American Astronomical Society Acta Medica Okayama 0067-0049 283 2 2026 The Simons Observatory: Detector Polarization Angle Calibration Using a Sparse Wire Grid with Initial Datasets of the Small-aperture Telescopes 78 EN Hironobu Nakata Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Shunsuke Adachi Okayama University, Department of Physics Kyohei Yamada Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Michael Randall Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Yutaro Kasai Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Kam Arnold Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Bryce Bixler Department of Physics, University of California San Diego Yuji Chinone QUP (WPI), KEK Kevin T. Crowley Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Nadia Dachlythra Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca Samuel Day-Weiss Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Nicholas Galitzki Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin Serena Giardiello School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University Bradley R. Johnson University of Virginia, Department of Astronomy Brian Keating Department of Physics, University of California San Diego Brian J. Koopman Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University Akito Kusaka Kavli IPMU (WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo Jack Lashner Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University Federico Nati Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca Lyman Page Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Daichi Sasaki Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo Yoshinori Sueno Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Junya Suzuki Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Osamu Tajima Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Tran Tsan Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Improved measurements of B-modes in the cosmic microwave background can be obtained through accurate calibration of the orientation of detector antennas as projected onto the sky. Miscalibration of the detector polarization angle leads to a leakage of E-modes into B-modes, which can bias the detection of the latter. To achieve a ƒÐ(r) of 0.003, the Simons Observatory small-aperture telescopes are required to calibrate the global polarization angle on the sky with an accuracy ≲0.�‹1. We demonstrate a fully remote-controllable calibration system using a �gsparse wire grid,�h which injects a rotatable linear polarized signal across the telescope�fs focal plane. This calibration system is installed and operational on one of the small-aperture telescopes at its observing site at the Parque Astronómico in the Atacama desert in Chile. We developed a pipeline for the detector polarization angle calibration, and demonstrate it using initial data for 93 and 145 GHz frequency bands. The observed distribution of detector polarization angles is in agreement with the instrument design. Statistical uncertainties for the relatively calibrated polarization angles are 0.�‹02 and 0.�‹03 at 93 and 145 GHz, respectively. Systematic uncertainty was evaluated to be 0.�‹08 at the hardware development and fabrication stage. Their sum in quadrature is less than 0.�‹1. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0046-5755 220 3 2026 Knot surgered elliptic surfaces without 1- and 3-handles for a (2, 2h + 1)-torus knot 29 EN Naoyuki Monden Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Reo Yabuguchi Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University For any positive integers h and n, we show that a knot surgered elliptic surface E(n)T(2,2h+1) for a (2, 2h + 1)-torus knot T (2, 2h + 1) admits a handle decomposition without 1- and 3-handles using a Kirby diagram derived from a Lefschetz fibration on it. As a corollary, an elliptic surface E(1)2,2h+1 has such a handle decomposition. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 2169-9097 131 4 2026 Investigating the Detectability of Body Wave Phases From Tidal Ice Cracking Events on Titan With the Dragonfly Short-Period Seismometer e2025JE009432 EN L. Delaroque Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS T. Kawamura Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS A. Lucas Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS S. Rodriguez Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRS K. Onodera Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University H. Shiraishi Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency R. Yamada The University of Aizu S. Tanaka Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency M. P. Panning Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology R. D. Lorenz The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Detecting seismic activity on Saturn's icy moon Titan during the Dragonfly mission could provide crucial information on its internal structure. The geological complexity of the moon's surface suggests significant cyclic tidal deformation, likely leading to the fracturing of the ice shell. Considering realistic source locations and fault geometries, we assess whether a vertical short-period seismometer can detect body waves from a Mw 4.0 icequake. Signal-to-noise ratios are evaluated by comparing the high-frequency content with the expected background noise and instrument capabilities for several ice attenuation scenarios and 1D interior models. Our results indicate that the high-frequency content (≥1Hz) of Mw≤4.0 tidal-induced icequakes is likely undetectable under the most unfavorable attenuation scenarios and atmospheric conditions. However, seismic signals in the 0.5–1 Hz band�\where P wave reflections dominate�\may still be observable for events occurring in potential seismically active regions at ∼800–1,000 km from the Dragonfly's landing site. These signals could provide constraints on the thickness of Titan's outer ice shell, provided that intrinsic attenuation is low and environmental conditions are favorable. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2004 ˆâ�Õ�oŽm‚ÌŽíŽq�W�¬�}˜^ EN 10.18926/70430 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2589-0042 29 4 2026 Multifaceted role of POU5F1P1 in regulating its parental stem cell gene, POU5F1 115137 EN Kyohei Irie Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuko Kosaka Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuhiko Mizuno Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Omae Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshimasa Nakatani Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sandi Myat Noe Oo Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hisashi Masuyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayano Kawaguchi Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The human-specific retrogene POU5F1P1 (OCT4-Pseudogene1; OCT4-PG1), derived from stem cell factor POU5F1 (OCT4A), is predicted to encode an OCT4A-like protein; however, its function remains unclear. This study investigated OCT4-PG1 expression, translational control, and its role in endometrial cancer and stem cell regulation. Quantitative analyses revealed that elevated OCT4A, but not OCT4-PG1, expression correlated with clinical risk factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer. OCT4-PG1 is under strong translational suppression mediated by its untranslated region and does not function as a protein under normal conditions. Instead, it acts as a non-coding RNA that suppresses OCT4A translation. Structural analyses showed that a single amino acid deletion (Gln259) destabilizes the OCT4-PG1 protein, thereby preventing its tumorigenic and transcriptional functions. Nevertheless, OCT4-PG1 forms heterodimers with OCT4A or SOX2, enhancing the regulatory activity of OCT4A. These findings highlight the regulatory role of pseudogenes in cancer and stem cell biology, with implications for therapies targeting OCT4A-related pathways. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Medical Association Acta Medica Okayama 2433-3298 9 1 2026 Relationship between Maternal Body Composition during Pregnancy and Newborn Birth Weight in Japan 189 197 EN Eriko Eto Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masakazu Kato Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoe Kirino Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chiaki Kuriyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shujiro Sakata Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikari Nakato Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakurako Mishima Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akiko Ohira Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hisashi Masuyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the changes in maternal body composition during pregnancy in Japanese women and the relationship between maternal body composition and newborn birth weight using pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in all trimesters.<br> Methods: A total of 1,851 pregnant Japanese women were enrolled in this study. Body composition was measured using TANITA MC-190EM. The associations between newborn birth weight and maternal BMI, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), total body water (TBW), muscle mass (MM), FM gain, FFM gain, and weight gain were evaluated.<br> Results: The participants�f age and pre-pregnancy BMI were 34.1 years and 21.4 kg/m2, respectively. Among the patients, 13.4%, 73.0%, 10.3%, and 3.3% were underweight, average weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The FM showed no significant change from the second to third trimesters in the underweight, overweight, and obese groups. Moreover, the FM in the overweight and obese groups did not change during any period. The FFM, TBW, and MM significantly increased from the first to second and second to third trimesters. In BMI-stratified multivariate regression analyses, FFM in the normal and overweight groups was positively associated with birth weight, whereas FM gain was negatively associated in the underweight and normal groups. No significant associations were observed in the obese group.<br> Conclusions: Changes in maternal body composition during pregnancy in Japanese women varied by pre-pregnancy BMI. Associations with birth weight also differed by BMI group. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these relationships and investigate the mechanisms. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Company of Biologists Acta Medica Okayama 2046-6390 15 2 2026 Gap junction-mediated signaling coordinates Rhodopsin coupling for Drosophila color vision bio062463 EN Xuanshuo Zhang Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Ryoki Shinjo Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Manabu Kitamata Division of Health Science, Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University Shinichi Otsune Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Hideki Nakagoshi Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University The Drosophila compound eye is composed of approximately 800 ommatidia, and every ommatidium contains eight photoreceptor cells, six outer cells (R1-R6) and two inner cells (R7 and R8), and accessory cells (cone and pigment cells). The expression of rhodopsin genes in R7 and R8 is highly coordinated through an instructive signal from R7 to R8. The activity of the homeodomain protein Defective proventriculus in R1 is also required to transmit this instructive signal, suggesting that cell–cell communication between R7, R1, and R8 is important to generate the pattern of Rh expression in R7/R8 (Rhodopsin coupling). As cell junctions play crucial roles in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of tissues, we tested whether cell junction proteins are involved in the interactions between photoreceptor cells. Here, we demonstrate that gap junction proteins innexin 2 and innexin 7 in accessory cells are necessary for transmitting signals from R7 to R8. In addition, Notch-mediated accessory cell development and Rhodopsin coupling in R7/R8 are highly correlated. Our results provide evidence that functional coupling of two different neurons, R7 and R8, is established through gap junction-mediated signaling from adjacent accessory cells. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0040-4039 179 2026 Visible-light-induced photocatalytic intermolecular cyclization for synthesis of 2,2-diarylchromanes 156034 EN Sakura Kodaki Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Momo Kondo Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science Junta Minato Laboratory of Cellular Drug Discovery and Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science Shoko Itakura Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science Hiroyoshi Takamura Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Makiya Nishikawa Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science Isao Kadota Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Kosuke Kusamori Laboratory of Cellular Drug Discovery and Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science Kenta Tanaka Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University The photocatalytic cyclization of salicylaldehydes with 1,1-diarylalkenes for the synthesis of 2,2-diarylchromanes has been developed. The catalytic amount of Ir photocatalyst proceeds the cyclization to give the various 2,2-diaryl chromanes under irradiation with blue LEDs. The obtained 2,2-diarylchromanes exhibit noticeable free-radical-scavenging activities, which have been largely unexplored. Notably, the chromane can convert to 2,2-diaryl-2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran bearing strong electron withdrawing groups, which are found in various photochromic materials. Thus, the present reaction constitutes a promising tool for the synthesis of functional materials and biologically active compounds. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Informa UK Limited Acta Medica Okayama 0020-739X 2026 Triangulation in teaching probability: teaching materials for the theoretical foundations of probability in real-world applications EN Yusuke Uegatani Hiroshima University High School Ippo Ishibashi Faculty of Education, Okayama University Aya Sakota Hiroshima University High School This paper proposes using the concept of triangulation with probabilistic models as a means to enhance theoretical inversion for deepening students�f understanding of the nature of probability in real-world contexts. Triangulation refers to the combined application of multiple methodologies to investigate the same phenomenon, particularly in the social sciences. Theoretical inversion refers to a shift in focus from surprising outcomes to the theoretical foundations of probability. The paper introduces three types of problem-solving tasks designed to enhance one of four types of triangulations: theory triangulation. Theoretical inversion is expected to emerge through engaging in these tasks. The characteristics of the problems are as follows. Problem 1 promotes students to compare different probabilistic models of events under similar procedures. Problem 2 provides students with an opportunity to simplify an experiment by omitting steps that add no new information. Problem 3 enhances students�f ability to recognise how subtle differences in the experimental setup can affect the resulting probability. These tasks are designed to encourage students to view probabilistic reasoning as a form of modelling and to appreciate the importance of assumptions, definitions of elementary events, and clarity in procedural descriptions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 27 5 2026 Aerobic Exercise Attenuates Epidermal Hyperplasia in an Obesity-Associated Psoriasiform Dermatitis Model 2308 EN Yoshihiro Matsuda Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shin Morizane Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daiki Takezaki Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuma Sakamoto Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School Nobuyasu Baba Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School Masanori Iseki Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School Yoshio Kawakami Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tatsushi Shiomi Department of Pathology, Kawasaki Medical School Tomoyuki Mukai Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School Obesity is an important risk factor for psoriasis, and clinical studies indicate that exercise interventions can improve disease severity. However, the mechanisms by which exercise influences psoriatic pathogenesis remain insufficiently understood. To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on obesity-associated psoriasis, wild-type mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 7 weeks to induce obesity and subsequently underwent moderate-intensity treadmill running for 3 weeks. Psoriasiform dermatitis was induced by daily topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) to the skin for five consecutive days. HFD increased body weight, epididymal fat mass, and serum cholesterol. HFD-fed mice developed more severe IMQ-induced psoriatic skin changes compared with normal diet-fed mice. Treadmill exercise modestly reduced body weight gain and attenuated epidermal hyperplasia in HFD-fed mice. In contrast, inflammatory cytokine expression, including Tnfa, Il17a, and Il23a, showed modest increases in the skin of HFD-fed exercised mice, which did not parallel the improvement in epidermal hyperplasia. Overall, these findings indicate that while obesity exacerbates psoriasiform dermatitis, aerobic exercise ameliorates epidermal hyperplasia in obese mice without corresponding changes in inflammatory cytokine expression in the skin, suggesting that exercise may influence psoriatic skin changes through multiple metabolic and immunological pathways. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Acta Medica Okayama 0918-6158 49 2 2026 Functional Transport Properties of Human Zinc Transporter 1: Kinetics and pH-Dependency 364 370 EN Yuma Yoshioka Department of Molecular Membrane Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takaaki Miyaji Department of Molecular Membrane Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Intracellular zinc (Zn2+) homeostasis is essential for physiological and pathological processes and is strictly regulated by Zn2+ transporters. Zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1) is a ubiquitously expressed plasma membrane-localized Zn transporter that exports Zn2+ from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space. However, the functional transport properties regarding kinetics and driving forces of ZnT1 remain debatable. In this study, we established a cell-free proteoliposome assay system and demonstrated that ZnT1 transports Zn2+ with high affinity in pH-dependent and pH-independent manners. The Km and Vmax of pH-dependent Zn2+ transport were 0.40 ƒÊM and 15.13 nmol/min/mg protein, and those of pH-independent Zn2+ transport were 0.52 ƒÊM and 8.88 nmol/min/mg protein (low concentrations of Zn2+), 3.02 ƒÊM and 17.59 nmol/min/mg protein (high concentrations of Zn2+), respectively, suggesting biphasic kinetic components of Zn2+ transport. Even without pH gradient formation, ZnT1 exhibits potent Zn2+ transport activity. In pH dependency, Zn2+ transport activity was higher at an inside pH of 6.0 than at 6.5–7.5 for proteoliposomes, despite the same ƒ¢pH of 0.5–1.5. The Zn2+ transport activity decreased at an outside pH of 8.0, despite an increase in ƒ¢pH. Although previous studies have proposed that ZnT1-mediated Zn2+ transport activity is driven by a calcium (Ca2+) gradient and not by a pH gradient, Ca2+ does not enhance Zn2+ transport activity in the presence or absence of a pH gradient. These results strongly suggest that ZnT1 protein transports Zn2+ optimally at a specific pH and exports excess intracellular Zn2+ even without ƒ¢pH. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2073-4360 18 7 2026 Effect of Universal Adhesives on Resin Cement–Fiber Post–Core Materials 810 EN Masao Irie Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiro Okada Department of Dental Biomaterials, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University Yukinori Maruo Department of Prosthodontics, Okayama University Kenraro Akiyama Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kumiko Yoshihara Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Akimasa Tsujimoto Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University Takuya Matsumoto Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University This 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.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2211-7156 25 2026 Peptide nanomicelles for NIR light-dependent siRNA delivery 103265 EN Taufik Fatwa Nur Hakim Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Mizuki Kitamatsu Department of Applied Chemistry, Kindai University Shoumu Fujimoto Department of Applied Chemistry, Kindai University Kazunori Watanabe Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Takashi Ohtsuki Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University The peptide amphiphile PA8, derived from the GAVILRR peptide, was developed as a carrier for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery; however, its RNA interference (RNAi) efficacy was limited owing to predominant endocytotic uptake. In this study, the RNAi efficiency of PA8 nanomicelle/siRNA complexes was enhanced by modifying the nanomicelles with the photosensitizer DY750 and the tumor-homing peptide iRGD. The conjugation of DY750 to the nanomicelles facilitated endosomal escape of the nanomicelle/siRNA complexes, enabling the cytosolic release of siRNA. Additionally, the incorporation of iRGD improved RNAi delivery efficiency in the AsPC-1 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line. PA8-DY750-iRGD nanomicelle complexes loaded with siRNA against polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) achieved an 80% reduction in PLK1 mRNA levels in AsPC-1 cells and a moderate 28% knockdown in NCI-N87 gastric cancer cells. Notably, no RNAi effect was observed in noncancerous 1C3D3 pancreatic cells or HEK293T kidney cells, underscoring the selectivity of this system for AsPC-1 cells. These findings highlight the potential of PA8-DY750-iRGD nanomicelle complexes as a targeted therapeutic platform for specific cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 16 1 2026 Liquid–liquid phase separation by caged coacervating peptides 10464 EN Akinari Bando Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Mizuki Kitamatsu Department of Applied Chemistry, Kindai University Yuuki Kanazaki Department of Applied Chemistry, Kindai University Rika Tojo Department of Applied Chemistry, Kindai University Kazunori Watanabe Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Takashi Ohtsuki Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Liquid–liquid phase separation is an important biomolecular process in the formation of membraneless intracellular organelles that has inspired the development of artificial droplet systems. We developed caged coacervating peptides (CCPs) based on a histidine-rich squid beak protein sequence. The peptides were caged with a photodeprotectable (7-diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methoxycarbonyl group. The CCPs formed coacervates in the caged state and were partially dispersed upon blue-light irradiation. Photo-uncaging occurred rapidly, inducing coacervate dispersion. A mutant CCP with reduced ƒÎ–ƒÎ interactions exhibited efficient photo-dependent disassembly and enabled the encapsulation and release of a fluorescently labeled adenosine 5�Œ-triphosphate (Bodipy-ATP) upon irradiation. These CCPs offer an efficient light-controlled approach for biomolecular encapsulation within coacervates and targeted drug delivery. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1472-6831 26 1 2026 Evaluation of contact-active antibacterial properties of cetylpyridinium chloride–graphene oxide coatings on dental restorative and titanium surfaces: an in vitro study 558 EN Keisuke Okubo Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Field of Medical Development, Okayama University Gen Kano Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masato Komoda Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Hideyuki Kamata Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shin Nakamura Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Shinoda-Ito Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kazuhiro Omori Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuta Nishina Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Shogo Takashiba Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Objective Biofilm formation on dental restorative materials and implant surfaces plays a central role in the development of dental caries, periodontal disease, and peri-implantitis. Durable antimicrobial surface treatments that inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation remain a significant unmet need in restorative and implant dentistry. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a composite coating combining cetylpyridinium chloride and graphene oxide, and to evaluate its durable antibacterial surface modification under in vitro conditions.<br> Methods A composite coating consisting of cetylpyridinium chloride and graphene oxide was prepared and applied to composite resin and titanium surfaces. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis was evaluated using adenosine triphosphate assays and fluorescence-based live/dead staining. Coating retention after washing and air-drying was assessed by optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.<br> Results Cetylpyridinium chloride-graphene oxide-coated surfaces showed a significant reduction in bacterial viability compared with phosphate-buffered saline, ethanol, and cetylpyridinium chloride-only controls. Antibacterial effects were maintained after rinsing and air-drying on both composite resin and titanium surfaces. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the persistence of characteristic graphene oxide bands after washing, indicating stable retention of the coating on the material surfaces.<br> Conclusions Cetylpyridinium chloride–graphene oxide coatings demonstrate sustained surface-associated antibacterial activity against key cariogenic and periodontal pathogens and remain stably adhered to common dental restorative and implant materials after washing. These findings suggest that cetylpyridinium chloride–graphene oxide coatings may serve as a durable contact-active surface modification strategy to reduce biofilm formation associated with dental caries and peri-implantitis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 27 2 2026 Porphyromonas gingivalis Vesicles Control Osteoclast–Macrophage Lineage Fate 831 EN Elizabeth Leon Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Shin Nakamura Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital Satoru Shindo Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Maria Rita Pastore Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Tomoki Kumagai Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Alireza Heidari Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Elaheh Dalir Abdolahinia Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Tomoya Ueda Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Takumi Memida Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Ana Duran-Pinedo Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida Jorge Frias-Lopez Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida Xiaozhe Han Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Xin Chen Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Shengyuan Huang Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Guoqin Cao Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Sunniva Ruiz Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Jan Potempa Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville Toshihisa Kawai Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a keystone pathogen of chronic periodontitis, releases outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that act as nanoscale vehicles to disseminate virulence factors within periodontal tissues and systemically beyond the oral cavity. Although Pg-OMVs are increasingly recognized as critical mediators of host–pathogen interactions, their effects on the differentiation and function of monocyte–macrophage/osteoclast lineage cells remain unclear. Here, we examined the impact of Pg-OMVs on the differentiation of RAW264.7 monocyte/macrophage-like cells into osteoclasts (OC) and/or macrophages (Mƒ³) in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor-ƒÈB ligand (RANKL). OMVs were isolated from Pg W83 and applied to RANKL-primed RAW264.7 cells using three distinct stimulation schedules: (1) simultaneous treatment with Pg-OMVs and RANKL at Day 0; (2) RANKL priming at Day 0 followed by Pg-OMV stimulation at Day 1; and (3) RANKL priming at Day 0 followed by Pg-OMV stimulation at Day 3. In all schedules, cells were cultured for 7 days from the initial RANKL exposure. Remarkably, simultaneous exposure to Pg-OMVs and RANKL (Schedule 1) markedly suppressed osteoclastogenesis (OC-genesis) while promoting M1 macrophage polarization. In contrast, delayed Pg-OMV stimulation of RANKL-primed cells (Schedules 2 and 3) significantly enhanced OC-genesis while reducing M1 polarization. These schedule-dependent effects were consistent with altered expression of osteoclastogenic markers, including dc-stamp, oc-stamp, nfatc1, and acp5. Importantly, a monoclonal antibody against OC-STAMP counteracted the Pg-OMV-induced upregulation of OC-genesis in Schedules 2 and 3. Furthermore, levels of Pg-OMV phagocytosis were inversely correlated with osteoclast formation. Finally, co-stimulation with RANKL and Pg-OMVs (Schedule 1) enhanced macrophage migratory capacity, whereas delayed stimulation with Pg-OMVs (Schedules 2 and 3) did not. Collectively, these findings indicate that Pg-OMVs exert stage-specific effects on the OC/Mƒ³ lineage: stimulation at early stages of RANKL priming suppresses OC-genesis and promotes M1 polarization, whereas stimulation at later stages enhances OC-genesis without inducing M1 differentiation. Thus, Pg-OMVs may critically influence the fate of the OC/Mƒ³ unit in periodontal lesions, contributing to disease progression and tissue destruction. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 ‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 ‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”¥�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ïŽ�‹K’è 65 65 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 ‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”¥�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï‰ï‘¥ 63 64 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 Šw‰ï‚¾‚æ‚è 60 62 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 �u�”Šw“IŠˆ“®�v‚Ì�Å“K‰» 50 59 EN �@ŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆç‚Å‚Í�u�”Šw“I‚ÈŒ©•û�E�l‚¦•û‚ð“­‚©‚¹�A�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�A�w�”Šw“I‚É�l‚¦‚é�x�v‚Æ‚¢‚¤Ž‘Ž¿�E”\—Í‚ðˆç�¬‚·‚é•ûŒü‚ªŽ¦‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é(2017)�B�l‚¦‚é—͂̈ç�¬‚ð‹©‚Ô‚¯‚ê‚Ç‚à�A�uŒÂ•Ê�Å“K‚ÈŠw‚Ñ�v�u‹¦“­“I‚ÈŠw‚Ñ�v‚Æ‚¢‚¤Žw“±•û–@�EŽö‹ÆƒXƒ^ƒCƒ‹‚ÉŠá‚ð’D‚í‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�B�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚Í�A�u�”Šw“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í�v‚ðˆç�¬‚·‚é’†�S“I‚ÈŠw�KŠˆ“®‚Å‚ ‚邪�A�”Šw“I‚ÈŠˆ“®‚Ì�Ý‚è•û‚ð•ª�Í�EŒŸ“¢‚·‚邱‚Æ‚É‚Í”M�S‚Å‚È‚­�A‹³‰È�‘‚Ç‚¨‚è‚Ì‚«‚Ü‚è�Ø‚Á‚½Šˆ“®‚ð‚³‚¹‚Ä‚¢‚é�B�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚É‚Í�AŠO“IŠˆ“®‚Æ“à“IŠˆ“®‚ª‚ ‚è�A‚Ç‚ñ‚È�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚É‚·‚ê‚Î�Å“K‰»‚Å‚«‚é‚Ì‚©‚Í—eˆÕ‚Å‚Í‚È‚¢�BŠO“I‚È‘€�ì“IŠˆ“®‚Í�”—�“I‚ȃCƒ��[ƒW‚ð�¶‚Ý�o‚·Žv�l‚𑣂·�B“à“I‚È�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚Í’¼ŠÏ“I‚È�”—�“IƒCƒ��[ƒW‚ð“à–ʉ»‚µŒ¾Œê‚â‹L�†‚ÆŒ‹‚т‚¯‚ĤŽZ�”‚ÌŠT”O‚⌴—�‚ðŒ`�¬‚·‚éŽv�l‚ð�¶�¬‚·‚é�BŠO“I‹y‚Ñ“à“I‚È�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚ͤ‘ŠŒÝ‚ÉŠÖ˜A‚µ‚‚¤ƒVƒ“ƒNƒ�‚µ‚È‚ª‚ç�”—�“IŽv�l‚ð‘£�i‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚­‚Ì‚Å�AŒÅ’è“I‚É‘¨‚¦‚È‚¢‚Ť’e—Í“I�E‹@”\“I‚É‘¨‚¦‚邱‚Æ‚ª‘å�Ø‚Å‚ ‚é�B‚ǂ̂悤‚ÈŠˆ“®‚É‚·‚ê‚Î�A�”Šw“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í‚Í‘n”­‚µ�A�¶�¬‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚é‚Ì‚©�A�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚Ì�Å“K‰»‚ð’T‹†‚·‚邱‚Æ‚Í‹i‹Ù‚̉ۑè‚Å‚ ‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 �u“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í�v‚ðˆç�¬‚·‚éŽZ�”‰È‚ÌŽö‹Æ �`‚U”N�u—§‘Ì‚Ì‘Ì�Ï�v‚ÌŠw‚Ñ‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�` 42 49 EN �@VUCA‚ÌŽž‘ã�i�¦�j‚ð�¶‚«”²‚­Žq‚Ç‚à‚½‚¿‚É•K—v‚ÈŽ‘Ž¿�E”\—͂̈ç�¬‚ª‹i‹Ù‚̉ۑè‚Æ‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�BŽZ�”‰È‚ł͉i”N�C�u“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í�v‚ðˆç�¬‚·‚ׂ«Ž‘Ž¿�E”\—Í‚Ì’†Šj‚É’u‚¢‚Ä‚«‚½�B‚±‚Ì—Í‚ÍVUCA‚ÌŽž‘ã‚É‚à’Ê—p‚·‚é—Í‚Å‚ ‚è�CŽq‚Ç‚à‚ª�uŽ©‚ç‰Û‘è‚ðŒ©•t‚¯�CŽ©‚çŠw‚Ñ�CŽ©‚ç�l‚¦‚é�v�iŠm‚©‚ÈŠw—Í�A1996�jŒ´“®—Í‚É‚È‚é—Í‚Å‚ ‚é‚Æ�l‚¦‚é�B‚µ‚©‚µ‚È‚ª‚ç�C–¢‚¾‚»‚ê‚ð�\•ª’B�¬‚·‚邱‚Æ‚Í‚Å‚«‚Ä‚¢‚È‚¢�B‚»‚ê‚Í�C�u“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í�v‚ðˆç�¬‚·‚éƒVƒXƒeƒ€‚ªŽ¦‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¨‚炸�Cƒvƒ�ƒZƒX‚ªŠm—§‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚È‚¢‚©‚ç‚Å‚ ‚é‚Æ�l‚¦‚é�B<br> �@3”NŒã‚É‚Í�VŠw�KŽw“±—v—Ì‚Ì��Ž¦‚ª—\‘z‚³‚ê‚é�¡�C‰ü‚ß‚ÄŽZ�”‰È‚ňç�¬‚·‚ׂ«Ž‘Ž¿�E”\—Í‚Ì’†Šj‚Å‚ ‚é�u“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í�v‚̈ç�¬‚É�Å“_‚ð“–‚Ä‚é�B‚U”N�u—§‘Ì‚Ì‘Ì�Ï�v‚ÌŠw‚Ñ‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�C�u“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�l‚¦‚é—Í�v‚ðˆç�¬‚·‚éƒVƒXƒeƒ€‚ð’ñˆÄ‚·‚é�B<br> �¦�uVUCA‚ÌŽž‘ã�v�cVolatility�i•Ï“®�«�j�CUncertainty�i•sŠmŽÀ�«�j�CComplexity�i•¡ŽG�«�j�CAmbiguity�ižB–†�«�j‚Ì‚ ‚鎞‘ã�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 ’PŒ³‚ðŠÑ‚­�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚ÅŠy‚µ‚¢ŽZ�”‚ÌŽö‹Æ �\‚P”N�¶�u‚¨‚¨‚«‚¢‚©‚¸�i‚S‚O‚Ü‚Å‚Ì�”�j�v�[ 34 41 EN �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�A‹³‹ï‚ð‘ÌŒ±‚·‚銈“®�A‹³‹ï‚ð�ì‚é�ì‹Æ“IŠˆ“®�A‹³‹ï‚Å�à–¾‚·‚銈“®‚È‚Ç—l�X‚È�”Šw“IŠˆ“®‚ð�A“¯‚¶‹³‹ï‚Å’PŒ³‚ð‚Æ‚¨‚µ‚Ä�s‚¤‚±‚Æ‚Å�AŽ™“¶‚ªˆÓ—~“I‚ÉŠî‘b“I“à—e‚ð—�‰ð‚·‚é‚Æ‚Æ‚à‚É�A�”Šw“I‚ÈŒ©•û�E�l‚¦•û‚ð“­‚©‚¹�A�u‚P‚O‚Æ‚¢‚­‚‚łP‚O‚¢‚­‚Â�v‚â�u‚P‚O‚ª‰½‚±‚ʼn½�\�v�u‰½�\‚Æ‚¢‚­‚‚ʼn½�\‚¢‚­‚Â�v‚Ì�”‚ÌŽd‘g‚Ý‚ð—�‰ð‚Å‚«‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚Á‚Ä‚¢‚­ŽZ�”‚ÌŽö‹ÆŽÀ‘HŒ¤‹†‚Å‚ ‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 ŽZ�”‰È�u•”•ª‚ɑ΂·‚é•”•ª‚ÌŠ„�‡‚É“–‚½‚é‘å‚«‚³�v‚Ì–â‘è‰ðŒˆ‚Ì‚½‚ß‚Ì‘«�ꂪ‚¯ 24 33 EN �@�¬Šw‚T”N�¶Œü‚¯‚̈ꕔ‚ÌŽZ�”‰È‹³‰È�‘‚Å‚Í�C•”•ª‚ɑ΂·‚é•”•ª‚ÌŠ„�‡‚É“–‚½‚é‘å‚«‚³‚ð‹�‚ß‚é–â‘肪ˆµ‚í‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�D‚µ‚©‚µ�C‚»‚Ì–â‘è‰ðŒˆ‚Í�¬Šw‚T”N�¶‚É‚Í—eˆÕ‚Å‚Í‚È‚¢‚Æ�l‚¦‚ç‚ê‚é�D‚»‚±‚Å–{�e‚Í�C‚ǂ̂悤‚ÈŽx‰‡‚ª•”•ª‚ɑ΂·‚é•”•ª‚ÌŠ„�‡‚É“–‚½‚é‘å‚«‚³‚ð‹�‚ß‚é–â‘è‰ðŒˆ‚É—LŒø‚Å‚ ‚é‚©‚𖾂炩‚É‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ð–Ú“I‚Æ‚µ‚½�D‘«�ꂪ‚¯ (Scaffolding) ‚ð—�˜_“I˜g‘g‚Ý‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C‹ï‘Ì“I‚È‘«�ꂪ‚¯‚ð�\‘z‚µ�CŽö‹Æ‚ðŽÀ‘H‚µ‚½�D‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C�uŠw�KŽÒ‚Ì“ª‚Ì’†‚Å‘ÌŒ±“I‚ɃŠƒAƒ‹‚È–â‘è‚Æ‚È‚é‚悤–â‘è‚ð�H•v‚·‚邱‚Æ�v�C�uŽ™“¶‚ɃAƒCƒfƒA‚̈ꕔ (‚ǂ̂悤‚È�}“I•\Œ»‚ð—p‚¢‚½‚©) ‚ð�Љ‚¹‚邱‚Æ�v�C�u�}“I•\Œ»‚ð—p‚¢‚é‚悤‘£‚·‚±‚Æ�v�C�uŽ™“¶‚Ì•K—vŠ´‚ɉž‚¶‚Ä�CƒyƒA‚â�¬ƒOƒ‹�[ƒv‚Ō݂¢‚Ì–â‘è‰ðŒˆ‚ðŒ©‚¹�‡‚¤‚±‚Æ�v�C�uŽ™“¶‚ª‹³Žº‘S‘Ì‚ÅŽ©�g‚Ì–â‘è‰ðŒˆ‚ð”­•\‚·‚邱‚Æ�v�C�u‹³Žt‚ª–â‘蕶‚Ì‚Ç‚Ì�î•ñ‚É’�–Ú‚·‚ׂ«‚©‚ðŽwŽ¦‚·‚邱‚Æ�v�C�uŽ™“¶‚ª‘¼‚ÌŽ™“¶‚É–â‘è‰ðŒˆ‚Ì’B�¬‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚½�à–¾‚ð‚·‚é‚±‚Æ�v‚ª�C—LŒø‚È‘«�ꂪ‚¯‚Å‚ ‚邱‚Æ‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�D‚»‚µ‚Ä�C‚»‚ê‚ç‚Ì‘«�ꂪ‚¯‚Í�CŠÖ‚í‚è�‡‚¢‹@”\‚³‚¹‚邱‚Æ‚ª—LŒø‚È�ê�‡‚à‚ ‚邱‚Æ‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�D No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 ‘ÌŒn‰»‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚ÄŠ„�‡‚Ì�l‚¦‚ð�[‚ß‚é”ä‚ÌŽö‹Æ 12 23 EN �Z–{Œ¤‹†‚Ì–Ú“I‚Í�C �¬Šw�ZŽZ�”‰È‚É‚¨‚¯‚é”ä‚ÌŽö‹ÆŽÀ‘H‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�CŽ™“¶Ž©‚炪Š„�‡‚Ì�l‚¦‚ð”­“W“I�E“��‡“I‚É�lŽ@‚µ‚Ä�[‚߂邱‚Æ‚É‚ ‚é�D‘æ‚UŠw”N�u”ä‚Æ‚»‚Ì—˜—p�v‚ÌŠw�K‚Ü‚Å‚ÉŠw‚ñ‚¾Šù�K‚ÌŠ„�‡‚Ì�l‚¦‚Æ�V‹K‚Ì”ä‚Ì�l‚¦‚ð“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�lŽ@‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ÅŠ„�‡‚Ì�l‚¦‚Í�[‚Ü‚è�C‘ÌŒn‰»‚·‚é�D‚µ‚©‚µ�CŠ„�‡‚Æ”ä‚ð•Ê�X‚ÌŠT”O‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‘¨‚¦‚Ä‚µ‚Ü‚¢�C‘ÌŒn‰»‚ª�}‚ç‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚È‚¢�󋵂ɂ ‚é�D”ä‚Í‚`�F‚a�CŠ„�‡‚Í‚`�^‚a‚Æ•\Œ»•û–@‚͈Ⴄ‚à‚Ì‚Ì�C—¼ŽÒ‚Í‚Q‚‚Ì�”—Ê‚ÌŠÖŒW‚ð•\‚·�ê�‡�C�uˆê•û‚ðŠî�€‚É‚µ‚Ä�C‚à‚¤ˆê•û‚Í‚Ç‚ñ‚È‘å‚«‚³‚É‚È‚é‚©‚𑨂¦‚é�v‚±‚Æ‚Í–{Ž¿‚É“¯‚¶‚Å‚ ‚é�D–{ŽÀ‘H‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�CŽ™“¶Ž©‚炪‘n‘¢“I�”Šw—Í‚ð”­Šö‚µ�CŒÂ‚ÌŽ©—§“I‚È�l‚¦‚ð�W’c‚Å‚Ì‹¦“­“I‚È�U‚è•Ô‚芈“®‚ð’Ê‚µ‚ÄŠ„�‡‚Æ”ä‚ðŠÖ˜A•t‚¯�C“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�lŽ@‚·‚邱‚Æ‚Å�CŠ„�‡‚Æ”ä‚ÌŠT”O‚Í—Z�‡‚³‚ê�C‘ÌŒn‰»‚ª�}‚ç‚ê‚é‚Æ‚¢‚¤Ž¦�´‚𓾂½�D No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 �¬Šw�Z3”N�¶‚Ì‚í‚èŽZ‚Ì’PŒ³‚É‚¨‚¯‚é“ñ�d‚É“��‡‚·‚é�ê–Ê‚ÌŽw“±‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä �`‚©‚¯ŽZ�C“™•ª�œ�C•ïŠÜ�œ‚Ì“��‡“I”cˆ¬‚É‚¨‚¯‚é‚©‚¯ŽZ‚̈Ӗ¡—�‰ð‚Ì�d—v�«�` 1 11 EN �@•½�¬29”N“x��Ž¦‚ÌŠw�KŽw“±—v—Ì‚Å‚Í�C�¬Šw�ZŽZ�”‰È‚Ì–Ú•W‚ð(1)’mŽ¯‹y‚Ñ‹Z”\�C(2)Žv�l—Í�C”»’f—Í�C•\Œ»—Í“™�C(3)Šw‚Ñ‚ÉŒü‚©‚¤—Í�C�lŠÔ�«“™‚ÌŽO–{‚Ì’Œ‚ÉŠî‚¢‚ÄŽ¦‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é�D“Á‚É(2)Žv�l—Í�C”»’f—Í�C•\Œ»—Í“™‚Ì“à—e‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C�uŠî–{“I‚È�”—Ê‚â�}Œ`‚Ì�«Ž¿‚È‚Ç‚ðŒ©�o‚µ“��‡“I�E”­“W“I‚É�lŽ@‚·‚é—Í�v‚ð—{‚¤‚Æ‹L�q‚³‚ê�C“��‡‚ð’Ê‚µ‚ÄŽq‚Ç‚à‚Ì�l‚¦‚é—Í‚ÌŒü�オ–ÚŽw‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�D<br> �@–{�e‚Í�C‘æ 3 Šw”N‚Ì‚í‚èŽZ‚Ì“™•ª�œ‚Æ•ïŠÜ�œ‚Ì–â‘è‚ð—l�X‚ÈŽ‹“_‚©‚ç”äŠr‚µ�CŽ™“¶‚É“��‡‚·‚é‘ÌŒ±‚ð‚³‚¹‚邱‚Æ‚ð–Ú“I‚Æ‚µ‚½‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�DŽö‹Æ•ª�Í‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C“��‡‚ÉŠÖ‚µ‚Ä‚Í�C“™•ª�œ‚Æ•ïŠÜ�œ‚ð“��‡‚·‚邾‚¯‚Å‚È‚­�C‚³‚ç‚É‚©‚¯ŽZ‚Æ‚í‚èŽZ‚ð‘å‚«‚­‚©‚¯ŽZ‚Æ‚Ý‚Ä“��‡‚·‚邱‚Æ�C‚‚܂è“ñ�d‚É“��‡‚·‚é•K—v‚ª‚ ‚é�ê�‡‚ª‚ ‚è�C‚©‚¯ŽZ‚̈Ӗ¡—�‰ð‚ª‚±‚Ì�ê–Ê‚Ì—�‰ð‚ð�•‚¯‚é‚Æ‚Æ‚à‚É�C“ñ�d‚Ì“��‡‚É‹Nˆö‚·‚éŠw‚Ñ‚Ì�¢“ï‚ðŽw“E‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚é�D No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 Šª“ªŒ¾ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 –ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŽZ�”�E�”Šw‹³ˆçŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 1341-3155 31 2025 •\Ž† EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 27 7 2026 CXCR2-Dependent Infiltration of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils Is Linked to Enhanced CD8+ T Cell Effector Function and Reduced Lung Metastasis in 4T1 Breast Cancer 3143 EN Tiantian Li Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Teizo Yoshimura Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Miao Tian Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Gakushi Nishida Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chunning Li Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masayoshi Fujisawa Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toshiaki Ohara Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Akihiro Matsukawa Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by prominent neutrophil infiltration; however, its significance remains controversial. Here, we investigated the role of neutrophil chemoattractant receptors in TNBC progression and metastasis. In contrast to wild-type (WT), Fpr1�|/�|, and Fpr2�|/�| mice, neutrophils were almost completely absent in 4T1 tumors from Cxcr2�|/�| mice, indicating a dominant role for CXCR2 in the recruitment of tumor-associated neutrophils, leading us to use Cxcr2�|/�| mice for further studies. Primary tumor growth was comparable between WT and Cxcr2�|/�| mice, whereas lung metastasis was significantly increased in Cxcr2�|/�| mice, with reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and cytotoxic molecules, including granzyme B and perforin, in primary tumors and metastatic lungs of Cxcr2�|/�| mice. In vitro, WT, but not Cxcr2�|/�|, neutrophils enhanced CD8+ T cell activation, partly via ICAM-1, and directly induced tumor cell death, supporting their anti-tumor function. To assess clinical relevance, transcriptomic data were analyzed. High neutrophil infiltration combined with elevated CXCR2 expression, and to a lesser extent CXCR1 expression, was associated with improved prognosis in patients with basal-like BC that largely overlaps with TNBC. Collectively, these findings suggest that CXCR2-mediated neutrophil recruitment exerts protective, anti-tumor effects and may represent a new prognostic marker for TNBC patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2076-2607 14 4 2026 The Role of Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria Isolated from Helicobacter pylori-Infected Individuals in Gastric Cancer Development 760 EN Serika Kuwagi Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University Kazuyoshi Gotoh Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University Marina Komatsubara Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University Shuma Tsuji Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University Shyoutarou Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Okada Himeji Red Cross Hospital Jumpei Uchiyama Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Akari Watanabe Department of Oral Health Care and Rehabilitation, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University Kenji Yokota Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that inhabits the gastric mucosa, with a global prevalence in humans of approximately 40%. It is likely the cause of 90% of gastric cancer (GC) cases and thus considered the most prominent driver of GC development. However, during gastric mucosal atrophy, other bacteria such as nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB) also proliferate. In this study, we isolated NRB from patients with gastritis and GC to examine their effects on the epithelial cell cycle and production of various cytokines in monocytic cell lines. Bacterial counts (excluding H. pylori and NRB) increased with the progression of gastric mucosal atrophy and were significantly higher in patients with GC. Gastric epithelial cell lines were stimulated with isolated NRB, and the proportion of cells in each cell cycle was measured. Strains from patients with open-type gastritis progressed more rapidly through cell cycles than those from patients with GC. NRB isolated from gastric cancer had high nitrate-reducing activity. Thus, NRB may contribute to GC progression during H. pylori-induced carcinogenesis. Therefore, evaluating gastric atrophy and microbiota may be important for managing the risk of GC. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0971-5894 2026 Suppression of salt-enhanced apoplastic flow by salicylic acid in rice EN Md. Asadulla Al Galib Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Maoxiang Zhao Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Toshiyuki Nakamura Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yoshimasa Nakamura Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yoshihiko Hirai Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Yoshitaka Nakashima Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Shintaro Munemasa Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Izumi C. Mori Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Yoshiyuki Murata Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Salinity enhances apoplastic flow, resulting in an increment of Na+ uptake and a lower K+/Na+ ratio. Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in improving salinity tolerance in plants. The effect of exogenous SA on apoplastic flow in salt-treated rice seedlings was studied using an apoplastic tracer, 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulphonic acid (PTS) in light. Application of NaCl at 25 mM to the hydroponic solution significantly increased PTS uptake, while 25 mM NaCl did not affect seedling growth. Application of 25 mM NaNO3 increased PTS uptake to the same degree. Salinity significantly increased sodium (Na+) content but had no significant effect on potassium (K+) content, resulting in a lower K+/Na+ ratio. The application of SA at 0.05 mM and 0.1 mM to the hydroponic solution reduced Na-enhanced PTS uptake. Salicylic acid at 0.05 mM and 0.1 mM significantly reduced Na+ content and slightly increased K+ content in the shoots of rice seedlings, resulting in a higher K+/Na+ ratio. However, SA at up to 0.1 mM did not increase SA contents in shoots under salt stress. These results suggest that exogenous SA reduces Na+ uptake by suppressing Na+-enhanced apoplastic flow in rice seedlings. These findings provide insight into modulation of Na+ transport pathways from roots to shoots by SA and may allow us to utilize brackish water for rice cultivation and to improve salt-tolerant rice through suppression of salt-enhanced apoplastic flow by chemicals such as salicylic acid. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2662-4435 7 1 2026 Stability and distribution of dense hydrous magnesium silicates in the mantle transition zone under low water activity conditions 265 EN Yunke Song Key Laboratory of High-temperature and High-pressure Study of the Earth�fs Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xinzhuan Guo State Key Laboratory of Critical Mineral Research and Exploration, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Kuan Zhai Key Laboratory of High-temperature and High-pressure Study of the Earth�fs Interior, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wei Guo State Key Laboratory of Geomicrobiology and Environmental Changes, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) Takashi Yoshino Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Water plays a central role in controlling the physical and chemical properties of Earth�fs deep interior. It remains uncertain how water is stored in subducting slabs within the mantle transition zone, between depths of about 410 and 660 kilometers, and whether dense hydrous magnesium silicates act as major water carriers to greater depths. Here we report high-pressure and high-temperature laboratory experiments on the Mg-Si-H system at pressures of 16 and 21.5 GPa and a temperature of 1400 K to evaluate hydrous phase stability under transition zone conditions. We find that when bulk water content is below 1.22 wt%, H2O is predominantly incorporated into wadsleyite and ringwoodite rather than forming dense hydrous magnesium silicates. Because estimated water contents in subducted oceanic slabs are typically lower than one weight percent, formation of these silicates is unlikely, suggesting that the mantle transition zone may restrict large scale water transport into the lower mantle. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 1470-1626 171 2 2026 Rho kinase and RND3 regulate the direct effect of estradiol-17ƒÀ on oviductal tonus xaag004 EN Sayaka Kubota Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Risa Okawara School of Agriculture, Okayama University Kohei Kawano Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Koji Kimura Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Ensuring the timely transport of gametes and embryos within the oviduct is essential for the successful establishment of pregnancy. This study investigated the direct effect of estradiol-17ƒÀ (E2) on bovine oviductal contractility and the differences in responsiveness to E2 during the estrous cycle. Bovine isthmic tissues from four estrous stages were analyzed using the Magnus method to assess contractile responses to E2 and related reagents. Protein expression of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) and components of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway were also evaluated. E2 and a GPER1 agonist significantly increased oviductal tonus at 1–4 days after ovulation. This effect was significantly suppressed by treatment with a GPER1 antagonist and a ROCK inhibitor. At 1–4 days after ovulation, both ROCK II expression and ROCK activity were elevated. E2 also enhanced phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) and myosin light chain (MLC), key downstream targets of ROCK. Before ovulation, when endogenous E2 levels peak, the expression of RND3�\a ROCK inhibitor�\was upregulated. The application of an RND inhibitor restored E2 responsiveness in oviductal tonus, ROCK activity, and the phosphorylation of MYPT1 and MLC in oviductal tissues before ovulation. These findings suggest that E2 directly increases oviductal tonus via GPER1 and ROCK/MYPT1/MLC activation at 1–4 days after ovulation. Differences in oviductal responsiveness to E2 during the estrous cycle appear to be mediated by the expression of ROCK and RND3. This mechanism can enable sperm transport within the oviduct at an appropriate time. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Acta Medica Okayama 2169-3536 14 2026 A Self-Adaptive Framework for Deploying Machine Learning Systems Without Ground-Truth Data at Runtime 30309 30326 EN Kento Furukawa Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University Hiroyuki Nakagawa Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tatsuhiro Tsuchiya Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University In recent years, the practical application of machine learning technology has rapidly progressed, accelerating its adoption across various fields. In this context, studies into the effective operation of machine learning systems in real-world environments have become essential. In actual operational settings, the distribution of input data often changes over time, leading to a significant decline in the predictive performance of models. Additionally, the lack of ground-truth data for test data during operation can sometimes make adaptation through retraining difficult. This study proposes a framework that autonomously adapts to changes in input data distribution, even in environments where ground-truth data for test data is unavailable during operation. This framework analyzes the distribution of input data and selects the appropriate predictive model based on the state of the distribution. To ensure optimal model selection, the framework employs two complementary approaches: 1) dynamically switching between multiple pre-trained models with different feature sets according to environmental changes and 2) building ensemble models based on the distribution of the test data. These approaches enable the framework to autonomously adapt to shifts in data distribution, even in operational settings where ground-truth data is unavailable. Evaluation experiments using both simulated and real-world data assessed the predictive performance of the proposed method through metrics such as R2, RMSE, and MAE. Compared to conventional single model predictions, the proposed method consistently demonstrated higher accuracy. These results indicate that the proposed approach effectively adapts to data distribution shifts in operational environments where ground-truth data is unavailable. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0143-4160 135 2026 Regulation of brain-specific kinases 1 and 2 (BRSK1/2) by Ca2+/calmodulin 103134 EN Naoyuki Washida Moe Kataoka Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Anna R. Brun Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Uryu Takezaki Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Ko Hijikawa Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University Haruki Yamauchi Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Satomi Ohtsuka Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Masaki Magari Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Ryo Morishita CellFree Sciences Co., Ltd. Hiroshi Tokumitsu Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University We conducted a genome-wide calmodulin (CaM) interaction screening of 462 GST-fused human protein kinases to identify novel CaM-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs). In addition to known CaMKs, including myosin light chain kinases, CaMK2ƒÁ, and death-associated kinase 2, we identified the brain-specific protein kinase 2 (BRSK2, also known as SAD-A) as a novel CaM interactant. Proximity biotinylation and CaM–sepharose chromatography assays revealed that rat BRSK isoforms (BRSK1/2) interact with CaM in a Ca2+-dependent manner in vitro. We found that CaM suppresses the activation-loop phosphorylation of BRSK1 (at Thr189) and BRSK2 (at Thr175) by liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an activating kinase, in a Ca2+-dependent manner (IC50 of ∼7 µM), thereby inhibiting BRSK activation. LKB1-catalyzed phosphorylation of the catalytic domain mutant of BRSK1 (residues 1–294) at Thr189 was suppressed by the addition of Ca2+/CaM, consistent with direct CaM binding of the kinase domain, as well as wild-type BRSK1. We confirmed that the LKB1 activity was not directly suppressed by Ca2+/CaM, supporting the hypothesis that the direct interaction of Ca2+/CaM with the kinase domain blocks the phosphorylation/activation of BRSK1/2 by LKB1. The kinase activity and PP2Cƒ¿-catalyzed dephosphorylation of LKB1-phosphorylated BRSK1 were not altered by Ca2+/CaM, although it was demonstrated to bind to Ca2+/CaM like that of unphosphorylated BRSK1. This unrecognized mechanism of BRSK1/2 regulation, involving the direct role of Ca2+/CaM binding, which inhibits phosphorylation/activation by LKB1, may open a new Ca2+ signal transduction pathway in neurons. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2238-7854 42 2026 An electric field temporarily strengthens zirconia ceramics 1806 1810 EN Akira Kishimoto Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takahiro Shimizu Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Mitsuru Nishiyama Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shinya Kondo Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takashi Teranishi Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University By applying an electric field to yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) equipped with an inert electrode, oxide ions are localized near the positive electrode, causing it to expand. When polarization was performed under different conditions, it was possible to strengthen the material to 1.5 times that of an untreated sample. The lattice constant of the positive electrode surface after polarization was larger than before polarization. When the Vickers hardness of the positive electrode surface was measured by changing the test load, the smaller the load, the higher the hardness value. Polarization caused oxide ions to move near the positive electrode, filling in the defects and generating an expanded layer with a large lattice constant. It is believed that this was subjected to compressive stress from the bulk layer, which had not changed in volume, resulting in an increase in strength. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2662-4443 6 1 2025 From localized 4f electrons to anisotropic exchange interactions in ferromagnetic CeRh6Ge4 269 EN Shoichiro Itokazu Department of Physics, Okayama University Akimitsu Kirikoshi Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Harald O. Jeschke Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Junya Otsuki Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University CeRh6Ge4 is a cerium-based ferromagnetic material exhibiting a quantum critical behavior under pressure. We derive effective exchange interactions, using the framework of density functional theory combined with dynamical mean-field theory. Our results reveal that the nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic interaction along the c axis is isotropic in spin space, leading to a formation of spin chains. On the other hand, the inter-chain coupling is highly anisotropic: The in-plane moment weakly interacts ferromagnetically in the a–b plane to stabilize the ferromagnetic state, whereas the z-component couples antiferromagnetically, contributing to its destabilization. The magnetic anisotropy of the interchain interactions as well as of the local 4f wavefunctions characterizes the magnetic properties underlying the ferromagnetic transition and the quantum critical behavior in CeRh6Ge4. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 — •\Ž†�E‰p•¶–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 ‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 –@Šw‰ïŽGŽ�‘掵ŒÜŠª�i’ÊŠªŽ©‘æ“ñ˜Z�Z�†�@ŽŠ‘æ“ñ˜Z“ñ�†�j‘�–ÚŽŸ 753 754 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 ‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw•”�E–@Šw‰ï—ߘa‚V”N“x�u‰‰‰ï‘S‹L˜^ 751 751 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 �²“¡�@Œá˜Y‹³Žö�@—ª—ð 743 749 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 ‹g–ì�@‰ÄŒÈ‹³Žö�@—ª—ð 737 741 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 ‰ÍŒ´�@—S”n‹³Žö�@—ª—ð 729 735 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 –{�†Ž·•MŽÒ�Љî 727 727 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 PFOS�EPFOA “™‚ÌŽc—¯�«—L‹@‰˜�õ•¨Ž¿‚É‚æ‚é�…Ž¿‰˜�õ‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚éˆê�lŽ@ �\ Žæˆø�ã‚Ì‹`–±‚ÌŽ‹“_‚©‚ç�\ 438 410 EN H. Tsuji No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 Ž©ŽEŠÖ—^‚Æ“¯ˆÓŽE�l 456 439 EN T. Shiotani No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 2024 Irish Dáil Éireann Election: An Analysis of NEDS 2024 Data 494 457 EN T. Narihiro No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 “ú–{“ÆŽ©‚̈ጛ�R�¸Šî�€˜_‚̉”\�« 586 496 EN T. Ito No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 1789”Nƒtƒ‰ƒ“ƒX�lŒ �錾‚ƎЉïŒ_–ñ 656 588 EN S. Hatano No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 �v‘¬�Ù”»�ð�€‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚é”»—á–@—�‚Ì“WŠJ‚ÆŒ»�ó 706 657 EN K. Harada No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 Œö�E‘I‹“–@251�ð�i“–‘I�l–{�l‚Ì‘I‹“”Æ�ß�j‚É‚æ‚é“–‘I–³Œø‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚éˆê�lŽ@ �\ �ÅŽO�¬”»—ߘa‚T”N12ŒŽ12“ú–¯�W77Šª‚X�†2229•Å‚ðŒ_‹@‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�\ 726 707 EN S. Fukushige No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 ‚e�Eƒ}ƒCƒPƒ‹ƒ}ƒ“‚ÌŒãŠúƒ��[ƒ‹ƒY‰ðŽß‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä �\‚»‚Ì‹¤˜aŽå‹`“IŠÜˆÓ‚ÌŒŸ“¢ 371 407 EN H. Omori No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 ƒŠƒxƒ‰ƒŠƒYƒ€‚Æ“¹“¿�S—�Šw �\ƒWƒ‡ƒiƒTƒ“�EƒnƒCƒg‚ƃWƒ‡ƒ“�Eƒ��[ƒ‹ƒY 349 370 EN D. Odagawa No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw–@Šw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 •\Ž†�E–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 — •\Ž†�E‰p•¶–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[Œ´�eŽ·•M—v—Ì EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[‚ÌŠˆ“®�󋵂̊T—v EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ƒXƒN�[ƒ‹ƒJƒEƒ“ƒZƒ‰�[‚Í”­’BŽxŽ�“I�¶“kŽw“±‚Ö‚¢‚©‚É�vŒ£‚Å‚«‚é‚© �\ƒvƒ‰ƒ“ƒjƒ“ƒOƒV�[ƒg‚ÌŠˆ—p‚ð’Ê‚µ‚½Žx‰‡‚ÌŠg�[‚ÉŒü‚¯‚½ŒŸ“¢�\ 253 266 EN Noriyuki HARA Ryo MISAWA Tazuko AOKI 10.18926/CTED/70373 �@2022”N‚ɉü’ù‚³‚ꂽ�u�¶“kŽw“±’ñ—v�v‚Å‚Í�C‚·‚ׂĂ̎™“¶�¶“k‚Ì�¬’·‚ðŽx‰‡‚·‚é”­’BŽxŽ�“I�¶“kŽw“±‚Ì�d—v�«‚ª–¾Šm‚ÉŽ¦‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�B‚µ‚©‚µ�C‚»‚Ì’è’…‚É‚Í�C‹³ˆõ‚Ì‘½–Z‰»‚â‘g�D“IŽx‰‡‘Ì�§‚Ì•s�\•ª‚³‚È‚Ç�CŠw�ZŒ»�ê‚É‚¨‚¯‚鑽‚­‚̉ۑ肪Žw“E‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�B‚³‚ç‚É�CƒXƒN�[ƒ‹ƒJƒEƒ“ƒZƒ‰�[�iSC�j‚É‚æ‚éŽx‰‡‚à�\•ª‚É“WŠJ‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é‚Æ‚ÍŒ¾‚¢“ï‚¢�B‚»‚±‚Å–{�e‚Å‚Í�C”­’BŽxŽ�“I�¶“kŽw“±‚É‚¨‚¯‚éSC‚ÌŽx‰‡‚ÌŠg�[‰Â”\�«‚ðŒŸ“¢‚·‚邽‚ß�CŒ»�ó‚Ɖۑè‚ð�®—�‚µ‚½�B‚Ü‚½�Cƒvƒ‰ƒ“ƒjƒ“ƒOƒV�[ƒg‚ðŠˆ—p‚µ‚½ŽÀ‘HŽ–—á�iŒ´‘¼, 2024�j‚Ì�Ä•ª�Í‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�CSC‚ÆŠw�Z‚ª‹³ˆç–Ú•W‚ð‹¤—L‚µ‚È‚ª‚狦“­“I‚ÉŽx‰‡‚ðŒv‰æ‚·‚é˜g‘g‚Ý‚Ì—L—p�«‚ð‹á–¡‚µ‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 “Á•ÊŽx‰‡‹³ˆç‚Ö‚Ì“NŠw“IŽv�l“±“ü‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚Ì—\”õ“I�lŽ@ Ž�‘±�E�¶�¬•Ï‰»�E‰ñ�Ü‚Ì�l‚¦•û‚ÉŠî‚­•û–@“I˜g‘g‚Ý‚ÌŽŽˆÄ 237 251 EN Yo HAMADA Okayama Prefectural Okayama Seto Special Needs School Miyuki TAKANO Hyogo University of Teacher Education Satoru SATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70372 �@–{�e‚Í�CŒ»‘ã‚Ì“Á•ÊŽx‰‡‹³ˆç‚̉ۑ肩‚ç�C“Á•ÊŽx‰‡‹³ˆçŽÀ‘H‚É“NŠw“IŽv�l‚𓱓ü‚·‚邽‚ß‚Ì—�˜_“I�E•û–@“IŒŸ“¢‚ð�s‚¤‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�B‚Ü‚¸�C—�˜_Šî”Õ‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�Cƒxƒ‹ƒNƒ\ƒ“‚Ì�u‹L‰¯—�˜_�v�CƒhƒDƒ‹�[ƒY�•ƒKƒ^ƒŠ‚Ì�u�¶�¬•Ï‰»‚Ì“NŠw�v�CBarad‚Ì�u‰ñ�Ü“I•û–@˜_�v�CBlom‚Ì�u‰ñ�Ü“IƒGƒXƒmƒOƒ‰ƒtƒB�[�v‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄŠT�à‚µ‚½�B‚»‚µ‚Ä�C—�˜_Šî”Õ‚ðŠî‚É•û–@“I˜g‘g‚Ý‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C�u•¨Ž¿�|Œ¾�à“IŽÀ‘H�v�C�uŽ�‘±�v�C�u�¶�¬•Ï‰»�v‚ÌŽO‚‚̎‹“_‚ð‹³ˆçŽÀ‘H‚ð“Ç‚Ý‰ð‚­‚½‚ß‚Ì‘ŠŒÝ•âŠ®“I‚È•ª�ÍŽ‹“_‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�Ì—p‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ð’ñˆÄ‚µ‚½�B‚±‚ê‚ç‚ÌŽ‹“_‚Í�Cƒ|ƒXƒgŽ¿“IŒ¤‹†‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C�o—ˆŽ–‚ðŠÖŒW“I�E‰ß’ö“I‚É‘¨‚¦‚邱‚Æ‚ð‰Â”\‚É‚·‚é‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�B�¡Œã‚̉ۑè‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�CŽO‚‚̃Œƒ“ƒYŠÔ‚Ì—�˜_“I�®—��C‰ñ�Ü“I•û–@˜_‚Ɖñ�Ü“IƒGƒXƒmƒOƒ‰ƒtƒB�[‚Ì�·ˆÙ‰»�C‚¨‚æ‚Ñ•¡�”‚ÌŽÀ‘HƒGƒsƒ\�[ƒh‚ð�Ú‘±‚µ‚Ä•`‚­‚½‚ß‚Ì•ª�ÍŽè–@‚Ì�¸ãk‰»‚ª‹“‚°‚ç‚ꂽ�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ‘åŠw‰@‹¤’ʉȖÚ�wƒŠ�[ƒ_�[ƒVƒbƒv‚ÆSDGs�x‚Ì‹³ˆçƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�\’z‚Æ�¬‰Ê•ª�Í —�˜_Šw�K�EƒsƒAƒŒƒrƒ…�[�E�ÈŽ@Šˆ“®‚É‚æ‚郊�[ƒ_�[ƒVƒbƒv‹³ˆç‚Ì�V“WŠJ 221 235 EN Mamoru ISHIDA Faculty of General Education and Global Studies, Okayama University Shinichi OTSUNE Graduate student, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takuya NAKAZAWA Graduate student, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70371 �@‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@‚Å‚Í�A”ŽŽm‰Û’ö�l�ނ̃Š�[ƒ_�[ƒVƒbƒvˆç�¬‚ÉŒü‚¯�A‹¤’ʉȖÚ�wƒŠ�[ƒ_�[ƒVƒbƒv‚ÆSDGs�x‚ð�ÝŒv�EŽÀ‘H‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é�B–{‰È–Ú‚ÍSDGs‚É�vŒ£‚·‚郊�[ƒ_�[ˆç�¬‚ÉŽåŠá‚ð’u‚«�A—�˜_Šw�K�EƒsƒAƒŒƒrƒ…�[�E�ÈŽ@�EƒOƒ‹�[ƒvƒfƒBƒXƒJƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ““™‚ÌŽè–@‚ð‘g‚Ý�‡‚킹�AŠw�¶“¯Žm‚ÌŠw‚Ñ�‡‚¢�EŽ©ŒÈ�¬’·‚Ì‘£�i‚ð–Ú“I‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é�B–{�e‚Å‚Í�AŠw•”�EŒ¤‹†‰È‚²‚Æ‚ÉŠw�K�¬‰Ê‚ð•ª�Í‚µ�A—�˜_‚ÉŠî‚­�ÈŽ@“IŠw‚Ñ‚Æ‹¦“­“I‚È”á•]Šˆ“®‚ªƒŠ�[ƒ_�[ƒVƒbƒv—�‰ð‚â�¬’·‚É—L—p‚Å‚ ‚邱‚Ƃ𖾂炩‚É‚µ‚½�B–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�AŠw�p“I—�˜_‚ÆŽÀ‘H“IŠˆ“®‚ð�D‚èŒð‚º‚½ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�\’z‚Æ�A‚»‚ÌŒp‘±“I‰ü‘P‚̈Ӌ`‚ðŽ¦‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ’m“I�áŠQ�‚“™“Á•ÊŽx‰‡Šw�Z‚É‚¨‚¯‚é SWPBS ‘æ‚P‘wŽx‰‡ �\ƒLƒƒƒ“ƒy�[ƒ“•ûŽ®‚Ì“±“ü‚Æ‚»‚ÌŒø‰Ê�\ 205 219 EN Hideaki TOKIMITSU Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Course), Okayama University Yoshio MIYAZAKI Faculty of Education, Okayama University Madoka KOYAMA Kurashiki Kotoura Special Needs Seni or High School, Okayama Prefecture 10.18926/CTED/70370 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�CŒy“x’m“I�áŠQ‚Ì‚ ‚éŒãŠú’†“™‹³ˆç’iŠK‚ÌŒö—§’m“I�áŠQ�‚“™“Á•ÊŽx‰‡Šw�Z‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä�CSWPBS ‘æ1‘wŽx‰‡‚Æ‚µ‚ăLƒƒƒ“ƒy�[ƒ“•ûŽ®‚ÌŽx‰‡‚ðŽÀŽ{‚µ�C‚»‚ÌŒø‰ÊŒŸ�Ø‚ð�s‚Á‚½�B•û–@‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‚Í�C‚wŠw”N�¶“k24–¼‚ɑ΂µ‚Ĉ¥ŽA�s“®‚Ì‘£�i‚ð‘_‚Á‚½ƒLƒƒƒ“ƒy�[ƒ“‚ðŽÀŽ{‚µ�C–Ú•W�s“®‚Ì�¶‹N�”‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄABƒtƒHƒ��[ƒAƒbƒvƒfƒUƒCƒ“‚ð—p‚¢‚ÄŒŸ“¢‚µ‚½�B‚Ü‚½�C‚wŠw”N‹³ˆõ6–¼‚ɑ΂µ�CŽÐ‰ï“I‘Ó–�«‚ð•]‰¿‚·‚éƒAƒ“ƒP�[ƒg‚ðŽÀŽ{‚µ‚½�B‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�CƒLƒƒƒ“ƒy�[ƒ“‚̉î“ü’¼Œã‚É–Ú•W�s“®‚Ì�¶‹N�”‚¨‚æ‚Ñ–Ú•W�s“®‚É�]Ž–‚µ‚½�¶“k‚ÌŠ„�‡‚Ì‘�‰Á‚ªŒ©‚ç‚ê�CƒLƒƒƒ“ƒy�[ƒ“�I—¹Œã‚àƒx�[ƒXƒ‰ƒCƒ“‚Æ”äŠr‚µ‚½‘�‰Á‚ªˆê’èŠúŠÔŠm”F‚³‚ꂽ�B‚Ü‚½�Cˆê’è’ö“x‚̎Љï“I‘Ó–�«‚àŠm”F‚Å‚«‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ’¬‚­‚è‚ð�l‚¦‚éŽÀ‘HŽ–—á‚ÌŒŸ“¢ �\‘��‡“I‚ÈŠw�K‚ÌŽžŠÔ‚ð’Ê‚¶‚½’†Šw�¶‚̈ӎ¯•Ï‰»‚É’…–Ú‚µ‚Ä�\ 191 203 EN Akemi KAMADA Anan City Anan First Junior High School Kazuaki KAJII Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70369 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�C’†Šw�Z‘��‡“I‚ÈŠw�K‚ÌŽžŠÔ‚É‚¨‚¯‚é’¬‚­‚è‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä�C‘¼ŽÒ‚Æ‚Ì‹¦“­‚â‘ŠŒÝ�ì—p‚ð’Ê‚¶‚Ä’¬‚­‚è‚ð�\‘z‚µ�CŽÀ‘H‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�¶‚¶‚½Šw�KŽÒ‚̕ω»‚©‚ç‚»‚ÌŒø‰Ê‚𖾂炩‚É‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ð–Ú“I‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é�B‚Ü‚½�C‘Θb“I‚ÈŠw‚Ñ‚Å�dŽ‹‚³‚ê‚鑼ŽÒ‚Æ‚Ì‘ŠŒÝ�ì—p‚ð�C’†Šw�Z‚ÌŽÀ‘H‚É—Ž‚Æ‚µ�ž‚Ý�C‚»‚Ì‚ ‚è•û‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚àŒŸ“¢‚·‚é�B–{ŽÀ‘H‚Ì‚Ë‚ç‚¢‚Í�C‘½—l‚ÈŽ‹“_‚©‚ç’¬‚Ì�«—ˆ‚ÌŽp‚â‚ ‚è•û‚ð�l‚Æ‚ÌŠÖ‚í‚è‚ɂ‚¢‚ēǂ݉ð‚«�CŽ�‘±‰Â”\‚È’¬‚Ì‚ ‚è•û‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄŽ©•ªŽ–‚Ɉø‚«Šñ‚¹‚Ä�l‚¦‚邱‚Æ‚Å�C’¬‚ɑ΂·‚éˆÓŽ¯‚̕ω»‚𑣂·‚±‚Æ‚É‚ ‚é�BŽÀ‘H‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�CŠw�KŽÒ‚Ì’¬‚ɑ΂·‚錩•û‚â�l‚¦•û‚̈ӎ¯•Ï‰»‚ªˆø‚«‹N‚±‚³‚ê�C’¬‚­‚è‚ÌŽ�‚Â’nˆæ‰Û‘è‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄŽ©•ªŽ–‚Ɉø‚«Šñ‚¹‚ÄŽv�l‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 �u�¶–½‚Ì‘¸‚³�v‚ÌŽ©�싳�Þ‚ðŠˆ—p‚µ‚½�¬Šw�Z“¹“¿‰ÈŽö‹Æ‚ÌŽÀ‘H‚Ɖۑè 181 190 EN Shinji YOSHIKAWA Tsurajimakita Elementary School Tsuguyuki IZUMI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70368 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Å‚Í�C“à—e�€–Ú�u�¶–½‚Ì‘¸‚³�v‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚鎩�싳�Þ‚ðŠJ”­‚µ�CŽö‹Æ‚ðŽÀŽ{‚·‚邱‚Æ‚É‚æ‚Á‚Ä�CŽq‚Ç‚à‚ª�u�¶–½‚Ì‘¸‚³�v‚ðŽ©•ª‚Æ‚ÌŠÖ‚í‚è‚Å�[‚­�l‚¦‚邱‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚é‚©‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄŒŸ�Ø‚µ‚½�B�¬‰Ê‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�CŽ©�싳�Þ‚ÌŠˆ—p‚É‚æ‚Á‚ÄŽq‚Ç‚à‚ª‹³�Þ‚Ì“o�ê�l•¨‚É‹¤Š´‚µ�C�u�¶–½‚Ì‘¸‚³�v‚Ì“¹“¿“I‰¿’l‚ðŽ©•ª‚Æ‚ÌŠÖ‚í‚è‚Å�[‚­�l‚¦‚é—lŽq‚ªŠm”F‚Å‚«‚½�Bˆê•û�C‰Û‘è‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�CŽ©�싳�Þ‚Ö�ž‚ß‚½Žv‚¢‚Ì‹­‚³‚©‚ç�CŽq‚Ç‚à‚ªŽö‹ÆŽÒ‚̈Ó�}‚ð‘g‚Ý‚È‚ª‚ç”­Œ¾‚·‚éŽp‚ªŒ©‚ç‚ê�CˆÓ�}‚¹‚¸Žq‚Ç‚à‚Ì”­Œ¾‚ð•ûŒü•t‚¯‚½‰Â”\�«‚ªŽ¦‚³‚ꂽ�B�ÅŒã‚É�CŽq‚Ç‚à’†�S‚ÌŽö‹Æ‚ÌŽÀŒ»‚ÉŒü‚¯‚Ä�CŽÀ‘H‚Æ�ÈŽ@‚̉�ŠÒ‚Ì•K—v�«‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‹c˜_‚µ‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 —§Œ›Žå‹`‚ɑ΂·‚é”FŽ¯‚̉ü‘P‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚½�‚“™Šw�ZŒö–¯‰È‚ÌŽö‹ÆŠJ”­Œ¤‹† �\•Ä�‘Œö–¯‹³ˆçƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ŠJ”­�w‰ä‚ç�‡�O�‘�l–¯�x‚ðŽè‚ª‚©‚è‚É‚µ‚Ä�\ 167 180 EN Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education, Okayama University Ayuha MIYAMOTO Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70367 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�AŒ›–@—�‰ð‚ÌŠî–{‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‚Ì—§Œ›Žå‹`‚ɑ΂·‚é”FŽ¯Œ`�¬‚ð–Ú•W‚Æ‚·‚é�A�‚“™Šw�ZŒö–¯‰È‚ÅŽÀ‘H‰Â”\‚ÈŽö‹Æ‚ÌŠJ”­‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚½‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�B�]—ˆ‚Ì“ú–{‚̎Љï‰È‹³ˆç‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä‚Í�AŒ›–@—�‰ð‚Í“ú–{�‘Œ›–@‚ÌŠî–{Œ´‘¥‚Å‚ ‚é�‘–¯ŽåŒ �AŠî–{“I�lŒ ‚Ì‘¸�d�A•½˜aŽå‹`‚Ì—�‰ð‚ðŠî–{‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚½‚ª�A‹ß”N�A‚»‚à‚»‚àŒ›–@‚Ƃ͉½‚©‚ð—�‰ð‚³‚¹‚邽‚ß‚É�A—§Œ›Žå‹`‚ÌŠT”O‚ª’�–Ú‚³‚ê‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚è�A‹³‰È�‘‚É‚à‹L�q‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�B–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�A‚»‚̂悤‚È—§Œ›Žå‹`‚Æ‚¢‚¤ŠT”O‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä�¶“k‚É“K�Ø‚É—�‰ð‚³‚¹‚邱‚Æ‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚½Žö‹Æ‚Ì’ñˆÄ‚ð‚µ‚æ‚¤‚Æ‚·‚é‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�BŽö‹ÆŒv‰æ�ì�¬‚É‚ ‚½‚Á‚Ä‚Í�A•Ä�‘‚ÌŒö–¯‹³ˆçƒZƒ“ƒ^�[‚ªŠJ”­‚µ�A’·”NŠˆ—p‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�w‰ä‚ç�‡�O�‘�l–¯�iŒ´‘è We the People�j�x‚ðŽQ�Æ‚µ�A‚»‚̈ꕔ‚ðŠˆ—p‚µ�A•Ä�‘‚Ì—ðŽj“I”wŒi‚ÉŠî‚¢‚Ä�ì‚ç‚ꂽ‹³�Þ‚ð�A“ú–{‚Ì•¶–¬‚É‚»‚Á‚ĉü•Ï‚µ‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ŒY–@‚̈Ӌ`‚𑨂¦‚³‚¹‚éŽÐ‰ï‰È‚É‚¨‚¯‚é–@‹³ˆçŽÀ‘H‚Ì•û–@ �\–Í‹[�Ù”»‚ðŽæ‚è“ü‚ꂽ’†Šw�ZŽÐ‰ï‰È‚ÌŽö‹ÆŠJ”­‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�\ 153 165 EN Ayuha MIYAMOTO Graduate School of Human ities and So cial Sciences, Okayama University Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70366 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�AŒY–@‚Ì—�‰ð‚É�Å“_‚ð‚ ‚Ä�A–Í‹[�Ù”»‚ðŽæ‚è“ü‚ꂽ’†Šw�ZŽÐ‰ï‰È‚ÌŽö‹ÆŠJ”­‚ð�s‚È‚¨‚¤‚Æ‚·‚é‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�B“ú–{‚̎Љï‰È‚É‚¨‚¯‚é–@‹³ˆç‚Í�A�]—ˆ‚©‚猛–@Šw�K‚ª’†�S‚Æ‚È‚Á‚Ä‚¨‚è�A‚»‚Ì‘¼‚Ì–@—¥‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄŠw‚Ô‹@‰ï‚Í”ñ�í‚É�­‚È‚¢�B‚»‚̂悤‚ÈŒ»�ó‚𓥂܂¦‚Ä�A‹ß”N�A–¯–@‚âŒY–@‚È‚Ç‚ðŽæ‚è�ã‚°‚½–@‹³ˆç‚ÌŽö‹ÆŠJ”­‚ª�s‚í‚ê‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚Á‚½�B‚»‚̈ê•û‚Å�A�Ù”»ˆõ�§“x“±“üˆÈ�~�A–Í‹[�Ù”»‚ðŽæ‚è“ü‚ꂽŽÐ‰ï‰ÈŽö‹Æ‚ÌŠJ”­�EŽÀ‘H‚ª‚æ‚­Œ©‚ç‚ê‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚Á‚Ä‚¨‚è�AŒYŽ–Ž–Œ�‚ªŽÐ‰ï‰ÈŽö‹Æ‚ÅŽæ‚è�ã‚°‚ç‚ê‚邱‚Æ‚à’¿‚µ‚­‚Í‚È‚­‚È‚Á‚½�B‚µ‚©‚µ�A‚»‚̂悤‚ÈŽö‹Æ‚ð’S“–‚·‚鋳ˆõ‚É�AŒY–@“™‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚é’mŽ¯‚ª�\•ª‚Å‚Í‚È‚­�A–Í‹[�Ù”»‚Ì“à—e‚ÆŽÀ�Û‚Ì�Ù”»‚ª˜¨—£‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é‚Æ‚¢‚¤‰Û‘è‚à‚ ‚é�B–{Œ¤‹†‚Å‚Í�A�]—ˆ‚Ì–Í‹[�Ù”»‚ðŽæ‚è“ü‚ꂽŽö‹Æ‚Ì“ÁŽ¿‚Ɖۑè‚ðŒŸ“¢‚µ‚½‚¤‚¦‚Å�AŒY–@‚̈Ӌ`‚𑨂¦‚³‚¹‚é’†Šw�ZŽÐ‰ï‰È‚ÌŽö‹ÆŠJ”­‚ð–ÚŽw‚·�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 �‰”C•Ûˆç‹³—@‚ÌŒê‚è‚ÉŒ©‚鉀Ž™‚Ì�݉€ŽžŠÔ‚̈Ⴂ‚É‚æ‚éŽÀ‘H�ã‚̉ۑè 139 152 EN Kazuya HASUI Faculty of Health and Welfare�C Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare Mika KATAYAMA Faculty of Education, Graduate School of Science, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70365 �@–{˜_‚Å‚Í�C—c•Û˜AŒgŒ^”F’肱‚Ç‚à‰€‚Ì“Á’¥‚Å‚ ‚鉀Ž™‚Ì�݉€ŽžŠÔ‚̈Ⴂ‚É�Å“_‚ð“–‚Ä�C�‰”C•Ûˆç‹³—@‚Ö‚Ì–Ê�Ú’²�¸‚É‚æ‚èŽÀ‘H�ã‚̉ۑè‚ƑΉž‚ɂ‚¢‚ÄŒŸ“¢‚µ‚½�B‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C•Ûˆç‹³—@‚ª‚W‚‚̉ۑè‚ð”FŽ¯‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚邱‚Æ‚ª–¾‚ç‚©‚É‚È‚Á‚½�B‚Ü‚½�C�w—c•Û˜AŒgŒ^”F’肱‚Ç‚à‰€‹³ˆç�E•Ûˆç—v—Ì�x‚É‹L�q‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�u—V‚т̘A‘±�«‚ð•Û�á‚·‚é•Ûˆç‚Ì“WŠJ�v‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚é‰Û‘è‚ɉÁ‚¦‚Ä�C‹L�q‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚È‚¢�u‘½—l‚È�݉€ŽžŠÔ‚â�¶ŠˆŒ`‘Ô‚ð�l—¶‚µ‚½‰€Ž™—�‰ð�v‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚é�V‚½‚ȉۑ肪Œ©�o‚³‚ꂽ�B”F’è‹æ•ª‚É‚æ‚é�݉€ŽžŠÔ‚̈Ⴂ‚͉€�¶Šˆ‚É‚¨‚¯‚鎞ŠÔ“IƒXƒPƒWƒ…�[ƒ‹‚â�ê�Š�C�W’c‚̈Ⴂ‚ð—]‹V‚È‚­‚³‚ê‚é�B‚»‚Ì‚½‚ß�C•Ûˆç‹³—@‚ª�Ý’è‚·‚é‚Ë‚ç‚¢‚ÉŠî‚¢‚½‰€�¶Šˆ‚ʼn½‚ð‹¤’ÊŒoŒ±‚Æ‚·‚ׂ«“à—e‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�ݒ肵�C‰½‚ðŒoŒ±�·‚Æ‚µ‚ÄŠˆ‚©‚µ�C‚ǂ̂悤‚È•Ûˆç‚ðŽÀ‘H‚·‚é‚©–¾Šm‚É‚·‚ׂ­�C‚±‚ê‚Ü‚Å”F’肱‚Ç‚à‰€‚Å�Ï‚Ý�d‚Ë‚ç‚ê‚Ä‚«‚½�DŽÀ‘H—á‚ð�W�Ï�E�®—�‚µ�CŽw•W‚𖾎¦‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ª�¡Œã‚̉ۑè‚Å‚ ‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ��‘tŠyŠˆ“®‚Ì’nˆæ“WŠJ‚É‚¨‚¯‚éŽs–¯��‘tŠy’c‚ÌŠÖ‚í‚è‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚錤‹† �\Žs–¯��‘tŠy’c‚Í’nˆæ“WŠJ‚Ì’S‚¢Žè‚ɂȂ蓾‚é‚©�\ 123 137 EN Kunihiko MAKINO Center for Teacher Education and Development�AOkayama University 10.18926/CTED/70364 �@��‘tŠyŠˆ“®‚Ì’nˆæ“WŠJ�iˆÈ‰º�A’nˆæ“WŠJ�j‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä�AŽw“±ŽÒ‚⊈“®�ê�Š‚Ì•s‘«‚Í‹i‹Ù‚̉ۑè‚Å‚ ‚é�B–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�A’nˆæ“WŠJ‚ª�i‚Þ’†‚Å�AŽs–¯��‘tŠy’c‚ª’nˆæ‚ÌŽq‚Ç‚à’B‚Ì��‘tŠyŠˆ“®‚ðŽx‚¦‚é’S‚¢Žè‚ƂȂ蓾‚é‚©‚ð’²�¸�EŒŸ“¢‚µ‚½�B‰ªŽRŒ§“à‚ÌŽs–¯��‘tŠy’c20 ’c‘Ì‚Ö‚Ì•·‚«Žæ‚è’²�¸‚ƃeƒLƒXƒgƒ}ƒCƒjƒ“ƒO•ª�Í‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�A’nˆæ“WŠJ‚ւ̈ӎ¯‚É‚Í�·‚ª‚Ý‚ç‚ê�A�Ï‹É“I‚È’c‘Ì‚Å‚ÍŽq‚Ç‚à’B‚̉‰‘tŽw“±‚â�‡“¯‚Å‚ÌŠˆ“®‚ð�m’è“I‚É‘¨‚¦‚éŒXŒü‚ªŠm”F‚³‚ꂽ�Bˆê•û‚Å�AŽw“±‹Z�p‚⎞ŠÔ“I�§–ñ�A�Ó”C•‰’S‚Ö‚Ì•sˆÀ‚ª�á•Ç‚Æ‚È‚Á‚Ä‚¢‚é‰Â”\�«‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�B‚Ü‚½�AŽs–¯��‘tŠy’c‚ª•ø‚¦‚銈“®�ê�Š‚â�à�­“I‚ȉۑè‚ɑ΂µ‚ÄŒö—§Šw�ZŽ{�Ý‚ÌŠˆ—p‚ª‚»‚Ì‰ðŒˆ‚ÉŠñ—^‚µ“¾‚é‰Â”\�«‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�Bˆê•û‚Å�AŒö—§Šw�Z‚ÌŽ{�ÝŠJ•ú‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚Í�AŽÀ�Û‚Ì�§“x‰^—p‚É‚¨‚¢‚ÄŽ©Ž¡‘ÌŠÔ‚ÌŠi�·‚ª‘¶�Ý‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ª–¾‚ç‚©‚Æ‚È‚Á‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 “úŠØ‚̉¹Šy•¶‰»Œð—¬‚ð’Ê‚µ‚½’†Šw�Z‰¹Šy‰È‚É‚¨‚¯‚éƒOƒ��[ƒoƒ‹�EƒVƒeƒBƒYƒ“ƒVƒbƒv‹³ˆç‚Ì�\‘z �\APCEIU‚ł̃Cƒ“ƒ^�[ƒ“ƒVƒbƒv‚É‚¨‚¯‚é’²�¸‚Ì�¬‰Ê‚ÉŠî‚¢‚Ä�\ 107 121 EN Hikari KONISHI Graduate School of Education Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education Yumi KONISHI Graduate School of Education 10.18926/CTED/70363 �@–{˜_•¶‚Í�A’†Šw�Z‰¹Šy‰È‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä�A“ú–{‚ÆŠØ�‘‚̉¹Šy•¶‰»‚ðŽæ‚è�ã‚°‚Ä�AŒÝ‚¢‚Ì•¶‰»‚̈Ⴂ‚⋤’Ê�«‚𑨂¦‚³‚¹‚½‚¤‚¦‚Å‘ŠŒÝ—�‰ð‚ð‘£�i‚·‚é�AƒOƒ‹�[ƒoƒ‹�EƒVƒeƒBƒYƒ“ƒVƒbƒv‹³ˆç�iˆÈ‰º�AGCED ‚Æ•\‹L�jƒvƒ�ƒOƒ‰ƒ€‚ð�\‘z‚µ‚悤‚Æ‚·‚é‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�Bƒvƒ�ƒOƒ‰ƒ€‚Ì�\‘z‚Ì�Û‚É‚Í�A•MŽÒ‚Å‚ ‚é�¬�¼‚ª�AŠØ�‘‚̃\ƒEƒ‹‚ÌAPCEIU�iƒAƒWƒA‘¾•½—m�‘�Û—�‰ð‹³ˆçƒZƒ“ƒ^�[�j‚Å�s‚È‚Á‚½–ñˆê‚©ŒŽŠÔ‚̃Cƒ“ƒ^�[ƒ“ƒVƒbƒv‚ÌŠÔ‚ÌŽÀ’n’²�¸‚Å”cˆ¬‚µ‚½�AŠØ�‘‚Å“WŠJ‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚éGCED ‚Ì•û–@‚ðŽQ�l‚É‚µ‚½�BŠJ”­ƒvƒ�ƒOƒ‰ƒ€‚Å‚Í�A“úŠØ—¼�‘‚Ì‘ÅŠyŠí‚ðŽæ‚è�ã‚°‚Ä�A‚»‚Ì”äŠr‚©‚çŒÝ‚¢‚Ì•¶‰»‚̈Ⴂ‚𑨂¦‚³‚¹‚½‚¤‚¦‚Å�Aˆá‚¢‚ðŽó‚¯“ü‚ê‚È‚ª‚ç�A‚»‚ꂼ‚ê‚Ì�‘‚̉¹Šy•¶‰»‚Ì�ª’ê‚É‚ ‚é—ðŽj“I”wŒi‚É‹C‚©‚¹‚½‚¤‚¦‚Å�A•¶‰»‚Ì‘½—l�«‚â—¼�‘‚Ì•¶‰»‚̌ŗL‚̉¿’l‚ɑ΂·‚é—�‰ð‚ð�[‚߂邱‚Æ‚ð–ÚŽw‚µ‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ’nˆæŽÐ‰ï‚ƃOƒ��[ƒoƒ‹‚ð‚‚Ȃ®˜aŠyŠí‰¹ŠyŽŸ�¢‘ãˆç�¬‚ÌŽÀ‘HŒ¤‹†�i‚R�j �¬’†Šw�¶‚ÌŽ¿–⎆’²�¸‚ÉŒ©‚é�uˆÙ•¶‰»ŠÔ”\—Í�vˆç�¬‚̉”\�« 91 105 EN Rinko HAYAKAWA Okayama University Yuko BEPPU Kurashiki City College Miho YAMAJI Part-time Lecturer at Okayama University Yoko HANAKUSA Research Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Noriko TAKESHITA Biwako-Gakuin University Hiromi TAKASU Okayama University Keiko MIYOSHI Research Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Naoko SHIMIZU Doctoral Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Chihiro TOSA Yamaha Corporation Ai NAKAMURA Doctoral Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Aki HIGUCHI Okayama Prefectural School for the Deaf 10.18926/CTED/70362 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�C�u‚¨‚©‚â‚Ü�‘�Û˜aŠyŠíŠw�¶ƒtƒFƒXƒeƒBƒoƒ‹�v‚ÌŽÀ‘H‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�CˆÙ•¶‰»ŠÔ”\—͈ç�¬‚̉”\�«‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä�CŽQ‰Á‚µ‚½�¬’†Šw�¶‚ÌŽ¿–⎆’²�¸Œ‹‰Ê‚©‚猟“¢‚µ‚½�B<br> �@‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C‚P�j‘ÌŒ±‚ð’Ê‚µ‚ÄŒ`�¬‚³‚ꂽ�V‚½‚È”FŽ¯‚É‚æ‚è�C˜aŠyŠí‰¹Šy•¶‰»‚ÆŽ©ŒÈ‚Æ‚ÌŠÖŒW�«‚ð�Ä”FŽ¯�E�Ä�\’z‚µ�C˜aŠyŠí‰¹Šy•¶‰»‚Ö‚Ì�Ï‹É“I‚ÈŠÖ—^‚ðŽ¦‚·‰¿’l‚¯�EˆÓ–¡‚¯‚ª�s‚í‚ê�C“à�݉»‚ª‘£‚³‚ꂽ‚±‚Æ�C‚Q�j‰z‹«•¶‰»‚Æ‚µ‚Ă̘aŠyŠí‰¹Šy•¶‰»‚ɑ΂µ‚Ä�CŠJ•ú“I�E‘¸�d“I‘Ô“x‚ðŽ¦‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚½‚ª�CŽ©ŒÈ‚Ì•¶‰»“IƒAƒCƒfƒ“ƒeƒBƒeƒB‚ðˆÓŽ¯‚·‚éŒ_‹@‚Æ‚È‚Á‚½‚±‚Æ�C‚R�j˜aŠyŠí‰¹Šy‚Ì‹¤—L‚ð’Ê‚µ‚Ä�¶‚¶‚½‹¤Š´‚Ì�ã‚É�C‘ŠŒÝ—�‰ð‚⋦“­ŠÖŒW‚ª�\’z‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚½‚±‚Æ�C‚S�j�u•¶‰»‚Ì‹¤—L‚̉”\�«‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚Ì”FŽ¯�v‚ªŒ`�¬‚³‚ê‚é‚È‚Ç�CƒtƒFƒXƒeƒBƒoƒ‹‚Å‚ÌŒoŒ±‚ª�C•¶‰»ŠÏ‚ÌŒ`�¬‚ɉe‹¿‚ð—^‚¦‚éŒ_‹@‚Æ‚È‚Á‚Ä‚¢‚½‚±‚Æ�C‚ª–¾‚ç‚©‚É‚È‚Á‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ƒhƒCƒc•t‹ß‚̉Ă̋CŒó‚ƃVƒ…�[ƒxƒ‹ƒg‚̉̋È�s�t‚É�t ˆÙŽ¿‚È‘¼ŽÒ‚Æ‚Ì�o‰ï‚¢‚𑣂·‘åŠw‚Å‚ÌŠw�Û“IŽö‹Æ‚Ì•ñ�� 75 89 EN Kuranoshin KATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University Isao NAGAOKA Faculty of Education, Okayama University Haruko KATO Faculty of Education, Gufu Shotoku Gakuen University (Former affiliation) 10.18926/CTED/70361 �@�uˆÙŽ¿‚È‘¼ŽÒ�v‚Ö‚Ì�o‰ï‚¢‚𑣂·Žö‹Æ—á‚Ì�X‚È‚é’~�Ï‚Ì‚½‚ß�CƒhƒCƒc•t‹ß‚Ì�u‰Ä�v‚Ì‹CŒó‚Æ‹G�ߊ´‚É’�–Ú‚µ‚½‹³‰È‰¡’f“I‚ÈŽö‹Æ‚ð‘åŠw‚ÅŽÀ‘H‚µ‚½�BŽö‹Æ‚Å‚Í�CƒhƒCƒc•t‹ß‚Ì‹CŒó‚Æ‹G�߃TƒCƒNƒ‹‚Ì’†‚Å‚Ì�u‰Ä�v‚Ì“Á’¥‚ð”cˆ¬‚·‚é‚Æ‹¤‚É�CƒVƒ…�[ƒxƒ‹ƒg‚̉̋È�s�t‚É�t‚ðŠÓ�Ü‚µ‚½�B�s�t‚É�t‚Ì3 ”Ô‚Ì�u‰Ä‚ÌŠÔ‚¶‚イ�C‚¸‚Á‚Æ�v‚Æ‚¢‚¤‰ÌŽŒ‚ʼn̂í‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�îŒi‚â�‚ª�CƒhƒCƒc•t‹ß‚Æ“ú–{•t‹ß‚ð‘z’肵‚½�ê�‡‚É‚Ç‚¤ˆá‚¢“¾‚é‚©�C‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚éŽó�u�¶‚Ì‹L�q‚ð•ª�Í‚µ‚½�B‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C“ú–{‚̉ĂÌ�‚‰·‘½Ž¼‚Ȋ‹«‚©‚ç‚ÍŒ´Ž�‚Ì�‚»‚Ì‚à‚Ì‚ª�¬—§‚µ“ï‚¢‚ÆŠ´‚¶‚½Šw�¶‚à‚¢‚é‚È‚Ç�C–{ŽÀ‘H‚Í�CŽ©•ª‚½‚¿‚Ì�u“–‚½‚è‘O�v‚Ƃ͈قȂé‹CŒó‚â‹G�ߊ´‚É‚à–Ú‚ðŒü‚¯‚é‹@‰ï‚ɂȂ蓾‚½‚Æ‚¢‚¦‚é�Bˆê•û�C“ú–{‚Æ‚Í‚©‚È‚èˆá‚¤‹CŒó”wŒi‚Ì’†‚ŃVƒ…�[ƒxƒ‹ƒg‚ªŽv‚¢•`‚¢‚½‚Å‚ ‚낤�îŒi�E�S�î‚ÉŽö‹Æ‚Å�[‚­”—‚邽‚ß‚Ì�C‰¹Šy•\Œ»Ž©‘Ì‚Ö‚Ì“¥‚Ý�ž‚Ý•û‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚à�C�¡ŒãŒŸ“¢‚·‚é•K—v�«‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ’†Šw�¶‚ð‘Î�Û‚Æ‚µ‚½ƒTƒbƒJ�[ŽŽ�‡’†‚Ì�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—Ê‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚錤‹† �`ƒ|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“‚Æ�g‘Ì�E‘Ì—Í“Á�«‚É’…–Ú‚µ‚Ä�` 61 73 EN Takaaki NATSUMEDA Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Minoru ADACHI Okayama University Graduate School of Education 10.18926/CTED/70360 �@’†Šw�¶34�l‚ð‘Î�Û‚Æ‚µ�C�g‘Ì�E‘Ì—Í“Á�«‚ƃTƒbƒJ�[ŽŽ�‡’†‚Ì�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—ʂɂ‚¢‚Ä�Cƒ|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“‚É’…–Ú‚µ‚Ä”äŠr�EŒŸ“¢‚µ‚½�D‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C�g‘Ì�E‘Ì—Í“Á�«‚ɂ‚¢‚Ă̓|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“ŠÔ‚É—LˆÓ‚È�·‚Í”F‚ß‚ç‚ê‚È‚©‚Á‚½�D•à�”‚ł̓|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“ŠÔ‚Å—LˆÓ�·‚ª”F‚ß‚ç‚ê�Cƒ‰ƒCƒgƒTƒCƒhƒoƒbƒN‚ª�­‚È‚­�CƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ƒ~ƒbƒhƒtƒBƒ‹ƒ_�[‚ª�‚‚©‚Á‚½�D‹­“x•Ê�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—ÊŽžŠÔ‚ÌŠ„�‡‚ł̓|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“ŠÔ‚Å—LˆÓ�·‚ª”F‚ß‚ç‚ê�Cƒ‰ƒCƒgƒTƒCƒhƒoƒbƒN‚ª’á‚­�CƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ƒ~ƒbƒhƒtƒBƒ‹ƒ_�[‚ª�‚‚©‚Á‚½�DˆÈ�ã‚Ì‚±‚Æ‚©‚ç�C–{Œ¤‹†‚Ì‘Î�Û’†Šw�¶‚ł̓|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“ŠÔ‚Å�g‘Ì�E‘Ì—Í“Á�«‚É‚Í—LˆÓ�·‚ª”F‚ß‚ç‚ê‚È‚¢‚ª�CƒTƒbƒJ�[ŽŽ�‡’†‚Ì�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—ʂł̓|ƒWƒVƒ‡ƒ“ŠÔ‚Å�·‚ª�¶‚¶‚邱‚Æ‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�D No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 �¬Šw�¶‚ÌŠw�Z�¶Šˆ‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—Ê‚Æ‘Ì—Í‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚錤‹† 45 59 EN Jin YASUNOBE Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Kensaku SASAYAMA Faculty of Education, Mie University Minoru ADACHI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70359 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Ì–Ú“I‚Í�C�¬Šw�Z6”N�¶‚ÌŠw�Z�¶Šˆ‚É‚¨‚¯‚銈“®�ê–Ê•Ê‚Ì�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—Ê‚ð‰Á‘¬“xŒv‚ð—p‚¢‚Ä‹qŠÏ“I‚É‘ª’肵�C‚»‚Ì‘Ì—Í‚Æ‚ÌŠÖŒW‚ðŒŸ“¢‚·‚邱‚Æ‚Å‚ ‚é�D‘Î�Û‚Í�¬Šw�ZŽ™“¶85–¼(’jŽq41–¼�C�—Žq44–¼)‚Æ‚µ�C‹x‚ÝŽžŠÔ�C‘̈çŽö‹Æ�CŠw�Z�¶Šˆ‘S‘Ì‚É‚¨‚¯‚é•à�”‚Æ‹­“x•ÊŠˆ“®ŽžŠÔ‚ð•]‰¿‚µ‚½�D‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�C’j�—‚Æ‚à‚É‘Ì—Í�ãˆÊŒQ‚Í‹x‚ÝŽžŠÔ‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä•à�”‚ÆMVPA‚ª‘½‚¢ŒXŒü‚ªŽ¦‚³‚ê�C“Á‚É’jŽq‚Í’†‹x‚Ý�C�—Žq‚Í’‹‹x‚Ý‚¨‚æ‚ё̈çŽö‹Æ‚Å—LˆÓ�·‚ª”F‚ß‚ç‚ꂽ�DŠeŠˆ“®�ê–Ê‚ÌMVPA ‚ª�è‚߂銄�‡‚Í‹x‚ÝŽžŠÔ11.3�“�C‘̈çŽö‹Æ15.7�“‚Å‚ ‚è�C�”ŠO�‘‚Æ”äŠr‚µ‚Ä�­‚È‚­�C�‘�Û“I�„�§’l‚É‚à“Í‚©‚È‚©‚Á‚½�D–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�C�¬Šw�Z‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�g‘ÌŠˆ“®—Ê‚ÌŠî‘bƒf�[ƒ^‚ð’ñŽ¦‚·‚é‚Æ‚Æ‚à‚É�CŠw�Z�¶Šˆ�C“Á‚É‹x‚ÝŽžŠÔ‚â‘̈çŽö‹Æ‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�g‘ÌŠˆ“®‹@‰ï‚Ì�[ŽÀ‚ª•K—v‚Å‚ ‚邱‚Æ‚ðŽ¦�´‚µ‚½�D No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 “ʃŒƒ“ƒY‚Ì‘œ‚Ì�¶‰E—�‰ð‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚é�¬—�‚Ì—vˆö•ª�Í ‹³‰È�‘•ª�Í‚Æ‹³ˆõƒAƒ“ƒP�[ƒg‚É‚æ‚é’T‹†“I‚ÈŠw‚Ñ‚Ö‚Ì’ñˆÄ 31 44 EN Kunihiko TANIMOTO Faculty of Education, Okayama University Yoshihiko INADA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70358 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�A’†Šw�Z—�‰È‚̓ʃŒƒ“ƒYŠw�K‚Å�¶“k‚ª‘œ‚ÌŒü‚«‚É•ø‚­�¬—�‚É’…–Ú‚µ‚½�B‚»‚Ì—vˆö‚ð�AŒõŒ¹�EƒXƒNƒŠ�[ƒ“�EŠÏŽ@�ê�Š‚Æ‚¢‚Á‚½ŽÀŒ±�ðŒ�‚ª�\•ª‚Ɉӎ¯‚³‚ê‚Ä‚±‚È‚©‚Á‚½“_‚É‚ ‚é‚Æ�lŽ@‚µ�AŠw�KŽw“±—v—Ì‚Æ‹³‰È�‘‚Ì•Ï‘J•ª�Í�A‚¨‚æ‚ÑŒ»�E‹³ˆõ‚ւ̃Aƒ“ƒP�[ƒg’²�¸‚ðŽÀŽ{‚µ‚½�B‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�A‹³‰È�‘‚Ì‹L�q‚ÍŠÏŽ@�ê�Š‚ðŽw’è‚·‚é•ûŒü‚֕ω»‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é‚à‚Ì‚Ì�AŒ»�ꋳˆõ‚ÌŽw“±–@‚ɂ͂΂ç‚‚«‚ª‚ ‚è�A�¶“k‚Ì�¬—�‚ð�µ‚­ˆêˆö‚Æ‚È‚Á‚Ä‚¢‚邱‚Ƃ𖾂炩‚É‚µ‚½�B‚±‚ê‚ç‚̉ۑè‰ðŒˆ‚Ì‚½‚ß�AŠÏŽ@Ž‹“_‚ðŽ©‘R‚ɌŒè‚Å‚«‚é3D ƒvƒŠƒ“ƒ^�»‹³�Þ‚ðŠJ”­‚µ�A‹³ˆõŒ¤�C‚Å‚»‚Ì—LŒø�«‚ðŒŸ“¢‚µ‚½�B–{‹³�Þ‚Í�¶“k‚Ì’¼Š´“I—�‰ð‚𑣂µ�A’T‹†“I‚ÈŠw‚Ñ‚ðˆø‚«�o‚·�ã‚Å—LŒø‚Å‚ ‚邱‚Æ‚ªŽ¦�´‚³‚ꂽ�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 �à–¾“I•¶�Í‚ÌŽw“±‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�u“à�È�v‚𑣂·”á”»“I“Ç‚Ý �\�‚“™Šw�Z‚P”N�¶‚ð‘Î�Û‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�\ 15 29 EN Yumi SAISHO Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Corse), Okayama University Masafumi IKEDA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70357 �@”á”»“I“Ç‚Ý‚Í�CŒ»‘ã‚Å‚ÍŒ‡‚©‚¹‚È‚¢”\—Í‚Å‚ ‚è�CŠw�KŽw“±—v—Ì‚É‚à–¾‹L‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�B‹ß”N�C”á”»“I“Ç‚Ý‚ÌŽw“±‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚錤‹†‚ª‚È‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é‚à‚Ì‚Ì�C“à—e“I‚ȉ¿’l‚ÌŒŸ“¢‚âŽÐ‰ï“I‚È•¶–¬‚Ì‚È‚©‚Å‘¨‚¦‚邱‚Æ‚ªŠó”–‚¾‚Æ‚·‚éŽw“E‚â�C�u”½�È�«�v‚Æ‚¢‚¤ŠÏ“_‚É’…–Ú‚µ‚½”á”»“I“Ç‚Ý‚ð‹�‚ß‚é�º‚à‚ ‚é�B‚»‚±‚Å�C–{�e‚Å‚Í�C•¶�Í‚»‚Ì‚à‚Ì‚ð”á”»“I‚É“Ç‚Þ‚¾‚¯‚Å‚È‚­�CŽ©�g‚ÌŽ�‚Á‚Ä‚¢‚é�l‚¦‚ð‚à”á”»“I‚É‘¨‚¦‚é�i“à�È‚·‚é�j‚±‚Ƃ𑣂·Žö‹Æ‚ðŠJ”­‚µ‚½�B‚»‚ÌŽè—§‚Ä‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C•¡�”‚̎Љï”FŽ¯‚ª‘¶�Ý‚·‚é“ñ‚‚̋³�Þ‚Ì“Ç‚Ý”ä‚ׂ½‚¤‚¦‚Å�C‘Η§‚·‚é—§�ê‚©‚ç‚̈ӌ©ŒðŠ·‚ð�s‚¤‚±‚Æ‚â�C‹³�ނɑ΂·‚é•]‰¿‚Ì‹L�q�C‚»‚Ì‹L�q�iŽ©ŒÈ‚Ì“Ç‚Ý�j‚ðŠw�KŽÒŽ©�g‚ª•]‰¿‚·‚é‚Æ‚¢‚Á‚½Šˆ“®‚ðŽæ‚è“ü‚ꂽ�BŠw�KŽÒ‚Ì‹L�q‚Ì•ª�Í‚©‚ç‚Í�CˆÓŽ¯“I‚È“à�È‚ÉŽŠ‚ç‚È‚©‚Á‚½Šw�KŽÒ‚àŒ©Žó‚¯‚ç‚ꂽ‚à‚Ì‚Ì�C–ñ‚UŠ„‚ÌŠw�KŽÒ‚Ì‹L�q‚É‚Í•Ï—e‚ªŒ©‚ç‚ê�C—p‚¢‚½Žè—§‚Ä‚ÍŒø‰Ê‚ª‚ ‚Á‚½‚Æ�„‘ª‚Å‚«‚邱‚Æ‚ðŽw“E‚µ‚½�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ŠO�‘�l—cŽ™‚Ì�AŠwŽx‰‡‚É‚¨‚¯‚é•ÛˆçŽm‚Ì�H•v‚ÆŽÀ‘H“I‰Û‘è 1 13 EN Yiwen CHEN The Joint Graduate School (Ph.D. Program) in Science of School Education, Hyogo University of Teacher, Hyogo University of Teacher Education Kazuki YANAGISAWA Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Xinyu REN Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Munehisa YOSHITOSHI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70356 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�CŠO�‘�l—cŽ™‚ª�AŠwŠú‚É’¼–Ê‚·‚é�¢“ï‚ɑΉž‚·‚邽‚ß�C•ÛˆçŽm‚ª�s‚Á‚Ä‚¢‚é‹ï‘Ì“I‚È•ÛˆçŽÀ‘H‚É‚¨‚¯‚éŽx‰‡‚Ì�H•v‚Ɖۑè‚𖾂炩‚É‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ð–Ú“I‚Æ‚µ‚½�BŠO�‘�l—cŽ™‚ÌŽx‰‡ŒoŒ±‚ð—L‚·‚é•ÛˆçŽm2 –¼‚É”¼�\‘¢‰»ƒCƒ“ƒ^ƒrƒ…�[‚ð�s‚¢�CSCAT ‚ð—p‚¢‚½Ž¿“I•ª�Í‚É‚æ‚è�C—cŽ™‚¨‚æ‚Ñ•ÛŒìŽÒ‚Ö‚ÌŽx‰‡“à—e‚ð�®—�‚µ‚½�B‚»‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê�CŒ¾Œê–Ê‚Å‚ÍŽ‹Šo“IŽx‰‡‚â‚₳‚µ‚¢“ú–{Œê‚ðŠˆ—p‚µ�C•¶‰»–ʂł͉ƒ땶‰»‚Æ“ú–{‚̉€•¶‰»‚Ì’²�®‚ª�s‚í‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚½�B”­’BŽx‰‡‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä‚Í�C”ñ”F’m“IƒXƒLƒ‹‚̈ç�¬‚âˆã—Ë@ŠÖ‚Ƃ̘AŒg‚Ì•K—v�«‚ªŽw“E‚³‚ꂽ�B•ÛŒìŽÒŽx‰‡‚Å‚Í�CŽQ‰ÁŒ^‚ÌŠÖ‚í‚è‚â’š”J‚È�à–¾‚ªŽÀ‘H‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚½‚ª�C�§“x�î•ñ‚Ì’ñ‹Ÿ‚â�s�­‚Ƃ̘AŒg‚ɂ͉ۑ肪Žc‚³‚ꂽ�B‚±‚ê‚ç‚ÌŒ‹‰Ê‚𓥂܂¦�C�¡Œã‚Í•ÛˆçŽm‚̌•ʓI“w—͂Ɉˑ¶‚µ‚È‚¢‚½‚ß‚É‚à�C‘½•¶‰»”wŒi‚ð‚à‚‰ƒë‚Ö‚ÌŽx‰‡‚ð�§“x“I‚ÉŽx‚¦‚é’nˆæ˜AŒg‘Ì�§‚Ì�®”õ‚â�C�î•ñ’ñ‹Ÿ‚Ì•W�€‰»�C“ú–{Œê‹³ˆçŽ‘Œ¹‚Æ‚Ì�Ú‘±‚ð�}‚éŽÀ‘H“IŽd‘g‚Ý‚Ì�\’z‚ª‹�‚ß‚ç‚ê‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 •\Ž†�E–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆç�„�i‹@�\ ‹³Žt‹³ˆçŠJ”­ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[‹I—v ‘æ16�† ‘S•¶�iˆêŠ‡ƒ_ƒEƒ“ƒ��[ƒh—p�j EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0309-0167 2026 Clinicopathological and transcriptomic profiles of 101 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/high-grade B-cell lymphoma with double-hit MYC and BCL2 or BCL6 and triple hit EN Masashi Miyaoka Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Joaquim Carreras Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Yara Yukie Kikuti Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Haruka Ikoma Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Shunsuke Nagase Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Atsushi Ito Department of Pathology, School of Medicine Tokai University Isehara Japan Makoto Orita Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Hiroshi Kawada Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Rika Sakai Department of Medical Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center Yasuharu Sato Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Midori Filiz Nishimura Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Kunihiro Tsukasaki Department of Hematology, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University Shuji Momose Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University Yoshihiro Kameoka Department of Hematology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine Masahiro Yoshida Department of Hematology, Osaka City General Hospital Akira Satou Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital Seiichi Kato Center for Clinical Pathology, Fujita Health University Hospital Naoki Oishi Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi Akio Saito Department of Hematology, NHO Shibukawa Medical Center Ken Sadahira Division of Hematology, Kawasaki Municipal Kawasaki Hospital Yohei Masugi Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Naoya Nakamura Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University Aims: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/high-grade B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL/HGBCL) with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (double-hit lymphoma with BCL2, DHL-BCL2) is a mature aggressive B-cell lymphoma that also includes concurrent triple hit with BCL6 translocation (TH). DHL with MYC and BCL6 (DH-BCL6) can also occur. The differences among these three DLBCL/HGBCL subtypes have not yet been definitively determined.<br> Methods and Results: This study characterized the clinicopathological features and transcriptomic profiles of a series of 101 cases of DLBCL/HGBCL that were subclassified according to MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 FISH data, including cell-of-origin (COO)-like, molecular high-grade (MHG)-like and double-hit/dark-zone (DHIT/DZsig)-like signatures. DLBCL/HGBCL-DH-BCL2 was characterized by higher HGBCL morphology, CD10 positivity, GCB Hans's, GCB COO and MHG molecular subtype. DLBCL/HGBCL-TH had higher LDH levels and worse overall survival. DLBCL/HGBCL-DH-BCL6 had higher MUM1 expression, non-GCB Hans', ABC/Unclassified COO, non-MHG and low DHIT/DZ signatures. Transcriptomic analysis showed that DLBCL/HGBCL-DH-BCL2 and DLBCL/HGBCL-TH were close but separated from DLBCL/HGBCL-DH-BCL6. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed different levels of enrichment between the subtypes.<br> Conclusions: DLBCL/HGBCL-DH-BCL6 differs from the DLBCL/HGBCL-DH-BCL2, and the DLBCL/HGBCL-TH is associated with the worst survival. Analysis of all three genes of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 is recommended in the context of DLBCL/HGBCL diagnosis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1432-0851 75 3 2026 A real-world comparison of nivolumab plus cabozantinib and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib focusing on safety outcomes in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: results from the JK-FOOT consortium 84 EN Takafumi Yanagisawa Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Keiichiro Mori Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Tatsushi Kawada Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna Satoshi Katayama Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna Takuya Tsujino Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Ryoichi Maenosono Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Shingo Toyoda Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University Takuhisa Nukaya Department of Urology, Fujita-Health University School of Medicine Hirofumi Morinaka Department of Urology, Kawasaki Medical School Keita Tamura Department of Urology, Hamamatsu Medical University Wataru Fukuokaya Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Fumihiko Urabe Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Masaya Murakami Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Kensuke Bekku Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kiyoshi Takahara Department of Urology, Fujita-Health University School of Medicine Kazutoshi Fujita Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University Haruhito Azuma Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Motoo Araki Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Teruo Inamoto Department of Urology, Hamamatsu Medical University Kazumasa Komura Department of Urology, Kawasaki Medical School Takahiro Kimura Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Purpose Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination therapy is a standard first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), with combinations such as nivolumab plus cabozantinib (Nivo + Cabo) and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib (Pem + Len) demonstrating favorable oncologic outcomes. However, no direct comparisons between these two regimens have been conducted. This study aimed to compare the safety and oncologic outcomes of Nivo + Cabo and Pem + Len in patients with mRCC.<br> Methods This retrospective study included 185 patients with mRCC treated with Nivo + Cabo (n = 81) or Pem + Len (n = 104) between January 2018 and June 2025 across multiple institutions. The primary outcome was a comparison of treatment-related adverse events (TrAEs). Oncologic outcomes, including objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS), were compared using one-to-one propensity score matching.<br> Results Any-grade TrAEs occurred in 90% of patients in the Nivo + Cabo group and 92% in the Pem + Len group (p = 0.6). Severe TrAEs (grade ≥ 3) were more frequent in the Pem + Len group (44%) than in the Nivo + Cabo group (30%, p = 0.048). Tyrosine kinase inhibitor dose reduction and treatment discontinuation rates were similar between groups. In the matched cohort (Nivo + Cabo: n = 74; Pem + Len: n = 74), ORRs were comparable (66% vs. 71%, p = 0.6). With a median follow-up of 17 months, no significant differences were observed in PFS (p = 0.4), CSS (p = 0.9), or OS (p = 0.5).<br> Conclusions Nivo + Cabo and Pem + Len demonstrated similar oncologic efficacy as first-line treatments for mRCC. However, Pem + Len was associated with more severe TrAEs. Careful toxicity management and shared decision-making are essential when selecting ICI-based combinations. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

ˆê”ÊŽÐ’c–@�l•²‘Ì•²–––è‹à‹¦‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 0532-8799 73 3 2026 ”MŠÔ�Ã�…ˆ³‰Áˆ³–@‚ð—p‚¢‚½ƒCƒbƒgƒŠƒAˆÀ’艻ƒWƒ‹ƒRƒjƒAãk–§‘w‚̒ቷŒ`�¬ 55 59 EN Kyohei MANABE Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. Mitsuaki ECHIGO Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. Akira KISHIMOTO Institute of Academic and Research, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University The sintering conditions using hot isostatic press (HIP) of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were investigated to obtain a dense YSZ layer at low sintering temperature such as 1000�‹C for an electrolyte of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell. It was found that a dense YSZ pellet with relative density of 93% could be obtained under a sintering condition of 1000�‹C-10 hours with HIP in 195 MPa. On the other hand, in X-ray diffraction analysis of the dense YSZ pellet, peaks of the monoclinic phase were slightly detected in addition to peaks of the cubic phase. From energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, a small amount of boron was detected in the dense YSZ pellet. It is considered that the YSZ crystalline phase transformation of cubic to monoclinic phase was occurred by the boron diffusion from the diffusion barrier coating of metal foil capsule used for the HIP. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2192-4449 15 1 2026 A case of tubulointerstitial nephritis with infiltration of neutrophils and interleukin-17-positive cells associated with Behçet�fs disease 35 EN Naruhiko Uchida Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keiko Tanaka Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Natsuki Kubota Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takayuki Katsuyama Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Tanabe Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruhito A. Uchida Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Wada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Behçet�fs disease (BD) is a non-infectious inflammatory condition characterized by neutrophilic infiltration. In addition to primary symptoms, including oral and genital ulcers, ocular involvement, and skin lesions, BD can also affect various organs. However, renal involvement, particularly in tubulointerstitial nephritis, has rarely been described. Herein, a rare case of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in a patient clinically diagnosed with BD is reported. The renal lesion presented with other symptoms of BD and fever, and was considered to be BD-related due to the presence of neutrophilic infiltration and its responsiveness to BD-directed therapy. Alterations in T-helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles are associated with BD activity. Interleukin (IL)-17 plays a central role in neutrophil activation, and recent studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between IL-17A levels and BD activity. In the present case, elevated serum IL-17A levels and infiltration of IL-17A-positive cells into the renal tissue reflected an active phase of BD and a BD-associated renal lesion. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 ‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 ƒZƒ“ƒ^�[•ñ��“Š�e—v—Ì 79 79 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 Ž‘—¿ : 2023”N“x 75 78 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 ‰^‰c : 2023”N“x 13 73 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 ’nˆæ˜AŒg : 2023”N“x 11 11 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 ŽŽŒ±Œ¤‹† : 2023”N“x 7 9 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 ‹³ˆç : 2023”N“x 1 6 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 –ÚŽŸ ii ii EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 �˜ i i EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw”_Šw•”•�‘®ŽR—zŒ—ƒtƒB�[ƒ‹ƒh‰ÈŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^�[ Acta Medica Okayama 0910-8742 46 2024 •\Ž† EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Acta Medica Okayama 1043-1802 37 3 2026 A Cysteine-Specific Cationization Strategy for Versatile Antibody Production against Intrinsically Disordered Proteins 580 589 EN Ryui Sakaguchi Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Ai Miyamoto Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Rikako Kutsuma Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Takeru Mori Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Daichi Nakashima Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Mirei Masui Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Tomoko Honjo Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Midori Futami Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of Science Mariko Morii Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Toshiyuki Oshiki Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Junichiro Futami Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Several autoantigens relevant to the immune system, especially those targeted by autoantibodies induced by antitumor responses, tend to be rich in disordered regions and are prone to aggregation. This inherent instability presents significant challenges for the production, purification, and analysis of autoantigens in laboratory settings. Cysteine-specific cationization can effectively solubilize and purify these challenging proteins, allowing the isolation of full-length water-soluble antigens in their denatured state. The purified antigens enable accurate multiplex autoantibody assays using a suspension Luminex bead array platform. However, well-validated positive control antibodies are essential to ensuring precise clinical diagnosis. In this study, we prepared and characterized a panel of control antibodies by immunizing rabbits with cysteine-specific S-cationized antigens. The resulting antibodies predominantly recognized linear epitopes and were highly effective as quality control reagents in autoantibody array assays. Additionally, these antibodies maintained their ability to bind to their native, unmodified intracellular counterparts, highlighting the usefulness of this approach for producing antibodies against intrinsically disordered proteins. Although a modest immune response against the S-cationized modification site was observed, it remained minimal and did not affect the usefulness of the antibodies for assay validation. We propose this versatile cysteine-specific cationization platform for managing unstable proteins rich in disordered regions, supporting antigen production for diagnostics, and antibody development for research and validation purposes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2688-4046 6 3 2026 PPy�]Coated Wire Actuators for the Micromechanostimulation of Cells: Fabrication and Characterization e202500639 EN Amaia B. Ortega�]Santos Sensor and Actuator Systems, Department of Physics Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University Satoru Hayano Department of Orthodontics, Okayama University Hospital Emilio Satoshi Hara Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Dental School, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jose G. Martínez Sensor and Actuator Systems, Department of Physics Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University Hiroshi Kamioka Department of Orthodontics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Edwin W. H. Jager Sensor and Actuator Systems, Department of Physics Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University Cellular mechanotransduction signals play a crucial role in physiological and pathological conditions, including skeletal disorders. Although various systems exist to mechanically stimulate cultured cells, most are constrained by incubator incompatibility, limited physiological relevance, nonuniform stimulation, or complexity. The objective of this article is to develop and validate a compact, incubator-compatible tool capable of delivering localized and physiologically relevant mechanical stimulation to small cell populations. Here, we introduce a polypyrrole-based wire-shaped microactuator designed to induce localized mechanical stress to adjacent cells. These wire-shaped microactuators are biocompatible, easy-to-use, and compact for use within standard in vitro cell culture systems. Using a noncontact optical method, we characterize the actuation of polypyrrole-coated wires in an aqueous NaDBS electrolyte, showing radial expansion of 1.5–8 µm depending on the deposited polypyrrole film thickness, comparable to cellular dimensions. Next, the actuation is confirmed to be robust and stable to use in cell culture media at physiological temperature. To evaluate biological relevance, osteoblastic KUSA-A1 cells are mechanically stimulated inside the incubator and transcriptomic changes are assessed. Mechanical stimulation resulted in upregulation of genes previously associated with mechanotransduction, including Fos and Fosb. Additionally, several uncharacterized long noncoding RNAs are differentially expressed, suggesting potential novel players in the mechanotransduction pathway. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 1467-5463 27 1 2026 SGCRNA: spectral clustering-guided co-expression network analysis without scale-free constraints for multi-omic data bbag021 EN Tatsunori Osone Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoka Takao Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shigeo Otake Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takeshi Takarada Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) is among the most widely employed methods in bioinformatics. WGCNA enables the identification of gene clusters (modules) exhibiting correlated expression patterns, the association of these modules with traits, and the exploration of candidate biomarker genes by focusing on hub genes within the modules. WGCNA has been successfully applied in diverse biological contexts. However, conventional algorithms manifest three principal limitations: the assumption of scale-free topology, the requirement for parameter tuning, and the neglect of regression line slopes. These limitations are addressed by SGCRNA. SGCRNA provides Julia functions for the analysis of co-expression networks derived from various types of biological data, such as gene expression data. The Julia packages and their source code are freely available at https://github.com/C37H41N2O6/SGCRNAs.jl. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2410-387X 9 4 2025 Role-Based Efficient Proactive Secret Sharing with User Revocation 80 EN Yixuan He Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yuta Kodera Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yasuyuki Nogami Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Samsul Huda Interdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama University Proactive secret sharing (PSS), an extension of secret-sharing schemes, safeguards sensitive data in dynamic distributed networks by periodically refreshing shares to counter adversarial attacks. In our previous work, we constructed a non-interactive proactive secret scheme by integrating threshold homomorphic encryption (ThHE) while reducing the communication complexity to 𝑂(𝑛). Not only is refreshing shares important but revoking the shares of users who have left the system is also essential in practical dynamic membership scenarios. However, the previous work was insufficient for supporting explicit user revocation. This study strengthens the description of roles for authorized users and proposes a scheme to achieve non-interactive share refresh and dynamic user management. In each epoch, authorized users are classified into three roles: retain, newly join, and rejoin, and they receive a broadcast of the compact ciphertext encoding both the refresh information and the revocation instructions from the trusted center (dealer). Authorized users independently derive new shares through homomorphic computations, whereas revoked users are unable to generate new shares. Hash functions are used to bind revocation parameters to the cryptographic hashes of valid users in order to guarantee integrity during revocation, allowing for effective verification without compromising non-interactivity. Our new scheme not only extends the revocation structure but also preserves the 𝑂(𝑛) communication complexity. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1424-8220 25 21 2025 Integrated Authentication Server Design for Efficient Kerberos–Blockchain VANET Authentication 6651 EN Maya Rahayu Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Md. Biplob Hossain Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Samsul Huda Interdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama University Yasuyuki Nogami Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is a fundamental component of the intelligent transportation systems (ITS), providing critical road information to users. However, the volatility of VANETs creates significant vulnerabilities from malicious actors. Thus, verifying joining entities is crucial to maintaining the VANET�fs communication security. Authentication delays must stay below 100 ms to meet VANET requirements, posing a major challenge for security. Our previous research introduced a Kerberos–Blockchain (KBC) authentication system that contains two main components separately: Authentication Server (AS) and Ticket Granting Server (TGS). However, this KBC architecture required an additional server to accommodate increasing vehicle volumes in urban environments, leading to higher infrastructure costs. This paper presents an integrated authentication server that merges AS and TGS into a Combined Server (CBS) while retaining blockchain security. We evaluate it using OMNeT++ with SUMO for traffic simulation and Ganache for blockchain implementation. Results show that CBS removes the need for an extra server while keeping authentication delays under 100 ms. It also improves throughput by 104% and reduces signaling overhead by 45% compared to KBC. By optimizing authentication without compromising security, the integrated server greatly enhances the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of VANET systems. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BON VIEW PUBLISHING PTE Acta Medica Okayama 2810-9503 5 1 2025 A Study on Zeek IDS Effectiveness for Cybersecurity in Agricultural IoT Networks 133 142 EN Samsul Huda Interdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama University Muhammad Bisri Musthafa Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University S. M. Shamim Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yasuyuki Nogami Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University As agriculture moves toward Agriculture 4.0, which uses Internet of Things (IoT) devices to collect data in real time and monitor things from a distance, these networks are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. A common method used to protect against these kinds of threats is the use of intrusion detection systems (IDS). However, the agricultural environment is often changing and has limited resources, which makes cybersecurity challenging. Several available IDS tools are not designed to work properly in places with few resources, intermittent access, and unpredictable network conditions. This paper investigates the performance of Zeek, an open-source IDS, in identifying potential threats in agricultural IoT networks. We performed both offline and real-time experiments: offline analysis used pcap files from the Stratosphere Laboratory dataset, and real-time evaluation involved simulated live attack scenarios, focusing on unauthorized access attempts and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Zeek's performance was assessed based on CPU and memory utilization, as well as quality of service (QoS) metrics. From the experimental results, we found that Zeek was quite effective in protecting agricultural IoT networks against typical threats. Memory usage remained stable around 5% during offline analysis and under 20% during active attacks. However, CPU usage was more volatile, peaking at 120% during DDoS events. In terms of QoS, the system maintained a good throughput (1,375 kbits/s) with minimal packet loss (0.000186%). Among the attack types that we tested, brute force attacks, which represent attempts at unauthorized access, had the strongest effect on network performance, increasing delay to 2.159 ms and jitter to 0.793 ms. It seems clear that a heavier traffic load during such attacks can interfere with QoS. On the basis of our observation, we recommend practical deployment strategies for agricultural IoT systems that take these limitations into consideration, aiming to keep networks both secure and efficient under pressure. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 — •\Ž†�E‰p•¶–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 “Š�e‹K’ö�E‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 2025 ”N“xŽŸ�¢‘ãˆã—Ë@ŠíŠJ”­�l�Þˆç�¬ƒvƒ�ƒOƒ‰ƒ€ BIZEN ƒfƒoƒCƒXƒfƒUƒCƒ“ƒR�[ƒX‚ÌŽæ‚è‘g‚Ý 59 68 EN Tsuneaki TSUZUKI Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke UCHIDA Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Toshio KISHIMOTO Organization for Research and Innovation Strategy, Okayama University Yoshinari SENGOKU Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Toshio KORENAGA Organization for Research and Innovation Strategy, Okayama University Yu HITOBE Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yasuyuki YOSHIBA Academic Field of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Jun SAKURAI Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70331 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 2025 ”N“x‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�u�æ�i•a‰@ŽÀ�K�v‚ÌŽæ‚è‘g‚Ý 49 57 EN Mizuki MORITA Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Masaki MAGARI Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Jin Wang Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Toyohiko WATANABE Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Masataka OITA Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Nahoko HARADA Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Keisuke SHISHIDO Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70330 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 ‚킪�‘‚̃Aƒhƒoƒ“ƒX�EƒPƒA�Eƒvƒ‰ƒ“ƒjƒ“ƒO‚É‚¨‚¯‚é’nˆæ�Z–¯‚Ö‚Ì“®‹@‚¯‚Æ•]‰¿‚ɂ‚¢‚Ẵiƒ‰ƒeƒBƒu�EƒŒƒrƒ…�[ 39 47 EN Takako HASUI Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing Naoko NAKAYAMA Kanagawa University of Human Services 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70329 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 HIV ŒŸ�¸‹Z�p‚Æ“ú–{‚É‚¨‚¯‚é HIV ŒŸ�¸‘Ì�§‚Ì•Ï‘J 27 37 EN Decheng WANG Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70328 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 Shared Decision Making ‚É‚¨‚¯‚銳ŽÒŽQ‰Á‚Ì�”‘Š‚Ɖۑè‚Ì�lŽ@ 17 25 EN Miho YOSHIDA Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70327 This paper traces the historical development of decision-making models in healthcare while exploring the meaning and practical significance of �gpatient participation�h within the shared decision-making (SDM) framework. SDM is a recommended approach to clinical decision-making that emphasizes mutual information sharing and deliberation between physicians and patients. Traditional models often assume that patients can clearly articulate their values, preferences, and treatment goals. However, in actual clinical settings, particularly in cases of serious illness or life-threatening situations, patients frequently face emotional distress and psychological burdens, which can hinder their active participation in decision-making and the expression of their preferences. Based on SDM theory and practice reports, this study argues that SDM should not be viewed merely as a process that promotes patient choice. Even when patients choose not to actively participate and ultimately delegate decisions to healthcare providers or family members, such a choice can represent autonomous decision-making if it arises through meaningful communication and mutual understanding. This perspective calls for a more comprehensive and flexible interpretation of patient participation in SDM practice. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 ‰îŒì‹Z�p˜_ŽŽ˜_�\�‚—îŽÒ‰îŒì‚ðŽ–—á‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�\ 7 16 EN Yasuyuki YOSHIBA Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70326 In the first part of this paper, it was confirmed that the term �gkaigo�h (nursing care) was coined and its meaning defined during discussions on enacting social welfare legislation accompanying societal aging, as the care aspect was being �gdifferentiated�h from the �gfamily�fs health and welfare functions.�h The paper also examined how the term �gkaigo gijutsu�h(nursing care technique) has been defined and used. In the latter part, based on the author�fs own definition of �gkaigo gijutsu�h(nursing care technology), an attempt was made to analyze examples of technology utilization in nursing care settings, focusing on papers published in specialized welfare and nursing care technology journals. Through this preliminary study, it was shown that the author�fs definition of �gnursing care technology�h clearly distinguishes between the means for care activities�\such as welfare equipment�\and the care recipients and caregivers who make use of them, and that this definition is useful for grasping the essence of challenges in nursing care settings. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 The effects of cold compresses on itching in patients with atopic dermatitis: A cross-over controlled pilot trial 1 6 EN Yuki HIRAMI Former Department of Nursing, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Nahoko HARADA Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Miho ONO Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences Masahide KODA Co-learning Community Healthcare Re-innovation Office, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kiyoko FUKAI Professor Emeritus, Okayama University, Graduate School of Nursing, The Jikei University School of Medicine 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70325 This cross-over controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two types of cold compresses (towels and ice packs) in alleviating itching among patients with atopic dermatitis. The study recruited 19 participants diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and suffering from chronic itching for over 6 months. Each participant received both types of cold compress interventions. Itching sensations were assessed repeatedly using a visual analogue scale before and after the application of the cold compress. The mean and standard deviation of itching scores for the towel intervention were 16.9 �} 19.1 (baseline) and 11.4 �} 16.1 (post-application). For the ice pack intervention, the scores were 13.6 �} 14.7 (baseline) and 6.2 �} 9.8 (post-application). Although there was a reduction in mean itching scores following the application of cold compresses, the differences were not statistically significant for either intervention. Despite the lack of statistical significance, this study suggests that cold compresses, which are user-friendly and inexpensive, may safely reduce subjective itching in patients with atopic dermatitis without causing pain or discomfort. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ƒwƒ‹ƒXƒVƒXƒeƒ€“��‡‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 •\Ž†�E–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Acta Medica Okayama 2314-6133 2025 2025 Comparing the Activity of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Frozen Under Electromagnetic Field Freezing and Standard Slow-Freezing 9884345 EN Takehiro Matsubara Okayama University Hospital Biobank Mina Takagi Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School Takahiro Uwabo Department of Biorepository Research and Networking, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Junichi Soh Department of Thoracic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine Shinichi Toyooka Okayama University Hospital Biobank Mizuki Morita Okayama University Hospital Biobank Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are cells obtained from the blood that are used not only in clinical tests but also in various research applications. The slow-freezing (SLF) method, currently the standard for PBMC cryopreservation, involves extended storage at �|80�‹C before transfer to liquid nitrogen. Delays in this transfer, such as overnight or weekend holds, risk a gradual decline in cell viability. Additionally, variability in freezing duration can lead to inconsistent cell quality, emphasizing the need for an alternative freezing method that allows for more timely transfer to liquid nitrogen. This study is aimed at clarifying whether the method of using a freezer with an applied electromagnetic field (EMF) is superior to the currently used standard SLF method for PBMC cryopreservation. A comparison of the number of viable cells, cell viability, and cell activity showed that the EMF method was equivalent to the SLF method. However, the shortest time required for freezing was significantly shorter with the EMF method than the SLF method (0.25 vs. 3 h), allowing for earlier transfer of PBMC to liquid nitrogen. This demonstrates that the EMF method offers an advantage in operational efficiency, particularly for facilities that routinely process and store PBMCs, such as biobanks and other storage-focused departments. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 16 1 2026 Tribolium castaneum with longer duration of tonic immobility have more variations corresponding to the human Parkinson�fs disease genomic region 8840 EN Keisuke Tanaka NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture Ken Sasaki Graduate School of Agriculture, Tamagawa University Shunsuke Yajima NODAI Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture Takahisa Miyatake Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Parkinson�fs disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is also a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by dopamine deficiency. We established strains artificially selected for longer and shorter durations of tonic immobility, an antipredator behavior that has received much attention recently, in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a model insect species for molecular analyses different from Drosophila melanogaster. Previous studies have shown that the long strains (L-strain) have significantly lower levels of dopamine expression in the brain than the short strains (S-strain) and that they have an abnormal pattern of locomotor activity. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that administering dopamine to L-strain beetles reduces the duration of tonic immobility. Transcriptome analysis of brain and thorax of the L- and S-strains also showed differences in mRNA expression of genes involved in dopamine synthesis and tyrosine metabolism. These results indicate that the phenotype and molecular basis of the L-strain are similar to those of Parkinson�fs syndrome symptoms. In order to establish a link between T. castaneum and PD, we compared the DNA sequences of the L- and S-strains to human genes affecting dopaminergic pathways. The DNA comparison revealed many mutated regions in these genes in the L-strain. We discuss the relationship between dopaminergic pathway genes and PD-like phenotypes across humans, Drosophila, and the red flour beetle. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Asian Agricultural and Biological Engineering Association Acta Medica Okayama 1881-8366 19 1 2026 Biosensing method of growth diagnosis in the forced culture of strawberries �\Development of crop-identification algorithms�\ 42 50 EN Shogo TSUBOTA Institute of Agricultural Machinery, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization Kazuhiko NAMBA Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shota KASEI Institute of Agricultural Machinery, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization Tokihiro FUKATSU Institute of Agricultural Machinery, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization An image-processing algorithm for identifying individual crops is developed for labor-savings and time-series biological information collection. Information including the leaf development frequency are diagnostic indicators of strawberry growth. The algorithm is designed for drones in greenhouses that cannot acquire location information using the global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Drones fly over crop rows and sequentially assign identification numbers (IDs) to crops. Object-detection artificial intelligence (AI) is used to estimate the crop zone, and the ID is based on the crops number difference between frames. The previous misdetection rate was 1.06 %, failing to identify crops, which decreases to 0.31 % using the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, because there are no failures in consecutive frames, IDs are assigned to all crops correctly. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 ‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 �u‚Ú‚Á‚¯‚¦�v‚Æ�u‚Å‚¦‚ꂦ�v�\“¯‹`“I—Þ‹`Œê‚̈Ӗ¡—p–@‚Ì•ª�Í�\ (48) (60) EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 že–ì�_ˆê�w�Î�ì‚­‚ñ�x‚ÉŠw‚Ô‰C•¶‚Ì�‘‚«Š·‚¦ �\•¶–@‚ÆŒêœb‚Ì‘I‘ð‚ª‚à‚½‚ç‚·•\Œ»‚Ì‘Î�Æ�«�\ (37) (47) EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 �º˜a�‰Šú‚É‚¨‚¯‚鋽“y�‘Œê“Ç–{‚ÌŒŸ“¢ �\ˆ°“cŒb”V�•‚ÆŒq‚ª‚è‚Ì�[‚¢‰F˜a“‡˜a—ì�q�í�¬Šw�Z‚É‚¨‚¯‚é“Ç–{•ÒŽ[�\ (23) (36) EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 �ꌟ�‘Œê‰È‚ÌŽŽŒ±–â‘è �\“�ˆê–â‘è‚É‚Ý‚é’†Šw�Z�‘Œê‰È‚Ì‹³‰È“à—e�\ (13) (22) EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 ŒP“ÇŠ¿Ž�‚̉¹“ǂɂ‚¢‚Ä �\‰¹“Ç‘ä–{‚Ì‚·‚·‚ß�\ (1) (12) EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 �sŽ„‚Ì�‘Œê‹³Žº�t�@�u‘¦�À‚Ì•\Œ»—Í�v‚̈ç�¬ 42 45 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 �¶�¬‚`‚h‚Ì�u‚à‚Á‚Æ‚à‚炵‚³�v‚ð–â‚¢’¼‚· �\�o“T‚É—§‚¿•Ô‚éŠw�K‚ð’Ê‚¶‚Ä�\ 35 41 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 ‘å’Ã�cŽq‚Æ�Î�ì˜Y�—‚Ì‘¡“š‰Ì �\“ü–勳�Þ‚Æ‚µ‚Ă̌ÓT˜a‰Ì�\ 18 34 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 ˜D�v�uŒÌ‹½�v˜_ �\�q�‚‚¢•Ç�r‚Ì’†‚Ì�uŽ„�v�\ 1 17 EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‹³ˆçŠw•”�‘ŒêŒ¤‹†‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2189-5414 40 2026 •\Ž† EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0923-1811 119 1 2025 Big data-driven target identification by machine learning: DRD2 as a therapeutic target for psoriasis 9 17 EN Takashi Sakai Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Ryusuke Sawada Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Otoha Ichinose Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology Takeshi Terabayashi Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Yutaka Hatano Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Yoshihiro Yamanishi Department of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University Toshimasa Ishizaki Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Background: The development of medical treatments has traditionally relied on researchers leveraging scientific knowledge to hypothesize disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic agents. However, the depletion of novel therapeutic targets has become a significant challenge, resulting in stagnation within pharmaceutical research.<br> Objective: To address the scarcity of therapeutic targets, we developed a machine learning (ML)-based system capable of predicting therapeutic target molecules for diseases. To validate its utility, we applied this system to psoriasis, aiming to identify novel treatment strategies.<br> Methods: Our approach utilized a large clinical database to calculate reporting odds ratios for all drugs associated with the prevention of diseases of interest. We identified target proteins by analyzing large chemical structure databases to discover proteins commonly associated with preventive drug candidates. Experimental validation was conducted by administering a predicted therapeutic candidate in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model.<br> Results: The ML-based predictions identified drugs for Parkinson�fs disease as potential preventive candidates for psoriasis. Further analysis highlighted dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) as a therapeutic target. Administration of a DRD2 agonist alleviated psoriasis symptoms in mice, evidenced by the downregulation of mRNA expression in the IL-17 pathway and reduced serum tumor necrosis factor-ƒ¿ levels.<br> Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of a novel ML-based system for identifying therapeutic targets, as shown by its successful application in uncovering the role of DRD2 in psoriasis. Beyond psoriasis, this system offers significant potential for exploring pathological mechanisms and discovering therapeutic targets across various diseases. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Acta Medica Okayama 1880-5558 20 1 2025 Numerical analysis validating the standard k-epsilon model for the kinetic energy of turbulence subjected to weak but long-lasting wind tunnel blockage acceleration JFST0004 EN Akira ONO Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Hiroki SUZUKI Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Toshinori KOUCHI Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Kento TANAKA Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of weak but prolonged mean flow accelerations, such as those observed in wind tunnel blockage acceleration, on free-stream turbulence. Specifically, this research aims to validate a model previously developed based on the k-epsilon model. To test this model, the study focuses on scenarios where the turbulence under acceleration is steady and isotropic, since the model suggests that this type of acceleration has no effect on the turbulent kinetic energy. To examine this suggestion, the turbulence within a periodic box was analyzed using large-eddy simulation (LES) based on the conventional Smagorinsky model framework. The numerical analysis is based on a method that conserves velocity fluctuation intensities. The results show that while high rate of acceleration deviates turbulent kinetic energy, low rate acceleration has hardly any effect on turbulent kinetic energy, enstrophy, pressure fluctuation, relative pressure fluctuation intensity, and higher-order statistics of a velocity fluctuation. These results validate the accuracy of the model proposed in the previous studies. These results were obtained by focusing on differences in Reynolds numbers and the spatial scale of the forcing. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar Acta Medica Okayama 2548-5334 17 2 2025 Trend of adjusted antenatal care visits on pregnant women and neonatal during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a three districts survey in 2021 110 118 EN Juliani Ibrahim Departement of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar Yoko Takahata Nursing of Department, Graduate School of Health Science, Okayama University Sukaeni Ibrahim Faculty of Medicine, Bosowa University Sustainable health development efforts amid infectious disease outbreaks such as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) require a resilient maternal health system. With cases rising globally and across Asia, Indonesia faces significant disruptions in essential services. A critical research gap exist in utilizing adjusted time-series analysis to isolated pandemic impact from seasonal variation in urban Indonesia. This study evaluates trends in antenatal care (ANC) visits (January 2019–December 2020) at three Community Health Centres in Makassar: Bara-Baraya, Jongaya and Batua using Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis. Findings reveal a significant decline in visits during the second and third quarters of 2020, primarily due to transmission fears. We suggest integration of telemedicine and home visits to maintain continuity of care. Although focused on urban Makassar, these results are an important reference for health and offer applicable solutions for other developing countries facing resource constraints. This study emphasizes the need for inclusive prevention strategies to protect maternal health in urban and rural areas in low- to middle-income countries during systemic health crises. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Acta Medica Okayama 2470-1343 11 9 2026 Water-Resistant Antibacterial Coatings Using Cetylpyridinium Chloride - Graphene Oxide Composites 14570 14577 EN Keisuke Okubo Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Field of Medical Development, Okayama University Gen Kano Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masato Komoda Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Kazuhiro Omori Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuta Nishina Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Shogo Takashiba Department of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hospital-acquired infections remain a persistent threat in healthcare settings, especially with the increasing number of elderly and immunocompromised patients. In situations where the use of disposable materials is difficult, durable antibacterial surface coatings are essential. In this study, we report the structural characterization of cetylpyridinium chloride-graphene oxide (CPC–GO) hybrid materials and the sustainability of their antibacterial effects, aiming at washable antibacterial coatings for medical applications. Graphene oxide (GO) has a large surface area and numerous functional groups, while cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a quaternary ammonium compound with well-documented antibacterial activity. We hypothesized that the stable incorporation of CPC through the functional groups of GO could improve surface retention and provide long-term antibacterial performance. The structural properties of the CPC–GO composites were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These analyses confirmed the formation of a complex through ionic bonds and the maintenance of a planar composite structure. The antibacterial performance of the CPC–GO coatings was examined using representative bacteria. Notably, the CPC–GO coatings maintained their antibacterial activity significantly better than the negative controls even after multiple washings. The excellent surface retention of the CPC–GO composite suggests its potential as a next-generation antibacterial coating for areas where disinfection and sterilization are impossible, such as the interior of complex medical devices. This study suggests a strategy to extend the efficacy of existing antibacterial agents through the application of nanomaterials. Future studies will focus on the controlled release, long-term stability, and biocompatibility of CPC to realize clinical applications. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2075-4418 16 6 2026 Seasonal Variations in the Risk of Outpatient Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease 845 EN Hiroyuki Nakanoh Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kenji Tsuji Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kazuhiko Fukushima Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Naruhiko Uchida Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Soichiro Haraguchi Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shinji Kitamura Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jun Wada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs in the outpatient setting and is associated with adverse renal and survival outcomes. However, there is no established definition of outpatient AKI, and the risk factors, especially seasonal variation, remain limited. This study aimed to investigate seasonal variation in the risk of outpatient AKI. Methods: This retrospective observational study used routinely collected clinical laboratory data from a single hospital in Japan between 2007 and 2022. Outpatient AKI was defined as ≥35% relative decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared with a preceding outpatient measurement obtained within 14–90 days. Monthly and seasonal variations in outpatient AKI risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were evaluated using logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were performed according to AKI stage, age group, and CKD stage. Results: A total of 203,853 outpatient records were analyzed. The incidence of outpatient AKI was highest in August and lowest in November. Analyses demonstrated significantly increased odds ratios of outpatient AKI in January, February, July, and August. Seasonally, the risk was significantly higher during the summer. Stage-specific analyses showed that AKI stage 1 was more frequent in the summer, whereas AKI stage 2 tended to increase during the winter. Conclusions: Outpatient AKI exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, with increased risk during both summer and winter and differential associations according to AKI severity and baseline kidney function. Recognition of these patterns may help identify vulnerable populations and inform targeted preventive strategies for outpatient AKI. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1046-1310 45 6 2026 Adolescent screen use in the pre-internet era and subsequent health and well-being: an outcome-wide longitudinal study 657 EN Pedro Antonio de la Rosa Fernández-Pacheco Youth in Transition, Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra Renae Wilkinson Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Richard G. Cowden Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Ying Chen Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Brendan Case Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University Etsuji Suzuki Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tyler J. VanderWeele Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University This study used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health, N = 11,054) to assess whether increases in screen-based leisure during adolescence (Wave II, from 1996) predicted adult well-being (Wave IV, from 2008-09), adjusting for a wide range of covariates (Wave I, from 1995). Using an outcome-wide analytic approach, we examined associations between screen time and 38 adult outcomes, adjusting for prior screen time, values of most outcomes, and confounders. Most associations were null. Modest evidence was found for links between screen time (continuous) and reduced sense of control, illicit drug use, and allostatic load. High screen time (14 h/week) or more also showed weak associations with lower depression and preventive care use. Because the data predate widespread internet use, the findings help establish a baseline for the long-term effects of non-internet screen activities, which appeared to behave had limited impact on adult health and well-being. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Company of Biologists Acta Medica Okayama 1754-8403 19 2 2026 A genetic model of congenital intestinal atresia implicates Mypt1 in epithelial organisation dmm052605 EN Daisuke Kobayashi Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Akihiro Urasaki Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Tetsuaki Kimura Medical Genome Center, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Satoshi Ansai Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University Kazuhiko Matsuo Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hayato Yokoi Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University Shigeo Takashima Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE)/Life Science Research Centre, Gifu University Tadao Kitagawa Program in Environmental Management, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University Takahiro Kage Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo Takanori Narita Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University Tomoko Jindo Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo Masato Kinoshita Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University Kiyoshi Naruse Laboratory of Bioresources, National Institute for Basic Biology Yoshiro Nakajima Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Masaki Shigeta Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Shinichiro Sakaki Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Satoshi Inoue Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Rie Saba Department of Radiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kei Yamada Department of Radiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Takahiko Yokoyama Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Yuji Ishikawa Research Centre for Radiation Protection, National Institute of Radiological Sciences Kazuo Araki Research Center for Aquatic Breeding, National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Fisheries Research Agency Yumiko Saga Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo Hiroyuki Takeda Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo Kenta Yashiro Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Congenital 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 BV Acta Medica Okayama 2211-7156 18 2025 Development of FTase inhibitors inspired by the structures of andrastins 102828 EN Fumino Kitamura Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Masaru Tanioka Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Ayano Kosaka Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Nao Matsuzawa Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Takayuki Obita Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Yuko Sakajiri Tomokazu Shibata Department of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University Ryusuke Sawada Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takeshi Yokoyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Aki Kohyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Tsuyoshi Yamada Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Yoshihiro Yamanishi Department of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University Mineyuki Mizuguchi Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama Yuji Matsuya Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama We 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.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1424-8220 26 5 2026 A Proposal of Secure and Automated Over-the-Air Firmware Update Mechanism for IoT Devices Using Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery 1535 EN Noprianto Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University Nobuo Funabiki Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University Htoo Htoo Sandi Kyaw Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University Komang Candra Brata Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University I Nyoman Darma Kotama Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has grown rapidly over the past decade, resulting in deployments of thousands of IoT devices around the world. Then, managing firmware updates for these numerous devices poses significant challenges. Firmware updates face issues such as version rollback, modified firmware files, and potential man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, highlighting the need for a secure over-the-air (OTA) firmware update mechanism. In this paper, we propose an automated OTA firmware update mechanism, integrated with continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) to ensure trusted sources for firmware origins. It offers security, error handling during firmware updates, and monitoring of the update process. For evaluations, we implemented the proposal with the SEMAR IoT application server that has been implemented in our previous studies. Then, we verified the integrity and authentication, measured the performance and resource utilization, and performed benchmarking tests to assess the efficiency. The results demonstrate that the proposal is sufficiently reliable and efficient. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0012-1592 68 3 2026 A Simple Method for RNA-Seq of Manually Isolated Chromatophores in Oryzias Fishes e70044 EN Makoto Goda Institute of Photonics Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Asuka Miyagi Institute of Photonics Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Keisuke Sugiwaka Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Masakatsu Watanabe Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute (CeSPI) and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University Manabu Bessho�]Uehara Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Tohoku University Masahiko Hibi Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Atsushi Toyoda Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics Rieko Tanaka World Medaka Aquarium, Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens Kawilarang W. A. Masengi Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Sam Ratulangi University Kazunori Yamahira Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus Satoshi Ansai Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University Hisashi Hashimoto Department of Biological Science, Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become an essential tool for analyzing gene expression and exploring cell type–specific transcriptomes. However, sample preparation and quality control remain challenging, as current approaches typically rely on dissecting tissues containing mixed cell populations or using flow cytometry to isolate fluorescently labeled cells. Here we present a simple and reliable method for RNA-seq of chromatophores (pigment cells) by manually isolating cells based on their natural pigmentation. We analyzed four chromatophore types�\melanophores, xanthophores, iridophores, and leucophores�\in medaka (Oryzias latipes). Remarkably, as few as 100 cells per type yielded reasonably high-quality transcriptomes sufficient to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Furthermore, this method was successfully applied to a non-model medaka species, O. woworae, which shares the same four chromatophore types. Our approach enables efficient, low-cost, and cross-species transcriptome analysis of chromatophores without requiring transgenic markers or flow cytometry. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 — •\Ž†�E–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 ‰ªŽR‘åŠw’n‹…‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†•ñ�� “Š�e‹K’è�i–ñŠ¼�j EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 2018”N7ŒŽ5“ú�`7“ú‚Ì�¼“ú–{�‹‰J‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�Lˆæ�~�…“Á�« 33 44 EN Kuranoshin KATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University Kengo MATSUMOTO Okayama Gakugeikan High School Kazuo OTANI TV Setouchi Broadcasting Co., LTD. 10.18926/ESR/70297 �@Large-scale rainfall characteristics at the heavy rainfall event around the western Japan for 5–7 July 2018 were analyzed with use of the 10-mimute precipitation data at the surface meteorological observation stations of the Japan Meteorological Agency, and so on. In this case, the area with 3 days total precipitation of near or more than 300 mm was distributed widely from northern Kyushu to Shiga and Fukui Prefectures. As in the many heavy rainfall events around Kyushu District in the mature stage of the Baiu season, contribution of the intense rainfall with more than 4 mm/10-minute (24 mm/h) attained about one third of the areal mean total precipitation. However, it is noted that the "not so intense rain" with less than 2 mm/10-minute (12 mm/h) also contributed to about one third of the huge total precipitation in the wide area. In short, this case could be characterized by the mixture of the western Japan type heavy rainfall event and the eastern Japan type one. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 10•ªŠÔ�~�…—Ê‚©‚ç‘å‰J‚Ì“Á’¥‚Ì‘½—l�«‚𑨂¦‚é‘åŠw‚Å‚ÌŽö‹Æ‚ÌŽŽ‚Ý�i–h�ЋC�ÛƒŠƒeƒ‰ƒV�[ˆç�¬‚ÖŒü‚¯‚Ä�j 21 31 EN Kuranoshin KATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/ESR/70296 �@In the disaster prevention education on the heavy rainfall around Japan, it is also important to promote the meteorological literacy on the seasonal and regional differences of their rainfall characteristics such as the convective rain or stratiform rain, together with their total amount of precipitation and their occurrence frequency. As the first step toward the above purpose, the present study made a lesson practice for the university students by utilizing the 10-minute precipitation data for the four heavy rainfall events, in which the types of the heavy rainfall (although all the cases examined in the lesson are relating to the deep convective clouds) are rather different from each other, such as the differences of the rainfall intensity at the peak time, short-period variation of the rainfall intensity and the persistency of the rainfall including the "not so intense rainfall". The reports by the students seem to perceive the different features among these events briefly, but the students' attention to how long the intense rainfall with short-period variation or "not so intense rainfall" lasted was not so sufficient. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 Š¦•—ŒÃ—q�ÕŒQ�{ŒbŠí‚ÌŠâ�Ίw“IŒ¤‹† 9 19 EN Taiji ANAMI Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University Toshio NOZAKA Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University Osamu KIMURA Department of Archaeology, Osaka University 10.18926/ESR/70295 �@The Sabukaze kiln site, a representative ancient tunnel-kiln site in the Kibi region, worked during the Asuka period (from early 7th century to early 8th century) to produce Sue ware including jars, cups, coffins, and ornamental tiles. To determine the provenance of the materials used for the Sue ware, we carried out petrological analyses of 13 Sue sherds, including optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron-probe analysis. In spite of the difference of production time, all the Sue sherds show close similarities in modal proportion of mineral inclusions with dominant quartz and feldspar, and minor volcanic glass, in chemical compositions of feldspar and interstitial matrix, and in whole-sherd chemical composition. These similarities suggest that the paste materials of the Sabukaze Sue ware were commonly derived from weathered rhyolitic rocks and obtained from the same or neighboring mining site(s) located near the kiln site. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 ‰ªŽR•½–쎙“‡˜pŠÝ•”‚Å‚Ì”÷“®ƒAƒŒƒC’T�¸ 1 7 EN Nobuyuki YAMADA Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University Hiroshi TAKENAKA Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University 10.18926/ESR/70294 �@This report describes microtremor array observations conducted at two sites for deep exploration and three sites for shallow exploration around Kojima Bay area in the southern Okayama Plain. Based on these records, the ground velocity structures were estimated. The results yielded solutions indicating the depth of the top of the seismic base layer (equivalent to 3 km/s layer) ranges from 140 to 300 m, while the depth of the top of the engineering basement layer (equivalent to 0.6 km/s layer) is approximately about 13–14 m. The shallow exploration results also suggested the possible presence of an inversion layer. These estimated velocity structure models provided a reasonable explanation for the observed phase velocities. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 Title Page EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw—�Šw•”’n‹…‰ÈŠw‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 •\Ž†�E‰p•¶–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 — •\Ž†�E‰p•¶–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ‰œ•t EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 虢�BŠú‚Ì›¨ŽQ‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä �\�\ �S‹«‚ÆŽ�“I•\Œ» �\�\ (59) (74) EN Kanako KUROSE 10.18926/70288 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ”õ’†�‘�óŒûŒSŠ›•û‘º�‚ŒË‰Æ•¶�‘–Ú˜^�EŽj—¿�Љî (39) (57) EN Kanako MASATSUGU Yoshiho HONDA Masanobu HIGASHINO 10.18926/70287 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 �u—L—ƒ‚Ì“V�—�}�v�\Žl�l �\ ‘å�³�E�º˜a�‰Šú‚Ì•‘‘ä‚̉Hˆß �\ (21) (38) EN Yuko TATSUNO 10.18926/70286 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 �w˜_Œê�W’��x–ó’��iŽq㥑æ‹ã�@�i“ñ�j�j (1) (20) EN Luyi SUN 10.18926/70285 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 •æŽ�‚©‚猩‚½–ké°‘¾˜aŒã—߈Ȍã‚Ì–k’©‰ºˆÊŠ¯‚Ì‘J“] 175 193 EN QIAN SUN 10.18926/70284 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ŠÂ‹«Žx�o‚ÍŠé‹ÆƒŠƒXƒN‚ðŒyŒ¸‚·‚é‚Ì‚©�H“ú–{Šé‹Æ‚ÌŽÀ�Ø•ª�Í 155 174 EN YUSRA NAZIR 10.18926/70283 �@This study examines how environmental conservation costs (ECC) affects firm risk, using changes in leverage ratios and earnings volatility as stand-ins for risk. This study evaluates the direct impact of ECC and its relationship to profitability (ROA) using panel data of Japanese companies from 2010 to 2022 and Pooled OLS regression models. The results demonstrate the risk-mitigating function of sustainability investments by showing that, although independent ECC have little direct significance, their interaction with firm profitability dramatically lowers earnings volatility and leverage instability. These findings underscore the economic value of environmental strategies, suggesting that incorporating profitability considerations into sustainability practices enhances operational stability and reduces risk exposure. To help policymakers, investors, and corporate managers strike a balance between sustainability and financial performance, this study contributes to the growing body of research on the relationship between the environment and finance. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 GARCH-MIDAS ƒAƒvƒ��[ƒ`‚É‚æ‚é�ΖûƒVƒ‡ƒbƒN‚ª�Ζû—A“ü�‘‚¨‚æ‚Ñ—A�o�‘‚̈בփŒ�[ƒg‚É—^‚¦‚é‰e‹¿‚Ì•ª�Í 139 153 EN Peng CHEN 10.18926/70282 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ’†�‘‚Ì�ÂŒ ŽÒ‘ãˆÊ‘i�ׂɂ¨‚¯‚é�–±ŽÒ‚̎葱•Û�á‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚éˆê�lŽ@ 121 138 EN YANLING WANG 10.18926/70281 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 �«–ðŠ„‚Æ—¼–ʉ¿’l“I�«�·•ÊŽå‹`‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�A‹Æ“®‹@‚Æ‚ÌŠÖ˜A 101 120 EN Suzuha HAPPO Kyoko SUMIOKA 10.18926/70280 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ŽÊ�^‹Z�p‚̃Cƒmƒx�[ƒVƒ‡ƒ“‚ª‘n�o‚·‚éŒo�ω¿’l 85 99 EN Satoru MIYAZAKI 10.18926/70279 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 �u�‘ŒSŽuŒä•Ò�Wƒj•t‰º’²‚×�‘�o‚µ’ �v‚É‚Ý‚é�L“‡”˂̗̉w“c�A �\ ‘å“c�A‚Ì•ª•z‚ÆŽí—ނɑ΂·‚éˆê‚‚̃Aƒvƒ��[ƒ` �\ 65 84 EN Hiroshi TAKANO 10.18926/70278 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ƒRƒ�ƒi‰Ð‚ÅŒ»’n—¯Šw’†’f‘ÌŒ±‚ð‚µ‚½“ú–{�lŠw�¶‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�S—�“I•Ï—e �\ TEM �}‚ð—p‚¢‚½‘ÌŒ±‚̂Ƃ炦’¼‚µ‰ß’ö‚Ì•ª�Í �\ 47 63 EN Koyuri SAKO Tomoko TANAKA 10.18926/70277 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 “ìƒI�[ƒXƒgƒ‰ƒŠƒA�B�iƒAƒfƒŒ�[ƒh�j‚̃Šƒvƒ�ƒ_ƒNƒeƒBƒu�Eƒwƒ‹ƒX�•ƒ‰ƒCƒc‚ð‚ß‚®‚錻�ó‚Ɖۑè 31 46 EN Keisuke SAITO Setsuko SUGANO 10.18926/70276 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 “ú–{‚Ì’n•û‹cˆõ‚É‚¨‚¯‚é‘ã•\�«‚ÌŒŸ“¢�F‰ªŽRŒ§’n•û‹cˆõƒf�[ƒ^‚Ì•ª�Í 21 29 EN Yasushi IWABUCHI Michel Koebel 10.18926/70275 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 ‘½•¶‰»‹¤�C‚Ì‚½‚߂̃Oƒ‹�[ƒvƒ��[ƒN‚©‚çŠw�¶‚͉½‚ðŠ´‚¶‚½‚Ì‚©�H �\ GIS ƒ\ƒtƒg‚ðŽg—p‚µ‚½’nˆæŒ¤‹†Žö‹Æ‚©‚ç‚̈ê�lŽ@ �\ 1 20 EN Takao INAMORI 10.18926/70274 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw‘åŠw‰@ŽÐ‰ï•¶‰»‰ÈŠwŒ¤‹†‰È Acta Medica Okayama 1881-1671 61 2026 •\Ž† EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw�lŒÃŠwŒ¤‹†Žº Acta Medica Okayama 2026 ‰ªŽRŽsŒü�ê�E�•�Z‹u—˂̈â�Õ‘ª—Ê’²�¸ŠT—v•ñ�� EN 10.18926/70272 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1353-8020 143 2026 Biallelic CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene presenting with parkinsonism and spasticity 108168 EN Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chika Matsuoka Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yumiko Nakano Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Taira Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Fukui Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuko Kawahara Department of Neurology, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Yumiko Kutoku Department of Neurology, Kawasaki Medical School Manabu Takaki Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Osamu Yokota Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2397-4648 11 1 2026 Band-selective plasmonic polaron in thermoelectric semimetal Ta2PdSe6 with ultra-high power factor 23 EN Daiki Ootsuki Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Akitoshi Nakano Present address: Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University Urara Maruoka Present address: Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University Takumi Hasegawa Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University Masashi Arita Research Institute for Synchrotron Radiation Science, Hiroshima University Miho Kitamura Present address: NanoTerasu Center, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) Koji Horiba Present address: NanoTerasu Center, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) Teppei Yoshida Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University Ichiro Terasaki Present address: Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University We report the electronic structure of the thermoelectric semimetal Ta2PdSe6 with a large thermoelectric power factor and giant Peltier conductivity by means of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The ARPES spectra reveal the coexistence of a sharp hole band with a light electron mass and a broad electron band with a relatively heavy electron mass, which originate from different quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) chains in Ta2PdSe6. Moreover, the electron band around the Brillouin-zone (BZ) boundary shows a replica structure with respect to the energy originating from plasmonic polarons due to electron-plasmon interactions. The different scattering effects and interactions in each atomic chain lead to asymmetric transport lifetimes of carriers: a large Seebeck coefficient can be realized even in a semimetal. Our findings pave the way for exploring the thermoelectric materials in previously overlooked semimetals and provide a new platform for low-temperature thermoelectric physics, which has been challenging with semiconductors. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society for Medical and Biological Engineering Acta Medica Okayama 2187-5219 15 2026 Verification of a Skin Electrical Impedance Model for Evaluating Indicators of Skin Barrier Function of Older Adults 160 164 EN Osamu UEHARA Medical Engineering Laboratory, ALCARE Co., Ltd. Yuya FUNAKI Medical Engineering Laboratory, ALCARE Co., Ltd. Takao NAKAMURA Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Skin barrier function has been quantitatively evaluated through trans-epidermal water loss, which has been difficult to measure in clinical settings owing to environmental factors and the measurement time. The thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum are important indicators of skin barrier function, and current methods for measuring these two indicators are also difficult to implement in clinical settings. Therefore, we developed a model based on skin electrical impedance to estimate the thickness and water content of the stratum corneum, enabling measurement and estimation of these two indicators in a short time. In this study, we verified this model implemented in a portable skin electrical impedance measurement device for estimating the thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum of the skin in older adults. Thirty-four older individuals were studied. The measurement electrodes were placed in contact with the forearm skin, and an alternating signal of two frequencies was applied to measure the impedance, from which the thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum were estimated in approximately 5 s. The correlation coefficients between the estimated and measured thickness and between the estimated and measured surface water content were 0.732 and 0.604, respectively. Furthermore, the root mean square errors of the residuals for the thickness and surface water content were 1.66 µm and 3.50 points, respectively, indicating that the model accurately estimated the thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum, even in the skin of older adults. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2398-8835 9 3 2026 Effects of Overload on Imiquimod�]Induced Psoriasis Model Mice: A Basic Experimental Study e72040 EN Tomoki Furutani Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Section of Medicine, Division of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Taichi Saito Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Asahi Ikeda Okayama University Medical School Faculty of Medicine Kenta Mashima Okayama University Medical School Faculty of Medicine Natsumi Yukihiro Okayama University Medical School Faculty of Medicine Satoki Kusakabe Okayama University Medical School Faculty of Medicine Okayama Japan Ryo Nakamichi Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aki Yoshida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keiichiro Nishida Locomotive Pain Center, Okayama University Hospital Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background and Aim: Psoriasis is a skin disorder complicated by arthritis and enthesitis. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-ƒ¿ are reportedly key effectors of psoriasis. Additionally, gamma delta (ƒÁƒÂ) T cells exacerbate inflammation by producing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17 and TNF-ƒ¿. However, details regarding the mechanisms linking pathogenesis and mechanical stress remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on the pathology of psoriasis using mouse models of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis.<br> Methods: Twenty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: IMQ �| TRED�| (control), IMQ �| TRED+ (treadmill running mice), IMQ + TRED�| group (IMQ treated mice), and IMQ + TRED+ group (IMQ treated and treadmill running mice). The tissue sections from back skin and thymus were immunostained with antibodies against IL-17, IL-23, and ƒÁƒÂ T cells. Shoulder sections were stained using hematoxylin and eosin, and Toluidine Blue and Picrosirius Red. Additionally, the shoulder tissue sections were immunostained with antibodies against TNF-ƒ¿ and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13. Serum cytokine level was measured to evaluate systemic inflammation.<br> Results: Strenuous exercise exacerbated pathological changes associated with psoriasis, including increased ƒÁƒÂ T cell infiltration and upregulated IL-17 and IL-23 expression in the skin, as well as enhanced ƒÁƒÂ T cell development and IL-17 expression in the thymus. Although strenuous exercise did not further worsen the modified PASI scores, histological and immunological markers of inflammation were significantly enhanced. Serum levels of TNF-ƒ¿ and IL-17 were significantly elevated in IMQ-induced psoriasis model mice. Moreover, pathological changes induced by strenuous exercise were observed in the enthesis, including angiogenesis and upregulated expression of TNF-ƒ¿ and MMP-13.<br> Conclusion: This study revealed that strenuous exercise exacerbates pathological changes in IMQ-induced psoriasis model mice. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2572-1143 9 1 2026 Mechanosensitive Ion Channel PIEZO1 Suppresses BMP2-Induced Ossification of the Annulus Fibrosus Cells e70168 EN Hisakazu Shitozawa Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Nakamichi Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aki Yoshida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masataka Ueda Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taichi Saito Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Koji Uotani Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiaki Oda Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryo Takatori Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazutaka Yamashita Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Objective: Major cause of low-back pain is intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), with mechanical stress playing a crucial role in its progression. A mechanosensitive ion channel, PIEZO1, is involved in various musculoskeletal tissues, but its role in the annulus fibrosus (AF) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the function of PIEZO1 in AF cells under mechanical stimulation.<br> Methods: Primary rat AF cells were subjected to cyclic tensile strain (CTS) at low (2%) and high (12%) strain levels to investigate strain-dependent effects on osteogenic gene expression. We evaluated the effects of Piezo1, Piezo2, and Trpv4 knockdown by RNA interference to identify the upstream mechanotransducer. Furthermore, PIEZO1 was activated using the agonist Yoda1, followed by RNA-sequencing analysis and evaluation of its effects on BMP2-induced osteogenesis in rat AF cells. We also examined the effects of Yoda1 in primary human AF cells.<br> Results: Low-strain CTS significantly suppressed osteogenic marker expression, which was not observed with high strain. Piezo1 knockdown reversed this suppression, whereas Piezo2 and Trpv4 had no effect. Piezo1 activation by Yoda1 produced similar anti-osteogenic effects in both rat and human AF cells. RNA sequencing revealed the enrichment of ossification and calcineurin signaling pathways in rat cells. Furthermore, Piezo1 activation inhibited BMP2-induced osteogenesis and nuclear translocation of p-Smad1/5/9.<br> Conclusions: Piezo1 maintains AF cell homeostasis under mechanical stress by suppressing osteogenic changes via calcineurin-mediated inhibition of BMP signaling, which may represent a novel therapeutic target for IVDD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 — •\Ž†�E‰p•¶–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 19�¢‹IƒUƒNƒZƒ“‚Ì“y’n�§“x�i‚T�j 111 126 EN Nobushige Matsuo 10.18926/OER/70265 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 Environmental Conservation Costs and Operational Efficiency: Evidence from Japanese Manufacturing Firms 93 109 EN Yusra Nazir Doctoral student at Graduate school of humanities and social sciences, Okayama University Tatsumasa Tennojiya Faculty of humanities and social sciences, Okayama University 10.18926/OER/70264 �@This study investigates whether environmental conservation costs (ECC) support the operational effectiveness and financial stability of Japanese manufacturing firms. Using a balanced panel of 128 non-financial companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2022, we manually collected firm-level ECC data based on the Ministry of the Environment, Japan's guidelines from sustainability reports and matched them with financial data from Compustat Global/S&P Capital IQ. Applying pooled ordinary least squares regression with firm-level clustered standard errors and winsorized variables, we examine two aspects of performance as measures of operating efficiency and profitability: asset turnover and profit margin. The results show that ECC is positively associated with asset turnover and profit margin, and that the effect is stronger in more profitable companies, substantiating the Resource-Based View that green practices generate competitiveness. These findings contribute to sustainability finance research by going beyond perceptual measures of environmental, social, and governance ratings, and measuring actual firm-level spending on environmental activities, thereby providing more nuanced insights into how environmental practices translate into actual financial performance. This study offers clear managerial and policy implications by showing that transparent environmental conservation costs improve disclosure quality and serve as a measure of improved efficiency and profitability. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 AI ‹¤�¶Žž‘ã‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�Á”ïŽÒ�s“®‚Ì�Ä—�˜_‰»�\AIBCBM ƒtƒŒ�[ƒ€ƒ��[ƒN�\ 41 91 EN Sawut Shazadigul Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University 10.18926/OER/70263 �@–{Œ¤‹†‚Í�CAI‚ªˆÓŽvŒˆ’è‚Ì‘O’iŠK‚©‚ç‰î“ü‚·‚éŠÂ‹«‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä�CŠé‹Æ�E�Á”ïŽÒ�EAI‚ÌŽOŽÒ‘ŠŒÝ�ì—p‚ð‘ÌŒn“I‚É�à–¾‚·‚é—�˜_˜g‘g‚Ý‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�CArtificial Intelligence-Based Consumer Behavior Model�iAIBCBM�j‚ð�\’z‚µ�C’ñŽ¦‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ð–Ú“I‚Æ‚·‚é�B‚Ü‚¸�CŠù‘¶‚Ì�Á”ïŽÒ�s“®ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹‚ª�CƒAƒ‹ƒSƒŠƒYƒ€˜I�o�C�Ä‹A“IŠw�Kƒ‹�[ƒv�CAI”}‰îŒ^ŽÐ‰ï“I‰e‹¿�iAlgorithmic Social Influence�j‚Æ‚¢‚Á‚½Œ»‘ã“IŒ»�Û‚ð�\•ª‚Ɉµ‚¦‚È‚¢‚Æ‚¢‚¤Œˆ’è“I‚È—�˜_“IŒÀŠE‚𖾂炩‚É‚·‚é�B‚»‚Ì‚¤‚¦‚Å�CAI‹¤�¶Žž‘ã‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�Á”ïŽÒ�s“®‚ð�C�uŠé‹Æ�|AI�|�Á”ïŽÒ�v‚ÌŽOŽÒ�zŠÂ�\‘¢‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‘¨‚¦‚éAIBCBM‚ð’ñŽ¦‚·‚é�B<br> �@ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�\’z‚É�Û‚µ‚Ä‚Í�C•¡ŽG‚ÈŒ»ŽÀ‚ð‰ß“x‚É’P�ƒ‰»‚·‚é‚Ì‚Å‚Í‚È‚­�CŽOŽÒ‹¤�i‰»�\‘¢ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�i�}‚Q�j�C�s“®�¶�¬‚Ì“®‘Ô‚ðŽ¦‚·�s“®ƒvƒ�ƒZƒXƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�i•\‚R�j�CŠT”O�\‘¢ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�i�}‚R�j�C�s“®—ÞŒ^ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�i�}‚S�j‚É•ª—£‚·‚邱‚Æ‚Å�C—�˜_“I–¾—Ä�«‚Æ•ª�͉”\�«‚ðŠm•Û‚µ‚½�B–{Œ¤‹†‚Ì—�˜_“I�vŒ£‚Í�C‡@System ‚P‚ð�s“®�¶�¬ƒ�ƒJƒjƒYƒ€‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�Ä’è‹`‚µ‚½“_�C‡AˆÓŽvŒˆ’èŽå‘Ì‚ÆŒ —Í�\‘¢‚ð�Ä’è‹`‚µ‚½“_�C‡B�Á”ïŽÒ�s“®‚É‚¨‚¯‚é”ñ�üŒ`�E�‚‘¬ƒtƒB�[ƒhƒoƒbƒNƒ‹�[ƒv‚ð—�˜_‰»‚µ‚½“_�C‡C”ñ�Á”ï‚âJOMO‚ð�C�K•Ÿ‚ÆŽå‘Ì�«‚É�ª‚´‚µ‚½�í—ª“I�s“®‚Æ‚µ‚Ä—�˜_“I‚É�Ä’è‹`‚µ‚½“_�C‡D�Á”ïŽÒ�s“®‚ð�uˆÓŽvŒˆ’胂ƒfƒ‹�v‚©‚ç�u�s“®�¶�¬ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹�v‚Ö—�˜_“I‚É“]Š·‚µ‚½“_‚É�W–ñ‚³‚ê‚é�B‚³‚ç‚É�C–{Œ¤‹†‚ª’ñŽ¦‚·‚é�CƒAƒ‹ƒSƒŠƒYƒ€‚É‚æ‚éŒø—p‚ÌŒü�ã‚ÆŽ©—¥�«‚̚ʑ¹‚ª•¹‘¶‚µ‚¤‚é‚Æ‚¢‚¤“ñ–Ê�«‚Í�CAIŽž‘ã‚É‚¨‚¯‚éƒ}�[ƒPƒeƒBƒ“ƒO�í—ª‚¨‚æ‚Ñ�­�ô�ÝŒv‚ɑ΂µ‚Ä�C‹K”Í“I‚©‚—�˜_“I‚È�V‚½‚È•]‰¿Ž²‚ð’ñ‹Ÿ‚·‚é�BAIBCBM‚Í�C‚±‚ê‚ç‚ÌŽ‹�À‚ð“��‡‚·‚é—�˜_“Iƒvƒ‰ƒbƒgƒtƒH�[ƒ€‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C�¡Œã‚ÌŽÀ�ØŒ¤‹†‚ÉŒü‚¯‚½Šî”Õ‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‹@”\‚·‚é�B‚Æ‚è‚킯�C AIBCBM‚Í�CJOMO‚â”ñ�Á”ï�s“®‚ð�CƒAƒ‹ƒSƒŠƒYƒ€ŠÂ‹«‚©‚ç‚ÌŽó“®“I“P‘Þ‚Å‚Í‚È‚­�CAI‚É‚æ‚Á‚Ä�\’z‚³‚ꂽ‘I‘ðŠÂ‹«‚Æ‚Ì‹——£‚ðˆÓ�}“I‚É’²�®‚µ�C�lŠÔ‚炵‚³�i�lŠÔ‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‚ÌŽå‘Ì�«‚âƒEƒFƒ‹ƒr�[ƒCƒ“ƒO�j‚ð•ÛŽ�‚·‚邽‚ß‚Ì�í—ª“I�s“®‚Æ‚µ‚Ĉʒu‚¯‚é“_‚É“ÆŽ©�«‚ð—L‚·‚é�B‚³‚ç‚É–{ƒ‚ƒfƒ‹‚Í�CAI�ÝŒv�iŠé‹Æ‘¤�j�EƒAƒ‹ƒSƒŠƒYƒ€“®‘Ô�iAI‘¤�j�EŽå‘Ì�«‚ƃEƒFƒ‹ƒr�[ƒCƒ“ƒO�iWell-being�j�i�Á”ïŽÒ‘¤�j‚𓯈ê˜g‘g‚Ý‚Å�Ú‘±‚·‚邱‚Æ‚Å�CAI‹¤�¶Žž‘ã‚ÌŽÀ�ØŒ¤‹†‚Æ‹K”Í�ÝŒv‚ð‰Ë‹´‚·‚é—�˜_“I�À•WŽ²‚ðŠm—§‚·‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 ’nˆæŠÔ‚Å‚Ì�î•ñŒð—¬‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚éƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN•ª�Í�F�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒ—‚Å‚Ì’²�¸‚É‚æ‚é 11 40 EN Ryohei Nakamura Natsumi Yokota 10.18926/OER/70262 �@–{�e‚Å‚Í�C‰ªŽRŒ§‚Ì�u�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæ˜AŒg’†�•“sŽsŒ—�v‚Å2014”N‚©‚çŠJ�³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚é�u�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒo�Ï�¬’·�í—ª‰ï‹c�v‚É‚¨‚¯‚éŽQ‰ÁŽå‘ÌŠÔ‚Ì�î•ñŒð—¬‚ɂ‚¢‚Ẵlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN•ª�Í‚ð�s‚Á‚½�B�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæ˜AŒg’†�•“sŽsŒ—�i�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒ—�j‚Æ‚Í�C‰ªŽRŒ§�‚—À�ìŽü•Ó‚Ɉʒu‚·‚錻�Ý‚Ì�VŒ©Žs�C�‚—ÀŽs�C‘�ŽÐŽs�C‘�“‡’¬�C‘q•~Žs�C–îŠ|’¬�CˆäŒ´Žs�C�óŒûŽs�C—¢�¯’¬�CŠ}‰ªŽs‚Ì10Ž©Ž¡‘Ì‚ªŽQ‰Á‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚é˜AŒg’†�•“sŽsŒ—‚Å‚ ‚é�B�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒ—‚É‚¨‚¯‚éƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN•ª�Í‚É�Û‚µ‚Ä‚Í�C“¯Œ—ˆæ“à‚Å“WŠJ‚³‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚鎖‹Æ‚ð‚W‚‚ɕª—Þ‚µ�C‚»‚ꂼ‚ê‚ÌŽ–‹Æ‚ÉŠÖ‚·‚éŽQ‰ÁŽå‘ÌŠÔ‚Ì�î•ñŒð—¬‚ɂ‚¢‚ăAƒ“ƒP�[ƒg’²�¸‚ð�s‚Á‚½�Bƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒNŽw•W‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚ÍŽ–‹Æ‚²‚Æ‚ÉŽŸ�”’†�S�«‚Æ”}‰î’†�S�«‚Ì’†�S�«Žw•W‚ð�C‚Ü‚½Ž–‹Æ•Ê‚É–§“x�C�„ˆÚ�«�C‘ŠŒÝ�«‚ðŽZ�o‚µ‚½�BŽ–‹Æ•Ê‚É‚Ý‚é‚Æ�CŠÏŒõŽ–‹Æ‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚Ì�î•ñŒð—¬‚ª�Å‚à–§‚ȃlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN�\‘¢‚ð‚µ‚Ä‚¨‚è�Cƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN‚ÌŽ‹“_‚Å‚ÍŠÏŒõŽ–‹Æ‚ª�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒ—“à‚Å�Å‚à�¨—Í“I‚É�s‚í‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚鎖‹Æ‚Æ‚¢‚¦‚é�B‚Ü‚½‘SŽ–‹Æ‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä“Á’è‚Ì�s�­Žå‘Ì‚â�¤�H‰ï‹c�Š‚ð‚Í‚¶‚ß‚Æ‚·‚é’nˆæŒo�Ï’c‘Ì“™‚Ì’†�S�«Žw•W‚ª‘S‘Ì“I‚É‘å‚«‚È’l‚ð‚Æ‚Á‚Ä‚¨‚è�Cƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN‚É‚¨‚¢‚Ä�î•ñŒð—¬‚̃nƒu‚â�î•ñ‚Ì�W’†�E•ªŽUŽå‘Ì‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‹@”\‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚邱‚Æ‚ª–¾‚ç‚©‚É‚È‚Á‚½�B•ª�ÍŒ‹‰Ê‚𓥂܂¦�Cƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN‚ÌŽ‹“_‚©‚ç�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒ—‚Ì�¡“x‚Ì’nˆæ�U‹»‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä‚Q“_’ñŒ¾‚µ‚½�B‚P‚‚͎–‹Æ‚É‚æ‚Á‚Ä�î•ñŒð—¬‚̃nƒu‚â�î•ñ‚Ì�W’†�E•ªŽUŽå‘Ì‚ðŽå‘ÌŠÔ‚Å•ª’S‚·‚邱‚Æ‚É‚æ‚Á‚Ä�C‚·‚ׂĂ̎–‹Æ‚Å–§‚ȃlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN‚ð’z‚­‚±‚Æ‚ð–ÚŽw‚·‚±‚Æ‚Å‚ ‚é�B‚à‚¤‚P‚‚Í�‚—À�ì—¬ˆæŒ—‚Ì�î•ñŒð—¬ƒlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN‚É‘S‚­ŽQ‰Á‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚È‚¢Žå‘Ì‚ð‚È‚­‚·‚±‚Æ‚Å�C‘S‘Ì“I‚É–§‚ȃlƒbƒgƒ��[ƒN‚ð–ÚŽw‚·‚±‚Æ‚Å‚ ‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 1998”N‚ÌŠO�‘ˆ×‘Ö‹y‚ÑŠO�‘–fˆÕŠÇ—�–@‰ü�³‚Æ ŠO�‘’ʉ݂Ì�÷“n‚É‚æ‚鑹‰v‚Ì�Š“¾‹æ•ª �\1998”N‚Ì–@‰ü�³‚Í�Š“¾‹æ•ª‚ɂǂ̂悤‚ȉe‹¿‚ð—^‚¦‚½‚Ì‚©�\ 1 10 EN Yoshiyuki Nakagawa 10.18926/OER/70261 �@1998”N‚ÌŠO�‘ˆ×‘Ö‹y‚ÑŠO�‘–fˆÕŠÇ—�–@‚̉ü�³�iˆÈ�~�CŠO�‘ˆ×‘Ö‹y‚ÑŠO�‘–fˆÕ–@‚ɉü–¼�j‚É‚æ‚è�C‚»‚ê‚Ü‚ÅŠO�‘ˆ×‘ÖŒö”F‹â�s‚ÉŒ´‘¥‚Æ‚µ‚ÄŒÀ‚ç‚ê‚Ä‚¢‚½ŠO�‘ˆ×‘ÖŽæˆø‚ª�C‚ ‚ç‚ä‚éŠé‹Æ‹y‚ÑŒÂ�l‚ɉð•ú‚³‚ê�CŽ©—R‚É�s‚¤‚±‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚Á‚½�B<br> �@–{�e‚Í�C‚Ü‚¸‰Û�Å“–‹Ç‚Ì�uŠO�‘’ʉ݂Ì�÷“n‚É‚æ‚鑹‰v‚ÍŽG�Š“¾‚ÉŠY“–‚·‚é�v‚Æ‚ÌŒ©‰ð‚Ì”»’f�ª‹’‚ð�C�‘‰ï‚É‚¨‚¯‚é�­•{ŽQ�l�l“š•Ù‹y‚Ñ“Œ‹ž’n�ٗߘa‚T”N‚RŒŽ‚X“ú”»Œˆ‚©‚ç“ǂ݉ð‚«�C‚»‚Ì‚¤‚¦‚Å�C1998”N‚Ì–@‰ü�³‚É‚æ‚èŠO�‘’ʉݎæˆø‚ª‘ΊO‹y‚Ñ�‘“à‚É‚¨‚¢‚ĉ½�l‚àŽ©—R‚É�s‚¤‚±‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚Á‚½‚±‚Æ‚©‚ç�CŠO�‘’ʉ݂͎x•¥Žè’i‚Æ‚µ‚ÄŒ¾‚í‚Ή¿’l‚ÌŽÚ“x‚Æ‚µ‚Ä‹@”\‚·‚é‚悤‚É‚È‚è�CŽ‘ŽY‚Ì’l�オ‚è�C’l‰º‚ª‚è‚ðŠÏ”O‚·‚邱‚Æ‚ª‚Å‚«‚È‚­‚È‚Á‚½Œ‹‰Ê‚Æ‚µ‚Ä�C‚»‚Ì�÷“n‚É‚æ‚é�Š“¾‹æ•ª‚ª�÷“n�Š“¾‚©‚çŽG�Š“¾‚ւƕω»‚µ‚½‚Æ‚ÌŒ‹˜_‚𓱂­‚à‚Ì‚Å‚ ‚é�B No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠwŒo�ÏŠw‰ï Acta Medica Okayama 2433-4146 57 3 2026 •\Ž†�E–ÚŽŸ EN No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1547-5271 22 9 2025 Aging of the tricuspid valve annulus detected by photon-counting detector computed tomography: Importance of aortic root compression on occurrence of arrhythmias e772 e780 EN Hiroshi Morita Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Nakagawa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Satoshi Nagase Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center Yoshihisa Morimoto Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Takuro Masuda Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Akira Ueoka Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Saori Asada Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Masakazu Miyamoto Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Norihisa Toh Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Toru Miyoshi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Nobuhiro Nishii Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shinsuke Yuasa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry Background The aortic root compresses the heart in elderly patients, potentially influencing the conduction system and causing atrial tachyarrhythmias. However, actual anatomic alterations in the right side of the heart because of aortic root compression have not yet been fully evaluated.<br> Objective This study aimed to elucidate the alterations in the tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) caused by aortic root compression using a 3-dimensional endoscopic view of the heart constructed by photon-counting detector computed tomography, an emerging medical technology.<br> Methods We analyzed 147 consecutive patients who underwent photon-counting detector computed tomography at our institute after excluding those with diseases that directly influenced the right side of the heart.<br> Results Aortic root compression caused significant TVA deformation. We defined severe TVA compression as the length of the TVA compressed by the aortic root ≥80% of the major axis of the TVA. Severe compression was more prevalent in elderly patients (age ≥75 years [44%]; P < .01). The distance between the membranous septum and ostium of the coronary sinus was shortened, whereas the cavotricuspid isthmus was elongated in older patients. The regression analysis identified aging as a significant contributor to TVA compression. The short minor and long major axes of the TVA, incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (74% vs 45%; P < .01), and atrioventricular conduction disturbances (35% vs 15%; P < .01) were more frequently observed in patients with severe compression.<br> Conclusion Aortic root compression deforms the TVA and alters the anatomic relationship between the atrioventricular conduction system and the cavotricuspid isthmus. Therefore, aortic root compression may contribute to the occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias and conduction disturbances in older patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2666-6065 67 2026 Alcohol consumption, smoking, and the implications of their cessations for field carcinogenesis in the esophagus: a 10-year prospective cohort study 101798 EN Chikatoshi Katada Department of Medical Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Tetsuji Yokoyama Department of Health Promotion, National Institute of Public Health Tomonori Yano Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East Yasuaki Furue Department of Endoscopy, Saitama Cancer Center Haruhisa Suzuki Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine Kenji Ishido Department of Gastroenterology, Kitasato University School of Medicine Keiko Yamamoto Division of Endoscopy, Hokkaido University Hospital Hiroyoshi Nakanishi Department of Gastroenterology, Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital Tomoyuki Koike Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Masashi Tamaoki Department of Medical Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Noboru Kawata Division of Endoscopy, Shizuoka Cancer Center Motohiro Hirao Department of Surgery, NHO Osaka National Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takashi Ogata Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center Atsushi Katagiri Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa Medical University Hospital Takenori Yamanouchi Department of Gastroenterology, Kumamoto Regional Medical Center Hirofumi Kiyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hirofumi Kawakubo Maki Konno Department of Gastroenterology, Tochigi Cancer Center Akira Yokoyama Department of Medical Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Shinya Ohashi Department of Medical Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Tai Omori Department of Surgery, Kawasaki Municipal Kawasaki Hospital Tadakazu Shimoda Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shizuoka Cancer Center Atsushi Ochiai Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinicai Trial Center, National Cancer Center Hideki Ishikawa Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Akira Yokoyama Clinical Research Unit, National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center Manabu Muto Department of Medical Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Background Alcohol and tobacco are established carcinogens, which promote field carcinogenesis for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of alcohol and tobacco cessations, and background mucosal status, on risk for metachronous ESCC (mESCC) after endoscopic resection (ER).<br> Methods This was a multicentre prospective cohort study of patients with intramucosal ESCC treated by ER. All participants received structured education on cessation, and underwent regular endoscopic surveillance. Patients were stratified by Lugol-voiding lesion (LVL) grade (A: none, B: 1–9, C: ≥10). The impacts of alcohol and smoking cessation on field carcinogenesis were assessed.<br> Findings Among 331 enrolled patients, the median follow-up was 120 months (range: 1.3–176.9). The cumulative incidences of mESCC were 10.4%, 27.2%, and 61.8% in grades A, B, and C, respectively. An increment of 1 unit (22 g ethanol) of alcohol consumption and higher LVL grade independently increased the risk for mESCC. Alcohol or smoking cessation reduced this risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–0.88; HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.78, respectively), and combined cessation had the greatest impact (HR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07–0.65). Complete cessation, rather than partial reduction, was necessary to achieve meaningful risk reduction.<br> Interpretation Alcohol and tobacco exposure, and a large number of LVL, are major determinants of mESCC. Complete cessation markedly reduces risk, underscoring the importance of behavioural interventions for secondary prevention of field carcinogenesis after ER. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1478-811X 24 1 2026 MMP-3 cleavage of Lamin A induces pro-migratory nuclear deformity, nucleophagy, and their autophagic secretion with extracellular vesicles in metastatic cancer 146 EN Takanori Eguchi Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Eman A. Taha Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University Keisuke Nakano Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Vikas Tiwari Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Toxicological Research Katsuki Takebe Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomohiro Inoue Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Lizi Xing Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chiharu Sogawa Department of Food and Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Institute of Technology Kuniaki Okamoto Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Stuart K. Calderwood Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteinases that cleave a plethora of substrates, including components of the extracellular matrix and cell-surface-associated proteins, as well as intracellular targets. MMPs have also been found in extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes. MMP-3 promotes tumor growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, genome instability, migration, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells, and nuclear MMP-3 controls gene transcription. Intranuclear proteolysis by MMPs may significantly alter cancer progression. However, the nuclear substrates of MMP-3 have not been well investigated. In this study, we performed proteomic analyses to identify the nuclear substrates and EV proteins regulated by MMP-3. While rabidly metastatic colon cancer (LuM1) three-dimensionally cultured tumoroids secreted EVs containing 30 protein types, including Lamin A (LMNA), MMP-3, fibronectin (FN1), HSPA8 (Hsc70), ƒÀ-actin (ACTB), and vimentin (VIM), CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout of MMP-3 reduced the secretion of these proteins in EVs. Notably, EV-bound cleaved Lamin secretion was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Also, MMP-3 formed proteolytic dimers via its hemopexin-like repeat domains in nuclei. Many nuclear MMP-3-binding proteins, including Lamin A/C, histones, topoisomerases, and hnRNPs, were screened by co-immunoprecipitation followed by proteomics. Proteolytic MMP-3 overexpression generated a C-terminal 30-kDa fragment of Lamin A, whose cleavage site was defined via structural analysis. MMP-3 digestion of Lamin A induced nuclear deformity (atypia) required for cell migration in confined space. The cleaved Lamin A and MMP-3 were transported with autophagosomes (LC3B+), nucleophagosomes, and amphisomes (CD63 + LC3B+) and co-secreted with EVs. Proteolytic MMP-3 also induced nuclear speckles of Lamin A, suggesting their roles in transcription and splicing. Clinical analysis revealed that high expressions of MMP3 and LMNA were significantly seen in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) than in the other 16 cancer types, and predicted poor prognosis of patients suffering from HNSC, pancreatic, rectum and lung adenocarcinomas at specific stages. Immunohistochemistry revealed that nuclear MMP-3 and cleaved Lamin were significantly higher expressed in stage IV metastatic HNSC cases than in stage I non-metastatic cases. Taken together, MMP3-cleavage of Lamin A induces nuclear deformity, nucleophagy, and their autophagic co-secretion with EVs in metastatic cancer. Also, high expression of MMP-3 and secretion of Lamin A can predict poor prognosis in multiple cancer types at specific stages. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2055-0294 12 1 2026 Association between the incidence of infusion-related reactions by obinutuzumab and the dose of corticosteroid as premedication: a multicenter retrospective cohort study 27 EN Tatsuya Ohtsubo Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital Kazuhiro Yamamoto Department of Integrated Clinical and Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Saori Matumoto Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Osaka Hospital Kaori Ito Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University Yuzuka Sasa Department of Pharmacy, Kindai University Hospital Kosuke Tomishima Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi Hospital Satoshi Dote Department of Pharmacy, Kyoto-Katsura Hospital Katuya Makihara Department of Pharmacy, Yodogawa Christian Hospital Yoshinori Wakasugi Department of Pharmacy, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital Tsutomu Mitsuie Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Otsu Hospital Kouhei Yamagiwa Department of Pharmacy, Saiseikai Shiga Hospital Kazuo Sato Department of Pharmacy, Japan Baptist Hospital Hiroki Hasegawa Department of Pharmacy, Rakuwakai Otowa Hospital Nobuhiko Uoshima Department of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital Yumi Kitahiro Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Kanji Tomogane Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital Background Premedication with corticosteroids is recommended for prophylaxis against infusion-related reactions (IRRs) caused by obinutuzumab despite a lack of solid evidence regarding the dose of corticosteroids.<br> Methods The incidence rates of IRR in the high-dose and low-dose corticosteroid groups were investigated and compared using Student�fs t-test.Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on patients to explore the risk of developing IRRs with obinutuzumab.<br> Results The incidence of IRRs in the high-dose and low-dose corticosteroid groups at the initial administration of obinutuzumab was 27.0% (41/152) and 48.4% (31/64), respectively, indicating that the high-dose group had a lower incidence of IRRs (p = 0.002). The incidence of IRRs at the initial administration of obinutuzumab was significantly associated with the administration of first-generation histamine 1 receptor antagonist (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.16–9.47; reference: second-generation histamine 1 receptor antagonist), hydrocortisone (OR = 7.21, 95% CI: 1.57–33.15; reference: dexamethasone), and methylprednisolone (OR = 3.99, 95% CI :1.13–14.10; reference: dexamethasone), although no association was found with the lower dose of corticosteroids.<br> Conclusions Although no association was found between corticosteroid dosage and IRR when considering multiple factors, dexamethasone may be a better option than hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone for preventing IRR. Additionally, second-generation H1-receptor antagonists may be a better option than first-generation drugs. Certain combinations of premedications may influence infusion reaction incidence. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1478-6362 28 1 2026 Real-world comparative effectiveness of sarilumab versus Janus kinase inhibitors as monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis 32 EN Yuji Nozaki Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Kazuya Kishimoto Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Tetsu Itami Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Daisuke Tomita Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Yumiko Wada Department of Internal Medicine (IV), Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Takuya Kotani Department of Internal Medicine (IV), Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Tohru Takeuchi Department of Internal Medicine (IV), Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Toshihiko Hidaka Rheumatology Center, Miyazaki Zenjinkai Hospital Shoichi Hino Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Izumi City General Medical Center Toshiaki Miyamoto Miyamoto Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Clinic Hirofumi Miyake Department of General Internal Medicine, Tenri Hospital Kazunari Hatta Department of General Internal Medicine, Tenri Hospital Kenji Mamoto Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Yutaro Yamada Center for Senile Degenerative Disorders (CSDD), Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine Tadashi Okano Center for Senile Degenerative Disorders (CSDD), Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine Takaichi Okano Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Jun Saegusa Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Masahiro Horita Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medical Development Field, Okayama University Keiichiro Nishida Locomotive Pain Center, Faculty of Medical Development Field, Okayama University Koji Kinoshita Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Shinya Rai Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Background: Sarilumab (SAR), an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor (IL-6Ri), and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are approved options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when methotrexate (MTX) cannot be used. Real-world evidence for MTX-free monotherapy remains limited.<br> Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of RA patients receiving SAR or JAKi as MTX-free monotherapy. To reduce confounding, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed in the overall cohort (n = 252, 126 per group) and separately within treatment-line strata: Phase 2 first-line biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs: 45 per group), Phase 3 second-line b/tsDMARDs (53 per group), and Phase 3 ≥ third-line b/tsDMARDs (47 per group). Outcomes over 12 months included drug retention, change in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), glucocorticoid (GC) tapering and discontinuation, low disease activity (LDA, CDAI ≤ 10), and safety profiles. Predictors of LDA were evaluated with logistic regression. This multicenter real-world.<br> Results: Across matched strata by prior b/tsDMARDs, retention and CDAI change did not differ significantly between SAR and JAKi through 12 months. When classified by cause, adverse events (AEs)-related discontinuation was higher with JAKi, yielding lower AE-specific retention. Both groups demonstrated GC sparing overtime, with a greater increase in GC discontinuation for SAR than for JAKi in Phase 2. Baseline predictors of achieving LDA at 12 months included higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet count (Plt) in both groups, with additional associations of younger age and lower hemoglobin (Hb) in the SAR. In safety analyses, overall AEs were less frequent with SAR than with JAKi, driven by lower risks of infection including herpes zoster, while other categories were similarly infrequent.<br> Conclusion: SAR and JAKi showed no statistically significant differences in 12-month retention or disease control in MTX-free monotherapy settings. Higher CRP and Plt with lower Hb, particularly in younger patients, identified better response to SAR and support biomarker guided selection between IL-6Ri and JAKi. In Phase 2, GC discontinuation with SAR suggests a practical strategy to reduce AEs while maintaining efficacy. Prospective studies should validate these findings and define actionable thresholds. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2076-3417 16 5 2026 Concentration-Dependent Synergistic Interfacial Interactions Between Multifunctional Acrylate and Silane Coupling Agents in an Organic–Inorganic Nanohybrid Material 2339 EN Yukinori Maruo Department of Prosthodontics, Okayama University Kumiko Yoshihara Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Masao Irie Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Noriyuki Nagaoka Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Dental School, Okayama University Naoki Kodama Department of Prosthodontics, Okayama University Mai Yoshizane Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kentaro Akiyama Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Synergistic effects of a multifunctional acrylate and a long-chain silane coupling agent were investigated in an organic–inorganic nanohybrid material. We tested the bond strength of nanohybrid composites treated with experimental primers containing silane coupling agents�\3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (ƒÁ-MPTS) or 8-methacryloxyoctyl trimethoxysilane (8-MOTS)�\with or without multifunctional acrylates�\trimethylolpropane triacrylate (A-TMPT) or dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (A-DPH). Shear bond strength was evaluated after 24 h of water storage at 37 �‹C. Untreated control and silane-only groups exhibited low shear bond strengths (e.g., control: 2.4 �} 2.0 MPa) and failed exclusively at the adhesive interface. While addition of A-TMPT did not significantly improve bond strength, addition of A-DPH produced significantly higher shear bond strengths. Highest strength was achieved with 30% 8-MOTS and A-DPH (22.4 �} 6.1 MPa), followed by 20% ƒÁ-MPTS and A-DPH (19.0 �} 7.0 MPa), and A-DPH groups produced cohesive failures. Regardless of the silane used (ƒÁ-MPTS or 8-MOTS), incorporating A-DPH in the primer consistently yielded superior bond strengths, indicating a promising strategy for improved adhesion for such nanohybrid systems. These findings provide new insights into optimizing resin–filler interfacial interactions and may contribute to the development of restorative materials with improved long-term clinical durability. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMJ Acta Medica Okayama 2056-5933 12 1 2026 Dental infection is associated with early relapse in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis e006392 EN Shoichi Nawachi Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takayuki Katsuyama Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshia Miyawaki Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Moe Sakamoto-Tokunaga Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Natsuki Kubota Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuya Terajima Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuya Matsumoto Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kei Hirose Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takato Nakadoi Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Manami Hirata-Watanabe Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yu Katayama Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keigo Hayashi Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruki Watanabe Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eri Katsuyama Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mariko Takano-Narazaki Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shigetomo Tsuji Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinori Matsumoto Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken-Ei Sada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Wada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objectives Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease where infections can trigger relapses. Dental infections, being common and associated with systemic inflammation, may play a role in AAV relapse, though their impact remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between severe dental infections and early relapse in patients with AAV.<br> Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients newly diagnosed with AAV between January 2011 and July 2022. Patients with severe dental infections requiring tooth extraction were placed in the dental infection group, while the remaining patients were assigned to the control group. The primary outcome was defined as either vasculitis relapse or all-cause mortality within 1 year of treatment initiation. Adjusted HRs (aHRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.<br> Results A total of 93 patients were enrolled with a median age of 74 years. 41 patients (44.1%) had severe dental infections in this cohort. Over the 1-year follow-up period, 13 patients experienced a relapse and two died, resulting in a composite event rate of 20.9 per 100 person-years. Dental infection was independently associated with the composite outcome (aHR, 3.78 (95% CI 1.13 to 12.66); p=0.031). Exploratory analysis indicated that composite outcome rates were similar regardless of tooth extraction among patients with dental infections.<br> Conclusions Severe dental infections were associated with increased risk of early relapse or mortality in AAV. These findings highlight the importance of early dental evaluation in AAV management. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

JMIR Publications Inc. Acta Medica Okayama 2369-3762 12 2026 Prescription Support Practice for Pharmacy Students: Pre-Post Educational Intervention Study e79545 EN Fuka Aizawa Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital Kenta Yagi Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Tsukasa Higashionna Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital Hirofumi Hamano Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital Shimon Takahashi Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Yoshito Zamami Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital Kazuaki Shinomiya Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Clinical Pharmacy, Tokushima Bunri University Takahiro Niimura Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital Mitsuhiro Goda Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Kei Kawada Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Keisuke Ishizawa Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital Background: In the field of team-based care, pharmacists are vital for optimizing medication therapy. However, many medical professionals lack the opportunity to learn how to propose prescription changes with precision.<br> Objective: This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by developing and assessing a new educational program for pharmacy students focused on prescription support and interprofessional collaboration.<br> Methods: We recruited 191 fifth-year pharmaceutical students during the 2022�]2024 academic years. The program featured a 7-day intensive curriculum that included learning how to assist with prescriptions, analyzing clinical data, and engaging in role-playing exercises. A web-based questionnaire and a paper test were used to evaluate students�f awareness and knowledge both before and after the program. Statistical analyses were performed to verify the significance of changes; we utilized the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the ordinal data derived from the specific behavioral objectives and 2-tailed paired t tests for the interval data from the knowledge tests. The magnitude of change was quantified using r for Wilcoxon tests and Cohen dz for 2-tailed t tests, with 95% CI calculated to ensure the stability and reliability of the observed results.<br> Results: Analysis of the primary outcome specific behavioral objectives revealed statistically significant effects across all items (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; P<.001). Effect sizes (r=0.505�]0.835) ranged from moderate to large, with particularly large effects observed in identifying contents issue (r=0.835, 95% CI 0.126-0.330; P<.001). Knowledge test scores showed significant improvement in the following 3 subjects: pharmacology (r=�|0.504, 95% CI –0.215 to 0.127; P<.001), organic chemistry (r=0.254, 95% CI –0.148 to –0.193; P=.004), and communication (r=0.221, 95% CI –0.151 to –0.190; P=.01). No significant changes were observed in pathology or pharmacokinetics.<br> Conclusions: This program provides strong evidence that practical, hands-on learning with hospital pharmacists helps improve pharmacy students�f professional skills and optimize pharmaceutical therapies in interprofessional care. By teaching pharmacists to effectively propose prescription changes, the program equips them to become integral members of interprofessional care, ultimately leading to optimized pharmaceutical care for patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0732-8893 115 3 2026 Investigation of the cefazolin inoculum effect in blood culture-isolated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains: A Japanese multicenter study 117345 EN Shinnosuke Fukushima Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shuma Tsuji Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Kazuyoshi Gotoh Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Koji Iio Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital Sakura Ogawa Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Norihito Koyanagi Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chutoen General Medical Center Yuji Ito Department of General Internal Medicine, Chutoen General Medical Center Hiroshi Koganemaru Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology Atsushi Yoshida Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology Hideharu Hagiya Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Background: Cefazolin inoculum effect (CInE) is a microbiological phenomenon where the MIC of cefazolin against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains increases with higher bacterial volumes.<br> Method: We retrospectively investigated the prevalence and characteristics of the CInE among MSSA strains isolated from blood cultures at three Japanese hospitals. The collected isolates were screened for blaZ using PCR, and the cefazolin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the blaZ-positive MSSA isolates was measured at standard and high inoculum volumes. CInE-positive MSSA strains were defined as those with a cefazolin MIC ≥16 ƒÊg/mL at 107 CFU/mL and ≤8 ƒÊg/mL at 105 CFU/mL. In these blaZ-positive strains, we performed blaZ typing and tested a modified nitrocefin-based rapid examination to detect the CInE.<br> Results: We collected 329 MSSA strains isolated from blood cultures. Of these, 96 (29.2%) were positive for the blaZ gene, with the following genotypes: type A (15, 15.6%), type B (3, 3.1%), type C (77, 80.2%), type D (0, 0.0%), and non-type (1, 1.0%). Among 96 blaZ-positive MSSA isolates, 11 exhibited the CInE, all of which harbored blaZ type A. The rapid nitrocefin test detected CInE positivity with high sensitivity (100%), specificity (94.1%), and diagnostic accuracy (94.8%).<br> Conclusion: This study highlighted the low prevalence of CInE-presenting MSSA isolates in Japan. When the cefazolin MIC is ≥1 ƒÊg/mL or the penicillin G MIC is ≥0.25 ƒÊg/mL, the rapid nitrocefin test may be useful for considering the CInE in patients with high bacterial volume MSSA infections. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Acta Medica Okayama 0022-2623 69 5 2026 Discovery of Thermal Sensitizers That Inhibit Heat-Induced SAFB Granule Formation 5944 5955 EN Yuji Furutani Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Natsuki Shimasaki Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Riko Yamada Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Takashi Ohtsuki Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kazunori Watanabe Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Hyperthermia is a minimally invasive cancer treatment based on heat stress-induced apoptosis. Its therapeutic efficacy, however, is often limited by tumor heterogeneity and acquired thermotolerance. Therefore, combination strategies involving hyperthermia and chemotherapy have been developed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Previously, we showed that SB366791 enhanced heat-induced apoptosis by inhibiting heat stress-induced scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB) granule formation, although its proapoptotic activity was insufficient. Therefore, we screened to identify novel compounds that enhance heat-induced apoptosis by suppressing SAFB granule formation. We identified four hit compounds that inhibited SAFB granule formation, all exhibiting thermal enhancement ratios > 1.0„Ÿthat significantly enhanced heat-induced apoptosis efficiency. Additionally, the tumor volume in mice treated with a combination of Z19024498 and hyperthermia was significantly smaller than that in mice treated with hyperthermia or Z19024498. These results indicate that the identified compounds, specifically Z19024498, have potential as thermal sensitizers for hyperthermia therapy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0145-305X 165 2025 Local immune response induced by intra-fin antigen injection in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) is a useful model for immunological studies 105344 EN Tsukasa Ryu Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Laboratory of Marine Biochemistry, Kyushu University Mizuki Yoshino Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Laboratory of Marine Biology, Kyushu University William Ka Fai Tse Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Laboratory of Developmental Disorders and Toxicology, Kyushu University Satoshi Ansai Ushimado Marine Institute, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Taisen Iguchi Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University Anu Kumar Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Environment Tomonori Somamoto Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Laboratory of Marine Biochemistry, Kyushu University Miki Nakao Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Laboratory of Marine Biochemistry, Kyushu University Yukiko Ogino Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University Teleost fishes play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of immune system evolution because they retain the ancient characteristics of vertebrate immunity, encompassing both innate and adaptive immune systems. Among these, innate immunity plays a critical role in fish as the first line of defense, coordinating rapid responses to pathogen infections. However, the lack of fish-specific immunological methodologies has limited progress in elucidating fish immune mechanisms. To better understand how the innate immune response develops and resolves in fish, detailed observation and integrative analysis of leukocytes at multiple time points is necessary. In the present study, an intra-fin injection method for observing local immune responses in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) was tested and optimized to analyze the progression of zymosan-induced innate immune responses. Zymosan-injected medaka showed a rapid immune response characterized by leukocyte recruitment and phagocytosis. Using TG(FmpxP:mCherry) transgenic medaka with mCherry fluorescence driven by myeloperoxidase (mpx) promoter, granulocyte chemotaxis towards the site of zymosan entry was successfully visualized. The rapid increase in tumor necrosis factor ƒ¿ (tnfa), interleukin-1ƒÀ (il1b), interleukin-6 (il6), and CXC motif chemokine ligand 8 (cxcl8) expressions in zymosan-injected anal fins provided a molecular basis for the visualized tissue-specific cellular response. Our study underscores the dynamic orchestration of immune components during the innate immune response in Japanese medaka and highlights their potential as a promising model for immunological research. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Clinical Investigation Acta Medica Okayama 2379-3708 11 3 2025 Collagen-binding C-type natriuretic peptide enhances chondrogenesis and osteogenesis e198959 EN Kenta Hirai Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Sawamura Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Ryusaku Esaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Ryusuke Sawada Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuka Okusha Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eriko Aoyama Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School Hiroki Saito Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine Kentaro Uchida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine Takehiko Mima Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ehime Prefectural University of Health Sciences Satoshi Kubota Department of Biochemistry and Molecular DentistryBacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hirokazu Tsukahara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shiro Imagama Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Masaki Matsushita Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Osamu Matsushita Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuyuki Hosono Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is known to promote chondrocyte proliferation and bone formation; however, CNP�fs extremely short half-life necessitates continuous intravascular administration to achieve bone-lengthening effects. Vosoritide, a CNP analog designed for resistance to neutral endopeptidase, allows for once-daily administration. Nonetheless, it distributes systemically rather than localizing to target tissues, which may result in adverse effects such as hypotension. To enhance local drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy, we developed a potentially novel synthetic protein by fusing a collagen-binding domain (CBD) to CNP, termed CBD-CNP. This fusion protein exhibited stability under heat conditions and retained the collagen-binding ability and bioactivity as CNP. CBD-CNP localized to articular cartilage in fetal murine tibiae and promoted bone elongation. Spatial transcriptomic analysis revealed that the upregulation of chondromodulin expression may contribute to its therapeutic effects. Treatment of CBD-CNP mixed with collagen powder to a fracture site of a mouse model increased bone mineral content and bone volume compared with CNP-22. Intraarticular injection of CBD-CNP to a mouse model of knee osteoarthritis suppressed subchondral bone thickening. By addressing the limitations of CNP�fs rapid degeneration, CBD-CNP leverages its collagen-binding capacity to achieve targeted, sustained delivery in collagen-rich tissues, offering a promising strategy for enhancing chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2218-273X 16 2 2026 Targeting the Gut in Sepsis: Therapeutic Potential of Medical Gases 199 EN Tetsuya Yumoto Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takafumi Obara Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulated host response to infection, often resulting in multiorgan dysfunction. Among affected systems, the gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in sepsis progression by promoting systemic inflammation through impaired barrier function, immune imbalance, and microbiome alterations. Recent research has identified selected medical gases and gasotransmitters as promising therapeutic candidates for preserving gut integrity in sepsis. In particular, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. These gases act through defined molecular pathways, including activation of Nrf2, inhibition of NF-ƒÈB, and preservation of tight junction integrity, thereby supporting intestinal barrier function. In addition, they influence immune cell phenotypes and autophagy, with indirect effects on the gut microbiome. Although most supporting evidence derives from preclinical models, translational findings and emerging safety data highlight the potential of gut-targeted gas-based strategies. This review summarizes current mechanistic and translational evidence for gut-protective medical gases in sepsis and discusses their integration into future organ-specific and mechanism-based therapeutic approaches. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0021-5155 2026 Real-world six-month outcomes after switching from aflibercept 2 mg to aflibercept 8 mg for neovascular age-related macular degeneration EN Hiroya Kindo Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mio Morizane Hosokawa Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chihiro Ouchi Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryo Matoba Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tetsuro Morita Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Junko Hayashi Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Morizane Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Purpose To investigate 6-month outcomes in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) switched from intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg to intravitreal aflibercept 8 mg.<br> Study design Retrospective observational study.<br> Methods We reviewed records of consecutive nAMD eyes switched from aflibercept 2 mg to 8 mg. In eyes continuing aflibercept 8 mg, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatment intervals, and anatomical/exudative parameters were evaluated at 6 months. In eyes that could not continue, reasons for discontinuation were examined.<br> Results Forty-four eyes from 44 patients were included. At 6 months, 35 eyes (79.5%) continued and 9 (20.5%) discontinued aflibercept 8 mg. Discontinuing eyes had significantly shorter pre-switch treatment intervals and more frequent prior therapies than continuing eyes. In the continuation group, BCVA remained stable (median 0.05 to 0.00 logMAR, P = 0.351), while the treatment interval was significantly extended (median 7.0 to 9.0 weeks, P < 0.001). Central retinal thickness and pigment epithelial detachment height decreased significantly (P = 0.035 and P = 0.021, respectively). The proportion of eyes with subretinal fluid significantly decreased from 74.3 to 37.1% (P = 0.003). Of the discontinuations, 4 were due to worsening exudation and 5 to inability to extend to ≥8 weeks as required by labeling. No intraocular inflammation or serious adverse events occurred.<br> Conclusions Switching to aflibercept 8 mg achieved anatomical improvements and longer treatment intervals in ~80% of nAMD cases, suggesting it may be a useful alternative to aflibercept 2 mg. However, continuation may be difficult in refractory cases requiring frequent injections before switching. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 2752-4191 5 6 2025 Sex differences in the progression of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic syndrome oeaf162 EN Satoshi Taya Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Ejiri Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hidehiro Kaneko Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Yuta Suzuki Department of Advanced Cardiology, The University of Tokyo Toru Miyoshi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Atsushi Mizuno Department of Cardiology, Medical Quality Management Office, QI Center, St. Luke's International Hospital Toshiyuki Ko Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Takahiro Jimba Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Tatsuhiko Azegami Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine Akira Okada Department of Prevention of Diabetes and Lifestyle-Related Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo Katsuhito Fujiu Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Norifumi Takeda Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hiroyuki Morita Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Kaori Hayashi Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine Koichi Node Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University Masaomi Nangaku Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Hideo Yasunaga Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo Norihiko Takeda Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Shinsuke Yuasa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aims Cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a novel disease concept; however, sex differences in its progression remain uncertain. This study aimed to quantify the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events across CKM stages and to explore sex differences in this association.<br> Methods and results We included 1 332 436 individuals (581 423 males and 751 013 females) from the DeSC database between 2014 and 2023 who had no prior CVD (i.e. CKM Stage 4). CKM stages were categorized as follows: Stage 0 (no CKM risk factors); Stage 1 (excess or dysfunctional adiposity); Stage 2 [metabolic risk factors and chronic kidney diseases (CKD)], and Stage 3 (subclinical CVD). We used Cox models to examine the association of CKM stages with the risk of CVD events (newly developed CKM Stage 4), including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease. The progression from CKM Stages 0 to 3 showed a dose-dependent increase in adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for developing CVD events, with the highest risk at Stage 3 [1.85 (95% CI: 1.80–1.90)]. A similar pattern was observed in both males and females. However, the magnitude of associations for CKM stages 1–3 differed between the sexes: HR by Stage 1, 1.12 (1.04–1.21) vs. 1.12 (1.07–1.16); by Stage 2, 1.78 (1.69–1.88) vs. 1.43 (1.39–1.48); by Stage 3, 1.99 (1.89–2.10) vs. 1.82 (1.76–1.88); and P-for-interaction values were 0.87, < 0.001, and 0.005, respectively.<br> Conclusion In this large nationwide cohort, CKM stage progression was associated with higher CVD risk in both sexes, with modest sex-specific differences. These findings highlight the value of CKM staging for early risk assessment, regardless of sex. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2041-4889 16 1 2025 TRPV2 in muscle satellite cells is crucial for skeletal muscle remodelling 888 EN Yanzhu Chen Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kimiaki Katanosaka Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University Makoto Shibuya Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yubing Dong Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Lidan Zhang Laboratory of Stem Cell Regeneration and Adaptation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Osaka Motoi Kanagawa Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine So-ichiro Fukada Laboratory of Stem Cell Regeneration and Adaptation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Osaka Keiji Naruse Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Katanosaka Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Skeletal muscle remodelling relies on muscle stem cells (MuSCs) for regeneration after injury and hypertrophy in response to mechanical loading. However, the mechanisms that trigger MuSC activation and proliferation remain unclear. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) ion channels respond to insulin-like growth factor-1 and mechanical stimuli to regulate the biological characteristics of various cells. Using a temporally inducible MuSC-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mouse, we show that TRPV2 regulates MuSC function and is essential for muscle remodelling. In cultured myofibre, MuSCs express TRPV2 and exhibit Ca2+ responses to the TRPV2 agonists 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and probenecid, which are abolished upon TRPV2 deletion. TRPV2-deficient MuSCs exhibit reduced paired box 7 (Pax7) expression and impaired proliferation, suggesting TRPV2 is a factor that regulates the early stage of MuSC function. Myotube formation in MuSCs was enhanced by overexpression of TRPV2 and suppressed by TRPV2 deficiency, suggesting that TRPV2 is a factor that promotes myogenesis. Muscle-administered cardiotoxin promoted muscle regeneration and resulted in the appearance of numerous Pax7-positive MuSCs between myofibres. MuSC-specific TRPV2 cKO mice exhibit substantially impaired muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin-induced injury, drastically reducing Pax7-positive MuSCs between myofibres. In floxed mice, mechanical loading via synergist ablation induces hypertrophy and greatly increases the number of myonuclei per myofibre. In contrast, MuSC-specific TRPV2 cKO mice show no changes in myofibre thickness or nuclear number, either at baseline or after mechanical loading. Mechanical loading of floxed mice increased TRPV2+/Pax7+ double-positive MuSCs, but MuSC-specific TRPV2 cKO mice showed no change. Additionally, MuSCs exhibit Ca2+ responses to hypo-osmotic stimuli, which are suppressed by TRPV2 inhibitors and TRPV2 deletion, suggesting that MuSCs exhibit TRPV2-dependent mechanical responses. These results establish TRPV2 as a critical regulator of MuSC-mediated muscle remodelling, an important finding that may lead to therapeutic strategies for muscle repair and adaptation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1435-2451 411 1 2025 The impact of liver transection depth on surgical difficulty in robotic versus laparoscopic limited liver resection (TAKUMI-5) 22 EN Tomokazu Fuji Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Kosei Takagi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Kazuya Yasui Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Atene Ito Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Takeyoshi Nishiyama Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Yasuo Nagai Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Shohei Yokoyama Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Purpose Although robotic liver resection (RLR) has gained popularity worldwide, limited liver resection remains the mainstay of RLR. This study aimed to investigate the effect of parameters, including liver transection depth (LTD), on surgical difficulty in limited RLR compared with limited laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).<br> Methods This retrospective study included 105 patients who underwent limited RLR (n = 56) or LLR (n = 49) at our institution between January 2018 and December 2024. After comparing outcomes of RLR and LLR, multivariate analyses were performed to examine effect of LTD on surgical difficulty (defined as prolonged operative time). Moreover, outcomes stratified by LTD cut-off values were compared between the groups.<br> Results Median LTD was similar between groups (RLR vs. LLR: 2.6 vs. 2.6 cm, P = 0.77). LTD was significantly correlated with operative time for both procedures (RLR, R² = 0.07, P = 0.042; LLR, R² = 0.08, P = 0.046). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that LLR (odds ratio, 6.9; P < 0.001) and LTD (odds ratio, 2.0; P = 0.004) were significant risk factors of surgical difficulty. Among patients with deeper LTD (> 2.5 cm), the RLR group had significantly shorter operative time (145 vs. 231 min, P < 0.001), less blood loss (nil vs. 100 mL, P = 0.006), and a higher rate of textbook outcomes (76.7% vs. 42.3%, P = 0.01).<br> Conclusion This study investigated impact of LTD on surgical outcomes in patients who underwent limited RLR compared to those who underwent limited LLR. LTD may be a useful parameter for estimating surgical difficulty in limited RLR. Moreover, robotic surgery may be favorable for deeper and limited liver resections. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1462-8910 27 10 2025 D3 lymph node dissection in colon cancer patients aged 90 years and over: Is it justified? A multi�]institutional retrospective study e70269 EN Fuminori Teraishi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Satoe Takanaga Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Ryo Inada Department of Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Toshiaki Toshima Department of Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital Tsuyoshi Ohtani Department of Surgery, Saiseikai Okayama Hospital Ryosuke Yoshida Department of Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital Ryohei Shoji Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Setouchi Colorectal Neoplasm Registration study group collaborators Aim: The oncological benefit of D3 lymph node dissection (D3 LND) for colon cancer in patients aged ≥90 years remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of D3 LND on outcomes in this specific, vulnerable population.<br> Method: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 166 patients aged ≥90 years with pathological Stages II–III colon cancer undergoing non-D3 or D3 LND from a multicentre database (2011–2022). Postoperative complications, overall survival and cancer-specific survival were compared between LND groups using propensity score-weighted analyses.<br> Results: D3 LND group had significantly more females and laparoscopic procedures. Operation time was longer, and blood loss was lower in the D3 LND group. Postoperative complications and severe complications were significantly fewer, and postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the D3 LND group. The number of harvested lymph nodes and distal margin was significantly higher in the D3 group. While unadjusted analysis showed better overall survival with D3 LND (p < 0.001), adjusted cancer-specific survival showed no significant difference (p = 0.10). Adjusted mortality risk was significantly higher in the non-D3 group (p = 0.001).<br> Conclusion: In nonagenarian colon cancer patients, D3 LND is safe and feasible without increasing complications, but lacks survival benefit. Careful consideration is warranted, and high-quality D2 LND must be consistently ensured when limited surgery is chosen. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 6 2025 Severe Anemia Caused by a Colorectal Lipoma With Central Erosions: A Case Report e85768 EN Yusuke Yoshida Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryohei Shoji Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Matsumi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Ko Watanabe Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Colorectal lipomas are benign tumors that are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. In most cases, they can be managed conservatively with observation. We report the case of a man in his 70s with a colorectal lipoma located in the cecum. An investigation into his severe anemia led to the suspicion that the cecal lipoma was the underlying cause. An ileocecal resection was performed. Erosions were observed at the center of the lipoma. Although small colorectal lipomas are generally asymptomatic and rarely cause anemia, periodic endoscopic examinations are recommended. These lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0385-5600 2026 Overexpression of Escherichia coli yaiX Confers Multidrug Resistance and Enhances Virulence in the Silkworm Infection Model EN Kinuka Hongu Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kazuya Ishikawa Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomoki Kosaki Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shin�]Ichi Miyoshi Research Center for Intestinal Health Science, Okayama University Kazuyuki Furuta Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chikara Kaito Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University The emergence of bacteria with both antimicrobial resistance and high virulence has become a global health concern, underscoring the urgent need to elucidate the molecular basis underlying these traits. Here, we employed the silkworm (Bombyx mori) infection model, which is suitable for high-throughput screening, together with an Escherichia coli library containing plasmid clones of all genes from strain W3110, to identify genes whose overexpression enhances virulence. We found that overexpression of the uncharacterized protein YaiX promoted bacterial proliferation in silkworms and increased host lethality. Compared with the empty-vector control, the YaiX-overexpressing strain exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents with diverse mechanisms of action, including ƒÀ-lactams, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, cationic surfactants, and hydrogen peroxide. Sequence analysis revealed that amino acids 18–52 of YaiX contain a transferase hexapeptide domain predicted to form a left-handed parallel ƒÀ-helix. Overexpression of YaiX mutants lacking regions outside this domain conferred ampicillin resistance, whereas deletion of the hexapeptide domain abolished this phenotype. RNA sequencing and GO enrichment analyses further indicated that YaiX overexpression altered the expression of genes encoding RNA-binding proteins and porins. These findings suggest that YaiX overexpression, through its hexapeptide domain, modulates gene expression and contributes to both multidrug resistance and enhanced virulence in E. coli. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1435-2451 411 1 2025 Surgical outcomes and patient selection in nonagenarians with colon cancer: a comparative multi-institutional study of laparoscopic and open approaches 21 EN Ryohei Shoji Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fuminori Teraishi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoe Takanaga Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Ryo Inada Department of Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center Toshiaki Toshima Department of Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital Tsuyoshi Ohtani Department of Surgery, Saiseikai Okayama Hospital Ryosuke Yoshida Department of Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital Naoto Hori Department of Surgery, Tottori Municipal Hospital Kaoru Shigemitsu Department of Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Sumiharu Yamamoto Department of Surgery, Okayama City Hospital Tetsushi Kubota Department of Surgery, Kobe Red Cross Hospital Yuka Okano Department of Surgery, Onomichi City Hospital Tetsuji Nobuhisa Department of Surgery, Himeji Red Cross Hospital Fumitaka Taniguchi Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Wataru Ishikawa Department of Surgery, Fukuyama City Hospital Tatsuo Matsuda Department of Surgery, Matsuda Hospital Tatsuo Umeoka Department of Surgery, Matsuyama City Hospital Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Setouchi Colorectal Neoplasm Registration study group collaborators Purpose The appropriate surgical approach for colon cancer (CC) in nonagenarian patients remains a subject of clinical debate. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic (Lap) versus open (Open) surgery in patients aged ≥ 90 years with resectable colon cancer.<br> Methods This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study included oldest-old patientswith pathological Stage II/III CC who underwent elective surgery at 15 hospitals between 2011 and 2022. Patients with rectal cancer, Stage 0/I/IV disease, or emergency surgery were excluded. To address selection bias, inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (sIPTW) were applied. The primary outcome was postoperative complications; secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS).<br> Results Median age was 92 years in both groups. Before adjustment, the Lap group had a higher proportion of female patients (p = 0.038) and lower ASA scores (p = 0.01). Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a significantly longer operative time (220 vs. 171 min, p = 0.046) but less intraoperative blood loss (10 vs. 78 mL, p < 0.01). Postoperative complication rates were comparable (Lap: 31.8%, Open: 33.8%), while the Lap group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (13 vs. 17 days, p < 0.01). D3 lymph node dissection was more frequently performed in the Lap group (p < 0.01). After sIPTW, overall survival did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.61).<br> Conclusion Both laparoscopic and open surgery are feasible options for selected nonagenarians with colon cancer. Laparoscopic surgery may offer benefits in terms of reduced blood loss and shorter hospitalization, despite longer operative times. Careful patient selection considering frailty and comorbidities is essential in determining the most appropriate surgical approach. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2038-131X 2025 Early C-reactive protein as a predictive biomarker for postoperative complications following robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer EN Fuminori Teraishi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryusei Takahashi Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center Hiroki Okabayashi Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center Masashi Utsumi Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center Hideaki Miyaso Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center Ryohei Shoji Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Masaru Inagaki Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the predictive value of early postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for complications following robot-assisted rectal surgery (RARS) for rectal cancer. We analyzed data from 117 consecutive patients who underwent elective RARS at Okayama University Hospital between September 2020 and January 2025. Serum CRP levels were routinely measured preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 4. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any postoperative complication within 30 days, classified according to the Clavien–Dindo grading system. Postoperative complications were observed in 26 patients, representing 22.2% of the cohort. Univariate analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with complications, including older age, higher ASA score, neoadjuvant therapy, stoma creation, prolonged operative time, and elevated CRP levels on POD1 and POD4. Notably, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified POD1 CRP as a robust independent predictor of overall postoperative complications (adjusted odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.63–0.93], p < 0.01). In the ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.735 (bootstrap bias-corrected 95% CI 0.544–0.848). The optimal cutoff value of POD1 CRP was 5.63 mg/dl, at which Youden�fs index, yielding a sensitivity of 0.615 and specificity of 0.868. In conclusion, early postoperative measurement of CRP on POD1 serves as a valuable and independent biomarker for predicting complications following RARS for rectal cancer. Incorporating POD1 CRP into postoperative surveillance may facilitate the early identification of high-risk patients, thereby facilitating timely interventions and ultimately improving surgical outcomes in this patient population. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 16 1 2026 Comparative efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapies by metastatic site in metastatic renal cell carcinoma 3303 EN Shingo Toyoda Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University Lan Inoki Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University Mamoru Hashimoto Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University Wataru Fukuokaya Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Keiichiro Mori Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Shingo Nishimura Department of Urology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Ryoichi Maenosono Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Takehiro Iwata Department of Urology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Kensuke Bekku Department of Urology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Takuhisa Nukaya Department of Urology, Fujita-Health University School of Medicine Takafumi Yanagisawa Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine Takuya Tsujino Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Kazumasa Komura Department of Urology, Kawasaki University School of Medicine Kiyoshi Takahara Department of Urology, Fujita-Health University School of Medicine Teruo Inamoto Department of Urology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Haruhito Azuma Department of Urology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Kazutoshi Fujita Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University JK-FOOT study group Few studies have investigated the efficacy of immuno-oncology (IO) combinations at different metastatic sites in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We evaluated the differential efficacy of IO–IO and IO–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combinations by metastatic site in metastatic RCC (mRCC). This retrospective multicenter study by the JK-FOOT Study Group included 579 patients with intermediate- or poor-risk mRCC (per International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium criteria) treated with first-line IO combinations between September 2018 and December 2024. Metastatic sites were lymph nodes, lungs, bones, liver, brain, and others. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS); the secondary endpoint was objective response rate. Efficacy was compared between IO–IO and IO–TKI for each site. For lymph node (n = 36), lung (n = 132), or brain (n = 16) metastases, OS or PFS was not significantly different between IO–IO and IO–TKI. In bone metastases (n = 80), OS tended to favor IO–TKI (P = 0.053). In liver metastases (n = 22), OS was significantly longer with IO–TKI (P = 0.011). IO–TKI may be a more appropriate first-line option than IO–IO for mRCC with bone or liver metastases, while efficacy is similar for other sites. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 16 1 2026 Objective assessment of cesarean section suturing techniques using a uterine simulator 7456 EN Hikari Nakato Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jota Maki Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chiaki Kuriyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shujiro Sakata Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keiichi Oishi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayano Suemori Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hikaru Ooba Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiro Mitoma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masakazu Kato Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakurako Mishima Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akiko Ohira Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoe Kirino Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eriko Eto Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hisashi Masuyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Cesarean wound healing is influenced by surgeon experience, suture type, and technique. This study utilized a simulation model to quantify these effects. Obstetricians–gynecologists and junior residents performed two-layer continuous suturing on uterine models, forming eight groups based on experience level (expert, novice), suture type (conventional, barbed), and technique (Albert–Lembert, layer-to-layer). The ideal wound condition was defined as that achieved by an expert using barbed sutures and the layer-to-layer technique. Wound characteristics were quantified and compared to this ideal. Experts using barbed sutures in Albert–Lembert suturing showed higher wound density but greater deformation and larger endometrial openings (both P < 0.01). Novices using barbed sutures in Albert–Lembert suturing showed similar wound density but significantly greater deformation and opening (both P < 0.01). Novices using conventional sutures in layer-to-layer suturing showed the lowest wound density and longest suturing time (both P < 0.01). Notably, novices using barbed sutures achieved wound characteristics comparable to experts using conventional sutures in Albert–Lembert suturing and results closer to the ideal in layer-to-layer suturing. These findings establish a quantifiable standard for cesarean suturing and suggest that optimizing suture types and techniques may help compensate for differences in surgical expertise. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0964-2633 70 3 2025 Prevalence and Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia in People With Down Syndrome: Cross�]Sectional Study of Japan in Collaboration With the Intellectual Diversity for Goodness Research Consortium (INDIGO�]2019) 329 336 EN Shintaro Takenoshita Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Hospital Seishi Terada Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomokazu Inoue Asahigawaso Research Institute, Social Welfare Corporation Asahigawaso Taku Kurozumi Asahigawaso Research Institute, Social Welfare Corporation Asahigawaso Manabu Takaki Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryozo Kuwano Asahigawaso Research Institute, Social Welfare Corporation Asahigawaso Shigeru Suemitsu Asahigawaso Research Institute, Social Welfare Corporation Asahigawaso Background: People with Down syndrome (DS) have a strong genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the clinical burden and associated risk factors in diverse, non-Western populations remain less understood. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dementia in Japanese adults with DS and to identify modifiable clinical factors associated with dementia.<br> Methods: This cross-sectional multicentre study surveyed 133 adults with DS (mean age 50.1 years) residing in 45 welfare facilities across Japan in 2019. Dementia was diagnosed by a consensus panel of physicians using established criteria (DSM-5, ICD-10, DC-LD) after comprehensive assessments, including the Japanese version of the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID-J). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with dementia.<br> Results: Forty-six participants (34.6%) were diagnosed with dementia. The prevalence rose sharply with age: 0% in their 30s, 30.8% in their 40s, 31.6% in their 50s and 65.5% in their 60s. After adjusting for covariates, older age, female sex, dyslipidaemia and visual impairment were independently associated with dementia.<br> Conclusions: This study, the largest of its kind in Asia, confirms a high prevalence of dementia in institutionalized Japanese adults with DS. Crucially, this study is the first to identify dyslipidaemia and visual impairment as independent and potentially modifiable risk factors in this population. These findings highlight tangible targets for clinical interventions aimed at mitigating dementia risk in people with DS. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd Acta Medica Okayama 2050-084X 13 2025 Stimulatory and inhibitory G-protein signaling relays drive cAMP accumulation for timely metamorphosis in the chordate Ciona RP99825 EN Akiko Hozumi Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba Nozomu M Totsuka Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University Arata Onodera Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba Yanbin Wang Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba Mayuko Hamada Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University Akira Shiraishi Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences Honoo Satake Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences Takeo Horie Laboratory for Single-cell Neurobiology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University Kohji Hotta Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University Yasunori Sasakura Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba Larvae of the ascidian Ciona initiate metamorphosis tens of minutes after adhesion to a substratum via their adhesive organ. The gap between adhesion and metamorphosis initiation is suggested to ensure the rigidity of adhesion, allowing Ciona to maintain settlement after losing locomotive activity through metamorphosis. The mechanism producing the gap is unknown. Here, by combining gene functional analyses, pharmacological analyses, and live imaging, we propose that the gap represents the time required for sufficient cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation to trigger metamorphosis. Not only the Gs pathway but also the Gi and Gq pathways are involved in the initiation of metamorphosis in the downstream signaling cascade of the neurotransmitter GABA, the known initiator of Ciona metamorphosis. The mutual crosstalk of stimulatory and inhibitory G-proteins functions as the accelerator and brake for cAMP production, ensuring the faithful initiation of metamorphosis at an appropriate time and in the right situation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

‰ªŽR‘åŠw•¶Šw•”ŠwŒ|ˆõ‰Û’ö Acta Medica Okayama 20 2025 ŠwŒ|ˆõ‰Û’ö Newsletter ‘æ20�† EN 10.18926/70233 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.