappear. On the other hand, a regression analysis at the city/town/village level using industry concentration by industry and urban concentration measured by population size as explanatory variables showed a positive effect on the number of manufacturing firms that had been established. kn-abstract=　地方に位置する多くの自治体においては，従来からある事業所の活性化や新規事業所の誕生に加えて，製造工場の誘致は地域振興にとっていまも重要な政策となっている。今日，高度経済成長期における重厚長大型の産業の誘致とは異なり，地域優位性をできるだけ活用した企業誘致の傾向になっている。雇用創出効果は昔に比べて小さくなっているとはいえ，製造業の多くにおいて，地域の基盤産業としての位置づけは残っている。第1期の地方創生の期間で，どのような地域において，どのような製造工場が消失，撤退や出現，存続しているのかを識別し，それらの要因を分析する。
　2014年と2019年の事業所の比較において，付加価値生産性の平均と分布を見ると2014年，2019年ともに存在する事業所の労働生産性が最も高い。次いで高いのが2019年に存在する事業所で，最も低かったのが2014年には存在したが2019年には存在していない事業所であった。またロジット分析の結果から，生産性が高く事業所規模が大きいと消滅しない傾向があり，また都市化の程度が高いと消滅傾向にあることが推定された。他方，発生した製造事業所について，産業別に同業種集積と人口規模で測った都市集積を説明変数とした市町村単位の回帰分析からは正の効果が示された。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraRyohei en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name=中村良平 kn-aut-sei=中村 kn-aut-mei=良平 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=45 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=32 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250307 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Rapid development of naked malting barley germplasm through targeted mutagenesis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Covered barley (Hordeum vulgare) has historically been preferred for malting, as the husk in this plant protects the embryo during harvest and acts as a filter during brewing. Naked barley, which is typically used as food, has the potential to be used in brewing due to recent technical advances, but the grains contain higher levels of β-glucan and polyphenols, which are undesirable in brewing. Introducing the naked trait into brewing cultivars through crossing is time-consuming due to the need to eliminate these undesirable traits. In this study, we rapidly developed naked barley that is potentially suitable for malting by introducing targeted mutations into Nudum (NUD) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis. The doubled haploid line ‘DH120366’, which was used as the parental line, was derived from a cross between two covered malting barley cultivars. We generated CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenized barley harboring mutations in NUD via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and confirmed the presence of mosaic mutations in one individual from among 16 T0 transformants. We sowed T1 grains exhibiting the naked trait and sequenced the NUD gene in these T1 seedlings, identifying two types of mutations. Shotgun high-throughput whole-genome sequencing confirmed the absence of the transgene in at least one nud mutant line following k-mer-based analysis. Cultivation in a closed growth chamber revealed no significant differences in agronomic traits between the nud mutants and the wild type. This study demonstrates the feasibility of rapidly developing naked barley with potential use for malting and brewing by targeting only NUD via targeted mutagenesis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HisanoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Hisano en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamaokaMika en-aut-sei=Hamaoka en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MunemoriHiromi en-aut-sei=Munemori en-aut-mei=Hiromi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeFumitaka en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Fumitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MeintsBrigid en-aut-sei=Meints en-aut-mei=Brigid kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayesPatrick M. en-aut-sei=Hayes en-aut-mei=Patrick M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Center for Advanced Analysis, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University kn-affil= en-keyword=Hordeum vulgare kn-keyword=Hordeum vulgare en-keyword=Covered (hulled) kn-keyword=Covered (hulled) en-keyword=Naked (hull-less) kn-keyword=Naked (hull-less) en-keyword=Genome editing kn-keyword=Genome editing en-keyword=CRISPR/Cas9 kn-keyword=CRISPR/Cas9 en-keyword=Transformation amenability kn-keyword=Transformation amenability END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=5248 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Changes of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein could be a marker of changes of endoscopic and histologic activity of ulcerative colitis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein (LRG) is one of the serum biomarkers for disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC). We focused on the correlation between the changes of LRG and the changes of endoscopic and histologic activity of UC, in comparison to the changes of fecal calprotectin (Fcal), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Seventy-nine patients with two or more colonoscopies were enrolled, and 123 paired colonoscopies and 121 paired biopsies were examined. With regard to the change of endoscopic/histologic activity between the preceding and subsequent colonoscopy, there was improvement (n = 29/45), unchanging (n = 63/36), and worsening (n = 31/40). The correlations between the changes of marker levels and endoscopic/histologic activity were Fcal; r = 0.50/0.39 and FIT; r = 0.41/0.40, LRG; r = 0.42/0.40 and CRP; r = 0.22/0.17. Furthermore, when the correlation between the changes of LRG levels and the changes of endoscopic/histological activity was compared with those of other markers, the correlation of LRG tended to be superior to those of CRP (CRP vs. LRG; p = 0.08/0.01). LRG is equivalent to fecal markers and superior to CRP, when inferring changes in disease activity of UC based on changes in its level. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AoyamaYuki en-aut-sei=Aoyama en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasutomiEriko en-aut-sei=Yasutomi en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiKeiko en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyosawaJunki en-aut-sei=Toyosawa en-aut-mei=Junki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 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=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoJun en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 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=14 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=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Ulcerative colitis kn-keyword=Ulcerative colitis en-keyword=Leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein kn-keyword=Leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein en-keyword=Biomarker kn-keyword=Biomarker END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=7 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1543543 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250225 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Empowering pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer utilizing generative AI chatbots to reduce psychological burden and enhance treatment engagement: a pilot study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancer patients face profound psychological challenges, exacerbated by limited access to continuous mental health support. While conventional therapeutic interventions often follow structured protocols, the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to provide continuous conversational support remains unexplored. This study evaluates the feasibility and impact of AI chatbots in alleviating psychological distress and enhancing treatment engagement in this vulnerable population.
Methods: Two age-appropriate AI chatbots, leveraging GPT-4, were developed to provide natural, empathetic conversations without structured therapeutic protocols. Five pediatric and AYA cancer patients participated in a two-week intervention, engaging with the chatbots via a messaging platform. Pre- and post-intervention anxiety and stress levels were self-reported, and usage patterns were analyzed to assess the chatbots' effectiveness.
Results: Four out of five participants reported significant reductions in anxiety and stress levels post-intervention. Participants engaged with the chatbot every 2-3 days, with sessions lasting approximately 10 min. All participants noted improved treatment motivation, with 80% disclosing personal concerns to the chatbot they had not shared with healthcare providers. The 24/7 availability particularly benefited patients experiencing nighttime anxiety.
Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the potential of generative AI chatbots to complement traditional mental health services by addressing unmet psychological needs in pediatric and AYA cancer patients. The findings suggest these tools can serve as accessible, continuous support systems. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these promising results. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HaseiJoe en-aut-sei=Hasei en-aut-mei=Joe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HanzawaMana en-aut-sei=Hanzawa en-aut-mei=Mana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaganoAkihito en-aut-sei=Nagano en-aut-mei=Akihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaNaoko en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Naoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaShinichirou en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Shinichirou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EndoMakoto en-aut-sei=Endo en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiMotoharu en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Motoharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaHisashi en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaHideki en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunisadaToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Kunisada en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 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=15 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=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Information and Assistive Technology Development, 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 Orthopedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=generative AI chatbot kn-keyword=generative AI chatbot en-keyword=large language model kn-keyword=large language model en-keyword=pediatric cancer kn-keyword=pediatric cancer en-keyword=adolescent and young adult (AYA) kn-keyword=adolescent and young adult (AYA) en-keyword=psychological support kn-keyword=psychological support 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= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250224 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A randomized controlled trial of conventional GVHD prophylaxis with or without teprenone for the prevention of severe acute GVHD en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Therapies that effectively suppress graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) without compromising graft-versus-leukemia/lymphoma (GVL) effects is important in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for hematopoietic malignancies. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) is a main component of teprenone, a gastric mucosal protectant commonly used in clinical practice. In preclinical models, GGA suppresses proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which are associated with GVHD as well as induces thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1), which suppresses GVHD while maintaining GVL effects. Here, we investigated whether the addition of teprenone to standard GVHD prophylaxis could reduce the cumulative incidence of severe acute GVHD (aGVHD) without attenuating GVL effects. This open-label, randomized clinical trial enrolled 40 patients (21 control and 19 teprenone group) who received allo-HSCT between May 2022 and February 2023 in our institution. Patients in the teprenone group received 50 mg of teprenone orally thrice daily for 21 days from the initiation of the conditioning regimen. The cumulative incidence of severe aGVHD by day 100 after allo-HSCT was not significantly different in the two groups (27.9 vs. 16.1%, p = 0.25). The exploratory studies revealed no obvious changes in Trx-1 levels, but the alternations from baseline in IL-1β and TNF-α levels at day 28 after allo-HSCT tended to be lower in the teprenone group. In conclusion, we could not demonstrate that teprenone significantly prevented the development of severe aGVHD. Discrepancy with preclinical model suggests that appropriate dose of teprenone may be necessary to induce the expression of antioxidant enzymes that suppress severe aGVHD. Clinical Trial Registration number:jRCTs 061210072. 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=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=TsugeMitsuru en-aut-sei=Tsuge en-aut-mei=Mitsuru 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=KobayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamoiChihiro en-aut-sei=Kamoi en-aut-mei=Chihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoAkira en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoTakumi en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SeikeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Seike en-aut-mei=Keisuke 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=MatsuokaKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 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=14 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=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Acute Diseases, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of 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=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation kn-keyword=Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation en-keyword=Graft-versus-host disease kn-keyword=Graft-versus-host disease en-keyword=Teprenone kn-keyword=Teprenone en-keyword=Oxidative stress kn-keyword=Oxidative stress en-keyword=Interleukin-33 kn-keyword=Interleukin-33 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=61 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250129 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Study of Podoplanin-Deficient Mouse Bone with Mechanical Stress en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: We investigated morphological differences in osteocyte processes between aged mice and our original podoplanin-conditional knockout (cKO) mice in which the floxed exon 3 of podoplanin was deleted by Dmp-1-driven Cre (Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ). Methods: SEM observation on osteocyte cell process, histochemistry for bone remodeling with mechanostress, and RT-PCR for RANKL and M-CSF in podoplanin cKO mouse bone with mechanostress was investigated. Results: SEM observations showed fewer and thinner osteocyte processes in femurs from 23-week-old Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice than from 23-week-old wild-type mice, while the numbers of osteocyte processes in femurs and calvarias were similar in 23-week-old Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice and 48-week-old wild-type mice. Furthermore, cell process numbers in femurs and calvarias were significantly smaller in 23-week-old Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice than in 48-week-old wild-type mice. In the test for differences in alveolar bone resorption under mechanical stress between Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ and wild-type mice, the area of TRAP-positive resorption pits was larger in wild-type mice than in Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice. In a quantitative tissue PCR analysis, the mRNA expression levels of RANKL and M-CSF in alveolar bone under mechanical stress were significantly lower in Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice than in wild-type mice. These results suggest that a reduction in cell process formation in osteocytes with podoplanin cKO affected the absorption of alveolar bone under mechanical stress in Dmp1-Cre;PdpnΔ/Δ mice. Conclusions: In podoplanin-deficient bone, the deformation of osteocyte processes by mechanical stimuli is not recognized as a stress due to the lower number of cell processes with podoplanin deficiency; therefore, the production of osteoclast migration/differentiation factors by activated osteocytes is not fully induced and macrophage migration to alveolar bone with mechanical stress appeared to be suppressed. These results indicate that podoplanin-dependent osteocyte process formation indirectly plays a key role in sensing mechanical stress in bone. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KanaiTakenori en-aut-sei=Kanai en-aut-mei=Takenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OsawaKyoko en-aut-sei=Osawa en-aut-mei=Kyoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiwaraKoichiro en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawaYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Sawa en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Growth & Development, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Function & Anatomy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=podoplanin kn-keyword=podoplanin en-keyword=cKO kn-keyword=cKO en-keyword=osteocyte kn-keyword=osteocyte en-keyword=bone kn-keyword=bone en-keyword=remodeling kn-keyword=remodeling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=267 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250122 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Abnormal Expression of Tubular SGLT2 and GULT2 in Diabetes Model Mice with Malocclusion-Induced Hyperglycemia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: A relationship between malocclusion and the promotion of diabetes has been suggested. In hyperglycemia, the expression of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and the facilitative glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) is upregulated in proximal tubular cells, leading to an increase in renal glucose reabsorption. The present study aimed to investigate whether malocclusion contributes to diabetic exacerbation. Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice with malocclusion due to cutting molars were investigated based on increased blood glucose levels. PCR and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on diabetic mice kidneys to investigate the expression of SGLT2 and GLUT2. Results: Animal experiments were performed using 32 mice for 21 days. The time to reach a diabetic condition in STZ-administered mice was shorter with malocclusion than without malocclusion. The increase and mean blood glucose levels in STZ-administered mice were steeper and higher with malocclusion than without malocclusion. Urea albumin, BUN, and CRE levels were higher in diabetic mice with malocclusion than in diabetic mice without. Immunoreaction with anti-SGLT2 and anti-GLUT2 in the renal tissue of STZ-administered mice was stronger with malocclusion than without malocclusion. The amounts of SGLT2 and GLUT2 mRNA in the renal tissue in STZ-administered mice were higher with malocclusion than without malocclusion. The amounts of TNF-a and IL-6 mRNA in the large intestinal tissue in STZ-administered mice were higher with malocclusion than without malocclusion. Conclusions: Our results indicate that malocclusion accelerates the tubular expression of SGLT2 and GLUT2 under hyperglycemia. Malocclusion may be a diabetes-exacerbating factor with increased poor glycemic control due to shortened occlusion time resulting from swallowing food without chewing. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KajiwaraKoichiro en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamaokiSachio en-aut-sei=Tamaoki en-aut-mei=Sachio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawaYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Sawa en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Growth & Development, Fukuoka Dental College kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Growth & Development, Fukuoka Dental College kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Function & Anatomy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=malocclusion kn-keyword=malocclusion en-keyword= hyperglycemia kn-keyword= hyperglycemia en-keyword= SGLT2 kn-keyword= SGLT2 en-keyword= GLUT2 kn-keyword= GLUT2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=60 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Significance of Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Endothelial Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Under Statin Therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Vascular endothelial function plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key therapy for preventing coronary artery disease (CAD), but the role of omega-3 fatty acids as residual risk factors of CAD remains controversial. We studied the correlation between serum omega-3 fatty acid levels and endothelial function in patients with CAD receiving statin therapy and examined the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) therapy on endothelial function. Methods: A total of 150 consecutive patients with CAD receiving statin therapy (LDL-C levels < 100 mg/dL) were enrolled. Serum omega-3 fatty acid levels were measured, and endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Subsequently, 65 patients with impaired FMD (<6%) and low EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) (<0.3) were administered EPA, and FMD was reassessed after 3 months. Results: A multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA plus DHA levels were independent determinants of %FMD (β = 0.214 and 0.163, p < 0.05, respectively). The EPA therapy significantly improved %FMD (from 3.7 ± 1.0% to 4.1 ± 1.0%, p < 0.05) in patients with low EPA/AA, and especially in patients with low EPA/AA and high triglyceride levels (from 3.4 ± 1.0% to 4.0 ± 1.1%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Serum omega-3 fatty acid levels were associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with CAD receiving statin therapy. EPA therapy improves endothelial function in patients with low EPA/AA, especially those with low EPA/AA and high triglycerides. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YunokiKei en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuboMotoki en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Motoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataYoshiki en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Yoshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Minamino Cardiovascular Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=coronary artery disease kn-keyword=coronary artery disease en-keyword=endothelial function kn-keyword=endothelial function en-keyword=eicosapentaenoic acid kn-keyword=eicosapentaenoic acid en-keyword=residual risk factor kn-keyword=residual risk factor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=2 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241225 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhancing Campus Environment: Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring Through IoT and Web Technologies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, enhancing campus environments through mitigations of air pollutions is an essential endeavor to support academic achievements, health, and safety of students and staffs in higher educational institutes. In laboratories, pollutants from welding, auto repairs, or chemical experiments can drastically degrade the air quality in the campus, endangering the respiratory and cognitive health of students and staffs. Besides, in universities in Indonesia, automobile emissions of harmful substances such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and hydrocarbon (HC) have been a serious problem for a long time. Almost everybody is using a motorbike or a car every day in daily life, while the number of students is continuously increasing. However, people in many campuses including managements do not be aware these problems, since air quality is not monitored. In this paper, we present a real-time air quality monitoring system utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) integrated sensors capable of detecting pollutants and measuring environmental conditions to visualize them. By transmitting data to the SEMAR IoT application server platform via an ESP32 microcontroller, this system provides instant alerts through a web application and Telegram notifications when pollutant levels exceed safe thresholds. For evaluations of the proposed system, we adopted three sensors to measure the levels of CO, NO2, and HC and conducted experiments in three sites, namely, Mechatronics Laboratory, Power and Emission Laboratory, and Parking Lot, at the State Polytechnic of Malang, Indonesia. Then, the results reveal Good, Unhealthy, and Dangerous for them, respectively, among the five categories defined by the Indonesian government. The system highlighted its ability to monitor air quality fluctuations, trigger warnings of hazardous conditions, and inform the campus community. The correlation of the sensor levels can identify the relationship of each pollutant, which provides insight into the characteristics of pollutants in a particular scenario. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RahmadaniAlfiandi Aulia en-aut-sei=Rahmadani en-aut-mei=Alfiandi Aulia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SyaifudinYan Watequlis en-aut-sei=Syaifudin en-aut-mei=Yan Watequlis kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SetiawanBudhy en-aut-sei=Setiawan en-aut-mei=Budhy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Information Technology, State Polytechnic of Malang kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Internet of Things kn-keyword=Internet of Things en-keyword= campus air quality kn-keyword= campus air quality en-keyword= pollutant detection kn-keyword= pollutant detection en-keyword= SEMAR kn-keyword= SEMAR en-keyword= sensor technology kn-keyword= sensor technology en-keyword= web application kn-keyword= web application 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=20250217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease: investigating comprehensive clinicopathological features and risk factors for recurrence en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aims: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare disease that typically manifests with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Little is known about the risk factors associated with recurrence and their correlation with clinicopathologic features.
Methods and Results: We analysed 112 patients with KFD, predominantly female (61/112, 54.5%), with an average age of 29.4 years. The incidence was higher in males up to the age of 20 and higher in females from their 30s onwards. Of the 70 patients with follow-up data, 23% experienced recurrence. Recurrence was associated with lower C4 levels (P = 0.038) and higher antinuclear antibody (ANA) rates (P = 0.007) compared to transient disease. The mean duration of symptoms was 71.5 days. Lymph node histology in 98 cases (excluding 14 needle biopsy specimens) was classified into three patterns: proliferative (n = 75, 77%), necrotizing (n = 22, 22%), and xanthomatous (n = 1, 1%). The necrotizing pattern associated with significantly enlarged lymph nodes (P = 0.047) and a longer symptom duration (P = 0.009) than the proliferating pattern. The number of CD4-positive lymphocytes was significantly lower in the necrotizing type than in the proliferative type (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: These results indicated that low C4 levels and positive ANA were associated with KFD recurrence. Although the aetiology of KFD remains elusive, given that some cases develop autoimmune disease, the results suggest that patients with recurrent KFD represent an intermediate status between those with transient KFD and those with overt autoimmune disease. The comprehensive clinicopathological findings of this study may be useful for elucidating its pathogenesis and predicting the clinical course. en-copyright= kn-copyright= 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=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaoChikako en-aut-sei=Sakao en-aut-mei=Chikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurokawaYuka en-aut-sei=Kurokawa en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=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=YamamotoHidetaka en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hidetaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health 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 Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis kn-keyword=histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis en-keyword=histological subtypes kn-keyword=histological subtypes en-keyword=Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease kn-keyword=Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease en-keyword=necrotizing type kn-keyword=necrotizing type en-keyword=proliferating type kn-keyword=proliferating type en-keyword=recurrent kn-keyword=recurrent en-keyword=xanthomatous type kn-keyword=xanthomatous type END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=817 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250126 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Interrelationships Between Plasma Levels of Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Prolonged Symptoms Due to Long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: Evidence for the usefulness of biomarkers that aid in diagnosis, assessment of severity, and prediction of prognosis in patients with long COVID is limited. The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in long COVID. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients who visited the COVID-19 aftercare outpatient clinic at Okayama University Hospital from February 2021 to April 2024. Results: A total of 428 patients were enrolled in this study, and the patients were divided into a group with normal BNP (n = 314, <= 18.4 pg/mL) and a group with increased BNP (n = 114, >18.4 pg/mL). The long COVID group with increased BNP had a higher proportion of females (44.3% vs. 73.7%, p < 0.01) and an older median age (38 vs. 51 years, p < 0.01). Fatigue and brain fog were commonly manifested in both groups, while dyspnea was a more frequent complaint in the group with increased BNP. Various symptoms including fatigue, palpitations, and taste and/or olfactory disorders were associated with elevated BNP (23 to 24 pg/mL). Memory impairment was also linked to higher BNP (OR: 2.36, p = 0.05). In long COVID patients, plasma BNP elevation appears to be more pronounced in females and is often related to cardiogenic factors, in which inflammatory responses are also involved. Conclusions: Plasma BNP measurement may be useful for evaluating the severity of long COVID, especially in female patients and those with respiratory symptoms and/or memory impairment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MasudaYohei en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Yohei 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=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaseRyosuke en-aut-sei=Takase en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraDaisuke en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo 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= 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= 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=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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=brain fog kn-keyword=brain fog en-keyword=brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) kn-keyword=brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=fatigue kn-keyword=fatigue en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=memory impairment kn-keyword=memory impairment en-keyword=post-COVID-19 conditions kn-keyword=post-COVID-19 conditions 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=79 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=59 end-page=64 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202502 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Rare Case of Compression Neuritis due to Intraorbital Arteriovenous Fistula (IOAVF) Mimicking Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Intraorbital arteriovenous fistulas (IOAVFs) are rare vascular abnormalities. We describe a case of an IOAVF featuring a direct shunt between the accessory meningeal artery and the superior ophthalmic artery. A 55-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of visual impairment in her right eye, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed optic neuritis-like findings. Steroid pulse therapy temporarily resolved visual impairment. However, 1 month later, she experienced decreased visual acuity, ocular conjunctival hyperemia, edema, and a pulsatile murmur. Contrast-enhanced MRI and digital subtraction angiography revealed compression optic neuropathy due to an IOAVF. Following successful treatment with transarterial embolization, her symptoms disappeared. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MinakawaShun en-aut-sei=Minakawa en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranoMasayuki en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKazuya en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImamuraYuta en-aut-sei=Imamura en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakashi en-aut-sei=Watanabe 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 Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=intraorbital arteriovenous fistula kn-keyword=intraorbital arteriovenous fistula en-keyword=compressive optic neuropathy kn-keyword=compressive optic neuropathy en-keyword=accessory meningeal artery kn-keyword=accessory meningeal artery en-keyword=superior ophthalmic vein kn-keyword=superior ophthalmic vein END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=199 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250208 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Establishment of a rapid and quantitative method for detecting the range of infection exposure in preclinical dental education en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Backgrounds Safe dental treatments that prevent nosocomial and cross-infections are essential for patients and dental workers. However, dental students sometimes pay inadequate attention to infection control, especially in preclinical practice, because of too much focus on technical training, such as the use of equipment, etc. The spread of infections such as SARS-CoV-2, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and oral bacteria are sometimes lethal for medically compromised patients. Thus, the rapid and inexpensive detection system to detect and measure dental practice-related infection spread during preclinical treatment is highly desired for dental education. This study aimed to establish a method to quantify and visualize infected areas using dental phantoms for safe and effective preclinical dental practices.
Methods At first, we developed artificial saliva as an in vitro study, including food-derived bacteria and fluorescence dye, which is safe for application to preclinical practice education. In vitro study, the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and Lactobacillus colony numbers in yogurt was examined using the ATP fluorescent method, with colony counting on yogurt only and a mixture of yogurt and ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive hand lotion. The mixed liquid of yogurt and hand lotion was used as artificial saliva. Second, we used this artificial saliva in preclinical education. The degree of contamination of personal protective equipment and dental chairs in preclinical practice using this artificial saliva was determined using the ATP fluorescent method and measuring the luminescence areas among 10 dentists, 10 dental residents, and 10 fifth-grade dental students.
Results ATP levels and Lactobacillus colony numbers in yogurt were positively correlated with yogurt alone and a mixture of yogurt and UV-sensitive hand lotions (correlation coefficient & efDot; 1). Preclinical education using a mixture of artificial saliva successfully quantified and visualized infectious areas and droplets, which revealed significant differences in ATP amounts in personal protective equipment among groups according to years of experience as dental practitioners (p < 0.05).
Conclusions An education system for infection control constructed using artificial saliva containing Lactobacillus and a UV-sensitive fluorescent hand lotion quantified the infectious areas and degrees. Thus, this method is effective in preclinical practice using dental phantoms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UedaAyaka en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Shinoda-ItoYuki en-aut-sei=Shinoda-Ito en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Takeuchi-HatanakaKazu en-aut-sei=Takeuchi-Hatanaka en-aut-mei=Kazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoTakashi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoShintaro en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraiKimito en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Kimito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTadashi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=The Center for Graduate Medical Education (Dental Division), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Dental education kn-keyword=Dental education en-keyword=Infection control kn-keyword=Infection control en-keyword=Fluorescent dye kn-keyword=Fluorescent dye en-keyword=Adenosine triphosphate kn-keyword=Adenosine triphosphate en-keyword=Lactobacillus kn-keyword=Lactobacillus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=38 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exacerbation of diabetes due to F. Nucleatum LPS-induced SGLT2 overexpression in the renal proximal tubular epithelial cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Diabetes treatments by the control of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) is commonly conducted while there are still uncertainties about the mechanisms for the SGLT2 overexpression in kidneys with diabetes. Previously, we have reported that glomeruli and proximal tubules with diabetic nephropathy express toll-like receptor TLR2/4, and that the TLR ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of periodontal pathogens have caused nephropathy in diabetic model mice. Recently, many researchers suggested that the periodontal pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum has the TLR4-associated strong activator of the colorectal inflammation and cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of F. nucleatum as an exacerbation factor of diabetes through the renal SGLT2 induction.
Methods The induction of the SGLT2 by F. nucleatum LPS (Fn-LPS) were investigated in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse renal tissue and cultured renal proximal epithelial cells. The changes of blood glucose levels and survival curves in diabetic mice with Fn-LPS were analyzed. The Fn-LPS-induced SGLT2 production in the diabetic mouse renal tissue and in the cultured proximal epithelial cells was examined by ELISA, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analysis.
Results The SGLT2 expression in the cultured mouse tubular epithelial cells was significantly increased by TNF- or co-culture with Fn-LPS-supplemented J774.1 cells. The period to reach diabetic condition was significantly shorter in Fn-LPS-administered diabetic mice than in diabetic mice. All Fn-LPS-administered-diabetic mice reached humane endpoints during the healthy period of all of the mice administered Fn-LPS only. The promotion of the SGLT2 expression at the inner lumen of proximal tubules were stronger in the Fn-LPS-administered-diabetic mice than in diabetic mice. The renal tissue SGLT2 mRNA amounts and the number of renal proximal tubules with overexpressed SGLT2 in the lumen were more in the Fn-LPS-administered-diabetic mice than in diabetic mice.
Conclusions This study suggests that F. nucleatum causes the promotion of diabetes through the overexpression of SGLT2 in proximal tubules under the diabetic condition. Periodontitis with F. nucleatum may be a diabetic exacerbating factor. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SekiAiko en-aut-sei=Seki en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiwaraKoichiro en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeramachiJumpei en-aut-sei=Teramachi en-aut-mei=Jumpei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EgusaMasahiko en-aut-sei=Egusa en-aut-mei=Masahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyawakiTakuya en-aut-sei=Miyawaki en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawaYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Sawa en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Growth & Development, Fukuoka Dental College kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Function & Anatomy, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology & Special Care Dentistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology & Special Care Dentistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Function & Anatomy, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=F. Nucleatum kn-keyword=F. Nucleatum en-keyword=Diabetic exacerbation kn-keyword=Diabetic exacerbation en-keyword=Diabetic nephropathy kn-keyword=Diabetic nephropathy en-keyword=SGLT2 kn-keyword=SGLT2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=2486 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Nomogram models for predicting outcomes in thyroid cancer patients with distant metastasis receiving 131iodine therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to establish and validate prognostic nomogram models for patients who underwent I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer with distant metastases. The cohort was divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) sets for nomogram development. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Nomograms were developed based on these predictors, and Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for validation. Among 451 patients who were screened, 412 met the inclusion criteria and were followed-up for a median duration of 65.2 months. The training and validation sets included 288 and 124 patients, respectively. Pathological type, first I-131 administrated activity, and lesion I-131 uptake in lesions were independent predictors for PFS. For OS, predictors included gender, age, metastasis site, first I-131 administrated activity, I-131 uptake, pulmonary lesion size, and stimulated thyroglobulin levels. These predictors were used to construct nomograms for predicting PFS and OS. Low-risk patients had significantly longer PFS and OS compared to high-risk patients, with 10-year PFS rates of 81.1% vs. 51.9% and 10-year OS rates of 86.2% vs. 37.4%. These may aid individualized prognostic assessment and clinical decision-making, especially in determining the prescribed activity for the first I-131 treatment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JinShui en-aut-sei=Jin en-aut-mei=Shui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YeXuemei en-aut-sei=Ye en-aut-mei=Xuemei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YeTing en-aut-sei=Ye en-aut-mei=Ting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenXinyu en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Xinyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=JiJianfeng en-aut-sei=Ji en-aut-mei=Jianfeng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangJinyu en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jinyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhuXin en-aut-sei=Zhu en-aut-mei=Xin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaoXiaochun en-aut-sei=Mao en-aut-mei=Xiaochun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YiHeqing en-aut-sei=Yi en-aut-mei=Heqing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Medical records and statistics office, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Key Laboratory of Head and Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Thyroid Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=131iodine kn-keyword=131iodine en-keyword=Activity kn-keyword=Activity en-keyword=Distant metastasis kn-keyword=Distant metastasis en-keyword=Iodine radioisotopes kn-keyword=Iodine radioisotopes en-keyword=Thyroid cancer kn-keyword=Thyroid cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=63 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250113 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Impact of Task Context on Pleasantness and Softness Estimations: A Study Based on Three Touch Strategies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the two distinct perceptions (pleasantness and softness) of deformable stimuli with different degrees of compliance under conditions with and without a contextual task. Three tactile strategies-grasping, pinching, and pressing-were used to perceive the stimuli. In Experiment 1 (without a contextual task), participants estimated the perceived intensity of softness or pleasantness for each stimulus. In Experiment 2 (with a contextual task), the participants sequentially perceived two stimuli with different compliance levels and indicated which stimulus they perceived as softer and pleasant. The results showed that the psychophysical relationship between compliance and perceived softness was consistent across all tactile strategies in both experiments, with softness estimates increasing as compliance increased. However, the relationship between compliance and pleasantness differed between the two experiments. In Experiment 1, pleasantness estimates increased monotonically with increased compliance. However, in Experiment 2, across all tactile strategies, pleasantness began to decrease within the compliance range of 0.25-2.0 cm2/N, exhibiting an inverted U-shaped trend. These findings indicate that the relationship between compliance and pleasantness is task-dependent, particularly demonstrating significantly different trends when a contextual task is introduced. In contrast, the relationship between compliance and softness remained consistently monotonic. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GaoBinyue en-aut-sei=Gao en-aut-mei=Binyue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuYinghua en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Yinghua kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjimaYoshimichi en-aut-sei=Ejima en-aut-mei=Yoshimichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WuJinglong en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Jinglong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangJiajia en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Jiajia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=pleasantness kn-keyword=pleasantness en-keyword=softness kn-keyword=softness en-keyword=touch strategy kn-keyword=touch strategy en-keyword=task context kn-keyword=task context en-keyword=psychophysics kn-keyword=psychophysics 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=20241224 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The perception of plastic waste and composition of boathouse waste in floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Villagers living on Tonlé Sap (TS) Lake have low incomes and no access to basic public services, such as waste management, domestic water, electricity, and health care. Knowledge of the villagers’ perceptions and the composition of the waste from their boathouses will contribute to constructing a waste collection system with community participation within the framework of waste prevention and reduction. This study surveyed residents living in boathouses in four floating villages on TS Lake, Cambodia, regarding their perceptions and boathouse waste composition to assess the status of plastic waste and the villagers’ environmental awareness and their willingness to participate in waste collection. The household waste survey sought to clarify the amount of plastic waste and other recyclable waste discharged from floating houses. The perception survey revealed that in the wet season, 36% of respondents disposed of plastic waste by open burning/dumping and 40% by discharge into TS Lake; in the dry season, 76% disposed of waste by open burning/dumping, and only 4% discharged waste into TS Lake. An analysis of the boathouse plastic waste composition showed that residents of the floating villages generated 40.21 g plastic waste/day/capita, which was much lower than 340 g/day/capita in the USA, 120 g/day/capita in China, and even 70 g/day/capita in Cambodian on average, but higher than the 10 g/day/capita in India. This study proposes a novel and valuable framework to estimate and determine the level of awareness of people in floating villages related to plastic pollution effects and waste components from boathouses. At the same time, the research results provide an essential scientific basis to be able to develop an effective waste collection system in the area of TS Lake. The proposed framework of this study will help the policy decision-makers in the TS Lake area and those in similar geographical regions facing similar problems. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Habuer en-aut-sei=Habuer en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTakeshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=VinSpoann en-aut-sei=Vin en-aut-mei=Spoann kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChandaraPhat en-aut-sei=Chandara en-aut-mei=Phat kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukijiMakoto en-aut-sei=Tsukiji en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Environmental Management Course, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Management Program, School of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Environmental Management Course, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Management Program, School of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Economic Development, Faculty of Development Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Natural Resource Management and Development, Faculty of Development Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Environmental Management Course, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environmental Management Program, School of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Boathouse waste composition kn-keyword=Boathouse waste composition en-keyword=Cambodia kn-keyword=Cambodia en-keyword=Floating villages kn-keyword=Floating villages en-keyword=Perception survey kn-keyword=Perception survey en-keyword=Plastic waste kn-keyword=Plastic waste END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=145 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=7 end-page=14 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250101 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Precision Medicine for Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma Based on Drug-metabolizing Enzyme Expression Levels kn-title=薬物代謝酵素の発現情報を活用した腎がん治療の個別適正化 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Notable advances have recently been achieved in drug therapies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved for metastatic RCC (mRCC). The current first-line treatment for mRCC involves combination therapies using TKIs and ICIs. However, there is no consensus on which TKI+ICI therapy is best or how to select the appropriate therapy for individual patients with RCC. The kidney expresses various metabolic enzymes, including CYP and uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). Although information on CYP and UGT expression in the kidney is limited compared to our understanding of liver expression, the main CYP and UGT subtypes expressed at high levels in the kidney are estimated to be CYP2B6, CYP3A5, CYP4A11, CYP4F2, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7. In RCC, the expression profiles and levels of these enzymes are somewhat altered compared with normal kidney. The main known subtypes of CYP and UGT in RCC are CYP1B1, CYP3A5, CYP4A11, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT1A10, and UGT2B7. High CYP expression has been reported in several cancers, possibly conferring resistance to anti-cancer drugs including TKIs, due to extensive drug metabolism. Additionally, CYP and UGT expression levels may possibly affect cancer prognosis by metabolizing endogenous substrates, regardless of their role in anti-cancer drug metabolism. In this review, I discuss CYP and UGT expression level profiles in RCC based on previously published papers, including ours, and examine possible relationships between these enzyme expression profiles and treatment outcomes for patients with RCC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoJun en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name=松本准 kn-aut-sei=松本 kn-aut-mei=准 aut-affil-num=1 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=岡山大学学術研究院医歯薬学域（薬学系）疾患薬理制御科学分野 en-keyword=renal cell carcinoma (RCC) kn-keyword=renal cell carcinoma (RCC) en-keyword=kidney kn-keyword=kidney en-keyword=CYP kn-keyword=CYP en-keyword=uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase kn-keyword=uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase en-keyword=metabolism kn-keyword=metabolism 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=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=2577 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Plasma S100A8/A9 level predicts response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Blood-based predictive markers for the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have not yet been established. We investigated the association of the plasma level of S100A8/A9 with the efficacy of immunotherapy. We evaluated patients with unresectable stage III/IV or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with ICIs at Okayama University Hospital. The pre-treatment plasma levels of S100A8/A9 were analyzed. Eighty-one eligible patients were included (median age, 69 years). Sixty-two patients were men, 54 had adenocarcinoma, 74 had performance status (PS) 0–1, and 47 received ICIs as first-line treatment. The median time to treatment failure (TTF) for ICIs was 5.7 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 19.6 months. The TTF and OS were worse in patients with high plasma S100A8/A9 levels (≥ 2.475 µg/mL) (median TTF: 4.3 vs. 8.5 months, p = 0.009; median OS: 15.4 vs. 38.0 months, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that PS ≥ 2, liver metastasis, and high plasma S100A8/A9 levels were significantly associated with short TTF and OS. In conclusion, plasma S100A8/A9 level may have a limited effect on ICI therapy for NSCLC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuribayashiTadahiro en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Tadahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaRie en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 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=4 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=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=RaiKammei en-aut-sei=Rai en-aut-mei=Kammei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 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=8 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=9 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=10 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=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= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 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=14 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 Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital 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=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=S100A8/A9 kn-keyword=S100A8/A9 en-keyword=Lung cancer kn-keyword=Lung cancer en-keyword=Immune checkpoint inhibitors kn-keyword=Immune checkpoint inhibitors END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e70141 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The use of lateral wedge insoles delays osteoarthritis progression and improves clinical outcomes in medial meniscus posterior root repair en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of using a lateral wedge insole (LWI) during the first 3 months after medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) repair.
Methods: Overall, 179 patients were categorized into LWI use (LWI group, 90 patients) and nonuse (control group, 89 patients) groups. Patients in the LWI group were instructed to wear an LWI from the initiation of load bearing up to 3 months postoperatively. Medial meniscus extrusion (MME) was evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively, Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade and clinical scores were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively, and second-look arthroscopic meniscal healing scores were evaluated at 1 year postoperatively.
Results: The proportion of patients with KL grade progression at 2 years postoperatively was significantly lower in the LWI group than in the control group (23.3% vs. 39.3%; p = 0.024). Change in the MME at 1 year postoperatively was significantly smaller in the LWI group than in the control group (1.1 ± 1.2 vs. 1.6 ± 1.4 mm; p = 0.042). The Lysholm score (p = 0.003) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores-sport and recreation function (p = 0.027) at 2 years postoperatively were significantly superior in the LWI group than in the control group. The arthroscopic meniscal healing score after 1 year was not significantly different between the LWI and control groups (total score, 7.6 ± 1.1 vs. 7.4 ± 1.3 points; p = 0.732). The anteroposterior width of the repaired posterior root at 1 year second-look evaluation was significantly broader in the LWI group than in the control group (7.7 ± 1.6 vs. 6.9 ± 1.6 mm; p = 0.001).
Conclusions: The use of LWI is an effective way to delay postoperative osteoarthritis progression and improve clinical outcomes after MMPR repair.

Level of Evidence: Level III. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 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=4 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=5 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=6 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= en-keyword=healing status kn-keyword=healing status en-keyword=lateral wedge insole kn-keyword=lateral wedge insole en-keyword=meniscus extrusion kn-keyword=meniscus extrusion en-keyword=osteoarthritis kn-keyword=osteoarthritis en-keyword=posterior root tear kn-keyword=posterior root tear 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=21 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=80 end-page=90 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230627 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Antioxidant action of xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat protects the liver and blood vasculature in SHRSP5/Dmcr rats en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Xanthine oxidase (XO) generates reactive oxygen species during uric acid production. Therefore, XO inhibitors, which suppress oxidative stress, may effectively treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and atherosclerosis via uric acid reduction. In this study, we examined the antioxidant effect of the XO inhibitor febuxostat on NASH and atherosclerosis in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive 5 (SHRSP5/Dmcr) rats.
Methods: SHRSP5/Dmcr rats were divided into three groups: SHRSP5/Dmcr + high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diet [control group, n = 5], SHRSP5/Dmcr + HFC diet + 10% fructose (40 ml/day) [fructose group, n = 5], and SHRSP5/Dmcr + HFC diet + 10% fructose (40 ml/day) + febuxostat (1.0 mg/kg/day) [febuxostat group, n = 5]. Glucose and insulin resistance, blood biochemistry, histopathological staining, endothelial function, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated.
Results: Febuxostat reduced the plasma uric acid levels. Oxidative stress-related genes were downregulated, whereas antioxidant factor-related genes were upregulated in the febuxostat group compared with those in the fructose group. Febuxostat also ameliorated inflammation, fibrosis, and lipid accumulation in the liver. Mesenteric lipid deposition decreased in the arteries, and aortic endothelial function improved in the febuxostat group.
Conclusions: Overall, the XO inhibitor febuxostat exerted protective effects against NASH and atherosclerosis in SHRSP5/Dmcr rats. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KakimotoMai en-aut-sei=Kakimoto en-aut-mei=Mai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiMoe en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Moe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoIkumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ikumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HonmaKoki en-aut-sei=Honma en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaHinako en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Hinako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiriharaSora en-aut-sei=Kirihara en-aut-mei=Sora kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuokaTaketo en-aut-sei=Fukuoka en-aut-mei=Taketo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=RanShang en-aut-sei=Ran en-aut-mei=Shang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamoriKazuya en-aut-sei=Kitamori en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoShusei en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Shusei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeShogo en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Okayama University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Okayama University, Academic Field of Health Science kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Kinjo Gakuin University, College of Human Life and Environment kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Okayama University, Academic Field of Health Science kn-affil= en-keyword=Anti-inflammatory kn-keyword=Anti-inflammatory en-keyword=Atherosclerosis kn-keyword=Atherosclerosis en-keyword=Febuxostat kn-keyword=Febuxostat en-keyword=Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) kn-keyword=Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) en-keyword=Oxidative stress kn-keyword=Oxidative stress en-keyword=Uric acid kn-keyword=Uric acid END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=4878 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241211 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Implementation of Web-Based Answer Platform in the Flutter Programming Learning Assistant System Using Docker Compose en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Programming has gained significant importance worldwide as societies increasingly rely on computer application systems. To support novices in learning various programming languages, we have developed the Programming Learning Assistant System (PLAS). It offers several types of exercise problems with different learning goals and levels for step-by-step self-study. As a personal answer platform in PLAS, we have implemented a web application using Node.js and EJS for Java and Python programming. Recently, the Flutter framework with Dart programming has become popular, enabling developers to build applications for mobile, web, and desktop environments from a single codebase. Thus, we have extended PLAS by implementing the Flutter environment with Visual Studio Code to support it. Additionally, we have developed an image-based user interface (UI) testing tool to verify student source code by comparing its generated UI image with the standard one using the ORB and SIFT algorithms in OpenCV. For efficient distribution to students, we have generated Docker images of the answer platform, Flutter environment, and image-based UI testing tool. In this paper, we present the implementation of a web-based answer platform for the Flutter Programming Learning Assistant System (FPLAS) by integrating three Docker images using Docker Compose. Additionally, to capture UI images automatically, an Nginx web application server is adopted with its Docker image. For evaluations, we asked 10 graduate students at Okayama University, Japan, to install the answer platform on their PCs and solve five exercise problems. All the students successfully completed the problems, which confirms the validity and effectiveness of the proposed system. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AungLynn Htet en-aut-sei=Aung en-aut-mei=Lynn Htet kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AungSoe Thandar en-aut-sei=Aung en-aut-mei=Soe Thandar kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KyawHtoo Htoo Sandi en-aut-sei=Kyaw en-aut-mei=Htoo Htoo Sandi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaoWen-Chung en-aut-sei=Kao en-aut-mei=Wen-Chung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Computer and Information Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=Flutter kn-keyword=Flutter en-keyword=Dart kn-keyword=Dart en-keyword=answer platform kn-keyword=answer platform en-keyword=Flutter environment kn-keyword=Flutter environment en-keyword=Nginx kn-keyword=Nginx en-keyword=UI testing tool kn-keyword=UI testing tool en-keyword=Docker Compose kn-keyword=Docker Compose END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=52 article-no= start-page=35202 end-page=35213 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=Bright Quantum-Grade Fluorescent Nanodiamonds en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Optically accessible spin-active nanomaterials are promising as quantum nanosensors for probing biological samples. However, achieving bioimaging-level brightness and high-quality spin properties for these materials is challenging and hinders their application in quantum biosensing. Here, we demonstrate bright fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs) containing 0.6–1.3-ppm negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers by spin-environment engineering via enriching spin-less 12C-carbon isotopes and reducing substitutional nitrogen spin impurities. The NDs, readily introduced into cultured cells, exhibited improved optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectra; peak splitting (E) was reduced by 2–3 MHz, and microwave excitation power required was 20 times lower to achieve a 3% ODMR contrast, comparable to that of conventional type-Ib NDs. They show average spin-relaxation times of T1 = 0.68 ms and T2 = 3.2 μs (1.6 ms and 5.4 μs maximum) that were 5- and 11-fold longer than those of type-Ib, respectively. Additionally, the extended T2 relaxation times of these NDs enable shot-noise-limited temperature measurements with a sensitivity of approximately 0.28K/√Hz. The combination of bulk-like NV spin properties and enhanced fluorescence significantly improves the sensitivity of ND-based quantum sensors for biological applications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OshimiKeisuke en-aut-sei=Oshimi en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiwataHitoshi en-aut-sei=Ishiwata en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaHiromu en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Hiromu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MandićSara en-aut-sei=Mandić en-aut-mei=Sara kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHina en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeramotoMinori en-aut-sei=Teramoto en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishibayashiYoshiki en-aut-sei=Nishibayashi en-aut-mei=Yoshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=AnToshu en-aut-sei=An en-aut-mei=Toshu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Life, Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Institute for Quantum Life Science (iQLS) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Life, Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Life, Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Life, Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Advanced Materials Laboratory, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Life, Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=nanodiamonds kn-keyword=nanodiamonds en-keyword=nitrogen-vacancy centers kn-keyword=nitrogen-vacancy centers en-keyword=spins kn-keyword=spins en-keyword=spin-relaxation times kn-keyword=spin-relaxation times en-keyword=quantum biosensor kn-keyword=quantum biosensor en-keyword=cellular probes kn-keyword=cellular probes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=74 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241215 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Case series showing the safety and changes in lipid profiles of hemodialysis patients with hypertriglyceridemia after pemafibrate administration en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Dyslipidemia is a key focus of cardiovascular therapy and is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia mainly caused by lipoprotein lipase-mediated metabolism of ApoC-III in patients with ESRD. Pemafbrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha modulator, can be used regardless of renal function and inhibit ApoC-III expression in the liver.
Case presentation We reported the cases of four patients on hemodialysis who met at least 175 mg/dL of triglycerides on the consecutive three tests between September 2022 and November 2022 and took 0.1 mg pemafbrate twice a day from November 2022 to May 2023. They experienced no adverse events after pemafbrate treatment. Pemafbrate signifcantly reduced triglyceride (TG) (302±72 to 140±50 mg/dL, p=0.048), total cholesterol (187±34 to 156±48 mg/dL, p=0.025), and Apo C-III (15.9±8.2 to 12.6±7.1, p=0.030) levels. Apo A-II levels signifcantly increased after treatment (27.0±6.1 to 37.1±5.8, p=0.041).
Conclusions Pemafbrate decreased TG, total cholesterol, and Apo-CIII and increased Apo A-II without adverse events. Further study is needed to examine the favorable efects of pemafbrate on the risk of CVD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkadaRino en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Rino kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiNaoya en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaTomohisa en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Tomohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakurabuYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Sakurabu en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojimaIchiro en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorinagaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morinaga en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 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=10 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=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama Saidaiji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Okayama Saidaiji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Okayama Saidaiji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Okayama Saidaiji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Hemodialysis kn-keyword=Hemodialysis en-keyword=Dyslipidemia kn-keyword=Dyslipidemia en-keyword=Apolipoprotein kn-keyword=Apolipoprotein en-keyword=Pemafibrate kn-keyword=Pemafibrate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1439705 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241211 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=HOMA-beta independently predicts survival in patients with advanced cancer on treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective cancer drugs, ICI-induced diabetes is a rare but a life-threatening adverse event for patients. The deleterious action of ICI on pancreatic beta-cell function is a concern. However, the influence of ICI on insulin synthesis and secretion in patients with cancer without diabetes remains unknown.
Methods: This study included 87 patients diagnosed with advanced cancer. Glucose metabolism markers (HbA1c, HOMA-IR) and indicators of insulin secretory capacity (HOMA-beta, C-peptide) were prospectively evaluated in patients with ICI-treated cancers to determine their association with cancer prognosis.
Results: Patients with overall survival (OS) >= 7 months had substantially higher HOMA-beta levels at baseline (p=0.008) and 1 month after ICI administration (p=0.006) compared to those with OS <7 months. The median OS was significantly longer in patients with HOMA-beta >= 64.24 (13 months, 95%CI: 5.849-20.151, 37 events) than in those with HOMA-beta < 64.24 (5 months, 95%CI: 3.280-6.720, 50 events) (p=0.013). Further, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in patients with HOMA-beta >= 66.43 (4 months, 95%CI: 3.073-4.927, 33 events) than in those with HOMA-beta < 66.43 (2 months, 95%CI: 1.410-2.590, 54 events) (p=0.025). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a HOMA-beta value >= 64.24 independently predicted longer OS in ICI-treated patients.
Conclusions: Pre-ICI HOMA-beta level is linked to longer OS in ICI-treated patients. This connection is significant and shows that insulin secretory capacity may predict ICI efficacy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeMayu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EguchiJun en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakamotoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Takamoto en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiHiromitsu en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Hiromitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaYohei en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaSyunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Syunsuke 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 Urology, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Fukuyama City Hospital 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 Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitors kn-keyword=anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitors en-keyword= insulin secretory capacity kn-keyword= insulin secretory capacity en-keyword= cancer prognosis kn-keyword= cancer prognosis en-keyword= insulin secretion kn-keyword= insulin secretion en-keyword= glucose metabolism markers kn-keyword= glucose metabolism markers END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=7078 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241123 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Characteristics of Persistent Hypophosphatasemia Uncovered in Adult Patients: A Retrospective Study at a Japanese Tertiary Hospital en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Hypophosphatasemia is often overlooked despite its potential to indicate underlying pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of persistent hypophosphatasemia in a large, urban, multi-specialty hospital population and characterize the clinical and laboratory findings in adult patients with this condition. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, the results of 424,434 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) tests in 50,136 patients aged >= 18 years that were performed at Okayama University Hospital between July 2020 and October 2023 were analyzed. Persistent hypophosphatasemia was defined as consistently low ALP levels (<= 40 IU/L) for 28 days with a minimum recorded level of <= 35 IU/L. Results: Persistent hypophosphatasemia was detected in 273 patients (0.54% of the tested patients), and the patients with persistent hypophosphatasemia included a higher proportion of females (72.5% vs. 52.9% in the people without persistent hypophosphatasemia; chi-squared test, p < 0.01) and had a younger median age (51 years vs. 63 years; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.01) than those in the overall tested population. The common causes of persistent hypophosphatasemia were cancer (30%), glucocorticoid use (21%), and immunosuppressants (16%). Notably, 38 patients (14%) had no apparent cause for low ALP values. These patients were categorized on the basis of their clinical characteristics, with some patients presenting symptoms potentially related to adult hypophosphatasia. Conclusions: This study provides prevalence and insights into the causes and characteristics of persistent hypophosphatasemia in a Japanese tertiary care setting. While most cases were associated with known causes, patients with unexplained hypophosphatasemia and symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle weakness, and general fatigue could have adult hypophosphatasia. In such cases, comprehensive evaluation and further investigation for hypophosphatasia should be considered. Persistent hypophosphatasemia of undetermined etiology could be a crucial initial step in diagnostic algorithms for this condition. 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=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=FurukawaMasanori en-aut-sei=Furukawa en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=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 Laboratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Laboratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital 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=chronic fatigue syndrome kn-keyword=chronic fatigue syndrome en-keyword=chronic pain kn-keyword=chronic pain en-keyword=hypophosphatasemia kn-keyword=hypophosphatasemia en-keyword=alkaline phosphatase kn-keyword=alkaline phosphatase en-keyword=hypophosphatasia kn-keyword=hypophosphatasia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=103 cd-vols= no-issue=50 article-no= start-page=e40849 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241213 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relevance of oxidative stress for small intestinal injuries induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: A multicenter prospective study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Several reports revealed that oxidative stress was involved in the mouse model of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs)-induced small intestinal mucosal injuries. Thus, we aimed to investigate in the prospective clinical study, that the relevance of oxidative stress balance in small intestinal mucosal injury in NSAIDs users. We prospectively included 60 patients who had been taking NSAIDs continuously for more than 3 months and exhibited obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (number UMIN 000011775). Small intestinal mucosal injuries were assessed by capsule endoscopy (CE), and reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) levels and oxidant capacity (OXY) adsorbent test were performed to investigate the relevance of oxidative stress balance. More than half of the patients (N = 32, 53%) had small intestinal mucosal injuries by CE, and 14 patients (24%) had ulcers. The incidence of ulcers was relatively higher in nonaspirin users. Serum OXY levels were significantly lower in the mucosal injury group (P = .02), and d-ROM levels were significantly higher in the ulcer group (P < .01). In aspirin users, d-ROM and OXY levels did not differ significantly with respect to mucosal injuries or ulcers. However, in nonaspirin users, OXY level was significantly lower in the mucosal injury group (P = .04), and d-ROM levels were significantly higher in the ulcer group (P = .02). Nonaspirin NSAIDs-induced intestinal mucosal injury is associated with antioxidant systems, resulting in increased oxidative stress. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BabaYuki en-aut-sei=Baba en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoSeiji en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakakiAkinobu en-aut-sei=Takaki en-aut-mei=Akinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoYoshiyasu en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Yoshiyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriiJoichiro en-aut-sei=Horii en-aut-mei=Joichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiSakuma en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Sakuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiSayo en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Sayo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=capsule endoscopy kn-keyword=capsule endoscopy en-keyword=NSAIDs kn-keyword=NSAIDs en-keyword=oxidative stress kn-keyword=oxidative stress en-keyword=small intestinal mucosal injury kn-keyword=small intestinal mucosal injury END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=789 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Yoga Pose Difficulty Level Estimation Method Using OpenPose for Self-Practice System to Yoga Beginners en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Yoga is an exercise preferable for various users at different ages to enhance physical and mental health. To help beginner yoga self-practitioners avoid getting injured by selecting difficult yoga poses, the information of the difficulty level of yoga poses is very important to provide an objective metric to assist yoga self-practitioners in selecting appropriate exercises on the basis of their skill level by using the yoga self-practice system. To enhance the developed yoga self-practice system, the yoga difficulty level estimation function will enable users to clearly understand whether the selected yoga poses are suitable for them. In this paper, the newest difficulty level estimation method of yoga poses is proposed by using and analyzing OpenPose two-dimensional (2D) human body keypoints. The proposed method effectively uses the selected six keypoints areas of the upper and lower body, body support types, center of gravity calculations, and body tilt angles and slopes to produce estimations. Firstly, the method calculates the weighted centers of the upper and lower human body for each pose by using keypoints. Secondly, it refers the slope of the centroid line between the two centers and infers the body's balance state. Lastly, the system estimates the difficulty level by additionally considering the keypoints of the body to contact the ground. For evaluations of the proposal, more than one hundred yoga poses are collected from the Internet and applied to classify them into five difficulty levels. Through comparisons with subjective levels from one instructor and 10 users, the validity of the estimation results is confirmed, a comparison is performed with existing designs, and it is implemented in embedded systems. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShihCheng-Liang en-aut-sei=Shih en-aut-mei=Cheng-Liang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuJun-You en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Jun-You kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AnggrainiIrin Tri en-aut-sei=Anggraini en-aut-mei=Irin Tri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=XiaoYanqi en-aut-sei=Xiao en-aut-mei=Yanqi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FanChih-Peng en-aut-sei=Fan en-aut-mei=Chih-Peng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University kn-affil= en-keyword=yoga kn-keyword=yoga en-keyword=self-practice kn-keyword=self-practice en-keyword=OpenPose kn-keyword=OpenPose en-keyword=pose difficulty level kn-keyword=pose difficulty level en-keyword=body keypoint kn-keyword=body keypoint 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=4 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=100105 end-page= 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=Capturing chronological variation in L2 speech through lexical measurements and regression analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aims to bridge gaps in current research by analyzing a longitudinal spoken learner corpus of low-proficiency English learners. We investigated the chronological variation in lexical measurements in second language (L2) speaking production, focusing on data from 104 low-proficiency learners elicited eight times over 23 months. Our findings show that measures such as the number of different words and type-token ratio are effective indicators of L2 speaking development, whereas the use of sophisticated vocabulary was not significantly correlated with learning duration. These results suggest that in the early stages of L2 acquisition, speaking skills are influenced primarily by lexical variation. This finding underscores the importance of lexical variation as a key factor in novice-level L2 speaking proficiency. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AbeMariko en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Mariko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiYuichiro en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYusuke en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yusuke 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=Nihon University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Waseda University kn-affil= en-keyword=Longitudinal learner corpus kn-keyword=Longitudinal learner corpus en-keyword=Second language speaking kn-keyword=Second language speaking en-keyword=Low-proficiency learner kn-keyword=Low-proficiency learner en-keyword=Automatic analyzer kn-keyword=Automatic analyzer en-keyword=Regression analysis kn-keyword=Regression analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=249 end-page=260 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241005 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Loss of Nr4a1 ameliorates endothelial cell injury and vascular leakage in lung transplantation from circulatory-death donor en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) stands as a major trigger for primary graft dysfunction (PGD) in lung transplantation (LTx). Especially in LTx from donation after cardiac death (DCD), effective control of IRI following warm ischemia (WIRI) is crucial to prevent PGD. This study aimed to identify the key factors affecting WIRI in LTx from DCD.
Methods: Previously reported RNA-sequencing dataset of lung WIRI was reanalyzed to identify nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) as the immediate early gene for WIRI. Dynamics of NR4A1 expression were verified using a mouse hilar clamp model. To investigate the role of NR4A1 in WIRI, a mouse model of LTx from DCD was established using Nr4a1 knockout (Nr4a1−/−) mice.
Results: NR4A1 was located around vascular cells, and its protein levels in the lungs increased rapidly and transiently during WIRI. LTｘ from Nr4a1−/− donors significantly improved pulmonary graft function compared to wild-type donors. Histological analysis showed decreased microvascular endothelial cell death, neutrophil infiltration, and albumin leakage. Evans blue permeability assay demonstrated maintained pulmonary microvascular barrier integrity in grafts from Nr4a1−/− donors, correlating with diminished pulmonary edema. However, NR4A1 did not significantly affect the inflammatory response during WIRI, and IRI was not suppressed when a wild-type donor lung was transplanted into the Nr4a1−/− recipient.
Conclusions: Donor NR4A1 plays a specialized role in the positive regulation of endothelial cell injury and microvascular hyperpermeability. These findings demonstrate the potential of targeting NR4A1 interventions to alleviate PGD and improve outcomes in LTx from DCD. 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=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaueTomohisa en-aut-sei=Sakaue en-aut-mei=Tomohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataKentaro en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=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=OhtaniShinji en-aut-sei=Ohtani 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=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 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=13 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 Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine 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 Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University 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 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 Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, 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 Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 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=ischemia-reperfusion injury kn-keyword=ischemia-reperfusion injury en-keyword=donation after circulatory death kn-keyword=donation after circulatory death en-keyword=nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 kn-keyword=nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 en-keyword=endothelial cell kn-keyword=endothelial cell 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=18 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=769 end-page=774 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230519 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Review: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to regulate important brain activity—what occurs at the molecular level? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Herein, we briefly review the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in regulating important brain activity by controlled release of acetylcholine from subcortical neuron groups, focusing on a microscopic viewpoint and considering the nonlinear dynamics of biological macromolecules associated with neuron activity and how they give rise to advanced brain functions of brain. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NaraShigetoshi en-aut-sei=Nara en-aut-mei=Shigetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamagutiYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamaguti en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsudaIchiro en-aut-sei=Tsuda en-aut-mei=Ichiro 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=Faculty of Information Engineering, Fukuoka Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Chubu University Academy of Emerging Sciences/Center for Mathematical Science and Artificial Intelligence, Chubu University kn-affil= en-keyword=Neuromodulator kn-keyword=Neuromodulator en-keyword=Nichotinic kn-keyword=Nichotinic en-keyword=Acetylcholine kn-keyword=Acetylcholine en-keyword=Receptors kn-keyword=Receptors en-keyword=Brain activity kn-keyword=Brain activity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=33 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=213 end-page=218 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=β-catenin Binds to Gsk-3β in Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Compartment in HEK293 Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has emerged as a significant mechanism for cellular organization, impacting various biological processes, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This study investigates the role of LLPS in the regulation of β-catenin in HEK293 cells, particularly in response to Wnt3a signaling. Our findings demonstrate that β-catenin is regulated by LLPS, forming spherical droplets indicative of this phenomenon. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays revealed that these droplets exhibit reversible dynamics, further confirming their phase-separated nature. Importantly, treatment with Wnt3a led to an increase in β-catenin levels, while simultaneously reducing the recovery of fluorescence intensity in FRAP experiments, suggesting that enhanced Wnt signaling may stimulate the release of β-catenin from LLPS. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that β-catenin binds to glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk-3β) within the LLPS state, highlighting a potential regulatory mechanism whereby LLPS facilitates the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of β-catenin. The addition of 1,6-hexanediol disrupted the β-catenin/Gsk-3β interaction, reinforcing the idea that LLPS plays a critical role in modulating these biochemical interactions. The findings presented in this study suggest that LLPS is not only crucial for the spatial organization of β-catenin but also serves as a regulatory mechanism for its signaling functions in the Wnt pathway. Given the association of aberrant Wnt signaling with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, understanding the role of LLPS in this context may provide new insights into therapeutic strategies targeting these pathological conditions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatoMari en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanaiAiri en-aut-sei=Tanai en-aut-mei=Airi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaYoko en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhengXinyu en-aut-sei=Zheng en-aut-mei=Xinyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SitosariHeriati en-aut-sei=Sitosari en-aut-mei=Heriati kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTadashi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkegameMika en-aut-sei=Ikegame en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraHirohiko en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Hirohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=The Center for Graduate Medical Education (Dental Division), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=β-catenin kn-keyword=β-catenin en-keyword=Gsk-3β kn-keyword=Gsk-3β en-keyword=LLPS kn-keyword=LLPS en-keyword=Wnt kn-keyword=Wnt END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=e0315385 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Phase-dependent trends in the prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) related to long COVID: A criteria-based retrospective study in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background
The characteristics of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) related to COVID-19 have remained uncertain. To elucidate the clinical trend of ME/CFS induced by long COVID, we examined data for patients who visited our outpatient clinic established in a university hospital during the period from Feb 2021 to July 2023.

Methods
Long COVID patients were classified into two groups, an ME/CFS group and a non-ME/CFS group, based on three diagnostic criteria.

Results
The prevalence of ME/CFS in the long COVID patients was 8.4% (62 of 739 cases; female: 51.6%) and factors related to ME/CFS were severe illness, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, and fewer vaccinations. The frequency of ME/CFS decreased from 23.9% in the Preceding period to 13.7% in the Delta-dominant period and to 3.3% in the Omicron-dominant period. Fatigue and headache were commonly frequent complaints in the ME/CFS group, and the frequency of poor concentration in the ME/CFS group was higher in the Omicron period. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in female patients in the ME/CFS group infected in the Preceding period. In the ME/CFS group, the proportion of patients complaining of brain fog significantly increased from 22.2% in the Preceding period to 47.9% in the Delta period and to 81.3% in the Omicron period. The percentage of patients who had received vaccination was lower in the ME/CFS group than the non-ME/CFS group over the study period, whereas there were no differences in the vaccination rate between the groups in each period.

Conclusion
The proportion of long COVID patients who developed ME/CFS strictly diagnosed by three criteria was lower among patients infected in the Omicron phase than among patients infected in the other phases, while the proportion of patients with brain fog inversely increased. Attention should be paid to the variant-dependent trends of ME/CFS triggered by long COVID (300 words). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoritaSatoru en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Satoru 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=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki 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=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo 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= 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= 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=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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 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=16 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=10342 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241126 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Assessing CO2 Reduction Effects Through Decarbonization Scenarios in the Residential and Transportation Sectors: Challenges and Solutions for Japan's Hilly and Mountainous Areas en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Depopulation, aging, and regional decline are becoming increasingly serious issues in Japan's hilly and mountainous areas. Focusing on mitigating environmental damage and envisioning a sustainable future for these regions, this study examines the potential for reducing CO2 emissions in the residential and transportation sectors by 2050. Bottom-up simulations were used to estimate CO2 emissions. Subsequently, six decarbonization scenarios were formulated, considering various measures from the perspectives of population distribution and technological progress. Based on these scenarios, this study analyzes changes in future population, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions by 2050. The results of this study show the following. (1) Depopulation and aging problems in these regions are expected to become more severe in the future. It is necessary to take action to promote sustainable regional development. (2) Pursuing decarbonization has a positive impact on enhancing regional sustainability; however, maintaining the intensity of measures at the current level could lead to a reduction of only 40% in CO2 emissions per capita by 2050 compared with 2020. (3) Scenarios that strengthen decarbonization measures could achieve a reduction of over 95% by 2050, indicating that carbon neutrality is attainable. However, this will require implementing measures at a higher intensity, especially in the transportation sector. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HaoXiyue en-aut-sei=Hao en-aut-mei=Xiyue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanChuyue en-aut-sei=Yan en-aut-mei=Chuyue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NarumiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Narumi en-aut-mei=Daisuke 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=Department of Socio-Environmental Energy Science, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=decarbonization measures kn-keyword=decarbonization measures en-keyword=CO2 reduction kn-keyword=CO2 reduction en-keyword=residential sector kn-keyword=residential sector en-keyword=transportation sector kn-keyword=transportation sector en-keyword=energy consumption kn-keyword=energy consumption en-keyword=CO2 emissions kn-keyword=CO2 emissions en-keyword=hilly and mountainous areas kn-keyword=hilly and mountainous areas en-keyword=area management kn-keyword=area management END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=292 end-page=305 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241128 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The role of C1orf50 in breast cancer progression and prognosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Although the prognosis of breast cancer has significantly improved compared to other types of cancer, there are still some patients who expire due to recurrence or metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to identify patients with poor prognosis at the early stages of cancer. In the process of discovering new prognostic markers from genes of unknown function, we found that the expression of C1orf50 determines the prognosis of breast cancer patients, especially for those with Luminal A breast cancer. This study aims to elucidate the molecular role of C1orf50 in breast cancer progression. Bioinformatic analyses of the breast cancer dataset of TCGA, and in vitro analyses, reveal the molecular pathways influenced by C1orf50 expression. C1orf50 knockdown suppressed the cell cycle of breast cancer cells and weakened their ability to maintain the undifferentiated state and self-renewal capacity. Interestingly, upregulation of C1orf50 increased sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibition. In addition, C1orf50 was found to be more abundant in breast cancer cells than in normal breast epithelium, suggesting C1orf50’s involvement in breast cancer pathogenesis. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level of C1orf50 was positively correlated with the expression of PD-L1 and its related factors. These results suggest that C1orf50 promotes breast cancer progression through cell cycle upregulation, maintenance of cancer stemness, and immune evasion mechanisms. Our study uncovers the biological functions of C1orf50 in Luminal breast cancer progression, a finding not previously reported in any type of cancer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OtaniYusuke en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaekawaMasaki en-aut-sei=Maekawa en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PeñaTirso en-aut-sei=Peña en-aut-mei=Tirso kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=RogachevskayaAnna en-aut-sei=Rogachevskaya en-aut-mei=Anna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoTeruhiko en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Teruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItanoTakuto en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Takuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaHaruyoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Haruyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji 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= 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=DoiharaHiroyoshi en-aut-sei=Doihara en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=RoehrlMichael H. en-aut-sei=Roehrl en-aut-mei=Michael H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 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=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic 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 Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=C1orf50 kn-keyword=C1orf50 en-keyword=Luminal A breast cancer kn-keyword=Luminal A breast cancer en-keyword=Cell cycle kn-keyword=Cell cycle en-keyword=Immune evasion kn-keyword=Immune evasion en-keyword=YAP/TAZ kn-keyword=YAP/TAZ END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=7382 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241119 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Microdetection of Nucleocapsid Proteins via Terahertz Chemical Microscope Using Aptamers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In the detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), several methods have been employed, including the detection of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA), nucleocapsid (N) proteins, spike proteins, and antibodies. RNA detection, primarily through polymerase chain reaction tests, targets the viral genetic material, whereas antigen tests detect N and spike proteins to identify active infections. In addition, antibody tests are performed to measure the immune response, indicating previous exposure or vaccination. Here, we used the developed terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) to detect different concentrations of N protein in solution by immobilizing aptamers on a semiconductor substrate (sensing plate) and demonstrated that the terahertz amplitude varies as the concentration of N proteins increases, exhibiting a highly linear relationship with a coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9881), indicating that a quantitative measurement of N proteins is achieved. By optimizing the reaction conditions, we confirmed that the amplitude of the terahertz wave was independent of the solution volume. Consequently, trace amounts (0.5 μL) of the N protein were successfully detected, and the detection process only took 10 min. Therefore, this study is expected to develop a rapid and sensitive method for the detection and observation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a microdetection level. It is anticipated that this research will significantly contribute to reducing the spread of novel infectious diseases in the future. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DingXue en-aut-sei=Ding en-aut-mei=Xue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiMana en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Mana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangJin en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueHirofumi en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiwaToshihiko en-aut-sei=Kiwa en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=terahertz chemical microscope kn-keyword=terahertz chemical microscope en-keyword=aptamers kn-keyword=aptamers en-keyword=N protein kn-keyword=N protein en-keyword=microdetection kn-keyword=microdetection 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=20240925 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=小児心臓手術における人工心肺中のカルボキシヘモグロビンおよびメトヘモグロビンと溶血の関係性 kn-title=Carboxyhemoglobin and Methemoglobin Levels and Hemolysis in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YOSHIDATsubasa en-aut-sei=YOSHIDA en-aut-mei=Tsubasa kn-aut-name=吉田翼 kn-aut-sei=吉田 kn-aut-mei=翼 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=8 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230314 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Meniscus extrusion is a predisposing factor for determining arthroscopic treatments in partial medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Patients with partial medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) sometimes require arthroscopic pullout repair because of their intolerable/repeated knee pains and continuous disturbance in gait during activities of daily living. However, the predisposing factors for future knee surgery in patients with partial MMPRTs remain unclear. We compared the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients who underwent pullout repair and nonoperative management following partial MMPRTs.
Methods Twenty-five patients who required arthroscopic repair for partial MMPRTs and 23 patients who were managed nonoperatively were evaluated during a mean follow-up period of 27.1 months. Sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index, duration from onset to initial MRI, MRI findings, and medial meniscus (MM) extrusion were compared between the two groups. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between MM extrusion and duration from onset to MRI examination.
Results No significant differences were observed between the pullout repair and nonoperative management groups in terms of patient demographics and the positive ratio of MRI-based root tear signs. However, absolute MM extrusion in the pullout repair group (3.49 ± 0.82 mm) was larger than that in the nonoperative management group (2.48 ± 0.60 mm, P < 0.001). Extrusion of the MM (> 3 mm) was detected more frequently in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative management group (P < 0.001). The odds ratio in the pullout repair and MM extrusion > 3 mm cases was 9.662. Linear regression analysis revealed a fair correlation between the duration from onset to MRI and MM extrusion only in the pullout repair group (0.462 mm/month increase in MM extrusion).
Conclusions This study demonstrated that more severe MM extrusions were observed in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative management group. Major extrusion (> 3 mm) was also observed more in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative group. Assessing MM extrusion and its severity can help determine a valid treatment for patients with partial MMPRTs.
Level of evidence IV, Retrospective comparative study. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 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=4 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=5 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=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 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= en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Posterior root kn-keyword=Posterior root en-keyword=Partial tear kn-keyword=Partial tear en-keyword=Meniscal extrusion kn-keyword=Meniscal extrusion en-keyword=Operative indication kn-keyword=Operative indication END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=809 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relationship among cancer treatment, quality of life, and oral function in head and neck cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), such as surgery and chemoradiotherapy, can reduce oral function and affect quality of life (QoL). However, whether HNC treatment affects QoL via the decline of oral function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among cancer treatment, QoL, and actual oral function in HNC survivors.
Methods A total of 100 HNC survivors who had completed definitive treatment for HNC at least 6 months prior to enrollment were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. QoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 summary score. Oral diadochokinesis (ODK), tongue pressure, moisture level on the mucosal surface, and mouth opening were measured. Information on age, sex, tumor site, tumor stage, history of HNC treatment, height, body weight, and lifestyle were collected from medical records. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to analyze the indirect/direct associations among HNC treatment, QoL, and oral function.
Results In total, 100 HNC survivors (58 males and 42 females; age range, 30–81 years, median, 67 years) were analyzed. Overall, 63 patients (63.0%) were diagnosed as oral cancer, 66 (66.0%) developed advanced cancer (stage 3/4), and 58 (58.0%) underwent reconstruction surgery in 100 HNC survivors. The SEM results supported the hypothesized structural model (root mean square error of approximation = 0.044, comparative fit index = 0.990, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.986). Surgery with neck dissection and reconstruction for advanced cancer had indirect effects on lower QoL via ODK and mouth opening.
Conclusion HNC treatment is indirectly associated with QoL via oral function in HNC survivors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YokoiAya en-aut-sei=Yokoi en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamanakaReiko en-aut-sei=Yamanaka en-aut-mei=Reiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiNoriko en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Health Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Quality of life kn-keyword=Quality of life en-keyword=Oral function kn-keyword=Oral function en-keyword=Head and neck cancer kn-keyword=Head and neck cancer en-keyword=ODK kn-keyword=ODK en-keyword=Tongue pressure kn-keyword=Tongue pressure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=78366 end-page=78378 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=Aromug: A Mug-Type Olfactory Interface to Enhance the Sweetness Perception of Beverages en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sugary beverages are a significant contributor to sugar consumption, and their excessive consumption is associated with increased risks of elevated blood glucose levels and diabetes. Many individuals have a strong preference for sugary beverages and often find beverages with lower sugar content to be less satisfying. Attempts to switch to less sugary options are frequently short-lived, leading to a return to higher-sugar beverages. Recognizing that 75 – 95% of taste perception is influenced by scent, we investigated a scent-based approach to reduce sugar intake while preserving the perception of sweetness. This study introduces an olfactory interface in the form of a mug named “Aromug,” designed to emit a sweet scent in sync with the drinking action. Aromug incorporates motion sensing and scent presentation functions to enhance the perceived sweetness of a beverage, thereby encouraging a gradual reduction in sugar intake. Our experiments, involving 33 participants, demonstrated that the combined scents of sugar-free coffee and chocolate increased the perception of sweetness (p =1.641×10−2 ). The study also found that the simultaneous presentation of scent and visual cues improved taste satisfaction and sweetness perception. Additionally, we observed variations in sweetness preference related to age and frequency of coffee consumption. It was particularly observed that people in their 20s and those who frequently drink coffee tend to perceive the taste of beverages as sweeter. This suggests a potential for Aromug to customize the scent experience based on individual preferences, offering a novel way to encourage healthier beverage choices. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MayumiDaiki en-aut-sei=Mayumi en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYugo en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yugo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYuki en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisakiShinya en-aut-sei=Misaki en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasumotoKeiichi en-aut-sei=Yasumoto en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu 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=Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Olfaction kn-keyword=Olfaction en-keyword=olfactory interfaces kn-keyword=olfactory interfaces en-keyword=olfactory display kn-keyword=olfactory display en-keyword=scents kn-keyword=scents en-keyword=taste evaluation kn-keyword=taste evaluation en-keyword=smell kn-keyword=smell en-keyword=olfactory perception kn-keyword=olfactory perception en-keyword=behavior change support kn-keyword=behavior change support END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=e0309622 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=The protective effect of carbamazepine on acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) enhances the risk of acute lung injury (ALI). This study investigated the protective effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) on HSR-induced ALI in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into five distinct groups through randomization: control (SHAM), saline + HSR (HSR), CBZ + HSR (CBZ/HSR), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + HSR (DMSO/HSR), and CBZ + chloroquine (CQ) + HSR (CBZ/CQ/HSR). Subsequently, HSR models were established. To detect tissue damage, we measured lung histological changes, lung injury scores, and wet/dry weight ratios. We measured neutrophil counts as well as assessed the expression of inflammatory factors using RT-PCR to determine the inflammatory response. We detected autophagy-related proteins LC3II/LC3I, P62, Beclin-1, and Atg12-Atg5 using western blotting. Pretreatment with CBZ improved histopathological changes in the lungs and reduced lung injury scores. The CBZ pretreatment group exhibited significantly reduced lung wet/dry weight ratio, neutrophil aggregation and number, and inflammation factor (TNF-alpha and iNOS) expression. CBZ changed the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3II/LC3I, beclin-1, Atg12-Atg5, and P62), suggesting autophagy activation. However, after injecting CQ, an autophagy inhibitor, the beneficial effects of CBZ were reversed. Taken together, CBZ pretreatment improved HSR-induced ALI by suppressing inflammation, at least in part, through activating autophagy. Thus, our study offers a novel perspective for treating HSR-induced ALI. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiYaqiang en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Yaqiang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuHiroko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraRyu en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Ryu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LuYifu en-aut-sei=Lu en-aut-mei=Yifu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoRisa en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Risa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriEmiko en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Emiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiToru en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimatsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morimatsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Okayama Saidaiji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=63 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=2655 end-page=2660 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=A Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment of a Case of Nuclear Protein of the Testis Carcinoma Characterized by a Bronchial Lesion and High Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Level Following Genomic Testing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nuclear protein of the testis carcinoma (NUTC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. We herein report a case of NUTC in the lung characterized by a bronchial lesion and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels. A 35-year-old Japanese man presented to our institution with suspected advanced lung cancer based on a histological examination. Subsequently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) yielded a positive BRD4-NUTM1 fusion. In addition, positive NUT immunostaining of the lung biopsy specimen confirmed NUTC in the lungs. Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy showed a temporary response, with decreased serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. We highlight this case of a prompt diagnosis by NGS of NUTC in a young individual with a rapidly progressing tumor. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuuraHiroaki en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Hiroaki 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=OdaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigoHisao en-aut-sei=Higo en-aut-mei=Hisao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=RaiKammei en-aut-sei=Rai en-aut-mei=Kammei 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=HottaKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=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= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, 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= en-keyword=NUT carcinoma kn-keyword=NUT carcinoma en-keyword=BRD4-NUTM1 kn-keyword=BRD4-NUTM1 en-keyword=lung cancer kn-keyword=lung cancer en-keyword=alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) kn-keyword=alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) en-keyword=immune checkpoint inhibitor kn-keyword=immune checkpoint inhibitor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=56 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=1 end-page=16 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241125 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Why Is Intermediate Organization Necessary? kn-title=なぜ中間組織が必要なのか en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=　This paper challenges a fundamental question, ‘Why is an intermediate organization necessary?’ Due to transaction costs and market failures on the one hand and the limitations of organizational control mechanisms on the other hand, many‘ intermediate organizations’ are observed in the real world. How can we tackle to explain the governance mechanism considered to be‘ intermediate?’ 　If we are to discuss such socioeconomic orders, this paper assumes that we should not be able to link micro-level explanations and macro-level ones concerning the third mode of governance mechanisms all at once. We need to stick to the meso-level at fi rst. The theoretical elaboration since Ouchi’s（1980） discussion of clan-type governance and cumulative empirical research on industrial agglomerations have allowed us to construct a more sophisticated theory called community capital. 　In effective communities, members are ‘embedded as insiders’ who serve the purpose of the community, share experiences of failures and successes, and find and deepen their common identity. This limited membership is bound by‘ mutual trust to rely on each other’ for‘ distribution of short-term risks.’ In contrast to social norms that need to be abstract enough to be widely shared, the communal norms that are concrete enough to allow the members to understand without hesitation how they should behave in localized contexts are cumulatively cultivated along socializing process. Among the norms, sense of mutual obligation to incur intermittent costs for the whole community is a crucial norm for the sustainable development of the community. However, as a practical matter, membership control, mutual trust and short-term risk allocation may serve the communities in the short run, but they do not guarantee long-term accumulation of shared capital. As a result, the limits of community capital may need to be discussed once again, especially today when market liquidity is increasing, and its failures tend to become more apparent in a variety of areas. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiiDaiji en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Daiji kn-aut-name=藤井大児 kn-aut-sei=藤井 kn-aut-mei=大児 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OshimaTamako en-aut-sei=Oshima en-aut-mei=Tamako kn-aut-name=大島珠子 kn-aut-sei=大島 kn-aut-mei=珠子 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院ヘルスシステム統合科学学域 affil-num=2 en-affil= kn-affil=国際医療福祉大学小田原保健医療学部看護学科 en-keyword=中間組織 kn-keyword=中間組織 en-keyword=内部組織の経済学 kn-keyword=内部組織の経済学 en-keyword=産業集積 kn-keyword=産業集積 en-keyword=コミュニティ・キャピタル kn-keyword=コミュニティ・キャピタル END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=64 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=297 end-page=306 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=Transcriptome analysis of the cytokine storm-related genes among the subtypes of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a type of Castleman disease unrelated to the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus type 8 (KSHV/HHV8) infection. Presently, iMCD is classified into iMCD-IPL (idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy), iMCD-TAFRO (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly), and iMCD-NOS (not otherwise specified). The most common treatment for iMCD is using IL-6 inhibitors; however, some patients resist IL-6 inhibitors, especially for iMCD-TAFRO/NOS. Nevertheless, since serum IL-6 levels are not significantly different between the iMCD-IPL and iMCD-TAFRO/NOS cases, cytokines other than IL-6 may be responsible for the differences in pathogenesis. Herein, we performed a transcriptome analysis of cytokine storm-related genes and examined the differences between iMCD-IPL and iMCD-TAFRO/NOS. The results demonstrated that counts per million of STAT2, IL1R1, IL1RAP, IL33, TAFAIP1, and VEGFA (P < 0.001); STAT3, JAK2, MAPK8, IL17RA, IL18, TAFAIP2, TAFAIP3, PDGFA, VEGFC, CXCL10, CCL4, and CXCL13 (P < 0.01); and STAT1, STAT6, JAK1, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK6, MAPK7, MAPK9, MAPK10, MAPK11, MAPK12, MAPK14, NFKB1, NFKBIA, NFKBIB, NFKBIZ, MTOR, IL10RB, IL12RB2, IL18BP, TAFAIP6, TNFAIP8L1, TNFAIP8L3, CSF2RBP1, PDGFB, PDGFC, and CXCL9 (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in iMCD-TAFRO/NOS. Particularly, upregulated IL33 expression was demonstrated for the first time in iMCD-TAFRO/NOS. Thus, inflammatory signaling, such as JAK-STAT and MAPK, may be enhanced in iMCD-TAFRO/NOS and may be a cytokine storm. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishikoriAsami en-aut-sei=Nishikori en-aut-mei=Asami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChijimatsuRyota en-aut-sei=Chijimatsu en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UetaHimawari en-aut-sei=Ueta en-aut-mei=Himawari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=LaiYou Cheng en-aut-sei=Lai en-aut-mei=You Cheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYuri en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaYudai en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Yudai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiSayaka en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaratakeTomoka en-aut-sei=Haratake en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 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=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MomoseShuji en-aut-sei=Momose en-aut-mei=Shuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 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=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease kn-keyword=idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease en-keyword=cytokine storm kn-keyword=cytokine storm en-keyword=transcriptome analysis kn-keyword=transcriptome analysis 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=15 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=77 end-page=83 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2021 dt-pub=2021 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of drought features in the Dakbla watershed, Central Highlands of Vietnam en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The drought impacts in the Dakbla watershed were assessed based on a combination of hydrological modeling and drought indices. Three drought indices, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSI), and Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) were utilized to evaluate the drought features of meteo-hydrology and agriculture. The results indicated that these indices are well adapted to the local conditions, especially the 12-month time scale. Evaluations of drought features on the watershed scale could provide more specific information regarding drought risk than regional-scale/district-level assessments, because a watershed is a hydrologically fundamental unit to consider water resources management. Additionally, evaluations of drought impacts using the SSI showed longer and higher trends than those using the SPI and SDI in terms of drought duration and frequency. Considering the spatial distribution of drought frequency, the areas predominated by agricultural land in the target watershed had higher drought risk. Thus, assessment of agricultural droughts along with meteo-hydrological droughts is extremely important to support realistic local drought management strategies by considering water availability, water balance, and soil characteristics, especially in specific agricultural areas. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Ngoc Quynh TramVo en-aut-sei=Ngoc Quynh Tram en-aut-mei=Vo 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=MoroizumiToshitsugu en-aut-sei=Moroizumi en-aut-mei=Toshitsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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= en-keyword=hydrological modeling kn-keyword=hydrological modeling en-keyword=drought indices kn-keyword=drought indices en-keyword=drought features kn-keyword=drought features en-keyword=watershed scale assessment kn-keyword=watershed scale assessment en-keyword=agricultural activities kn-keyword=agricultural activities en-keyword=mountainous region kn-keyword=mountainous region END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=16337 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=Effects of dapagliflozin on myoglobin efflux from cardiomyocyte during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in anesthetized rats en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=It has been suggested that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have cardioprotective effects during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) independent of glucose-lowering action. However, the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on structural damage to cardiomyocytes in the ischemic region during I/R remain unknown. We applied a microdialysis technique to the heart of anesthetized rats and investigated the effects of an SGLT2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on myocardial interstitial myoglobin levels in the ischemic region during coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion. Dapagliflozin was administered systemically (40 mu g/body iv) or locally via a dialysis probe (100 mu M and 1 mM) 30 min before coronary occlusion. In the vehicle group, coronary occlusion increased the dialysate myoglobin concentration in the ischemic region. Reperfusion further increased the dialysate myoglobin concentration. Intravenous administration of dapagliflozin reduced dialysate myoglobin concentration during ischemia and at 0-15 min after reperfusion, but local administration (100 mu M and 1 mM) did not. Therefore, acute systemic administration of dapagliflozin prior to ischemia has cardioprotective effects on structural damage during I/R. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HayashidaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Hayashida en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuShuji en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Shuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkiyamaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuezawaTakanori en-aut-sei=Suezawa en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiokaYukio en-aut-sei=Kioka en-aut-mei=Yukio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShishidoToshiaki en-aut-sei=Shishido en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Sodium-glucose-cotransporter 2 inhibitor kn-keyword=Sodium-glucose-cotransporter 2 inhibitor en-keyword=Dapagliflozin kn-keyword=Dapagliflozin en-keyword=Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion kn-keyword=Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion en-keyword=Cardiac microdialysis kn-keyword=Cardiac microdialysis en-keyword=Myoglobin kn-keyword=Myoglobin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=20756 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=Basic characteristics of tongue pressure and electromyography generated by articulation of a syllable using the posterior part of the tongue en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The basic function of the tongue in pronouncing diadochokinesis and other syllables is not fully understood. This study investigates the influence of sound pressure levels and syllables on tongue pressure and muscle activity in 19 healthy adults (mean age: 28.2 years; range: 22-33 years). Tongue pressure and activity of the posterior tongue were measured using electromyography (EMG) when the velar stops /ka/, /ko/, /ga/, and /go/ were pronounced at 70, 60, 50, and 40 dB. Spearman's rank correlation revealed a significant, yet weak, positive association between tongue pressure and EMG activity (rho = 0.14, p < 0.05). Mixed-effects model analysis showed that tongue pressure and EMG activity significantly increased at 70 dB compared to other sound pressure levels. While syllables did not significantly affect tongue pressure, the syllable /ko/ significantly increased EMG activity (coefficient = 0.048, p = 0.013). Although no significant differences in tongue pressure were observed for the velar stops /ka/, /ko/, /ga/, and /go/, it is suggested that articulation is achieved by altering the activity of both extrinsic and intrinsic tongue muscles. These findings highlight the importance of considering both tongue pressure and muscle activity when examining the physiological factors contributing to sound pressure levels during speech. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MandaYousuke en-aut-sei=Manda en-aut-mei=Yousuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Kodama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriKeitaro en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Keitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiReimi en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Reimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsugishiMakoto en-aut-sei=Matsugishi en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinagiShogo en-aut-sei=Minagi en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e58753 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240923 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhancing Medical Interview Skills Through AI-Simulated PatientInteractions:Nonrandomized Controlled Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Medical interviewing is a critical skill in clinical practice, yet opportunities for practical training are limited in Japanese medical schools, necessitating urgent measures. Given advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in the medical field is expanding. However, reports on its application in medical interviews in medical education are scarce.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether medical students' interview skills could be improved by engaging with Al-simulated patients using large language models, including the provision of feedback.
Methods: This nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted with fourth-year medical students in Japan. A simulation program using large language models was provided to 35 students in the intervention group in 2023, while 110 students from 2022 who did not participate in the intervention were selected as the control group. The primary outcome was the score on the Pre-Clinical Clerkship Objective Structured Clinical Examination (pre-CC OSCE), a national standardized clinical skills examination, in medical interviewing. Secondary outcomes included surveys such as the Simulation-Based Training Quality Assurance Tool (SBT-QA10), administered at the start and end of the study.
Results: The Al intervention group showed significantly higher scores on medical interviews than the control group (Al group vs control group: mean 28.1, SD 1.6 vs 27.1, SD 2.2; P=.01). There was a trend of inverse correlation between the SBT-QA10 and pre-CC OSCE scores (regression coefficient-2.0 to-2.1). No significant safety concerns were observed.
Conclusions: Education through medical interviews using Al-simulated patients has demonstrated safety and a certain level of educational effectiveness. However, at present, the educational effects of this platform on nonverbal communication skills are limited, suggesting that it should be used as a supplementary tool to traditional simulation education. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoAkira en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodaMasahide en-aut-sei=Koda en-aut-mei=Masahide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaHiroko en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiTomoko en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 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=5 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=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoHideo en-aut-sei=Ino en-aut-mei=Hideo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Co-learning Community Healthcare Re-innovation Office, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine 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 Hematology and Oncology, 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=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=medical interview kn-keyword=medical interview en-keyword=generative pretrained transformer kn-keyword=generative pretrained transformer en-keyword=large language model kn-keyword=large language model en-keyword=simulation-based learning kn-keyword=simulation-based learning en-keyword=OSCE kn-keyword=OSCE en-keyword=artificial intelligence kn-keyword=artificial intelligence en-keyword=medical education kn-keyword=medical education en-keyword=simulated patients kn-keyword=simulated patients en-keyword=nonrandomized controlled trial kn-keyword=nonrandomized controlled trial END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=5686 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240924 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Liver Transection Area Is a Novel Predictor for Surgical Difficulty in Laparoscopic Liver Resection en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: A difficulty scoring system was developed to estimate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS); however, the effect of the liver transection area (LTA) on LLS outcomes have not been previously examined. Therefore, this study investigated the predictive significance of the LTA for LLS. Methods: This retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent LLS in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2023. The association of the LTA with the surgical difficulty level and operative time was investigated. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting surgical difficulty in LLS. Results: The median LTA and operative time were 62.5 (IQR, 36.0–91.8) cm2 and 250 (IQR, 195–310) minutes, respectively. The LTA was significantly associated with surgical difficulty as evaluated using the IWATE Criteria. Moreover, the LTA significantly correlated with operative time (r2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). The multivariable analyses found that the LTA (≥59 cm2) (odds ratio [OR], 6.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.38–16.6; p < 0.001) and the type of LLS (≥segmentectomy) (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.35–11.4; p = 0.01) were significant factors associated with surgical difficulty. Conclusions: The LTA is a useful parameter that reflects the difficulty of LLS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaMotohiko en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Motohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraJiro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Jiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaTakeyoshi en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Takeyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanehiraNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Kanehira en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 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=9 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= en-keyword=laparoscopic liver resection kn-keyword=laparoscopic liver resection en-keyword=surgical difficulty kn-keyword=surgical difficulty en-keyword=liver transection area kn-keyword=liver transection area END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=401 end-page=405 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=Pediatric Severe Febrile Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne infectious disease that is endemic in parts of eastern Asia. Few pediatric cases have been reported. We describe a case of SFTS in a seven-year-old girl who presented with prolonged fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia on hematology, and a history of outdoor activity led us to diagnose SFTS, although the patient had no tick bite marks. We also review the literature and discuss the characteristics of pediatric SFTS. Physicians should consider SFTS in the differential diagnosis of fever with thrombocytopenia in children living in endemic areas. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ToyotaYusuke en-aut-sei=Toyota en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UdaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Uda en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirabeKomei en-aut-sei=Shirabe en-aut-mei=Komei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Yamaguchi Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environment kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=child kn-keyword=child en-keyword=tick-borne disease kn-keyword=tick-borne disease en-keyword=severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome kn-keyword=severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome en-keyword=zoonoses kn-keyword=zoonoses END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=387 end-page=399 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=Effect of Radon Inhalation on Murine Brain Proteins: Investigation Using Proteomic and Multivariate Analyses en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Radon is a known risk factor for lung cancer; however, it can be used beneficially, such as in radon therapy. We have previously reported the enhancement of antioxidant effects associated with trace amounts of oxidative stress as one of the positive biological effects of radon inhalation. However, the biological effects of radon inhalation are incompletely understood, and more detailed and comprehensive studies are required. Although several studies have used proteomics to investigate the effects of radon inhalation on body proteins, none has focused on brain proteins. In this study, we evaluated the expression status of proteins in murine brains using proteomic and multivariate analyses to identify those whose expressions changed following two days of radon inhalation at a concentration of 1,500 Bq/m3. We found associations of radon inhalation with the expressions of seven proteins related to neurotransmission and heat shock. These proteins may be proposed as biomarkers indicative of radon inhalation. Although further studies are required to obtain the detailed biological significance of these protein alterations, this study contributes to the elucidation of the biological effects of radon inhalation as a low-dose radiation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NaoeShota en-aut-sei=Naoe en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaAyumi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Ayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiNorie en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Norie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakenakaReiju en-aut-sei=Takenaka en-aut-mei=Reiju kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakodaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Sakoda en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyajiTakaaki en-aut-sei=Miyaji en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaokaKiyonori en-aut-sei=Yamaoka en-aut-mei=Kiyonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Advanced Science Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=radon inhalation kn-keyword=radon inhalation en-keyword=proteomics kn-keyword=proteomics en-keyword=multivariate analysis kn-keyword=multivariate analysis en-keyword=brain kn-keyword=brain en-keyword=oxidative stress kn-keyword=oxidative stress END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1600 end-page=1609 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=Molecular Diversity of Photosensitive Protein Opsins and Their High Potential for Optogenetic Applications en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Because G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of drug targets in clinical trials, GPCR signaling cascades are closely related to various physiological phenomena, attracting significant attention in pharmaceutical science. Opsins (also known as animal rhodopsins) are photoreceptive proteins containing retinal as a chromophore, which function as GPCRs and underlie the molecular basis of photoreception in animals. Recently, opsins have been progressively applied in an innovative technology called optogenetics to regulate biological activities using light. A wide variety of opsins have been identified in metazoans and characterized at the molecular and physiological levels, providing a foundation for their optogenetic applications. In this review, I briefly introduce the diversity of opsins in terms of their molecular functions, including G protein selectivity and photoreaction properties. This diversity provides a significant advantage for optically manipulating a wide variety of GPCR signaling cascades with high temporal resolution. Additionally, I discuss the rich array of opsin-based optogenetic tools used to control various physiological processes and their potential as therapeutic tools for vision restoration. Based on the introduction, I expect that the optogenetic approach will offer powerful tools to provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of various physiological phenomena and next-generation treatment options for diseases beyond the capacity of traditional drugs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KojimaKeiichi en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=357 end-page=362 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=Factors Affecting Dynamic Postural Control Ability in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Research on postural control in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has focused on static postural control, with few studies assessing dynamic postural control. We aimed to identify factors affecting index of postural stability (IPS), a dynamic postural control parameter, in patients with AIS. The participants comprised 50 female patients with AIS. We measured the IPS using stabilometry to evaluate dynamic postural control ability. We investigated age of the participants, major curve position (thoracic or thoracolumbar/lumbar), Cobb angle, and coronal balance. We then assessed the relationships between stabilometry parameters and other variables. IPS was analyzed with a linear regression model. Coronal balance, major curve position, and age each correlated with dynamic postural control ability. The Cobb angle showed no correlation with any of the parameters. Our results offer new insights into the assessment of postural control in patients with AIS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamawakiRyoko en-aut-sei=Yamawaki en-aut-mei=Ryoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneShuhei en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaHaruo en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Haruo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=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=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Ryusoh Orthopaedic Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=adolescent idiopathic scoliosis kn-keyword=adolescent idiopathic scoliosis en-keyword=postural control kn-keyword=postural control en-keyword=coronal balance kn-keyword=coronal balance en-keyword=index of postural stability kn-keyword=index of postural stability en-keyword=stabilometry kn-keyword=stabilometry END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=19 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240929 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Assessment of the renal function of patients with anorexia nervosa en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background A decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated using creatinine (Cr- eGFR), is often found at the initial presentation of anorexia nervosa (AN). Its pathophysiology has been explained mainly by dehydration, and chronic hypokalemia is also thought to be a cause. However, because we have often experienced cases of AN with decreased Cr-eGFR without these conditions, we must consider different etiologies. The focus of this paper is on low free triiodothyronine (FT3) syndrome. We also discuss the utility of eGFR, estimated using cystatin-C (CysC-eGFR), for these patients.
Methods The data of 39 patients diagnosed with AN between January 2005 and December 2023 was available for study. The characteristics of patients at the lowest and highest body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) were examined. Data on the parameters Cr-eGFR, CysC-eGFR, dehydration markers, potassium (K), and hormonal data and BMI-SDS were assessed during the treatment course to evaluate the correlations in these parameters. Blood hematocrit, uric acid (UA), blood urine nitrogen (BUN) level, and urine specific gravity were adopted as dehydration markers; FT3, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, and insulin-like growth factor were adopted as hormonal data. Cr-eGFR and simultaneously evaluated dehydration markers, K, or hormonal data were extracted and correlations associated with the changes in BMI-SDS were examined. Furthermore, Cr-eGFR and simultaneously assessed CysC-eGFR were compared.
Results When the BMI-SDS was at the lowest value, low-FT3 syndrome was shown. Severe hypokalemia was not found in our study. A linear relation was not found between Cr-eGFR and BMI-SDS. A statistically significant correlation was found between Cr-eGFR and FT3 (p = 0.0025). Among the dehydration markers, statistically significant correlations were found between Cr-eGFR and BUN or UA. The difference between Cr-eGFR and CysC-eGFR was prominent, and CysC-eGFR showed much higher values.
Conclusions Our data indicates that low-FT3 syndrome and dehydration were related to the renal function of our patients with AN. Furthermore, our data suggest that caution is needed in the interpretation of kidney function evaluation when using CysC-eGFR in cases of AN. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyaharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuYoshie en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Yoshie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiChikako en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Chikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaChie en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Chie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManaHanzawa en-aut-sei=Mana en-aut-mei=Hanzawa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiharaAkiko en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaAyumi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Ayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 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=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field 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 Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Clinical Psychology Section, Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Anorexia nervosa kn-keyword=Anorexia nervosa en-keyword=Dehydration kn-keyword=Dehydration en-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using creatinine kn-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using creatinine en-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using cystatin-C kn-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using cystatin-C en-keyword=Hypokalemia kn-keyword=Hypokalemia en-keyword=Low free triiodothyronine syndrome kn-keyword=Low free triiodothyronine syndrome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=e70865 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241004 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Presumed Choroidopathy of IgG4-Related Disease Discovered During 16-Year Follow-Up of a Patient With Polycystic Kidney Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is characterized by infiltration with IgG4-producing plasma cells in different organs and the elevation of serum IgG4. We present a patient with polycystic kidney disease in long-term follow-up who developed bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement and presumed IgG4-related choroidopathy at different time points. A 45-year-old woman developed bilateral upper eyelid swelling. Head MRI showed bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement, and the resection on both sides revealed foci of infiltration with lymphocytes and plasma cells in bilateral lacrimal glands. The IgG4-immunostaining did not satisfy the diagnostic criteria. She had been taking oral valsartan 40 mg daily for hypertension with polycystic kidney disease.

The patient was well until the age of 49 years, when she noticed yellowish vision in the right eye compared to the left eye. The right eye showed multiple yellowish spotty lesions in the deep retina to choroid with a mildly hyperemic optic disc, while the left eye showed the normal fundus. No inflammation was noted in the anterior segments of both eyes. Fundus angiography demonstrated early-phase no-filling with late-phase leakage by fluorescein dye and both early-phase and late-phase no-filling by indocyanine green dye, leading to the diagnosis of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). She began to have oral prednisolone tapered from 30 mg daily and discontinued in a year. At the age of 52 years, she switched to candesartan 8 mg daily and began to have tolvaptan (a selective competitive vasopressin receptor 2 (V2) antagonist) 90 mg daily for polycystic kidney disease with liver cysts. At that time, the lesions in the right eye had mild degeneration.

The patient was followed once a year ophthalmologically to maintain good vision. At 57 years, serum IgG4, which was measured for the first time on suspicion of IgG4-related disease, was elevated to 269.6 mg/dL. In the following four years to the latest visit at 61 years, she kept stable but high levels of serum IgG4 around 300 mg/dL. Serum IgG4 measurement is helpful to make a clinical diagnosis and, hence, a clinical decision since the spectrum of IgG4-related disease remains obscure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 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=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Pathology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Nephrology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy kn-keyword=acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy en-keyword=choroidopathy kn-keyword=choroidopathy en-keyword=uveitis kn-keyword=uveitis en-keyword=lacrimal gland tumor kn-keyword=lacrimal gland tumor en-keyword=igg4-related disease kn-keyword=igg4-related disease END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=2824 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240823 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cyclic Oligosaccharide-Induced Modulation of Immunoglobulin A Reactivity to Gut Bacteria Contributes to Alterations in the Bacterial Community Structure en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a major gut antibody that coats commensal gut bacteria and contributes to shaping a stable gut bacterial composition. Although previous studies have shown that cyclic oligosaccharides, including cyclic nigerosyl-1,6-nigerose (CNN) and cyclodextrins (CDs, including alpha CD, beta CD, and gamma CD), alter the gut bacterial composition, it remains unclear whether cyclic oligosaccharides modify the IgA coating of gut bacteria, which relates to cyclic oligosaccharide-induced alteration of the gut bacterial composition. To address this issue, mice were maintained for 12 weeks on diets containing CNN, alpha CD, beta CD, or gamma CD; the animals' feces were evaluated for their bacterial composition and the IgA coating index (ICI), a measure of the degree of IgA coating of bacteria. We observed that the intake of each cyclic oligosaccharide altered the gut bacterial composition, with changes in the ICI found at both the phylum and genus levels. The ICI for Bacillota, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, UC Lachnospiraceae, and Tuzzerella were significantly and positively correlated with the relative abundance (RA) in total bacteria for these bacteria; in contrast, significant correlations were not seen for other phyla and genera. Our observations suggest that cyclic oligosaccharide-induced modulation of the IgA coating of gut bacteria may partly relate to changes in the community structure of the gut bacteria. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoTaisei en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Taisei 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=TeraokaMao en-aut-sei=Teraoka en-aut-mei=Mao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 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=5 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=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cyclic oligosaccharides kn-keyword=cyclic oligosaccharides en-keyword=gut bacteria kn-keyword=gut bacteria en-keyword=immunoglobulin A kn-keyword=immunoglobulin A END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=16 article-no= start-page=9038 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240820 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Quercetin Attenuates Acetaldehyde-Induced Cytotoxicity via the Heme Oxygenase-1-Dependent Antioxidant Mechanism in Hepatocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=It is still unclear whether or how quercetin influences the toxic events induced by acetaldehyde in hepatocytes, though quercetin has been reported to mitigate alcohol-induced mouse liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the modulating effect of quercetin on the cytotoxicity induced by acetaldehyde in mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells, the frequently used cellular hepatocyte model. The pretreatment with quercetin significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity induced by acetaldehyde. The treatment with quercetin itself had an ability to enhance the total ALDH activity, as well as the ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1 gene expressions. The acetaldehyde treatment significantly enhanced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, whereas the quercetin pretreatment dose-dependently inhibited it. Accordingly, the treatment with quercetin itself significantly up-regulated the representative intracellular antioxidant-related gene expressions, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit (GCLC), and cystine/glutamate exchanger (xCT), that coincided with the enhancement of the total intracellular glutathione (GSH) level. Tin protoporphyrin IX (SNPP), a typical HO-1 inhibitor, restored the quercetin-induced reduction in the intracellular ROS level, whereas buthionine sulphoximine, a representative GSH biosynthesis inhibitor, did not. SNPP also cancelled the quercetin-induced cytoprotection against acetaldehyde. These results suggest that the low-molecular-weight antioxidants produced by the HO-1 enzymatic reaction are mainly attributable to quercetin-induced cytoprotection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiKexin en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Kexin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KidawaraMinori en-aut-sei=Kidawara en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenQiguang en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Qiguang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 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=5 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=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= 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, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, 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 Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=quercetin kn-keyword=quercetin en-keyword=acetaldehyde kn-keyword=acetaldehyde en-keyword=glutathione kn-keyword=glutathione en-keyword=aldehyde dehydrogenase kn-keyword=aldehyde dehydrogenase en-keyword=heme oxygenase-1 kn-keyword=heme oxygenase-1 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=14543 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240624 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cervical spinal cord stimulation exerts anti-epileptic effects in a rat model of epileptic seizure through the suppression of CCL2-mediated cascades en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is indicated for the treatment of intractable pain and is widely used in clinical practice. In previous basic research, the therapeutic effects of SCS have been demonstrated for epileptic seizure. However, the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of SCS and the influence of epileptic seizure. First, SCS in the cervical spine was performed. The rats were divided into four groups: control group and treatment groups with SCS conducted at 2, 50, and 300 Hz frequency. Two days later, convulsions were induced by the intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid, followed by video monitoring to assess seizures. We also evaluated glial cells in the hippocampus by fluorescent immunostaining, electroencephalogram measurements, and inflammatory cytokines such as C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Seizure frequency and the number of glial cells were significantly lower in the 300 Hz group than in the control group. SCS at 300 Hz decreased gene expression level of CCL2, which induces monocyte migration. SCS has anti-seizure effects by inhibiting CCL2-mediated cascades. The suppression of CCL2 and glial cells may be associated with the suppression of epileptic seizure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkazakiYosuke en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiTatsuya en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosomotoKakeru en-aut-sei=Hosomoto en-aut-mei=Kakeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimotoShun en-aut-sei=Tanimoto en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiKoji en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaseTakayuki en-aut-sei=Nagase en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 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=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YabunoSatoru en-aut-sei=Yabuno en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinKyohei en-aut-sei=Kin en-aut-mei=Kyohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasadaSusumu en-aut-sei=Sasada en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 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=12 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=13 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 Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Kure Kyosai Hospital 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 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 Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Epileptic seizure kn-keyword=Epileptic seizure en-keyword=Glial cells kn-keyword=Glial cells en-keyword=Spinal cord stimulation kn-keyword=Spinal cord stimulation en-keyword=C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 kn-keyword=C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=206 cd-vols= no-issue=1-2 article-no= start-page=37 end-page=45 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240822 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Does a coexisting congener of a mixed mating species affect the genetic structure and selfing rate via reproductive interference? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Reproductive interference is defined as an interspecific interaction that reduces fitness via mating processes. Although its ecological and evolutionary consequences have attracted much attention, how reproductive interference affects the population genetic structures of interacting species is still unclear. In flowering plants, recent studies found that self-pollination can mitigate the negative effects of reproductive interference. Selfing-biased seed production is expected to increase population-level inbreeding and the selfing rate, and limits gene flow via pollinator outcrossing among populations. We examined the population genetics of the mixed-mating annual herb Commelina communis f. ciliata, focusing on reproductive interference by the sympatric competing congener C. communis using microsatellite markers. First, we found that almost all C. c. f. ciliata populations had relatively high inbreeding coefficients. Then, comparing sympatric and allopatric populations, we found evidence that reproductive interference from a competing congener increased the inbreeding coefficient and selfing rate. Allopatric populations exhibit varied selfing rates while almost all sympatric populations exhibit extremely high selfing rates, suggesting that population selfing rates were also influenced by unexamined factors, such as pollinator limitation. Besides, our findings revealed that reproductive interference from a competing congener did not limit gene flow among populations. We present the first report on how reproductive interference affects the genetic aspects of populations. Our results suggested that the high selfing rate of C. c. f. ciliata promotes its sympatric distribution with C. communis, even in the presence of reproductive interference, although it is not clear whether reproductive interference directly causes the high selfing rate. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatsuharaKoki R. en-aut-sei=Katsuhara en-aut-mei=Koki R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UshimaruAtushi en-aut-sei=Ushimaru en-aut-mei=Atushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiYuko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Yuko 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=Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Commelina kn-keyword=Commelina en-keyword=Genetic diversity kn-keyword=Genetic diversity en-keyword=Inbreeding coefficient kn-keyword=Inbreeding coefficient en-keyword=Mixed mating kn-keyword=Mixed mating en-keyword=Population genetics kn-keyword=Population genetics END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=115 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=3231 end-page=3247 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=Overcoming immunotherapy resistance and inducing abscopal effects with boron neutron immunotherapy (B-NIT) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective against many advanced malignancies. However, many patients are nonresponders to immunotherapy, and overcoming this resistance to treatment is important. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a local chemoradiation therapy with the combination of boron drugs that accumulate selectively in cancer and the neutron irradiation of the cancer site. Here, we report the first boron neutron immunotherapy (B-NIT), combining BNCT and ICI immunotherapy, which was performed on a radioresistant and immunotherapy-resistant advanced-stage B16F10 melanoma mouse model. The BNCT group showed localized tumor suppression, but the anti-PD-1 antibody immunotherapy group did not show tumor suppression. Only the B-NIT group showed strong tumor growth inhibition at both BNCT-treated and shielded distant sites. Intratumoral CD8+ T-cell infiltration and serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels were higher in the B-NIT group. Analysis of CD8(+) T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) showed that CD62L- CD44(+) effector memory T cells and CD69(+) early-activated T cells were predominantly increased in the B-NIT group. Administration of CD8-depleting mAb to the B-NIT group completely suppressed the augmented therapeutic effects. This indicated that B-NIT has a potent immune-induced abscopal effect, directly destroying tumors with BNCT, inducing antigen-spreading effects, and protecting normal tissue. B-NIT, immunotherapy combined with BNCT, is the first treatment to overcome immunotherapy resistance in malignant melanoma. In the future, as its therapeutic efficacy is demonstrated not only in melanoma but also in other immunotherapy-resistant malignancies, B-NIT can become a new treatment candidate for advanced-stage cancers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujimotoTakuya en-aut-sei=Fujimoto en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanehiraNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Kanehira en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuraiYoshinori en-aut-sei=Sakurai en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KenmotsuNaoya en-aut-sei=Kenmotsu en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizutaRyo en-aut-sei=Mizuta en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoNatsuko en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakataTakushi en-aut-sei=Takata en-aut-mei=Takushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamatsuMizuki en-aut-sei=Kitamatsu en-aut-mei=Mizuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 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=11 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=12 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=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirakawaMakoto en-aut-sei=Shirakawa en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 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=15 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=16 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=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiMinoru en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 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=19 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=20 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 Dermatology, 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=Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, 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=Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University 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= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=abscopal effect kn-keyword=abscopal effect en-keyword=advanced melanoma kn-keyword=advanced melanoma en-keyword=boron neutron capture therapy kn-keyword=boron neutron capture therapy en-keyword=boron-neutron immunotherapy kn-keyword=boron-neutron immunotherapy en-keyword=immune combination therapy kn-keyword=immune combination therapy 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=78 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=337 end-page=343 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=Pneumocephalus with Inverted Papilloma in the Frontoethmoidal Sinus: Case Report and Literature Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Here, we describe the unique case of a pneumocephalus originating from an inverted papilloma (IP) in the frontoethmoidal sinus. A 71-year-old man with diabetes presented with headaches and altered consciousness. Imaging revealed the pneumocephalus together with bone destruction in the left frontal sinus. He underwent simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and transcranial surgery using an ORBEYE exoscope. Pathological diagnosis of the tumor confirmed IP. Post-surgery, the pneumocephalus was significantly resolved and the squamous cell carcinoma antigen level, which had been elevated, decreased. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and innovative surgical methods in treating complex sinonasal pathologies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MakiharaSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Makihara en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UraguchiKensuke en-aut-sei=Uraguchi en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuAiko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkemachiRyosuke en-aut-sei=Ikemachi en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYosuke en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Ota en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoShotaro en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Shotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsumuraMunechika en-aut-sei=Tsumura en-aut-mei=Munechika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiSeiya en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Seiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmakoshiMichiari en-aut-sei=Umakoshi en-aut-mei=Michiari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 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=14 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=15 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 Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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= 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 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=pneumocephalus kn-keyword=pneumocephalus en-keyword=inverted papilloma kn-keyword=inverted papilloma en-keyword=frontoethmoidal sinus kn-keyword=frontoethmoidal sinus en-keyword=endoscopic endonasal and transcranial surgery kn-keyword=endoscopic endonasal and transcranial surgery END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=313 end-page=322 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=Multicenter Remote-Access Simulation of Vaginal Delivery for High-Flexibility Medical Education during the Coronavirus Pandemic en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=During the coronavirus pandemic, face-to-face simulation education became impossible. Therefore, we aimed to develop remote-access simulation education with a sense of realism through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using a perinatal whole-body management and delivery simulator. In September 2021, we administered a multi-center simultaneous remote simulation based on our developed model. Ten universities in the Chugoku–Shikoku region were connected via a web-conferencing system to a live broadcast of a virtual vaginal birth in which a fictional hospitalized pregnant woman experienced accelerated labor and gave birth through vacuum delivery for fetal distress. A Video on Demand (VOD) was made beforehand using a new simulator that allowed for a visual understanding of the process of the inter-vaginal examination. We provided a participatory program that enhanced the sense of realism by combining VOD and real-time lectures on each scenario, with two-way communication between participants and trainee doctors using a chat function. Most participants answered “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the content, level of difficulty, and level of understanding. From November 2021, we have used the videos of all processes in face-to-face classes. Our construction of a high-flexibility education system using remote simulation in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, especially in the vaginal delivery module, is unique, creative, and sustainable. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EtoEriko en-aut-sei=Eto en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiJota en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Jota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuemoriAyano en-aut-sei=Suemori en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakatoHikari en-aut-sei=Nakato en-aut-mei=Hikari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObaHikaru en-aut-sei=Oba en-aut-mei=Hikaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitomaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Mitoma en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MishimaSakurako en-aut-sei=Mishima en-aut-mei=Sakurako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KirinoSatoe en-aut-sei=Kirino en-aut-mei=Satoe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhiraAkiko en-aut-sei=Ohira en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasuyamaHisashi en-aut-sei=Masuyama en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University 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 Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=remote simulator education kn-keyword=remote simulator education en-keyword=perinatal simulator kn-keyword=perinatal simulator en-keyword=information and communication technology kn-keyword=information and communication technology en-keyword=high-flexibility education kn-keyword=high-flexibility education END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=307 end-page=312 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=Can Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer Patients with a 5% Briganti Nomogram Cut-off Value Provide an Oncological Benefit? A Large Multi-Institutional Cohort Study in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Briganti nomogram (cut-off value 5%) is commonly used to determine the indications for pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with prostate cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the potential oncological benefit of PLND based on the 5% cut-off value on the Briganti nomogram. We obtained the data from the Medical Investigation Cancer Network (MICAN) Study, which included 3,463 patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy (RP) at nine institutions in Japan between 2010 and 2020. We included patients with Briganti scores ≥ 5% and a follow-up period ≥6 months and excluded patients categorized in the very high-risk group (based on NCCN categories); a final total of the cases of 1,068 patients were analyzed. The biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival was significantly worse in the patients who underwent PLND compared to those who did not (p=0.019). A multivariate analysis showed that high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (p<0.001) and an advanced T-stage (p=0.018) were significant prognostic factors for BCR, whereas PLND had no effect on BCR (p=0.059). Thus, PLND in patients with prostate cancer whose Briganti score was 5% did not provide any oncological benefit. Further research is necessary to determine the indication criteria for conducting PLND. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SugiharaNaoya en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashineKatsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Hashine en-aut-mei=Katsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaNatsumi en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoMiki en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Miki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerashitaMasato en-aut-sei=Terashita en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunakiKeisuke en-aut-sei=Funaki en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaikiKaori en-aut-sei=Saiki en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaTakatora en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Takatora kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakudaToshio en-aut-sei=Kakuda en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraKenichi en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Fukumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiuraNoriyosi en-aut-sei=Miura en-aut-mei=Noriyosi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyauchiYuki en-aut-sei=Miyauchi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikugawaTadahiko en-aut-sei=Kikugawa en-aut-mei=Tadahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaikaTakashi en-aut-sei=Saika en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Urology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Epidemiology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= en-keyword=Briganti nomogram kn-keyword=Briganti nomogram en-keyword=pelvic lymph node dissection kn-keyword=pelvic lymph node dissection en-keyword=prostate cancer kn-keyword=prostate cancer en-keyword=radical prostatectomy kn-keyword=radical prostatectomy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=8370 end-page= 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=Increased Oxidative Stress and Decreased Citrulline in Blood Associated with Severe Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in Adult Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the correlation between oxidative stress and blood amino acids associated with nitric oxide metabolism in adult patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. Clinical data and serum samples were prospectively collected from 100 adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between July 2020 and August 2021. Patients with COVID-19 were categorized into three groups for analysis based on lung infiltrates, oxygen inhalation upon admission, and the initiation of oxygen therapy after admission. Blood data, oxidative stress-related biomarkers, and serum amino acid levels upon admission were compared in these groups. Patients with lung infiltrations requiring oxygen therapy upon admission or starting oxygen post-admission exhibited higher serum levels of hydroperoxides and lower levels of citrulline compared to the control group. No remarkable differences were observed in nitrite/nitrate, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and arginine levels. Serum citrulline levels correlated significantly with serum lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein levels. A significant negative correlation was found between serum levels of citrulline and hydroperoxides. Levels of hydroperoxides decreased, and citrulline levels increased during the recovery period compared to admission. Patients with COVID-19 with extensive pneumonia or poor oxygenation showed increased oxidative stress and reduced citrulline levels in the blood compared to those with fewer pulmonary complications. These findings suggest that combined oxidative stress and abnormal citrulline metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 pneumonia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsugeMitsuru en-aut-sei=Tsuge en-aut-mei=Mitsuru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 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=2 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=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KudoKenichiro en-aut-sei=Kudo en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimotoYasushi en-aut-sei=Tanimoto en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NousoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Nouso en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsumuneSho en-aut-sei=Mitsumune en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraGoro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Goro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaHaruto en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Haruto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakataIchiro en-aut-sei=Takata en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 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=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiAkihiko en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaKohei en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokageToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Aokage en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 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=16 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=17 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=18 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=19 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University 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 General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Infectious Disease, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=novel coronavirus disease 2019 kn-keyword=novel coronavirus disease 2019 en-keyword=pneumonia kn-keyword=pneumonia en-keyword=hydroperoxide kn-keyword=hydroperoxide en-keyword=nitric oxide kn-keyword=nitric oxide en-keyword=reactive oxygen species kn-keyword=reactive oxygen species en-keyword=citrulline kn-keyword=citrulline en-keyword=arginine kn-keyword=arginine en-keyword=asymmetric dimethylarginine kn-keyword=asymmetric dimethylarginine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=4384 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240726 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of Serum Indoxyl Sulfate on One-Year Adverse Events in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Heart Failure en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Objectives: Indoxyl sulfate, a uremic toxin, is associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic implications of serum indoxyl sulfate levels in patients with heart failure and CKD. Methods and Results: This was a prospective multicenter observational study. Overall, 300 patients with chronic heart failure with a previous history of hospitalization and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less (CKD stage G3b to G5) without dialysis were analyzed. The primary outcome assessed in a time-to-event analysis from the measurement of indoxyl sulfate was a composite of all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. Clinical events were followed-up to one year after indoxyl sulfate measurement. The median patient age was 75 years, and 57% of the patients were men. We divided the cohort into low and high indoxyl sulfate categories according to a median value of 9.63 mg/mL. The primary outcome occurred in 27 of 150 patients (18.0%) in the low indoxyl sulfate group and 27 of 150 patients (18.0%) in the high indoxyl sulfate group (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 1.70, p = 0.99). In the post hoc exploratory analyses, the results were consistent across age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, eGFR, and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide. Conclusions: Among heart failure patients with CKD stages G3b to 5G, serum indoxyl sulfate concentrations were not significantly associated with the subsequent occurrence of cardiovascular events. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IwasakiKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Iwasaki en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UrabeChikara en-aut-sei=Urabe en-aut-mei=Chikara kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuragiSatoru en-aut-sei=Sakuragi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiYusuke en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukeSoichiro en-aut-sei=Fuke en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiMasayuki en-aut-sei=Doi en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaishiAtsushi en-aut-sei=Takaishi en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkaTakefumi en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Takefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokunagaNaoto en-aut-sei=Tokunaga en-aut-mei=Naoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Institute of Academic and Research, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Institute of Academic and Research, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Institute of Academic and Research, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Mitoyo General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Ibara City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=heart failure kn-keyword=heart failure en-keyword=chronic kidney disease kn-keyword=chronic kidney disease en-keyword=indoxyl sulfate kn-keyword=indoxyl sulfate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=2114 end-page= 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=Light-Driven H2 Production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: Lessons from Engineering of Photosynthesis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, hydrogen production is catalyzed via the [FeFe]-hydrogenases HydA1 and HydA2. The electrons required for the catalysis are transferred from ferredoxin (FDX) towards the hydrogenases. In the light, ferredoxin receives its electrons from photosystem I (PSI) so that H-2 production becomes a fully light-driven process. HydA1 and HydA2 are highly O-2 sensitive; consequently, the formation of H-2 occurs mainly under anoxic conditions. Yet, photo-H-2 production is tightly coupled to the efficiency of photosynthetic electron transport and linked to the photosynthetic control via the Cyt b(6)f complex, the control of electron transfer at the level of photosystem II (PSII) and the structural remodeling of photosystem I (PSI). These processes also determine the efficiency of linear (LEF) and cyclic electron flow (CEF). The latter is competitive with H-2 photoproduction. Additionally, the CBB cycle competes with H-2 photoproduction. Consequently, an in-depth understanding of light-driven H-2 production via photosynthetic electron transfer and its competition with CO2 fixation is essential for improving photo-H-2 production. At the same time, the smart design of photo-H-2 production schemes and photo-H-2 bioreactors are challenges for efficient up-scaling of light-driven photo-H-2 production. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HipplerMichael en-aut-sei=Hippler en-aut-mei=Michael kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KhosravitabarFatemeh en-aut-sei=Khosravitabar en-aut-mei=Fatemeh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg kn-affil= en-keyword=H-2 production kn-keyword=H-2 production en-keyword=Chlamydomonas reinhardtii kn-keyword=Chlamydomonas reinhardtii en-keyword=electron transfer kn-keyword=electron transfer en-keyword=CBB cycle kn-keyword=CBB cycle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=2930 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240724 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Performance Investigations of VSLAM and Google Street View Integration in Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality under Various Lighting Conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The growing demand for Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) experiences has driven the integration of Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) with Google Street View (GSV) to enhance the accuracy. However, the impact of the ambient light intensity on the accuracy and reliability is underexplored, posing significant challenges in outdoor LAR implementations. This paper investigates the impact of light conditions on the accuracy and reliability of the VSLAM/GSV integration approach in outdoor LAR implementations. This study fills a gap in the current literature and offers valuable insights into vision-based approach implementation under different light conditions. Extensive experiments were conducted at five Point of Interest (POI) locations under various light conditions with a total of 100 datasets. Descriptive statistic methods were employed to analyze the data and assess the performance variation. Additionally, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis was utilized to assess the impact of different light conditions on the accuracy metric and horizontal tracking time, determining whether there are significant differences in performance across varying levels of light intensity. The experimental results revealed that a significant correlation (p < 0.05) exists between the ambient light intensity and the accuracy of the VSLAM/GSV integration approach. Through the confidence interval estimation, the minimum illuminance 434 lx is needed to provide a feasible and consistent accuracy. Variations in visual references, such as wet surfaces in the rainy season, also impact the horizontal tracking time and accuracy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BrataKomang Candra en-aut-sei=Brata en-aut-mei=Komang Candra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=RiyantokoPrismahardi Aji en-aut-sei=Riyantoko en-aut-mei=Prismahardi Aji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MentariMustika en-aut-sei=Mentari en-aut-mei=Mustika 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=light intensity kn-keyword=light intensity en-keyword=Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) kn-keyword=Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) en-keyword=outdoor kn-keyword=outdoor en-keyword=Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) kn-keyword=Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) en-keyword=Google Street View (GSV) kn-keyword=Google Street View (GSV) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=5 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=884 end-page=890 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=Novel strategy for activating gene expression through triplex DNA formation targeting epigenetically suppressed genes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Triplex DNA formation is a useful genomic targeting tool that is expected to have a wide range of applications, including the antigene method; however, there are fundamental limitations in its forming sequence. We recently extended the triplex DNA-forming sequence to methylated DNA sequences containing 5mCG base pairs by developing guanidino-dN, which is capable of recognizing a 5mCG base pair with high affinity. We herein investigated the effect of triplex DNA formation using TFOs with guanidino-dN on methylated DNA sequences at the promoter of the RASSF1A gene, whose expression is epigenetically suppressed by DNA methylation in MCF-7 cells, on gene expression. Interestingly, triplex DNA formation increased the expression of the RASSF1A gene at the transcript and protein levels. Furthermore, RASSF1A-activated MCF-7 cells exhibited cell growth suppressing activity. Changes in the expression of various genes associated with the promotion of apoptosis and breast cancer survival accompanied the activation of RASSF1A in cells exhibited antiproliferative activity. These results suggest the potential of increases in gene expression through triplex DNA formation as a new genomic targeting tool. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NotomiRyotaro en-aut-sei=Notomi en-aut-mei=Ryotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiShigeki en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Shigeki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiYosuke en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil= Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty 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=14 article-no= start-page=4099 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240713 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Importance of Blood Glucose Measurement for Predicting the Prognosis of Long COVID: A Retrospective Study in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: The present study aimed to clarify the effects of a hyperglycemic condition on the clinical consequences of long COVID. Methods: Among 643 patients who visited the outpatient clinic of our hospital from February 2021 to September 2023, long COVID patients were classified into a hyperglycemic (HG) group with casual blood glucose levels above 140 mg/dL and a normoglycemic (NG) group. The patients' backgrounds, clinical symptoms, health status including the QOL evaluation scale (EQ-5D-5L), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and F-scale questionnaire (FSSG), blood test data, and recovery periods were analyzed. Results: The NG group included 607 patients with long COVID and the HG group included 36 patients with long COVID. Patients in the HG group were older than those in the NG group (55 vs. 41 years; p < 0.001) and included a larger percentage of males (67% vs. 44%; p = 0.009). The HG group had a larger percentage of patients with moderate-to-severe conditions in the acute infection phase (28% vs. 12%; p = 0.008), a higher BMI (25 vs. 22 kg/m(2); p < 0.001), higher blood pressure (138/81 vs. 122/72 mmHg; p < 0.001), and a larger percentage of patients with an alcohol drinking habit (53% vs. 34%; p = 0.031). Long COVID symptoms and self-rated scales were not differed between the two groups; however, the laboratory data showed that liver and renal functions and metabolic data were significantly worse in the HG group. Although there was no apparent difference between the two groups in duration from the infection to the first visit, the HG group had a significantly longer period of recovery from long COVID (median period of 421 vs. 294 days; p = 0.019). Conclusion: A hyperglycemic state associated with other lifestyle-related diseases is associated with the prolongation of recovery from long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YokoyamaSho en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Sho 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=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=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki 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=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 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=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaseRyosuke en-aut-sei=Takase en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraDaisuke en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishidaMasayuki en-aut-sei=Kishida en-aut-mei=Masayuki 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= 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= 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=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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=blood glucose kn-keyword=blood glucose en-keyword=diabetes mellitus kn-keyword=diabetes mellitus en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=omicron variant kn-keyword=omicron variant en-keyword=post-COVID-19 condition kn-keyword=post-COVID-19 condition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=17025 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240724 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical and endocrine features of orthostatic intolerance detected in patients with long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a key symptom of long COVID; however, the pathophysiology remains unknown. Among 688 long COVID patients who visited our clinic during the period from February 2021 to April 2023, 86 patients who were suspected of having OI and who underwent an active standing test (ST) were investigated to elucidate the clinical characteristics of OI in patients with long COVID. Of the 86 patients, 33 patients (38%) were ST-positive. Nausea and tachycardia in daily life were frequent complaints in the ST-positive group. The increase in heart rate (HR) during the ST was significantly greater during a 10-min period after standing in the ST-positive group (+ 30 bpm) than in the ST-negative group (+ 16 bpm). The initial increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) just after standing was significantly greater in the ST-positive group (+ 14 mmHg) than in the ST-negative group (+ 9 mmHg). Serum cortisol levels in the ST-positive patients aged over 20 years were higher and growth hormone levels in the patients under 20 years of age were lower than those in the ST-negative group. Autonomous nervous symptoms, transient DBP rise with increasing HR after standing, and endocrine dysfunctions are helpful for detecting OI related to long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Atsushi 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=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 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=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=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaseRyosuke en-aut-sei=Takase en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 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=13 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= 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=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= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Active standing test kn-keyword=Active standing test en-keyword=Long COVID kn-keyword=Long COVID en-keyword=Orthostatic intolerance kn-keyword=Orthostatic intolerance en-keyword=Post COVID-19 condition kn-keyword=Post COVID-19 condition en-keyword=Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) kn-keyword=Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=4199 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240718 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors: A Systematic Scoping Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Objectives: Among various carbapenemases, New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamases (NDMs) are recognized as the most powerful type capable of hydrolyzing all beta-lactam antibiotics, often conferring multi-drug resistance to the microorganism. The objective of this review is to synthesize current scientific data on NDM inhibitors to facilitate the development of future therapeutics for challenging-to-treat pathogens. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews, we conducted a MEDLINE search for articles with relevant keywords from the beginning of 2009 to December 2022. We employed various generic terms to encompass all the literature ever published on potential NDM inhibitors. Results: Out of the 1760 articles identified through the database search, 91 met the eligibility criteria and were included in our analysis. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was assessed using the checkerboard assay for 47 compounds in 37 articles, which included 8 compounds already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. Time-killing curve assays (14 studies, 25%), kinetic assays (15 studies, 40.5%), molecular investigations (25 studies, 67.6%), in vivo studies (14 studies, 37.8%), and toxicity assays (13 studies, 35.1%) were also conducted to strengthen the laboratory-level evidence of the potential inhibitors. None of them appeared to have been applied to human infections. Conclusions: Ongoing research efforts have identified several potential NDM inhibitors; however, there are currently no clinically applicable drugs. To address this, we must foster interdisciplinary and multifaceted collaborations by broadening our own horizons. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NaharLutfun en-aut-sei=Nahar en-aut-mei=Lutfun 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=AsaduzzamanMd en-aut-sei=Asaduzzaman en-aut-mei=Md 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 Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital 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=Department of Bacteriology, 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= en-keyword=antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales kn-keyword=carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales en-keyword=carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales kn-keyword=carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales en-keyword=metallo-beta-lactamase kn-keyword=metallo-beta-lactamase en-keyword=synergy kn-keyword=synergy en-keyword=combination kn-keyword=combination END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1119 end-page=1122 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240605 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Epigenetic Regulation of Carbonic Anhydrase 9 Expression by Nitric Oxide in Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and determines cell fate; however, the triggers that alter DNA methylation levels remain unclear. Recently, we showed that S-nitrosylation of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) induces DNA hypomethylation and alters gene expression. Furthermore, we identified DBIC, a specific inhibitor of S-nitrosylation of DNMT3B, to suppress nitric oxide (NO)-induced gene alterations. However, it remains unclear how NO-induced DNA hypomethylation regulates gene expression and whether this mechanism is maintained in normal cells and triggers disease-related changes. To address these issues, we focused on carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), which is upregulated under nitrosative stress in cancer cells. We pharmacologically evaluated its regulatory mechanisms using human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and DBIC. We demonstrated that nitrosative stress promotes the recruitment of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha to the CA9 promoter region and epigenetically induces CA9 expression in SAECs. Our results suggest that nitrosative stress is a key epigenetic regulator that may cause diseases by altering normal cell function. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoriyaYuto en-aut-sei=Moriya en-aut-mei=Yuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaSho en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IijimaYuta en-aut-sei=Iijima en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakasugiNobumasa en-aut-sei=Takasugi en-aut-mei=Nobumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Uehara 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 Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=nitric oxide kn-keyword=nitric oxide en-keyword=human small airway epithelial cell kn-keyword=human small airway epithelial cell en-keyword=epigenetics kn-keyword=epigenetics en-keyword=DNA methylation kn-keyword=DNA methylation en-keyword=carbonic anhydrase 9 kn-keyword=carbonic anhydrase 9 en-keyword=hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha kn-keyword=hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha 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=202409 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