MDPI AGActa Medica Okayama2073-43601872026Effect of Universal Adhesives on Resin Cement–Fiber Post–Core Materials810ENMasaoIrieDepartment of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasahiroOkadaDepartment of Dental Biomaterials, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku UniversityYukinoriMaruoDepartment of Prosthodontics, Okayama UniversityKenraroAkiyamaDepartment of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKumikoYoshiharaHealth Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyAkimasaTsujimotoDepartment of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin UniversityTakuyaMatsumotoDepartment of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityThis study evaluated eleven resin cements used as core build-up materials by examining the following properties: (a) push-out force between root dentin and the fiber post; (b) pull-out force between the fiber post and the core build-up material; (c) shear bond strength of the resin cement to root dentin; (d) flexural strength of the resin cement; and (e) flexural modulus of elasticity of the resin cement. The purpose of this investigation was to clarify the relationships between recently available universal adhesives, core build-up materials, resin cements, and fiber posts. All experiments were performed at two evaluation periods: after 1 day of water storage (Base) and after 20,000 thermocycles (TC 20k). For the push-out test, simulated post spaces were prepared in single-rooted human premolars. The specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis into 2 mm-thick slices and then subjected to push-out testing to assess the bond strength of the dentin–resin cement–fiber post complex. No significant differences in bonding performance were found between Base and TC 20k. These findings suggest that universal adhesives used for pretreatment of multiple substrates in fiber post cementation can provide not only strong but also durable adhesion over time.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323162026大学院共通科目『リーダーシップとSDGs』の教育モデル構築と成果分析 理論学習・ピアレビュー・省察活動によるリーダーシップ教育の新展開221235ENMamoruISHIDAFaculty of General Education and Global Studies, Okayama UniversityShinichiOTSUNEGraduate student, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakuyaNAKAZAWAGraduate student, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/70371 岡山大学大学院では、博士課程人材のリーダーシップ育成に向け、共通科目『リーダーシップとSDGs』を設計・実践している。本科目はSDGsに貢献するリーダー育成に主眼を置き、理論学習・ピアレビュー・省察・グループディスカッション等の手法を組み合わせ、学生同士の学び合い・自己成長の促進を目的としている。本稿では、学部・研究科ごとに学習成果を分析し、理論に基づく省察的学びと協働的な批評活動がリーダーシップ理解や成長に有用であることを明らかにした。本研究は、学術的理論と実践的活動を織り交ぜたモデル構築と、その継続的改善の意義を示している。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Company of BiologistsActa Medica Okayama1754-84031922026A genetic model of congenital intestinal atresia implicates Mypt1 in epithelial organisationdmm052605ENDaisukeKobayashiDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineAkihiroUrasakiDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineTetsuakiKimuraMedical Genome Center, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and GerontologySatoshiAnsaiUshimado Marine Institute, Okayama UniversityKazuhikoMatsuoDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineHayatoYokoiGraduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityShigeoTakashimaInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE)/Life Science Research Centre, Gifu UniversityTadaoKitagawaProgram in Environmental Management, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai UniversityTakahiroKageDepartment of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of TokyoTakanoriNaritaLaboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon UniversityTomokoJindoDepartment of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of TokyoMasatoKinoshitaDepartment of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityKiyoshiNaruseLaboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic BiologyYoshiroNakajimaDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineMasakiShigetaDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineShinichiroSakakiDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineSatoshiInoueDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineRieSabaDepartment of Radiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKeiYamadaDepartment of Radiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineTakahikoYokoyamaDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineYujiIshikawaResearch Centre for Radiation Protection, National Institute of Radiological SciencesKazuoArakiResearch Center for Aquatic Breeding, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Fisheries Research AgencyYumikoSagaDepartment of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of TokyoHiroyukiTakedaDepartment of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of TokyoKentaYashiroDepartment of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineCongenital intestinal atresia (IA) is a birth defect characterised by the absence or closure of part of the intestine. Although genetic factors are implicated, mechanistic understanding has been hindered by the lack of suitable animal models. Here, we describe a medaka (Oryzias latipes) mutant, generated by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis, that develops IA during embryogenesis. Positional cloning identified a nonsense mutation in mypt1, encoding myosin phosphatase target subunit 1. Mutant embryos exhibited ectopic accumulation of F-actin and phosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain (Mrlc) in the intestinal epithelium, consistent with disrupted actomyosin regulation. These cytoskeletal abnormalities were accompanied by epithelial disorganisation, without notable alterations in cell proliferation, motility or apoptosis. Inhibition of myh11a, encoding smooth muscle (SM) myosin heavy chain, ameliorated the IA phenotype, whereas blebbistatin treatment completely rescued the defect, suggesting a non-contractile role prior to SM maturation. Together, these findings demonstrate that mypt1 loss disrupts intestinal morphogenesis through actomyosin dysregulation. Given the recent clinical identification of IA associated with MYPT1 variants, this medaka model offers a valuable platform to investigate the developmental and molecular basis of MYPT1-associated IA in humans.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama2211-7156182025Development of FTase inhibitors inspired by the structures of andrastins102828ENFuminoKitamuraGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaMasaruTaniokaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaAyanoKosakaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaNaoMatsuzawaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaTakayukiObitaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaYukoSakajiriTomokazuShibataDepartment of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya UniversityRyusukeSawadaDepartment of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakeshiYokoyamaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaAkiKohyamaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaTsuyoshiYamadaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaYoshihiroYamanishiDepartment of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya UniversityMineyukiMizuguchiGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaYujiMatsuyaGraduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaWe designed and synthesized structurally simple farnesyl transferase (FTase) inhibitors (1a–1d) by leveraging andrastin, a natural product with FTase inhibitory activity. 1a–1d possess a cyclopentane-1,3-dione core, which is critical for FTase recognition; a farnesyl moiety, which is a simplified motif of A to C rings of andrastin; and a carboxylic acid or methoxycarbonyl group, which enables multipoint hydrogen bonding interactions with FTase. Competitive inhibition experiments revealed that 1d has the most potent FTase inhibitory activity. Docking simulation analysis of 1a–1d with FTase suggested that the multipoint hydrogen bonding interactions between the cyclopentane-1,3-dione moiety and the carboxyl group play an important role in FTase recognition.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学経済学会Acta Medica Okayama2433-41465732026地域間での情報交流に関するネットワーク分析：高梁川流域圏での調査による1140ENRyoheiNakamuraNatsumiYokota10.18926/OER/70262 本稿では，岡山県の「高梁川流域連携中枢都市圏」で2014年から開催されている「高梁川流域経済成長戦略会議」における参加主体間の情報交流についてのネットワーク分析を行った。高梁川流域連携中枢都市圏（高梁川流域圏）とは，岡山県高梁川周辺に位置する現在の新見市，高梁市，総社市，早島町，倉敷市，矢掛町，井原市，浅口市，里庄町，笠岡市の10自治体が参加している連携中枢都市圏である。高梁川流域圏におけるネットワーク分析に際しては，同圏域内で展開されている事業を８つに分類し，それぞれの事業に関する参加主体間の情報交流についてアンケート調査を行った。ネットワーク指標については事業ごとに次数中心性と媒介中心性の中心性指標を，また事業別に密度，推移性，相互性を算出した。事業別にみると，観光事業についての情報交流が最も密なネットワーク構造をしており，ネットワークの視点では観光事業が高梁川流域圏内で最も勢力的に行われている事業といえる。また全事業において特定の行政主体や商工会議所をはじめとする地域経済団体等の中心性指標が全体的に大きな値をとっており，ネットワークにおいて情報交流のハブや情報の集中・分散主体として機能していることが明らかになった。分析結果を踏まえ，ネットワークの視点から高梁川流域圏の今度の地域振興について２点提言した。１つは事業によって情報交流のハブや情報の集中・分散主体を主体間で分担することによって，すべての事業で密なネットワークを築くことを目指すことである。もう１つは高梁川流域圏の情報交流ネットワークに全く参加していない主体をなくすことで，全体的に密なネットワークを目指すことである。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Frontiers Media SAActa Medica Okayama1664-462X162025Structural analysis of PSI-ACPI and PSII-ACPII supercomplexes from a cryptophyte alga Rhodomonas sp. NIES-23321716939ENWenyueZhangAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNozomiYoneharaAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMizukiIshiiAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHaoweiJiangAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRomainLa RoccaAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPi-ChengTsaiAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHongjieLiAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKojiKatoAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityFusamichiAkitaAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenAdvanced Research Field, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityLight energy is converted to chemical energy by two photosystems (PSI and PSII) in complex with their light-harvesting complex proteins (LHCI and LHCII) in photosynthesis. Rhodomonas is a member of cryptophyte alga whose LHCs contain unique chlorophyll a/c proteins (ACPs) and phycobiliproteins. We purified PSI-ACPI and PSII-ACPII supercomplexes from a cryptophyte Rhodomonas sp. NIES-2332 and analyzed their structures at high resolutions of 2.08 Å and 2.17 Å, respectively, using cryo-electron microscopy. These structures are largely similar to those reported previously from two other species of cryptophytes, but exhibited some differences in both the pigment locations and subunit structures. A part of the antenna subunits of both photosystems is shifted compared with the previously reported structures from other species of cryptophytes, suggesting some differences in the energy transfer rates from the antenna to the PSI and PSII cores. Newly identified lipids are found to occupy the interfaces between the antennae and cores, which may be important for assembly and stabilization of the supercomplexes. Water molecules surrounding three iron-sulfur clusters of the PSI core are found in our high-resolution structure, some of which are conserved from cyanobacteria to higher plants but some are different. In addition, our structure of PSII-ACPII lacks the subunits of oxygen-evolving complex as well as the Mn4CaO5 cluster, suggesting that the cells are in the S-growth phase, yet the PSI-ACPI structure showed the binding of PsaQ, suggesting that it is in an L-phase. These results suggest that the S-phase and L-phase can co-exist in the cryptophytic cells. The high-resolution structures of both PSI-ACPIs and PSII-ACPIIs solved in this study provide a more solid structural basis for elucidating the energy transfer and quenching mechanisms in this group of the organisms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学大学院法務研究科Acta Medica Okayama1881-1485272026成年後見制度 〜中核機関の現状と課題〜151ENKazuhiroNISHIDAMikaNISHIYAMAOkayama City Adult Gurdianship Center CaseAyakaNAGASHIOOkayama City Adult Gurdianship Center CaseKyosukeYOSHIOKASoja City CaseTomonoIMAIChita Area Avocacy Center CaseYujiMIZUTAOda City CaseDaisukeUCHIDAOda City Case10.18926/OLR/70154No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.IOP PublishingActa Medica Okayama1742-6588302712025Fundamental examination of coherent structure model prediction using vortex cores in a two-dimensional Taylor’s analytical solution012008ENXuanyouGongGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirokiSuzukiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityToshinoriKouchiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKentoTanakaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThis study focuses on the possibility that flow around vortex tubes in turbulence may resemble laminar flow, and aims to describe the characteristics of turbulent fields using analytical solutions to the governing equations. In the two-dimensional analytical Taylor solution, the velocity and pressure fields are expressed by trigonometric functions, and a structure in which counter-rotating vortices are arranged in a grid pattern is demonstrated. This solution is used to verify the accuracy of numerical analyses and is expected to contribute to a simple yet unambiguous description of turbulent fields based on vortex structures. Predictions of sub-grid scale components and validation of a coherent structure model using invariants of the velocity gradient tensor are also performed.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教育推進機構Acta Medica Okayama1881-595232026ピア・AI・教員の三者協働フィードバックによるライティング授業の再設計 ―AI利用の実践報告−174194ENMarikoUzukaInstitute for Promotion of Education and Campus Life10.18926/70120本稿は、アカデミック・ライティング授業におけるピア・AI・教員のそれぞれの役割と利用順序（自分→ピア→AI→（省察）→教員）を組み込んだ三者協働モデルを設計し、2024〜2025年度に実践した内容を報告する。授業後の学生アンケートでは、AIの即時性・精緻化が評価される一方、依存や有効性の限界に関する懸念も表明された。成績分布においては、AI導入後に下位層が縮小し、学習成果の底上げが示唆された。また、AI誤用や濫用を防ぐには、教室内で建設的な利用法の具体的な指導（例：例文より診断的フィードバックを重視、AI提案の採否理由のメタ記述）が効果的であった。これらの結果から、AIの利点を活かしつつ、学生の判断を中心に据えるライティング授業設計の有効性と課題を提示する。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.eLife Sciences Publications, LtdActa Medica Okayama2050-084X142026Dorsoventral-mediated Shh induction is required for axolotl limb regenerationRP106917ENSakiyaYamamotoOkayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologySayaFurukawaOkayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyAyakaOhashiOkayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyMayukoHamadaOkayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyAkiraSatohOkayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyAxolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) exhibit a remarkable ability to regenerate limbs. Classical experiments have suggested that contact between cells derived from distinct orientations―dorsal, ventral, anterior, and posterior―within the regenerating blastema is necessary for accurate limb pattern formation. However, the molecular basis for this requirement has remained largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that both dorsal and ventral tissues are required for limb formation via induction of Shh expression, which plays a crucial role in limb patterning. Using the accessory limb model, we induced position-specific blastemas lacking cells derived from a single orientation (anterior, posterior, dorsal, or ventral). Limb patterning occurred only in blastemas containing both dorsal- and ventral-derived cells. We further observed that Shh expression requires dorsoventral contact within a blastema, highlighting the necessity of dorsoventral contact for inducing Shh expression. Additionally, we identified WNT10B and FGF2 as dorsal- and ventral-mediated signals, respectively, that create the inductive environment for Shh expression. Our findings clarify the role of dorsal and ventral cells in inducing Shh, a mechanism that has rarely been studied in the context of limb regeneration and pattern formation. This model provides new insights into how cells with different positional identities drive the regeneration process.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Acta Medica Okayama2375-254811442025Structural insights into the divergent evolution of a photosystem I supercomplex in Euglena graciliseaea6241ENKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshikiNakajimaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRunaSakamotoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMinoruKumazawaInstitute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido UniversityKentaroIfukuGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityTakahiroIshikawaInstitute of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Academic Assembly, Shimane UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAtsushiTakabayashiInstitute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido UniversityRyoNagaoFaculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka UniversityPhotosystem I (PSI) forms supercomplexes with light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) to perform oxygenic photosynthesis. Here, we report a 2.82-angstrom cryo–electron microscopy structure of the PSI-LHCI supercomplex from Euglena gracilis, a eukaryotic alga with secondary green alga-derived plastids. The structure reveals a PSI monomer core with eight subunits and 13 asymmetrically arranged LHCI proteins. Euglena LHCIs bind diadinoxanthin, which is one of the carotenoids typically associated with red-lineage LHCs and is not present in the canonical LHCI belt found in green-lineage PSI-LHCI structures. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the Euglena LHCIs originated from LHCII-related clades rather than from the green-lineage LHCI group and that the nuclear-encoded PSI subunit PsaD likely originated from cyanobacteria via horizontal gene transfer. These observations indicate a mosaic origin of the Euglena PSI-LHCI. Our findings uncover a noncanonical light-harvesting architecture and highlight the structural and evolutionary plasticity of photosynthetic systems, illustrating how endosymbiotic acquisition and lineage-specific adaptation shape divergent light-harvesting strategies.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1347-90322025Genotype–Phenotype Correlations of Li–Fraumeni Syndrome in Japan Children's Cancer Group LFS20 Study CohortENFumitoYamazakiDepartment of Pediatrics, Keio University School of MedicineYoshikoNakanoDepartment of Genetic Medicine and Services, National Cancer Center HospitalMasashiSanadaDepartment of Advanced Diagnosis, Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagoya Medical CenterHirokiKurahashiDivision of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health UniversityShunsukeMiyaiDivision of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health UniversityArisaUekiDepartment of Clinical Genetic Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchYukoWatanabeDepartment of Pediatric Oncology, National Cancer Center HospitalDaisukeHasegawaDepartment of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International HospitalShuheiKarakawaDepartment of Pediatrics, Hiroshima University HospitalToshifumiOzakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAkiraHirasawaDepartment of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAkiko M.SaitoClinical Research Center, NHO Nagoya Medical CenterEisukeInoueShowa Medical University Research Administration Center, Showa Medical UniversityMotohiroKatoDepartment of Pediatrics, The University of TokyoHiroyoshiHattoriDepartment of Clinical Genetics, NHO Nagoya Medical CenterLi–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline pathogenic variants in the TP53 gene. With the increasing use of multi-gene panel testing, TP53 variants have been identified in individuals who do not meet established TP53 testing criteria, such as the Chompret criteria. The term “attenuated LFS” has been proposed for some of these cases, particularly those with adult-onset cancer. We analyzed participants of the Japanese nationwide prospective clinical trial of the cancer surveillance program (Japan Children's Cancer Group LFS-20), along with clinical information including their family histories, to better understand their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. We identified 32 distinct TP53 variants from 41 families (45 participants), including four missense variants with conflicting classifications of pathogenicity in ClinVar. Among these families, 36 (88%) met the LFS criteria (hereafter referred to as “LFS” in contrast to attenuated LFS), while 5 (12%) were classified as attenuated LFS. Including 30 additional family members carrying the same variant, we analyzed 75 individuals with TP53 variants. Of these, 40 with LFS and 6 with attenuated LFS had cancer. Multiple primary cancers occurred in 22 individuals (21 LFS, 1 attenuated LFS). LFS-core tumors accounted for 66% (58/88) of cancers in the LFS group and 63% (5/8) in the attenuated LFS group; of note, all core tumors in the attenuated group were limited to breast cancer. Hotspot missense variants were detected in 11 of 36 LFS families and in none of 5 attenuated LFS families, and non-hotspot null variants were found in 14 and 1, respectively. Our study revealed genotype–phenotype correlations in several respects. UMIN-CTR: UMIN000045855.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)Acta Medica Okayama1751-96591912025Subspace-Guided Feature Reconstruction for Unsupervised Anomaly Localizatione70157ENKatsuyaHottaIwate UniversityChaoZhangUniversity of ToyamaYoshihiroHagiharaIwate UniversityTakuyaAkashiOkayama UniversityUnsupervised anomaly localization aims to identify anomalous regions that deviate from normal sample patterns. Most recent methods perform feature matching or reconstruction for the target sample with pre-trained deep neural networks. However, they still struggle to address challenging anomalies because the deep embeddings stored in the memory bank can be less powerful and informative. Specifically, prior methods often overly rely on the finite resources stored in the memory bank, which leads to low robustness to unseen targets. In this paper, we propose a novel subspace-guided feature reconstruction framework to pursue adaptive feature approximation for anomaly localization. It first learns to construct low-dimensional subspaces from the given nominal samples, and then learns to reconstruct the given deep target embedding by linearly combining the subspace basis vectors using the self-expressive model. Our core is that, despite the limited resources in the memory bank, the out-of-bank features can be alternatively “mimicked” to adaptively model the target. Moreover, we propose a sampling method that leverages the sparsity of subspaces and allows the feature reconstruction to depend only on a small resource subset, contributing to less memory overhead. Extensive experiments on three benchmark datasets demonstrate that our approach generally achieves state-of-the-art anomaly localization performance.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1472-68312512025Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans strains possessing genes encoding collagen-binding proteins in the Japanese population1908ENMakotoOkudaDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of OsakaYutoSuehiroDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of OsakaJinthanaLapirattanakulDepartment of Oral Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol UniversityShuheiNakaDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMichiyoMatsumoto-NakanoDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyotaNomuraDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima UniversityRenaOkawaDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of OsakaKazuhikoNakanoDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of OsakaBackground Streptococcus mutans harbors collagen-binding protein genes, namely cnm and cbm, which are implicated in its virulence and pathogenicity in both oral and extraoral infections. Although both genes were initially identified in S. mutans isolated from Japanese populations, their geographical prevalence, distribution, and genetic relatedness within Japan remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the prevalence of S. mutans strains carrying cnm and cbm genes across Japan, correlates these findings with clinical data, and analyzes the genetic relatedness of cnm-positive and cnm-negative strains using multilocus sequence typing (MLST).<br>
Methods Dental plaque specimens were collected from 1248 individuals from eight Japanese cities (Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Niigata, Okayama, Osaka, Tokushima, and Tokyo) and plated on selective medium for S. mutans isolation. S. mutans was confirmed in 523 subjects by colony morphology and PCR using species-specific primers, and the presence of the cnm and cbm genes was determined by PCR with gene-specific primers. Demographic (age, sex) and oral examination (caries prevalence, caries experience, number of teeth) data were recorded. MLST was employed to genotype selected cnm-positive and cnm-negative S. mutans strains to assess their clonal relationships.<br>
Results Among 523 subjects possessing S. mutans (aged 3–90 years), we detected cnm-positive strains in all cities; specifically, the prevalence ranged from 5.5% in Okayama to 25.0% in Tokushima. In contrast, cbm-positive strains were less common and undetectable in some regions. Furthermore, subjects harboring cnm-positive S. mutans were significantly older (p = 0.002) and had higher caries prevalence and experience (p < 0.001). MLST revealed evolutionary relationships among cnm-positive strains across the cities but no discernible region-specific clustering. Clonal relationships partially reflected cnm gene distribution, particularly for exclusively cnm-positive or cnm-negative clonal complexes, but inconsistencies involving serotypes and cnm presence within some clonal complexes and sequence types were also noted.<br>
Conclusions The cnm-positive S. mutans strains are widely distributed throughout Japan and are associated with increased age and caries burden. Although core genome analysis revealed some clonal patterns, the non-uniform distribution of the non-core cnm gene is likely influenced by horizontal gene transfer, providing S. mutans with adaptive advantages irrespective of its core genetic background or serotype.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Astronomical SocietyActa Medica Okayama0004-637X99212025Observing Supernova Neutrino Light Curves with Super-Kamiokande. VI. A Practical Data Analysis Technique Considering Realistic Experimental Backgrounds27ENFumiNakanishiDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityKen’ichiroNakazatoFaculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu UniversityMasayukiHaradaKamioka Observatory, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, The University of TokyoYusukeKoshioDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityRyuichiroAkahoFaculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda UniversityYosukeAshidaDepartment of Physics, Tohoku UniversityAkiraHaradaNational Institute of Technology, Ibaraki CollegeMasamitsuMoriDivision of Science, National Astronomical Observatory of JapanKohsukeSumiyoshiNational Institute of Technology, Numazu CollegeYudaiSuwaDepartment of Earth Science and Astronomy, The University of TokyoRoger A.WendellKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI), Todai Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of TokyoMasamichiZaizenDepartment of Earth Science and Astronomy, The University of TokyoNeutrinos from supernovae, especially those emitted during the late phase of core collapse, are essential for understanding the final stages of massive star evolution. We have been dedicated to developing methods for the analysis of neutrinos emitted during the late phase and observed at Super-Kamiokande (SK). Our previous studies have successfully demonstrated the potential of various analysis methods in extracting essential physical properties; however, the lack of background consideration has limited their practical application. In this study, we address this issue by incorporating a realistic treatment of the experimental signal and background events with the on-going SK experiment. We therefore optimize our analysis framework to reflect realistic observational conditions, including both signal and background events. Using this framework we study several long-time supernova models, simulating the late phase neutrino observation in SK and focusing in particular on the identification of the last observed event. We discuss the possibility of model discrimination methods using timing information from this last observed event.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama2198-38442025A Viral RNA Silencing Suppressor Modulates Reactive Oxygen Species Levels to Induce the Autophagic Degradation of Dicer‐Like and Argonaute‐Like Proteinse06572ENShiyuZhaiState Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityTianxingPangState Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityShiyuPengState Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityShenshenZouDepartment of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural UniversityZhipingDengInstitute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesNobuhiroSuzukiInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityZhenshengKangState Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityIda BagusAndikaState Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityLiyingSunState Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F UniversityMounting evidence indicates that viruses exploit elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels to promote replication and pathogenesis, yet the mechanistic underpinnings of this viral strategy remain elusive for many viral systems. This study uncovers a sophisticated viral counter-defense mechanism in the Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1)-Fusarium graminearum system, where the viral p29 protein subverts host redox homeostasis to overcome antiviral responses. That p29 directly interacts with and inhibits the enzymatic activity of fungal NAD(P)H-dependent FMN reductase 1 (FMR1), leading to increased ROS accumulation and subsequent autophagy activation is demonstrated. Strikingly, this ROS-induced autophagy selectively targets for degradation two core antiviral RNA silencing components against CHV1 in F. graminearum, Dicer-like 2 (DCL2) and Argonaute-like 1 (AGL1), thereby compromising the host's primary antiviral defense system. Genetic analysis confirms this coordinated hijacking of host machineries, as CHV1 shows enhanced accumulation in the FMR1 knockout and reduced accumulation in autophagy-deficient fungal strains. This work reveals a tripartite interplay among oxidative stress, autophagy, and RNA silencing that CHV1 manipulates through p29 multifunctional activity. These findings provide a model for how viruses coordinately regulate distinct host defense systems to optimize infection.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1086-93792025The effect of pressure on dihedral angle between liquid Fe‐S and orthopyroxene: Implication for percolative core formation in planetesimals and planetary embryosENTakumiMiuraDepartment of Earth and Space Science, Osaka UniversityHidenoriTerasakiDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityHyuTakakiDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityKotaroKobayashiDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityGeoffrey DavidBromileySchool of Geosciences, The University of EdinburghTakashiYoshinoInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityDuring precursor stages of planet formation, many planetesimals and planetary embryos are considered to have differentiated, forming an iron-alloy core and silicate mantle. Percolation of liquid iron-alloy in solid silicates is one of the major possible differentiation processes in these small bodies. Based on the dihedral angles between Fe-S melts and olivine, a criterion for determining whether melt can percolate through a solid, it has been reported that Fe-S melt can percolate through olivine matrices below 3 GPa in an oxidized environment. However, the dihedral angle between Fe-S melts and orthopyroxene (opx), the second most abundant mineral in the mantles of small bodies, has not yet been determined. In this study, high-pressure and high-temperature experiments were conducted under the conditions of planetesimal and planetary embryo interiors, 0.5–5.0 GPa, to determine the effect of pressure on the dihedral angle between Fe-S melts and opx. Dihedral angles tend to increase with pressure, although the pressure dependence is markedly reduced above 4 GPa. The dihedral angle is below the percolation threshold of 60° at pressures below 1.0–1.5 GPa, indicating that percolative core formation is possible in opx-rich interiors of bodies where internal pressures are lower than 1.0–1.5 GPa. The oxygen content of Fe-S melt decreases with increasing pressure. High oxygen contents in Fe-S melt reduce interfacial tension between Fe-S melt and opx, resulting in reduced dihedral angles at low pressure. Combined with previous results for dihedral angle variation of the olivine/Fe-S system, percolative core formation possibly occurs throughout bodies up to a radius of 1340 km for an olivine-dominated mantle, and up to 770 km for an opx-dominated mantle, in the case of S-rich cores segregating under relatively oxidizing conditions. For mantles of small bodies in which abundant olivine and opx coexist, the mineral with the largest volume fraction and/or smallest grain size will allow formation of interconnected mineral channels, and, therefore, the wetting property of this mineral determines the wettability of the melt, that is, controls core formation.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Physical Society of JapanActa Medica Okayama0031-901594112025Magnetically Enhanced Thermoelectric Effect Driven by Martensitic Transformation in the Weak Itinerant Ferromagnet Co2NbSn113801ENTakumiKiharaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityXiaoXuDepartment of Materials Science, Tohoku UniversityYukiOgiGraduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata UniversityYoshiyaAdachiGraduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata UniversityTufanRoyCenter for Science and Innovation in Spintronics (CSIS), Core Research Cluster (CRC), Tohoku UniversityRyujiMatsuuraFaculty of Engineering, Tohoku Gakuin UniversityTakeshiKanomataResearch Institute for Engineering and Technology, Tohoku Gakuin UniversityWe investigated the magnetic and thermoelectric properties of the full Heusler alloy Co2NbSn, which exhibits a martensitic transformation at 240 K. Magnetization measurements reveal weak itinerant ferromagnetism in the martensitic phase, which is well described by Takahashi’s spin fluctuation theory. The characteristic spin fluctuation parameters were estimated to be T0 = 1.0 × 103 K and TA = 7.2 × 103 K. Seebeck coefficient measurements under magnetic fields up to 9 T show complex temperature and field dependence, which we decomposed into electron diffusion, spin fluctuation drag, and magnon drag components. A significant magnon-drag contribution was identified in both austenite and martensitic phases. Remarkably, this contribution is strongly enhanced in the martensitic phase compared to the austenite phase, despite a smaller magnetic moment. These findings provide evidence for robust low-energy spin excitations and highlight the potential of martensitic transformation in enhancing the thermoelectric performance of itinerant ferromagnetic alloys.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPI AGActa Medica Okayama2078-24891672025A Fundamental Statistics Self-Learning Method with Python Programming for Data Science Implementations607ENPrismahardi AjiRiyantokoDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityNobuoFunabikiDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityKomang CandraBrataDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityMustikaMentariDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityAviolla TerzaDamalianaDepartment of Data Science, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa TimurDwi ArmanPrasetyaDepartment of Data Science, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa TimurThe increasing demand for data-driven decision making to maintain the innovations and competitiveness of organizations highlights the need for data science educations across academia and industry. At its core is a solid understanding of statistics, which is necessary for conducting a thorough analysis of data and deriving valuable insights. Unfortunately, conventional statistics learning often lacks practice in real-world applications using computer programs, causing a separation between conceptual knowledge of statistics equations and their hands-on skills. Integrating statistics learning into Python programming can convey an effective solution for this problem, where it has become essential in data science implementations, with extensive and versatile libraries. In this paper, we present a self-learning method for fundamental statistics through Python programming for data science studies. Unlike conventional approaches, our method integrates three types of interactive problems―element fill-in-blank problem (EFP), grammar-concept understanding problem (GUP), and value trace problem (VTP)―in the Programming Learning Assistant System (PLAS). This combination allows students to write code, understand concepts, and trace the output value while obtaining instant feedback so that they can improve retention, knowledge, and practical skills in learning statistics using Python programming. For evaluations, we generated 22 instances using source codes for fundamental statistics topics, and assigned them to 40 first-year undergraduate students at UPN Veteran Jawa Timur, Indonesia. Statistics analytical methods were utilized to analyze the student learning performances. The results show that a significant correlation (𝜌<0.05) exists between the students who solved our proposal and those who did not. The results confirm that it can effectively assist students in learning fundamental statistics self-learning using Python programming for data science implementations.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPI AGActa Medica Okayama1999-59031752025An Improved Reference Paper Collection System Using Web Scraping with Three Enhancements195ENTresna MaulanaFahrudinDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityNobuoFunabikiDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityKomang CandraBrataDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityInzaliNaingDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversitySoe ThandarAungDepartment of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama UniversityAmriMuhaiminDepartment of Data Science, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa TimurDwi ArmanPrasetyaDepartment of Data Science, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa TimurNowadays, accessibility to academic papers has been significantly improved with electric publications on the internet, where open access has become common. At the same time, it has increased workloads in literature surveys for researchers who usually manually download PDF files and check their contents. To solve this drawback, we have proposed a reference paper collection system using a web scraping technology and natural language models. However, our previous system often finds a limited number of relevant reference papers after taking long time, since it relies on one paper search website and runs on a single thread at a multi-core CPU. In this paper, we present an improved reference paper collection system with three enhancements to solve them: (1) integrating the APIs from multiple paper search web sites, namely, the bulk search endpoint in the Semantic Scholar API, the article search endpoint in the DOAJ API, and the search and fetch endpoint in the PubMed API to retrieve article metadata, (2) running the program on multiple threads for multi-core CPU, and (3) implementing Dynamic URL Redirection, Regex-based URL Parsing, and HTML Scraping with URL Extraction for fast checking of PDF file accessibility, along with sentence embedding to assess relevance based on semantic similarity. For evaluations, we compare the number of obtained reference papers and the response time between the proposal, our previous work, and common literature search tools in five reference paper queries. The results show that the proposal increases the number of relevant reference papers by 64.38% and reduces the time by 59.78% on average compared to our previous work, while outperforming common literature search tools in reference papers. Thus, the effectiveness of the proposed system has been demonstrated in our experiments.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1342-17512952025Development and validation of an algorithm for identifying patients undergoing dialysis from patients with advanced chronic kidney disease650661ENTakahiroImaizumiDepartment of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineTakashiYokotaInstitute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University HospitalKoutaFunakoshiKyusyu University HospitalKazushiYasudaDepartment of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineAkikoHattoriDepartment of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineAkemiMorohashiDepartment of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University HospitalTatsumiKusakabeInstitute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University HospitalMasumiShojimaDepartment of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversitySayokoNagamineDepartment of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityToshiakiNakanoDepartment of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityYongHuangDivision of Medical Informatics, Okayama University HospitalHiroshiMorinagaDepartment of Comprehensive Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMikiOhtaClinical Research Promotion Center, The University of Tokyo HospitalSatomiNagashimaDepartment of Healthcare Information Management, The University of Tokyo HospitalRyusukeInoueMedical Information Technology Center, Tohoku University HospitalNaokiNakamuraMedical Information Technology Center, Tohoku University HospitalHidekiOtaMedical Information Technology Center, Tohoku University HospitalTatsuyaMaruyamaClinical Research Promotion Center, The University of Tokyo HospitalHideoGobaraDivision of Medical Informatics, Okayama University HospitalAkiraEndohDepartment of Medical Informatics, Hokkaido University HospitalMasahikoAndoDepartment of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineYoshimuneShiratoriMedical IT Center, Nagoya University HospitalShoichiMaruyamaDepartment of Nephrology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineBackground Identifying patients on dialysis among those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 remains challenging. To facilitate clinical research in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) using electronic health records, we aimed to develop algorithms to identify dialysis patients using laboratory data obtained in routine practice.<br>
Methods We collected clinical data of patients with an eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 from six clinical research core hospitals across Japan: four hospitals for the derivation cohort and two for the validation cohort. The candidate factors for the classification models were identified using logistic regression with stepwise backward selection. To ensure transplant patients were not included in the non-dialysis population, we excluded individuals with the disease code Z94.0.<br>
Results We collected data from 1142 patients, with 640 (56%) currently undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis (PD), including 426 of 763 patients in the derivation cohort and 214 of 379 patients in the validation cohort. The prescription of PD solutions perfectly identified patients undergoing dialysis. After excluding patients prescribed PD solutions, seven laboratory parameters were included in the algorithm. The areas under the receiver operation characteristic curve were 0.95 and 0.98 and the positive and negative predictive values were 90.9% and 91.4% in the derivation cohort and 96.2% and 94.6% in the validation cohort, respectively. The calibrations were almost linear.<br>
Conclusions We identified patients on dialysis among those with an eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m2. This study paves the way for database research in nephrology, especially for patients with non-dialysis-dependent advanced CKD.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0012-821X6582025Limited water contents of wadsleyite and ringwoodite coexisting with hydrous minerals in cold subducting slabs119310ENTakayukiIshiiInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityJintaoZhuInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityEijiOhtaniDepartment of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityHow water is distributed in a subducting slab is essential to understand water transport into the deep mantle and mechanisms of deep-focus earthquakes and slab deformation around the 660-km discontinuity. A recent experimental study demonstrated that water contents of olivine and wadsleyite coexisting with hydrous phase A is limited at upper mantle pressures, suggesting strong water partitioning to the hydrous phase. However, water distribution between nominally anhydrous and hydrous minerals at the deeper mantle is not investigated in detail. We determined water contents in wadsleyite and ringwoodite coexisting with hydrous phases down to transition-zone depths along cold slab temperatures. Wadsleyite coexisting with hydrous phase A has ∼200 ppm water at 14–16 GPa and 800 °C. At 21 GPa, ringwoodite coexisting with superhydrous phase B has 8–13 ppm water at 800 °C and 46 ppm at 900 °C. Thus, olivine and its high-pressure polymorphs are kinetically dry along cold slab core conditions even in a wet subducting slab. Slab deformation and stagnation around 660 km depth can be caused by grain-size reduction due to phase transitions of dry olivine and the presence of rheologically weak hydrous phases. The deepest earthquakes below 660 km depth can be caused by dehydration of hydrous phases.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)Acta Medica Okayama2169-3536132025Optimized Ensemble Deep Learning for Real-Time Intrusion Detection on Resource-Constrained Raspberry Pi Devices113544113556ENMuhammad BisriMusthafaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamsulHudaInterdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama UniversityTuy TanNguyenSchool of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) networks has increased security risks, making it essential to have effective Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) for real-time threat detection. Deep learning techniques offer promising solutions for such detection due to their superior complex pattern recognition and anomaly detection capabilities in large datasets. This paper proposes an optimized ensemble-based IDS designed specifically for efficient deployment on edge hardware. However, deploying such computationally intensive models on resource-limited edge devices remains a significant challenge due to model size and computational overhead on devices with limited processing capabilities. Building upon our previously developed stacked Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model integrated with ANOVA feature selection, we optimize it by integrating dual-stage model compression: pruning and quantization to create a lightweight model suitable for real-time inference on Raspberry Pi devices. To evaluate the system under realistic conditions, we combined with a Kafka-based testbed to simulate dynamic IoT environments with variable traffic loads, delays, and multiple simultaneous attack sources. This enables the assessment of detection performance under varying traffic volumes, latency, and overlapping attack scenarios. The proposed system maintains high detection performance with accuracy of 97.3% across all test scenarios, while efficiently leveraging multi-core processing with peak CPU usage reaching 111.8%. These results demonstrate the system’s practical viability for real-time IoT security at the edge.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Royal SocietyActa Medica Okayama1744-957X2172025Animal–chlorophyte photosymbioses: evolutionary origins and ecological diversityENIsabel Jiah-YihLiaoBiodiversity Research Center, Academia SinicaTosukeSakagamiBiodiversity Research Center, Academia SinicaThomas D.LewinBiodiversity Research Center, Academia SinicaXavierBaillyLaboratoire des Modèles Marins Multicellulaires, Station Biologique de RoscoffMayukoHamadaUshimado Marine Institute, Okayama UniversityYi-JyunLuoBiodiversity Research Center, Academia SinicaPhotosynthetic symbiosis occurs across diverse animal lineages, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Xenacoelomorpha and Mollusca. These associations between animal hosts and photosynthetic algae often involve the exchange of essential macronutrients, supporting adaptation to a wide range of aquatic environments. A small yet taxonomically widespread subset of animals host photosymbionts from the core chlorophytes, a phylogenetically expansive clade of green algae. These rare instances of ‘plant-like’ animals have arisen independently across distantly related lineages, resulting in striking ecological and physiological diversity. Although such associations provide valuable insights into the evolution of symbiosis and adaptation to novel ecological niches, animal–chlorophyte photosymbioses remain relatively understudied. Here, we present an overview of photosymbioses between animals and chlorophytes, highlighting their independent evolutionary origins, ecological diversity and emerging genomic resources. Focusing on Porifera, Cnidaria and Xenacoelomorpha, we review shared and lineage-specific adaptations underlying these associations. We also contrast them with dinoflagellate-based systems to demonstrate their distinct ecological and cellular features. Our work sets the stage for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations, enhancing our understanding of how interspecies interactions drive adaptation to unique ecological niches through animal–chlorophyte symbiosis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2691-3704522025Mechanistic Insights Into Oxidative Response of Heat Shock Factor 1 Condensates606617ENSoichiroKawagoeInstitute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima UniversityMotonoriMatsusakiInstitute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima UniversityTakuyaMabuchiFrontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku UniversityYutoOgasawaraDepartment of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityKazunoriWatanabeDepartment of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityKoichiroIshimoriDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido UniversityTomohideSaioInstitute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima UniversityHeat shock factor 1 (Hsf1), a hub protein in the stress response and cell fate decisions, senses the strength, type, and duration of stress to balance cell survival and death through an unknown mechanism. Recently, changes in the physical property of Hsf1 condensates due to persistent stress have been suggested to trigger apoptosis, highlighting the importance of biological phase separation and transition in cell fate decisions. In this study, the mechanism underlying Hsf1 droplet formation and oxidative response was investigated through 3D refractive index imaging of the internal architecture, corroborated by molecular dynamics simulations and biophysical/biochemical experiments. We found that, in response to oxidative conditions, Hsf1 formed liquid condensates that suppressed its internal mobility. Furthermore, these conditions triggered the hyper-oligomerization of Hsf1, mediated by disulfide bonds and secondary structure stabilization, leading to the formation of dense core particles in the Hsf1 droplet. Collectively, these data demonstrate how the physical property of Hsf1 condensates undergoes an oxidative transition by sensing redox conditions to potentially drive cell fate decisions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesActa Medica Okayama0027-8424122322025Structural insights into a citrate transporter that mediates aluminum tolerance in barleye2501933122ENTranNguyen ThaoDegree Program in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama UniversityNamikiMitani-UenoResearch Core for Plant Stress Science, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityRyoUranoDivision of Superconducting and Functional Materials, Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYasunoriSaitohDegree Program in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama UniversityPeitongWangResearch Core for Plant Stress Science, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityNaokiYamajiResearch Core for Plant Stress Science, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenDegree Program in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama UniversityWataruShinodaDegree Program in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama UniversityJian FengMaResearch Core for Plant Stress Science, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityMichihiroSugaDegree Program in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama UniversityHvAACT1 is a major aluminum (Al)-tolerance gene in barley, encoding a citrate transporter that belongs to the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family. This transporter facilitates citrate secretion from the roots, thereby detoxifying external Al ions―a major constraint of crop production on acidic soils. In this study, we present the outward-facing crystal structure of HvAACT1, providing insights into a citrate transport mechanism. The putative citrate binding site consists of three basic residues―K126 in transmembrane helix 2 (TM2), R358 in TM7, and R535 in TM12―creating substantial positive charges in the C-lobe cavity. Proton coupling for substrate transport may involve two pairs of aspartate residues in the N-lobe cavity, one of which corresponds to the essential Asp pair found in prokaryotic H+-coupled MATE transporters belonging to the DinF subfamily. Structural coupling between proton uptake in the N-lobe and citrate extrusion in the C-lobe can be enabled by an extensive, unique hydrogen-bonding network at the extracellular half of the N-lobe. Mutation-based functional analysis, structural comparisons, molecular dynamics simulation, and phylogenic analysis suggest an evolutionary link between citrate MATE transporters and the DinF MATE subfamily. Our findings provide a solid structural basis for citrate transport by HvAACT1 in barley and contribute to a broader understanding of citrate transporter structures in other plant species.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2470-13439342024Engineering Zeolitic-Imidazolate-Framework-Derived Mo-Doped Cobalt Phosphide for Efficient OER Catalysts3611436121ENMohammad AtiqurRahmanDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityZeCaiDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityZannatul MumtarinMoushumyDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityRyutaTagawaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityYoshiharuHidakaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityChiyuNakanoResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityMd. SaidulIslamDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityYoshihiroSekineDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityShintaroIdaInstitute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa), Kumamoto UniversityShinyaHayamiInstitute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa), Kumamoto UniversityDesigning a cheap, competent, and durable catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is exceedingly necessary for generating oxygen through a water-splitting reaction. In this project, we have designed a ZIF-67-originated molybdenum-doped cobalt phosphide (CoP) using a simplistic dissolution–regrowth method using Na2MoO4 and a subsequent phosphidation process. This leads to the formation of an exceptional hollow nanocage morphology that is useful for enhanced catalytic activity. Metal–organic frameworks, especially ZIF-67, can be used both as a template and as a metal (cobalt) precursor. Molybdenum-doped CoP was fabricated through a two-step synthesis process, and the fabricated Mo-doped CoP showed excellent catalytic activity during the OER with a lower value of overpotential. Furthermore, the effect of the Mo amount on the catalytic activity has been explored. The best catalyst (CoMoP-2) showed an onset potential of around 1.49 V at 10 mA cm–2 to give rise to a Tafel slope of 62.1 mV dec–1. The improved catalytic activity can be attributed to the increased porosity and surface area of the resultant catalyst.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0008-62232382025Grafting-through functionalization of graphene oxide with cationic polymers for enhanced adsorption of anionic dyes and viruses120296ENRyotaKimuraGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPilarFerré-PujolResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityGraphene oxide (GO) is a sheet-like carbon material with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface. GO has been extensively studied as an adsorbent for heavy metals and organic compounds. However, effective strategies for negatively charged materials have yet to be established. This study aimed to synthesize composites of GO and cationic polymers for the selective adsorption of negatively charged materials; a challenge in this approach is the strong electrostatic interactions between GO and cationic polymers, which can lead to aggregation. This study addresses this issue by employing the grafting-through method. GO was initially modified with allylamine to introduce a polymerizable site, followed by radical polymerization to covalently bond polymers to the GO surface, effectively preventing aggregation. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the GO-polymer composite selectively adsorbs anionic dye, such as methyl orange. Virus adsorption tests showed significantly enhanced performance compared to pristine GO. These results emphasize the critical role of controlled surface modification and charge manipulation in optimizing the adsorption performance of GO. This study establishes a simple and effective approach for synthesizing GO-cationic polymer composites, contributing to the development of advanced materials for water purification applications.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2574-09628132025Microagglomerate of VO2 Particles Packing Paraffin Wax Using Capillary Force as a Latent Thermal Energy Storage Medium95959603ENKazumaIsobeFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKaketoYamauchiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutakaYamadaFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAkihikoHoribeFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThis study proposed a material to retain paraffin wax with vanadium dioxide (VO2) particles as a latent thermal energy storage medium, an alternative to core–shell microcapsules containing phase change materials. VO2 microparticles, which were synthesized through a sol–gel method and annealing process, were dispersed in the oil-in-water microemulsion to obtain microagglomerates of VO2 microparticles. The average diameter of microagglomerates was 5 μm, and they retained paraffin wax at the vacancies among VO2 particles. Although the microagglomerates had no complete shells similar to core–shell microcapsules, the microagglomerates successfully trapped paraffin wax droplets without any leakage even in a high-temperature environment. It was because capillary forces acting among VO2 particles strictly prevented any leakage of paraffin waxes. The differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the microagglomerates contained only 16.5 wt % of n-octadecane, used as a paraffin wax. However, since VO2 particles can release or absorb latent heat due to their metal–insulator phase transition, the proposed microagglomerates exhibited higher thermal energy storage densities than phase change microcapsules whose shells do not show phase transitions. Moreover, the microagglomerates exhibited higher thermal conductivity than microcapsules with amorphous inorganic shells because the VO2 particles were crystallized through annealing. The proposed microagglomerate is a promising form for further improving the thermal energy storage density and thermal performance of the latent thermal energy storage medium, especially in the temperature range of 30 to 70 °C.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama2041-652016262025Collective motions in the primary coordination sphere: a critical functional framework for catalytic activity of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II12024ENHiroshiIsobeTakayoshiSuzukiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMichihiroSugaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKizashiYamaguchiCenter for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, Osaka UniversityPhotosynthetic water oxidation, vital for dioxygen production and light energy conversion, is catalyzed by the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, where the inorganic Mn4CaO5 cluster acts as the catalytic core. In this study, we investigate the functional significance of collective motions of amino acid side chains within the primary coordination sphere of the Mn cluster, focusing on their role in modulating the energetic demands for catalytic transformations in the S3 state. We applied regularized canonical correlation analysis to quantitatively correlate the three-dimensional arrangement of coordinating atoms with catalytic driving forces computed via density functional theory. Our analysis reveals that distinct collective side chain motions profoundly influence the energetic requirements for structural reconfigurations of the Mn cluster, achieved through expansion and contraction of the ligand cavity while fine-tuning its geometry to stabilize key intermediates. Complementary predictions from a neural network-based machine learning model indicate that the coordination sphere exerts a variable energetic impact on the catalytic transformations of the Mn cluster, depending on the S-state environment. Integrated computational analyses suggest that the extended lifetime of the S3YZ˙ state, consistently observed after three flash illuminations, may result from slow, progressive protein dynamics that continuously reshape the energy landscape, thereby shifting the equilibrium positions of rapid, reversible chemical processes over time. Overall, our findings demonstrate that collective motions in the primary coordination sphere constitute an active, dynamic framework essential for the efficient execution of multi-electron catalysis under ambient conditions, while simultaneously achieving a high selectivity with irreversible nature required for effective 3O2 evolution.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.International Union of Crystallography (IUCr)Acta Medica Okayama1600-57675832025Enhanced estimation method for partial scattering functions in contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering via Gaussian process regression with prior knowledge of smoothness976991ENIppeiObayashiCenter for Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Data Science, Okayama UniversityShinyaMiyajimaFaculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate UniversityKazuakiTanakaGlobal Center for Science and Engineering, Waseda UniversityKoichiMayumiInstitute for Solid State Physics, University of TokyoContrast variation small-angle neutron scattering (CV-SANS) is a powerful tool for evaluating the structure of multi-component systems. In CV-SANS, the scattering intensities I(Q) measured with different scattering contrasts are decomposed into partial scattering functions S(Q) of the self- and cross-correlations between components. Since the measurement has a measurement error, S(Q) must be estimated statistically from I(Q). If no prior knowledge about S(Q) is available, the least-squares method is best, and this is the most popular estimation method. However, if prior knowledge is available, the estimation can be improved using Bayesian inference in a statistically authorized way. In this paper, we propose a novel method to improve the estimation of S(Q), based on Gaussian process regression using prior knowledge about the smoothness and flatness of S(Q). We demonstrate the method using synthetic core–shell and experimental polyrotaxane SANS data.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.eLife Sciences Publications, LtdActa Medica Okayama2050-084X132024Structural basis for molecular assembly of fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins in a diatom photosystem I supercomplexRP99858ENKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshikiNakajimaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJianXingGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityMinoruKumazawaGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityHaruyaOgawaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKentaroIfukuGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityRyoNagaoFaculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka UniversityPhotosynthetic organisms exhibit remarkable diversity in their light-harvesting complexes (LHCs). LHCs are associated with photosystem I (PSI), forming a PSI-LHCI supercomplex. The number of LHCI subunits, along with their protein sequences and pigment compositions, has been found to differ greatly among the PSI-LHCI structures. However, the mechanisms by which LHCIs recognize their specific binding sites within the PSI core remain unclear. In this study, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a PSI supercomplex incorporating fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs), designated as PSI-FCPI, isolated from the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana CCMP1335. Structural analysis of PSI-FCPI revealed five FCPI subunits associated with a PSI monomer; these subunits were identified as RedCAP, Lhcr3, Lhcq10, Lhcf10, and Lhcq8. Through structural and sequence analyses, we identified specific protein–protein interactions at the interfaces between FCPI and PSI subunits, as well as among FCPI subunits themselves. Comparative structural analyses of PSI-FCPI supercomplexes, combined with phylogenetic analysis of FCPs from T. pseudonana and the diatom Chaetoceros gracilis, underscore the evolutionary conservation of protein motifs crucial for the selective binding of individual FCPI subunits. These findings provide significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly and selective binding of FCPIs in diatoms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Association for the Advancement of ScienceActa Medica Okayama2375-254811202025Structure of a photosystem I supercomplex from Galdieria sulphuraria close to an ancestral red algaeadv7488ENKojiKatoResearch institute for interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of environ-mental, life, natural Science and technology, Okayama UniversityMinoruKumazawaGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityYoshikiNakajimaResearch institute for interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of environ-mental, life, natural Science and technology, Okayama UniversityTakehiroSuzukiBiomolecular characterization Unit, RiKen center for Sustainable Resource ScienceNaoshiDohmaeBiomolecular characterization Unit, RiKen center for Sustainable Resource ScienceJian-RenShenResearch institute for interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of environ-mental, life, natural Science and technology, Okayama UniversityKentaroIfukuGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityRyoNagaoFaculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka UniversityRed algae exhibit unique photosynthetic adaptations, characterized by photosystem I (PSI) supercomplexes containing light-harvesting complexes (LHCs), forming PSI-LHCI supercomplexes. In this study, we solved the PSI-LHCI structure of Galdieria sulphuraria NIES-3638 at 2.19-angstrom resolution using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing a PSI monomer core associated with seven LHCI subunits. Structural analysis uncovered the absence of phylloquinones, the common secondary electron acceptor in PSI of photosynthetic organisms, suggesting adaptation to a benzoquinone-like molecule. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that G. sulphuraria retains traits characteristic of an ancestral red alga, including distinctive LHCI binding and interaction patterns. Variations in LHCI composition and interactions across red algae, particularly in red-lineage chlorophyll a/b-binding-like protein and red algal LHCs, highlight evolutionary divergence and specialization. These findings not only deepen our understanding of red algal PSI-LHCI diversification but also enable us to predict features of an ancestral red algal PSI-LHCI supercomplex, providing a framework to explore evolutionary adaptations from an ancestral red alga.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231612025Structure of a photosystem II-FCPII supercomplex from a haptophyte reveals a distinct antenna organization4175ENRomainLa RoccaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Advanced Research Field, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Advanced Research Field, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPi-ChengTsaiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Advanced Research Field, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshikiNakajimaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Advanced Research Field, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityFusamichiAkitaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Advanced Research Field, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Advanced Research Field, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHaptophytes are unicellular algae that produce 30 to 50% of biomass in oceans. Among haptophytes, a subset named coccolithophores is characterized by calcified scales. Despite the importance of coccolithophores in global carbon fixation and CaCO3 production, their energy conversion system is still poorly known. Here we report a cryo-electron microscopic structure of photosystem II (PSII)-fucoxanthin chlorophyll c-binding protein (FCPII) supercomplex from Chyrostila roscoffensis, a representative of coccolithophores. This complex has two sets of six dimeric and monomeric FCPIIs, with distinct orientations. Interfaces of both FCPII/FCPII and FCPII/core differ from previously reported. We also determine the sequence of Psb36, a subunit previously found in diatoms and red algae. The principal excitation energy transfer (EET) pathways involve mainly 5 FCPIIs, where one FCPII monomer mediates EET to CP47. Our findings provide a solid structural basis for EET and energy dissipation pathways occurring in coccolithophores.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1464-67222652025Genomic Islands of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605: Identification of PtaGI-1 as a Pathogenicity Island With Effector Genes and a Tabtoxin Clustere70087ENYutaWatanabeThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKotomiKunishiFaculty of Agriculture,Okayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNanamiSakataThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukiIchinoseThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityGenomic islands (GIs) are 20-500 kb DNA regions that are thought to be acquired by horizontal gene transfer. GIs that confer pathogenicity and environmental adaptation have been reported in Pseudomonas species; however, GIs that enhance bacterial virulence have not. Here, we identified 110 kb and 103 kb GIs in P. syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605), the causative agent of tobacco wildfire disease, which has the ability to produce tabtoxin as a phytotoxin. These GIs are partially homologous to known genomic islands in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. syringae pv. phaseolicola and were designated PtaGI-1 and PtaGI-2. Both PtaGIs conserve core genes, whereas each GI possesses different accessory genes. PtaGI-1 contains a tabtoxin biosynthetic gene cluster and three type III effector genes among its accessory genes, whereas PtaGI-2 also contains homologous genes to hsvABC, pathogenicity-related genes in Erwinia amylovora. Inoculation revealed that the PtaGI-1 mutant, but not the PtaGI-2 mutant, lost the ability to biosynthesise tabtoxin and to cause disease. Therefore, PtaGI-1 is thought to be a pathogenicity island. Both PtaGI-1 and PtaGI-2 have a pseudogene of tRNALys on the left border and an intact tRNALys gene on the right border. In a colony of Pta6605, both GIs can be excised at tRNALys, and PtaGI-1 and PtaGI-2 exist in a circular form. These results indicate that tabtoxin biosynthesis genes in PtaGI-1 are required for disease development, and PtaGI-1 is necessary for Pta6605 virulence.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Beilstein-InstitutActa Medica Okayama1860-5397212025Photochemically assisted synthesis of phenacenes fluorinated at the terminal benzene rings and their electronic spectra670679ENYuukiIshiiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMinoruYamajiDivision of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Gunma UniversityFumitoTaniInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityKentaGotoInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityYoshihiroKubozonoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityHidekiOkamotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University[n]Phenacenes ([n] = 5-7), octafluorinated at the terminal benzene rings (F8-phenacenes: F8PIC, F8FUL, and F87PHEN), were photochemically synthesized, and their electronic spectra were investigated to reveal the effects of the fluorination on the electronic features of phenacene molecules. F8-Phenacenes were conveniently synthesized by the Mallory photoreaction of the corresponding fluorinated diarylethenes as the key step. Upon fluorination on the phenacene cores, the absorption and fluorescence bands of the F8-phenacenes in CHCl3 systematically red-shifted by ca. 3-5 nm compared to those of the corresponding parent phenacenes. The vibrational progressions of the absorption and fluorescence bands were little affected by the fluorination in the solution phase. In the solid state, the absorption band of F8-phenacenes appeared in the similar wavelength region for the corresponding parent phenacenes whereas their fluorescence bands markedly red-shifted and broadened. These observations suggest that the intermolecular interactions of excited-state F8-phenacene molecules are significantly different from those of the corresponding parent molecules, most likely due to different crystalline packing motifs.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学大学院社会文化科学研究科Acta Medica Okayama1881-1671592025稲盛和夫のフィロソフィーと西郷南洲翁遺訓及び日新公いろは歌の連関についての考察2544ENHisashiMACHIDA10.18926/68539 一代で京セラやKDDIの前身となる第二電電（DDI）を創業し、合計数兆円企業に育て、倒産した日本航空（JAL）を3年で再建し、再上場に導いた稀代の経営者稲盛和夫は、アメーバ経営という独自の経営手法だけでなく、理念経営により数万人を導いてきた。中小企業の一経営者が経営の中から導き出した人生成功の処世術のルーツは何処にあるのか。生まれ育った薩摩の基礎となる郷中（ごじゅう）教育とは何か、などについて経営学の観点から関心が湧く。<br>
稲盛和夫が京セラ創業以降に出会い、自ら経営理念の基礎とした地元の偉人である西郷隆盛の言行録である西郷南洲翁遺訓及び16世紀に薩摩や日向など南九州を統一した島津家第15代領主島津貴久公の実父島津忠良（日新）が残した、島津日新公いろは歌とどのように連関があるのか。そもそも薩摩生まれの3名の思想にどのような連関があるのか、についても関心が湧く。この研究では、質的研究法であるグラウンデッド・セオリー・アプローチを援用して、稲盛和夫のフィロソフィーと西郷南洲翁遺訓及び日新公いろは歌の連関について分析した。結果的に3つの概念は400年の時代を超えて、連関していることが分析により明らかになった。特に稲盛和夫のフィロソフィーが稲盛和夫が敬愛する西郷隆盛の言行録である西郷南洲翁遺訓に正の影響を受けているだけでなく、薩摩での教育を背景に、400年前に遡る日新公いろは歌からも正の影響を受けていることが明らかになった。400年に渡り薩摩の人々が受け継いできた理念には、時代を超えても人が生きていく中で基礎とすべき、もしくは人生で重要なコアな思想・資質とすべき概念があると考えられる。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323152025軽度知的障害のある生徒の行動問題への教員対応過程 ―A 知的障害特別支援学校高等部での実践検討を通して―147161ENHideakiTOKIMITSUGraduate School of Education (Professional Degree Course), Okayama UniversityYoshioMIYAZAKIFaculty of Education, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/68488 本研究の目的は，知的障害特別支援学校高等部に在籍する生徒の行動問題に着目し，学校現場で教員が適切に対応する際の枠組みを明らかにすることである。その方法として，生徒指導上の課題を理由とする教育困難期を乗り越えたA 知的障害特別支援学校高等部に所属していた経験豊富な教員4名に面接調査を実施し，M-GTA の手法を援用した質的分析を行った。その結果，【安心感を生む個との関係づくり】と【対応方法の共有と統一化を目指す】関係性がコア・カテゴリーと位置づき，16の諸概念を生成した。行動問題に直面した教員は，生徒に対しては【安心感を生む個との関係づくり】を対応の軸とし，その背後では学校として【対応方法の共有と統一化を目指す】ための動きをしていた。最後に，本研究で明らかとなった対応の枠組みについて考察した観点から，個別の時間を含む階層性のある包括的な支援システムを一つの提案とした。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231612025Keratinocyte-driven dermal collagen formation in the axolotl skin1757ENAyakaOhashiGraduate School of Environment, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirotakaSakamotoGraduate School of Environment, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJunpeiKurodaGraduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversityYoheiKondoCenter for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya UniversityYasuhiroKameiLaboratory for Biothermology, National Institute for Basic BiologyShigenoriNonakaThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)SayaFurukawaGraduate School of Environment, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySakiyaYamamotoGraduate School of Environment, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAkiraSatohGraduate School of Environment, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityType I collagen is a major component of the dermis and is formed by dermal fibroblasts. The development of dermal collagen structures has not been fully elucidated despite the major presence and importance of the dermis. This lack of understanding is due in part to the opacity of mammalian skin and it has been an obstacle to cosmetic and medical developments. We reveal the process of dermal collagen formation using the highly transparent skin of the axolotl and fluorescent collagen probes. We clarify that epidermal cells, not dermal fibroblasts, contribute to dermal collagen formation. Mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts) play a role in modifying the collagen fibers already built by keratinocytes. We confirm that collagen production by keratinocytes is a widely conserved mechanism in other model organisms. Our findings warrant a change in the current consensus about dermal collagen formation and could lead to innovations in cosmetology and skin medication.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学経済学会Acta Medica Okayama2433-41465632025地方創生第１期における製造事業所の存続，発生，消失1533ENRyoheiNakamura10.18926/OER/68444 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。<br>
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。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2045-23221512025Microfluidic fabrication of rattle shaped biopolymer microcapsules via sequential phase separation in oil droplets6666ENTakaichiWatanabeDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyYukoSakaiDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyKurumiMoriDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyTsutomuOnoDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and TechnologyMultilayer microcapsules containing a small particle within a larger capsule have recently attracted considerable attention owing to their potential applications in diverse fields, including drug delivery, active ingredient storage, and chemical reactions. These complex capsules have been fabricated using interfacial polymerization or seeded emulsion polymerization. However, these methods often require complex and lengthy polymerization processes, limiting their utility, particularly in biopolymer systems. This study introduces a simple and efficient approach for preparing rattle-shaped cellulose acetate (CA) microcapsules through sequential phase separation in droplets. We systematically examine the effects of various preparation parameters, including the amount of co-solvent, initial droplet size, and flow rates, and reveal that the incorporation of a co-solvent-ethyl acetate (EA)- in the dispersed phase significantly impacts the microcapsule morphology. Our findings demonstrate a transition from a core-shell to a rattle-shaped structure as the EA concentration increases. Furthermore, the initial droplet diameter and flow rates influence microcapsule formation-larger droplets and reduced continuous-phase flow rates favor the development of multi-layered structures. These results indicate that the formation mechanism of these rattle-shaped microcapsules arises from the establishment of a radial solvent concentration gradient and subsequent phase separation within the droplets, driven by kinetic rather than thermodynamic factors.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.eLife Sciences PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2050-084X132024Structural basis for molecular assembly of fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins in a diatom photosystem I supercomplexRP99858ENKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshikiNakajimaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJianXingGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityMinoruKumazawaGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityHaruyaOgawaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKentaroIfukuGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityRyoNagaoFaculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka UniversityPhotosynthetic organisms exhibit remarkable diversity in their light-harvesting complexes (LHCs). LHCs are associated with photosystem I (PSI), forming a PSI-LHCI supercomplex. The number of LHCI subunits, along with their protein sequences and pigment compositions, has been found to differ greatly among the PSI-LHCI structures. However, the mechanisms by which LHCIs recognize their specific binding sites within the PSI core remain unclear. In this study, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a PSI supercomplex incorporating fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs), designated as PSI-FCPI, isolated from the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana CCMP1335. Structural analysis of PSI-FCPI revealed five FCPI subunits associated with a PSI monomer; these subunits were identified as RedCAP, Lhcr3, Lhcq10, Lhcf10, and Lhcq8. Through structural and sequence analyses, we identified specific protein-protein interactions at the interfaces between FCPI and PSI subunits, as well as among FCPI subunits themselves. Comparative structural analyses of PSI-FCPI supercomplexes, combined with phylogenetic analysis of FCPs from T. pseudonana and the diatom Chaetoceros gracilis, underscore the evolutionary conservation of protein motifs crucial for the selective binding of individual FCPI subunits. These findings provide significant insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly and selective binding of FCPIs in diatoms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2470-13439502024Conformational Flexibility of D1-Glu189: A Crucial Determinant in Substrate Water Selection, Positioning, and Stabilization within the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II5004150048ENHiroshiIsobeResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTakayoshiSuzukiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMichihiroSugaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKizashiYamaguchiCenter for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, Osaka UniversityPhotosynthetic water oxidation is a vital process responsible for producing dioxygen and supplying the energy necessary to sustain life on Earth. This fundamental reaction is catalyzed by the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II, which houses the Mn4CaO5 cluster as its catalytic core. In this study, we specifically focus on the D1-Glu189 amino acid residue, which serves as a direct ligand to the Mn4CaO5 cluster. Our primary goal is to explore, using density functional theory (DFT), how the conformational flexibility of the D1-Glu189 side chain influences crucial catalytic processes, particularly the selection, positioning, and stabilization of a substrate water molecule within the OEC. Our investigation is based on a hypothesis put forth by Li et al. (Nature, 2024, 626, 670), which suggests that during the transition from the S2 to S3 state, a specific water molecule temporarily coordinating with the Ca ion, referred to as O6*, may exist as a hydroxide ion (OH-). Our results demonstrate a key mechanism by which the detachment of the D1-Glu189 carboxylate group from its coordination with the Ca ion allows the creation of a specialized microenvironment within the OEC that enables the selective attraction of O6* in its deprotonated form (OH-) and stabilizes it at the catalytic metal (MnD) site. Our findings indicate that D1-Glu189 is not only a structural ligand for the Ca ion but may also play an active and dynamic role in the catalytic process, positioning O6* optimally for its subsequent participation in the oxidation sequence during the water-splitting cycle.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama0941-435532122024Relationship among cancer treatment, quality of life, and oral function in head and neck cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study809ENAyaYokoiDepartment of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakayukiMaruyamaDepartment of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityReikoYamanakaDepartment of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalNorikoTakeuchiDepartment of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalManabuMoritaDepartment of Oral Health Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health CareDaisukeEkuniDepartment of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityPurpose 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.<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
Conclusion HNC treatment is indirectly associated with QoL via oral function in HNC survivors.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama1567-1364242024Improving the Z3EV promoter system to create the strongest yeast promoterfoae032ENRinaHiguchiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYuriFujitaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShotaroNambaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriyaFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPromoters for artificial control of gene expression are central tools in genetic engineering. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a variety of constitutive and controllable promoters with different strengths have been constructed using endogenous gene promoters, synthetic transcription factors and their binding sequences, and artificial sequences. However, there have been no attempts to construct the highest strength promoter in yeast cells. In this study, by incrementally increasing the binding sequences of the synthetic transcription factor Z3EV, we were able to construct a promoter (P36) with ~1.4 times the strength of the TDH3 promoter. This is stronger than any previously reported promoter. Although the P36 promoter exhibits some leakage in the absence of induction, the expression induction by estradiol is maintained. When combined with a multicopy plasmid, it can express up to ~50% of total protein as a heterologous protein. This promoter system can be used to gain knowledge about the cell physiology resulting from the ultimate overexpression of excess proteins and is expected to be a useful tool for heterologous protein expression in yeast.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama1046-59281492018Functional analysis of N-terminal propeptide in the precursor of Vibrio vulnificus metalloprotease by using cell-free translational system1316ENTomokaKawaseGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityFumiMiuraGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAnusuyaDebnathGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKinuyoImakuraGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShin-ichiMiyoshiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityVibrio vulnificus is a human pathogen causing fatal septicemia with edematous and hemorrhagic skin damage. Among multiple virulence factors, an extracellular metalloprotease termed as V. vulnificus protease (VVP) is known to play a crucial role in eliciting the skin damage. The mature VVP (413 aa) is composed of two domains, the N-terminal core domain with proteolytic activity and the C-terminal domain mediates efficient attachment to protein substrates. However, VVP is produced as an inactive precursor (609 aa) with a signal peptide (24 aa) and propeptide (172 aa). In order to clarify the function of propeptide, a series of DNA fragments encoding the VVP precursor and its various domains were designed and the proteins were expressed in vitro by using cell-free translational system. The results indicated that the propeptide might function as an intramolecular chaperon to promote the proper folding of both N-terminal and C-terminal domains. The obtained results also suggest that the propeptide, itself was unstable and thus digested easily by the enzymes present in cell lysate used for cell-free system. Additionally, the C-terminal domain in VVP found to inhibit the folding of the N-terminal domain in absence of propeptide.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1474-905X2382024Intramolecular [π4s + π4s] photocycloaddition of carbon- and nitrogen-bridged [32](1,4)naphthalenophanes15091519ENYukikoOgumaDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMasanoriYamamotoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukinariSunatsukiDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHiromiOtaDepartment of Instrumental Analysis, Advanced Science Research Center, Okayama UniversityMinoruYamajiDivision of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Gunma UniversityHidekiOkamotoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University[32](1,4)Naphthalenophanes, bearing carbon-bridge chains (syn- and anti-NPs) and nitrogen-bridge chains (syn- and anti-ANPs), were synthesized, and their X-ray structures and photoreactions were investigated. The intramolecular separation distance between the naphthalene cores for ANPs was shorter than that for NPs, suggesting that intramolecular interactions between the naphthalene rings were more efficient for ANPs compared to NPs. Upon photoirradiation at 300 nm, anti-NP, syn-ANP and anti-ANP produced the corresponding intramolecular [π4s + π4s] cycloadducts, whereas syn-NP gave an unidentified complex product mixture. Quantum yields for the photo-consumption (ΦPC) of NPs and ANPs were evaluated to quantitatively compare their photoreactivity. The ΦPC values of ANPs were approximately two-fold higher than those of ANPs.Noteworthily, the ΦPC value of syn-ANP was estimated to be unity. Based on these results we discuss the effects of the alignments of the naphthalene cores (anti vs. syn) and the bridging elements (C-bridge vs. N-bridge) on the photoreaction efficiencies of [32](1,4)naphthalenophanes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Association for the Advancement of ScienceActa Medica Okayama2375-25489432023Structure of a diatom photosystem II supercomplex containing a member of Lhcx family and dimeric FCPIIeadi8446ENYueFengPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesZhenhuaLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaoyiLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesLiliShenPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXueyangLiuPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesCuicuiZhouPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesJinyangZhangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesMinSangChina National Botanical GardenGuangyeHanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesWenqiangYangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesTingyunKuangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesWendaWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityDiatoms rely on fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs) for their great success in oceans, which have a great diversity in their pigment, protein compositions, and subunit organizations. We report a unique structure of photosystem II (PSII)-FCPII supercomplex from Thalassiosira pseudonana at 2.68-angstrom resolution by cryo-electron microscopy. FCPIIs within this PSII-FCPII supercomplex exist in dimers and monomers, and a homodimer and a heterodimer were found to bind to a PSII core. The FCPII homodimer is formed by Lhcf7 and associates with PSII through an Lhcx family antenna Lhcx6_1, whereas the heterodimer is formed by Lhcf6 and Lhcf11 and connects to the core together with an Lhcf5 monomer through Lhca2 monomer. An extended pigment network consisting of diatoxanthins, diadinoxanthins, fucoxanthins, and chlorophylls a/c is revealed, which functions in efficient light harvesting, energy transfer, and dissipation. These results provide a structural basis for revealing the energy transfer and dissipation mechanisms and also for the structural diversity of FCP antennas in diatoms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Company of Biologists LtdActa Medica Okayama0021-9533137112024Toxicity of the model protein 3×GFP arises from degradation overload, not from aggregate formationjcs261977ENShotaroNambaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriyaFaculty of Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAlthough protein aggregation can cause cytotoxicity, such aggregates can also form to mitigate cytotoxicity from misfolded proteins, although the nature of these contrasting aggregates remains unclear. We previously found that overproduction (op) of a three green fluorescent protein-linked protein (3×GFP) induces giant aggregates and is detrimental to growth. Here, we investigated the mechanism of growth inhibition by 3×GFP-op using non-aggregative 3×MOX-op as a control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The 3×GFP aggregates were induced by misfolding, and 3×GFP-op had higher cytotoxicity than 3×MOX-op because it perturbed the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Static aggregates formed by 3×GFP-op dynamically trapped Hsp70 family proteins (Ssa1 and Ssa2 in yeast), causing the heat-shock response. Systematic analysis of mutants deficient in the protein quality control suggested that 3×GFP-op did not cause a critical Hsp70 depletion and aggregation functioned in the direction of mitigating toxicity. Artificial trapping of essential cell cycle regulators into 3×GFP aggregates caused abnormalities in the cell cycle. In conclusion, the formation of the giant 3×GFP aggregates itself is not cytotoxic, as it does not entrap and deplete essential proteins. Rather, it is productive, inducing the heat-shock response while preventing an overload to the degradation system.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2045-23221412024Palaeoproteomic investigation of an ancient human skeleton with abnormal deposition of dental calculus5938ENYokoUchida-FukuharaDepartment of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShigeruShimamuraInstitute for Extra-Cutting-Edge Science and Technology Avant-Garde Research (X-STAR), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)RikaiSawafujiResearch Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)TakumiNishiuchiResearch Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa UniversityMinoruYonedaThe University Museum, The University of TokyoHajimeIshidaDepartment of Human Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the RyukyusHirofumiMatsumuraSchool of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical UniversityTakumiTsutayaResearch Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)Detailed investigation of extremely severe pathological conditions in ancient human skeletons is important as it could shed light on the breadth of potential interactions between humans and disease etiologies in the past. Here, we applied palaeoproteomics to investigate an ancient human skeletal individual with severe oral pathology, focusing our research on bacterial pathogenic factors and host defense response. This female skeleton, from the Okhotsk period (i.e., fifth to thirteenth century) of Northern Japan, poses relevant amounts of abnormal dental calculus deposition and exhibits oral dysfunction due to severe periodontal disease. A shotgun mass-spectrometry analysis identified 81 human proteins and 15 bacterial proteins from the calculus of the subject. We identified two pathogenic or bioinvasive proteins originating from two of the three "red complex" bacteria, the core species associated with severe periodontal disease in modern humans, as well as two additional bioinvasive proteins of periodontal-associated bacteria. Moreover, we discovered defense response system-associated human proteins, although their proportion was mostly similar to those reported in ancient and modern human individuals with lower calculus deposition. These results suggest that the bacterial etiology was similar and the host defense response was not necessarily more intense in ancient individuals with significant amounts of abnormal dental calculus deposition.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7832024Comparative Analysis of Thoracic Rotation Exercises: Range of Motion Improvement in Standing and Quadruped Variants251258ENKojiMurofushiSports Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)ShoMitomoJapan Sports AgencyKenjiHirohataClinical Center for Sports Medicine and Sports Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)HidetakaFuruyaDepartment of Rehabilitation, Sonoda Third Hospital/Tokyo Medical Institute Tokyo Spine CenterHirokiKatagiriDepartment of Orthopedics, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical CenterKojiKaneokaFaculty of Sport Science, Waseda UniversityKazuyoshiYagishitaClinical Center for Sports Medicine and Sports Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)Original Article10.18926/AMO/67200There have been few investigations into the effectiveness of thoracic spine exercises for improving thoracic range of motion (ROM) in any plane. This study assessed the effectiveness of two thoracic spine exercises: one in the quadruped position and one in the thoracic standing position. We determined how these exercises affect thoracic spine mobility ROM over a 2-week intervention period. Thirty-nine healthy participants were enrolled and assigned to a Quadruped Thoracic Rotation group (n=17 participants: 9 females and 8 males) or Flamenco Thoracic Spine Rotation group (n=22: 14 females and 8 males). All participants were administered a KOJI AWARENESSTM screening test, and the initial thoracic spine ROM before intervention exercise was measured in a laboratory setting. Quadruped Thoracic Rotation was performed as the quadruped exercise and Flamenco Thoracic Spine Rotation as the standing exercise. The KOJI AWARENESSTM thoracic spine test and ROM were evaluated on the day after the first exercise session and again after the program. Despite their different approaches to thoracic mobility, the quadruped exercise and standing exercise achieved equivalent improvement in thoracic ROM after 2 weeks. Practitioners have a range of exercise options for enhancing thoracic mobility based on their environmental or task-specific needs.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7832024Thoughts on and Proposal for the Education, Training, and Recruitment of Infectious Disease Specialists205213ENHideharuHagiyaDepartment of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University HospitalReview10.18926/AMO/67195The global pandemic of COVID-19 has underscored the significance of establishing and sustaining a practical and efficient infection control system for the benefit and welfare of society. Infectious disease (ID) specialists are expected to take on leadership roles in enhancing organizational infrastructures for infection prevention and control (IPC) at the hospital, community, and national levels. However, due to an absolute shortage and an uneven distribution, many core hospitals currently lack the ID specialists. Given the escalating global risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance pathogens, the education and training of ID specialists constitutes an imperative concern. As demonstrated by historical changes in the healthcare reimbursement system, the establishment and enhancement of IPC measures is pivotal to ensuring medical safety. The existing structure of academic society-driven certification and training initiatives for ID specialists, contingent upon the discretionary decisions of individual physicians, possesses both quantitative and qualitative shortcomings. In this article, I first address the present situations and challenges related to ID specialists and then introduce my idea of securing ID specialists based on the new concepts and platforms; (i) ID Specialists as National Credentials, (ii) Establishment of the Department of Infectious Diseases in Medical and Graduate Schools, (iii) Endowed ID Educative Courses Funded by Local Government and Pharmaceutical Companies, and (iv) Recruitment of Young Physicians Engaged in Healthcare Services in Remote Areas. As clarified by the COVID-19 pandemic, ID specialists play a crucial role in safeguarding public health. Hopefully, this article will advance the discussion and organizational reform for the education and training of ID specialists.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231512024Structure and distinct supramolecular organization of a PSII-ACPII dimer from a cryptophyte alga Chroomonas placoidea4535ENZhiyuanMaoPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXingyueLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesZhenhuaLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesLiangliangShenPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaoyiLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesYanyanYangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesWendaWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesTingyunKuangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesJian-RenShenInstitute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityGuangyeHanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesCryptophyte algae are an evolutionarily distinct and ecologically important group of photosynthetic unicellular eukaryotes. Photosystem II (PSII) of cryptophyte algae associates with alloxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (ACPs) to act as the peripheral light-harvesting system, whose supramolecular organization is unknown. Here, we purify the PSII-ACPII supercomplex from a cryptophyte alga Chroomonas placoidea (C. placoidea), and analyze its structure at a resolution of 2.47 & Aring; using cryo-electron microscopy. This structure reveals a dimeric organization of PSII-ACPII containing two PSII core monomers flanked by six symmetrically arranged ACPII subunits. The PSII core is conserved whereas the organization of ACPII subunits exhibits a distinct pattern, different from those observed so far in PSII of other algae and higher plants. Furthermore, we find a Chl a-binding antenna subunit, CCPII-S, which mediates interaction of ACPII with the PSII core. These results provide a structural basis for the assembly of antennas within the supercomplex and possible excitation energy transfer pathways in cryptophyte algal PSII, shedding light on the diversity of supramolecular organization of photosynthetic machinery.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama1010-60304522024Photochemical synthesis and solvatochromic fluorescence behavior of imide-fused phenacenes115613ENKeitoNoseGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMinoruYamajiDivision of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Gunma UniversityFumitoTaniInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityKentaGotoInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityHidekiOkamotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityChrysenes, picene, fulminene, modified with imide, bromo, and amino functionalities, were synthesized through Mallory photoreaction as the key step, and their electronic spectra were investigated. Fluorescence spectra of chrysene-diimide CHRDI and bromo-substituted phencanene-imides, BrCHRI, BrPICI, BrFULI were dependent on solvent polarity to display appreciable fluorescence color changes. The solvatofluorochromic behavior was analyzed by conventional relationships between Stokes shift and solvent polarity parameters, such as Lippert-Mataga and Bilot-Kawski equations. The results indicated that the solvatofluorochromism was derived from the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) nature in the excited state. Theoretical studies using time-dependent density-functional theory revealed that the phenacene-imide molecules in the fluorescent state possessed ICT characters between the strongly electron-withdrawing imide moiety and moderately electron-donating phenacene cores. Amino-substituted chrysene-imide NH2CHRI showed fluorescence band in a red region (λFL = 618 nm) in toluene with a very large Stokes shift (Δ nu= 7630 cm−1) suggesting that the molecule in the fluorescent state was highly polarized. The present results indicate that phenacenes would provide potential platforms for constructing future functional fluorophores through an appropriate functionalization.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama0167-680620232023Prognostic impact of adjuvant endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-negative T1a/bN0M0 breast cancer473483ENShinsukeSasadaDepartment of Surgical Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima UniversityNaotoKondoDepartment of Breast Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesHiroyaHashimotoCore Laboratory, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesYukoTakahashiDepartment of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University HospitalKaoriTerataDepartment of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Akita University HospitalKumikoKidaDepartment of Breast Surgical Oncology, St. Luke’s International HospitalYasuakiSagaraDepartment of Breast and Thyroid Surgical Oncology, Social medical corporation Hakuaikai, Sagara HospitalTakayukiUenoBreast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchKeiseiAnanDepartment of Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical CenterAkihikoSutoDepartment of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center HospitalChizukoKanbayashiDepartment of Breast Oncology, Niigata Cancer Center HospitalMinaTakahashiDepartment of Breast Oncology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterRikiyaNakamuraDepartment of Breast Surgery, Chiba Cancer CenterToshiyukiIshibaDepartment of Breast Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome HospitalMichikoTsuneizumiDepartment of Breast Surgery, Shizuoka General HospitalSeiichiroNishimuraDepartment of Breast Surgery, Shizuoka Cancer Center HospitalYoichiNaitoDepartment of General Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital EastFumikataHaraBreast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTadahikoShienDepartment of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHirojiIwataDepartment of Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center HospitalPurpose Mammography screening has increased the detection of subcentimeter breast cancers. The prognosis for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative T1a/bN0M0 breast cancers is excellent; however, the necessity of adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) is uncertain.<br>
Methods We evaluated the effectiveness of adjuvant ET in patients with ER-positive and HER2-negative T1a/bN0M0 breast cancer who underwent surgery from 2008 to 2012. Standard ET was administrated after surgery. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of distant metastasis. All statistical tests were 2-sided.<br>
Results Adjuvant ET was administered to 3991 (83%) of the 4758 eligible patients (1202 T1a [25.3%] and 3556 T1b [74.7%], diseases). The median follow-up period was 9.2 years. The 9-year cumulative incidence of distant metastasis was 1.5% with ET and 2.6% without ET (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.93). In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for distant metastasis were no history of ET, mastectomy, high-grade, and lymphatic invasion. The 9-year overall survival was 97.0% and 94.4% with and without ET, respectively (adjusted HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39–0.83). In addition, adjuvant ET reduced the incidence of ipsilateral and contralateral breast cancer (9-year rates; 1.1% vs. 6.9%; sHR, 0.17, and 1.9% vs. 5.2%; sHR, 0.33).<br>
Conclusions The prognosis was favorable in patients with ER-positive and HER2-negative T1a/bN0M0 breast cancer. Furthermore, adjuvant ET reduced the incidence of distant metastasis with minimal absolute risk difference. These findings support considering the omission of adjuvant ET, especially for patients with low-grade and no lymphatic invasion disease.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1359-734559172023Non-enzymatic detection of glucose levels in human blood plasma by a graphene oxide-modified organic transistor sensor24252428ENHaonanFanInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoYuiSasakiInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoQiZhouInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoWeiTangInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityTsuyoshiMinamiInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoWe herein report an organic transistor functionalized with a phenylboronic acid derivative and graphene oxide for the quantification of plasma glucose levels, which has been achieved by the minimization of interferent effects derived from physical protein adsorption on the detection electrode.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1867-10714232023Prospective evaluation of core number of biopsy for renal tumor: are multiple cores preferable?319325ENToshihiroIguchiDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University HospitalYusukeMatsuiDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTomohiroTojiDepartment of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunSakuraiCenter for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University HospitalKojiTomitaDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University HospitalMayuUkaDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University HospitalNoriyukiUmakoshiDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University HospitalTakahiroKawabataDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University HospitalKazuakiMunetomoDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University HospitalToshiharuMitsuhashiCenter for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University HospitalTakaoHirakiDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityPurpose This single-center, single-arm, prospective, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the optimal number of cores (single or multiple) in renal tumor biopsy.<br>
Materials and methods Forty-four biopsies of 44 tumors (mean diameter, 2.7 ± 1.0 cm; range, 1.6–5.0 cm) were included. Biopsy was performed under ultrasound or computed tomography fluoroscopy guidance using an 18-gauge cutting needle and the co-axial method. Two or more specimens were obtained, which were divided into first and subsequent specimens. “First specimen” and “all specimens” were histologically evaluated (i.e., appropriateness of specimen, histological diagnosis, subtype, and Fuhrman grade of renal cell carcinoma [RCC]) blindly and independently by two board-certified pathologists.<br>
Results Multiple specimens were successfully and safely obtained in all the biopsies. All tumors were histologically diagnosed; 40 malignancies included 39 RCCs and 1 solitary fibrous tumor, and 4 benign lesions included 2 angiomyolipomas, 1 oncocytoma, and 1 capillary hemangioma. In all RCCs, the subtype could be determined (32 clear cell RCCs, 4 chromophobe RCCs, and 3 papillary RCCs), and the Furman grade was determined in 38 RCCs. When only the first specimen was evaluated, 22.7% of the specimens were inappropriate for diagnosis, and 34 (77.3%) were histologically diagnosed. The diagnostic yield was significantly lower than that of all specimens (P = 0.0044). Univariate analysis revealed that smaller lesions were a significant predictor of diagnostic failure (P = 0.020).<br>
Conclusion Biopsy with multiple cores significantly improved diagnostic yield. Thus, operators should obtain multiple cores during renal tumor biopsy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1880-42764032024Artificial intelligence to detect noise events in remote monitoring data560577ENNobuhiroNishiiDepartment of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKensukeBabaCyber-Physical Engineering Informatics Research Core, Okayama UniversityKen'IchiMorookaDivision of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHarutoShiraeDivision of Industrial Innovation Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTomofumiMizunoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakuroMasudaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkiraUeokaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesSaoriAsadaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasakazuMiyamotoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKentaroEjiriDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoshiKawadaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKojiNakagawaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazufumiNakamuraDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroshiMoritaDepartment of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinsukeYuasaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesBackground: Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIEDs) can detect various events early. However, the diagnostic ability of CIEDs has not been sufficient, especially for lead failure. The first notification of lead failure was almost noise events, which were detected as arrhythmia by the CIED. A human must analyze the intracardiac electrogram to accurately detect lead failure. However, the number of arrhythmic events is too large for human analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be helpful in the early and accurate detection of lead failure before human analysis.<br>
Objective: To test whether a neural network can be trained to precisely identify noise events in the intracardiac electrogram of RM data.<br>
Methods: We analyzed 21 918 RM data consisting of 12 925 and 1884 Medtronic and Boston Scientific data, respectively. Among these, 153 and 52 Medtronic and Boston Scientific data, respectively, were diagnosed as noise events by human analysis. In Medtronic, 306 events, including 153 noise events and randomly selected 153 out of 12 692 nonnoise events, were analyzed in a five-fold cross-validation with a convolutional neural network. The Boston Scientific data were analyzed similarly.<br>
Results: The precision rate, recall rate, F1 score, accuracy rate, and the area under the curve were 85.8 ± 4.0%, 91.6 ± 6.7%, 88.4 ± 2.0%, 88.0 ± 2.0%, and 0.958 ± 0.021 in Medtronic and 88.4 ± 12.8%, 81.0 ± 9.3%, 84.1 ± 8.3%, 84.2 ± 8.3% and 0.928 ± 0.041 in Boston Scientific. Five-fold cross-validation with a weighted loss function could increase the recall rate.<br>
Conclusions: AI can accurately detect noise events. AI analysis may be helpful for detecting lead failure events early and accurately.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.IOP Publishing LtdActa Medica Okayama0004-637X96512024Supernova Burst and Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background Simulator for Water Cherenkov Detectors91ENFumiNakanishiDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityShotaIzumiyamaDepartment of Physics, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyMasayukiHaradaDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityYusukeKoshioDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityIf a Galactic core-collapse supernova explosion occurs in the future, it will be critical to rapidly alert the community to the direction of the supernova by utilizing neutrino signals in order to enable the initiation of follow-up optical observations. In addition, there is anticipation that observation of the diffuse supernova neutrino background will yield discoveries in the near future, given that experimental upper limits are approaching theoretical predictions. We have developed a new supernova event simulator for water Cherenkov neutrino detectors, such as the highly sensitive Super-Kamiokande. This simulator calculates the neutrino interaction in water for two simulation purposes, individual core-collapse supernova bursts and diffuse supernova neutrino background. Based on this simulator, we can evaluate the precision in determining the location of supernovae and estimate the expected number of events related to the diffuse supernova neutrino background in Super-Kamiokande. In this paper, we describe the basic structure of the simulator and its demonstration.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.AIP PublishingActa Medica Okayama0021-960616092024GenIce-core: Efficient algorithm for generation of hydrogen-disordered ice structures094101ENMasakazuMatsumotoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTakumaYagasakiDivision of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka UniversityHidekiTanakaToyota Physical and Chemical Research InstituteIce is different from ordinary crystals because it contains randomness, which means that statistical treatment based on ensemble averaging is essential. Ice structures are constrained by topological rules known as the ice rules, which give them unique anomalous properties. These properties become more apparent when the system size is large. For this reason, there is a need to produce a large number of sufficiently large crystals that are homogeneously random and satisfy the ice rules. We have developed an algorithm to quickly generate ice structures containing ions and defects. This algorithm is provided as an independent software module that can be incorporated into crystal structure generation software. By doing so, it becomes possible to simulate ice crystals on a previously impossible scale.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1086-93795962024Wetting property of Fe‐S melt in solid core: Implication for the core crystallization process in planetesimals13141328ENShioriMatsubaraDepartment of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHidenoriTerasakiDepartment of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakashiYoshinoInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversitySatoruUrakawaDepartment of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityDaisukeYumitoriDepartment of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIn differentiated planetesimals, the liquid core starts to crystallize during secular cooling, followed by the separation of liquid–solid phases in the core. The wetting property between liquid and solid iron alloys determines whether the core melts are trapped in the solid core or they can separate from the solid core during core crystallization. In this study, we performed high-pressure experiments under the conditions of the interior of small bodies (0.5–3.0 GPa) to study the wetting property (dihedral angle) between solid Fe and liquid Fe-S as a function of pressure and duration. The measured dihedral angles are approximately constant after 2 h and decrease with increasing pressure. The dihedral angles range from 30° to 48°, which are below the percolation threshold of 60° at 0.5–3.0 GPa. The oxygen content in the melt decreases with increasing pressure and there are strong positive correlations between the S + O or O content and the dihedral angle. Therefore, the change in the dihedral angle is likely controlled by the O content of the Fe-S melt, and the dihedral angle tends to decrease with decreasing O content in the Fe-S melt. Consequently, the Fe-S melt can form interconnected networks in the solid core. In the obtained range of the dihedral angle, a certain amount of the Fe-S melt can stably coexist with solid Fe, which would correspond to the “trapped melt” in iron meteorites. Excess amounts of the melt would migrate from the solid core over a long period of core crystallization in planetesimals.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2399-3642712024The eukaryotic-like characteristics of small GTPase, roadblock and TRAPPC3 proteins from Asgard archaea273ENLinh T.TranResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityCanerAkilResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYosukeSenjuResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityRobert C.RobinsonResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMembrane-enclosed organelles are defining features of eukaryotes in distinguishing these organisms from prokaryotes. Specification of distinct membranes is critical to assemble and maintain discrete compartments. Small GTPases and their regulators are the signaling molecules that drive membrane-modifying machineries to the desired location. These signaling molecules include Rab and Rag GTPases, roadblock and longin domain proteins, and TRAPPC3-like proteins. Here, we take a structural approach to assess the relatedness of these eukaryotic-like proteins in Asgard archaea, the closest known prokaryotic relatives to eukaryotes. We find that the Asgard archaea GTPase core domains closely resemble eukaryotic Rabs and Rags. Asgard archaea roadblock, longin and TRAPPC3 domain-containing proteins form dimers similar to those found in the eukaryotic TRAPP and Ragulator complexes. We conclude that the emergence of these protein architectures predated eukaryogenesis, however further adaptations occurred in proto-eukaryotes to allow these proteins to regulate distinct internal membranes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323142024レッジョ・エミリア教育の研究動向と課題309323ENKeiTAKAHASHIFaculty of Childhood Education, Kurashiki Sakuyo UniversityMariOKAYAMAFaculty of Human Sciences, Chikushi Jogakuen UniversityToshiyukiTAKAHASHIFaculty of Education, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/66789 本論は，レッジョ・エミリア教育に関する研究動向を整理し，実践及び研究上の課題を明らかにするものである。研究の第一段階として日本国内の研究を中心に先行研究を概観した結果，「プロジェクト」「プロジェクト型保育」「創造性と表現活動」にかかわる研究成果が充実していることが判明した。それと同時に，日本の保育理念や保育方法との一致点や相違点も明らかになった。今後は，レッジョ・エミリア教育の根幹と言われる「芸術性」「創造性」「協同性（共同性）」とその理解を学術研究の主題にして，芸術教育や子どもの造形表現を考察した研究成果が待ち望まれる。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323142024「目指す生徒像」を意識した組織的な授業改善 〜「自ら学び、思いや考えを伝え合う力」を育む国語科指導を軸として〜265279ENNamiOKADAIbara Junior High School (Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Corse), Okayama University)KojiMIYAMOTOFaculty of Education, Okayama UniversityMasafumiIKEDAFaculty of Education, Okayama UniversityShigekoMAKINOFaculty of Education, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/66786 本研究の目的は、「目指す生徒像」を意識した学校の組織改善の具体を報告し、そのあり方を提言することにある。いつの時代においても、授業改善は教師に求められることである。教師は、よりよい授業をしたいと願うものの、本質的に授業はおもしろくないものとして、子どもたちには認識されているのが現状である。本研究では、共有ビジョンである「目指す生徒像」を軸とした協働的な授業改善の取り組みを報告する。そして、「目指す生徒像」を教職員が一丸となって作り、解釈、実践、検討していく営みの中で、生徒の実態や授業の問題点を明確に認識し、同じ視点での授業の改善や学校の組織力の向上につながる可能性を見出すこととする。さらに、こうした取り組みを進めていく中で、教師一人ひとりのメンタル・モデルにどのようにアプローチしていくのかということの視座も明らかにしていくこととする。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323142024小学校教師の社会科観の形成過程に関する研究 ―初任期教師に着目して―119133ENYukaFUKUTAGraduate School of Education, Okayama UniversityToshinoriKUWABARAFaculty of Education, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/66776 本研究は，初任期の小学校教師が何を拠り所として社会科観を形成しているのか，また自身の社会科観をどのように発展させていこうとしているのかを明らかにしようとするものである。調査の結果，初任期小学校教師は，大学時代の卒業論文を書くために所属したゼミでの学びが核となり，日々の授業での子供観察や教材研究，生徒指導の経験など，新しい経験や価値観に出会うことを通して不足している部分を補いながら自身の社会科観を形成しており，社会科観は流動的であることが明らかになった。また，社会科を通して育てたい子供像については，教師のよりよい未来社会への志向が，社会科の役割に対する考えの核となっており，社会科を生徒指導や生活指導と密接に関連する教科であると認識していた。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231412023Structural insights into photosystem II supercomplex and trimeric FCP antennae of a centric diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana8164ENSonghaoZhaoPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesLiliShenPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaoyiLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesQiushuangTaoPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesZhenhuaLiPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesCaizheXuPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesCuicuiZhouPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesYanyanYangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesMinSangChina National Botanical GardenGuangyeHanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesLong-JiangYuPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesTingyunKuangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityWendaWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesDiatoms are dominant marine algae and contribute around a quarter of global primary productivity, the success of which is largely attributed to their photosynthetic capacity aided by specific fucoxanthin chlorophyll-binding proteins (FCPs) to enhance the blue-green light absorption under water. We purified a photosystem II (PSII)-FCPII supercomplex and a trimeric FCP from Cyclotella meneghiniana (Cm) and solved their structures by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The structures reveal detailed organizations of monomeric, dimeric and trimeric FCP antennae, as well as distinct assemblies of Lhcx6_1 and dimeric FCPII-H in PSII core. Each Cm-PSII-FCPII monomer contains an Lhcx6_1, an FCP heterodimer and other three FCP monomers, which form an efficient pigment network for harvesting energy. More diadinoxanthins and diatoxanthins are found in FCPs, which may function to quench excess energy. The trimeric FCP contains more chlorophylls c and fucoxanthins. These diversified FCPs and PSII-FCPII provide a structural basis for efficient light energy harvesting, transfer, and dissipation in C. meneghiniana.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7812024Quantitative Assessment of the Heat Transfer Capacity of Ice Bags and their Cooling Effects on the Skin Surface and Core Temperature5361ENYukikoIchikawaDepartment of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural UniversityTetsuyaOginoDepartment of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural UniversityOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/66671Ice bags are frequently used in medical care settings for pain relief, comfort, and in some cases, whole-body cooling. This study quantifies heat energy transfer capacity of ice bags and evaluates their cooling effects on body temperature. Forty-eight healthy adults in their 20s were recruited. An ice bag wrapped in two layers of dry towel was applied to the forehead, neck, or palm of each participant for 10 min. The skin surface temperature, heat flow, and core temperature were recorded during the cooling and non-cooling periods, with energy transfer calculated by integrating heat flow over time. Over the non-cooling period, 31.4-53.6 kJ·m-2 of energy was dissipated over 10 min, whereas during the cooling period, the range increased to 180.0-218.7 kJ·m-2 over 10 min. Skin surface temperature decreased by 3.2-5.7°C, whereas core temperature was unchanged. Ice bag use augmented energy transfer by about 150-180 kJ·m-2 over 10 min, but this was insufficient for rapid whole body cooling due to the small skin-surface area in contact with the ice bag. The measured energy transfer indicated that topical ice bag application absorbs insufficient energy to affect core temperature. Quantitative assessment of energy transfer was shown to inform the safe and appropriate use of thermotherapy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.EmeraldActa Medica Okayama2046-82531312024The authorship of teachers: jissen kiroku as the core of professionalism in Japanese jugyo kenkyuENYuichiMiyamotoGraduate School of Education, Okayama UniversityPurpose<br>
This paper aims to discuss the significance of teacher authorship (jissen kiroku) developed during jugyo kenkyu. Specifically, it explores the structural conditions of jugyo kenkyu that enabled the flourishing of jissen kiroku.<br>
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Design/methodology/approach<br>
To find how jissen kiroku developed in jugyo kenkyu, this paper settled triad of authors-text-readers as the analytical perspective. Disputes through 1960s–1980s are adequate to inquire because it can elucidate how readers read jissen kiroku, which is typically challenging to observe.<br>
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Findings<br>
Jissen kiroku is a powerful tool for semantically preserving, reconstructing and consolidating professional values and knowledge in jugyo kenkyu with deepening connoisseurship. Voluntary educational research associations (VERAs) encourage teachers to write and read jissen kiroku to develop their professionalism, which also helped develop exclusive semantics within the field. These developments were possible due to the public nature of jissen kiroku, disseminated to lesson study (LS) actors, thereby strengthening discussions both inside and outside VERAs.<br>
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Research limitations/implications<br>
The paper proposes shift in views on educational science and emphasizes authorship as authority in that professionalism of teaching can be protected and elevated through authoring.<br>
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Originality/value<br>
The significant roles of writing practice have not been explored enough. This paper finds the value of authorship in terms of public nature and openness to all teachers which enable the enhancement of professionalism of the LS field.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1347-903211532024Role of catecholamine synthases in the maintenance of cancer stem-like cells in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors871882ENHaruyoshiKatayamaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesAtsushiFujimuraDepartment of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesRongshengHuangDepartment of Trauma Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityYusukeOtaniDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakutoItanoDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesTomohiroFujiwaraDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshiyukiKunisadaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesEijiNakataDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshifumiOzakiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesMalignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are malignant tumors that are derived from Schwann cell lineage around peripheral nerves. As in many other cancer types, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in MPNSTs, and they are considered the cause of treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. As an element defining the cancer stemness of MPNSTs, we previously reported a molecular mechanism by which exogenous adrenaline activates a core cancer stemness factor, YAP/TAZ, through β2 adrenoceptor (ADRB2). In this study, we found that MPNST cells express catecholamine synthases and that these enzymes are essential for maintaining cancer stemness, such as the ability to self-renew and maintain an undifferentiated state. Through gene knockdown and inhibition of these enzymes, we confirmed that catecholamines are indeed synthesized in MPNST cells. The results confirmed that catecholamine synthase knockdown in MPNST cells reduces the activity of YAP/TAZ. These data suggest that a mechanism of YAP/TAZ activation by de novo synthesized adrenaline, as well as exogenous adrenaline, may exist in the maintenance of cancer stemness of MPNST cells. This mechanism not only helps to understand the pathology of MPNST, but could also contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for MPNST.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学農学部Acta Medica Okayama2186-77551132024過剰発現プロファイリングADOPT法を用いたS.cerevisiaeのワイン醸造用ブドウ果汁への適応性評価16ENHisaoMoriyaCourse of Agrochemical BioscienceChiyuki Kohata OnoCourse of Agrochemical BioscienceThe authors have recently developed the overexpression profiling ADOPT method. In the ADOPT method, yeast strains overexpressing most of the genes in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome are mixed and competitively cultured, and the genes overexpressed in the enriched strains are systematically identified. Furthermore, the identified genes can be used to identify bottleneck factors that are necessary but lacking for growth of S. cerevisiae under given conditions. In our previous studies, we have identified bottlenecks in artificially created stress environments in the laboratory, but in this study, we used grape juice for winemaking as an example to see if industrial bottlenecks can be identified. ADOPT experiments with sulfite-added grape juice used in conventional winemaking resulted in a strong enrichment of strains overexpressing the sulfite pump SSU1 and its transcription factor FZF1. Since enhancement of SSU1 function is known to occur in wine yeast acclimation, ADOPT was also shown to be useful in the search for industrial bottlenecks. On the other hand, no genes were strongly enriched by ADOPT in grape juice without sulfite addition, suggesting that grape juice is a balanced medium with few bottlenecks for S. cerevisiae growth.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.eLife Sciences PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2050-084X122023Characterization of tryptophan oxidation affecting D1 degradation by FtsH in the photosystem II quality control of chloroplastsRP88822ENYusukeKatoInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityHiroshiKurodaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityShin-IchiroOzawaInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityKeisukeSaitoResearch Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of TokyoVivekDograShanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesMartinScholzInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MünsterGuoxianZhangInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityCatherinede VitryInstitut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7141, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Sorbonne Université Pierre et Marie CurieHiroshiIshikitaResearch Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of TokyoChanhongKimShanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesMichaelHipplerInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityYuichiroTakahashiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityWataruSakamotoInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityPhotosynthesis is one of the most important reactions for sustaining our environment. Photosystem II (PSII) is the initial site of photosynthetic electron transfer by water oxidation. Light in excess, however, causes the simultaneous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to photo-oxidative damage in PSII. To maintain photosynthetic activity, the PSII reaction center protein D1, which is the primary target of unavoidable photo-oxidative damage, is efficiently degraded by FtsH protease. In PSII subunits, photo-oxidative modifications of several amino acids such as Trp have been indeed documented, whereas the linkage between such modifications and D1 degradation remains elusive. Here, we show that an oxidative post-translational modification of Trp residue at the N-terminal tail of D1 is correlated with D1 degradation by FtsH during high-light stress. We revealed that Arabidopsis mutant lacking FtsH2 had increased levels of oxidative Trp residues in D1, among which an N-terminal Trp-14 was distinctively localized in the stromal side. Further characterization of Trp-14 using chloroplast transformation in Chlamydomonas indicated that substitution of D1 Trp-14 to Phe, mimicking Trp oxidation enhanced FtsH-mediated D1 degradation under high light, although the substitution did not affect protein stability and PSII activity. Molecular dynamics simulation of PSII implies that both Trp-14 oxidation and Phe substitution cause fluctuation of D1 N-terminal tail. Furthermore, Trp-14 to Phe modification appeared to have an additive effect in the interaction between FtsH and PSII core in vivo. Together, our results suggest that the Trp oxidation at its N-terminus of D1 may be one of the key oxidations in the PSII repair, leading to processive degradation by FtsH.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama1544-6123582023Do commodity factors work as inflation hedges and safe havens?104585ENKeiNakagawaNomura Asset Management Co. LtdRyutaSakemotoOkayama University, Keio Economic Observatory, Keio UniversityThis study investigates whether commodity futures factor portfolios work as hedges and safe havens against inflation shocks. We observe that momentum, basis momentum, and a combination of factor portfolios act as strong hedges against core inflation shocks, suggesting that holding the factor portfolios generates not only higher Sharpe ratios but also strong hedge effects against inflation. Moreover, the momentum, basis momentum, and value portfolios have weak safe haven properties against inflation shocks. In addition, our empirical results suggest that hedge effects for commodity future portfolios are stronger during the pre-financialization period.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Portland PressActa Medica Okayama0144-84634312023Remodeling of algal photosystem I through phosphorylationBSR20220369ENMuhammadYounasInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MunsterMartinScholzInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MunsterGiulia MariaMarchettiInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MunsterMichaelHipplerInstitute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityPhotosystem I (PSI) with its associated light-harvesting system is the most important generator of reducing power in photosynthesis. The PSI core complex is highly conserved, whereas peripheral subunits as well as light-harvesting proteins (LHCI) reveal a dynamic plasticity. Moreover, in green alga, PSI-LHCI complexes are found as monomers, dimers, and state transition complexes, where two LHCII trimers are associated. Herein, we show light-dependent phosphorylation of PSI subunits PsaG and PsaH as well as Lhca6. Potential consequences of the dynamic phosphorylation of PsaG and PsaH are structurally analyzed and discussed in regard to the formation of the monomeric, dimeric, and LHCII-associated PSI-LHCI complexes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersActa Medica Okayama2169-3536112023A Proposal of an Axial-Flux Permanent-Magnet Machine Employing SMC Core With Tooth-Tips Constructed by One-Pressing Process: Improving Torque and Manufacturability109435109447ENRenTsunataGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMasatsuguTakemotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJunImaiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTatsuyaSaitoSumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.TomoyukiUenoSumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.This study aims to improve the torque performance and manufacturability of axial-flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines. Hence, we propose a novel AFPM machine that employs a soft magnetic composite (SMC) core with tooth-tips constructed by a one-pressing process and die. In this paper, the proposed AFPM machine is compared to two conventional AFPM machines using an SMC core. One of them has open-slot structure without tooth-tips. Another model employs an SMC core with tooth-tips pressed by a conventional pressing process that requires multiple operations and dies. As a result of the comparison, the proposed AFPM machine realizes a much higher torque than the two conventional machines. Additionally, the manufacturability of an SMC core with tooth-tips pressed by the proposed method is superior to the conventional one because the proposed structure can be realized by the one-pressing process and die. Furthermore, two prototypes of the proposed AFPM machine and the conventional one with an open-slot structure are fabricated, and then, they are compared by experiments. Consequently, the proposed AFPM machine achieves a 15.7% higher torque than that of the conventional machine using an open-slot structure. Finally, this paper presents an improved design of an AFPM machine with SMC cores using the proposed pressing process. As a result, the proposed AFPM realizes a 20% larger torque than that of a conventional model employing an open-slot structure.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7752023Associations among Preoperative Malnutrition, Muscle Loss, and Postoperative Walking Ability in Intertrochanteric Fractures: A Retrospective Study511516ENKoheiSatoDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHironoriTsujiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama HospitalMasanoriYorimitsuDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalTakenoriUeharaDepartment of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiOkazakiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo HospitalShinichiroTakaoDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama Medical CenterToshiakiHataDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShiroFukuokaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTomoyukiNodaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, General Medical CenterHideyukiKandaDepartment of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshifumiOzakiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/65973Sarcopenia and malnutrition are increasing in older adults and are reported risk factors for functional impairment after hip fracture surgery. This study aimed to investigate the associations between skeletal muscle mass loss, malnutrition, and postoperative walking ability in patients with hip fracture. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent intertrochanteric fracture surgery at our institute. The psoas muscle index, controlling nutritional status score, and functional ambulation category (FAC) were used to evaluate skeletal muscle mass, nutritional status, and walking ability, respectively. Six months after surgery, walking ability was assessed as either “gait disturbance” or “independent gait”. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis, with skeletal muscle mass, nutritional status, and other factors, was used to predict the risk of being assigned to the gait disturbance group. This study included 95 patients (mean age, 85.2 years; 70 women). Sixty-six patients had low skeletal muscle mass, 35 suffered from malnutrition, and 28 had both. Malnutrition and low skeletal muscle mass were significantly associated with postoperative gait disturbance (FAC < 3). Preoperative low skeletal muscle mass and malnutrition were risk factors for postoperative poor walking ability. Further preventive interventions focusing on skeletal muscle mass and nutritional status are required.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7752023An Assessment Rubric for a Resident Training Program in Surgery: A Single-Institution Experience451460ENAtsushiOkitaDepartment of Surgery, Okayama City HospitalKazunoriTsukudaDepartment of Surgery, Okayama City HospitalHideoInoCenter for Education in Medicine and Health Science, Okayama UniversityEmaMitsuiDepartment of Surgery, Okayama City HospitalNanamiIkeyaDepartment of Surgery, Okayama City HospitalSumiharuYamamotoDepartment of Surgery, Okayama City HospitalNobujiYokoyamaDepartment of Surgery, Okayama City HospitalAubraBulinDiscovery Program for Global Learners, Okayama UniversityOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/65967Using a Collaborative Action Research model, our research team established a one-month clinical resident training program for first- and second-year clinical residents. We created and implemented an assessment rubric to assess the residents’ progress toward independent practice in surgery, and thereby, to evaluate the program itself. The program included training in three areas: basic techniques and procedures in the operating room, surgical ward management, and academic activities. The rubric measured the residents’ performance according to three achievement levels: Level 1 (demonstration), Level 2 (active help) and Level 3 (passive help). The program and rubric implementation began in June 2019 and continued until March 2020, when the program outcomes and shortcomings were analyzed. Among nineteen clinical residents, a total of nine clinical residents participated in the study. Most participants reached achievement Level 3 for their performance of basic techniques in the operating room. Finally, we discussed ideas for improvement and drafted plans for an improved rubric to complete the action research cycle. Our research team found the rubric to be a useful tool in evaluating the status of the new clinical resident training program.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama0022-26236582022Identification of a Vitamin-D Receptor Antagonist, MeTC7, which Inhibits the Growth of Xenograft and Transgenic Tumors In Vivo60396055ENNegarKhazanWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterKyu KwangKimWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterJeanne N.HansenDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical CenterNiloy A.SinghWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterTaylorMooreWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterCameron W. A.SnyderWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterRavinaPanditaWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterMylaStrawdermanDepartment of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical CenterMichikoFujiharaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaTakamuraDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYeJianDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterNicholasBattagliaDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterNaohiroYanoDepartment of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityYukiTeramotoDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical CenterLeggy A.ArnoldDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin MilwaukeeRussellHopsonDepartment of Chemistry, Brown UniversityKeshavKishorDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologySnehaNayakDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologyDebasmitaOjhaDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologyAshokeSharonDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologyJohn M.AshtonGenomics Core Facility, Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical CenterJianWangDepartment of Pharmacology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State UniversityMichael T.MilanoDepartment of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical CenterHiroshiMiyamotoDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical CenterDavid C.LinehanDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterScott A.GerberDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterNadaKawarCenter for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology, Mercy Medical CenterAjay P.SinghRutgers, The State University of New JerseyErdem D.TabdanovCytoMechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State UniversityNikolay V.DokholyanDepartment of Pharmacology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State UniversityHirokiKakutaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesPeter W.JurutkaSchool of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Health Futures CenterNina F.SchorDepartments of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical CenterRachael B.Rowswell-TurnerWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterRakesh K.SinghWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterRichard G.MooreWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterVitamin-D receptor (VDR) mRNA is overexpressed in neuroblastoma and carcinomas of lung, pancreas, and ovaries and predicts poor prognoses. VDR antagonists may be able to inhibit tumors that overexpress VDR. However, the current antagonists are arduous to synthesize and are only partial antagonists, limiting their use. Here, we show that the VDR antagonist MeTC7 (5), which can be synthesized from 7-dehydrocholesterol (6) in two steps, inhibits VDR selectively, suppresses the viability of cancer cell-lines, and reduces the growth of the spontaneous transgenic TH-MYCN neuroblastoma and xenografts in vivo. The VDR selectivity of 5 against RXRα and PPAR-γ was confirmed, and docking studies using VDR-LBD indicated that 5 induces major changes in the binding motifs, which potentially result in VDR antagonistic effects. These data highlight the therapeutic benefits of targeting VDR for the treatment of malignancies and demonstrate the creation of selective VDR antagonists that are easy to synthesize.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1572-38874262023Investigating the Effect of Substituting a Single Cysteine Residue on the Thermal Stability of an Engineered Sweet Protein, Single-Chain Monellin698708ENKyosukeOhnumaSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAtsukoYamashitaSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNorihisaYasuiSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversitySingle-chain monellin (SCM) is an engineered protein that links the two chains of monellin, a naturally sweet-tasting protein. This protein is an attractive candidate for use as a sugar replacement in food and beverages and has numerous other applications. Therefore, generating SCM mutants with improved stability is an active area of research to broaden the range of its potential applications. In this study, we focused on the Cys41 residue of SCM, which is a single cysteine residue present at a structurally important position. This residue is often substituted with Ser. However, this substitution may destabilize SCM because Cys41 is buried in the hydrophobic core of the protein. Therefore, we designed mutants that substituted Ala, Val, and Leu for this residue, namely C41A, C41V, and C41L. We characterized these three mutants, SCM C41S, and wild type (WT). Differential scanning fluorimetric analysis revealed that substituting Cys41 with Ala or Val increased the thermal stability of SCM, while substitution with Ser or Leu decreased its stability. Determination of the crystal structures of SCM C41A and C41V mutants revealed that the overall structures and main chain structures around the 41st residue of both mutants were almost identical to the WT. On the other hand, the orientations of the amino acid side chains near the 41st residue differed among the SCM variants. Taken together, our results indicate that substituting Cys41 with Ala or Val increases the stability of SCM and provide insight into the structural basis of this improvement.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2694-2453352023Highly Stretchable Stress-Strain Sensor from Elastomer Nanocomposites with Movable Cross-links and Ketjenblack394405ENRyoheiIkuraDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityKotaKajimotoDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityJunsuParkDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityShunsukeMurayamaGraduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata UniversityYuseiFujiwaraDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Institute of TechnologyMotofumiOsakiDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityTomohiroSuzukiKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.HidenoriShirakawaKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.YujiroKitamuraKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.HiroakiTakahashiKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.YasumasaOhashiKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.SeijiObataResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityAkiraHaradaSANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka UniversityYukaIkemotoJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYasutomoUetsujiDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Institute of TechnologyGoMatsubaGraduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata UniversityYoshinoriTakashimaDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityPractical applications like very thin stress-strain sensors require high strength, stretchability, and conductivity, simultaneously. One of the approaches is improving the toughness of the stress-strain sensing materials. Polymeric materials with movable cross-links in which the polymer chain penetrates the cavity of cyclodextrin (CD) demonstrate enhanced strength and stretchability, simultaneously. We designed two approaches that utilize elastomer nanocomposites with movable cross-links and carbon filler (ketjenblack, KB). One approach is mixing SC (a single movable cross-network material), a linear polymer (poly(ethyl acrylate), PEA), and KB to obtain their composite. The electrical resistance increases proportionally with tensile strain, leading to the application of this composite as a stress- strain sensor. The responses of this material are stable for over 100 loading and unloading cycles. The other approach is a composite made with KB and a movable cross-network elastomer for knitting dissimilar polymers (KP), where movable cross-links connect the CD-modified polystyrene (PSCD) and PEA. The obtained composite acts as a highly sensitive stress-strain sensor that exhibits an exponential increase in resistance with increasing tensile strain due to the polymer dethreading from the CD rings. The designed preparations of highly repeatable or highly responsive stress-strain sensors with good mechanical properties can help broaden their application in electrical devices.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama2516-02304102022Synergic effect of graphene oxide and boron nitride on the mechanical properties of polyimide composite films23392345ENYi KaiChengGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityBenoît Denis LouisCampéonResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversitySeijiObataResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe addition of two-dimensional (2D) materials into polymers can improve their mechanical properties. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are expected to be potential nanoplatelet additives for polymers. Interactions between such nanoplatelets and polymers are effective in improving the above properties. However, no report has investigated the effect of using two types of nanoplatelets that have good interaction with polymers. In this study, we fabricated polyimide (PI) films that contain two types of nanoplatelets, amine-functionalized h-BN (BNNH2) and GO. We have elucidated that the critical ratio and the content of BNNH2 and GO within PI govern the films' mechanical properties. When the BNNH2/GO weight ratio was 52 : 1 and their content was 1 wt% in the PI film, the tensile modulus and tensile strength were increased by 155.2 MPa and 4.2 GPa compared with the pristine PI film.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0006-291X6772023Demonstration of iodide-dependent UVA-triggered growth inhibition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and identification of its suppressive molecules15ENRyotaOnoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNozomuSaekiResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityKeiichiKojimaFaculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriyaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiSudoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityUpon white light illumination, the growth of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was extremely impaired only in the presence of iodide ions, but not fluoride, chloride and bromide ions. Action spectroscopy revealed that the maximum wavelength of the light is around at 373 nm, corresponding to the UVA region. Using a genetic approach, several genes, including OPY1, HEM1, and PAU11, were identified as suppressors of this growth inhibition. This iodide-dependent UVA-triggered growth inhibition method, along with its suppressive molecules, would be beneficial for understanding cell growth processes in eukaryotes and can be utilized for medium sterilization using UVA light.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersActa Medica Okayama2169-3536112023Design and Analysis of Hybrid-Excitation Variable Flux Memory Motor for Traction Applications: Improving Output Power in High-Speed Area During Six-Step Operation Mode8202482036ENRenTsunataGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKeitoYokomichiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMasatsuguTakemotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJunImaiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityVariable flux motors with adjustable magnetic flux have been gaining attention because of their capability to simultaneously achieve a high torque density and high efficiency. In addition, the output power characteristic, which is related to acceleration performance, in high-speed areas is important in traction applications. However, typical traction motors have lower output power in high-speed areas. In this paper, a Hybrid-Excitation Variable Flux Memory Motor (HE-VFMM) is therefore proposed to enhance output power characteristics under six-step operation mode in high-speed area. The proposed HE-VFMM can perform magnetic flux adjustment with two components: field winding and variable flux permanent magnet (VPM), thus dramatically increasing flux adjustment range. The simulation results show the proposed HE-VFMM achieves 23.7% higher output power at 17,000 rpm than that of an existing traction motor in Prius 4th generation that has the same size while maintaining high efficiency in the frequently used operating area. Additionally, it was found that variable magnetic flux is very effective in enhancing the output power, especially in the high-speed region because the magnetic saturation in the stator core is mitigated by field-weakening control. Consequently, as the rotational speed increases, an increase ratio of the output power caused by the adjustable magnetic flux becomes higher. This paper shows that the proposed HE-VFMM is an effective method for improving the problem of low output power in high-speed regions in traction motors.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1996-107316152023Features and Evolution of Global Energy Trade Patterns from the Perspective of Complex Networks5677ENYingnanCongBusiness School, China University of Political Science and LawYufeiHouBusiness School, China University of Political Science and LawJiamingJiangCenter for Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Data Science, Okayama UniversityShuangziChenSchool of Economics, Hebei UniversityXiaojingCaiGraduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama UniversityAs an integral part of economic trade, energy trade is crucial to international dynamics and national interests. In this study, an international energy trade network is constructed by abstracting countries as nodes and representing energy trade relations as edges. A variety of indicators are designed in terms of networks, nodes, bilaterals, and communities to analyze the temporal and spatial evolution of the global energy trade network from 2001 to 2020. The results indicate that network density and strength have been steadily increasing since the beginning of the 21st century. It is observed that the position of the United States as the core of the international energy market is being impacted by emerging developing countries, thus affecting the existing trade balance based on topological analysis. The weighted analysis of bilateral relations demonstrates that emerging countries such as China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are pursuing closer cooperation. The community analysis reveals that an increasing number of countries possess strong energy trade capabilities, resulting in a corresponding increase in energy trade volumes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7742023Biological Roles of Hepatitis B Viral X Protein in the Viral Replication and Hepatocarcinogenesis341345ENMotoyukiOtsukaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Field of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityReview10.18926/AMO/65739Hepatitis B virus is a pathogenic virus that infects 300 million people worldwide and causes chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B virus encodes four proteins. Among them, the HBx protein plays a central role in the HBV pathogenesis. Because the HBx protein is considered to play a central role in the induction of viral replication and hepatocarcinogenesis, the regulation of its function could be a key factor in the development of new interventions against hepatitis B. In this review, HBx protein-related viral replication and hepatocarcinogenesis mechanisms are described, with a focus on the recently reported viral replication mechanisms related to degradation of the Smc5/6 protein complex. We also discuss our recent discovery of a compound that inhibits HBx protein-induced degradation of the Smc5/6 protein complex, and that exerts inhibitory effects on both viral replication and hepatocarcinogenesis. Finally, prospects for future research on the HBx protein are described.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japanese Society of BreedingActa Medica Okayama1344-76107332023Elucidation of genetic variation and population structure of melon genetic resources in the NARO Genebank, and construction of the World Melon Core Collection269277ENGentaroShigitaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTran PhuongDungGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityMst. NazninPervinGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityThanh-ThuyDuongGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityOdirich NnennayaImohGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiMondenGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityHidetakaNishidaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKatsunoriTanakaFaculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki UniversityMitsuhiroSugiyamaInstitute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)YoichiKawazuInstitute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)NorihikoTomookaResearch Center of Genetic Resources, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)KenjiKatoGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityNumerous genetic resources of major crops have been introduced from around the world and deposited in Japanese National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Genebank. Understanding their genetic variation and selecting a representative subset (“core collection”) are essential for optimal management and efficient use of genetic resources. In this study, we conducted genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to characterize the genetic relationships and population structure in 755 accessions of melon genetic resources. The GBS identified 39,324 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are distributed throughout the melon genome with high density (one SNP/10.6 kb). The phylogenetic relationships and population structure inferred using this SNP dataset are highly associated with the cytoplasm type and geographical origin. Our results strongly support the recent hypothesis that cultivated melon was established in Africa and India through multiple independent domestication events. Finally, we constructed a World Melon Core Collection that covers at least 82% of the genetic diversity and has a wide range of geographical origins and fruit morphology. The genome-wide SNP dataset, phylogenetic relationships, population structure, and the core collection provided in this study should largely contribute to genetic research, breeding, and genetic resource preservation in melon.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama0022-326388142023Oxytrofalcatin Puzzle: Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of Oxytrofalcatins B and C99209926ENKazumaSugitateGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityToshikiYamashiroGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityIbukiTakahashiFaculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-tobetsu, Hokkaido 0610293, JapanKojiYamadaFaculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of HokkaidoTakumiAbeGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityThe previously reported structures of oxytrofalcatins B and C possess a benzoyl indole core. However, following synthesis and NMR comparison of both the proposed structure and the synthesized oxazole, we have revised the structure of oxytrofalcatins B and C as oxazoles. The synthetic route developed herein can further our understanding of the biosynthetic pathways that govern the production of natural 2,5-diaryloxazoles.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Frontiers MediaActa Medica Okayama2624-955342022Sea Surface Temperature and Salinity in Lombok Strait Reconstructed From Coral Sr/Ca and δ18O, 1962–2012918273ENAiGendaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMinoruIkeharaCenter for Advanced Marine Core Research, Kochi UniversityAtsushiSuzukiGeological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)AliArmanResearch and Technology Center for Application of Isotope and Radiation, National Research and Innovation AgencyMayuriInoueGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityCoral geochemical tracers have been used in studies of the paleoclimatology and paleoceanography of the tropics and subtropics. We measured Sr/Ca and oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) in a coral sample collected from the southern part of Lombok Strait, a significant outlet of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) to the Indian Ocean, to reconstruct the historical record of sea surface temperature (SST) and seawater δ18O. Seawater δ18O can be used to approximate sea surface salinity (SSS) because it reflects the balance of evaporation and precipitation. The resulting time series reconstructed SST and SSS, covering the period 1962–2012, shows no clear trend of global warming, although the record includes a large cooling event (~4°C) during 1996–1997. Although neither SST nor SSS shows a systematic relationship with El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), weak but significant correlations are found partly. In addition, the coral data show signals of major IOD and El Niño events in 1994 and 1997, respectively, although climatic trends recorded in the coral are not consistent with those found along the Java-Sumatra coast. To evaluate other influences on the ITF in Lombok Strait, we compared our coral record with coral records from sites in the Java Sea, the southern part of Makassar Strait, and Ombai Strait. During the northwest monsoon (December–January–February), variations in SST and SSS at Lombok Strait site are similar to those at the Java Sea and southern Makassar sites for the period 1962–1995, which suggests that low-salinity water from the Java Sea is carried at least to the southern part of Makassar Strait where it suppresses the ITF upstream from Lombok Strait. However, the SST and SSS records differ at the three sites during the southeast monsoon (June–July–August), indicating that surface conditions in Lombok Strait vary separately from those in the Java Sea. In the longer term, although global warming has been widely identified in the Indonesian Seas, the coral record shows no clear warming trend in the southern part of Lombok Strait, where fluctuations in the ITF may be modulating the distribution of heat in the surface waters of the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama0342-17915032023Sound velocity and elastic properties of Fe–Ni–S–Si liquid: the effects of pressure and multiple light elements19ENIoriYamadaDepartment of Earth and Space Science, Osaka UniversityHidenoriTerasakiDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversitySatoruUrakawaDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityTadashiKondoDepartment of Earth and Space Science, Osaka UniversityAkihikoMachidaSynchrotron Radiation Research Center, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST)YoshinoriTangeJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteYujiHigoJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteFe–Ni–S–Si alloy is considered to be one of the plausible candidates of Mercury core material. Elastic properties of Fe–Ni–S–Si liquid are important to reveal the density profile of the Mercury core. In this study, we measured the P-wave velocity (VP) of Fe–Ni–S–Si (Fe73Ni10S10Si7, Fe72Ni10S5Si13, and Fe67Ni10S10Si13) liquids up to 17 GPa and 2000 K to study the effects of pressure, temperature, and multiple light elements (S and Si) on the VP and elastic properties.<br>
The VP of Fe–Ni–S–Si liquids are less sensitive to temperature. The effect of pressure on the VP are close to that of liquid Fe and smaller than those of Fe–Ni–S and Fe–Ni–Si liquids. Obtained elastic properties are KS0 = 99.1(9.4) GPa, KS’ = 3.8(0.1) and ρ0 =6.48 g/cm3 for S-rich Fe73Ni10S10Si7 liquid and KS0 = 112.1(1.5) GPa, KS’ = 4.0(0.1) and ρ0=6.64 g/cm3 for Si-rich Fe72Ni10S5Si13 liquid. The VP of Fe–Ni–S–Si liquids locate in between those of Fe–Ni–S and Fe–Ni–Si liquids. This suggests that the effect of multiple light element (S and Si) on the VP is suppressed and cancel out the effects of single light elements (S and Si) on the VP. The effect of composition on the EOS in the Fe–Ni–S–Si system is indispensable to estimate the core composition combined with the geodesy data of upcoming Mercury mission.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学経済学会Acta Medica Okayama2433-41465512023中央銀行デジタル通貨（Central Bank Digital Currency）に対する一考1534ENNobutakaHondaSatoshiMimura10.18926/OER/65683 本稿では，まず，中央銀行が発行する現代の中央銀行券の性質や発行・流通について省察を行ない，次に，中央銀行券がデジタル通貨に置き換わる可能性について，中央銀行が，本来，果たすべき現金通貨として中央銀行券の機能や役割，また，外国為替決済を含め，グローバルな商品やサービス取引における通貨のデジタル化が進む中で，その機能や役割を十分に果たしえるか否かについて検討した。<br>
その論点は，「デジタル通貨」はあくまでも消費活動の際に発生する価値を交換する際に使用される機能＝手段の一つであり，現金や預金を代替するものとして捉えるものなのか，それとも，消費活動が生成されるまでの全ての過程において個々の場面で発生する価値を交換する媒介手段として，全く新しい機能として捉えるのかによって，機能と役割も含め，実現するまでの道のりは違ってくる。<br>
想定される中央銀行デジタル通貨（Central Bank Digital Currency，以下CBDCと言う）の機能要件を考慮しつつ，投資対効果の極大化を実現するには，全く新しい決済システムの根幹として「デジタル通貨」の機能面・運用面を確立するものではなく，民間事業者が進めている様々なデジタル化機能を補完するという立ち位置を加味し，現在進められている事業モデルの中に，「中央銀行券」の代替として「デジタル通貨」としてその役割を組み込むことで，時間とコストを抑えつつ，万民が利用可能な「決済システムの中核機能」として実現できる可能性は高いものと思慮する。<br>
本稿では，民間事業者の取り組みを検証しながら，日本国民にとっても有益となる仕組みの一つとしての「デジタル通貨」の運用方法を考えたい。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231412023Structure of a monomeric photosystem I core associated with iron-stress-induced-A proteins from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120920ENRyoNagaoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTasukuHamaguchiBiostructural Mechanism Laboratory, RIKEN SPring-8 CenterYoshifumiUenoGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityNaokiTsuboshitaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShotaShimizuResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMiyuFurutaniGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityShigekiEhiraDepartment of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan UniversityYoshikiNakajimaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKeisukeKawakamiBiostructural Mechanism Laboratory, RIKEN SPring-8 CenterTakehiroSuzukiBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceNaoshiDohmaeBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceSeijiAkimotoGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityKojiYonekura Biostructural Mechanism Laboratory, RIKEN SPring-8 CenterJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIron-stress-induced-A proteins (IsiAs) are expressed in cyanobacteria under iron-deficient conditions. The cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 has four isiA genes; however, their binding property and functional roles in PSI are still missing. We analyzed a cryo-electron microscopy structure of a PSI-IsiA supercomplex isolated from Anabaena grown under an iron-deficient condition. The PSI-IsiA structure contains six IsiA subunits associated with the PsaA side of a PSI core monomer. Three of the six IsiA subunits were identified as IsiA1 and IsiA2. The PSI-IsiA structure lacks a PsaL subunit; instead, a C-terminal domain of IsiA2 occupies the position of PsaL, which inhibits the oligomerization of PSI, leading to the formation of a PSI monomer. Furthermore, excitation-energy transfer from IsiAs to PSI appeared with a time constant of 55 ps. These findings provide insights into both the molecular assembly of the Anabaena IsiA family and the functional roles of IsiAs.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学大学院ヘルスシステム統合科学研究科Acta Medica Okayama2436-322732023〈迷惑〉意識と自律：スピリチュアルペインとSPBの議論を手がかりに2938ENHarukaHIKASAFaculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University10.18926/interdisciplinary/65462This study aimed to clarify the meaning of feelings of “Meiwaku/Burden” in Japan, which is expressed as “I do not want to bother others” or “I do not want to be a burden.” This is examined specifically in the context of medical care for the terminally and chronically ill. The first section of this paper reviews the core meaning of autonomy and the situations in which feelings of “Meiwaku/Burden” is focused in Japan. Section 2 examines the meaning of “Meiwaku” and “burden,” which is understood in regards to “autonomy,” particularly in the context of patients’ terminal suffering and spiritual pain in palliative care in Japan. Section 3 verifies that “Meiwaku” and “burden” in Japan are sometimes understood as “self-perceived burden (SPB).” Section 4 examines the meaning of “burden” in the discussion of SPB. Section 5 attempts to clarify the meaning of feelings of “Meiwaku/Burden” in medical care, specifically in the context of “autonomy.”No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2023A Study of Job-Worker Assignment Algorithms Considering CPU Core Usage for User-PC Computing SystemENKAMOYEDJI ARIEL ELIE ASSEREHOUGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama universityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Taylor and FrancisActa Medica Okayama1343-943X2023Biomass estimation of World rice (Oryza sativa L.) core collection based on the convolutional neural network and digital images of canopyENKotaNakajimaGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityYuTanakaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKeisukeKatsuraUnited Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and TechnologyTomoakiYamaguchiUnited Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and TechnologyTomoyaWatanabeIndependent researcherTatsuhikoShiraiwaGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityAbove-ground biomass (AGB) is an important indicator of crop productivity. Destructive measurements of AGB incur huge costs, and most non-destructive estimations cannot be applied to diverse cultivars having different canopy architectures. This insufficient access to AGB data has potentially limited improvements in crop productivity. Recently, a deep learning technique called convolutional neural network (CNN) has been applied to estimate crop AGB due to its high capacity for digital image recognition. However, the versatility of the CNN-based AGB estimation for diverse cultivars is still unclear. We established and evaluated a CNN-based estimation method for rice AGB using digital images with 59 diverse cultivars which were mostly in World Rice Core Collection. Across two years at two locations, we took 12,183 images of 59 cultivars with commercial digital cameras and manually obtained their corresponding AGB. The CNN model was established by using 28 cultivars and showed high accuracy (R-2 = 0.95) to the test dataset. We further evaluated the performance of the CNN model by using 31 cultivars, which were not in the model establishment. The CNN model successfully estimated AGB when the observed AGB was lesser than 924 g m(-2) (R-2 = 0.87), whereas it underestimated AGB when the observed AGB was greater than 924 g m(-2) (R-2 = 0.02). This underestimation might be improved by adding training data with a greater AGB in further study. The present study indicates that this CNN-based estimation method is highly versatile and could be a practical tool for monitoring crop AGB in diverse cultivars.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Public Library of ScienceActa Medica Okayama1553-74041942023Overexpression profiling reveals cellular requirements in the context of genetic backgrounds and environmentse1010732ENNozomuSaekiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityChieYamamotoGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYuichiEguchiBiomedical Business Center, RICOH Futures BUTakayukiSekitoGraduate School of Agriculture, Ehime UniversityShujiShigenobuNational Institute for Basic BiologyMamiYoshimuraRIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceYokoYashirodaRIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceCharlesBooneRIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceHisaoMoriyaFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityOverexpression can help life adapt to stressful environments, making an examination of overexpressed genes valuable for understanding stress tolerance mechanisms. However, a systematic study of genes whose overexpression is functionally adaptive (GOFAs) under stress has yet to be conducted. We developed a new overexpression profiling method and systematically identified GOFAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under stress (heat, salt, and oxidative). Our results show that adaptive overexpression compensates for deficiencies and increases fitness under stress, like calcium under salt stress. We also investigated the impact of different genetic backgrounds on GOFAs, which varied among three S. cerevisiae strains reflecting differing calcium and potassium requirements for salt stress tolerance. Our study of a knockout collection also suggested that calcium prevents mitochondrial outbursts under salt stress. Mitochondria-enhancing GOFAs were only adaptive when adequate calcium was available and non-adaptive when calcium was deficient, supporting this idea. Our findings indicate that adaptive overexpression meets the cell's needs for maximizing the organism's adaptive capacity in the given environment and genetic context. Author summaryThe study aimed to investigate how overexpression of genes can aid organisms in adapting to stress. The researchers utilized a new method to identify genes in yeast that demonstrated functional adaptability when overexpressed under stress such as heat, salt, and oxidative stress. The results indicated that overexpressing specific genes, like calcium, during salt stress could counteract deficiencies and improve the organism's ability to withstand stress. The study also examined the effect of different genetic backgrounds on these genes and discovered that the impact differed among various yeast strains. Additionally, the study revealed that calcium could play a key role in adapting to salt stress by preventing mitochondrial outbursts. These findings suggest that overexpressing certain genes can help the organism maximize its adaptability to stress in a given environment and genetic context.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Public Library of ScienceActa Medica Okayama1932-62031822023Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) and core fucose expression in oxidative stress responsee0281516ENYukiKyunaiDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama UniversityMikaSakamotoNational Institute of Genetics, ROISMayukoKoreishiGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityYoshioTsujinoGraduate School of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kobe UniversityAyanoSatohGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityGlycoMaple is a new tool to predict glycan structures based on the expression levels of 950 genes encoding glycan biosynthesis-related enzymes and proteins using RNA-seq data. The antioxidant response, protecting cells from oxidative stress, has been focused on because its activation may relieve pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Genes involved in the antioxidant response are defined within the GO:0006979 category, including 441 human genes. Fifteen genes overlap between the glycan biosynthesis-related genes defined by GlycoMaple and the antioxidant response genes defined by GO:0006979, one of which is FUT8. 5-Hydroxy-4-phenyl-butenolide (5H4PB) extracted from Chinese aromatic vinegar induces the expression of a series of antioxidant response genes that protect cells from oxidative stress via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element pathway. Here, we show that FUT8 is upregulated in both our RNA-seq data set of 5H4PB-treated cells and publicly available RNA-seq data set of cells treated with another antioxidant, sulforaphane. Applying our RNA-seq data set to GlycoMaple led to a prediction of an increase in the core fucose of N-glycan that was confirmed by flow cytometry using a fucose-binding lectin. These results suggest that FUT8 and core fucose expression may increase upon the antioxidant response.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323132023多文化共生を視点とした外国にルーツをもつ子どもへの支援の試み ―言葉と文化の学習を中心とした取り組みを事例として―275284ENXinyiXieGraduate School of Humanities and Social SciencesToshinoriKuwabaraFaculty of Education, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/65078 本稿では，多文化共生社会の構築を目指して，筆者（謝）が取り組んでいる外国にルーツを持つ子どもに対する多文化交流活動の実践を検討し，その意義を解明しようとするものである。具体的には，筆者（謝）が岡山県内で主催している地域教育支援活動団体「週末エウレカ」の実践の取り組みを取り上げ検討する。本実践は，日本語の学習だけではなく，様々な国の文化を学ぶことによって，多文化共生社会の一員としての資質を育成しようとする点に特質がある。活動の中では，日本で学ぶ外国人留学生によって，外国にルーツを持つ子どもに対する教育活動が行われた。本研究では，そのような支援の特徴と課題を明らかにしたい。そして，今後，このような外国人留学生による活動支援団体を，地域においてコミュニティの協力のもとで運営するための示唆を得たい。No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2073-43601552023Shear Bond Strength of Resin Luting Materials to Lithium Disilicate Ceramic: Correlation between Flexural Strength and Modulus of Elasticity1128ENMasaoIrieDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceMasahiroOkadaDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceYukinoriMaruoDepartment of Prosthodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama UniversityGoroNishigawaDepartment of Prosthodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama UniversityTakuyaMatsumotoDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceThis study investigates the effect of the curing mode (dual-cure vs. self-cure) of resin cements (four self-adhesive and seven conventional cements) on their flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity, alongside their shear bond strength to lithium disilicate ceramics (LDS). The study aims to determine the relationship between the bond strength and LDS, and the flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity of resin cements. Twelve conventional or adhesive and self-adhesive resin cements were tested. The manufacturer's recommended pretreating agents were used where indicated. The shear bond strengths to LDS and the flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity of the cement were measured immediately after setting, after one day of storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C, and after 20,000 thermocycles (TC 20k). The relationship between the bond strength to LDS, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of elasticity of resin cements was investigated using a multiple linear regression analysis. For all resin cements, the shear bond strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of elasticity were lowest immediately after setting. A clear and significant difference between dual-curing and self-curing modes was observed in all resin cements immediately after setting, except for ResiCem EX. Regardless of the difference of the core-mode condition of all resin cements, flexural strengths were correlated with the LDS surface upon shear bond strengths (R-2 = 0.24, n = 69, p < 0.001) and the flexural modulus of elasticity was correlated with them (R-2 = 0.14, n = 69, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the shear bond strength was 17.877 + 0.166, the flexural strength was 0.643, and the flexural modulus was (R-2 = 0.51, n = 69, p < 0.001). The flexural strength or flexural modulus of elasticity may be used to predict the bond strength of resin cements to LDS.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Frontiers MediaActa Medica Okayama2234-943X132023LOXL1 and LOXL4 are novel target genes of the Zn2+-bound form of ZEB1 and play a crucial role in the acceleration of invasive events in triple-negative breast cancer cells1142886ENDaisukeHirabayashiDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKen-ichiYamamotoDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkihiroMaruyamaDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNahokoTomonobuDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRieKinoshitaDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYouyiChenDepartment of General Surgery & Bio-Bank of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityNi Luh Gede YoniKomalasariDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHitoshiMurataDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYumaGoharaDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFanJiangDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJinZhouMedical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of the Dalian University of TechnologyI. Made WinarsaRumaFaculty of Medicine, Udayana UniversityI. WayanSumardikaFaculty of Medicine, Udayana UniversityAkiraYamauchiDepartment of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical SchoolFutoshiKuribayashiDepartment of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical SchoolShinichiToyookaDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYusukeInoueFaculty of Science and Technology, Division of Molecular Science, Gunma UniversityMasakiyoSakaguchiDepartment of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesBackground: EMT has been proposed to be a crucial early event in cancer metastasis. EMT is rigidly regulated by the action of several EMT-core transcription factors, particularly ZEB1. We previously revealed an unusual role of ZEB1 in the S100A8/A9-mediated metastasis in breast cancer cells that expressed ZEB1 at a significant level and showed that the ZEB1 was activated on the MCAM-downstream pathway upon S100A8/A9 binding. ZEB1 is well known to require Zn2+ for its activation based on the presence of several Zn-finger motifs in the transcription factor. However, how Zn2+-binding works on the pleiotropic role of ZEB1 through cancer progression has not been fully elucidated. <br>
Methods: We established the engineered cells, MDA-MB-231 MutZEB1 (MDA-MutZEB1), that stably express MutZEB1 (Delta Zn). The cells were then evaluated in vitro for their invasion activities. Finally, an RNA-Seq analysis was performed to compare the gene alteration profiles of the established cells comprehensively. <br>
Results: MDA-MutZEB1 showed a significant loss of the EMT, ultimately stalling the invasion. Inclusive analysis of the transcription changes after the expression of MutZEB1 (Delta Zn) in MDA-MB-231 cells revealed the significant downregulation of LOX family genes, which are known to play a critical role in cancer metastasis. We found that LOXL1 and LOXL4 remarkably enhanced cancer invasiveness among the LOX family genes with altered expression. <br>
Conclusions: These findings indicate that ZEB1 potentiates Zn2+-mediated transcription of plural EMT-relevant factors, including LOXL1 and LOXL4, whose upregulation plays a critical role in the invasive dissemination of breast cancer cells.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2046-20691362023Solvent-dependent fluorescence behaviour of imide-fused [n]phenacenes (n=3, 5, 7)40964101ENKeitoNoseDivision of Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKaitoYoshiokaDivision of Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMinoruYamajiDivision of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Gunma UniversityFumitoTaniInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityKentaGotoInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityHidekiOkamotoDivision of Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityImide-fused [n]phenacenes (nPDIs, n = 3, 5, 7) were systematically synthesised and their electronic features were investigated by electrochemical and electronic spectral measurements. nPDIs showed two reduction waves attributed to formation of radical ions and dianions. 3PDI produced blue fluorescence independent of solvent polarity. In contrast, 5PDI and 7PDI displayed marked positive solvatofluorochromism due to intramolecular charge transfer characters between the imide moieties and phenacene pi cores in the excited state. The spectral features were analyzed by the Lippert-Mataga relationship and theoretical calculations.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学文明動態学研究所Acta Medica Okayama2436-832622023伝統染織の「遺産化」と境界のポリティクス ―インドネシアの事例から―117ENAyamiNAKATANIResearch Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations, Okayama University論文 (Research article)10.18926/64198This paper focuses on the process of "heritagization" within nation-states, which runs parallel to the global heritage regime initiated by UNESCO. Involved in this process of heritagization are multiple actors with competing political and economic interests, and the formation of collective identities both internally and externally. Indonesia, the subject of this paper, is a country where a central government-led cultural policy has been pushed forward in the process of national integration. After the end of the "New Order" regime of the second President Suharto, which embodied this vision immediately after independence and permeated the nation to its very core, local cultural practices became a new tool for asserting the uniqueness of regions separated by certain boundaries, as a competition among provinces and regions accelerated with the decentralization of power. At the same time, however, such cultural practices stimulated a process in which traditional region-specific crafts became an easily consumable resource.<br>
The act of listing cultures within the framework of a heritage regime means that some cultural expression is lifted out of their original context and made visible alongside other cultural expressions. As a result, local cultural practices are elevated to a higher context and made visible, thus becoming objects of consumption beyond the local framework. The boundaries that enclose the cultural elements being listed are elastic and contractible, which is why consumption based on these cultural events is possible on a wider scale.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama2352-3409442022The dataset of Japanese patents and patents' holding firms in green vehicle powertrains field108524ENJiamingJiangGraduate School of Humanities and Social Science, Okayama UniversityKensukeBabaCyber-Physical Engineering Informatics Research Core, Okayama UniversityYuZhaoSchool of Management, Department of Management, Tokyo University of ScienceJunshiFengGraduate School of Humanities and Social Science, Okayama UniversitySouKumagaiDepartment of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama UniversityIn 2020, the Government of Japan declared "2050 carbon neutral" and launched a long-term strategy to create a "virtuous cycle of economy and environment".(1) Japanese firms possess many technologies that contribute to decarbonization, which is important to expand investment for Green Technology (environmental technology) development. As automobiles are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions [1], the technological shift towards vehicle powertrain systems is an attempt to lower problems like emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides [2]. On the other hand, patent data are the most reliable business performance for applied research and development activities when investigating the knowledge domains or the technology evolution (Wand, 1997). Our paper describes a Japanese patents dataset of the vehicle powertrain systems for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). In this paper we create a method of bombinating international patent classification (IPC) and keywords to define "green" patents in vehicle powertrains field, using patent data which were applied to Japan Patent Office recorded on EPO's PATSTAT database during 2010 similar to 2019 year. When analyze patents, it is necessary to consider the social situation of each country including language background, we collect patents description documents (abstracts and titles) not only written in English but also in Japanese. Finally, we build a database includes 6025 green patents' description documents and 266 patents' holding firms. With which we then identify 3756 HEV patents, 1716 BEV patents, and 553 FCEV patents. Data about patent holding firms is also appended. The full dataset may be useful to researchers who would like to do further search like natural language processing and machine learning on patent description documents, statistical data analysis for empirical economics.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7662022Graphene Oxide-based Endodontic Sealer: An in Vitro Study715721ENMohammed Zahedul Islam NizamiDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMelahatGorduysusDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiShinoda-ItoDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTadashiYamamotoDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityShogoTakashibaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityZulemaAriasDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/64122The failure of endodontic treatment is directly associated with microbial infection in the root canal or periapical areas. An endodontic sealer that is both bactericidal and biocompatible is essential for the success of root canal treatments. This is one of the vital issues yet to be solved in clinical dental practice. This in vitro study assessed the effectiveness of graphene oxide (GO) composites GO-CaF2 and GO-Ag-CaF2 as endodontic sealer materials. Dentin slices were coated with either the GO-based composites or commonly used root canal sealers (non-eugenol zinc oxide sealer). The coated slices were treated in 0.9% NaCl, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37˚C for 24 hours to compare their sealing effect on the dentin surface. In addition, the radiopacity of these composites was examined to assess whether they complied with the requirements of a sealer for good radiographic visualization. Scanning electron microscopy showed the significant sealing capability of the composites as coating materials. Radiographic images confirmed their radiopacity. Mineral deposition indicated their bioactivity, especially of GO-Ag-CaF2, and thus it is potential for regenerative application. They were both previously shown to be bactericidal to oral microbes and cytocompatible with host cells. With such a unique assemblage of critical properties, these GO-based composites show promise as endodontic sealers for protection against reinfection in root canal treatment and enhanced success in endodontic treatment overall.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7662022Handling of Germline Findings in Clinical Comprehensive Cancer Genomic Profiling673678ENMikaOkazawa-SakaiDepartment of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYasukoYamamotoDepartment of Cancer Genomic Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterMashuFutagawaDepartment of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMikiOkamuraDepartment of Hereditary Tumors, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterSatokoMiyawakiDepartment of Cancer Genomic Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterTomohiroNishinaDepartment of Cancer Genomic Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterKazuhiroTakeharaDepartment of Gynecologic Oncology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterToshiyukiKozukiDepartment of Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterShutaTomidaCenter for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University HospitalIchinosukeHyodoDepartment of Cancer Genomic Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterShozoOhsumiDepartment of Hereditary Tumors, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterAkiraHirasawaDepartment of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/64117Patients found to have presumed germline pathogenic variants (PGPVs) during comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) require genetic counseling (GC) referrals. We retrospectively investigated the outcomes of patients with PGPVs. Among 159 patients who underwent CGP, we recommended GC for the 16 patients with PGPVs (3 with [FG group] and 13 without [G Group] a family/personal history of hereditary cancer) as well as for the 8 patients with no PGPVs, but a history (F group); 2 (67%), 5 (38%), and 3 (38%) patients received GC in the FG, G, and F groups, respectively. Germline testing results were positive in 1 and 2 patients of the FG and G groups, respectively. Among the patients recommended for GC, 58% did not receive GC due to lack of interest, poor performance status, or death. CGP contributes to the identification of germline variants in patients without a history of hereditary cancer. However, the proportion of patients who undergo GC should be improved.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7662022Intraoperative Hypothermia Is Not Associated with Surgical Site Infections after Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty651660ENBright Osman AbugriDepartment of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakashiMatsusakiDepartment of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesWanxuRenDepartment of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroshiMorimatsuDepartment of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/64115Maintaining perioperative normothermia decreases the post-surgery surgical site infection (SSI) rate. We investigated whether SSI is associated with intraoperative hypothermia in total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) arthroplasties by retrospectively analyzing 297 THA and TKA cases. The patients’ intraoperative core body temperature (BT) was measured by bladder catheter or forehead sensor. We evaluated the associations between SSI and intraoperative BT and other variables and patient characteristics. Fifty-six patients (18.8%) had hypothermia (BT <36°C); 43 developed SSI (14.5%); only five had hypothermia (11.6%). Intraoperative hypothermia and SSI were not significantly associated. The SSI group had more men (34.9% vs. 18.1%) and THA patients (77.4%), a longer mean surgical duration (174.3 vs. 143.5 mins), and a higher average BT (36.4°C vs. 36.2°C) than the no-SSI group. The SSI patients had a higher intraoperative BT. A multivariable analysis revealed that SSI was associated with male sex (OR 2.3, 95%CI: 1.031-4.921, p=0.042), longer surgery (OR, 1.01, 95%CI: 1.003-1.017, p=0.004), THA (OR 3.6, 95%CI: 1.258-10.085, p=0.017), and intraoperative BT >36.0°C (OR 3.6, 95%CI: 1.367-9.475, p=0.009). Intraoperative hypothermia was not associated with SSI in adults who underwent THA or TKA. These results suggest that hypothermia might not be the problem for SSI.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7642022Therapeutic Approaches Targeting miRNA in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus359371ENSumieHiramatsu-AsanoDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunWadaDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesReview10.18926/AMO/63887Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a potentially fatal systemic autoimmune disease, and its etiology involves both genetic and environmental factors such as sex hormone imbalance, genetic predisposition, epigenetic regulation, and immunological factors. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is suggested to be one of the epigenetic factors in SLE. miRNA is a 22-nucleotide single-stranded noncoding RNA that contributes to post-transcriptional modulation of gene expression. miRNA targeting therapy has been suggested to be useful for the treatment of cancers and other diseases. Gene knockout and miRNA targeting therapy have been demonstrated to improve SLE disease activity in mice. However, these approaches have not yet reached the level of clinical application. miRNA targeting therapy is limited by the fact that each miRNA has multiple targets. In addition, the expression of certain miRNAs may differ among cell tissues within a single SLE patient. This limitation can be overcome by targeted delivery and chemical modifications. In the future, further research into miRNA chemical modifications and delivery systems will help us develop novel therapeutic agents for SLE.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Wiley Periodicals, IncActa Medica Okayama2055-58222022High platelet reactivity is a predictor of left ventricular remodelling in patients with acute myocardial infarctionENMasahiroTsujiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYusukeKawaiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City HospitalToruMiyoshiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesEisukeSaitoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City HospitalKoheiKawamuraDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City HospitalTamakiOnoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City HospitalKojiTokiokaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City HospitalTohruOheDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama City HospitalKazufumiNakamuraDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences HiroshiItoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aims Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with left ventricular remodelling (LVR), which leads to progressive heart failure. Platelets play a pivotal role in promoting systemic and cardiac inflammatory responses during the complex process of myocardial wound healing or repair following AMI. This study aimed to investigate the impact of platelet reactivity immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on LVR in AMI patients with ST-segment (STEMI) and nonST-segment elevation (NSTEMI). <br>
Methods and results This prospective, single-centre, observational study included 182 patients with AMI who underwent primary PCI (107 patient with STEMI and 75 patients with NSTEMI). Patients were administered a loading dose of aspirin plus prasugrel before the procedure, and platelet reactivity was assessed using the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay immediately after PCI. Echocardiography was performed before discharge and during the chronic phase (8 +/- 3 months after discharge). LVR was defined as a relative >= 20% increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI). LVR in chronic phase was found in 34 patients (18.7%) whose platelet reactivity was significantly higher than those without LVR (259.6 +/- 61.5 and 213.1 +/- 74.8 P2Y12 reaction units [PRU]; P = 0.001). The occurrence of LVR did not differ between patients with STEMI and patients with NSTEMI (21.5% and 14.7%; P = 0.33). The optimal cut-off value of platelet reactivity for discriminating LVR was >= 245 PRU. LVEDVI significantly decreased at chronic phase in patients without high platelet reactivity (<245 PRU) (from 49.2 +/- 13.5 to 45.4 +/- 15.8 ml/m(2); P = 0.02), but not in patients with high platelet reactivity (>= d245 PRU) (P = 0.06). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that high platelet reactivity was an independent predictor of LVR after adjusting for LVEDVI before discharge (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-9.79). <br>
Conclusions High platelet reactivity measured immediately after PCI was a predictor of LVR in patients with AMI during the chronic phase. The role of antiplatelet therapy on inflammation in the myocardium is a promising area for further research.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.CELL PRESSActa Medica Okayama2589-00422572022Lattice-patterned collagen fibers and their dynamics in axolotl skin regeneration104524ENRenaKashimotoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySayaFurukawaDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversitySakiyaYamamotoDepartment of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityYasuhiroKameiNational Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), National Institutes for Natural SciencesJoeSakamotoNational Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), National Institutes for Natural SciencesShigenoriNonakaNational Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), National Institutes for Natural SciencesTomonobu M.WatanabeLaboratory for Comprehensive Bioimaging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR)TatsuyaSakamotoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirotakaSakamotoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAkiraSatohResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS), Okayama UniversityThe morphology of collagen-producing cells and the structure of produced collagen in the dermis have not been well-described. This lack of insights has been a serious obstacle in the evaluation of skin regeneration. We succeeded in visualizing collagen-producing cells and produced collagen using the axolotl skin, which is highly transparent. The visualized dermal collagen had a lattice-like structure. The collagen-producing fibroblasts consistently possessed the lattice-patterned filopodia along with the lattice-patterned collagen network. The dynamics of this lattice-like structure were also verified in the skin regeneration process of axolotls, and it was found that the correct lattice-like structure was not reorganized after simple skin wounding but was reorganized in the presence of nerves. These findings are not only fundamental insights in dermatology but also valuable insights into the mechanism of skin regeneration.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1320-53582792022Simulation for ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy using boiled egg753757ENKenjiTsujiDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama JapanShinjiKitamuraDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama JapanHaruhito A.UchidaDepartment of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama JapanJunWadaDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama JapanReal-time ultrasound-guided renal biopsy is generally applied to diagnose multiple kidney diseases. A practical simulation model is desired since it is an invasive technique with higher risks of complications such as bleeding. We developed a simple simulation tool for ultrasound-guided renal biopsy using boiled eggs. Boiled chicken eggs were embedded in the agar, and a biopsy simulation was performed using a real-time ultrasound-guided technique as the renal biopsy simulator by trainees and biopsyproficient nephrologists, and the feedback from the participants was obtained. The ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a clear contrast between egg yolk and white, which clearly mimicked the kidney cortex and medulla region. In addition, we observed the needle entering the egg white under needle penetration, and we obtained the biopsy core consisting of egg white. As for the simulations, all the participants succeeded in obtaining the appropriate samples. A total of 92% of the trainees agreed that the simulation could reduce their fears of performing renal biopsies in patients. In addition, all the trainees and biopsy-proficient nephrologists recommend using the simulator for trainees before conducting renal biopsies on patients. The total cost of the simulator was low (< USD 1/simulator). Collectively, our simulation tool using boiled eggs may be a good candidate for practical simulation models of renal biopsy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)Acta Medica Okayama0093-99945832022SMC Development Guidelines for Axial Flux PM Machines Employing Coreless Rotor Structure for Enhancing Efficiency Based on Experimental Results34703485ENRenTsunataDivision of Industrial Innovation Sciences Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMasatsuguTakemotoDivision of Industrial Innovation Sciences Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySatoshiOgasawaraGraduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido UniversityTatsuyaSaitoSumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.TomoyukiUenoSumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.In recent years, there has been growing demand for flat electrical machines in order to minimize system size while also maintaining high efficiency. In general, axial flux machines (AFMs) are more suitable for flat form than radial flux machines (RFMs). AFMs usually employ a soft magnetic composite (SMC) for the stator core, and their efficiency can be improved by employing an SMC that has low iron loss. However, this reduces the average torque because there is generally a tradeoff relationship between iron loss and magnetic permeability in SMCs. This article, therefore, proposes an AFM with a coreless rotor structure in which the torque performance is not easily affected by the permeability of the SMC. This article aims to reveal the ideal SMC characteristics for high efficiency in AFMs. First, many virtual SMC materials with different iron loss and permeability are used for simulations of AFMs in order to investigate sensitivity to material properties. The simulations by virtual SMCs take into account the experimental increase in the iron loss. As a result, guidelines for developing SMCs are constructed based on the experimental results. Finally, prototype AFMs employing new SMCs developed by following the guidelines are shown, and it is found that they offer higher efficiency in all operating area than conventional AFMs. In particular, one prototype achieves an extremely high efficiency of over 96% at 6000 r/min, 0.8 Nm in experiments.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2022Experimental study on anelastic properties of core and mantle materialsENChaoLiuOkayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford Univ Press Inc.Acta Medica Okayama2160-18361262022Massive expression of cysteine-containing proteins causes abnormal elongation of yeast cells by perturbing the proteasomejkac106ENShotaroNambaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Okayama UniversityHisaakiKatoGraduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Okayama UniversityShujiShigenobuNational Institute for Basic BiologyTakashiMakinoGraduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku UniversityHisaoMoriyaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Okayama UniversityThe enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is considered to be a harmless protein because the critical expression level that causes growth defects is higher than that of other proteins. Here, we found that overexpression of EGFP, but not a glycolytic protein Gpm1, triggered the cell elongation phenotype in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By the morphological analysis of the cell overexpressing fluorescent protein and glycolytic enzyme variants, we revealed that cysteine content was associated with the cell elongation phenotype. The abnormal cell morphology triggered by overexpression of EGFP was also observed in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Overexpression of cysteine-containing protein was toxic, especially at high-temperature, while the toxicity could be modulated by additional protein characteristics. Investigation of protein aggregate formation, morphological abnormalities in mutants, and transcriptomic changes that occur upon overexpression of EGFP variants suggested that perturbation of the proteasome by the exposed cysteine of the overexpressed protein causes cell elongation. Overexpression of proteins with relatively low folding properties, such as EGFP, was also found to promote the formation of SHOTA (Seventy kDa Heat shock protein-containing, Overexpression-Triggered Aggregates), an intracellular aggregate that incorporates Hsp70/Ssa1, which induces a heat shock response, while it was unrelated to cell elongation. Evolutionary analysis of duplicated genes showed that cysteine toxicity may be an evolutionary bias to exclude cysteine from highly expressed proteins. The overexpression of cysteine-less moxGFP, the least toxic protein revealed in this study, would be a good model system to understand the physiological state of protein burden triggered by ultimate overexpression of harmless proteins.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Geological Society of AmericaActa Medica Okayama1553-040X1832022Lithium in garnet as a tracer of subduction zone metamorphic reactions: The record in ultrahigh-pressure metapelites at Lago di Cignana, Italy10201029ENGray E.BeboutPheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityTsutomuOtaPheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityTakuyaKunihiroPheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityWilliam D.CarlsonDepartment of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at AustinEizoNakamuraPheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityLithium is of great interest as a tracer of metamorphic reactions and related fluid-mineral interactions because of its potential to isotopically fractionate during inter- and intracrystalline diffusional processes. Study of its transfer through subduction zones, based on study of arc volcanic and metamorphic rocks, can yield insight regarding ocean-to-mantle chemical cycling. We investigated major- and trace-element concentrations and delta Li-7 in garnet in ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) Lago di Cignana metasedimentary rocks, relating these observations to reconstructed prograde devolatilization history. In all garnet crystals we studied, heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), Y, and Li showed strong zoning, with elevated concentrations in cores (15-50 ppm Li) and marked high-concentration anomalies (up to 117 ppm Li, 5500 ppm Y; little or no major-element shift) as growth annuli, in which some crystals showed subtle elevation in delta Li-7 greater than analytical error of similar to 3 parts per thousand (2 sigma). Rutile inclusions appeared abruptly at annuli and outward toward rims, accompanied by inclusions of a highly zoned, Ca- and rare earth element-rich phase and decreased Nb concentrations in garnet. These relationships are interpreted to reflect prograde garnet-forming reaction(s), in part involving titanite breakdown to stabilize rutile, which resulted in delivery of more abundant Y and HREEs at surfaces of growing garnet crystals to produce annuli. Co-enrichments in Li and Y + REEs are attributed to mutual incorporation via charge-coupled substitutions; thus, increased Li uptake was a passive consequence of elevated concentrations of Y + REEs. The small-scale fluctuations in delta Li-7 (overall range of similar to 9 parts per thousand) observed in some crystals may correlate with abrupt shifts in major-and trace-element concentrations, suggesting that changes in reactant phases exerted some control on the evolution of delta Li-7. For one garnet crystal, late-stage growth following partial resorption produced deviation in major- and trace-element compositions, including Li concentration, accompanied by a 10 parts per thousand-15 parts per thousand negative shift in delta Li-7, perhaps reflecting a change in the mechanism of incorporation or source of Li. These results highlight the value of measuring the major- and trace-element and isotope compositions of garnets in high-pressure and UHP metamorphic rocks in which matrix mineral assemblages are extensively overprinted by recrystallization during exhumation histories. Lithium concentrations and isotope compositions of the garnets can add valuable information regarding prograde (and retrograde) reaction history, kinetics of porphyroblast growth, intracrystalline diffusion, and fluid-rock interactions. This work, integrated with previous study of devolatilization in the Schistes Lustres/Cignana metasedimentary suite, indicates retention of a large fraction of the initially subducted sedimentary Li budget to depths approaching those beneath volcanic fronts, despite the redistribution of this Li among mineral phases during complex mineral reaction histories.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.BMCActa Medica Okayama2056-306X812022An approach for elucidating dermal fibroblast dedifferentiation in amphibian limb regeneration6ENAkiraSatohResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS), Okayama UniversityRenaKashimotoGraduate School of Envi�ronmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityAyakaOhashiGraduate School of Envi�ronmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversitySayaFurukawaFaculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Okayama UniversitySakiyaYamamotoFaculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakeshiInoueDivision of Adaptation Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori UniversityToshinoriHayashiAmphibian Research Center, Hiroshima UniversityKiyokazuAgataLaboratory of Regeneration Biology, National Institute for Basic BiologyUrodele amphibians, Pleurodeles waltl and Ambystoma mexicanum, have organ-level regeneration capability, such as limb regeneration. Multipotent cells are induced by an endogenous mechanism in amphibian limb regeneration. It is well known that dermal fibroblasts receive regenerative signals and turn into multipotent cells, called blastema cells. However, the induction mechanism of the blastema cells from matured dermal cells was unknown. We previously found that BMP2, FGF2, and FGF8 (B2FF) could play sufficient roles in blastema induction in urodele amphibians. Here, we show that B2FF treatment can induce dermis-derived cells that can participate in multiple cell lineage in limb regeneration. We first established a newt dermis-derived cell line and confirmed that B2FF treatment on the newt cells provided plasticity in cellular differentiation in limb regeneration. To clarify the factors that can provide the plasticity in differentiation, we performed the interspecies comparative analysis between newt cells and mouse cells and found the Pde4b gene was upregulated by B2FF treatment only in the newt cells. Blocking PDE4B signaling by a chemical PDE4 inhibitor suppressed dermis-to-cartilage transformation and the mosaic knockout animals showed consistent results. Our results are a valuable insight into how dermal fibroblasts acquire multipotency during the early phase of limb regeneration via an endogenous program in amphibian limb regeneration.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.S. Karger AGActa Medica Okayama0250-80955312021Development of Urinary Diagnostic Biomarker for IgA Nephropathy by Lectin Microarray1020ENYasuhiroOnishiDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKokiMiseDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesChiekoKawakitaDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHaruhito A.UchidaDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHitoshiSugiyamaDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyosukeSugawaraDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoshiYamaguchiDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMichihiroYoshidaCenter for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University HospitalToshiharuMitsuhashiCenter for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University HospitalMasaoYamadaGlycoTechnica Ltd.JunHirabayashiInstitute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya UniversityJunWadaDepartment of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesIntroduction. The pathogenic roles of aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 have been reported. However, it is unexplored whether the profiling of urinary glycans contributes to the diagnosis of IgAN. <br>
Methods. We conducted the retrospective study enrolling 493 patients who underwent renal biopsy at Okayama University Hospital between Dec. 2010 and Sep. 2017. We performed lectin microarray in urine samples and investigated whether c-statistics of the reference standard diagnosis model employing hematuria, proteinuria, and serum IgA was improved by adding the urinary glycan intensity.<br>
Results. Among 45 lectins, 3 lectins showed a significant improvement of the models: Amaranthus caudatus lectin (ACA) with the difference of c-statistics 0.038 [95%CI, 0.019 - 0.058, P < 0.001], Agaricus bisporus lectin (ABA) 0.035 [95%CI, 0.015 - 0.055, P < 0.001], Maackia amurensis lectin (MAH) 0.035 [95%CI, 0.015 - 0.054, P < 0.001]. In 3 lectins, each signal plus reference standard showed good reclassification (category free NRI and relative IDI) and good model fitting associated with the improvement of AIC and BIC. Stratified by eGFR, the discriminatory ability of ACA plus reference standard was maintained, suggesting the robust renal function-independent diagnostic performance of ACA. By decision curve analysis, there was a 3.45% net benefit by adding urinary glycan intensity of ACA to reference standard at the pre-defined threshold probability of 40%.
Conclusions. The reduction of Gal(β1-3)GalNAc (T-antigen), Sia(α2-3)Gal(β1-3)GalNAc (Sialyl T), and Sia(α2-3)Gal(β1-3)Sia(α2-6)GalNAc (disialyl-T) was suggested by binding specificities of 3 lectins. C1GALT1 and COSMC were responsible for the biosynthesis of these glycans, and they were known to be downregulated in IgAN. The urinary glycan analysis by ACA is useful and robust non-invasive strategy for the diagnosis of IgAN.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Academic Press Inc. Elsevier ScienceActa Medica Okayama1053-81192482022Layer-specific activation in human primary somatosensory cortex during tactile temporal prediction error processing118867ENYinghuaYuGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityLaurentiusHuberMR-Methods Group, MBIC, Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Maastricht, Cognitive NeuroscienceJiajiaYangGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityMasakiFukunagaDivision of Cerebral Research, National Institute for Physiological SciencesYuhuiChaiSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthDavid C.JangrawSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthGangChenScientific and Statistical Computational Core, National Institute of Mental HealthDaniel A.HandwerkerSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthPeter J.MolfeseSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthYoshimichiEjimaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityNorihiroSadatoDivision of Cerebral Research, National Institute for Physiological SciencesJinglongWuGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityPeter A.BandettiniSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthThe human brain continuously generates predictions of incoming sensory input and calculates corresponding prediction errors from the perceived inputs to update internal predictions. In human primary somatosensory cortex (area 3b), different cortical layers are involved in receiving the sensory input and generation of error signals. It remains unknown, however, how the layers in the human area 3b contribute to the temporal prediction error processing. To investigate prediction error representation in the area 3b across layers, we acquired layer specific functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data at 7T from human area 3b during a task of index finger poking with no-delay, short-delay and long-delay touching sequences. We demonstrate that all three tasks increased activity in both superficial and deep layers of area 3b compared to the random sensory input. The fMRI signal was differentially modulated solely in the deep layers rather than the superficial layers of area 3b by the delay time. Compared with the no-delay stimuli, activity was greater in the deep layers of area 3b during the short delay stimuli but lower during the long-delay stimuli. This difference activity features in the superficial and deep layers suggest distinct functional contributions of area 3b layers to tactile temporal prediction error processing. The functional segregation in area 3b across layers may reflect that the excitatory and inhibitory interplay in the sensory cortex contributions to flexible communication between cortical layers or between cortical areas.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2694-2461232022Microfluidic Production of Monodisperse Biopolymer Microcapsules for Latent Heat Storage250259ENTakaichiWatanabeDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukoSakaiDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNaomiSugimoriChusei Oil Co., Ltd.ToshinoriIkedaChusei Oil Co., Ltd.MasayukiMonzenChusei Oil Co., Ltd.TsutomuOnoDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMicroencapsulation of phase change materials in a polymer shell is a promising technology to prevent them from leakage and to use them as a handleable powder state. However, the microencapsulation process is a time-consuming process because the typical shell-forming step requires polymerization or evaporation of the solvent. In this study, we report a simple and rapid flow process to prepare monodisperse biocompatible cellulose acetate (CA) microcapsules encapsulating n-hexadecane (HD) for latent heat storage applications. The microcapsules were prepared by combining microfluidic droplet formation and subsequent rapid solvent removal from the droplets by solvent diffusion. The diameter and shell thickness of the microcapsules could be controlled by adjusting the flow rate and the HD-to-CA weight ratio in the dispersed phase. We found that 1-hexadecanol added to the microcapsules played the role of a nucleation agent and mitigated the supercooling phenomenon during crystallization. Furthermore, cross-linking of the CA shell with poly(propylene glycol), tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate terminated, resulted in the formation of a thin and dense shell. The microcapsules exhibited a 66 wt % encapsulation efficiency and a 176 J g–1 latent heat storage capacity, with negligible supercooling. We believe that this microflow process can contribute to the preparation of environmentally friendly microcapsules for heat storage applications.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1345-26308822022Plant viruses and viroids in Japan105127ENShin-ichiFujiFaculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural UniversityTomofumiMochizukiGraduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture UniversityMitsuruOkudaOffice of the President, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)ShinyaTsudaDepartment of Clinical Plant Science, Faculty of Bioscience and Applied ChemistrySatoshiKagiwadaDepartment of Clinical Plant Science, Faculty of Bioscience and Applied Chemistry, Hosei UniversityKen-TaroSekineFaculty of Agriculture, University of the RyukyusMasashiUgakiDepartment of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of TokyoKeiko T.NatsuakiTokyo University of AgricultureMasamichiIsogaiFaculty of Agriculture, Iwate UniversityTetsuoMaokaInstitute for Plant Protection, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NIPP, NARO)MinoruTakeshitaDepartment of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of MiyazakNobuyukiYoshikawaAgri-Innovation Center, Iwate UniversityKazuyukiMiseGraduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityTakahideSasaya3 Department of Research Promotion, Institute for Plant Protection, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NIPP, NARO)HidekiKondoGroup of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityKenjiKubotaDivision of Core Technology for Pest Control Research, Institute for Plant Protection, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NIPP, NARO)YasuyukiYamajiDepartment of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of TokyoToruIwanamiFaculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of AgricultureKazusatoOhshimaDepartment of Biological Resource Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Saga UniversityKappeiKobayashiFaculty of Agriculture, Ehime UniversityTatsujiHatayaResearch Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido UniversityTeruoSanoHirosaki UniversityNobuhiroSuzukiGroup of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityAn increasing number of plant viruses and viroids have been reported from all over the world due largely to metavirogenomics approaches with technological innovation. Herein, the official changes of virus taxonomy, including the establishment of megataxonomy and amendments of the codes of virus classification and nomenclature, recently made by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses were summarized. The continued efforts of the plant virology community of Japan to index all plant viruses and viroids occurring in Japan, which represent 407 viruses, including 303 virus species and 104 unclassified viruses, and 25 viroids, including 20 species and 5 unclassified viroids, as of October 2021, were also introduced. These viruses and viroids are collectively classified into 81 genera within 26 families of 3 kingdoms (Shotokuvirae, Orthornavirae, Pararnavirae) across 2 realms (Monodnaviria and Riboviria). This review also overviewed how Japan’s plant virus/viroid studies have contributed to advance virus/viroid taxonomy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0169-4332573302022Uniform coating of magnesium oxide crystal with reduced graphene oxide achieves moisture barrier performance151483ENAkinoriSaitoTateho chemical industries co. ltdSeijiObataResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityMagnesium oxide (MgO) has high thermal conductivity while keeping insulation; thus, MgO is attractive material as a filler for thermosetting or thermoplastic resins. However, MgO readily hydrates with water or moisture. Thus, the surface of MgO is coated with organic or inorganic substances. <br>
We focused on graphene oxide (GO) as a surface coating agent. It has a 2-dimensional thin sheet structure, oxygen functional groups on the surface, and negative zeta-potential. Typically, GO has been used as a support material for metal nanoparticles. In this research, GO was coated on MgO micro-crystal surface to improve the surface character of MgO. The negatively charged GO and the positively charged MgO were combined with strong interaction. 0.5wt% GO coated MgO showed excellent moisture resistance compared to organic substances coating. Coating of MgO with GO or rGO is effective to overcome the weaknesses of MgO. Due to the hydrophilicity and high thermal conductivity of rGO, MgO/rGO composite can be a filler for high moisture resistance and thermal conductivity.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2504-477X5102021Flexural Property of a Composite Biomaterial in Three Applications282ENMasaoIrieDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceYukinoriMaruoDepartment of Occlusion and Removable Prosthodontics, Okayama University HospitalGoroNishigawaDepartment of Occlusion and Removable Prosthodontics, Okayama University HospitalTakuyaMatsumotoDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceResin composite is widely used in the dental field in clinics as a biomaterial. For example, it has been used as a composite material, a type of biomaterial, to repair caries and restore masticatory function, and as a luting agent to adhere the restoration to the tooth substrate. In order to demonstrate its function, we have measured the mechanical strength. From such basic research, we explain the potential of a dental material through the measurement of flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. In this research, we introduce commercial products that are actually used as composite materials suitable for tooth substrate and provide readers with their properties based on flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. In clinical performance, it might be advisable to delay polishing when a composite material is used for a luting material, a filling material and a core build-up material, as the flexural strength and the flexural modulus of elasticity were improved after 1 day of storage, and flexural strength and characteristics are considered as important mechanical properties of oral biomaterials.</p>No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7562021Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Sitafloxacin 200 mg Once Daily for Refractory Genitourinary Tract Infections763766ENTakehiroIwataDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalTakuyaSadahiraDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalYukiMaruyamaDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalTakanoriSekitoDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalKasumiYoshinagaDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalShogoWatariDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalKentaroNagaoDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalTatsushiKawadaDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalYusukeTominagaDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalShingoNishimuraDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalAtsushiTakamotoDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalTomokoSakoDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalKoheiEdamuraDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalYasuyukiKobayashiDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalMotooArakiDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalAyanoIshiiDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalMasamiWatanabeDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalToyohikoWatanabeDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalYasutomoNasuDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalKoichiroWadaDepartment of Urology, Okayama University HospitalClinical Study Protocol10.18926/AMO/62820The aim of this ongoing trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of sitafloxacin (STFX) 200 mg once daily (QD) for 7 days in patients with refractory genitourinary tract infections, which include recurrent or complicated cystitis, complicated pyelonephritis, bacterial prostatitis, and epididymitis. The primary endpoint is the microbiological efficacy at 5-9 days after the last administration of STFX. Recruitment began in February 2021, and the target total sample size is 92 participants.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7552021Relationship between Pressure Ulcers in Elderly People and Physiological Indices of the Skin557565ENHirokoTakeshima KoharaDepartment of Nursing, University of KochiMitsunori IkedaDepartment of Nursing, University of KochiMasamiOkawaShiragikuen HospitalOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/62768This study examined the relationship between skin physiological indices and pressure ulcers in elderly people. The subjects were 55 bedridden elderly Japanese patients with a median age of 85 years. The following parame-ters were measured using non-invasive devices: skin surface temperature, moisture content in the stratum corneum, moisture content in the dermis, transepidermal water loss as an index of skin barrier function, skin erythema and skin elasticity. The sacral and 2 heel areas were observed as sites predisposed to pressure ulcers. Within one month after measuring the skin physiological indices, we confirmed pressure ulcers of National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification Stage II or worse based on medical records. Among the 55 patients, 4 (7.3%) prospectively developed a total of 5 pressure ulcers within 16 days. Only the skin erythema score was significantly higher with than without pressure ulcers (p < 0.001). We performed a binary logistic regression analysis and confirmed a significant relationship between pressure-ulcer development and the level of erythema (odds ratio = 1.026; 95% confidence interval: 1.011-1.042). Skin erythema increased before the development of pressure ulcers. Taken together, our results show that the high skin erythema score can be a predictive indicator of pressure ulcers.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier Ltd.Acta Medica Okayama073352101012021Germplasm evaluation for crop improvement: Analysis of grain quality and cadmium accumulation in barley103297ENKazuhiroSatoInstitute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityKazuyoshiTakedaInstitute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityJian FengMaInstitute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityEvaluating genetic variation in barley (Hordeum vulgare) germplasm, combined with genome-wide genotyping, is vital for identifying genes controlling important grain-quality traits. For example, in addition to traditional grain quality properties such as starch and protein contents, grain safety parameters such as heavy metal content, are important in the use of barley for human food and animal feed. A number of genes affecting grain quality have been identified by map-based cloning strategies and functionally analyzed by genetic transformation experiments. Moreover, germplasm evaluation yielded information that enabled the introgression of a key gene controlling grain cadmium accumulation into an elite barley cultivar, reducing the content of this heavy metal in grain. Genotyping of molecular markers and resequencing of germplasm accessions may provide information about how grain quality–related loci evolved and how the current allelic diversity was established. In this review, we describe germplasm resources for barley grain quality–related traits and the methods used to analyze the functions of genes controlling these traits, illustrating cadmium accumulation as an example. We also discuss future directions for the efficient identification of grain quality–related genes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1422-006722172021Immunoelectron Microscopic Characterization of Vasopressin-Producing Neurons in the Hypothalamo-Pituitary Axis of Non-Human Primates by Use of Formaldehyde-Fixed Tissues Stored at-25 degrees C for Several Years9180ENAkitoOtuboUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShoMaejimaUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakumiOtiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKeitaSatohUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasumasaUedaDepartment of Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineJohn F.MorrisDepartment of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks RoadTatsuyaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirotakaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTranslational research often requires the testing of experimental therapies in primates, but research in non-human primates is now stringently controlled by law around the world. Tissues fixed in formaldehyde without glutaraldehyde have been thought to be inappropriate for use in electron microscopic analysis, particularly those of the brain. Here we report the immunoelectron microscopic characterization of arginine vasopressin (AVP)-producing neurons in macaque hypothalamo-pituitary axis tissues fixed by perfusion with 4% formaldehyde and stored at -25 degrees C for several years (4-6 years). The size difference of dense-cored vesicles between magnocellular and parvocellular AVP neurons was detectable in their cell bodies and perivascular nerve endings located, respectively, in the posterior pituitary and median eminence. Furthermore, glutamate and the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 could be colocalized with AVP in perivascular nerve endings of both the posterior pituitary and the external layer of the median eminence, suggesting that both magnocellular and parvocellular AVP neurons are glutamatergic in primates. Both ultrastructure and immunoreactivity can therefore be sufficiently preserved in macaque brain tissues stored long-term, initially for light microscopy. Taken together, these results suggest that this methodology could be applied to the human post-mortem brain and be very useful in translational research.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7542021Assessment of the Concordance Rate between Intraoperative Pathological Diagnosis and the Final Pathological Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Tumors455460ENSosukeMuraokaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKentaroYamaneDepartment of Intelligent Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHaruoMisawaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalTomoyukiTakigawaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalTomokoTetsunagaYoshiakiOdaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalKazuoNakanishiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School HospitalToshifumiOzakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakehiroTanakaDepartment of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/62397The intraoperative pathological diagnosis (IPD) plays an important role in determining the optimal surgical treatment for spinal cord tumors. The final pathological diagnosis (FPD) is sometimes different from the IPD. Here, we sought to identify the accuracy of the IPD of spinal cord tumors compared to the FPD. We retrospec-tively analyzed the cases of 108 patients with spinal cord tumors treated surgically in our institute; the IPD, FPD, mismatched cases, and concordance rate between the IPD and FPD were investigated. Five cases involved a mismatch between the IPD and FPD. The overall concordance rate was 95.4%, with 90.9% for extra-dural lesions, 98.5% for intradural extramedullary lesions, 84.2% for intramedullary lesions, and 100% for dumbbell-type tumors. The concordance rate of intramedullary lesions tended to be lower than that of other lesions (p = 0.096). A lower concordance rate was revealed for intramedullary lesions compared to the other lesions. Despite the IPD clearly remaining a valuable tool during operative procedures, surgeons should recog-nize the limitations of IPDs and make comprehensive decisions about surgical treatments.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama0022-326386142021Toward the Synthesis of Paspaline-Type Indole-Terpenes: Stereoselective Construction of Core Scaffold with Contiguous Asymmetric Quaternary Carbon Centers98029810ENIchiroHayakawaGraduate School of Integrated Basic Sciences, Nihon University, 3-25-40 Sakurajosui, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8550, JapanNaochikaMatsumaruGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, JapanAkiraSakakuraGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, JapanThe core scaffold of paspaline-type indole-terpenes was synthesized by using the House–Meinwald rearrangement as a key step. Rearrangement of the epoxide methyl group in the precursor with MABR (methylaluminum bis(4-bromo-2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxide)) as a Lewis acid proceeded smoothly to construct contiguous asymmetric quaternary carbon centers by a 1,2-chirality transfer.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature ResearchActa Medica Okayama2041-17231212021Ultrafast olivine-ringwoodite transformation during shock compression4305ENTakuoOkuchiInstitute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto UniversityYusukeSetoGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityNaotakaTomiokaKochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)TakeshiMatsuokaInstitute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka UniversityBrunoAlbertazziGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityNicholas J.HartleyGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityYuichiInubushiJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute,KentoKatagiriGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityRyosukeKodamaGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityTatiana A.PikuzGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityNarangooPurevjavInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityKoheiMiyanishiRIKEN SPring-8 CenterTomokoSatoGraduate School of Science, Hiroshima UniversityToshimoriSekineGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityKeiichiSuedaRIKEN SPring-8 CenterKazuo A.TanakaGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityYoshinoriTangeJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteTadashiTogashiJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteYuheiUmedaInstitute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto UniversityToshinoriYabuuchiJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteMakinaYabashiJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteNorimasaOzakiGraduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityMeteorites from interplanetary space often include high-pressure polymorphs of their constituent minerals, which provide records of past hypervelocity collisions. These collisions were expected to occur between kilometre-sized asteroids, generating transient high-pressure states lasting for several seconds to facilitate mineral transformations across the relevant phase boundaries. However, their mechanisms in such a short timescale were never experimentally evaluated and remained speculative. Here, we show a nanosecond transformation mechanism yielding ringwoodite, which is the most typical high-pressure mineral in meteorites. An olivine crystal was shock-compressed by a focused high-power laser pulse, and the transformation was time-resolved by femtosecond diffractometry using an X-ray free electron laser. Our results show the formation of ringwoodite through a faster, diffusionless process, suggesting that ringwoodite can form from collisions between much smaller bodies, such as metre to submetre-sized asteroids, at common relative velocities. Even nominally unshocked meteorites could therefore contain signatures of high-pressure states from past collisions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0143-4160962021Regulation of the tubulin polymerization-promoting protein by Ca2+/S100 proteins102404ENSeitaDoiApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityNaokiFujiokaDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama UniversitySatomiOhtsukaApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityRinaKondoApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityMahoYamamotoApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityMiwakoDendaCellFree Sciences Co., LtdMasakiMagariApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityNaokiKanayamaApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityNaoyaHatanoApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityRyoMorishitaCellFree Sciences Co., LtdTakafumiHasegawaDivision of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Tohoku University Graduate School of MedicineHiroshiTokumitsuApplied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityTo elucidate S100 protein-mediated signaling pathways, we attempted to identify novel binding partners for S100A2 by screening protein arrays carrying 19,676 recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fused human proteins with biotinylated S100A2. Among newly discovered putative S100A2 interactants, including TMLHE, TRH, RPL36, MRPS34, CDR2L, OIP5, and MED29, we identified and characterized the tubulin polymerization-promoting protein (TPPP) as a novel S100A2-binding protein. We confirmed the interaction of TPPP with Ca2+/S100A2 by multiple independent methods, including the protein array method, S100A2 overlay, and pulldown assay in vitro and in transfected COS-7 cells. Based on the results from the S100A2 overlay assay using various GST-TPPP mutants, the S100A2-binding region was identified in the C-terminal (residues 111-160) of the central core domain of a monomeric form of TPPP that is involved in TPPP dimerization. Chemical cross-linking experiments indicated that S100A2 suppresses dimer formation of His-tagged TPPP in a dosedependent and a Ca2+-dependent manner. In addition to S100A2, TPPP dimerization is disrupted by other multiple S100 proteins, including S100A6 and S100B, in a Ca2+-dependent manner but not by S100A4. This is consistent with the fact that S100A6 and S100B, but not S100A4, are capable of interacting with GST-TPPP in the presence of Ca2+. Considering these results together, TPPP was identified as a novel target for S100A2, and it is a potential binding target for other multiple S100 proteins, including S100A6 and S100B. Direct binding of the S100 proteins with TPPP may cause disassembly of TPPP dimer formation in response to the increasing concentration of intracellular Ca2+, thus resulting in the regulation of the physiological function of TPPP, such as microtubule organization.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Academic Press Inc Elsevier ScienceActa Medica Okayama1053-81192312021Different activation signatures in the primary sensorimotor and higher-level regions for haptic three-dimensional curved surface exploration117754ENJiajiaYangGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityPeter J.MolfeseSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthYinghuaYuSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthDaniel A.HandwerkerSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthGangChenScientific and Statistical Computational Core, National Institute of Mental HealthPaul A.TaylorScientific and Statistical Computational Core, National Institute of Mental HealthYoshimichiEjimaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityJinglongWuGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityPeter A.BandettiniSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthHaptic object perception begins with continuous exploratory contact, and the human brain needs to accumulate sensory information continuously over time. However, it is still unclear how the primary sensorimotor cortex (PSC) interacts with these higher-level regions during haptic exploration over time. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigates time-dependent haptic object processing by examining brain activity during haptic 3D curve and roughness estimations. For this experiment, we designed sixteen haptic stimuli (4 kinds of curves x 4 varieties of roughness) for the haptic curve and roughness estimation tasks. Twenty participants were asked to move their right index and middle fingers along the surface twice and to estimate one of the two features -roughness or curvature -depending on the task instruction. We found that the brain activity in several higher-level regions (e.g., the bilateral posterior parietal cortex) linearly increased as the number of curves increased during the haptic exploration phase. Surprisingly, we found that the contralateral PSC was parametrically modulated by the number of curves only during the late exploration phase but not during the early exploration phase. In contrast, we found no similar parametric modulation activity patterns during the haptic roughness estimation task in either the contralateral PSC or in higher-level regions. Thus, our findings suggest that haptic 3D object perception is processed across the cortical hierarchy, whereas the contralateral PSC interacts with other higher-level regions across time in a manner that is dependent upon the features of the object.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama1347-69478512021Synthesis of (12R,13S)-pyriculariol and (12R,13S)-dihydropyriculariol revealed that the rice blast fungus, Pyricularia oryzae, produces these phytotoxins as racemates134142ENYutaNagashimaLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityAyakaSasakiLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityRyoyaHiraokaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukoOnodaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKojiTanakaLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityZi-YiWangGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityAtsukiKuwanaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiSatoLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityYujiSuzukiLaboratory of Plant Nutrition and Function, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityMinoruIzumiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityShigefumiKuwaharaLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityManabuNukinaProfessor Emeritus, Yamagata UniversityHiromasaKiyotaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversitySynthesis of assumed natural (12R,13S)-enantiomers of pyriculariol (1) and dihydropyriculariol (2), phytotoxins isolated from rice blast disease fungus, Pyricularia oryzae, was achieved using Wittig reaction or microwave-assisted Stille coupling reaction as the key step. The synthesis revealed that the natural 1 and 2 are racemates. Foliar application test on a rice leaf indicated that both the salicylaldehyde core and side chain were necessary for phytotoxic activity. The fungus is found to produce optically active phytotoxins when incubated with rotary shaker, but racemic ones when cultured using an aerated jar fermenter.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Wolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsActa Medica Okayama0974-77961322021A second opinion pathology review improves the diagnostic concordance between prostate cancer biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens119124ENTakanoriMaeharaDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakuyaSadahiraDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiMaruyamaDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKoichiroWadaDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMotooArakiDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasamiWatanabeDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityToyohikoWatanabeDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHiroyukiYanaiDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYasutomoNasuDepartments of Urology and 1Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityObjectives: The Gleason scoring system is an essential tool for determining the treatment strategy in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the Gleason grade group (GGG) often differs between needle-core biopsy (NCB) and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. We investigated the diagnostic value of a second opinion pathology review using NCB specimens in PCa. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 882 patients who underwent robot-assisted RP from January 2012 to September 2019. Of these, patients whose original biopsy specimens were obtained from another hospital and reviewed by the urological pathology expert at our institution were included in the study. Patients who received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy were excluded from the study. Weighted kappa (k) coefficients were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each review. Results: A total of 497 patients were included in this study. Substantial agreement (weighted k = 0.783) in the GGG between initial- and second-opinion diagnoses based on NCB specimens was observed in 310 cases (62.4%). Although diagnoses based on a single opinion showed moderate agreement with the GGG of RP specimens (initial: 35.2%, weighted k = 0.522; second opinion; 38.8%, weighted k = 0.560), matching initial and second opinion diagnoses improved the concordance (42.9%, 133/310 cases) to substantial agreement (weighted k = 0.626). Conclusions: A second opinion of PCa pathology helps to improve the diagnostic accuracy of NCB specimens. However, over half of diagnoses that matched between the initial and second opinions differed from the diagnosis of RP specimens.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学理学部地球科学教室Acta Medica Okayama1340-74142712021気候変動に関するESD教師教育開発へ向けて：様々な時間スケールの地学現象の俯瞰117ENYujiKatoCenter for Advanced Marine Core Research, Kochi UniversityKuranoshinKatoGraduate School of Education, Okayama University10.18926/ESR/61954Since the recent climate change is an important topic in the context of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and ESD (Education for Sustainable Development), teacher training course should produce educators with sufficient geo-literacy. In order to meet this requirement, the authors have designed a study plan that facilitates students’ better understanding of current climate change issues, which will be offered in a lecture at university by two speakers who have different specialties, paleoenvironmental science and meteorology. Summary of the lecture is as follows. At first, from the branch of paleoenvironmental science, a major cooling
event at the Eocene/Oligocene boundary and the glacial-interglacial cycles in the Quaternary will be explained. We will then instruct the participants to compare these climatic events with recent global warming, in order to remind them of the extraordinary higher speed of the recent climate change than climatic events in the geological past. Followed by these global topics, climatological features in East Asia including Japan (e.g. regional/seasonal difference in climate and year-to-year variations) will be demonstrated in order to relate local issues to global ones. By these efforts, the lecture aims to cultivate students’ ability to grasp geophenomena from various aspects and understand the true nature of problems, which may contribute producing educators who can execute ESD programs.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2076-08251032021Core-Shell Droplet Generation Device Using a Flexural Bolt-Clamped Langevin-Type Ultrasonic Transducer55ENKentaroOmoriGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNozomuFujimotoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakefumiKandaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShuichiWakimotoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNorihisaSenoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityDroplets with a core-shell structure formed from two immiscible liquids are used in various industrial field owing to their useful physical and chemical characteristics. Efficient generation of uniform core-shell droplets plays an important role in terms of productivity. In this study, monodisperse core-shell droplets were efficiently generated using a flexural bolt-clamped Langevin-type transducer and two micropore plates. Water and silicone oil were used as core and shell phases, respectively, to form core-shell droplets in air. When the applied pressure of the core phase, the applied pressure of the shell phase, and the vibration velocity in the micropore were 200 kPa, 150 kPa, and 8.2 mm/s, respectively, the average diameter and coefficient of variation of the droplets were 207.7 mu m and 1.6%, respectively. A production rate of 29,000 core-shell droplets per second was achieved. This result shows that the developed device is effective for generating monodisperse core-shell droplets.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学全学教育・ 学生支援機構Acta Medica Okayama2432-966552020Combining Research and Education to Advance Okayama University: Innovative Strategies to Return onto the Road of Success120ENBernardChenevierOkayama University10.18926/61604For many years, there have been numerous attempts by the Japanese Government (MEXT in particular) to help Japanese Universities to keep pace with their counterparts in international developed nations. In 2020, only 3 of them remain in the top 100 of the ARWU list, and the ranking of Japanese universities continues to be significantly on decline. Based on the well-known Humboldt model, putting research at the core of the system, an innovative development strategy has been implemented at Okayama University. The paper details the major features of the method and finally concludes on the possible extension of the model to numerous Japanese universities where research teams are significantly present.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学教師教育開発センターActa Medica Okayama2186-1323112021工業の免許状取得の必修科目「工業概論」「工業科教育法」「職業指導概説」で取り扱う指導内容―工業系高校の学科構成と高等学校学習指導要領を踏まえて―225236ENSeitaroKOBAYASHICenter for Teacher Education and Development, Okayama University10.18926/CTED/61576高等学校の工業系学科は地域の産業界の要請に応えて設置され，これまで多くの実践的な中堅技術者を育成し輩出してきた。教育には地域産業に関連した内容が積極的に取り入れられており，機械系・電気系・化学系・建築系・土木系・情報系等の専門分野に分かれている。このようなことから，工業系学科の教員には多様な専門分野の人材が必要とされる。本著では，工業系学科の教員に求められる知識・技術を明確にするとともに，「工業概論」「工業科教育法（基礎T，基礎U，応用T，応用U）」「職業指導概説」で確実に押さえておくべき指導内容について述べる。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.NatureActa Medica Okayama2041-17231212021Structure of photosystem I-LHCI-LHCII from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in State 21100ENZihuiHuangDepartment of Biophysics, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineLiangliangShenPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesWendaWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesZhiyuanMaoPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaohanYiDepartment of Biophysics, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineTingyunKuangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesJian-RenShenInstitute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityXingZhangDepartment of Biophysics, and Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineGuangyeHanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesPhotosystem I (PSI) and II (PSII) balance their light energy distribution absorbed by their light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) through state transition to maintain the maximum photosynthetic performance and to avoid photodamage. In state 2, a part of LHCII moves to PSI, forming a PSI-LHCI-LHCII supercomplex. The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exhibits state transition to a far larger extent than higher plants. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a PSI-LHCI-LHCII supercomplex in state 2 from C. reinhardtii at 3.42 Å resolution. The result reveals that the PSI-LHCI-LHCII of C. reinhardtii binds two LHCII trimers in addition to ten LHCI subunits. The PSI core subunits PsaO and PsaH, which were missed or not well-resolved in previous Cr-PSI-LHCI structures, are observed. The present results reveal the organization and assembly of PSI core subunits, LHCI and LHCII, pigment arrangement, and possible pathways of energy transfer from peripheral antennae to the PSI core.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer NatureActa Medica Okayama2056-5968712021Antenna arrangement and energy-transfer pathways of PSI-LHCI from the moss Physcomitrella patens10ENQiujingYanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesLiangZhaoState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityWendaWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXiongPiState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityGuangyeHanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesJieWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesLingpengChengState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityYi-KunHeCollege of Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University,TingyunKuangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaochunQinSchool of Biological Science and Technology, University of JinanSen-FangSuiState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University,Plants harvest light energy utilized for photosynthesis by light-harvesting complex I and II (LHCI and LHCII) surrounding photosystem I and II (PSI and PSII), respectively. During the evolution of green plants, moss is at an evolutionarily intermediate position from aquatic photosynthetic organisms to land plants, being the first photosynthetic organisms that landed. Here, we report the structure of the PSI-LHCI supercomplex from the moss Physcomitrella patens (Pp) at 3.23 angstrom resolution solved by cryo-electron microscopy. Our structure revealed that four Lhca subunits are associated with the PSI core in an order of Lhca1-Lhca5-Lhca2-Lhca3. This number is much decreased from 8 to 10, the number of subunits in most green algal PSI-LHCI, but the same as those of land plants. Although Pp PSI-LHCI has a similar structure as PSI-LHCI of land plants, it has Lhca5, instead of Lhca4, in the second position of Lhca, and several differences were found in the arrangement of chlorophylls among green algal, moss, and land plant PSI-LHCI. One chlorophyll, PsaF-Chl 305, which is found in the moss PSI-LHCI, is located at the gap region between the two middle Lhca subunits and the PSI core, and therefore may make the excitation energy transfer from LHCI to the core more efficient than that of land plants. On the other hand, energy-transfer paths at the two side Lhca subunits are relatively conserved. These results provide a structural basis for unravelling the mechanisms of light-energy harvesting and transfer in the moss PSI-LHCI, as well as important clues on the changes of PSI-LHCI after landing.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2046-20691122021Adsorption enhancement of nitrogen gas by atomically heterogeneous nanospace of boron nitride838846ENJunKimuraDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakahiroOhkuboDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYuta NishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityKokiUritaGraduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki UniversityYasushigeKurodaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIn this study, porous boron nitride (p-BN) with hexagonal phase boron nitride (h-BN) pore walls was synthesized using high-temperature calcination. Negligible variation in pore-wall structure can be observed in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles and infrared (IR) spectra. However, a highly stable p-BN with a stable pore structure even at 973 K under the oxidative conditions is obtained when synthesized at higher than 1573 K under nitrogen gas flow. For p-BN, this stability is obtained by generating h-BN microcrystals. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms at 77 K provide type-IV features and typical adsorption–desorption hysteresis, which suggests micropore and mesopore formation. Moreover, adsorption–desorption isotherms of Ar at 87 K are measured and compared with those of nitrogen. The relative adsorbed amount of nitrogen (i.e., the amount of nitrogen normalized by that of Ar at each relative pressure or adsorption potential value) on p-BN is considerably larger than that on microporous carbon at low-pressure regions, which suggests the existence of strong adsorption sites on the p-BN surface. In fact, the relative number of adsorbed nitrogen molecules to that of Ar on p-BN is, at most, 150%–200% larger than that on microporous carbon for the same adsorption potential state. Furthermore, additional adsorption enhancement to nitrogen between P/P0 = 10−5 and 10−3 can be observed for p-BN treated at 1673 K, which suggests the uniformly adsorbed layer formation of nitrogen molecules in the vicinity of a basal planar surface. Thus, unlike typical nanoporous sp2 carbons, p-BN materials have the potential to enhance adsorption for certain gas species because of their unique surface state.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0953-81943282020Vasopressin gene products are colocalised with corticotrophin‐releasing factor within neurosecretory vesicles in the external zone of the median eminence of the Japanese macaque monkey (Macaca fuscata)e12875ENAkitoOtuboUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNatsukoKawakamiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShoMaejimaUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasumasaUedaDepartment of Physiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineJohn F.MorrisDepartment of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of OxfordTatsuyaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirotakaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityArginine vasopressin (AVP), when released into portal capillaries with corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) from terminals of parvocellular neurones of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH), facilitates the secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in stressed rodents. The AVP gene encodes a propeptide precursor containing AVP, AVP‐associated neurophysin II (NPII), and a glycopeptide copeptin, although it is currently unclear whether copeptin is always cleaved from the neurophysin and whether the NPII and/or copeptin have any functional role in the pituitary. Furthermore, for primates, it is unknown whether CRF, AVP, NPII and copeptin are all colocalised in neurosecretory vesicles in the terminal region of the paraventricular CRF neurone axons. Therefore, we investigated, by fluorescence and immunogold immunocytochemistry, the cellular and subcellular relationships of these peptides in the CRF‐ and AVP‐producing cells in unstressed Japanese macaque monkeys (Macaca fuscata). Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the expression of both CRF and AVP mRNAs in the monkey PVH. As expected, in the magnocellular neurones of the PVH and supraoptic nucleus, essentially no CRF immunoreactivity could be detected in NPII‐immunoreactive (AVP‐producing) neurones. Immunofluorescence showed that, in the parvocellular part of the PVH, NPII was detectable in a subpopulation (approximately 39%) of the numerous CRF‐immunoreactive neuronal perikarya, whereas, in the outer median eminence, NPII was more prominent (approximately 52%) in the CRF varicosities. Triple immunoelectron microscopy in the median eminence demonstrated the presence of both NPII and copeptin immunoreactivity in dense‐cored vesicles of CRF‐containing axons. The results are consistent with an idea that the AVP propeptide is processed and NPII and copeptin are colocalised in hypothalamic‐pituitary CRF axons in the median eminence of a primate. The CRF, AVP and copeptin are all co‐packaged in neurosecretory vesicles in monkeys and are thus likely to be co‐released into the portal capillary blood to amplify ACTH release from the primate anterior pituitary.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2516-02302102020Bottom-up synthesis of nitrogen-doped nanocarbons by a combination of metal catalysis and a solution plasma process44174420ENYangZhouGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityWe aimed to develop the bottom-up synthesis of nanocarbons with specific functions from molecules without any leaving group, halogen atom and boronic acid, by employing a metal catalyst under solution plasma irradiation. Pyridine was used as a source of carbon. In the presence of a Pd catalyst, the plasma treatment enabled the synthesis of N-doped carbons with a pyridinic configuration, which worked as an active catalytic site for the oxygen reduction reaction.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama0166-859514712021Phos-tag-based approach to study protein phosphorylation in the thylakoid membrane107124ENKeijiNishiokaInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityYusukeKatoInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityShin-ichiroOzawaInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityYuichiroTakahashiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityWataruSakamotoInstitute of Plant Science and Resources (IPSR), Okayama UniversityProtein phosphorylation is a fundamental post-translational modification in all organisms. In photoautotrophic organisms, protein phosphorylation is essential for the fine-tuning of photosynthesis. The reversible phosphorylation of the photosystem II (PSII) core and the light-harvesting complex of PSII (LHCII) contribute to the regulation of photosynthetic activities. Besides the phosphorylation of these major proteins, recent phosphoproteomic analyses have revealed that several proteins are phosphorylated in the thylakoid membrane. In this study, we utilized the Phos-tag technology for a comprehensive assessment of protein phosphorylation in the thylakoid membrane of Arabidopsis. Phos-tag SDS-PAGE enables the mobility shift of phosphorylated proteins compared with their non-phosphorylated isoform, thus differentiating phosphorylated proteins from their non-phosphorylated isoforms. We extrapolated this technique to two-dimensional (2D) SDS-PAGE for detecting protein phosphorylation in the thylakoid membrane. Thylakoid proteins were separated in the first dimension by conventional SDS-PAGE and in the second dimension by Phos-tag SDS-PAGE. In addition to the isolation of major phosphorylated photosynthesis-related proteins, 2D Phos-tag SDS-PAGE enabled the detection of several minor phosphorylated proteins in the thylakoid membrane. The analysis of the thylakoid kinase mutants demonstrated that light-dependent protein phosphorylation was mainly restricted to the phosphorylation of the PSII core and LHCII proteins. Furthermore, we assessed the phosphorylation states of the structural domains of the thylakoid membrane, grana core, grana margin, and stroma lamella. Overall, these results demonstrated that Phos-tag SDS-PAGE is a useful biochemical tool for studying in vivo protein phosphorylation in the thylakoid membrane protein.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2073-436012122020Flexural Strength of Resin Core Build-Up Materials: Correlation to Root Dentin Shear Bond Strength and Pull-Out Force2947ENMasaoIrieDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceYukinoriMaruoDepartment of Occlusion and Removable Prosthodontics, Okayama UniversityGoroNishigawaDepartment of Occlusion and Removable Prosthodontics, Okayama UniversityKumikoYoshiharaNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Health and Medical Research InstituteTakuyaMatsumotoDepartment of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical ScienceThe aims of this study were to investigate the effects of root dentin shear bond strength and pull-out force of resin core build-up materials on flexural strength immediately after setting, after one-day water storage, and after 20,000 thermocycles. Eight core build-up and three luting materials were investigated, using 10 specimens (n = 10) per subgroup. At three time periods-immediately after setting, after one-day water storage, and after 20,000 thermocycles, shear bond strengths to root dentin and pull-out forces were measured. Flexural strengths were measured using a 3-point bending test. For all core build-up and luting materials, the mean data of flexural strength, shear bond strength and pull-out force were the lowest immediately after setting. After one-day storage, almost all the materials yielded their highest results. A weak, but statistically significant, correlation was found between flexural strength and shear bond strength (r = 0.508, p = 0.0026, n = 33). As the pull-out force increased, the flexural strength of core build-up materials also increased (r = 0.398, p = 0.0218, n = 33). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using these three independent factors of flexural strength, pull-out force and root dentin shear bond strength, which showed this relationship: Flexural strength = 3.264 x Shear bond strength + 1.533 x Pull out force + 10.870, p = 0.002). For all the 11 core build-up and luting materials investigated immediately after setting, after one-day storage and after 20,000 thermocycles, their shear bond strengths to root dentin and pull-out forces were correlated to the flexural strength in core build-up materials. It was concluded that the flexural strength results of the core build-up material be used in research and quality control for the predictor of the shear bond strength to the root dentin and the retentive force of the post.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama0300-956412762020Recent advances in radiotracers targeting norepinephrine transporter: structural development and radiolabeling improvements851873ENXinyuChenDepartment of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of WürzburgTakashiKudoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityConstantinLapaDepartment of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of WürzburgAndreasBuckDepartment of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of WürzburgTakahiroHiguchiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityThe norepinephrine transporter (NET) is a major target for the evaluation of the cardiac sympathetic nerve system in patients with heart failure and Parkinson's disease. It is also used in the therapeutic applications against certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, as exemplified by the clinically used 123/131I-MIBG as theranostic single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) agent. With the development of more advanced positron emission tomography (PET) technology, more radiotracers targeting NET have been reported, with superior temporal and spatial resolutions, along with the possibility of functional and kinetic analysis. More recently, fluorine-18-labelled NET tracers have drawn increasing attentions from researchers, due to their longer radiological half-life relative to carbon-11 (110 min vs. 20 min), reduced dependence on on-site cyclotrons, and flexibility in the design of novel tracer structures. In the heart, certain NET tracers provide integral diagnostic information on sympathetic innervation and the nerve status. In the central nervous system, such radiotracers can reveal NET distribution and density in pathological conditions. Most radiotracers targeting cardiac NET-function for the cardiac application consistent of derivatives of either norepinephrine or MIBG with its benzylguanidine core structure, e.g. 11C-HED and 18F-LMI1195. In contrast, all NET tracers used in central nervous system applications are derived from clinically used antidepressants. Lastly, possible applications of NET as selective tracers over organic cation transporters (OCTs) in the kidneys and other organs controlled by sympathetic nervous system will also be discussed.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7462020Clinical Application of the Ratio of Serum Bone Isoform to Total Alkaline Phosphatase in General Practice467474ENYuyaYokotaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYoshitoNishimuraDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkemiAndoDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYoshihisaHanayamaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKouHasegawaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHideharuHagiyaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHirokoOgawaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMikakoObikaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKeigoUedaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFumioOtsukaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/61205Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is expressed in a variety of tissues. Among the isoforms of ALP, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) is used as a marker for evaluating bone metabolism. We investigated the clinical usefulness of the ratio of serum BAP to total ALP for the diagnosis of various disorders in general practice. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 107 Japanese patients whose serum BAP levels were exam-ined, focusing on clinical characteristics. We observed that the BAP/ALP ratios of the patients with fever and those with inflammatory diseases were significantly lower than the ratios of other patient groups. The BAP/ALP ratios of the patients with osteoporosis and those with metabolic bone diseases were higher than those of the patients with other conditions. The BAP/ALP ratio was found to be negatively correlated with age, a cor-relation that has not been found in other ethnicities. The serum BAP/ALP ratio was inversely correlated with serum CRP levels but was positively correlated with serum albumin levels and hemoglobin concentrations. Collectively, our results suggest that the BAP/ALP ratio could be a useful predictor for important geriatric con-ditions seen in general practice.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama1387-18113042020Mineralogical alterations in calcite powder flooded with MgCl2 to study Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) mechanisms at pore scale109402ENMona W.MindeThe National IOR Centre of NorwayMerete V.MadlandThe National IOR Centre of NorwayUdoZimmermannThe National IOR Centre of NorwayNinaEgelandThe National IOR Centre of NorwayReidar I.KorsnesThe National IOR Centre of NorwayEizoNakamuraInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityKatsuraKobayashiInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityTsutomuOtaInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversitySeawater injection into chalk-reservoirs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf has increased the oil recovery and reduced seabed subsidence, but not eliminated it. Therefore, understanding rock–fluid interactions is paramount to optimize water injection, predict and control water-induced compaction.</br>
Laboratory experiments on onshore and reservoir chalks have shown the need to simplify the aqueous chemistry of the brine, and also the importance of studying the effect of primary mineralogy of chalk to understand which ions interact with the minerals present. In this study, the mineralogy of the samples tested, are simplified. These experiments are carried out on pure calcite powder (99.95%), compressed to cylinders, flooded with MgCl2, at 130 °C and 0.5 MPa effective stress, for 27 and 289 days.</br>
The tested material was analysed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, along with whole-rock geochemistry. The results show dissolution of calcite followed by precipitation of magnesite. The occurrence and shape of new-grown crystals depend on flooding time and distance from the flooding inlet of the cylinder. Crystals vary in shape and size, from a few nanometres up to 2 μm after 27 days, and to over 10 μm after 289 days of flooding and may crystallize as a single grain or in clusters.</br>
The population and distribution of new-grown minerals are found to be controlled by nucleation- and growth-rates along with advection of the injected fluid through the cores. Our findings are compared with in-house experiments on chalks, and allow for insight of where, when, and how crystals preferentially grow.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0960-98223112020Oxytocin Influences Male Sexual Activity via Non-synaptic Axonal Release in the Spinal Cord103114.e5ENTakumiOtiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKeitaSatohUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityDaisukeUtaDepartment of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of ToyamaJuntaNagafuchiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySayakaTateishiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRyotaUedaUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKeikoTakanamiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityLarry J.YoungCenter for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory UniversityAntonyGalioneDepartment of Pharmacology, University of OxfordJohn F.MorrisDepartment of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of OxfordTatsuyaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirotakaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityOxytocinergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus that project to extrahypothalamic brain areas and the lumbar spinal cord play an important role in the control of erectile function and male sexual behavior in mammals. The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) system in the lumbosacral spinal cord is an important component of the neural circuits that control penile reflexes in rats, circuits that are commonly referred to as the “spinal ejaculation generator (SEG).” We have examined the functional interaction between the SEG neurons and the hypothalamo-spinal oxytocin system in rats. Here, we show that SEG/GRP neurons express oxytocin receptors and are activated by oxytocin during male sexual behavior. Intrathecal injection of oxytocin receptor antagonist not only attenuates ejaculation but also affects pre-ejaculatory behavior during normal sexual activity. Electron microscopy of potassium-stimulated acute slices of the lumbar cord showed that oxytocin-neurophysin-immunoreactivity was detected in large numbers of neurosecretory dense-cored vesicles, many of which are located close to the plasmalemma of axonal varicosities in which no electron-lucent microvesicles or synaptic membrane thickenings were visible. These results suggested that, in rats, release of oxytocin in the lumbar spinal cord is not limited to conventional synapses but occurs by exocytosis of the dense-cored vesicles from axonal varicosities and acts by diffusion―a localized volume transmission―to reach oxytocin receptors on GRP neurons and facilitate male sexual function.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0169-50021492020Patient-reported outcomes with first-line durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): a randomized, controlled, open-label, phase III study4652ENJonathan W.GoldmanDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLAMarina ChiaraGarassinoFondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei TumoriYuanbinChenCancer & Hematology Centers of Western MichiganMustafaÖzgüroğluIstanbul University–Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa School of MedicineMikhailDvorkinBHI of Omsk Region Clinical Oncology DispensaryDmytroTrukhinOdessa National Medical UniversityGalinaStatsenkoOmsk Regional Cancer Center,KatsuyukiHottaOkayama University HospitalJun HoJiSamsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineMaximilian J.HochmairKarl Landsteiner Institute of Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Klinik FloridsdorfOleksandrVoitkoKyiv City Clinical Oncological CentreLiborHavelThomayer Hospital, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles UniversityArtemPoltoratskiyPetrov Research Institute of OncologyGyörgyLosonczySemmelweis UniversityNielsReinmuthAsklepios Lung ClinicNikunjPatelAstraZenecaPeter J.LaudStatistical Services Unit, University of SheffieldNorahShireAstraZenecaHaiyiJiangAstraZenecaLuisPaz-AresHospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, H120-CNIO Lung Cancer Unit, Universidad Complutense and CiberoncObjectives</br>
In the phase III CASPIAN study, first-line durvalumab plus etoposide in combination with either cisplatin or carboplatin (EP) significantly improved overall survival (primary endpoint) versus EP alone in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) at the interim analysis. Here we report patient-reported outcomes (PROs).</br>
Materials and methods</br>
Treatment-naïve patients with ES-SCLC received 4 cycles of durvalumab plus EP every 3 weeks followed by maintenance durvalumab every 4 weeks until progression, or up to 6 cycles of EP every 3 weeks. PROs, assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) version 3 and its lung cancer module, the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lung Cancer 13 (QLQ-LC13), were prespecified secondary endpoints. Changes from baseline to disease progression or 12 months in prespecified key disease-related symptoms (cough, dyspnea, chest pain, fatigue, appetite loss) were analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures. Time to deterioration (TTD) of symptoms, functioning, and global health status/quality of life (QoL) from randomization was analyzed.</br>
Results</br>
In the durvalumab plus EP and EP arms, 261 and 260 patients were PRO-evaluable. Patients in both arms experienced numerically reduced symptom burden over 12 months or until progression for key symptoms. For the improvements from baseline in appetite loss, the between-arm difference was statistically significant, favoring durvalumab plus EP (difference, −4.5; 99% CI: −9.04, −0.04; nominal p = 0.009). Patients experienced longer TTD with durvalumab plus EP versus EP for all symptoms (hazard ratio [95% CI] for key symptoms: cough 0.78 [0.600‒1.026]; dyspnea 0.79 [0.625‒1.006]; chest pain 0.76 [0.575‒0.996]; fatigue 0.82 [0.653‒1.027]; appetite loss 0.70 [0.542‒0.899]), functioning, and global health status/QoL.</br>
Conclusion</br>
Addition of durvalumab to first-line EP maintained QoL and delayed worsening of patient-reported symptoms, functioning, and global health status/QoL compared with EP.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.eLife Sciences PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2050-084X92020Genetic profiling of protein burden and nuclear export overloade54080ENReikoKintakaDonnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Department of Medical Genetics, University of TorontoKojiMakanaeResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityShotaroNambaMatching Program Course, Okayama UniversityHisaakiKatoSchool of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKeijiKitoDepartment of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji UniversityShinsukeOhnukiGraduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of TokyoYoshikazuOhyaGraduate School of Frontier Sciences, University of TokyoBrenda J.AndrewsDonnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Department of Medical Genetics, University of TorontoCharlesBooneDonnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Department of Medical Genetics, University of TorontoHisaoMoriyaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityOverproduction (op) of proteins triggers cellular defects. One of the consequences of overproduction is the protein burden/cost, which is produced by an overloading of the protein synthesis process. However, the physiology of cells under a protein burden is not well characterized. We performed genetic profiling of protein burden by systematic analysis of genetic interactions between GFP-op, surveying both deletion and temperature-sensitive mutants in budding yeast. We also performed genetic profiling in cells with overproduction of triple-GFP (tGFP), and the nuclear export signal-containing tGFP (NES-tGFP). The mutants specifically interacted with GFP-op were suggestive of unexpected connections between actin-related processes like polarization and the protein burden, which was supported by morphological analysis. The tGFP-op interactions suggested that this protein probe overloads the proteasome, whereas those that interacted with NES-tGFP involved genes encoding components of the nuclear export process, providing a resource for further analysis of the protein burden and nuclear export overload.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0278-4165602020Isotopic proveniencing at Classic Copan and in the southern periphery of the Maya Area: A new perspective on multi-ethnic society101228ENShintaroSuzukiGraduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama UniversitySeiichiNakamuraCenter for Cultural Resource Studies, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa UniversityT. DouglasPriceLaboratory for Archaeological Chemistry, University of WisconsinStrontium, oxygen, and carbon isotopes were measured in human tooth enamel from 66 burials in 9L-22 and 9L-23 residential groups at the Classic Maya site of Copan in western Honduras. These results are discussed in relation to earlier studies at Copan and baseline measurements from the surrounding region and the Maya area in general. Nearly 50% of the individuals are identified as non-local based on combinations of strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope ratios. They came from a variety of places in the Maya area. This migratory pattern at the 9L-22 & 9L-23 residential complex from the Early to Late Classic (ca. 400–800 CE) is compared with 10J-45 sector from the mainly Early Classic occupation (ca. 400–650 CE) and an interesting change is noted. The social privileges observed among the Early Classic immigrants from the north Maya Lowlands were apparently revoked in the Late Classic. New immigrants, probably from the “non-Maya” regions of Western/Central Honduras, appear to have gained those social privileges. High-status Honduran individuals in the urban core suggests a strategy by the Copan dynasty in the Late Classic that incorporated the emerging “non-Maya” elites from Western/Central Honduras.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Public Library of ScienceActa Medica Okayama1553-740416102020Exploring the Complexity of Protein-Level Dosage Compensation that Fine-Tunes Stoichiometry of Multiprotein Complexese1009091ENKojiIshikawaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityAkariIshiharaCourse of Agrochemical Bioscience, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriya Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityProper control of gene expression levels upon various perturbations is a fundamental aspect of cellular robustness. Protein-level dosage compensation is one mechanism buffering perturbations to stoichiometry of multiprotein complexes through accelerated proteolysis of unassembled subunits. Although N-terminal acetylation- and ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation by the Ac/N-end rule pathway enables selective compensation of excess subunits, it is unclear how widespread this pathway contributes to stoichiometry control. Here we report that dosage compensation depends only partially on the Ac/N-end rule pathway. Our analysis of genetic interactions between 18 subunits and 12 quality control factors in budding yeast demonstrated that multiple E3 ubiquitin ligases and N-acetyltransferases are involved in dosage compensation. We find that N-acetyltransferases-mediated compensation is not simply predictable from N-terminal sequence despite their sequence specificity for N-acetylation. We also find that the compensation of Pop3 and Bet4 is due in large part to a minor N-acetyltransferase NatD. Furthermore, canonical NatD substrates histone H2A/H4 were compensated even in its absence, suggesting N-acetylation-independent stoichiometry control. Our study reveals the complexity and robustness of the stoichiometry control system. Author summary Quality control of multiprotein complexes is important for maintaining homeostasis in cellular systems that are based on functional complexes. Proper stoichiometry of multiprotein complexes is achieved by the balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Recent studies showed that translation efficiency tends to scale with stoichiometry of their subunits. On the other hand, although protein N-terminal acetylation- and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathway is involved in selective degradation of excess subunits, it is unclear how widespread this pathway contributes to stoichiometry control due to the lack of a systematic investigation using endogenous proteins. To better understand the landscape of the stoichiometry control system, we examined genetic interactions between 18 subunits and 12 quality control factors (E3 ubiquitin ligases and N-acetyltransferases), in total 114 combinations. Our data suggest that N-acetyltransferases are partially responsible for stoichiometry control and that N-acetylation-independent pathway is also involved in selective degradation of excess subunits. Therefore, this study reveals the complexity and robustness of the stoichiometry control system. Further dissection of this complexity will help to understand the mechanisms buffering gene expression perturbations and shaping proteome stoichiometry.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2040-336412422020Iron nanoparticle templates for constructing 3D graphene framework with enhanced performance in sodium-ion batteries2178021787ENBenoît D. L.CampéonGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityChenWangResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThis study examines the synthesis and electrochemical performance of three-dimensional graphene for Li-ion batteries and Na-ion batteries. The in situ formation of iron hydroxide nanoparticles (Fe(OH)x NPs) of various weights on the surface of graphene oxide, followed by thermal treatment at elevated temperature and washing using hydrochloric acid, furnished 3D graphene. The characterization studies confirmed the prevention of graphene layer stacking by over 90% compared with thermal treatment without Fe(OH)x. The electrochemical performance of the 3D graphene was evaluated as a counter electrode for lithium metal and sodium metal in a half-cell configuration. This material showed good performances with a charging capacity of 507 mA h g−1 at 372 mA g−1 in Li-ion batteries and 252 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 in Na-ion batteries, which is 1.4 and 1.9 times higher, respectively, than the graphene prepared without Fe(OH)x templates.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山医学会Acta Medica Okayama0030-155813222020サイバーフィジカル情報応用研究コア（Cypher）設立について9294ENMasanobuAbeGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature ResearchActa Medica Okayama2041-17231112020Structural basis for energy transfer in a huge diatom PSI-FCPI supercomplex5081ENCaizheXuPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesXiongPiState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityYawenHuangState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityGuangyeHanPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaoboChenPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesXiaochunQinSchool of Biological Science and Technology, University of JinanGuoqiangHuangState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversitySonghaoZhaoPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesYanyanYangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesTingyunKuangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesWendaWangPhotosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, The Chinese Academy of SciencesSen-FangSuiState Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityDiatom is an important group of marine algae and contributes to around 20% of the global photosynthetic carbon fixation. Photosystem I (PSI) of diatoms is associated with a large number of fucoxanthin-chlorophyll a/c proteins (FCPIs). We report the structure of PSI-FCPI from a diatom Chaetoceros gracilis at 2.38 Å resolution by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. PSI-FCPI is a monomeric supercomplex consisting of 12 core and 24 antenna subunits (FCPIs), and 326 chlorophylls a, 34 chlorophylls c, 102 fucoxanthins, 35 diadinoxanthins, 18 β-carotenes and some electron transfer cofactors. Two subunits designated PsaR and PsaS were found in the core, whereas several subunits were lost. The large number of pigments constitute a unique and huge network ensuring efficient energy harvesting, transfer and dissipation. These results provide a firm structural basis for unraveling the mechanisms of light-energy harvesting, transfer and quenching in the diatom PSI-FCPI, and also important clues to evolutionary changes of PSI-LHCI.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2046-206910522020Facile synthesis of picenes incorporating imide moieties at both edges of the molecule and their application to n-channel field-effect transistors3154731552ENYuxinGuoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKaitoYoshiokaDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShinoHamaoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYoshihiroKubozonoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityFumitoTaniInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityKentaGotoInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityHidekiOkamotoDivision of Earth, Life, and Molecular Sciences, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPicene derivatives incorporating imide moieties along the long-axis direction of the picene core (Cn-PicDIs) were conveniently synthesized through a four-step synthesis. Photochemical cyclization of dinaphthylethenes was used as the key step for constructing the picene skeleton. Field-effect transistor (FET) devices of Cn-PicDIs were fabricated by using ZrO2 as a gate substrate and their FET characteristics were investigated. The FET devices showed normally-off n-channel operation; the averaged electron mobility (μ) was evaluated to be 2(1) × 10−4, 1.0(6) × 10−1 and 1.4(3) × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 for C4-PicDI, C8-PicDI and C12-PicDI, respectively. The maximum μ value as high as 2.0 × 10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1 was observed for C8-PicDI. The electronic spectra of Cn-PicDIs in solution showed the same profiles irrespective of the alkyl chain lengths. In contrast, in thin films, the UV absorption and photoelectron yield spectroscopy (PYS) indicated that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of Cn-PicDIs gradually lowered upon the elongation of the alkyl chains, suggesting that the alkyl chains modify intermolecular interactions between the Cn-PicDI molecules in thin films. The present results provide a new strategy for constructing a high performance n-channel organic semiconductor material by utilizing the electronic features of phenacenes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1420-304925172020Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of 2,7-Disubstituted Phenanthro[2,1-b:7,8-b']dithiophenes3842ENZhenfeiJiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityZeliangChengGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirokiMoriResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYasushiNishiharaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityWe report the design, synthesis, and physicochemical properties of an array of phenanthro[2,1-b:7,8-b']dithiophene (PDT-2) derivatives by introducing five types of alkyl (CnH2n+1; n = 8, 10, 12, 13, and 14) or two types of decylthienyl groups at 2,7-positions of the PDT-2 core. Systematic investigation revealed that the alkyl length and the type of side chains have a great effect on the physicochemical properties. For alkylated PDT-2, the solubility was gradually decreased as the chain length was increased. For instance, C-8-PDT-2 exhibited the highest solubility (5.0 g/L) in chloroform. Additionally, substitution with 5-decylthienyl groups showed poor solubility in both chloroform and toluene, whereas PDT-2 with 4-decylthienyl groups resulted in higher solubility. Furthermore, UV-vis absorption of PDT-2 derivatives substituted by decylthienyl groups showed a redshift, indicating the extension of their pi-conjugation length. This work reveals that modification of the conjugated core by alkyl or decylthienyl side chains may be an efficient strategy by which to change the physicochemical properties, which might lead to the development of high-performance organic semiconductors.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SAGE PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2324-709682020Long-Term Control of Macular Edema With Adalimumab After Cataract Surgery in a Japanese Child With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Case Report and Review of 26 Japanese Patients2324709620953283ENToshihikoMatsuo Okayama University Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health SystemsMasatoYashiroJuvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis is rare in the Japanese population. In this article, we report a child whose macular edema was controlled for years after cataract surgery with adalimumab, and reviewed 26 Japanese patients in the literature. In this case report, a 4-year-old boy developed band keratopathy, posterior iris synechiae, and complicated cataract in both eyes. Oral prednisolone prescribed at another hospital was discontinued due to high intraocular pressure in both eyes as a steroid responder. At the age of 5 years, he started oral methotrexate 8 mg weekly for recurrent bilateral iridocyclitis and then underwent lensectomy with core vitrectomy in both eyes. Planned intraocular lens implantation was cancelled at surgery because the anterior vitreous had severe inflammatory opacity with diffuse retinal edema in both eyes. Due to persistent macular edema in both eyes 5 months postoperatively, at the age of 6 years, he began to use adalimumab injection 20 mg every 2 weeks. The macular structure depicted by optical coherence tomography became normal in 2 months. At final visit at the age of 11 years, he had the best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 in the right eye and 0.4 in the left eye, with adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks and methotrexate 8 mg weekly. In conclusion, macular edema persistent despite oral methotrexate after cataract surgery could be controlled for long term by adalimumab in a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In the Japanese literature, only 26 additional cases with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis have been reported so far.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SAGE PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2324-709682020Long-Term Control of Macular Edema With Adalimumab After Cataract Surgery in a Japanese Child With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Case Report and Review of 26 Japanese Patients2324709620953283ENToshihikoMatsuoOkayama University Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health SystemsMasatoYashiro Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesJuvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis is rare in the Japanese population. In this article, we report a child whose macular edema was controlled for years after cataract surgery with adalimumab, and reviewed 26 Japanese patients in the literature. In this case report, a 4-year-old boy developed band keratopathy, posterior iris synechiae, and complicated cataract in both eyes. Oral prednisolone prescribed at another hospital was discontinued due to high intraocular pressure in both eyes as a steroid responder. At the age of 5 years, he started oral methotrexate 8 mg weekly for recurrent bilateral iridocyclitis and then underwent lensectomy with core vitrectomy in both eyes. Planned intraocular lens implantation was cancelled at surgery because the anterior vitreous had severe inflammatory opacity with diffuse retinal edema in both eyes. Due to persistent macular edema in both eyes 5 months postoperatively, at the age of 6 years, he began to use adalimumab injection 20 mg every 2 weeks. The macular structure depicted by optical coherence tomography became normal in 2 months. At final visit at the age of 11 years, he had the best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 in the right eye and 0.4 in the left eye, with adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks and methotrexate 8 mg weekly. In conclusion, macular edema persistent despite oral methotrexate after cataract surgery could be controlled for long term by adalimumab in a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In the Japanese literature, only 26 additional cases with juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis have been reported so far.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.NatureActa Medica Okayama2045-23221012020Development of an experimental method of systematically estimating protein expression limits in HEK293 cells4798ENYoshihiroMoriGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukiYoshidaSony Computer Science LaboratoriesAyanoSatohGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriyaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityProtein overexpression sometimes causes cellular defects, although the underlying mechanism is still unknown. A protein's expression limit, which triggers cellular defects, is a useful indication of the underlying mechanism. In this study, we developed an experimental method of estimating the expression limits of target proteins in the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293 by measuring the proteins' expression levels in cells that survived after the high-copy introduction of plasmid DNA by which the proteins were expressed under a strong cytomegalovirus promoter. The expression limits of nonfluorescent target proteins were indirectly estimated by measuring the levels of green fluorescent protein (GFP) connected to the target proteins with the self-cleaving sequence P2A. The expression limit of a model GFP was similar to 5.0% of the total protein, and sustained GFP overexpression caused cell death. The expression limits of GFPs with mitochondria-targeting signals and endoplasmic reticulum localization signals were 1.6% and 0.38%, respectively. The expression limits of four proteins involved in vesicular trafficking were far lower compared to a red fluorescent protein. The protein expression limit estimation method developed will be valuable for defining toxic proteins and consequences of protein overexpression.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.NatureActa Medica Okayama2045-23221012020N-terminal deletion of Swi3 created by the deletion of a dubious ORF YJL175W mitigates protein burden effect in S. cerevisiae9500ENNozomuSaekiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYuichiEguchiCenter for Mechanisms of Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State UniversityReikoKintakaDonnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Department of Medical Genetics, University of TorontoKojiMakanaeGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYuichiShichinoRNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering ResearchShintaroIwasakiRNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering ResearchManabuKannoBioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyNobutadaKimuraBioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyHisaoMoriyaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityExtreme overproduction of gratuitous proteins can overload cellular protein production resources, leading to growth defects, a phenomenon known as the protein burden/cost effect. Genetic screening in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has isolated several dubious ORFs whose deletions mitigated the protein burden effect, but individual characterization thereof has yet to be delineated. We found that deletion of the YJL175W ORF yielded an N-terminal deletion of Swi3, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, and partial loss of function of Swi3. The deletion mutant showed a reduction in transcription of genes encoding highly expressed, secreted proteins and an overall reduction in translation. Mutations in the chromatin remodeling complex could thus mitigate the protein burden effect, likely by reallocating residual cellular resources used to overproduce proteins. This cellular state might also be related to cancer cells, as they frequently harbor mutations in the SWI/SNF complex.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0927-77575202017Indocyanine green-laden poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PEG-b-PLA) nanocapsules incorporating reverse micelles: Effects of PEG-b-PLA composition on the nanocapsule diameter and encapsulation efficiency764770ENTakaichiWatanabeDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYuiSakamotoDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTetsuyaInookaDivision of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukitakaKimuraDivision of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTsutomuOnoDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityReverse micelles are thermodynamically stable systems, with a capacity to encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in their nanosized core, which is smaller than the core generally obtained with water-in-oil-emulsion droplets. Herein, we present a simple technique for the preparation of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polylactide (PEG-b-PLA) nanocapsules encapsulating a hydrophilic photosensitizer (indocyanine green, ICG), which exploits reverse micelle formation and subsequent emulsion-solvent diffusion. We establish the effect of the PEG-b-PLA composition and the co-surfactant volume on the diameter and water content of the reverse micelles. We demonstrate that the composition of PEG-b-PLA affects also the diameter and encapsulation efficiency of the resulting nanocapsules. We show that the ICG-laden nanocapsules fabricated under the most optimal conditions have a diameter of approximately 100 nm and an ICG encapsulation efficiency of 58%. We believe that the method proposed here is a promising step towards the preparation of hydrophilic drug-laden polymer nanocapsules with a small diameter and therefore suitable for use in drug delivery applications based on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect-driven passive targeting.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2046-20694102013Monodisperse polylactide microcapsules with a single aqueous core prepared via spontaneous emulsification and solvent diffusion48724877ENTakaichiWatanabeDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukitakaKimuraDepartment of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTsutomuOnoDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityA simple approach to preparing monodisperse poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) microcapsules with a single aqueous core is developed. The method is based on automatic water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion formation from oil-in-water single emulsion via spontaneous emulsification which voluntarily disperses part of continuous aqueous phase into the dispersed oil phase dissolving oil-soluble amphiphilic diblock copolymer, poly(D,L-lactide)-b-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacylate)(PDLLA-b-PDMAEMA), followed by coalescence of tiny water droplets within the polymer droplets, coupled with quick precipitation of polymers by diluting the emulsion with water. In this study, we have investigated the effect of PDLLA to PDLLA-b-PDMAEMA ratios and flow rates of each solution during preparing the emulsion on the final morphology and the size of the microcapsules. It was found that the polymer blend ratio played a crucial role in determining internal structure of the microcapsules. The microcapsules size decreased with the increment of the flow rate ratios of the continuous phase to the dispersed phase and eventually reached 10 μm, while maintaining narrow size distribution. In addition, we have demonstrated that the microcapsules can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds during the formation.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama0743-74633562019Microfluidic Formation of Hydrogel Microcapsules with a Single Aqueous Core by23582367ENTakaichiWatanabeDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science, Okayama UniversityIbukiMotohiroDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science, Okayama UniversityTsutomuOnoDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science, Okayama UniversityWe report a simple process to fabricate monodisperse tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (tetra-PEG) hydrogel microcapsules with an aqueous core and a semipermeable hydrogel shell through the formation of aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets consisting of a dextran-rich core and a tetra-PEG macromonomer-rich shell, followed by a spontaneous cross-end coupling reaction of tetra-PEG macromonomers in the shell. Different from conventional techniques, this process enables for the continuous production of hydrogel microcapsules from water-in-oil emulsion droplets under mild conditions in the absence of radical initiators and external stimuli such as heating and ultraviolet light irradiation. We find that rapid cross-end coupling reaction of tetra-PEG macromonomers in ATPS droplets in the range of pH from 7.4 to 7.8 gives hydrogel microcapsules with a kinetically arrested core–shell structure. The diameter and core–shell ratio of the microcapsules can be easily controlled by adjusting flow rates and ATPS compositions. On the other hand, the slow cross-end coupling reaction of tetra-PEG macromonomers in ATPS droplets at pH 7.0 and lower induces structural change from core–shell to Janus during the reaction, which eventually forms hydrogel microparticles with a thermodynamically stable crescent structure. We believe that these hydrogel microparticles with controlled structures can be used in biomedical fields such as cell encapsulation, biosensors, and drug delivery carriers for sensitive biomolecules.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama0743-74633092014Microfluidic Approach to the Formation of Internally Porous Polymer Particles by Solvent Extraction24702479ENTakaichiWatanabeDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityCarlos G.Lopez Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College LondonJack F.Douglas Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyTsutomuOnoDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJoão T.CabralDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College LondonWe report the controlled formation of internally porous polyelectrolyte particles with diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers through selective solvent extraction using microfluidics. Solvent-resistant microdevices, fabricated by frontal photopolymerization, encapsulate binary polymer (P)/solvent (S1) mixtures by a carrier solvent phase (C) to form plugs with well-defined radii and low polydispersity; the suspension is then brought into contact with a selective extraction solvent (S2) that is miscible with C and S1 but not P, leading to the extraction of S1 from the droplets. The ensuing phase inversion yields polymer capsules with a smooth surface but highly porous internal structure. Depending on the liquid extraction time scale, this stage can be carried out in situ, within the chip, or ex situ, in an external S2 bath. Bimodal polymer plugs are achieved using asymmetrically inverted T junctions. For this demonstration, we form sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (P) particles using water (S1), hexadecane (C), and methyl ethyl ketone (S2). We measure droplet extraction rates as a function of drop size and polymer concentration and propose a simple scaling model to guide particle formation. We find that the extraction time required to form particles from liquid droplets does not depend on the initial polymer concentration but is rather proportional to the initial droplet size. The resulting particle size follows a linear relationship with the initial droplet size for all polymer concentrations, allowing for the precise control of particle size. The internal particle porous structure exhibits a polymer density gradient ranging from a dense surface skin toward an essentially hollow core. Average particle porosities between 10 and 50% are achieved by varying the initial droplet compositions up to 15 wt % polymer. Such particles have potential applications in functional, optical, and coating materials.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama0743-746329462013Microfluidic Fabrication of Monodisperse Polylactide Microcapsules with Tunable Structures through Rapid Precipitation1408214088ENTakaichiWatanabeDepartment of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and TechnologYukitakaKimuraDepartment of Material and Energy Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTsutomuOnoDepartment of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and TechnologyWe describe a versatile and facile route to the continuous production of monodisperse polylactide (PLA) microcapsules with controllable structures. With the combination of microfluidic emulsification, solvent diffusion, and internal phase separation, uniform PLA microcapsules with a perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) core were successfully obtained by simply diluting monodisperse ethyl acetate (EA)-in-water emulsion with pure water. Rapid extraction of EA from the droplets into the aqueous phase enabled the solidification of the polymer droplets in a nonequilibrium state during internal phase separation between a concentrated PLA/EA phase and a PFOB phase. Higher-molecular-weight PLA generated structural complexity of the microcapsules, yielding core–shell microcapsules with covered with small PFOB droplets. Removal of the PFOB via freeze drying gave hollow microcapsules with dimpled surfaces. The core–shell ratios and the diameter of these microcapsules could be finely tuned by just adjusting the concentration of PFOB and flow rates on emulsification, respectively. These biocompatible microcapsules with controllable size and structures are potentially applicable in biomedical fields such as drug delivery carriers of many functional molecules.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.NatureActa Medica Okayama2045-23221012020Skewed electronic band structure induced by electric polarization in ferroelectric BaTiO310702ENNorihiroOshimeGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJunKanoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityEijiIkenagaJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, JASRIShintaroYasuiLaboratory for Materials and Structures, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyYosukeHamasakiLaboratory for Materials and Structures, Tokyo Institute of TechnologySouYasuharaLaboratory for Materials and Structures, Tokyo Institute of TechnologySatoshiHinokumaInnovative Oxidation Team, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Catalytic Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyNaoshiIkedaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPierre-EymericJanolinUniversité Paris-Saclay,CentraleSupélec, CNRS, Laboratoire SPMSJean-MichelKiatUniversité Paris-Saclay,CentraleSupélec, CNRS, Laboratoire SPMSMitsuruItohLaboratory for Materials and Structures, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyTakayoshiYokoyaGResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTatsuoFujiiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAkiraYasuiJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, JASRIHitoshiOsawaJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, JASRISkewed band structures have been empirically described in ferroelectric materials to explain the functioning of recently developed ferroelectric tunneling junction (FTJs). Nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) and the artificial neural network device based on the FTJ system are rapidly developing. However, because the actual ferroelectric band structure has not been elucidated, precise designing of devices has to be advanced through appropriate heuristics. Here, we perform angle-resolved hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy of ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films for the direct observation of ferroelectric band skewing structure as the depth profiles of atomic orbitals. The depth-resolved electronic band structure consists of three depth regions: a potential slope along the electric polarization in the core, the surface and interface exhibiting slight changes. We also demonstrate that the direction of the energy shift is controlled by the polarization reversal. In the ferroelectric skewed band structure, we found that the difference in energy shifts of the atomic orbitals is correlated with the atomic configuration of the soft phonon mode reflecting the Born effective charges. These findings lead to a better understanding of the origin of electric polarization.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature ResearchActa Medica Okayama2045-23221012020Neural regulation in tooth regeneration of Ambystoma mexicanum9323ENAkiMakanaeOkayama University Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS)YukiTajikaGunma University, Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of MedicineKokiNishimuraOkayama University Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS)NanamiSaitoOkayama University Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS)Jun-IchiTanakaOkayama University Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS)AkiraSatohOkayama University Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS)The presence of nerves is an important factor in successful organ regeneration in amphibians. The Mexican salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum, is able to regenerate limbs, tail, and gills when nerves are present. However, the nerve-dependency of tooth regeneration has not been evaluated. Here, we reevaluated tooth regeneration processes in axolotls using a three-dimensional reconstitution method called CoMBI and found that tooth regeneration is nerve-dependent although the dentary bone is independent of nerve presence. The induction and invagination of the dental lamina were delayed by denervation. Exogenous Fgf2, Fgf8, and Bmp7 expression could induce tooth placodes even in the denervated mandible. Our results suggest that the role of nerves is conserved and that Fgf+Bmp signals play key roles in axolotl organ-level regeneration. The presence of nerves is an important factor in successful organ regeneration in amphibians. The Mexican salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum, is able to regenerate limbs, tail, and gills when nerves are present. However, the nervedependency of tooth regeneration has not been evaluated. Here, we reevaluated tooth regeneration processes in axolotls using a three-dimensional reconstitution method called CoMBI and found that tooth regeneration is nerve-dependent although the dentary bone is independent of nerve presence. The induction and invagination of the dental lamina were delayed by denervation. Exogenous Fgf2, Fgf8, and Bmp7 expression could induce tooth placodes even in the denervated mandible. Our results suggest that the role of nerves is conserved and that Fgf+Bmp signals play key roles in axolotl organ-level regeneration.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2041-653911232020Carbon-rich materials with three-dimensional ordering at the angstrom level58665873ENShixinFaDepartment of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityMasanoriYamamotoInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityHirotomoNishiharaInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityRyotaSakamotoDepartment of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityKazuhideKamiyaGraduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityTomokiOgoshiDepartment of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityCarbon-rich materials, which contain over 90% carbon, have been mainly synthesized by the carbonization of organic compounds. However, in many cases, their original molecular and ordered structures are decomposed by the carbonization process, which results in a failure to retain their original three-dimensional (3D) ordering at the angstrom level. Recently, we successfully produced carbon-rich materials that are able to retain their 3D ordering at the angstrom level even after the calcination of organic porous pillar[6]arene supramolecular assemblies and cyclic porphyrin dimer assemblies. Other new pathways to prepare carbon-rich materials with 3D ordering at the angstrom level are the controlled polymerization of designed monomers and redox reaction of graph. Electrocatalytic application using these materials is described. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Frontiers MediaActa Medica Okayama2296-634X82020In vitroNeo-Genesis of Tendon/Ligament-Like Tissue by Combination of Mohawk and a Three-Dimensional Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Culture System307ENKensukeKataokaDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityRyotaKurimotoDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityHirokiTsutsumiDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTomokiChibaDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTomomiKatoDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityKanaShishidoDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityMarikoKatoDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityYoshiakiItoDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityYuichiroChoAnatomy and Physiological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityOsamuHoshiAnatomy and Physiological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityAyakoMimataResearch Core, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityYurikoSakamakiResearch Core, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityRyoNakamichiDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityMartin K.LotzDepartment of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteKeijiNaruseGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHiroshiAsaharaDepartment of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTendons and ligaments are pivotal connective tissues that tightly connect muscle and bone. In this study, we developed a novel approach to generate tendon/ligament-like tissues with a hierarchical structure, by introducing the tendon/ligament-specific transcription factor Mohawk (MKX) into the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) line C3H10T1/2 cells, and by applying an improved three-dimensional (3D) cyclic mechanical stretch culture system. In our developed protocol, a combination of stableMkxexpression and cyclic mechanical stretch synergistically affects the structural tendon/ligament-like tissue generation and tendon related gene expression. In a histological analysis of these tendon/ligament-like tissues, an organized extracellular matrix (ECM), containing collagen type III and elastin, was observed. Moreover, we confirmed thatMkxexpression and cyclic mechanical stretch, induced the alignment of structural collagen fibril bundles that were deposited in a fibripositor-like manner during the generation of our tendon/ligament-like tissues. Our findings provide new insights for the tendon/ligament biomaterial fields.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature Acta Medica Okayama2399-3642312020Structure of a cyanobacterial photosystem I surrounded by octadecameric IsiA antenna proteins232ENFusamichiAkitaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRyoNagaoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYoshikiNakajimaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMakioYokonoNippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., Innovation CenterYoshifumiUenoGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityTakehiroSuzukiBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceNaoshiDohmaeBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceJian-RenShen Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySeijiAkimotoGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityNaoyukiMiyazakiLife Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of TsukubaIron-stress induced protein A (IsiA) is a chlorophyll-binding membrane-spanning protein in photosynthetic prokaryote cyanobacteria, and is associated with photosystem I (PSI) trimer cores, but its structural and functional significance in light harvesting remains unclear. Here we report a 2.7-angstrom resolution cryo-electron microscopic structure of a supercomplex between PSI core trimer and IsiA from a thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus vulcanus. The structure showed that 18 IsiA subunits form a closed ring surrounding a PSI trimer core. Detailed arrangement of pigments within the supercomplex, as well as molecular interactions between PSI and IsiA and among IsiAs, were resolved. Time-resolved fluorescence spectra of the PSI-IsiA supercomplex showed clear excitation-energy transfer from IsiA to PSI, strongly indicating that IsiA functions as an energy donor, but not an energy quencher, in the supercomplex. These structural and spectroscopic findings provide important insights into the excitation-energy-transfer and subunit assembly mechanisms in the PSI-IsiA supercomplex. Akita et al. present the latest approach to solve IsiA-PSI supercomplex molecular structure with increased resolution using cryo-EM and time-resolved fluorescence studies. With 2.7 angstrom resolution, they reveal molecular interactions between PSI and IsiA subunits and that IsiA functions as an energy donor in the supercomplex. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama0344-57048612020Influences of preoperative metformin on immunological factors in early breast cancer5563ENTakahiroTsukiokiOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesTadahikoShienOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakehiroTanakaDepartment of Pathology, Okayama University HospitalYokoSuzukiOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukikoKajiharaOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesMinamiHatonoOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKengoKawadaOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesMarikoKochiOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakayukiIwamotoOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesHirokuniIkedaOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesNarutoTairaOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroyoshiDoiharaOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinichiToyookaOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesPurpose</br>
Metformin has been suggested to possibly reduce cancer risk. However, the mechanism underlying the positive effects of metformin on cancer treatment remains unclear. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the effects of preoperative metformin in patients with early breast cancer.</br>
Method</br>
We evaluated the effects on immunological factors (TILs, CD4 + , CD8 + , PD-L1, IFNγ and IL-2) by comparing core needle biopsies (CNB) obtained before metformin treatment with surgical specimens. Seventeen patients were enrolled in this prospective study from January to December 2016. We also analyzed 59 patients undergoing surgery during the same period to reveal the correlation of immune factors between CNB and surgical specimen.</br>
Result</br>
There was a moderate correlation between CNB and surgical specimens on TILs and CD8 + lymphocyte. (TILs Rs = 0.63, CD4 + Rs = 0.224, CD8 + Rs = 0.42) In the metformin group, TILs increases were confirmed in five (29%) patients, while a decrease was confirmed in two (12%). The expressions of CD4 + and CD8 + by TILs were increased in 41% and 18% of surgical specimens, respectively. However, TILs number (p = 0.0554), CD4+ (p = 0.0613) and CD8 + (p = 0.0646) expressions did not significantly increased. Furthermore, IFNγ expression appeared to be increased in response to metformin (p = 0.08).</br>
Conclusion</br>
Preoperative metformin tends to increase TILs, as well as the numbers of CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes, and IFNγ levels. Metformin might improve immune function and have a possibility of chemo-sensitivity and thereby increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy, based on the results of this preliminary study.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. SpringerActa Medica Okayama1436-22282020Comparative Gene Analysis Focused on Silica Cell Wall Formation: Identification of Diatom-Specific SET Domain Protein MethyltransferasesENMichikoNemotoGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversitySayakoIwakiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriyaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiMondenGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTakashiTamuraGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKenjiInagakiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityShigekiMayamaDepartment of Biology, Tokyo Gakugei UniversityKioriObuseGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversitySilica cell walls of diatoms have attracted attention as a source of nanostructured functional materials and have immense potential for a variety of applications. Previous studies of silica cell wall formation have identified numerous involved proteins, but most of these proteins are species-specific and are not conserved among diatoms. However, because the basic process of diatom cell wall formation is common to all diatom species, ubiquitous proteins and molecules will reveal the mechanisms of cell wall formation. In this study, we assembled de novo transcriptomes of three diatom species, Nitzschia palea, Achnanthes kuwaitensis, and Pseudoleyanella lunata, and compared protein-coding genes of five genome-sequenced diatom species. These analyses revealed a number of diatom-specific genes that encode putative endoplasmic reticulum-targeting proteins. Significant numbers of these proteins showed homology to silicanin-1, which is a conserved diatom protein that reportedly contributes to cell wall formation. These proteins also included a previously unrecognized SET domain protein methyltransferase family that may regulate functions of cell wall formation-related proteins and long-chain polyamines. Proteomic analysis of cell wall-associated proteins in N. palea identified a protein that is also encoded by one of the diatom-specific genes. Expression analysis showed that candidate genes were upregulated in response to silicon, suggesting that these genes play roles in silica cell wall formation. These candidate genes can facilitate further investigations of silica cell wall formation in diatoms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Mineralogical Society of AmericaActa Medica Okayama0003-004X10532020Pressure dependence of Si diffusion in γ-Fe319324ENNoriyoshiTsujinoInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityAndreeaMârzaFaculty of Geology and Geophysics, University of BucharestDaisukeYamazakiInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityThe pressure dependence of Si diffusion in γ-Fe was investigated at pressures of 5–15 GPa and temperatures of 1473–1673 K using the Kawai-type multi-anvil apparatus to estimate the rate of mass transportation for the chemical homogenization of the Earth's inner core and those of small terrestrial planets and large satellites. The obtained diffusion coefficients D were fitted to the equation D = D0 exp[−(E* + PV*)/(RT)], where D0 is a constant, E* is the activation energy, P is the pressure, V* is the activation volume, R is the gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. The least-squares analysis yielded D0 = 10-1.17±0.54 m2/s, E* = 336 ± 16 kJ/mol, and V* = 4.3 ± 0.2 cm3/mol. Moreover, the pressure and temperature dependences of diffusion coefficients of Si in γ-Fe can also be expressed well using homologous temperature scaling, which is expressed as D = D0exp{–g[Tm(P)]/T}, where g is a constant, Tm(P) is the melting temperature at pressure P, and D0 and g are 10-1.0±0.3 m2/s and 22.0 ± 0.7, respectively. The present study indicates that even for 1 billion years, the maximum diffusion length of Si under conditions in planetary and satellite cores is less than ∼1.2 km. Additionally, the estimated strain of plastic deformation in the Earth's inner core, caused by the Harper–Dorn creep, reaches more than 103 at a stress level of 103–104 Pa, although the inner core might be slightly deformed by other mechanisms. The chemical heterogeneity of the inner core can be reduced only via plastic deformation by the Harper–Dorn creep.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7432020Serum REIC/Dickkopf-3 Protein Level Predicts Disease-Free Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma237243ENAtsushiOyamaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesDaisukeUchidaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHidenoriShirahaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroakiSawaharaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyoKatoDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasayaIwamuroDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShigeruHoriguchiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroyukiOkadaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/59957The physiological role of the reduced expression of immortalized cells (REIC)/Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) protein in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein on HCC cell proliferation and assessed the relationship between the serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein level and the prognosis in patients with HCC. We evaluated the REIC/Dkk-3 protein-induced anticancer effects on Huh7 and Hep3B cells (HCC cell lines) in the presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and found that combination treatment with REIC/Dkk-3 protein and PBMCs reduced the proliferation of HCC cells (Hep3B: 82.0%±16.3%; Huh7: 72.6%±9.1%). We also studied 194 HCC patients who underwent primary liver resection or primary radiofrequency ablation from 2008 to 2017. Serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared to the prognostic data. The 3-year disease-free survival of the REIC/Dkk-3 high group was significantly higher than that in the REIC/Dkk-3 low group. In conclusion, this is the first study investigating the relationship between HCC patient survival and serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein levels in a large population. Based on the results, the serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein level should be considered a new prognostic marker for patients with HCC.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7432020A Clinical Study Evaluating an Aspiration-type Semi-Automatic Cutting Biopsy Needle (SCIRO-1702)209214ENYusukeMatsuiDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakaoHirakiDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshihiroIguchiDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunSakuraiCenter for Innovative Clinical MedicineMayuUkaDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYoshihisaMasaokaDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHideoGobaraDivision of Medical Informatics, Okayama University HospitalSusumuKanazawaDepartment of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/59951An aspiration-type semi-automatic cutting biopsy needle enables tissue cutting during application of negative pressure, which is expected to contribute to a larger amount of specimen. The aim of the present study was to evaluate this novel needle in a clinical setting. Patients who underwent image-guided percutaneous biopsy for lung or renal masses were enrolled. Cutting biopsy was performed with and without aspiration during each procedure. The specimens were weighed using an electronic scale. The weights were compared between specimens obtained with and without aspiration using a paired t-test. The data from 45 lung and 30 renal biopsy procedures were analyzed. In lung biopsy, the mean±standard deviation weights of specimens obtained with and without aspiration were 2.20±1.05 mg and 2.24±1.08 mg, respectively. In renal biopsy, the mean weights were 6.52±2.18 mg and 6.42±1.62 mg, respectively. The weights were not significantly different between specimens obtained with and without aspiration either in lung (p=0.799) or renal (p=0.789) biopsies. The application of negative pressure with the aspiration-type semi-automatic cutting biopsy needle did not contribute to an increase in the amount of the specimen obtained in lung and renal biopsies.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1422-00672172020Synthesis of Dinaphtho[2,3-d:2',3'-d']anthra[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene (DNADT) Derivatives: Effect of Alkyl Chains on Transistor Properties2447ENTakumiIshidaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaSawanakaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRyotaToyamaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityZhenfeiJiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirokiMoriResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYasushiNishiharaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTo investigate organic field-effect transistor (OFET) properties, a new thienoacene-type molecule, 4,14-dihexyldinaphtho[2,3-d:2',3'-d']anthra[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene (C6-DNADT), consisting of pi-conjugated nine aromatic rings and two hexyl chains along the longitudinal molecular axis has been successfully synthesized by sequential reactions, including Negishi coupling, epoxidation, and cycloaromatization. The fabricated OFET using thin films of C6-DNADT exhibited p-channel FET properties with field-effect mobilities (mu) of up to 2.6 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1), which is ca. three times lower than that of the parent DNADT molecule (8.5 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)). Although this result implies that the installation of relatively short alkyl chains into the DNADT core is not suitable for transistor application, the origins for the FET performance obtained in this work is fully discussed, based on theoretical calculations and solid-state structure of C6-DNADT by grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. The results obtained in this study disclose the effect of alkyl chains introduced onto the molecule on transistor characteristics.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.AIMS PressActa Medica Okayama2377-9098722020The expression level and cytotoxicity of green fluorescent protein are modulated by an additional N-terminal sequence121132ENHisaoMoriyaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityNucleotide and amino acid sequences at the N-terminus affect the expression level and cytotoxicity of proteins; however, their effects are not fully understood yet. Here, N-terminal 30 nucleotide/10 amino acid (N10) sequences that affect the expression level and cytotoxicity of a green fluorescent protein were systematically isolated in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The expression per gene (EPG) and gene copy number limit (CNL) relationships were examined to assess the effects of the N10 sequence. The isolated N10 nucleotide sequences suggested that codon optimality is the major determinant of the protein expression level. A higher number of hydrophobic or cysteine residues in the N10 sequence seemed to increase the cytotoxicity of the protein. Therefore, a high frequency of specific amino acid residues in the outside of the main tertiary structure of proteins might not be preferable.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Nature ResearchActa Medica Okayama2041-17231112020Structural basis for assembly and function of a diatom photosystem I-light-harvesting supercomplexENRyoNagaoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKentaroIfukuGraduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto UniversityTakehiroSuzukiBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceMinoruKumazawaFaculty of Agriculture, Kyoto UniversityIkuoUchiyamaNational Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural SciencesYasuhiroKashinoGraduate School of Life Science, University of HyogoNaoshiDohmaeBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceSeijiAkimotoGraduate School of Science,Kobe UniversityJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNaoyukiMiyazakiInstitute for Protein Research, Osaka UniversityFusamichiAkitaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPhotosynthetic light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) play a pivotal role in collecting solar energy for photochemical reactions in photosynthesis. One of the major LHCs are fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs) present in diatoms, a group of organisms having important contribution to the global carbon cycle. Here, we report a 2.40-angstrom resolution structure of the diatom photosystem I (PSI)-FCPI supercomplex by cryo-electron microscopy. The supercomplex is composed of 16 different FCPI subunits surrounding a monomeric PSI core. Each FCPI subunit showed different protein structures with different pigment contents and binding sites, and they form a complicated pigment-protein network together with the PSI core to harvest and transfer the light energy efficiently. In addition, two unique, previously unidentified subunits were found in the PSI core. The structure provides numerous insights into not only the light-harvesting strategy in diatom PSI-FCPI but also evolutionary dynamics of light harvesters among oxyphototrophs. One of the major photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) are fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins (FCPs), which are present in diatoms, a major group of algae. Here, the authors present the cryo-EM structure of the photosystem I-FCP (PSI-FCPI) supercomplex isolated from the marine centric diatom Chaetoceros gracilis that contains 16 FCPI subunits surrounding the PSI core and discuss possible excitation energy transfer pathways.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0012821X5302019Grain boundary diffusion of W in lower mantle phase with implications for isotopic heterogeneity in oceanic island basalts by core-mantle interactions115887ENTakashiYoshinoInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityYoshikiMakinoGeochemical Research Center, The University of TokyoToshihiroSuzukiGeochemical Research Center, The University of TokyoTakafumiHirataGeochemical Research Center, The University of TokyoTungsten isotopes provide important constraints on the ocean-island basalt (OIB) source regions. Recent analyses of μ182W in modern basalts with high 3He/4He originating from the core-mantle boundary region reveal two distinct features: positive μ182W in Phanerozoic flood basalts indicating the presence of primordial reservoir, and negative μ182W in modern OIBs. One possibility to produce large variations in μ182W is interaction between the mantle and outer core. Here, we report grain boundary diffusion of W in lower mantle phases. High pressure experimental results show that grain boundary diffusion of W is fast and strongly temperature dependent. Over Earth's history, diffusive transport of W from the core to the lowermost mantle may have led to significant modification of the W isotopic composition of the lower mantle at length scales exceeding one kilometer. Such grain boundary diffusion can lead to large variations in μ182W in modern basalts as a function of the distance of their source regions from the core mantle boundary. Modern oceanic island basalts from Hawaii, Samoa and Iceland exhibit negative μ182W and likely originated from the modified isotope region just above the core-mantle boundary, whereas those with positive μ182W could be derived from the thick Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) far from the core-mantle boundary (CMB). When highly-oxidized slabs accumulate at the CMB oxidizing the outer core at the interface, a large W flux with negative μ182W can be added to the silicate mantle. As a result, the source region of the OIB would be effectively modified to a negative μ182W.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama14795876172019Analysis of the role of the Hippo pathway in cancer116ENYanyanHanOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesCancer is a serious health issue in the world due to a large body of cancer-related human deaths, and there is no current treatment available to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at a serious stage. Moreover, Cancer cells are often resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular-targeted therapy. Upon further knowledge of mechanisms of tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to treatments, it is necessary to detect the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. The hippo pathway possesses the unique capacity to lead to tumorigenesis. Mutations and altered expression of its core components (MST1/2, LATS1/2, YAP and TAZ) promote the migration, invasion, malignancy of cancer cells. The biological significance and deregulation of it have received a large body of interests in the past few years. Further understanding of hippo pathway will be responsible for cancer treatment. In this review, we try to discover the function of hippo pathway in different diversity of cancers, and discuss how Hippo pathway contributes to other cellular signaling pathways. Also, we try to describe how microRNAs, circRNAs, and ZNFs regulate hippo pathway in the process of cancer. It is necessary to find new therapy strategies for cancer.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2073-4409932020Cell Stress Induced Stressome Release Including Damaged Membrane Vesicles and Extracellular HSP90 by Prostate Cancer Cells755ENTakanoriEguchiDepartment of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityChiharuSogawaDepartment of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKishoOnoDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University HospitalMasakiMatsumotoDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu UniversityTranManh TienDepartment of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukaOkushaDepartment of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityBenjamin J.LangDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical SchoolKuniakiOkamotoDepartment of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityStuart K.CalderwoodDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical SchoolTumor cells exhibit therapeutic stress resistance-associated secretory phenotype involving extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as oncosomes and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Such a secretory phenotype occurs in response to cell stress and cancer therapeutics. HSPs are stress-responsive molecular chaperones promoting proper protein folding, while also being released from cells with EVs as well as a soluble form known as alarmins. We have here investigated the secretory phenotype of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells using proteome analysis. We have also examined the roles of the key co-chaperone CDC37 in the release of EV proteins including CD9 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key event in tumor progression. EVs derived from CRPC cells promoted EMT in normal prostate epithelial cells. Some HSP family members and their potential receptor CD91/LRP1 were enriched at high levels in CRPC cell-derived EVs among over 700 other protein types found by mass spectrometry. The small EVs (30-200 nm in size) were released even in a non-heated condition from the prostate cancer cells, whereas the EMT-coupled release of EVs (200-500 nm) and damaged membrane vesicles with associated HSP90 alpha was increased after heat shock stress (HSS). GAPDH and lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of membrane leakage/damage, were also found in conditioned media upon HSS. During this stress response, the intracellular chaperone CDC37 was transcriptionally induced by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), which activated the CDC37 core promoter, containing an interspecies conserved heat shock element. In contrast, knockdown of CDC37 decreased EMT-coupled release of CD9-containing vesicles. Triple siRNA targeting CDC37, HSP90 alpha, and HSP90 beta was required for efficient reduction of this chaperone trio and to reduce tumorigenicity of the CRPC cells in vivo. Taken together, we define "stressome" as cellular stress-induced all secretion products, including EVs (200-500 nm), membrane-damaged vesicles and remnants, and extracellular HSP90 and GAPDH. Our data also indicated that CDC37 is crucial for the release of vesicular proteins and tumor progression in prostate cancer.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerOpenActa Medica Okayama2198-7793612020Recurring radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast that was treated with paclitaxel chemotherapy: a case report25ENYokoSuzukiDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalKoheiTaniguchiDepartment of Pathological diagnosis, Okayama University Japan HospitalMinamiHatonoDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalYukikoKajiwaraDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalYukoAbeDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalKengoKawadaDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalTakahiroTsukiokiDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalMarikoKochiDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalKeikoNishiyamaDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalTakayukiIwamotoDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalHirokuniIkedaDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalTadahikoShienDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalNarutoTairaDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalMasahiroTabataDepartment of Hematology, Oncology, Respiratory, and Allergy Medicine, Okayama University Japan HospitalHiroyukiYanaiDepartment of Pathological diagnosis, Okayama University Japan HospitalHiroyoshiDoiharaDepartment of Breast and Endocrine surgery in Okayama University Japan HospitalBackground Angiosarcoma of the breast is very rare and can be divided into primary and secondary angiosarcoma. Radiation-induced angiosarcoma (RIAS) is classified as secondary angiosarcoma. Diagnosis of RIAS is difficult due to its rarity, and the interpretation of pathological imaging is complicated. In the National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) guidelines, the first choice of treatment is surgery with negative margins. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for close soft tissue margins should be considered. Preoperative or adjuvant chemotherapy of nonmetastatic disease is not recommended for angiosarcoma. We report a case of RIAS, which was impossible to diagnose with core needle biopsy (CNB) but was diagnosed by excisional biopsy. The patient was then administered adjuvant chemotherapy using conjugated paclitaxel (PTX). <br/>
Case presentation A 62-year-old woman noticed a tumor in her right breast. She had a history of right breast cancer and had undergone breast-conserving surgery, RT, and tamoxifen therapy 8 years previously. CNB, which was performed twice, was inconclusive. The tumor was surgically excised and pathological analysis yielded a diagnosis of angiosarcoma. She then underwent a right mastectomy. One month after she underwent right mastectomy, a nodule reappeared on the skin of her right breast, and excisional biopsy revealed recurrence of angiosarcoma. A few weeks later another nodule reappeared near the post-operative scar and excisional biopsy revealed recurrence of angiosarcoma. We assumed that surgical therapy was insufficient because the patient experienced relapse of angiosarcoma after complete mastectomy. After the second recurrence, we treated her with systemic chemotherapy using PTX. There was no evidence of recurrence 8 months after chemotherapy. <br/>
Conclusion Although angiosarcoma is difficult to diagnose, many patients have a poor prognosis. Therefore, prompt treatment intervention is desired. Moreover, there is little evidence regarding adjuvant therapy of angiosarcoma since it is a rare disease. We consider that adjuvant therapy helped to effectively prevent recurrence in the patient after complete excision.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2073-89941212020Relation of Superconducting Pairing Symmetry and Non-Magnetic Impurity Effects in Vortex States175ENYasuakiSeraDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityTakahiroUedaDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityHirotoAdachiDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityMasanoriIchiokaDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityNon-magnetic impurity scattering effects on the vortex core states are theoretically studied to clarify the contributions from the sign-change of the pairing function in anisotropic superconductors. The vortex states are calculated by the Eilenberger theory in superconductors with px-wave pairing symmetry, as well as the corresponding anisotropic s-wave symmetry. From the spatial structure of the pair potential and the local electronic states around a vortex, we examine the differences between anisotropic superconductors with and without sign-change of the pairing function, and estimate how twofold symmetric vortex core images change with increasing the impurity scattering rate both in the Born and the unitary limits. We found that twofold symmetric vortex core image of zero-energy local density of states changes the orientation of the twofold symmetry with increasing the scattering rate when the sign change occurs in the pairing function. Without the sign change, the vortex core shape reduces to circular one with approaching dirty cases. These results of the impurity effects are valuable for identifying the pairing symmetry by observation of the vortex core image by the STM observation.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature ResearchActa Medica Okayama2041-17231112020Structural basis for the adaptation and function of chlorophyll f in photosystem I238ENKojiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityToshiyukiShinodaFaculty of Science, Tokyo University of ScienceRyoNagaoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySeijiAkimotoGraduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityTakehiroSuzukiBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceNaoshiDohmaeBiomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceMinChenSchool of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of SydneySuleyman I.AllakhverdievK.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology RASJian-RenShenResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityFusamichiAkitaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNaoyukiMiyazakiInstitute for Protein Research, Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Osaka UniversityTatsuyaTomoFaculty of Science, Tokyo University of ScienceChlorophylls (Chl) play pivotal roles in energy capture, transfer and charge separation in photosynthesis. Among Chls functioning in oxygenic photosynthesis, Chl f is the most red-shifted type first found in a cyanobacterium Halomicronema hongdechloris. The location and function of Chl f in photosystems are not clear. Here we analyzed the high-resolution structures of photosystem I (PSI) core from H. hongdechloris grown under white or far-red light by cryo-electron microscopy. The structure showed that, far-red PSI binds 83 Chl a and 7 Chl f, and Chl f are associated at the periphery of PSI but not in the electron transfer chain. The appearance of Chl f is well correlated with the expression of PSI genes induced under far-red light. These results indicate that Chl f functions to harvest the far-red light and enhance uphill energy transfer, and changes in the gene sequences are essential for the binding of Chl f.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Frontiers MediaActa Medica Okayama1664-462X102020Novel Insights Into N-Glycan Fucosylation and Core Xylosylation in C. reinhardtii1686ENAnneOltmannsInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MünsterLaraHoepfnerInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MünsterMartinScholzInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MünsterKarenZinziusInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MünsterStefanSchulzeInstitute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of MünsterMichaelHipplerInstitute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama UniversityChlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) N-glycans carry plant typical beta 1,2-core xylose, alpha 1,3-fucose residues, as well as plant atypical terminal beta 1,4-xylose and methylated mannoses. In a recent study, XylT1A was shown to act as core xylosyltransferase, whereby its action was of importance for an inhibition of excessive Man1A dependent trimming. N-Glycans found in a XylT1A/Man1A double mutant carried core xylose residues, suggesting the existence of a second core xylosyltransferase in C. reinhardtii. To further elucidate enzymes important for N-glycosylation, novel single knockdown mutants of candidate genes involved in the N-glycosylation pathway were characterized. In addition, double, triple, and quadruple mutants affecting already known N-glycosylation pathway genes were generated. By characterizing N-glycan compositions of intact N-glycopeptides from these mutant strains by mass spectrometry, a candidate gene encoding for a second putative core xylosyltransferase (XylT1B) was identified. Additionally, the role of a putative fucosyltransferase was revealed. Mutant strains with knockdown of both xylosyltransferases and the fucosyltransferase resulted in the formation of N-glycans with strongly diminished core modifications. Thus, the mutant strains generated will pave the way for further investigations on how single N-glycan core epitopes modulate protein function in C. reinhardtii.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Association for the Advancement of ScienceActa Medica Okayama2375-2548552019Layer-specific activation of sensory input and predictive feedback in the human primary somatosensory cortexeaav9053ENYinghuaYuGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems,Okayama UniversityLaurentiusHuberSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthJiajiaYangGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems,Okayama UniversityDavid C.JangrawSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthDaniel A.HandwerkerSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthPeter J.MolfeseSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthGangChenScientific and Statistical Computing Core, National Institute of Mental HealthYoshimichiEjimaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems,Okayama UniversityJinglongWuGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems,Okayama UniversityPeter A.BandettiniSection on Functional Imaging Methods, National Institute of Mental HealthWhen humans perceive a sensation, their brains integrate inputs from sensory receptors and process them based on their expectations. The mechanisms of this predictive coding in the human somatosensory system are not fully understood. We fill a basic gap in our understanding of the predictive processing of somatosensation by examining the layer-specific activity in sensory input and predictive feedback in the human primary somatosensory cortex (S1). We acquired submillimeter functional magnetic resonance imaging data at 7T (n = 10) during a task of perceived, predictable, and unpredictable touching sequences. We demonstrate that the sensory input from thalamic projects preferentially activates the middle layer, while the superficial and deep layers in S1 are more engaged for cortico-cortical predictive feedback input. These findings are pivotal to understanding the mechanisms of tactile prediction processing in the human somatosensory cortex.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学経済学会Acta Medica Okayama2433-4146512-32020現代ポーランドの国家発展戦略と経済成長の原動力1537ENMasahiroTaguchiGraduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakuOkazaki10.18926/OER/58070 In this paper, authors analyze the changes in the national development strategies of the Polish government since the First World War, the state investment that became the driving force of economic development, the trends and positions of foreign capital, and the changes in the economic environment surrounding the Polish economy. In the Second Republic, economic liberalism was a widely supported philosophy in the business world and academic society. However, in order to support very weak economic fundamentals, the government seized the key industry and tried to rebuild the economy. Although foreign capital played a very important role in economic development, Polish people’s distrust in foreign capital was strong. After the Great Depression, the Central Industrial District（ CUP） was built under the leadership of the government. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the formation of a strong core industrial base was suspended.<br/>
After the Second World War, the government initially aimed to build a Peoples Democracy system based on pluralism. However, when the Cold War sharpened, rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture were forced. The Stalinist economic development strategy failed in a few years. Nevertheless, from the end of the 1950s, mining development and industrialization based on the mechanical and chemical industries were carried out again. This industrialization of capital goods sector-oriented production has distorted the people’s consumer life. However, in the long run, it cannot be denied that the industrialization of that time became the basis for the formation of the wide promising fields of the Polish industry. Since 1970, an open economic strategy has been adopted. Modernization was attempted by introducing licenses from the west. However, new investments did not lead to expansion of export, and cumulative debt increased. During the economic crisis, the“ Solidarity” movement quickly grew into a national movement, but this did not lead to a fundamental economic system change. Economic reform was also attempted in the 1980s. However, the socialist economic system was unable to adapt to the new global economic system driven by innovation. The inflexible system lost its growth potential.<br/>
After the collapse of socialist system in 1989, radical liberalization policies drastically improved economic imbalances, and the economic policy enabled high growth. During the transition period, foreign capital greatly contributed to growth. The automobile industry is a good example. This industry is associated with wide parts production. Many domestic intermediate goods manufacturers increased their orders, and their technical capabilities were rapidly improved through the guidance of foreign capital. In addition, export has improved significantly due to the expansion of production by foreign-affiliated companies. In contrast to the Second Republic, foreign capital played a major role in nurturing domestic industries. By the end of the 1990s, the Russian economy had had no effect on the Polish economy. At the transition period, the Polish industry shifted rapidly to the EU. At the same time, since the manufacturing field was the foundation of Polish growth, the impact of the 2007 global financial crisis wasn’t serious. Not only that, Poland maintained positive growth in 2008 as most countries in Europe fell into negative Currently, low-wage, low-value-added production based on FDI inflows and abundant labor force is the driving force for growth. In the medium and long term, the Polish economy cannot grow if it stays in the current subcontract production status of industrialized countries. The key to Poland’s escape from the “middle-income trap” is how to develop“ new Polish companies” that produce high-value-added products and services under global competition.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学農学部Acta Medica Okayama2186-77551092020酵母2μプラスミドのコピー数変動の数理的解析711ENNozomuSaekiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University)HisaoMoriya Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University Plasmids with the 2 μ plasmid origin are commonly-used in the genetic engineering of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Intracellular copy numbers of 2 μ plasmids are different depending on the genes inserted into the plasmids. This difference is thought to occur from the difference in the growth efficiency （fitness） produced by the positive- and negative-selection biases of genes inserted in the plasmid. In this study, we made a mathematical model based on this assumption. Computational simulations of the model validated that copy numbers of the plasmids are rapidly settled depending on the fitness created by the gene on the plasmid. The copy number of a plasmid only contains a bias to keep the plasmid in a single copy became average 20copies per cell when the plasmid is randomly distributed, suggesting that no positive distribution mechanism is required for a plasmid to become multicopy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature Publishing GroupActa Medica Okayama2045-232292019Theoretical analysis on thermodynamic stability of chignolin5186ENTomonariSumi Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKenichiroKoga Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityUnderstanding the dominant factor in thermodynamic stability of proteins remains an open challenge. Kauzmann's hydrophobic interaction hypothesis, which considers hydrophobic interactions between nonpolar groups as the dominant factor, has been widely accepted for about sixty years and attracted many scientists. The hypothesis, however, has not been verified or disproved because it is difficult, both theoretically and experimentally, to quantify the solvent effects on the free energy change in protein folding. Here, we developed a computational method for extracting the dominant factor behind thermodynamic stability of proteins and applied it to a small, designed protein, chignolin. The resulting free energy profile quantitatively agreed with the molecular dynamics simulations. Decomposition of the free energy profile indicated that intramolecular interactions predominantly stabilized collapsed conformations, whereas solvent-induced interactions, including hydrophobic ones, destabilized them. These results obtained for chignolin were consistent with the site-directed mutagenesis and calorimetry experiments for globular proteins with hydrophobic interior cores.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature Publishing GroupActa Medica Okayama2045-232292019Yeast screening system reveals the inhibitory mechanism of cancer cell proliferation by benzyl isothiocyanate through down-regulation of Mis128866ENNaomiAbe-KanohGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityNarumiKunisueGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTakumiMyojinGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityAyakoChinoResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityShintaroMunemasaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYoshiyukiMurataGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityAyanoSatoh Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHisaoMoriyaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYoshimasaNakamuraGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, OkayamaBenzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a naturally-occurring isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables. BITC has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells, which is believed to be important for the inhibition of tumorigenesis. However, the detailed mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we employed a budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism for screening. Twelve genes including MTW1 were identified as the overexpression suppressors for the antiproliferative effect of BITC using the genome-wide multi-copy plasmid collection for S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of the kinetochore protein Mtw1 counteracts the antiproliferative effect of BITC in yeast. The inhibitory effect of BITC on the proliferation of human colon cancer HCT-116 cells was consistently suppressed by the overexpression of Mis12, a human orthologue of Mtw1, and enhanced by the knockdown of Mis12. We also found that BITC increased the phosphorylated and ubiquitinated Mis12 level with consequent reduction of Mis12, suggesting that BITC degrades Mis12 through an ubiquitin-proteasome system. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis showed that the change in the Mis12 level affected the cell cycle distribution and the sensitivity to the BITC-induced apoptosis. These results provide evidence that BITC suppresses cell proliferation through the post-transcriptional regulation of the kinetochore protein Mis12.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Mineralogical Society of AmericaActa Medica Okayama0003-004X10382018The effects of ferromagnetism and interstitial hydrogen on the equation of states of hcp and dhcp FeHx: Implications for the Earth's inner core age12711281ENHitoshiGomiInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityYingweiFeiGeophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of WashingtonTakashiYoshinoInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Hydrogen has been considered as an important candidate of light elements in the Earth's core. Because iron hydrides are unquenchable, hydrogen content is usually estimated from in situ X-ray diffraction measurements that assume the following linear relation: x = (V-FeHx - V-Fe)/Delta V-H, where x is the hydrogen content, Delta V-H is the volume expansion caused by unit concentration of hydrogen, and V-FeHx and V-Fe are volumes of FeHx and pure iron, respectively. To verify the linear relationship, we computed the equation of states of hexagonal iron with interstitial hydrogen by using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method with the coherent potential approximation (KKR-CPA). The results indicate a discontinuous volume change at the magnetic transition and almost no compositional (x) dependence in the ferromagnetic phase at 20 GPa, whereas the linearity is confirmed in the non-magnetic phase. In addition to their effect on the density-composition relationship in the Fe-FeHx system, which is important for estimating the hydrogen incorporation in planetary cores, the magnetism and interstitial hydrogen also affect the electrical resistivity of FeHx. The thermal conductivity can be calculated from the electrical resistivity by using the Wiedemann-Franz law, which is a critical parameter for modeling the thermal evolution of the Earth. Assuming an Fe1-ySiyHx ternary outer core model (0.0 <= x <= 0.7), we calculated the thermal conductivity and the age of the inner core. The resultant thermal conductivity is similar to 100 W/m/K and the maximum inner core age ranges from 0.49 to 0.86 Gyr.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.FRONTIERS MEDIA SAActa Medica Okayama2296-646362018Impurity Resistivity of fcc and hcp Fe-Based Alloys: Thermal Stratification at the Top of the Core of Super-Earths217ENHitoshiGomiInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama UniversityTakashiYoshinoInstitute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University It is widely known that the Earth's Fe dominant core contains a certain amount of light elements such as H, C, N, O, Si, and S. We report the results of first-principles calculations on the band structure and the impurity resistivity of substitutionally disordered hcp and fcc Fe based alloys. The calculation was conducted by using the AkaiKKR (machikaneyama) package, which employed the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) method with the atomic sphere approximation (ASA). The local density approximation (LDA) was adopted for the exchange-correlation potential. The coherent potential approximation (CPA) was used to treat substitutional disorder effect. The impurity resistivity is calculated from the Kubo-Greenwood formula with the vertex correction. In dilute alloys with 1 at. % impurity concentration, calculated impurity resistivities of C, N, O, S are comparable to that of Si. On the other hand, in concentrated alloys up to 30 at. %, Si impurity resistivity is the highest followed by C impurity resistivity. Ni impurity resistivity is the smallest. N, O, and S impurity resistivities lie between Si and Ni. Impurity resistivities of hcp-based alloys show systematically higher values than fcc alloys. We also calculated the electronic specific heat from the density of states (DOS). For pure Fe, the results show the deviation from the Sommerfeld value at high temperature, which is consistent with previous calculation. However, the degree of deviation becomes smaller with increasing impurity concentration. The violation of the Sommerfeld expansion is one of the possible sources of the violation of the Wiedemann-Franz law, but the present results could not resolve the inconsistency between recent electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity measurements. Based on the present thermal conductivity model, we calculated the conductive heat flux at the top of terrestrial cores, which is comparable to the heat flux across the thermal boundary layer at the bottom of the mantle. This indicates that the thermal stratification may develop at the top of the liquid core of super-Earths, and hence, chemical buoyancies associated with the inner core growth and/or precipitations are required to generate the global magnetic field through the geodynamo.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama13452630862019PsyR, a transcriptional regulator in quorum sensing system, binds lux box-like sequence in psyI promoter without AHL quorum sensing molecule and activates psyI transcription with AHL in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605124133ENYukiIchinoseGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityYousukeTasakaGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversitySatoruYamamotoGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityYukoInoueFaculty of AgricultureOkayama UniversityMotohiroTakataGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityYukikoNakatsuGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityFumikoTaguchiGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityMikihiroYamamotoGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiGraduate School of Environmental and Life ScienceOkayama University Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism for bacterial cell-cell communication using QS signals. N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), QS signals in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (Pta) 6605, are synthesized by an AHL synthase (PsyI) and recognized by the cognate transcription factor PsyR. To reveal the role of PsyR in virulence, we generated a psyR mutant and complemented strains of Pta 6605 and found that the psyR mutant is remarkably reduced in AHL production and ability to cause disease and propagate in host tobacco leaves. The phenotypes of complemented strains were restored to that of the wild type (WT). Because the psyR mutant lost nearly all AHL production, we investigated the function of PsyR in the transcription of psyI and production of AHL. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggested that the recombinant PsyR protein binds the promoter region of psyI but not psyR without AHL. The addition of AHL did not significantly affect this binding. The binding core sequence of this region was identified as a 20-bp lux box-like sequence. To reveal the function of PsyR and AHL on psyI transcription, we constructed a psyI promoter::lacZYA chimeric reporter gene, and inserted it into the WT and psyI mutant of Pta 6605. beta-galactosidase activity increased in a bacterial density-dependent manner in the WT and also in a psyI mutant after the addition of exogenous AHL. These results indicate that the solo PsyR binds the lux box in the psyI promoter and activates transcription in the concomitant presence of AHL.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama001216064522019Fgf- and Bmp-signaling regulate gill regeneration in Ambystoma mexicanum104113EN NanamiSaitoOkayama University, Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS) KokiNishimuraOkayama University, Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS) AkiMakanaeOkayama University, Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS)AkiraSatohOkayama University, Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences (RCIS) Gill regeneration has not been well studied compared to regeneration of other appendages, such as limb and tail regeneration. Here, we focused on axolotl gill regeneration and found that Fgf- and Bmp-signaling are involved in their gill regeneration mechanism. Axolotls have three pairs of gill rami, and each gill ramus has multiple gill filaments. The gills consist of mesenchyme rich in extracellular matrix and epidermis. The gill nerves are supplied from the trigeminal ganglia located in the head. Denervation resulted in no gill regeneration responses. Nerves and gills express Bmp and Fgf genes, and treating animals with Fgf- and Bmp-signaling inhibitors results in phenotypes similar to those seen in denervated gills. Inducing an accessory appendage is a standard assay in amphibian regeneration research. In our study, an accessory gill could be induced by lateral wounding, suggesting that thin axon fibers and mesenchymal Fgfs and Bmps contributed to the induction of the accessory structure. Such accessory gill induction was inhibited by the denervation. Exogenous Fgf2+Fgf8+Bmp7, which have been determined to function as a regeneration inducer in urodele amphibians, could compensate for the effects denervation has on accessory blastema formation. Our findings suggest that regeneration of appendages in axolotls is regulated by common Fgf- and Bmp-signaling cascades.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama138824811042019Bipolar anodic electrochemical exfoliation of graphite powders106475ENHidekiHashimotoDepartment of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin UniversityYusukeMuramatsuDepartment of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityHidetakaAsohDepartment of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin UniversityThe electrochemical exfoliation of graphite has attracted considerable attention as a method for large-scale, rapid production of graphene and graphene oxide (GO). As exfoliation typically requires direct electrical contact, and is limited by the shape and/or size of the starting graphite, treatment of small graphite particles and powders, the typical form available commercially, is extremely difficult. In this study, GO nanosheets were successfully prepared from small graphite particles and powders by a bipolar electrochemical process. Graphite samples were placed between two platinum feeder electrodes, and a constant current was applied between the feeder electrodes using dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. Optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to examine the samples obtained after electrolysis. The results obtained from these analyses confirmed that anodic electrochemical exfoliation occurs in the graphite samples, and the exfoliated samples are basically highly crystalline GO nanosheets with a low degree of oxidation (C/O = 3.6–5.3). This simple electrochemical method is extremely useful for preparing large amounts of graphene and GO from small particles of graphite.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature Publishing GroupActa Medica Okayama2045-2322912019Theoretical analysis on thermodynamic stability of chignolin5186ENTomonariSumiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKenichiroKoga Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Understanding the dominant factor in thermodynamic stability of proteins remains an open challenge. Kauzmann's hydrophobic interaction hypothesis, which considers hydrophobic interactions between nonpolar groups as the dominant factor, has been widely accepted for about sixty years and attracted many scientists. The hypothesis, however, has not been verified or disproved because it is difficult, both theoretically and experimentally, to quantify the solvent effects on the free energy change in protein folding. Here, we developed a computational method for extracting the dominant factor behind thermodynamic stability of proteins and applied it to a small, designed protein, chignolin. The resulting free energy profile quantitatively agreed with the molecular dynamics simulations. Decomposition of the free energy profile indicated that intramolecular interactions predominantly stabilized collapsed conformations, whereas solvent-induced interactions, including hydrophobic ones, destabilized them. These results obtained for chignolin were consistent with the site-directed mutagenesis and calorimetry experiments for globular proteins with hydrophobic interior cores.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7342019Significance of Microcalcifications on Mammography in the Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients with a Preoperative Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ by Core Needle Biopsy349356ENHiroshiIsozakiDepartment of Surgery, Oomoto HospitalYasuhisaYamamotoDepartment of Surgery, Oomoto HospitalShigekiMurakamiDepartment of Surgery, Oomoto HospitalSasauMatsumotoDepartment of Surgery, Oomoto HospitalTakehiroTakamaDepartment of Surgery, Oomoto HospitalOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56937 To clarify the surgical outcomes of breast cancer patients with a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by core needle biopsy (CNB) (abbreviated as CNBDCIS), we retrospectively analyzed the cases of 131 patients with CNBDCIS who underwent surgery at Oomoto Hospital (32 total mastectomies, 99 conservative mastectomies). Our analysis of underestimation and predictors of invasive breast cancer of CNBDCIS revealed that the underestimation rate of CNBDCIS was 40.5% (53/131). A logistic regression analysis revealed that palpable tumors (yes to no, odds ratio [OR] 3.25), mammography (MMG) category group (category 4 or 5 to categories 1 , 2, or 3, OR 4.69) and MMG microcalcifications (no to yes, OR 0.24) were significant predictive factors for CNBDCIS invasion. In our analysis of the predictors of positive margins during CNBDCIS surgery, 36 (27.5%) of the 131 patients had positive margins after postoperative pathological examination. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the operative procedure (conservative surgery to total mastectomy, OR 21.4) and MMG microcalcifications (yes to no, OR 3.35) were significant factors related to positive margins during CNBDCIS surgery. Thus, MMG microcalcifications are a negative predictor of upgrading of CNBDCIS and a positive predictor of positive surgical margins for CNBDCIS.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7342019Construction and Characterization of a PGN_0297 Mutant of Porphyromonas gingivalis: Evidence of the Contribution of PGN_0297 to Gingipain Activity315323ENShintaroOnoDepartment of Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasaakiNakayamaDepartment of Oral Microbiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatoTachibanaDepartment of Oral Microbiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAbu Saleh Muhammad ShahriarDepartment of Oral Microbiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesWangHelingDepartment of Oral Microbiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShogoTakashibaDepartment of Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNaoyaOharaDepartment of Oral Microbiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56933The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis shows colonial pigmentation on blood agar and produces gingipains (Kgp, RgpA, and RgpB), cysteine proteases involved in an organism’s virulence and pigmentation. We showed previously that deletion of the PGN_0300 gene abolished the pigmentation activity and reduced the proteolytic activity of gingipains. The role of the PGN_0297 gene, which consists of an operon with the PGN_0300 gene, is unclear. Herein we examined the effect of PGN_0297 gene deletion on the pigmentation and proteolytic activities and transcriptional levels of gingipains. A PGN_0297 gene deletion mutant (ΔPGN_0297) did not exhibit the pigmentation. The proteolytic activity of the gingipains was decreased in the culture supernatant and on the cell surface of ΔPGN_0297. The mutant ΔPGN_0297 failed to attenuate Akt phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473, but both phosphorylations were attenuated in the wild-type and its complementation strain. The deletion of PGN_0297 gene did not substantially affect the transcriptional levels of the gingipain genes kgp, rgpA, and rgpB. Taken together, these results indicate that PGN_0297 is closely involved in the secretion and maturation of gingipains.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学経済学会Acta Medica Okayama2433-41465112019変革主体論から見たマルクスの革命論とマルクス主義の革命論 : 発展？ それとも 歪曲？118ENYoshikiOta 10.18926/OER/569091. Diffusion of Marxism and inflation of the concept “proletariat”</br>
The concept of “proletariat” is the central concept of Marxism. However, its content varies according to times and regions. For Marx and Engels, proletarias are workers who work in the capitalist large industries, they overthrow the rule of capitalists through the revolution and are the subjects of the construction of society in the future. Kautsky put workers in small factories and small farmers into the category of proletariat. Lenin overestimated capitalist development in Russia and included farmers without horses into proletariat. In Mao Zedong, agricultural workers, rumpen, handmade workers, peasants, clerks and peddlers are also allowed to participate in the revolution. The concept of proletariat is inflated. As the region moves away from the center of the world system, the scope of participants in the revolution has been expanded.</br>
2. “Proletariat” in Marx’s view on social development</br>
In Marx, proletariat is given a privileged position as a revolutionary subject in the capitalist society. In the “formulation” of historical materialism, modern bourgeois society is given a privileged position in human history. Proletariat is privileged in dual sense. In this formulation, there is no social antagonism in the future society that Marx believes. This future society should be called a “community without law and state”. It is recognized that the development of capitalist production increases the number of workers and the ordinary electoral system increases possibilities of acquiring a working-class regime. Still, Capital insists that the revolution is inevitable. Marx and Engels never abandoned “revolutionism” throughout their lives.</br>
3. Marx’s revolutionary strategy and British working class</br>
For Marx and Engels, England is a typical country of capitalistic development, giving models to other countries.However, the English working class in the mid-19th century was not “revolutionary”. The English labor movement during this period had been internalized under the guidance of the “labor aristocrat”. Working class was integrated as “nation”. While cooperating with the reformists politically, Marx was argueing revolutionism in scientific books. While cooperating with the reformists politically, Marx was advocating revolutionism in Capital. In modern bourgeois society, it is usual that labor classes are integrated into a system as “nation” and labor movement is to become reformistic, but Marx could not analyze this situation as a problem of upper structure of capitalism in general. In England Marx cooperated with the reformist labor movement, but could not abandon his revolutionism.</br>
4. Reform Movement and Revolutionism: German Revisionism Controversy and Russian Party Organization Controversy</br>
At the German Social Democratic Party, there was coexistence of reformistic practice and ideology of revolutionism. Kautsky was a personal expression of this coexistence. He adhered to revolutionism, but acknowledged that socialist consciousness was brought into labor movement from the outside historically. Bernstein claimed that revolutionism is an obstacle to workers’ reform movement. In the controversy concerning the organization of the Russian Social Democratic Party, from the standpoint of revolutionalism, Lenin argued that “external injection” is necessary because the workers’ reform movement and the revolutionary socialist movement are not directly connected. The revolutionary forces are not necessarily the product of the capitalist big industry. Those who have abilities to resist the capitalist system, they can participate in the socialist revolution through the “external injection” of the revolutionary party. It can be said that the logic of “external injection” made it possible to disseminate Marxism to the semi-periphery and periphery.</br>
5. Conclusion</br>
The Marxist revolution theory is understood as the theory of “revolution of developed countryies”. This is because it assumes the proletariat produced by the capitalist big industry as the revolutionary subject. In the case of Marx, its understanding is correct. However, the successful acquisition of the regime by the Marxist was in “backward countries”. It can be said that the key to solving this paradox was in the unreality of the concept of “proletariat” at the core of Marx’s revolutionism. Marx’s “proletariat” has no realities in the working class in center of modern capitalit world system （“developed capitalist countries”）. On the other hand, various anti-systemic forces were formed as a revolutionary subject entity or “proletariat” by “external injection” of the revolutionary parties in semi-periphery and periphery （the “backward areas”）. Rosa Luxemburg called as “clique management （Cliquenwirtschaft）” the regime that such forces could aquire. Under the “clique management” system, people remained in the object of governance and never became the subject.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7312019Predictive Factors for Successful Vaccination Against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Patients Who Have Undergone Orthotopic Liver Transplantation4150ENAileeIkedaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkinobuTakakiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTetsuyaYasunakaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAtsushiOyamaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakuyaAdachiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNozomuWadaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHidekiOnishiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFusaoIkedaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHidenoriShirahaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhiroYoshidaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakashiKuiseDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesDaisukeNobuokaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuichiYoshidaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYuzoUmedaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakahitoYagiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshiyoshiFujiwaraDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroyukiOkadaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56457 Post-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) hepatitis B recurrence is well-controlled with a nucleos(t)ide analogue and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) combination, but the high cost and the potential risk of unknown infection associated with HBIG remain unresolved issues. Low-cost recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine administration is a potential solution to these problems. We retrospectively analyzed the rate and predictive factors of HBV vaccine success in 49 post-OLT patients: liver cirrhosis-type B (LC-B), n=28 patients; acute liver failure-type B (ALF-B), n=8; and non-HBV-related end-stage liver disease (non-B ESLD) who received a liver from anti-hepatitis B core antibody-positive donors, n=13. A positive anti-hepatitis B surface antibody response was achieved in 29% (8/28) of the LC-B group, 88% (7/8) of the ALF-B group, and 44% (4/9) of the adult non-B ESLD group. All four non-B ESLD infants showed vaccine success. The predictive factors for a good response in LC-B were young age, marital donor, and high donor age. ALF-B and non-B ESLD infants are thus good vaccination candidates. LC-B patients with marital donors are also good candidates, perhaps because the donated liver maintains an efficient immune memory to HBV, as the donors had already been infected in adulthood and showed adequate anti-HBV immune responses.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Physical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2469-9950972018Local NMR relaxation rates T-1(-1) and T-2(-1) depending on the d-vector symmetry in the vortex state of chiral and helical p-wave superconductors134507ENKenta K.TanakaDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversityMasanoriIchiokaDepartment of Physics, Okayama UniversitySeiichiroOnariDepartment of Physics, Okayama University Local NMR relaxation rates in the vortex state of chiral and helical p-wave superconductors are investigated by the quasiclassical Eilenberger theory. We calculate the spatial and resonance frequency dependences of the local NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate T-1(-1) and spin-spin relaxation rate T-2(-1). Depending on the relation between the NMR relaxation direction and the d-vector symmetry, the local T-1(-1) and T-2(-1) in the vortex core region show different behaviors. When the NMR relaxation direction is parallel to the d-vector component, the local NMR relaxation rate is anomalously suppressed by the negative coherence effect due to the spin dependence of the odd- frequency s-wave spin-triplet Cooper pairs. The difference between the local T-1(-1) and T-2(-1) in the site-selective NMR measurement is expected to be a method to examine the d-vector symmetry of candidate materials for spin-triplet superconductors.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7242018Mixed HCV Infection of Genotype 1B and Other Genotypes Influences Non-response during Daclatasvir + Asunaprevir Combination Therapy401406ENNozomuWadaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFusaoIkedaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesChizuruMoriDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKoichiTakaguchiDepartment of Internal Medicine, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalShin-ichiFujiokaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General HospitalHaruhikoKobashiDepartment of Internal Medicine, Okayama Red Cross HospitalYoichiMorimotoDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central HospitalKazuyaKariyamaDepartment of Liver Disease Center, Okayama City HospitalKosakuSakaguchiDepartment of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City HospitalNoriakiHashimotoDepartment of Internal Medicine, Mihara Red Cross HospitalAkioMoriyaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General HospitalMitsuhikoKawaguchiDepartment of Internal Medicine, Kawaguchi Medical ClinicHirokazuMiyatakeDepartment of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City HospitalHiroakiHagiharaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Sumitomo Besshi HospitalJunichiKubotaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Tajiri HospitalHirokiTakayamaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Central HospitalYasutoTakeuchiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTetsuyaYasunakaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkinobuTakakiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYoshiakiIwasakiHealth Service Center, Okayama UniversityHiroyukiOkadaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56178 Daclatasvir (DCV) + asunaprevir (ASV) combination therapy has become available for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) serogroup 1 infection. We studied the efficacy of this therapy by focusing on the factors associated with sustained virological responses (SVR) including resistance-associated variants (RAVs) and mixed infection of different HCV genotypes. We enrolled 951 HCV serogroup 1-positive patients who received this combination therapy at our hospital or affiliated hospitals. The presence of RAVs in non-structural (NS) regions 3 and 5A was analyzed by direct sequencing. HCV genotypes were determined by PCR with genotype-specific primers targeting HCV core and NS5B regions. SVR was achieved in 91.1% of patients. Female sex, age > 70 years, and RAVs were significantly associated with non-SVR (p<0.01 for all). Propensity score-matching results among the patients without RAVs regarding sex, age, and fibrosis revealed that mixed HCV infection determined by HCV NS5B genotyping showed significantly lower SVR rates than 1B-mono infection (p=0.02). Female sex and RAVs were significant factors associated with treatment failure of this combination therapy for patients with HCV serogroup 1 infection. Mixed HCV infection other than 1B-mono infection would be useful for predicting treatment failure.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.