start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e202501237 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Informatics‐Driven and Automated Optimization in Flow Electrochemical Synthesis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Electrochemical synthesis has emerged as a powerful platform for environmentally sustainable chemical transformations. When integrated with flow chemistry, electrosynthetic processes exhibit enhanced scalability, making them suitable for industrial applications. Recently, the integration of electrochemical flow systems with informatics techniques has accelerated the optimization of reaction conditions. Data-driven strategies facilitate rapid exploration of multidimensional parameter spaces, enabling identification of optimal reaction conditions with high efficiency. These advances have enabled the development of automated optimization systems. This review highlights recent progress in combining electrosynthesis, flow chemistry, and computational tools, focusing on representative examples that illustrate efficient optimization protocols and autonomous reaction development. By showcasing these developments, we discuss how the integration of these technologies is driving innovation in electrochemical synthesis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniAkine en-aut-sei=Tani en-aut-mei=Akine kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakahamaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Nakahama en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=artificial intelligence kn-keyword=artificial intelligence en-keyword=electrochemical synthesis kn-keyword=electrochemical synthesis en-keyword=flow synthesis kn-keyword=flow synthesis en-keyword=laboratory automation kn-keyword=laboratory automation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=380 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114924 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202604 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Constitutive activation of MC1R in the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) and its potential role in black plumage en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Melanin-based plumage coloration in birds is largely regulated by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a G protein–coupled receptor that promotes eumelanin synthesis via cAMP signaling. In domestic chickens, constitutively activating mutations such as the MC1R^E (E92K) allele cause melanistic phenotypes, demonstrating that persistent MC1R activation can drive generalized darkening. However, to our knowledge, no experimental study has directly demonstrated constitutive MC1R activation in wild birds exhibiting uniformly black plumage. We investigated the sequence and signaling properties of MC1R from the Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), a species with strongly eumelanin-dominant plumage. Crow MC1R exhibited elevated basal cAMP signaling and minimal responsiveness to α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in both stable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells and transient CRE-luciferase assays in HEK293T cells, demonstrating ligand-independent activation comparable to that observed in the melanizing chicken MC1R^E (E92K) allele. Comparative sequence analysis identified multiple substitutions conserved across Corvus species. Among these, E12K and E18K were functionally evaluated based on prior associations with melanism in other birds. Although E12K modestly increased basal signaling in chicken MC1R, E18K alone or in combination with E12K did not reproduce crow-level constitutive activity, and reciprocal substitutions in crow MC1R failed to abolish ligand-independent activation. These findings demonstrate that crow MC1R possesses constitutive activity and suggest that this phenotype reflects lineage-specific modifications rather than a single activating substitution. Our results provide experimental evidence that constitutive MC1R activation is a plausible molecular mechanism that may contribute to the black plumage in the Large-billed Crow, although a direct causal relationship remains to be established. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakanoSaya en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Saya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TashiroYuichi en-aut-sei=Tashiro en-aut-mei=Yuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=MC1R kn-keyword=MC1R en-keyword=Constitutive activation kn-keyword=Constitutive activation en-keyword=Ligand-independent signaling kn-keyword=Ligand-independent signaling en-keyword=Melanism kn-keyword=Melanism en-keyword=Plumage coloration kn-keyword=Plumage coloration en-keyword=Corvus macrorhynchos kn-keyword=Corvus macrorhynchos END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=35 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A case of tubulointerstitial nephritis with infiltration of neutrophils and interleukin-17-positive cells associated with Behçet’s disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Behçet’s 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. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UchidaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaKeiko en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaNatsuki en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Natsuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Katsuyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Tubulointerstitial nephritis kn-keyword=Tubulointerstitial nephritis en-keyword=Behçet’s disease kn-keyword=Behçet’s disease en-keyword=Neutrophils kn-keyword=Neutrophils en-keyword=Interleukin-17 kn-keyword=Interleukin-17 en-keyword=T-helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 cytokines kn-keyword=T-helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 cytokines END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=143 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=108168 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202602 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Biallelic CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene presenting with parkinsonism and spasticity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OsakadaYosuke en-aut-sei=Osakada en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaChika en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYumiko en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TairaYuki en-aut-sei=Taira en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiTaijun en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Taijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakemotoMami en-aut-sei=Takemoto en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYuko en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KutokuYumiko en-aut-sei=Kutoku en-aut-mei=Yumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakakiManabu en-aut-sei=Takaki en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokotaOsamu en-aut-sei=Yokota en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=SCA2 kn-keyword=SCA2 en-keyword=ATXN2 kn-keyword=ATXN2 en-keyword=Biallelic kn-keyword=Biallelic en-keyword=Parkinsonism kn-keyword=Parkinsonism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=e772 end-page=e780 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Aging of the tricuspid valve annulus detected by photon-counting detector computed tomography: Importance of aortic root compression on occurrence of arrhythmias en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=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.
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.
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.
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.
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. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoritaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagawaKoji en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaseSatoshi en-aut-sei=Nagase en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoYoshihisa en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Yoshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaTakuro en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Takuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeokaAkira en-aut-sei=Ueoka en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaSaori en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Saori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoMasakazu en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TohNorihisa en-aut-sei=Toh en-aut-mei=Norihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Nishii en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= en-keyword=Tricuspid valve annulus kn-keyword=Tricuspid valve annulus en-keyword=Aortic root kn-keyword=Aortic root en-keyword=Photon-counting detector computed tomography kn-keyword=Photon-counting detector computed tomography en-keyword=Atrial tachyarrhythmia kn-keyword=Atrial tachyarrhythmia en-keyword=Conduction abnormality kn-keyword=Conduction abnormality END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=102931 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202603 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from Humans: A prospective clinical pilot study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Tick-borne diseases (TBDs), particularly Japanese spotted fever, are an increasing public health concern in Japan. Data on pathogens carried by ticks removed directly from patients and their associated clinical outcomes remain limited. This prospective study investigated pathogen carriage in patient-derived ticks and evaluated the clinical risk of TBDs. Between April and October 2025, ticks were collected from patients presenting with tick bites at two medical institutions in Western Japan. Ticks were morphologically identified and spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) was detected by nested PCR targeting the 17-kDa antigen gene, followed by sequence analysis. Clinical data, including patient background, antibiotic prescriptions, and outcomes, were reviewed. Clinical information was available for 70 patients (median age; 75 years), of whom 88.6% were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics. Ticks were collected from 60 patients (85.7%), and seven adults without antibiotic prophylaxis were followed for disease onset. Sixty-two ticks, predominantly Amblyomma testudinarium (88.7%), were analyzed. SFGR was detected in eight ticks (12.9%), including seven A. testudinarium and one Ixodes nipponensis, collected from seven patients. Two patients bitten by Rickettsia tamurae–carrying ticks were observed for one month without antibiotics and remained asymptomatic. In this prospective analysis, no clinically apparent rickettsiosis was observed following bites from R. tamurae–positive ticks without antibiotic prophylaxis; however, subclinical infection could not be excluded. Despite the small sample size, our findings suggest that the clinical risk associated with R. tamurae infection may be low. Direct analysis of removed ticks from patients may help characterize pathogen reservoirs and inform targeted approaches to TBDs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumidaTakaomi en-aut-sei=Sumida en-aut-mei=Takaomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamataOsamu en-aut-sei=Kawamata en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HidaniYoshimi en-aut-sei=Hidani en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Epidemiology kn-keyword=Epidemiology en-keyword=Japanese spotted fever kn-keyword=Japanese spotted fever en-keyword=Spotted fever group rickettsiae kn-keyword=Spotted fever group rickettsiae en-keyword=Tick bite kn-keyword=Tick bite en-keyword=Tick-borne disease kn-keyword=Tick-borne disease END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=102933 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202603 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Comments on “In vitro activity of cefiderocol against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in Japan” en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OgawaSakura en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Sakura kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoMari en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=2021 end-page=2029 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Improved Synthesis of a Key Intermediate for Glycosylation of Biopterin and Its Application for the First Synthesis of Microcystbiopterin B en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A key intermediate for the selective 2′-O-glycosylation of biopterin, N2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethylene)-1′-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]biopterin (12), was efficiently synthesized via a novel route starting from d-glucose, leading to an improved overall yield. This new pathway involves the preparation of a 5-deoxy-l-arabinose phenylhydrazone derivative (9) as a crucial intermediate in the construction of the pteridine ring. Utilizing compound 12, the first synthesis of microcystbiopterin B (4) was accomplished by glycosylation of 12 with 4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3-O-methyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl bromide (19) in the presence of silver triflate and tetramethylurea, followed by stepwise deprotection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HanayaTadashi en-aut-sei=Hanaya en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYuta en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwasakiKatsuya en-aut-sei=Iwasaki en-aut-mei=Katsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=microcystbiopterin B kn-keyword=microcystbiopterin B en-keyword=pteridine kn-keyword=pteridine en-keyword=pterin glycoside kn-keyword=pterin glycoside en-keyword=structural identification kn-keyword=structural identification END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=558 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=109710 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=First total synthesis of cyanopterin, a pterin glycoside isolated from a cyanobacterium en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The first total synthesis and structural identification of cyanopterin, a pterin glycoside isolated from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, has been accomplished. The synthesis was achieved by convergent coupling of three key derivatives: d-glucuronate, d-galactose, and 6-hydroxymethylpterin. An α-selective glycosylation enabled efficient construction of the glucuronate–galactose disaccharide, while subsequent β-exclusive glycosylation with the 6-hydroxymethylpterin derivative furnished the desired pterin–disaccharide glycoside. Final deprotection provided cyanopterin in its natural form, allowing confirmation of its precise structure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HanayaTadashi en-aut-sei=Hanaya en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYuta en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjiriKazumasa en-aut-sei=Ejiri en-aut-mei=Kazumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Pterin glycoside kn-keyword=Pterin glycoside en-keyword=6-Hydroxymethylpterin kn-keyword=6-Hydroxymethylpterin en-keyword=Structural identification kn-keyword=Structural identification en-keyword=Glycosylation kn-keyword=Glycosylation en-keyword=Cyanopterin kn-keyword=Cyanopterin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=102730 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202507 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of full-time equivalent allocation on the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship activities: A multicenter study in Okayama, Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Optimized administration of antimicrobial agents is critical for mitigating the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between antimicrobial stewardship (AS) activities and antimicrobial prescription trends and patterns.
Methods: This retrospective, multicenter, longitudinal study was conducted between April 2014 and March 2023 (9-year fiscal period). A structured, questionnaire survey, regarding institutional infrastructure and environmental parameters, service modalities provided by AS activities, resource allocation and systemic support, and data on the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, was distributed to co-investigators working at seven hospitals in Okayama, Japan. Full-time equivalent (FTE) allocation for each healthcare facility were calculated and subsequently compared among the hospitals. Temporal variations in the proportional distribution of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents were statistically evaluated using joinpoint regression analysis.
Results: Two hospitals where pharmacists were exclusively dedicated to AS activities and met the recommended FTE allocation showed a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of broad-spectrum antibiotic administration, with average annual percentage changes of −8.0 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: −10.5 to −5.8) and −3.1 % (95 % CI: −5.5 to −0.7), respectively. In contrast, two other hospitals with full-time AS members but insufficient FTE allocation exhibited inconsistent and statistically nonuniform trends. The remaining three healthcare institutions with poorly resourced AS teams demonstrated no statistically significant trends in their broad-spectrum antimicrobial prescriptions.
Conclusion: Our findings uncovered that hospitals with adequate FTE staffing metrics for AS activities exhibited statistically significant downward trends in the consumption of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KajitaShiho en-aut-sei=Kajita en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkitaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Okita en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HarukiYuto en-aut-sei=Haruki en-aut-mei=Yuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaHaruto en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Haruto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueYasurou en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Yasurou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashionnaTsukasa en-aut-sei=Higashionna en-aut-mei=Tsukasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatouKana en-aut-sei=Satou en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TorigoeFumihiro en-aut-sei=Torigoe en-aut-mei=Fumihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamotoShinobu en-aut-sei=Iwamoto en-aut-mei=Shinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaMika en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneYumiko en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Yumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KenmotsuHiroki en-aut-sei=Kenmotsu en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimuraSatoru en-aut-sei=Sugimura en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraYutaka en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaFusao en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Fusao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaChikamasa en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Chikamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndouShinichirou en-aut-sei=Andou en-aut-mei=Shinichirou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuwakiToshimitsu en-aut-sei=Suwaki en-aut-mei=Toshimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Setouchi City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Pharmacy, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Pharmacy, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Pharmacy, Okayama Kyoritsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Infection Control Team, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Infection Control Team, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Division of Pharmacy, Okayama Saiseikai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Kyoritsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Infection Control Team, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Hepatology, Okayama Saiseikai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Infection Control Team, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Infection Control Team, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Infection Control Team, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=Antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=Antimicrobial stewardship kn-keyword=Antimicrobial stewardship en-keyword=Full-time equivalent kn-keyword=Full-time equivalent en-keyword=Infection prevention and control kn-keyword=Infection prevention and control en-keyword=Trend analysis kn-keyword=Trend analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=102845 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Whole-genome sequencing and in vitro characterization of a disseminated ST398 Staphylococcus aureus infection: A case report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Staphylococcus aureus potentially causes systemic infections such as disseminated abscesses and bloodstream infections, leading to high mortality rates. We herein describe a case of disseminated muscle abscesses caused by sequence type (ST) 398 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), along with in vitro investigation results for potential pathogenic factors. A 67-year-old healthy woman was admitted to our hospital with complaints of systemic body pain. Blood cultures identified MSSA and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed multiple muscle abscesses extending from her neck to her soles. She received antibiotic treatment with intravenous cephazolin and underwent repeated surgical drainage, and was finally discharged. Notably, the MSSA strain exclusively affected her muscle tissues, prompting us to perform genetic analysis to uncover the underlying reason. Short-read genome analysis revealed the isolate to be ST398, harboring chp and scn genes known for immune evasion from human immunity. However, no other known pathogenic factors were identified despite rigorous assays for biofilm formation, surface and cell wall proteins, protease production, and hyaluronidase activity. ST398 S. aureus is commonly isolated from livestock, and her prior experience of being flooded could be related to the disease onset. The present case underscores the possibility of severe ST398 MSSA infections in humans, even in the absence of direct animal exposure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SazumiYosuke en-aut-sei=Sazumi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KutsunoShoko en-aut-sei=Kutsuno en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HisatsuneJunzo en-aut-sei=Hisatsune en-aut-mei=Junzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaiMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Sugai en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Staphylococcus aureus kn-keyword=Staphylococcus aureus en-keyword=Sequence type 398 kn-keyword=Sequence type 398 en-keyword=Disseminated infection kn-keyword=Disseminated infection en-keyword=Immune evasion cluster gene kn-keyword=Immune evasion cluster gene END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=102853 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical and molecular characteristics of urinary catheter-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa prostatic infection: A case series of four postoperative nosocomial infections en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a causative pathogen of nosocomial catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), but prostate involvement, including prostatitis and prostatic abscess, is rare. The clinical characteristics of P. aeruginosa-associated CAUTI with prostatic lesions, as well as the contribution of genetic backgrounds remain unclear. We describe four cases of urinary catheter-associated prostatic infection caused by P. aeruginosa following postoperative catheterization. All patients developed fever within 10 days after surgery, and three of the four patients developed bacteremia. Three patients were diagnosed with prostatic abscess by contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, while one case presented with prostatitis without abscess formation. Prostate-specific antigen levels were elevated over 20 ng/mL in all three measured cases. All patients were treated successfully with prolonged antibiotic therapy (28–39 days) without surgical drainage. Notably, all three abscess cases were successfully managed with fluoroquinolone-based combination therapy, highlighting its potential role in the management of prostatic abscesses. Three of four isolates were submitted for molecular investigations. All isolates harbored exoT and exoY, whereas exoU was absent. Biofilm-associated genes were detected in two cases, but not in the remaining case. Our findings suggested that P. aeruginosa strains carrying T3SS genes (exoT and exoY) potentially develop prostatic infections, independent of biofilm-associated genes. Host and iatrogenic factors, such as catheter manipulation, may play more critical roles in the development of prostatic pathology than strain-specific determinants. Assessment of prostate-specific antigen levels and early imaging may facilitate appropriate diagnosis and effective management when P. aeruginosa is detected as a cause of CAUTI. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanoTakayuki en-aut-sei=Sano en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KashimotoTakashige en-aut-sei=Kashimoto en-aut-mei=Takashige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Pseudomonas aeruginosa kn-keyword=Pseudomonas aeruginosa en-keyword=Catheter-associated urinary tract infection kn-keyword=Catheter-associated urinary tract infection en-keyword=Prostatic abscess kn-keyword=Prostatic abscess en-keyword=Type III secretion system kn-keyword=Type III secretion system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=101548 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cerebellar abscess caused by Cladophialophora bantiana involving an elderly Japanese woman en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare fungal infection that presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we document a case of a cerebellar abscess caused by Cladophialophora bantiana. A 77-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a previous history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma gradually developed ataxia and was transferred to an emergency department. Head imaging investigations indicated a cerebellar mass and the patient underwent an emergent endoscopic drainage. Although bacterial cultures of the drainage specimen yielded no growth, a dematiaceous fungus was isolated and subsequently identified as C. bantiana through ITS sequencing analysis. The patient received antifungal combination therapy, initially with liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole, and finally posaconazole and 5-fluorocytosine. Brain abscesses caused by C. bantiana are rarely documented, and an optimal treatment strategy has yet to be established. Given the high fatality rate, an early surgical intervention is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment. The present case was successfully treated with minimally invasive surgical intervention alongside the antifungal combination therapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamotoKenta en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYukika en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yukika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranoShuichiro en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Shuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YaguchiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yaguchi en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=BanSayaka en-aut-sei=Ban en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeAkira en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkunobuHiroki en-aut-sei=Okunobu en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaguchiMarina en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Marina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=SazumiYousuke en-aut-sei=Sazumi en-aut-mei=Yousuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Brain abscess kn-keyword=Brain abscess en-keyword=Cladophialophora bantiana kn-keyword=Cladophialophora bantiana en-keyword=Black fungus kn-keyword=Black fungus en-keyword=Phaeohyphomycosis kn-keyword=Phaeohyphomycosis en-keyword=Posaconazole kn-keyword=Posaconazole END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=64 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=4309 end-page=4317 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251009 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characterization of Autonomous and Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Activities of CaMKK Isoforms In Vitro and in Mouse Tissues en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) phosphorylates and activates downstream kinases, including CaMKI, CaMKIV, PKB, and AMPK, regulating various cellular functions such as neuronal morphogenesis, metabolic control, and pathophysiological pathways, such as cancer progression. CaMKKα/1 is tightly regulated by an autoinhibitory mechanism. CaMKKβ/2 activity is highly Ca2+/CaM-independent (autonomous activity) in vitro and Ca2+/CaM-dependent in cultured cells. Whether these two activity states of CaMKKβ/2 exist in vivo and the detailed regulatory mechanisms for the transition of both activity states remain unclear due to the difficulty in distinguishing the two activity states. In this study, we detected Ca2+-dependent and autonomous CaMKK activity in HeLa cells and successfully separated both activity states of CaMKKβ/2 in mouse brain and testis extracts using a recently developed CaMKK inhibitor (TIM-063)-coupled sepharose, which binds to the catalytic domain in the active state but not in the autoinhibited state. Furthermore, lambda protein phosphatase treatment converted the Ca2+/CaM-dependent form to the autonomous form of CaMKKβ/2, which was not affected by Ala mutation of Ser128, Ser132, and Ser136. The two activity forms of CaMKKβ/2 had equivalent Ca2+/CaM-binding ability. The findings demonstrate the presence of autonomous and Ca2+/CaM-dependent forms of CaMKKβ/2 independently in mouse tissues and cultured cells. The transition of these states of CaMKKβ/2 may be dynamically regulated by the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of serine residues in the N-terminal regulatory domain. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OhtsukaSatomi en-aut-sei=Ohtsuka en-aut-mei=Satomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenYerun en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Yerun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MagariMasaki en-aut-sei=Magari en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikawaTeruhiko en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Teruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakagamiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Sakagami en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuizuFutoshi en-aut-sei=Suizu en-aut-mei=Futoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumitsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tokumitsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Science Education, Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Clinical Examination Department, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=244 end-page=249 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250527 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Identification of New Repeat Expansion Diseases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Through a genetic study of benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) type 1, TTTCA and TTTTA repeat expansions have been identified in intron 4 of SAMD12. Lengths of expanded repeats inversely correlated with age at onset of epilepsy. Gain-of-toxic function mechanisms are suggested by the presence of UUUCA-repeat-containing RNA foci. From families with BAFME who did not have repeat expansions in SAMD12, we identified expanded TTTCA and TTTTA repeats in TNRC6A and RAPGEF2. These findings indicated a strong correlation between the repeat motif and the phenotype, leading to the identification of other types of BAFME. We then conducted genetic analysis of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukoencephalopathy (OPML), and oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM). From the observation that NIID, OPML, and OPDM, in addition to fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, have shared clinical features, a direct search for CGG repeat expansions successfully led to the identification of the causative genes. Here, I review recent studies on repeat expansions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama UniversityGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=163 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=224312 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of hydrogen fluoride dimers in solid parahydrogen en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigate the Fourier-transform infrared spectra of hydrogen fluoride dimers in solid parahydrogen, the detailed analysis of which has remained unexplored. We propose a plausible analysis based on concentration dependence, light polarization, annealing, and time evolution. The absorption lines exhibited multiple peaks, with intensity ratios significantly altered by annealing and by time evolution at a constant temperature. The spectral patterns and isotopic effects suggest that the dimers do not rotate freely in solid parahydrogen, while multiple peaks arise from different stable structures, including single and double substitution sites. Unlike in the gas phase and helium droplets, no tunneling splitting was observed. The broad ν1 band suggests that some dimer structures may exhibit axial rotation. Spectral changes due to annealing likely result from site conversion, while observed IR-induced changes indicate preferential dissociation of dimers in double substitution sites. These findings still remain tentative, necessitating further experimental and theoretical studies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoYuki en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OoeHiroki en-aut-sei=Ooe en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KumaSusumu en-aut-sei=Kuma en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Physics, Rikkyo University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250111 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Linear Search Algorithm for Resource Allocation in Frequency Domain Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This paper proposes a linear search algorithm for resource allocation in frequency domain non-orthogonal multiple access based on the low-density signature (LDS). Although the proposed linear search enables the non-orthogonal multiple access to achieve superior transmission performance, the proposed linear search makes the resource allocation implemented with lower and fixed computational complexity. The performance of the non-orthogonal access based on the proposed linear search is evaluated by computer simulation. The proposed linear search algorithm makes the non-orthogonal multiple access achieve a gain of about 6 dB at the BER of 10–5 when the overloading ratio is set to 2. The complexity of the non-orthogonal access based on the proposed linear search algorithm is approximately half as much as that of the conventional low complexity resource allocation when the overloading ratio is 2, if the complexity is evaluated in terms of the number of additions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DennoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Denno en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhbaYuto en-aut-sei=Ohba en-aut-mei=Yuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HouYafei en-aut-sei=Hou en-aut-mei=Yafei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=non-orthogonal multiple access kn-keyword=non-orthogonal multiple access en-keyword=frequency domain kn-keyword=frequency domain en-keyword=linear search kn-keyword=linear search en-keyword=low complexity kn-keyword=low complexity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e70057 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Case of IgA Nephropathy With Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis-Like Features Miyu Kanazawa, en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A 73-year-old man was referred due to the onset of nephrotic-range proteinuria. He had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 18 years prior and had achieved remission with treatment, including methotrexate and janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Although routine follow-ups had not revealed any urinary abnormalities, subsequent tests detected proteinuria and hematuria in the absence of infection or other symptoms. As the urinary abnormalities persisted, with a serum albumin decrease and proteinuria measuring 5.7 g/day, indicating nephrotic syndrome, the patient was referred to our hospital for further evaluation, and a renal biopsy was performed. Light microscopy revealed mesangial cell proliferation, endocapillary proliferation and double-contoured basement membranes. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed IgA-dominant deposits in both mesangial areas and glomerular capillary walls. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated electron-dense deposits in the mesangium and subendothelial regions, leading to the diagnosis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)-type IgA nephropathy. Immunostaining with the Gd-IgA1 (galactose-deficient IgA1)-specific antibody (KM55) was positive, consistent with the diagnosis. Following the initiation of steroid therapy, proteinuria rapidly decreased, achieving complete remission within 5 months. IgA nephropathy with MPGN-like features often presents as nephrotic syndrome, differing from the typical pathological and clinical presentation of IgA nephropathy, making differentiation from secondary MPGN and other diseases sometimes challenging. This case suggests that KM55 staining may offer additional information in differentiating atypical IgA nephropathy with non-classical pathological features. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KanazawaMiyu en-aut-sei=Kanazawa en-aut-mei=Miyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokiRyoya en-aut-sei=Aoki en-aut-mei=Ryoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SueMihiro en-aut-sei=Sue en-aut-mei=Mihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakeHiromasa en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanohHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Nakanoh en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Gd-IgA1 kn-keyword=Gd-IgA1 en-keyword=IgA nephropathy kn-keyword=IgA nephropathy en-keyword=membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis kn-keyword=membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis en-keyword=nephrotic syndrome kn-keyword=nephrotic syndrome en-keyword=rheumatoid arthritis kn-keyword=rheumatoid arthritis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=71 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=938 end-page=943 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250402 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mechanical Subpulmonary Support in Fontan Circulation: A Juvenile Porcine Experimental Model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Mechanical cavopulmonary assist (CPA) remains challenging for failing Fontan circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic impact of partial CPA using a juvenile porcine model. Six pigs (30 kg) underwent the Fontan procedure using a handmade Y-shaped graft. Total CPA was established by assisting both superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) flow to the pulmonary artery, whereas partial CPA assisted only IVC flow using a centrifugal pump. Cavopulmonary assist flow was set to 100%, 50%, or 25% of pre-Fontan cardiac output (CO). Hemodynamics at baseline, after total CPA, and after partial CPA were compared using paired t-tests. Total CPA with 100% CO support increased CO and reduced SVC and IVC pressures compared to baseline (CO, 1.03 vs. 2.36 L/min; SVC pressure, 16.3 vs. 9.5 mm Hg; IVC pressure, 17.3 vs. 9.3 mm Hg, p < 0.05 for all). Partial CPA with 25% CO support increased CO and decreased IVC pressure, though SVC pressure increased (CO, 1.03 vs. 1.52 L/min; SVC pressure, 16.3 vs. 20.5 mm Hg; IVC pressure, 17.3 vs. 11.5 mm Hg, p < 0.05 for all). Although total CPA achieved optimal hemodynamics, partial CPA with 25% CO flow was effective, suggesting a feasible, noninvasive solution for patients with failing Fontan physiology. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakodaNaoya en-aut-sei=Sakoda en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EdakiDaichi en-aut-sei=Edaki en-aut-mei=Daichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasaharaShingo en-aut-sei=Kasahara en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KotaniYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Kotani en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251113 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=First Total Synthesis of the Kikai Island Polybrominated C3′–N1 Bisindole Alkaloid by a Directed Metalation Strategy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The first total synthesis of one out of four Kikai Island polybrominated C3′–N1 bisindole alkaloids from red alga Laurencia brongniartii is described. The key steps involve both dehydration of trans-hemiaminal and a C2′-methylthiolation of bisindole using dimethyl disulfide through directed metalation, followed by C3-methylthiolation using a N-SMe succinimide reagent. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=61 cd-vols= no-issue=68 article-no= start-page=12801 end-page=12804 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Revisiting 3-azidoindoles: overcoming the trade-off challenges between stability and reactivity of in situ-generated azidoindoles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A concise protocol based on the E2 reaction of indoline hemiaminals for accessing 3-azidoindoles is reported. In contrast to previous methods that require in situ generation by hypervalent iodine reagents, our protocol allows for the isolation of a variety of 3-azidoindoles upon a mild reaction for a short reaction time at room temperature. The obtained 3-azidoindoles are reasonably reactive, bench-stable and easy to handle. These findings could be used as a starting point for various reactions, including Huisgen reaction, [3+2] cycloaddition, phosphoramidation, and cine-substitution with the release of N2. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsaiShota en-aut-sei=Asai en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251006 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Case of Netherton Syndrome/SPINK5-Syndromic Epidermal Differentiation Disorder Evaluated by Serial Tape-Stripping: Persistent Elevation of Serine Protease Activities Despite Clinical Improvement en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MorizaneShin en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaAnri en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Anri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunagawaKo en-aut-sei=Sunagawa en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomuraHayato en-aut-sei=Nomura en-aut-mei=Hayato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasuiKen‐Ichi en-aut-sei=Hasui en-aut-mei=Ken‐Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OuchidaMamoru en-aut-sei=Ouchida en-aut-mei=Mamoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Molecular Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=kallikrein-related peptidase kn-keyword=kallikrein-related peptidase en-keyword=lympho- epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor kn-keyword=lympho- epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor en-keyword=Netherton syndrome/SPINK5-syndromic epidermaldifferentiation disorder kn-keyword=Netherton syndrome/SPINK5-syndromic epidermaldifferentiation disorder en-keyword=RNA sequencing kn-keyword=RNA sequencing en-keyword=serine protease activity kn-keyword=serine protease activity en-keyword=tape-stripping kn-keyword=tape-stripping END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251105 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of Repeated Gravity Casting on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 6061 Aluminum Alloy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study systematically investigates the effects of repeated gravity casting on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum alloy. With an increasing number of casting cycles from one to ten, grain coarsening and a decrease in dislocation density were observed, mainly due to the significant depletion of magnesium from 1.03 to 0.01% and titanium from 0.009 to 0.005%. These microstructural changes led to a decrease in solid-solution strengthening and grain-boundary strengthening, resulting in a 30% reduction in tensile strength, while ductility increased by about three times. Moreover, work hardening decreased with increasing the casting cycle, which can be attributed not only to the microstructural changes but also to the increase in stacking fault energy (SFE) associated with compositional evolution. From the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, in the 1-cycle sample, Mg2Si precipitates were finely dispersed and a high amount of Mg element in the matrix, resulting in significant dislocation accumulation, whereas the 10-cycle sample exhibited weaker dislocation tangling. These microstructural evolutions provide insight into the degradation of mechanical performance in aluminum alloys subjected to multiple casting processes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkayasuMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakinoShouei en-aut-sei=Makino en-aut-mei=Shouei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagawaShota en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiShuhei en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinzatoYoshifumi en-aut-sei=Shinzato en-aut-mei=Yoshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinodaTadashi en-aut-sei=Minoda en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtsukaNaotaka en-aut-sei=Ohtsuka en-aut-mei=Naotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research & Development Center, Marketing & Technology Division, UACJ Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Research & Development Center, Marketing & Technology Division, UACJ Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Research & Development Center, Marketing & Technology Division, UACJ Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Research & Development Center, Marketing & Technology Division, UACJ Corporation kn-affil= en-keyword=aluminum alloy kn-keyword=aluminum alloy en-keyword=repeated casting kn-keyword=repeated casting en-keyword=6061 kn-keyword=6061 en-keyword=microstructure kn-keyword=microstructure en-keyword=mechanical property kn-keyword=mechanical property END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251028 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhanced electric power generation in PZT ceramics via stress control en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to enhance the electric power generation of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric (PZT) ceramics by optimizing stress distribution. Specifically, it focused on applying high stress over a broad area of the PZT ceramic to induce shape deformation in the PZT plate. Pre-straining the PZT plate into an arch shape improved voltage generation, reaching its peak at a maximum deflection of 0.04 mm due to the expanded and intensified stress distribution. However, exceeding this deflection threshold led to a decline in voltage output due to material degradation, including crack formation and 90° domain switching. Finite element analysis confirmed that the increased stress distribution in the pre-strained PZT plate contributed to higher voltage output. Additionally, electron backscatter diffraction analysis revealed that at higher pre-strains (deflection of 0.08 mm), 90°domain switching occurred, resulting in increased internal strain and potential crack formation. Experimental investigations using bulk PZT rods further demonstrated that moderate pre-straining effectively enhanced voltage output. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkayasuMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimazuItsuki en-aut-sei=Shimazu en-aut-mei=Itsuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=PZT ceramic kn-keyword=PZT ceramic en-keyword=Electric voltage kn-keyword=Electric voltage en-keyword=Piezoelectric effect kn-keyword=Piezoelectric effect en-keyword=Stress distribution kn-keyword=Stress distribution END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250906 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Upgrading Recycle Technology for Iron Removal in ADC12 Alloy Using Gravity and Magnetic Force en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=As there is a technical issue to remove iron elements during aluminum recycling process, an attempt was made to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic and gravitational separation methods for removing iron from Al-Si-Cu alloy (ADC12). A rare-earth samarium–cobalt (SmCo) magnet was employed during the solidification process to attract Fe-rich eutectic structures. The microstructural analysis revealed that block-like Fe-Cr-Si-based phases formed preferentially near the magnet and at the bottom of the crucible, suggesting that magnetic and gravity attraction contributed to the localized segregation of these phases. However, other Fe-based phases, including Fe-Si-based ones, are not strongly affected by magnet. Additionally, prolonged heating in the solid–liquid coexistence (SLC) region at 577 °C for 10 h led to the settling of a largely grown Fe-Cr-Si-rich crystal at the bottom of the crucible due to gravity. Other structures, such as Si-rich eutectic phases, were not influenced by gravity, which may be caused by the low density of Si compared to Fe one. From this approach, combining magnetic attraction and gravitational settling is a promising method to promote the removal of iron impurities from aluminum alloys. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkayasuM. en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiS. en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SyahidM. en-aut-sei=Syahid en-aut-mei=M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaT. en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=T. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hasanuddin University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=aluminum alloy kn-keyword=aluminum alloy en-keyword=upgrade recycle kn-keyword=upgrade recycle en-keyword=iron kn-keyword=iron en-keyword=microstructure kn-keyword=microstructure en-keyword=mechanical property kn-keyword=mechanical property END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=54 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=5143 end-page=5150 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250429 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Electric Power Generation of PZT Piezoelectric Ceramics Using Both Direct and Inverse Piezoelectric Effects en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The power generation characteristics of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric ceramics (E-PZT) were experimentally investigated using a specialized PZT system which utilizes both the direct and inverse piezoelectric effects inherent to PZT materials. Specifically, electric voltage was generated from the vibration of E-PZT through the inverse piezoelectric effect, induced by mechanical energy transferred from the vibration of a PZT piezoelectric ceramic plate, such as a buzzer (B-PZT). In this system, an insulating material was placed between the B-PZT and E-PZT plates to address the electrical conductivity of the PZT ceramic. Various insulating materials with different thicknesses and different hardness were prepared. Additionally, the PZT systems were mounted in several distinct configurations to evaluate their power generation performance: a fully fixed around the PZT plate and a free-hanging setup. The influence of insulation materials and mounting conditions on electrical output was analyzed at various loading conditions, e.g., loading value and frequency. The results demonstrated that the generated electric voltage decreased with increasing insulation thickness and hardness, suggesting that thinner and softer insulating materials enhance output voltage. Conversely, when the PZT system was securely fixed around the PZT plate with an appropriate fixture, a higher and more stable electric voltage was generated. The voltage generated also varied by the loading condition, which is related to the strain value of the E-PZT plate, demonstrating a linear relationship between the strain and the output voltage. Notably, the strain was significantly influenced by resonant frequencies, which played a crucial role in achieving higher voltage outputs. Based on these experimental results, two power generation systems have been proposed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkayasuMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimazuItsuki en-aut-sei=Shimazu en-aut-mei=Itsuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Systems and Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=PZT ceramic kn-keyword=PZT ceramic en-keyword=electric voltage kn-keyword=electric voltage en-keyword=inverse piezoelectric effect kn-keyword=inverse piezoelectric effect en-keyword=resonant frequency kn-keyword=resonant frequency END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=81 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=102548 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202601 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Does innovation-driven policy optimize urban energy consumption? Evidence from China’s innovation-driven city pilot policies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Restructuring energy consumption is essential for promoting green, low-carbon economic and societal development. Innovation-driven policies, particularly those implemented in pilot cities, play a crucial role in this transformation. This study conducts a theoretical analysis to examine how such policies influence urban energy-consumption structures. Using a multitime-point difference-in-differences model, it treats China’s national innovation-driven city pilot policies as a quasi-natural experiment. The results indicate that these policies significantly improve urban energy structures. Mechanism analyses reveal that the improvements occur mainly through green innovation and industrial upgrading. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates that the effects are more pronounced in cities with lower administrative tiers, more challenging geographical conditions, and stronger environmental priorities. These findings provide valuable policy insights for refining innovation-driven strategies, enhancing urban energy-consumption structures, and promoting sustainable economic development in China. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=CongYingnan en-aut-sei=Cong en-aut-mei=Yingnan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HouYufei en-aut-sei=Hou en-aut-mei=Yufei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=JiYuan en-aut-sei=Ji en-aut-mei=Yuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=CaiXiaojing en-aut-sei=Cai en-aut-mei=Xiaojing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Business School, China University of Political Science and Law kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Economics, Renmin University of China kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Business School, China University of Political Science and Law kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251104 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Optogenetic Cancer Therapy Using the Light-Driven Outward Proton Pump Rhodopsin Archaerhodopsin-3 (AR3) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Medicines used for cancer treatment often cause serious side effects by damaging normal cells due to nonspecific diffusion. To address this issue, we previously developed an optical method to induce apoptotic cell death via intracellular pH alkalinization using the outward proton pump rhodopsin, Archaerhodopsin-3 (AR3) in various noncancer model cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we applied this method to cancer cells and tumors to evaluate its potential as an anticancer therapeutic strategy. First, we confirmed that AR3-expressing murine cancer cell lines (MC38, B16F10) showed apoptotic cell death upon green light irradiation, as indicated by increased levels of cell death and apoptosis-related markers. Next, we established stable AR3-expressing MC38 and B16F10 cells by using viral vectors. When these AR3-expressing cells were subcutaneously transplanted into C57BL/6 mice, the resulting tumors initially grew at a rate comparable to that of control tumors lacking AR3 expression or light stimulation. However, upon green light irradiation, AR3-expressing tumors exhibited either a marked reduction in size or significantly suppressed growth, accompanied by the induction of apoptosis signals and decreased proliferation signals. These results demonstrate that AR3-mediated cell death has potent antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. This optical method thus holds promise as a novel cancer therapy with potentially reduced side effects. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakaoShin en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKeiichi en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoKeita en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KemmotsuNaoya en-aut-sei=Kemmotsu en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhuchiHideyo en-aut-sei=Ohuchi en-aut-mei=Hideyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudoYuki en-aut-sei=Sudo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=281 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=111174 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202601 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=N-terminal domains and site-specific glycosylation regulate the secretion of avian melanocortin inverse agonists, agouti signaling protein (ASIP) and agouti-related protein (AGRP) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Agouti signaling protein (ASIP) and agouti-related protein (AGRP) are paralogous inverse agonists of melanocortin receptors with distinct physiological roles, but their structural and biochemical properties in birds remain poorly understood. Here, we characterized chicken ASIP and AGRP proteins. Analysis of available sequences revealed that a motif resembling the mammalian proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3, also known as PCSK1) cleavage site is conserved across a broad range of avian orders, but Western blot analysis of transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells and chicken hypothalamus detected no cleavage, suggesting that avian AGRP may not be post-translationally processed at this site. Chicken ASIP mRNA contains an in-frame upstream ATG (uATG) and a putative N-linked glycosylation site at Asn-42, both conserved across multiple avian orders. Overexpression in CHO-K1 cells showed that ASIP translated from either ATG produces a mature protein of the same size that is N-glycosylated at Asn-42 and exhibits markedly lower secretion efficiency than AGRP. Domain-swapping experiments revealed that the N-terminal domain reduces secretion, whereas a naturally occurring ASIP-b variant with an additional N-glycan at Asn-47 shows enhanced secretion. Proteasome inhibition increased intracellular ASIP, and endoglycosidase H (Endo H) sensitivity indicated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention, suggesting that the N-terminal domain limits secretion via ER-associated proteasomal degradation. These findings reveal species-specific post-translational regulation of avian melanocortin inverse agonists, in which N-terminal features and site-specific N-glycosylation determine secretion efficiency, likely contributing to their distinct roles in pigmentation and hypothalamic energy balance. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeRyoya en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Ryoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaYuna en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Yuna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoSaya en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Saya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizutaniAya en-aut-sei=Mizutani en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AboTatsuhiko en-aut-sei=Abo en-aut-mei=Tatsuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Agouti signaling protein kn-keyword=Agouti signaling protein en-keyword=Agouti-related protein kn-keyword=Agouti-related protein en-keyword=Avian melanocortin inverse agonists kn-keyword=Avian melanocortin inverse agonists en-keyword=Post-translational modification kn-keyword=Post-translational modification en-keyword=N-linked glycosylation kn-keyword=N-linked glycosylation en-keyword=Protein secretion kn-keyword=Protein secretion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=417 end-page=431 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251015 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of a Startup Program Identification for Efficient and Accurate IoT Security Investigations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Not all file in firmware are executed while using Internet of Things (IoT) devices and hundreds to approximately a thousand executable and linkable format files exist in one firmware. Therefore, security investigations without prioritization may lead to investigate programs that are not executed while using IoT devices first. This has resulted in inefficient security investigations. To perform efficient security investigations, we proposed a method that can identify programs executed during the startup process. However, only two firmware were used for the evaluation which can only evaluate one of the two startup sequences in the OpenWrt-based firmware. In addition, security investigations to validate whether the proposed method addresses the problem of inefficient security investigations were limited to OpenWrt-based firmware. In this study, we use more firmware data for evaluation and validation. We use nine firmware not used in previous studies including startup methods that have not previously been used for evaluation. In addition, we increase the number of firmware used for validation to 225. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed method can identify with only few false positives. The validation demonstrates that efficiency can be improved and prioritizing investigations by considering the proposed method result is worthwhile. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimamotoYuta en-aut-sei=Shimamoto en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=PhinyodomJiratchaya en-aut-sei=Phinyodom en-aut-mei=Jiratchaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimotoRyota en-aut-sei=Yoshimoto en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UekawaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Uekawa en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkiyamaMitsuaki en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Mitsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=NTT Social Informatics Laboratories kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=NTT Social Informatics Laboratories kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Internet of Things kn-keyword=Internet of Things en-keyword=Firmware kn-keyword=Firmware en-keyword=Startup script kn-keyword=Startup script en-keyword=SysVinit kn-keyword=SysVinit END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=286 end-page=299 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Visual Stimuli on Perceived Sound Volume in Virtual Reality Spaces en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=With the proliferation of affordable and high-performance virtual reality (VR) devices, VR content such as games and the metaverse is becoming increasingly widespread. In VR environments, users experience various sensory stimuli, primarily through visual and auditory cues. However, subjective perception of these stimuli varies based on user context. Existing studies have shown that auditory perception can be influenced by visual stimuli, however, most of them have focused on congruent audiovisual stimuli, leaving the effects of non-congruent pairings unexplored. This study investigates how visual stimuli, specifically color and crowdedness, influence perceived sound volume in VR. In the experiment that participants experienced VR environments with different room colors while listening to test tones, the results showed that warm colors led to higher perceived volume at low sound levels. Also, in the experiment that participants viewed VR scenes with varying crowd densities while hearing announcements, less crowded environments resulted in higher perceived sound volume. These findings suggest that visual context impacts auditory perception, providing insights for optimizing hearable devices and enhancing VR auditory experiences. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsudaYuki en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiToma en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Toma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeHiroki en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasumotoKeiichi en-aut-sei=Yasumoto en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Future University Hakodate kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Virtual Reality kn-keyword=Virtual Reality en-keyword=Subjective sound volume kn-keyword=Subjective sound volume en-keyword=Visual stimuli kn-keyword=Visual stimuli END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251013 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Creep damage parameters based on the distribution of cavities on grain boundaries en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=When polycrystalline heat-resistant steels are subjected to static or cyclic loading at high temperatures, they can exhibit various fracture modes and processes. This paper begins by outlining representative methods for life assessment under creep-dominated conditions. It then discusses the fracture processes and the underlying mechanisms. Under creep-dominated conditions, the initiation and growth of cavities serve as the primary form of material damage, making their quantitative assessment essential. Several parameters have been proposed to evaluate cavity distributions quantitatively. However, the relationship between these parameters and the actual cavity distribution in materials, as well as their physical significance, has remained unclear. In this study, a simple cavity distribution model was employed to clarify these issues. The results suggest that the area fraction of cavities is an appropriate damage evaluation parameter for transgranular fracture, while the fraction of cavities on grain boundary line is suitable for intergranular fracture. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TadaNaoya en-aut-sei=Tada en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Creep kn-keyword=Creep en-keyword=cavity kn-keyword=cavity en-keyword=grain boundary kn-keyword=grain boundary en-keyword=damage parameter kn-keyword=damage parameter en-keyword=modelling kn-keyword=modelling en-keyword=geometrical analysis kn-keyword=geometrical analysis en-keyword=probabilistic analysis kn-keyword=probabilistic analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=3933 end-page=3946 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Topology-Driven Configuration of Emulation Networks With Deterministic Templating en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Network emulation is an important component of a digital twin for verifying network behavior without impacting on the service systems. Although we need to repeatedly change network topologies and configuration settings as a part of trial and error for verification, it is not easy to reflect the change without failures because the change affects multiple devices, even if it is as simple as adding a device. We present topology-driven configuration, an idea to separate network topology and generalized configuration to make it easy to change them. Based on this idea, we aim to realize a scalable, simple, and effective configuration platform for emulation networks. We design a configuration generation method using simple and deterministic config templates with a new network parameter data model, and implement it as dot2net. We evaluate three perspectives, scalability, simplicity, and efficacy, of the proposed method using dot2net through measurement and user experiments on existing test network scenarios. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KobayashiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiibaRyusei en-aut-sei=Shiiba en-aut-mei=Ryusei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiwaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Miwa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyachiToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Miyachi en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukudaKensuke en-aut-sei=Fukuda en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Informatics, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, The Graduate University of Advanced Studies, Sokendai kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=StarBED Technology Center, Testbed Research, Development and Operations Laboratory, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Strategic Planning Department, Strategic Planning Office, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Informatics, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, The Graduate University of Advanced Studies, Sokendai kn-affil= en-keyword=Configuration management kn-keyword=Configuration management en-keyword=template kn-keyword=template en-keyword=emulation network kn-keyword=emulation network en-keyword=topology graph kn-keyword=topology graph END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1623 end-page=1625 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251006 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The OsATG8–OsATG1–SPIN6 module: Linking nutrient sensing to OsRac1-mediated rice immunity via autophagy-independent mechanisms en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KouYanjun en-aut-sei=Kou en-aut-mei=Yanjun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoYoji en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Yoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, China National Rice Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=732 end-page=740 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202511 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Causal Approaches to Disease Progression Analyses en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Epidemiologic analyses that aim to quantify exposure effects on disease progression are not uncommon. Understanding the implications of these studies, however, is complicated, in part because different causal estimands could, at least in theory, be the target of such analyses. Here, to facilitate interpretation of these studies, we describe different settings in which causal questions related to disease progression can be asked, and consider possible estimands. For clarity, our discussion is structured around settings defined based on two factors: whether the disease occurrence is manipulable or not, and the type of outcome. We describe relevant causal structures and sets of response types, which consist of joint potential outcomes of disease occurrence and disease progression, and argue that settings where interventions to manipulate disease occurrence are not plausible are more common, and that, in this case, principal stratification might be an appropriate framework to conceptualize the analysis. Further, we suggest that the precise definition of the outcome of interest, in particular of what constitutes its permissible levels, might determine whether potential outcomes linked to disease progression are definable in different strata of the population. Our hope is that this paper will encourage additional methodological work on causal analysis of disease progression, as well as serve as a resource for future applied studies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GonçalvesBronner P. en-aut-sei=Gonçalves en-aut-mei=Bronner P. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=disease progression kn-keyword=disease progression en-keyword=causal inference kn-keyword=causal inference en-keyword=principal stratification kn-keyword=principal stratification en-keyword=controlled direct effects kn-keyword=controlled direct effects en-keyword=potential outcomes kn-keyword=potential outcomes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=95 end-page=143 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250729 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Low-Threshold Raman Silicon Lasers Using Photonic Crystal High-Q Nanocavities en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=By utilizing stimulated Raman scattering, it is possible to generate continuous-wave laser light in silicon, an indirect bandgap semiconductor. The first part of this chapter explains the mechanism of the Raman laser using a silicon resonator with a high-quality factor (Q). In the second part, the mechanism of the ultra-low threshold Raman silicon laser using a photonic crystal high-Q nanocavity is summarized, and recent advancements are explained. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakahashiYasushi en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsanoTakashi en-aut-sei=Asano en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaSusumu en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Kyoto University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250830 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Pseudohypoxia induced by iron chelator activates tumor immune response in lung cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling plays a critical role in immune cell function. Pseudohypoxia is characterized as iron-mediated stabilization of HIF-1α under normoxic conditions, which can be induced by iron chelators. This study explored whether iron chelators exert antitumor effects by enhancing tumor immune responses and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. The iron chelators Super–polyphenol 10 (SP10) and Deferoxamine (DFO) were used to create iron-deficient and pseudohypoxia conditions. Pseudohypoxia induced by iron chelators stimulates IL-2 secretion from T cells and from both human and murine nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (A549, PC-3, and LLC). Administration of SP10 reduced tumor growth when LLC tumors were implanted in C57BL/6 mice; however, this was not observed in immunodeficient RAG1-deficient C57BL/6 mice. SP10 itself did not directly inhibit LLC cells proliferation in vitro, suggesting an activation of the tumor immune response. SP10 synergistically enhanced the efficacy of PD-1 antibody therapy in lung cancer by increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In conclusion, iron chelation-induced pseudohypoxia activates tumor immune responses by directly upregulating HIF-1α, augmenting T cell function, and inducing IL-2 secretion from T cells, and cancer cells, thereby amplifying the immune efficacy of the PD-1 antibody in lung cancer treatment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HamadaYusuke en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenYuehua en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Yuehua kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeradaManato en-aut-sei=Terada en-aut-mei=Manato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangYuze en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Yuze kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimuraTeizo en-aut-sei=Yoshimura en-aut-mei=Teizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Lung cancer kn-keyword=Lung cancer en-keyword=iron kn-keyword=iron en-keyword=hypoxia-inducible factor kn-keyword=hypoxia-inducible factor en-keyword=immune checkpoint inhibitors kn-keyword=immune checkpoint inhibitors END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250901 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Metachronic development of cholangiocarcinoma during treatment for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a case of obstructive jaundice due to recurrent distal biliary stricture during 3 years of treatment for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) associated with autoimmune pancreatitis. Although a relapse of IgG4-SC was initially suspected, imaging findings, laboratory tests, and histopathological examinations led to the diagnosis of metachronous cholangiocarcinoma. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, and no cancer recurrence was noted 6 months postoperatively. Distal cholangiocarcinoma and IgG4-SC remission were observed in the resected specimen. In patients with recurrent biliary strictures during IgG4-SC treatment, comprehensive evaluations are essential because of the risk of disease relapse and development of metachronous cholangiocarcinoma. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MorimotoKosaku en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Kosaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkuyamaTakaki en-aut-sei=Okuyama en-aut-mei=Takaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShogo en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeiKensuke en-aut-sei=Takei en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatomiTakuya en-aut-sei=Satomi en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinouraSusumu en-aut-sei=Shinoura en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataRei en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Rei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakenakaRyuta en-aut-sei=Takenaka en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Autoimmune pancreatitis kn-keyword=Autoimmune pancreatitis en-keyword=IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis kn-keyword=IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis en-keyword=Cholangiocarcinoma kn-keyword=Cholangiocarcinoma en-keyword=Metachronous carcinogenesis kn-keyword=Metachronous carcinogenesis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=45 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1025 end-page=1033 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Angiogenin-induced Osteoclastogenesis Mediates Bone Destruction in Oral Squamous Carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Aim: Bone destruction caused by oral cancer severely impacts patient quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the role of angiogenin (ANG) in osteoclastogenesis and oral cancer-induced bone destruction.
Materials and Methods: Recombinant ANG was used to assess its effects on osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity in bone marrow cultures. ANG-knockdown oral squamous carcinoma HSC-2 cells (ANG-RNAi) were transplanted into intramedullary cavities of femurs. Bone destruction was radiologically analyzed, while angiogenesis and osteoclast induction in the surrounding area of the transplanted lesion were histologically examined.
Results: Recombinant ANG promoted osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity. Transplantation of ANG-RNAi cells significantly reduced tumor growth and bone destruction properties compared to transplantation of control cells. Histological analysis revealed lower angiogenesis and fewer osteoclast induction in the ANG-RNAi cells-transplanted group.
Conclusion: ANG mediates oral cancer-induced bone destruction by promoting osteoclast formation and resorption. These findings suggest that ANG could be a potential therapeutic target for suppressing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and bone destruction in oral cancer therapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AOKIKASUMI en-aut-sei=AOKI en-aut-mei=KASUMI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YOSHITANINANA en-aut-sei=YOSHITANI en-aut-mei=NANA kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KURIONAITO en-aut-sei=KURIO en-aut-mei=NAITO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YOSHIOKANORIE en-aut-sei=YOSHIOKA en-aut-mei=NORIE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TERAMACHIJUMPEI en-aut-sei=TERAMACHI en-aut-mei=JUMPEI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IKEGAMEMIKA en-aut-sei=IKEGAME en-aut-mei=MIKA kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OKAMURAHIROHIKO en-aut-sei=OKAMURA en-aut-mei=HIROHIKO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IBARAGISOICHIRO en-aut-sei=IBARAGI en-aut-mei=SOICHIRO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Function and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Angiogeninoste kn-keyword=Angiogeninoste en-keyword=oclastogenesis kn-keyword=oclastogenesis en-keyword=oral squamous cell carcinoma kn-keyword=oral squamous cell carcinoma en-keyword=osteoclasts kn-keyword=osteoclasts END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250902 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio affects the impact of proton pump inhibitors on efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non‑small-cell lung cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at the initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is a known predictor of prognosis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reportedly attenuate the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. However, the attenuation effects are not consistently observed across all patients. This study aimed to evaluate whether NLR serves as a stratification factor to determine the impact of PPI on the efficacy of ICI.
Methods This retrospective study was conducted in patients with NSCLC treated with ICI monotherapy. Patients were stratified into two groups (higher NLR (≥ 4) and lower NLR (< 4)). PPI use was defined as the administration of PPIs within 30 days before or after ICI initiation. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary outcome was overall survival (OS).
Results Among the 132 patients included, PPI users exhibited significantly shorter median PFS and OS than non-PPI users. In the higher NLR group (n = 61), PPI users had a markedly shorter PFS and OS than non-PPI users (median PFS: 1.6 vs. 8.2 months; p < 0.01, median OS: 3.3 vs. 19.6 months; p = 0.015). Conversely, in the lower NLR group (n = 71), no significant difference in PFS and OS was observed between PPI users and non-PPI users (median PFS: 2.8 vs. 7.3 months, p = 0.83, median OS: 17.6 vs. 24.4 months, p = 0.40).
Conclusion NLR may be a significant stratification factor for evaluating the impact of PPI on PFS and OS in patients with NSCLC undergoing ICI monotherapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HoriTomoki en-aut-sei=Hori en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoTakefumi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Takefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkushimaShigeki en-aut-sei=Ikushima en-aut-mei=Shigeki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanoIkuko en-aut-sei=Yano en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Integrated Clinical and Basic Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Immune checkpoint inhibitor kn-keyword=Immune checkpoint inhibitor en-keyword=Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio kn-keyword=Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio en-keyword=Non-small-cell lung cancer kn-keyword=Non-small-cell lung cancer en-keyword=Proton pump inhibitor kn-keyword=Proton pump inhibitor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250708 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Automatically pinpointing original logging functions from log messages for network troubleshooting en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Modern large-scale computer networks generate massive amounts of log data due to their increasing size, usage, and complexity. At the same time, as cloud-based businesses continue to grow, the need for services and software dedicated to log analysis is more important than ever. Although very useful, log messages often lack the necessary details for efficient troubleshooting, requiring extensive human analysis of the source code. In this paper, we present a new architecture designed with performance in mind, capable of identifying links between software-generated logs and their logging function calls in the source code (referred to as "origins" of the logs). The system we propose uses static code analysis to generate exact log templates, which are used to match log messages efficiently using a combination of a prefix tree and regular expressions. Our implementation SCOLM can pinpoint the origin of log messages with excellent performance and success rate. SCOLM can parse nearly 1 million log lines per minute on a single thread, with a match rate of 90 to 100% on our datasets. It outperforms the speed of traditional regex-based approaches, reducing the speed by about 98.7% in our experiments. The applications of this system are numerous, including live troubleshooting and statistical event analysis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Damoiseau-MalrauxGaspard en-aut-sei=Damoiseau-Malraux en-aut-mei=Gaspard kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukudaKensuke en-aut-sei=Fukuda en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=CNRS, LIP6, Sorbonne Université kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=NII / Sokendai kn-affil= en-keyword=log analysis kn-keyword=log analysis en-keyword=regular expression kn-keyword=regular expression en-keyword=source code analysis kn-keyword=source code analysis en-keyword=parsing kn-keyword=parsing en-keyword=static code analysis kn-keyword=static code analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1863 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=149752 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spearmint extract Neumentix downregulates amyloid-β accumulation by promoting phagocytosis in APP23 mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In recent years, many researchers have focused on natural compounds that can effectively delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The spearmint extract Neumentix, which is rich in phenolic compounds, has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in mice. However, the effect of Neumentix on AD has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, APP23 transgenic female and male mice were administered Neumentix orally from 4 to 18 months of age at a dosage of 2.65 g/kg/day (containing 0.41 g/kg/day of rosmarinic acid). The impact was evaluated by behavioral tests and histological analyses and compared with APP23 mice to which Neumentix was not administered. The results showed that Neumentix administration increased the survival rate of APP23 mice and effectively reduced Aβ accumulation by enhancing its phagocytosis by microglial cells. These findings suggest that Neumentix is a potential natural nutritional treatment for improving the progression of AD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HuXinran en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xinran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=Ota-ElliottRicardo Satoshi en-aut-sei=Ota-Elliott en-aut-mei=Ricardo Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeKoji en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer's disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer's disease en-keyword=Amyloid-beta kn-keyword=Amyloid-beta en-keyword=Inflammation kn-keyword=Inflammation en-keyword=Neumentix kn-keyword=Neumentix en-keyword=Phagocytosis kn-keyword=Phagocytosis en-keyword=Survival rate kn-keyword=Survival rate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250819 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hydrogen Embrittlement Characteristics of Austenitic Stainless Steels After Punching Process en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates the influence of microstructural characteristics on the hydrogen embrittlement of SUS304 austenitic stainless steel. The investigation utilized SUS304 sheets with a thickness of 1.5 mm, which were processed by punching with an 8 mm diameter to make specimens. Severe plastic deformation was localized near the punching edge, with the extent of deformation determined by the punching speed. Slower punching speeds induced more pronounced plastic strain, which was closely associated with work hardening and strain-induced martensitic (SIM) transformation. The SIM phase was predominantly observed within a depth of approximately 0.1 mm from the punched edge when processed at a punching speed of 0.25 mm/s, corresponding to roughly 10% of the cross-sectional area of the sample. These microstructural changes led to a significant reduction in tensile and fatigue strength, thereby exacerbating susceptibility to severe hydrogen embrittlement, despite the limited extent of microstructural alteration. Based on these findings, a modified Goodman diagram for SUS304 austenitic stainless steel, incorporating mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement behavior, was proposed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkayasuMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiXichang en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Xichang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawakamiTomohisa en-aut-sei=Kawakami en-aut-mei=Tomohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=SHOYO SANGYO Co., Ltd. kn-affil= en-keyword= Hydrogen embrittlement kn-keyword= Hydrogen embrittlement en-keyword=Stainless steel kn-keyword=Stainless steel en-keyword=Punching process kn-keyword=Punching process en-keyword=Fatigue kn-keyword=Fatigue en-keyword=Tensile strength kn-keyword=Tensile strength END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250811 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Study of the Mechanical Properties of Al–Mg ADC6 Aluminum Alloy Produced by Unidirectional Casting Under Various Cooling Rates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To create the high strength and high ductility of Al–Mg-based aluminum alloy (JIS–ADC6), ADC6 samples were produced by the unidirectional continuous casting (HMC). The HMC process was conducted with direct water cooling to melt ADC6, which can make fine microstructures and control crystal orientation. The cast samples were prepared under various cooling rates (CRs): 6.3, 34, and 62 K/s. The microstructure and crystal orientation of the samples were altered with CR. At CRs of 34 K/s and 62 K/s, the α-Al phases and intermetallic compounds, e.g., Mg2Si and Al15(Fe, Mn)3Si2, became finer and more spherical. The secondary dendrite arm spacing for the sample at 62 K/s was 8.7 µm—more than 70% smaller than the ADC6 sample (ingot) made by a gravity casting process. Notably, at a CR of 34 K/s, the crystal orientation was predominantly arranged with the (101) plane. Tensile properties—ultimate tensile strength (σUTS), 0.2% proof stress (σ0.2), and failure strain (εf)—varied with the CR. The tensile strength (σUTS and σ0.2) consistently increased with increasing the CR. The improvement in the tensile strength resulted from the refined microstructures, such as the α-Al phase and intermetallic compounds. Similarly, the failure strain also increased with increasing CR, which was severely affected by the finer and more spherical intermetallic compounds. In this case, the εf value of the sample at 34 K/s was, however, slightly higher than that at 62 K/s, due to more uniformly organized crystal orientation, while their ductility was much higher than that of the gravity cast sample. The tensile properties in detail were further analyzed using their failure characteristics. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakeuchiS. en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkayasuM. en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil= kn-affil= en-keyword=Al-Mg alloy kn-keyword=Al-Mg alloy en-keyword=heated mold continuous casting kn-keyword=heated mold continuous casting en-keyword=mechanical property kn-keyword=mechanical property en-keyword=microstructural characteristics kn-keyword=microstructural characteristics en-keyword=crystal orientation kn-keyword=crystal orientation en-keyword=fractography kn-keyword=fractography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=33 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=3474 end-page=3475 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250806 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Gene replacement therapy for centronuclear myopathy: A breakthrough in complex genetic muscle disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakedaTetsuya en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250728 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Tailoring Mechanical Properties and Ionic Conductivity of Poly(ionic liquid)-Based Ion Gels by Tuning Anion Compositions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)-based ion gels have emerged as promising materials for advanced electrochemical applications because of their excellent miscibility with ionic liquids (IL), tunable mechanical properties, and high ionic conductivity. Despite extensive studies on PIL-based ion gels, a comprehensive understanding of how different anion combinations in the system affect physicochemical properties is lacking. In this study, we systematically investigate the effect of different anion species, such as bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) and hexafluorophosphate (PF6), on the mechanical, viscoelastic, and ion conductive behaviors of PIL-based ion gels. We investigate the interplay between anion size, packing density, and polymer segmental dynamics by varying the anion composition in both the PIL network and IL component. Rheological analysis and uniaxial tensile testing results indicate that PF6-containing ion gels exhibit enhanced higher Young’s modulus because of their restricted chain mobility resulting in higher glass transition temperature (Tg). In addition, we confirm the anion exchange between PIL and IL during gel preparation and find that the mechanical and ion conductive properties of the gels are governed by the total molar ratio of anions in the gels. Our findings highlight that tuning the anion composition in PIL-based ion gels provides an effective strategy to tailor their performance, with potential applications for flexible electronics and solid-state electrochemical devices. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakaichi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Takaichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizutaniYuna en-aut-sei=Mizutani en-aut-mei=Yuna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=LopezCarlos G. en-aut-sei=Lopez en-aut-mei=Carlos G. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoTsutomu en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Material Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, 80 Pollock Road, State College kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=poly(ionic liquid) kn-keyword=poly(ionic liquid) en-keyword=anion exchange kn-keyword=anion exchange en-keyword=gel kn-keyword=gel en-keyword=conductivity kn-keyword=conductivity en-keyword=toughness kn-keyword=toughness END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=kwaf146 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250711 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Immortal time bias from selection: a principal stratification perspective en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immortal time bias due to post-treatment definition of eligibility criteria can affect experimental and observational studies, and yet, in contrast to the extensive literature on the classical form of immortal time bias, it has seldom been the focus of methodological discussions. Here, we propose an account of eligibility-related immortal time bias that uses the principal stratification framework to explain the noncomparability of treatment arms (or exposure groups) conditional on selection. In particular, we show that the statistical estimand that conditions on observed eligibility after time zero of follow-up can be interpreted using partially overlapping principal strata. Furthermore, we show that, under this perspective, as the timing of eligibility approaches time zero of follow-up, the probabilities of the outcome for eligible individuals monotonically approach the corresponding unconditional (in absence of selection) expected potential outcomes under different treatment levels. Our study provides a potential outcomes-based explanation of eligibility-related immortal time bias, and indicates that, in addition to the target trial emulation framework, principal effects might, for some studies, be useful causal estimands. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GonçalvesBronner P en-aut-sei=Gonçalves en-aut-mei=Bronner P kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=immortal time bias kn-keyword=immortal time bias en-keyword=principal stratification kn-keyword=principal stratification en-keyword=potential outcomes kn-keyword=potential outcomes en-keyword=causal inference kn-keyword=causal inference END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Revisiting 3-azidoindoles: overcoming the trade-off challenges between stability and reactivity of in situ-generated azidoindoles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A concise protocol based on the E2 reaction of indoline hemiaminals for accessing 3-azidoindoles is reported. In contrast to previous methods that require in situ generation by hypervalent iodine reagents, our protocol allows for the isolation of a variety of 3-azidoindoles upon a mild reaction for a short reaction time at room temperature. The obtained 3-azidoindoles are reasonably reactive, bench-stable and easy to handle. These findings could be used as a starting point for various reactions, including Huisgen reaction, [3+2] cycloaddition, phosphoramidation, and cine-substitution with the release of N2. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsaiShota en-aut-sei=Asai en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=686 end-page=689 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=L or M1—Critical Challenges in Mediation Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Methods for causal mediation analysis have developed dramatically over the past few decades.1–7 In the causal mediation literature, several causal quantities—or estimands—have been proposed, including natural direct and indirect effects, interventional direct and indirect effects, and separable direct and indirect effects. As another possible causal estimand, Chen and Lin8 proposed separable path-specific effects, which is an extension of the separable effects framework to cases that involve multiple ordered mediators. In this commentary, I briefly discuss the newly proposed method from a broader perspective on causal mediation analysis. For readers less familiar with common causal mediation approaches, please see related literature.1–3,9–11 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=213 end-page=231 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250314 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=RKPM: Restricted Kernel Page Mechanism to Mitigate Privilege Escalation Attacks en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Kernel memory corruption attacks against operating systems exploit kernel vulnerabilities to overwrite kernel data. Kernel address space layout randomization makes it difficult to identify kernel data by randomizing their virtual address space. Control flow integrity (CFI) prevents unauthorized kernel code execution by verifying kernel function calls. However, these countermeasures do not prohibit writing to kernel data. If the virtual address of privileged information is specified and CFI is circumvented, the privileged information can be modified by a kernel memory corruption attack. In this paper, we propose a restricted kernel page mechanism (RKPM) to mitigate kernel memory corruption attacks by introducing restricted kernel pages to protect the kernel data specified in the kernel. The RKPM focuses on the fact that kernel memory corruption attacks attempt to read the virtual addresses around the privileged information. The RKPM adopts page table mapping handling and a memory protection key to control the read and write restrictions of the restricted kernel pages. This allows us to mitigate kernel memory corruption attacks by capturing reads to the restricted kernel page before the privileged information is overwritten. As an evaluation of the RKPM, we confirmed that it can mitigate privilege escalation attacks on the latest Linux kernel. We also measured that there was a certain overhead in the kernel performance. This study enhances kernel security by mitigating privilege escalation attacks through the use of software or hardware based restricted kernel pages. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuzunoHiroki en-aut-sei=Kuzuno en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=66 end-page=73 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241106 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=kdMonitor: Kernel Data Monitor for Detecting Kernel Memory Corruption en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Privilege escalation attacks through memory corruption via kernel vulnerabilities pose significant threats to operating systems. Although the extended Berkley Packet Filter has been employed to trace kernel code execution by inserting interrupts before and after kernel code invocations, it does not track operations before and after kernel data writes, thus hindering effective kernel data monitoring. In this study, we introduce a kernel data monitor (kdMonitor), which is a novel security mechanism designed to detect unauthorized alterations in the monitored kernel data of a dedicated kernel page. The kdMonitor incorporates two distinct methods. The first is periodic monitoring which regularly outputs the monitored kernel data of the dedicated kernel pages. The second is dynamic monitoring, which restricts write access to a dedicated kernel page, supplements any write operations with page faults, and outputs the monitored kernel data of dedicated kernel pages. kdMonitor enables real-time tracking of specified kernel data of the dedicated kernel page residing in the kernel's virtual memory space from the separated machine. Using kdMonitor, we demonstrated its capability to pinpoint tampering with user process privileged information stemming from privilege escalation attacks on the kernel. Through an empirical evaluation, we validated the effectiveness of kdMonitor in detecting privilege escalation attacks by user processes on Linux. Performance assessments revealed that kdMonitor achieved an attack detection time of 0.83 seconds with an overhead of 0.726 %. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuzunoHiroki en-aut-sei=Kuzuno en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University,Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Vulnerability countermeasure kn-keyword=Vulnerability countermeasure en-keyword=Operating system security kn-keyword=Operating system security en-keyword=System security kn-keyword=System security END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=599 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=1914 end-page=1924 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250525 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characterization of molecular mechanisms of CaMKKα/1 oligomerization en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) is an activating kinase for calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type 1 (CaMKI), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (CaMKIV), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (PKB), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) that has been reported to form an active oligomer in cells. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assay from the extracts of COS-7 cells expressing GST- and His6-CaMKKα/1 mutants showed that the C-terminal region containing the autoinhibitory and calmodulin (CaM)-binding sequence (residues 438–463) is required for CaMKKα/1 homo-oligomerization. This was confirmed by the fact that the GST-CaMKKα/1 C-terminal domain (residues 435–505) directly interacted with EGFP-CaMKKα/1 residues 435–505 as well as with wild-type CaMKKα/1. Notably, once oligomerized in cells, CaMKKα/1 is neither exchangeable between the oligomeric complexes nor dissociated by Ca2+/CaM binding. These results support stable oligomerization of CaMKK in the cells by intermolecular self-association of its C-terminal region containing a regulatory domain. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UenoyamaShun en-aut-sei=Uenoyama en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NittaHayato en-aut-sei=Nitta en-aut-mei=Hayato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtsukaSatomi en-aut-sei=Ohtsuka en-aut-mei=Satomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MagariMasaki en-aut-sei=Magari en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuizuFutoshi en-aut-sei=Suizu en-aut-mei=Futoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumitsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tokumitsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil= kn-affil= en-keyword=calmodulin kn-keyword=calmodulin en-keyword=calmodulin-kinase cascade kn-keyword=calmodulin-kinase cascade en-keyword=CaMKKa/ kn-keyword=CaMKKa/ en-keyword=oligomerization kn-keyword=oligomerization en-keyword=protein–protein interaction kn-keyword=protein–protein interaction en-keyword=regulatory domain kn-keyword=regulatory domain END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=e70143 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250625 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Factors Influencing Pain Management Practices Among Nurses in University Hospitals in Western Japan: A Cross‐Sectional Study Using Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Effective pain management remains a global nursing challenge, requiring awareness of influencing factors. This cross-sectional study examined such factors among nurses in Western Japan's university hospitals from September to November 2023. A self-reported questionnaire was used to investigate nurses' sociodemographic characteristics, collaboration with physicians in the ward, pain management knowledge, empathy, and pain management practices. Among 695 nurses (69.4% valid response rate), 51.4% had under 5 years' work experience, indicating a relatively junior nursing workforce. The mean practice score was 47.5 (SD = 7.1). Hierarchical regression showed knowledge and empathy increased practice scores by 6.2%. Nurses' empathy, particularly their perspective-taking, explained pain management practice (β = 0.242, p < 0.001). Information-sharing with pain specialists, effective collaboration with physicians in the ward, work experience, and clinical pain education were also associated with pain management practices (all p < 0.05). This study suggests that enhancing nurses' empathy and fostering a collaborative ward environment may be essential strategies to improve the pain management quality. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=XiMengyao en-aut-sei=Xi en-aut-mei=Mengyao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiwaraYuki en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoMichiko en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Doctor's Program, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=collaboration kn-keyword=collaboration en-keyword=empathy kn-keyword=empathy en-keyword=nurse kn-keyword=nurse en-keyword=pain management practice kn-keyword=pain management practice END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=One-pot synthesis of trans-2,3-diaminoindolines through 2,3-diamination of electrophilic indolines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Despite recent advances in the synthesis of 2,3-diaminoindole derivatives, construction of 2,3-diaminoindolines, whose two amine moieties on each molecule differ from one another has yet to be achieved. In this work, we developed a concise one-pot protocol for differentiated diamination involving reacting a C2,C3-electrophilic indole reagent with amines to access a variety of previously inaccessible 2,3-diaminoindolines. Furthermore, the synthetic utility of this protocol was demonstrated by a successful gram-scale reaction and further transformation of the 2,3-diaminoindolines. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KoboriYuito en-aut-sei=Kobori en-aut-mei=Yuito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=292 end-page=297 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Analyzing Post-injection Attacker Activities in IoT Devices: A Comprehensive Log Analysis Approach en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=With the continuous proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, malware threats that specifically target these devices continue to increase. The urgent need for robust security measures is predicated on a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral patterns of IoT malware. However, previous studies have often overlooked the analysis of command sequences in Telnet logs. This study bridges this research gap by examining the post-injection behaviors of attackers. By analyzing a vast dataset comprising more than ten million logs collected from an IoT honeypot, we reveal three distinct post-injection activity patterns, each with unique characteristics. These patterns provide pivotal insights that not only help distinguish between legitimate operations and attempted attacks, but also drive the development of robust cybersecurity measures that effectively deter such behaviors. The nuances discovered in this study contribute significantly to IoT security by enhancing our understanding of malware tactics and informing targeted defense strategies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=VictorHervet en-aut-sei=Victor en-aut-mei=Hervet kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Malware analysis kn-keyword=Malware analysis en-keyword=IoT kn-keyword=IoT en-keyword=Honeypot kn-keyword=Honeypot en-keyword=Log analysis kn-keyword=Log analysis en-keyword=Attack patterns kn-keyword=Attack patterns END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=274 end-page=278 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prevention Method for Stack Buffer Overflow Attack in TA Command Calls in OP-TEE en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=TEE systems provide normal world and secure world. It is impossible to gain access to the secure world directly from the normal world. However, vulnerabilities in the secure world can cause attacks to compromise the secure world. In this study, we investigate the security features applied to trusted applications (TA) in OP-TEE and clarify the lack of protection against stack buffer overflow in TA command calls. We also propose a method for preventing attacks that exploit stack buffer overflows in TA command calls. In addition, the experimental results show that attacks on the vulnerable TAs can be prevented with the proposed method and the overhead can be evaluated. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShibaKaito en-aut-sei=Shiba en-aut-mei=Kaito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuzunoHiroki en-aut-sei=Kuzuno en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Trusted execution environment kn-keyword=Trusted execution environment en-keyword=Stack overflow prevention method kn-keyword=Stack overflow prevention method en-keyword=System security kn-keyword=System security END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=161 end-page=167 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231128 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of Effectiveness of MAC Systems Based on LSM for Protecting IoT Devices en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Numerous active attacks targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices exist. They exploit the latest vulnerabilities discovered in IoT devices. Therefore, Mandatory Access Control (MAC) systems based on Linux Security Modules (LSM), such as SELinux and AppArmor, are effective security features for IoT devices because they can mitigate the impact of attacks even if software vulnerabilities are discovered. However, they are not adopted by most IoT devices. The existing approaches are insufficient for investigating the causes of this problem.In this study, we comprehensively investigated what factors can affect the applicability of MAC systems based on LSM in IoT devices. We focused on how frequently cases can occur where they cannot be adopted, owing to each factor. To increase the comprehensiveness of the factors affecting the adoption of MAC systems in IoT devices, we investigated the kernel version, CPU architecture, and support for BusyBox in addition to the investigation of resources, which conducted in previous studies. We also conducted simulated experiments based on the attack method of Mirai to investigate whether MAC systems can protect against IoT malware. Finally, we discuss the impact of a combination of these factors on MAC system adoption. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MikiMasato en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Mandatory Access Control System kn-keyword=Mandatory Access Control System en-keyword=IoT Security kn-keyword=IoT Security en-keyword=Linux Security Modules kn-keyword=Linux Security Modules END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=236 end-page=244 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230623 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Non Real-Time Data Transmission Performance Analysis of PROFINET for Assuring Data Transmission Quality en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The industrial Ethernet PROFINET supports three different data transmission modes: isochronous real-time (IRT), real-time (RT), and non real-time (NRT) transmitting data requiring hard, soft, and no real-time performances, respectively. The data transmission latency in the NRT increased with the amount of data transmission in the IRT, RT, and NRT. Therefore, the quality of data transmission in NRT may degrade as the amount of data transmission in IRT, RT, and NRT increases. In this study, we derived the average data transmission latency in an NRT with data transmission in IRT and RT by applying stochastic processes. This allowed us to maintain the quality of data transmission in the NRT by adjusting the number of devices connected to the network and the number of applications transmitting data in the NRT so that the average latency of data in the NRT does not exceed a certain value. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NorimatsuTakashi en-aut-sei=Norimatsu en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Industrial Ethernet kn-keyword=Industrial Ethernet en-keyword=PROFINET kn-keyword=PROFINET en-keyword=Non Real Time kn-keyword=Non Real Time en-keyword=Real-Time kn-keyword=Real-Time en-keyword=Isochronous Real Time kn-keyword=Isochronous Real Time END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=267 end-page=273 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Supporting Multiple OS Types on Estimation of System Call Hook Point by Virtual Machine Monitor en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Methods to hook system calls issued by a guest operating system (OS) running on a virtual machine using a virtual machine monitor are proposed. The address of the hook point is derived from the guest OS’s source code and established prior to the kernel startup process. Due to changes in system call processing in OS updates and address space layout randomization, the addresses of these hook points cannot always be pre-determined before the kernel startup process. To address this challenge, a method for estimating the system call hook point is proposed in Linux by analyzing the guest OS memory on x86-64 CPUs rather than pre-calculation. Although the method supports Linux, the method can be extended to support other OS types. In this paper, we propose a method to extend the method to support additional OSes. Specifically, we present analysis results and a novel method for estimating hook points on FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. The effectiveness of our proposed method is also demonstrated through evaluation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoMasaya en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriTaku en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Taku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiHideo en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Hideo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama Prefectural University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama Prefectural University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=system call kn-keyword=system call en-keyword=virtual machine monitor kn-keyword=virtual machine monitor en-keyword=operating system kn-keyword=operating system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=107 end-page=119 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Investigation Towards Detecting Landing Websites for Fake Japanese Shopping Websites en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recently, the number of victims of fake shopping websites that imitate legitimate ones to defraud people has been increasing. It has been shown that fake shopping websites use legitimate defaced landing websites as their leading paths. Therefore, if the detection of landing websites for fake shopping websites can be achieved, it can assist in addressing these websites and reduce the opportunities for users to be redirected to fake shopping websites. In this study, we collect and investigate existing landing websites that redirect users to fake Japanese shopping websites and identify effective features for detecting them. We identified effective search terms for collecting landing websites for fake Japanese shopping websites and found that using Google searches with queries of top-level domain and product names was effective. We also investigated the conditions for activating analytical evasion functions in the collected landing websites for fake Japanese shopping websites and clarified the differences in search results between crawlers and users. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MichishitaDaigo en-aut-sei=Michishita en-aut-mei=Daigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=21 article-no= start-page=13372 end-page=13380 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250520 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Transient Multilamellar Formation in Ethanol-Modified Vesicle Solutions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A recent microfluidic-based small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement intriguingly suggested the transient formation of multilamellar structures during the mixing of unilamellar vesicles with ethanol in an aqueous solution. This study explores a possible molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon, primarily through coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) simulations. We first examined lipid aggregate morphology as a function of ethanol concentration in an aqueous solution. Even though vesicles were observed in pure aqueous solution, increasing ethanol concentrations led to more frequent pore formation in vesicular membranes. At ethanol concentrations above 52%, vesicles destabilized and transformed into worm-like micelles. We hypothesized that the transient multilamellar structures might arise from vesicle stacking due to variations in the effective interactions between vesicles. However, a series of potential of mean force (PMF) calculations consistently showed repulsive interactions between vesicles, regardless of ethanol concentration, ruling out this possibility. In contrast, once lipid aggregates transformed into worm-like micelles, the PMF barrier between them dropped (∼5kBT), promoting fusion. Our CG-MD simulations further demonstrated that lipid aggregates (micelles) readily fused and grew in high ethanol concentrations. Upon subsequent exposure to lower ethanol levels, these enlarged aggregates reorganized into vesicles with internal lamellar structure─multilamellar vesicles. These findings suggest that the heterogeneous mixing of unilamellar vesicular solutions with ethanol in a microfluidic device plays a key role in the emergence of transient multilamellar structures. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShibataKana en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaekiMasatoshi en-aut-sei=Maeki en-aut-mei=Masatoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokeshiManabu en-aut-sei=Tokeshi en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinodaWataru en-aut-sei=Shinoda en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250623 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Transformation of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes with a Small Amount of Electricity: Cyanosilylation, Isomerization, and Nucleophilic Addition en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=An electrochemical method was developed to convert α,β-unsaturated aldehydes into carboxylic acid derivatives via cyanosilylation, isomerization, and nucleophilic addition. This reaction is more sustainable than the usual electrochemical organic reaction because this reaction proceeds catalytically with active species generated by a very small amount of electricity. Furthermore, scale-up synthesis with a flow reactor has been achieved. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiiMayu en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoNanaho en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Nanaho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e202500439 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=2-Hydroxy-3-(Pyrrolidin-1-yl)-Indolines: A Platform for Accessing Decorated Deaminokynurenines Enabled by a Double Tautomeric Control en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this study we introduce indoline hemiaminals as phenacyl bromide surrogates for the synthesis of deaminokynurenine derivatives through cyclic-linear tautomeric intermediates. The reaction proceeds through a tandem process involving the ring opening of indoline hemiaminals, generating transient acyclic aldehydes which are then trapped with in situ generated enolate species. Our protocol overcomes traditional dilemma in production of polar-mismatch 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds by utilizing a transient highly electrophilic linear aldehyde and late-stage transposition of carbonyl moiety. The synthetic utility of our transformation was demonstrated by follow-up transformations, including the first total synthesis of quinoline-2,4-dione alkaloid. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Deaminokynurenines kn-keyword=Deaminokynurenines en-keyword=Enolates kn-keyword=Enolates en-keyword=Indoline hemiaminals kn-keyword=Indoline hemiaminals en-keyword=Potassium tertbutoxide kn-keyword=Potassium tertbutoxide en-keyword=Tautomerism kn-keyword=Tautomerism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Comprehensive analysis of adverse event profile changes with pertuzumab addition to trastuzumab‐based breast cancer therapy: Disproportionality analysis using VigiBase en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aims: Pertuzumab is used in combination with trastuzumab-based therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. However, real-world safety information on pertuzumab remains limited. This study assessed the safety of adding pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer using real-world data.
Methods: VigiBase, the World Health Organization's global database of adverse events (AEs), containing reports from November 1967 to December 2023, was used. Signals for pertuzumab-associated AEs in breast cancer cases were detected using the reporting odds ratio (ROR).
Results: Signals of trastuzumab plus pertuzumab relative to trastuzumab alone were detected in gastrointestinal disorders (ROR: 1.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.26–1.67), including diarrhoea (3.49, 2.83–4.30); infections and infestations (1.54, 1.24–1.91); and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (ROR: 1.63, 1.40–1.90), including pruritus (1.96, 1.51–2.55) and rash (1.63, 1.20–2.23). Further, signals of trastuzumab plus docetaxel plus pertuzumab relative to those of trastuzumab plus docetaxel were detected in gastrointestinal disorders (1.63, 1.38–1.93), including nausea (1.72, 1.24–2.39) and vomiting (1.48, 1.01–2.17), and in nervous system disorders (1.50, 1.20–1.87), including paraesthesia (2.60, 1.33–5.08) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (5.94, 1.79–19.71). The frequency of AEs causing or prolonging hospitalization was increased with trastuzumab plus pertuzumab compared to that with trastuzumab alone (1.18, 1.00–1.38).
Conclusions: AE profiles after the addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based therapy were comprehensively identified. The findings in this study highlight the importance of considering these AEs when selecting pertuzumab combination therapy to ensure the safety of patients with breast cancer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakedaTatsuaki en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Tatsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoJun en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiTomonori en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNaohiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamanoHirofumi en-aut-sei=Hamano en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AriyoshiNoritaka en-aut-sei=Ariyoshi en-aut-mei=Noritaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=adverse event kn-keyword=adverse event en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer en-keyword=pertuzumab kn-keyword=pertuzumab en-keyword=trastuzumab kn-keyword=trastuzumab en-keyword=VigiBase kn-keyword=VigiBase END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=77 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=449 end-page=482 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Period integrals (Givental's I-function) of Calabi–Yau hypersurface in CPN−1 as generating functions of intersection numbers on the moduli space of quasimaps en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this paper, we derive the generalized hypergeometric functions (period integrals) used in mirror computation of Calabi–Yau hypersurface in CPN−1 as generating functions of intersection numbers on the moduli space of quasimaps from CP1 with 2+1 marked points to CPN−1. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JINZENJIMasao en-aut-sei=JINZENJI en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MATSUZAKAKohki en-aut-sei=MATSUZAKA en-aut-mei=Kohki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mathematics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Integrated Media, Ikueikan University kn-affil= en-keyword=generalized hypergeometric functions kn-keyword=generalized hypergeometric functions en-keyword=Givental's I-function kn-keyword=Givental's I-function en-keyword=moduli space of quasimaps kn-keyword=moduli space of quasimaps END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=4737 end-page=4741 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250429 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Electrochemical Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols via Hydrogen Atom Transfer Mediated by 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a novel electrochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohols. We found that trifluoroethanol plays a role as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mediator, enabling the oxidation of electron-deficient substrates that are difficult to directly oxidize on electrode surfaces. Density functional theory calculations, cyclic voltammetry measurements, and constant potential electrolysis studies supported the proposed HAT mechanism. Moreover, the obtained carbonyl compounds could be functionalized in an electrochemical one-pot manner, further highlighting their synthetic utility. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawajiriTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kawajiri en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosoyaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Hosoya en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GodaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Goda en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=API R&D Laboratory, Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=API R&D Laboratory, Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=API R&D Laboratory, Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=220 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=115401 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250502 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Genomic landscape and clinical impact of homologous recombination repair gene mutation in small bowel adenocarcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Although homologous recombination deficiency has been studied as a biomarker for other cancer types, the clinical and genomic implications of homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations in SBA remain unclear.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 628 patients with advanced or recurrent SBA from a nationwide genomic database. Patients were categorized into HRR mutation and non-HRR mutation groups and compared for their clinical and genomic characteristics including tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) were compared. Treatment efficacy and overall survival (OS) were assessed based on HRR gene mutation status and primary tumor site (duodenal adenocarcinoma [DA] vs. small intestinal carcinoma [SIC]).
Results: Patients with the HRR mutations had higher frequencies of TMB and MSI-H than those without the mutation (P < 0.0001). In DA, HRR gene mutation positivity was associated with improved OS and higher overall response rates (ORR) to platinum-based chemotherapy (OS: not reached vs. 23.5 months, P = 0.040; ORR: 33 % vs. 19 %, P = 0.046), whereas no significant associations were observed with SIC.
Conclusion: HRR gene mutation may be a potential biomarker for platinum-based chemotherapy efficacy in SBA, especially in DA, highlighting the need for site-specific therapies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OzatoToshiki en-aut-sei=Ozato en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoYoshiyasu en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Yoshiyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriguchiShigeru en-aut-sei=Horiguchi en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsutsumiKoichiro en-aut-sei=Tsutsumi en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirasawaAkira en-aut-sei=Hirasawa en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Homologous recombination repair kn-keyword=Homologous recombination repair en-keyword=Small bowel adenocarcinoma kn-keyword=Small bowel adenocarcinoma en-keyword=Genome kn-keyword=Genome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=374 end-page=380 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect Modification in Settings with “Truncation by Death” en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Epidemiologic studies recruiting individuals with higher-than-population-average mortality can be affected by “truncation by death,” whereby the outcome of interest (e.g., quality of life) is considered not to be defined for individuals who die before the end of follow-up. Here, we use the potential outcomes framework and principal stratification to derive conditions under which the survivor average causal effect, an estimand defined for the “always-survivors” stratum, is modified by a variable that represents a possible common cause of survival and the outcome of interest and by a variable that only affects survival. Further, we show that this principal effect can be expressed as a weighted average of this treatment effect for individuals with each level of these variables, and that these weights depend not only on the relative frequencies of the levels in the total population but also on the “always-survivors” principal stratum. We also discuss the implications of this work for the transportability of the survivor average causal effect. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GonçalvesBronner P. en-aut-sei=Gonçalves en-aut-mei=Bronner P. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Causal inference kn-keyword=Causal inference en-keyword=Effect modification kn-keyword=Effect modification en-keyword=Principal stratification kn-keyword=Principal stratification en-keyword=Transportability kn-keyword=Transportability END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1617 end-page=1618 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Iatrogenic fever of unknown origin en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiKeiji en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoGentaro en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Gentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MukaiShinichi en-aut-sei=Mukai en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=43 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1108 end-page=1116 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spray-drying of polymer solutions across a broad concentration range and the subsequent formation of a few micro- ∼nano-meter sized fibers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Spray drying is a widely utilized technique for the concentration and fine particulation of dried products. This study demonstrated that a versatile spray dryer, equipped with a two-fluid nozzle atomizer, can convert polymer solutions into nanoscale fibers by manipulating the conditions of the polymer solutions. The polymers employed in this research included polyvinylpyrrolidones (Mw 24.5 k to 60 kDa), dextrans (70 k to 450–650 kDa), pullulan, gum Arabic, Eudragit and agar, with methanol and water serving as solvents. Various combinations of polymers and solvents were subjected to spray drying at polymer concentrations ranging from 5 to 1000 g/L. Scanning electron microscopy analyses of the spray-dried samples indicated that the products transitioned from micrometer-sized particles to sub-micrometer fibers in several instances when the polymer concentrations exceeded specific threshold levels. The investigation also explored the relationship between these threshold concentrations and the surface tension and viscosity of the polymer solutions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AragaChika en-aut-sei=Araga en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKaito en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kaito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHaruna en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Haruna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaNao en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Nao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaTakato en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Takato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakasoKoichi en-aut-sei=Nakaso en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaNaoyuki en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Naoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImamuraKoreyoshi en-aut-sei=Imamura en-aut-mei=Koreyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Sub-micron fiber kn-keyword=Sub-micron fiber en-keyword=spray-drying kn-keyword=spray-drying en-keyword=two fluid nozzle atomizer kn-keyword=two fluid nozzle atomizer en-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone kn-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone en-keyword=polysaccharide kn-keyword=polysaccharide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=96 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=033907 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Development of density measurement at high pressure and high temperature using the x-ray absorption method combined with laser-heated diamond anvil cell en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The densities of liquid materials at high pressures and high temperatures are important information to understand the elastic behavior of liquids at extreme conditions, which is closely related to the formation and evolution processes of the Earth and planetary interiors. The x-ray absorption method is an effective method to measure the density of non-crystalline materials at high pressures. However, the temperature condition of the x-ray absorption method using a diamond anvil cell (DAC) has been limited to 720 K to date. To significantly expand the measurable temperature condition of this method, in this study, we developed a density measurement technique using the x-ray absorption method in combination with a laser-heated DAC. The density of solid Ni was measured up to 26 GPa and 1800 K using the x-ray absorption method and evaluated by comparison with the density obtained from the x-ray diffraction. The density of solid Ni with a thickness >17 μm was determined with an accuracy of 0.01%–2.2% (0.001–0.20 g/cm3) and a precision of 0.8%–1.8% (0.07–0.16 g/cm3) in the x-ray absorption method. The density of liquid Ni was also determined to be 8.70 ± 0.15–8.98 ± 0.38 g/cm3 at 16–23 GPa and 2230–2480 K. Consequently, the temperature limit of the x-ray absorption method can be expanded from 720 to 2480 K by combining it with a laser-heated DAC in this study. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TerasakiHidenori en-aut-sei=Terasaki en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaminaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kamina en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaguchiSaori I. en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Saori I. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoTadashi en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriokaKo en-aut-sei=Morioka en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuruokaRyo en-aut-sei=Tsuruoka en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuraiMoe en-aut-sei=Sakurai en-aut-mei=Moe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YonedaAkira en-aut-sei=Yoneda en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamadaSeiji en-aut-sei=Kamada en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraoNaohisa en-aut-sei=Hirao en-aut-mei=Naohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, SPring-8 kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Earth and Space Science, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Earth and Space Science, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Earth and Space Science, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=AD Science Incorporation kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, SPring-8 kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=85 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1082 end-page=1096 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250314 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Myeloid Cells Induce Infiltration and Activation of B Cells and CD4+ T Follicular Helper Cells to Sensitize Brain Metastases to Combination Immunotherapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Brain metastasis is a poor prognostic factor in patients with cancer. Despite showing efficacy in many extracranial tumors, immunotherapy with anti–PD-1 mAb or anti–CTLA4 mAb seems to be less effective against intracranial tumors. Promisingly, recent clinical studies have reported that combination therapy with anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA4 mAbs has a potent antitumor effect on brain metastasis, highlighting the need to elucidate the detailed mechanisms controlling the intracranial tumor microenvironment (TME) to develop effective immunotherapeutic strategies. In this study, we analyzed the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in murine models of brain metastasis that responded to anti–CTLA4 and anti–PD-1 mAbs. Activated CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cells with high CTLA4 expression characteristically infiltrated the intracranial TME, which were activated by combination anti–CTLA4 and anti–PD-1 treatment. The loss of TFH cells suppressed the additive effect of CTLA4 blockade on anti–PD-1 mAb. B-cell–activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) produced by abundant myeloid cells, particularly CD80hiCD206lo proinflammatory M1-like macrophages, in the intracranial TME induced B-cell and TFH-cell infiltration and activation. Furthermore, the intracranial TME of patients with non–small cell lung cancer featured TFH- and B-cell infiltration as tertiary lymphoid structures. Together, these findings provide insights into the immune cell cross-talk in the intracranial TME that facilitates an additive antitumor effect of CTLA4 blockade with anti–PD-1 treatment, supporting the potential of a combination immunotherapeutic strategy for brain metastases.
Significance: B-cell and CD4+ T follicular helper cell activation via BAFF/APRIL from abundant myeloid cells in the intracranial tumor microenvironment enables a combinatorial effect of CTLA4 and PD-1 blockade in brain metastases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NinomiyaToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KemmotsuNaoya en-aut-sei=Kemmotsu en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MukoharaFumiaki en-aut-sei=Mukohara en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MagariMasaki en-aut-sei=Magari en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoAi en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYouki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Youki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshinoTakamasa en-aut-sei=Ishino en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiJoji en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHidetaka en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hidetaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TachibanaKota en-aut-sei=Tachibana en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaJoji en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShota en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoIsamu en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Isamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Medical Protein Engineering, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=7640 end-page=7647 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Droplet Impact Behavior on Convex Surfaces with a Circumferential Wettability Difference en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Controlling the bouncing behavior of the impacting droplets is an important issue for splay cooling, icing prevention, and other applications. The bouncing behavior of impacting droplets on superhydrophobic curved surfaces and flat substrates with a wettability difference has been widely investigated, and droplets impacting these surfaces show shorter contact times than those on superhydrophobic flat surfaces and droplet transport. However, there have been few studies on the droplet impact behavior on curved surfaces with a wettability difference, where efficient droplet control could be achieved by combining the features. In the present study, droplet impact experiments were conducted using copper cylinders with different circumferential wettabilities from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, varying the impact velocity, cylinder diameter, and rotation angle. Droplets that impacted the wettability boundary showed asymmetric deformation and moved to the hydrophilic side, owing to the driving force of the wettability difference. Moreover, the droplet behavior was classified into four types: the droplet bounced off the surface, the droplet bounced off the surface and split, the droplet attached to the surface, and the droplet attached to the surface and split. The droplet behavior was estimated by using the maximum spreading width of the droplet impacted on the flat substrate. We evaluated whether the droplets attached to the surface or bounced off the surface after impact using the Weber number and rotation angle, and the estimations were in agreement with the experimental results for cylinder diameters of 4 and 6 mm. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshikawaTaku en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Taku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=752 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=151481 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250308 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Discovery of myeloid zinc finger (MZF) 1 nuclear bodies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) is a multifaceted transcription factor that can act either as a transcriptional activator or a gene repressor. We examined its production of nuclear bodies (NBs) and subcellular localization. Proteomic and protein–protein interaction analysis were used to identify its cofactors and interactions. These revealed the presence of MZF1-NBs (intranuclear oligomers containing MZF1). MZF-NBs are similar to some other nuclear bodies, notably promyelocytic leukemia (PML) -NBs in terms of size and morphology. However the two structures appear to be different. MZF-NBs and PML-NBs were found to associate in the nucleus. Both MZF1 and PML are SUMO1-SUMOylated in PC-3 cells. Sumoylated MZF1 can interact with proteins containing SUMO-interaction motifs (SIM) through SUMO-SIM interaction. Interactome analysis revealed that its NBs participate in the stress response (TPR and UBAP2L), protein folding (CALR and ANKRD40), transcription, post-translational modification (TRIM33, ACOT7, CAMK2D, and CAMK2G), and RNA binding (ALURBP and CPSF5). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EguchiTakanori en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=CalderwoodStuart K. en-aut-sei=Calderwood en-aut-mei=Stuart K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=Myeloid zinc finger 1 kn-keyword=Myeloid zinc finger 1 en-keyword=MZF1 kn-keyword=MZF1 en-keyword=Nuclear body kn-keyword=Nuclear body en-keyword=PML kn-keyword=PML en-keyword=Sumoylation kn-keyword=Sumoylation en-keyword=SCAN domain protein kn-keyword=SCAN domain protein END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=210 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=112952 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A microfluidic paper-based analytical device that uses gelatin film to assay protease activity via time readout en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Food processing, detergents, and pharmaceuticals frequently employ proteases, which are enzymes that break the chemical bonds of both proteins and peptides. In this work, we developed a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for protease activity assays via time readout. To accomplish this, we folded the µPAD to form layers, then inserted a water-insoluble gelatin film between the layers of paper to form the device. Lamination helps to maintain the gelatin film between the introduction zone, which is the upper layer, and the detection channel, which is the lower layer. Proteases decompose the gelatin film when it enters the introduction zone, which then allows it to flow into the detection channel. The protease activity in the sample solution determines the time required to dissolve the gelatin film, which leads to a linear relationship between the logarithm of the protease concentration and the time required to flow the solution a specific distance on the detection channel. The µPAD was used to measure proteases in concentrations that ranged from 0.25 to 1 mg L−1 for bromelain, 2.5 to 10 mg L−1 for papain, and 1 to 8 mg L−1 for trypsin. The limits of quantification for bromelain, papain, and trypsin were 0.41, 2.7, and 9.2 mg mL−1, respectively. The relative standard deviations for bromelain were smaller than 2 % for concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 mg L−1. We compared the µPAD to a commercially available protease activity assay kit, which relies on quenching fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled casein. Both methods demonstrated the same order of activity: bromelain > papain > trypsin. The proposed device allowed the assay of bromelain in both pineapple pulp and juice, which were stored at room temperature. When first using the proposed device, the bromelain in the pulp gradually lost its activity, while the activity of the bromelain in the juice showed no significant change for five days. The µPAD requires no analytical instruments for quality control and monitoring of the protease activity in food. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RenJianchao en-aut-sei=Ren en-aut-mei=Jianchao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DanchanaKaewta en-aut-sei=Danchana en-aut-mei=Kaewta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanetaTakashi en-aut-sei=Kaneta en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Microfluidic paper-based analytical device kn-keyword=Microfluidic paper-based analytical device en-keyword=Protease kn-keyword=Protease en-keyword=Enzyme assay kn-keyword=Enzyme assay en-keyword=Time readout kn-keyword=Time readout END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=102660 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Intention and potential determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers at a single university hospital in Japan, 2024–2025 pre-season en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Financial accessibility has emerged as a significant barrier to vaccine uptake following the cessation of universal public funding for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs. This investigation assessed the intention and determinant factors of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers in Japan in the 2024–2025 pre-season.
Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted utilizing data collected from hospital staff at Okayama University Hospital, Japan, to inform the COVID-19 vaccination strategy in October 2024. The analysis evaluated demographic characteristics, vaccine intention, perceived barriers to vaccination, and maximum acceptable out-of-pocket expenditure.
Results: The study population of 3417 respondents comprised 843 medical doctors (24.7 %), 1131 nurses (33.1 %), 320 other medical staff (9.4 %), 286 dental doctors (8.4 %), and 627 administrative officers (18.3 %). At full cost, 2109 (61.7 %) indicated no intention to receive vaccination, while only 4.4 % expressed willingness to be vaccinated and 33.9 % remained undecided. With total self-payment, the vaccination acceptance rates were the highest and lowest among medical doctors (11.4 %) and nurses (1.0 %), respectively. Cost (38.1 %), followed by safety issues (29.5 %) and concerns regarding efficacy or medical necessity (20.3 %), emerged as the primary barrier. The projected vaccination intention increased to 43.9 % and 54.9 % at reduced self-pay costs of 3000 JPY and 5000 JPY, respectively.
Conclusions: Addressing financial constraints through policy interventions could be effective strategies in increasing overall vaccination coverage among healthcare workers. In addition, providing tailored education on vaccine safety, efficacy, and necessity may further facilitate increased vaccine uptake within this critical population. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujitaYasushi en-aut-sei=Fujita en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiguchiTakashi en-aut-sei=Kiguchi en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManabeYohei en-aut-sei=Manabe en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Infection Prevention and Control, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=Immunization kn-keyword=Immunization en-keyword=Reimbursement kn-keyword=Reimbursement en-keyword=Healthcare workers kn-keyword=Healthcare workers en-keyword=Financial support kn-keyword=Financial support END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=106 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106690 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=EGF-induced P-gp expression in tumor vasculature contributes to therapeutic resistance to doxorubicin-PEG-liposomes in mice bearing doxorubicin-resistant B16-BL6 tumors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We previously indicated that doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes (DOX-PEG-liposomes) were therapeutically effective in mice bearing DOX-resistant colon-26 (C26/DOX) tumors, and the efficacy was comparable in mice bearing DOX-sensitive C26 tumors. However, in the current study, DOX-PEG-liposomes exerted no therapeutic activity in DOX-resistant B16-BL6 melanoma (B16/DOX)-bearing mice, although they significantly suppressed DOX-sensitive B16 tumor growth in mice. Although we previously reported that the anti-tumor effects in C26/DOX-bearing mice were derived from the cytotoxic effects of DOX on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in tumors, the B16/DOX tumor vasculature was not substantially damaged after administration of DOX-PEG-liposomes. In B16/DOX tumors, P-gp expression was significantly induced in the VECs, but not in the C26/DOX tumors, indicating that the high expression of P-gp in the tumor vasculature would be responsible for the lack of therapeutic effect of DOX-PEG-liposomes in B16/DOX-bearing mice. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a possible induction factor for P-gp expression, was highly expressed in B16/DOX cells and tumor tissues, and significantly induced P-gp expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The EGF receptor (EGFR) was also highly expressed in B16/DOX tumor VECs, suggesting that the activation of EGF/EGFR signaling may induce P-gp expression in VECs in B16/DOX tumors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MaruyamaMasato en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaTomoki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IenakaYusuke en-aut-sei=Ienaka en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TojoHaruka en-aut-sei=Tojo en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HyodoKenji en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaraKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Ogawara en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiKazutaka en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Kazutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Eisai Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Kobe Pharmaceutical University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Drug resistance kn-keyword=Drug resistance en-keyword=P-glycoprotein kn-keyword=P-glycoprotein en-keyword=Liposome kn-keyword=Liposome en-keyword=Tumor vascular endothelial cells kn-keyword=Tumor vascular endothelial cells en-keyword=Melanoma kn-keyword=Melanoma END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=209 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114663 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Repeated sequential administration of pegylated emulsion of SU5416 and liposomal paclitaxel enhances anti-tumor effect in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To improve vascular normalization strategy for intractable triple-negative breast cancer 4T1, we examined the anti-tumor effects of repeated sequential administration of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified emulsion of SU5416 (PE-SU5416), a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 kinase inhibitor, and PEG-modified liposomal paclitaxel (PL-PTX) in mice bearing 4T1 cells. Three sequential administrations (Seq×3) of PE-SU5416 and PL-PTX exhibited significantly higher anti-tumor activity than a single sequential administration (Seq×1). The tumor vasculatures were structurally normalized until after two PE-SU5416 (PE-SU5416×2) or sequential (Seq×2) administrations, while the improvement in vascular function, such as oxygen supply, blood flow, and PEG-liposomal distribution, was evident until after three administrations of PE-SU5416 (PE-SU5416×3) and Seq×3. Although some discrepancies between the structural and functional improvement in tumor vasculatures were observed after PE-SU5416×3 and Seq×3, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and collagen levels were significantly reduced after PE-SU5416×2, PE-SU5416×3, Seq×2, and Seq×3, suggesting that a possible decrease in interstitial fluid pressure due to the reduction in CAFs and collagen would have compensated for vascular function. Furthermore, PE-SU5416×2, PE-SU5416×3, Seq×2, and Seq×3 significantly decreased tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), an activator of CAFs, in tumor tissues, suggesting that the reduction in TGF-β levels by PE-SU5416 suppresses CAF activation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MaruyamaMasato en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToriiReiya en-aut-sei=Torii en-aut-mei=Reiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuiHazuki en-aut-sei=Matsui en-aut-mei=Hazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaraKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Ogawara en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiKazutaka en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Kazutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Kobe Pharmaceutical University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Drug delivery kn-keyword=Drug delivery en-keyword=Vascular normalization kn-keyword=Vascular normalization en-keyword=Breast cancer kn-keyword=Breast cancer en-keyword=Liposome kn-keyword=Liposome en-keyword=Cancer-associated fibroblast kn-keyword=Cancer-associated fibroblast END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=236 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=74 end-page=81 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristics of porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes derived from various sizes of antral follicles and classified by brilliant cresyl blue staining, and developmental competence of the oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The present study sought to determine the characteristics of porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) derived from very small and small antral follicles (with less than 1 mm and 1–3 mm in diameter, respectively; VSF and SF) in comparison with controls from medium ones (with 3–6 mm in diameter; MF). Additionally, the present study examined the utility of brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining for assessing these OCCs. The incidence of BCB- oocytes in VSF- and SF-derived OCCs was higher than that in MF-derived OCCs. Although the meiotic and developmental competences of BCB+ oocytes from MF were superior to those from VSF and SF, blastocysts were successfully obtained from BCB+ oocytes even derived from VSF. The mean numbers of both total and viable cumulus cells surrounding an oocyte were significantly affected not only by the origin of the OCCs, but also by the BCB status of the oocytes (largest in MF-derived OCCs containing BCB+ oocytes). Although the outer and inner diameters of zona pellucida were affected by the origin of OCCs and the BCB status of oocytes (largest in MF-derived oocytes), the ooplasmic diameter of BCB+ oocytes did not differ among those derived from VSF, SF, and MF. Regardless of the BCB status, the transcriptional levels of G6PD and TKT in cumulus cells decreased during follicular development from VSF to MF, whereas the RPIA mRNA level in cumulus cells of MF-derived BCB+ OCCs was lower than in the others. These results underscore the utility of BCB staining for selecting MF-, SF-, and even VSF-derived OCCs containing oocytes with relatively higher meiotic and developmental competences, as well as the importance of having a sufficient number of healthy cumulus cells expressing genes related to the pentose phosphate pathway at lower levels. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=VanPhong Ngoc en-aut-sei=Van en-aut-mei=Phong Ngoc kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FonsekaWanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha en-aut-sei=Fonseka en-aut-mei=Wanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=234 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=125 end-page=132 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250301 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mitochondrial content and mtDNA copy number in spermatozoa and penetrability into oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The current narrative review aims to summarize the relation of mitochondrial content (MC) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (MDCN) in spermatozoa with sperm penetrability, and to discuss the various determining factors during the process of spermatogenesis in mammals. There are many potential factors associated with the quantitative alteration of MC and MDCN in male gametes from spermatogenesis to ejaculation. Particularly, spermatogenesis may be the first step to jointly contribute to an incomplete reduction of MC and MDCN in spermatozoon. It appears to be now quite clear that some abnormalities during spermatogenesis and oxidative stress are the main factors highly associated with the quantitative change of MC and MDCN in spermatozoa, consequently affecting sperm quality and their penetrability into oocytes. Currently, a series of proteins contributing to form sperm midpiece during spermatogenesis and cytoplasmic elimination during spermiation have been currently identified. The present review provides insight into how these factors interact with sperm MC and MDCN, and handholds to gain a better understanding of their roles. This review also highlights the uniqueness of normal fertile spermatozoa which have relatively lower MC and MDCN, but have mitochondria that function completely in multiple pivotal physiological pathways. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Spermatozoa kn-keyword=Spermatozoa en-keyword=Mitochondria kn-keyword=Mitochondria en-keyword=Mitochondrial DNA kn-keyword=Mitochondrial DNA en-keyword=Penetrability kn-keyword=Penetrability en-keyword=Spermatogenesis kn-keyword=Spermatogenesis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=35 article-no= start-page=e2320189121 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240821 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Somatic mutations in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes impact on antitumor immunity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exert clinical efficacy against various types of cancers by reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells that can expand and directly attack cancer cells (cancer-specific T cells) among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Although some reports have identified somatic mutations in TILs, their effect on antitumor immunity remains unclear. In this study, we successfully established 18 cancer-specific T cell clones, which have an exhaustion phenotype, from the TILs of four patients with melanoma. We conducted whole-genome sequencing for these T cell clones and identified various somatic mutations in them with high clonality. Among the somatic mutations, an SH2D2A loss-of-function frameshift mutation and TNFAIP3 deletion could activate T cell effector functions in vitro. Furthermore, we generated CD8+ T cell–specific Tnfaip3 knockout mice and showed that Tnfaip3 function loss in CD8+ T cell increased antitumor immunity, leading to remarkable response to PD-1 blockade in vivo. In addition, we analyzed bulk CD3+ T cells from TILs in additional 12 patients and identified an SH2D2A mutation in one patient through amplicon sequencing. These findings suggest that somatic mutations in TILs can affect antitumor immunity and suggest unique biomarkers and therapeutic targets. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MukoharaFumiaki en-aut-sei=Mukohara en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataKazuma en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshinoTakamasa en-aut-sei=Ishino en-aut-mei=Takamasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InozumeTakashi en-aut-sei=Inozume en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiJoji en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYouki en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Youki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoToshihide en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Toshihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaHideki en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaseKatsushige en-aut-sei=Kawase en-aut-mei=Katsushige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaekiYuka en-aut-sei=Saeki en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawashimaShusuke en-aut-sei=Kawashima en-aut-mei=Shusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaKazuo en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Kazuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYu en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=Honobe-TabuchiAkiko en-aut-sei=Honobe-Tabuchi en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeHiroko en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=DansakoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Dansako en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraTatsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Tatsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiYutaka en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Mano en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawazuMasahito en-aut-sei=Kawazu en-aut-mei=Masahito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=TogashiYosuke en-aut-sei=Togashi en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=KOTAI Biotechnologies, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Skin Oncology/Dermatology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, University of Yamanashi kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Dermatology, University of Yamanashi kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer immunology kn-keyword=cancer immunology en-keyword=somatic mutation kn-keyword=somatic mutation en-keyword=T cell kn-keyword=T cell en-keyword=tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes kn-keyword=tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=170 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=109242 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250315 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of small fatigue crack deflection behavior on copper using electron backscatter diffraction and crystal plasticity finite element analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this study, it was conducted to observe the propagation behavior of small fatigue cracks generated on the surface of α-brass and pure copper, using an electrodynamic plane bending fatigue testing machine. The EBSD method was also used to analyze the crystal orientation near the bottom of the notch on the surface of the test piece. For each slip system of the grain, we calculated the slip factor, defined as the ratio of resolved shear stresses that considers the singular stress field at the crack tip, and investigated the relationship between the propagation behavior of small cracks and the slip factor. Furthermore, we performed a crystal plasticity finite element analysis (CP-FEM) using a crystal plasticity FEM model created from the grains obtained by the EBSD method to predict the deflection behavior of small fatigue cracks when propagating through the grain boundaries. The results indicated that when a crack propagates across a grain boundary, it is difficult to predict the deflection behavior using slip factors, however, the deflection behavior of a crack can be predicted from the resolved shear stress calculated using CP-FEM, which considers the mechanical interactions between crystal grains. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ArakawaJinta en-aut-sei=Arakawa en-aut-mei=Jinta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YabukiRyo en-aut-sei=Yabuki en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UemoriTakeshi en-aut-sei=Uemori en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoMasato en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YaguchiKenichi en-aut-sei=Yaguchi en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation kn-affil= en-keyword=Small fatigue crack kn-keyword=Small fatigue crack en-keyword=Crystal orientation kn-keyword=Crystal orientation en-keyword=CP-FEM kn-keyword=CP-FEM en-keyword=EBSD kn-keyword=EBSD END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=361 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114657 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Crosstalk between prolactin, insulin-like growth factors, and thyroid hormones in feather growth regulation in neonatal chick wings en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The elongation of primary feathers in neonatal chicks is delayed by the late-feathering K gene located on the Z chromosome. We recently found that the K gene slows feather growth by reducing the number of functional prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) dimers. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which PRL promotes feather elongation. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that PRLRs are predominantly localized in the pulp rather than in the epidermal layer of the feather follicle. Treatment of primary cultured feather pulp cells with PRL increased the expression of mRNAs for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs; IGF-1 and IGF-2) and type 2 deiodinase (DIO2). Furthermore, treatments with IGF-1 and triiodothyronine (T3) reciprocally enhanced the expression of mRNAs for DIO2 and IGFs. Additionally, BrdU staining in neonatal chicks showed that T3 promoted cell proliferation in both the epidermal layer and pulp cells, while this effect was suppressed by an IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitor. These findings suggest a novel model in which PRL upregulates IGFs and DIO2 in feather pulp cells, creating a positive feedback loop between IGFs and T3, ultimately leading to the promotion of cell proliferation in both the epidermal layer and the pulp cells by IGFs. This is the first report proposing crosstalk between PRL, thyroid hormone (TH), and IGFs in feather follicles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NozawaYuri en-aut-sei=Nozawa en-aut-mei=Yuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraAyako en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaMasamichi en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Masamichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Prolactin kn-keyword=Prolactin en-keyword=Thyroid hormone kn-keyword=Thyroid hormone en-keyword=IGF kn-keyword=IGF en-keyword=Iodothyronine deiodinase kn-keyword=Iodothyronine deiodinase en-keyword=Feather growth kn-keyword=Feather growth END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=941 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=149244 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250315 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Identification of pennaceous barbule cell factor (PBCF), a novel gene with spatiotemporal expression in barbule cells during feather development en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bird contour feathers exhibit a complex hierarchical structure composed of a rachis, barbs, and barbules, with barbules playing a crucial role in maintaining feather structure and function. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying barbule formation is essential for advancing our knowledge of avian biology and evolution. In this study, we identified a novel gene, pennaceous barbule cell factor (PBCF), using microarray analysis, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization. PBCF is expressed in barbule cells adjacent to the ramus during pennaceous barbule formation, where these cells fuse with the ramus to establish the feather’s branching structure. PBCF expression occurs transiently after melanin pigmentation of the barbule plates but before the expression of barbule-specific keratin 1 (BlSK1). Orthologues of PBCF, predicted to be secreted proteins, are conserved across avian species, with potential homologues detected in reptiles, suggesting an evolutionary lineage-specific adaptation. Additionally, PBCF is expressed in non-vacuolated notochord cells and the extra-embryonic ectoderm of the yolk sac, hinting at its broader developmental significance. The PBCF gene produces two mRNA isoforms via alternative splicing, encoding a secreted protein and a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane-bound protein, indicating functional versatility. These findings suggest that PBCF may be involved as an avian-specific extracellular matrix component in cell adhesion and/or communication, potentially contributing to both feather development and embryogenesis. Further investigation of PBCF’s role in feather evolution and its potential functions in other vertebrates could provide new insights into the interplay between development and evolution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakaokaMinori en-aut-sei=Nakaoka en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgoshiMaho en-aut-sei=Ogoshi en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Feather kn-keyword=Feather en-keyword=Barbule kn-keyword=Barbule en-keyword=Branching kn-keyword=Branching en-keyword=Chicken kn-keyword=Chicken en-keyword=Yolk sac membrane kn-keyword=Yolk sac membrane en-keyword=Notochord kn-keyword=Notochord END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=741 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=151006 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241231 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine metabolism is involved in the sperm motility and in vitro fertility rate in mouse en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Increased fragmentation of sperm DNA has been implicated in male infertility. Folate deficiency results in impaired methionine synthesis, depletion of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels, an increase in S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) levels, and increased DNA fragmentation. Disruption of the dynamic balance between SAM and SAH may also contribute, although the details of this process are not yet fully understood. We investigated the localization of SAM, SAH, and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH), and whether SAM/SAH metabolism contributes to sperm motility and fertilization rate. SAM, SAH, and SAHH levels were assessed in the acrosome, midpiece, and tail of spermatozoa. Chemical inhibition of SAM/SAH metabolism and extracellular SAH significantly decreased the straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and amplitude lateral head displacement (ALH) of sperm cells, which were thus unable to swim forward and perform oscillatory movements in place. This significantly reduced the fertilization rate. Therefore, the disruption of the SAM/SAH balance may contribute to male infertility. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawaiTomoko en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAtsushi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=SAM/SAH metabolism kn-keyword=SAM/SAH metabolism en-keyword=Sperm motility kn-keyword=Sperm motility en-keyword=Fertilization rate kn-keyword=Fertilization rate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=326 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=F1054 end-page=F1065 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240530 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Preventive effects of vasohibin-2-targeting peptide vaccine for diabetic nephropathy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Diabetic nephropathy remains the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in many countries, and additional therapeutic targets are needed to prevent its development and progression. Some angiogenic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Vasohibin-2 (VASH2) is a novel proangiogenic factor, and our previous study showed that glomerular damage is inhibited in diabetic Vash2 homozygous knockout mice. Therefore, we established a VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine as a tool for anti-VASH2 therapy in diabetic nephropathy. In this study, the preventive effects of the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine against glomerular injury were examined in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. The mice were subcutaneously injected with the vaccine at two doses 2 wk apart and then intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg STZ for 5 consecutive days. Glomerular injury was evaluated 20 wk after the first vaccination. Treatment with the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine successfully induced circulating anti-VASH2 antibody without inflammation in major organs. Although the vaccination did not affect blood glucose levels, it significantly prevented hyperglycemia-induced increases in urinary albumin excretion and glomerular volume. The vaccination did not affect increased VASH2 expression but significantly inhibited renal angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) expression in the diabetic mice. Furthermore, it significantly prevented glomerular macrophage infiltration. The preventive effects of vaccination on glomerular injury were also confirmed in db/db mice. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine may prevent diabetic glomerular injury in mice by inhibiting Angpt2-mediated microinflammation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaYuri en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Yuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MifuneTomoyo en-aut-sei=Mifune en-aut-mei=Tomoyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakadoiTakato en-aut-sei=Nakadoi en-aut-mei=Takato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagamiHironori en-aut-sei=Nakagami en-aut-mei=Hironori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYasufumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yasufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=albuminuria kn-keyword=albuminuria en-keyword=diabetic nephropathy kn-keyword=diabetic nephropathy en-keyword=macrophages kn-keyword=macrophages en-keyword=peptide vaccine kn-keyword=peptide vaccine en-keyword=vasohibin-2 kn-keyword=vasohibin-2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=129 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=726 end-page=735 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241231 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hydronium Ions Are Less Excluded from Hydrophobic Polymer–Water Interfaces than Hydroxide Ions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The cloud point temperatures of aqueous poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) solutions were measured from pH 1.0 to pH 13.0 at a constant ionic strength of 100 mM. This ionic strength was reached by mixing the appropriate concentration of NaCl with either HCl or NaOH. The phase transition temperature of both polymers was nearly constant between pH 2.0 and 12.0. However, the introduction of 100 mM HCl (pH 1.0) led to an increase in the cloud point temperature, although this value was still lower than the cloud point temperature in the absence of salt. By contrast, the introduction of 100 mM NaOH (pH 13.0) caused a decrease in the cloud point temperature, both relative to adding 100 mM NaCl and adding no salt. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of these systems were performed below the cloud point temperature, and the chemical shifts closely tracked the corresponding changes in the phase transition temperature. Specifically, the introduction of 100 mM HCl caused the 1H chemical shift to move downfield for the CH resonances from both PNIPAM and PEO, while 100 mM NaOH caused the same resonances to move upfield. Virtually no change in the chemical shift was seen between pH 2.0 and 12.0. These results are consistent with the idea that a sufficient concentration of H3O+ led to polymer swelling compared to Na+, while substituting Cl– with OH– reduced swelling. Finally, classical all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with a monomer and 5-mer corresponding to PNIPAM. The results correlated closely with the thermodynamic and spectroscopic data. The simulation showed that H3O+ ions more readily accumulated around the amide oxygen moiety on PNIPAM compared with Na+. On the other hand, OH– was more excluded from the polymer surface than Cl–. Taken together, the thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and MD simulation data revealed that H3O+ was less depleted from hydrophobic polymer/water interfaces than any of the monovalent Hofmeister metal cations or even Ca2+ and Mg2+. As such, it should be placed on the far-right side of the cationic Hofmeister series. On the other hand, OH– was excluded from the interface and could be positioned in the anionic Hofmeister series between H2PO4– and SO42–. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MyersRyan L. en-aut-sei=Myers en-aut-mei=Ryan L. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TairaAoi en-aut-sei=Taira en-aut-mei=Aoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanChuanyu en-aut-sei=Yan en-aut-mei=Chuanyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LeeSeung-Yi en-aut-sei=Lee en-aut-mei=Seung-Yi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WelshLauren K. en-aut-sei=Welsh en-aut-mei=Lauren K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IaniroPatrick R. en-aut-sei=Ianiro en-aut-mei=Patrick R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangTinglu en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Tinglu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KogaKenichiro en-aut-sei=Koga en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=CremerPaul S. en-aut-sei=Cremer en-aut-mei=Paul S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=198 end-page=200 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250108 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-Term Follow-Up of a Patient With SPG11 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We present a case of a male patient with disease-causing variants in SPG11, a causative gene for autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia with a thin corpus callosum (ARHSP-TCC), as well as juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS5) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT2X). A neurological examination at age 18 revealed dysarthria, muscle weakness in bilateral lower extremities, hyperreflexia in patellar reflex, hyporeflexia in Achilles reflex with an extensor plantar reflex, and intellectual disability. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thin corpus callosum and ears of the lynx sign. At the age of 26, weakness and muscle atrophy progressed. While no sensory disturbances were noted, there was a mild decrease in sensory nerve action potentials of the sural nerve over the 8 years between 18 and 26. Clinicians should be aware that SPG11 belongs to the same spectrum of disorders as ALS5 and CMT2X and presents various phenotypes depending on the stage of the disease. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OsakadaYosuke en-aut-sei=Osakada en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiTaijun en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Taijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaChika en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsunodaKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Tsunoda en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=DeguchiKentaro en-aut-sei=Deguchi en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=45 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=58 end-page=73 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241224 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=コダマカワザンショウ属の八重山諸島産新種 (腹足綱: クビキレガイ上科: カワザンショウ科) — 同属で世界最北の現生種 kn-title=A new species of Ovassiminea Thiele, 1927 (Gastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Assimineidae) from the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, southern Japan — the northernmost record among recent species of the genus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=沖縄県八重山諸島の西表島・石垣島から新種 Ovassiminea hayasei n. sp. ウラウチコダマカワザンショウを記載する。Ovassiminea Thiele, 1927 コダマカワザンショウ属は西太平洋の熱帯・亜熱帯に分布し, 本新種は同属中で世界最北の現生種である。本新種の産地は極端に狭い範囲に限られ, 沖縄県と環境省のレッドリストで絶滅危惧II類 (VU) とされている。なお文末の Appendix には, これまでに記載されたコダマカワザンショウ属全種 (現生5・化石5) の目録を, 異名表とともに挙げる。 kn-abstract=Ovassiminea hayasei n. sp. is described from mangrove swamps in Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands, of the Yaeyama Islands at the southwestern part of the Ryūkyū Archipelago, Okinawa, Japan. This is the northernmost record among recent species of the genus Ovassiminea Thiele, 1927, which is distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Pacific. The new species is known to be restricted to extremely narrow ranges and is evaluated as vulnerable in red lists by the governments of Japan and Okinawa Prefecture. A list of all available (five recent and five fossil) species names of Ovassiminea hitherto described, with synonymies, is also given as an Appendix. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukudaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Fukuda en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuboHirofumi en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment kn-affil= en-keyword=anatomy kn-keyword=anatomy en-keyword=conservation kn-keyword=conservation en-keyword=description kn-keyword=description en-keyword=endangered species kn-keyword=endangered species en-keyword=estuary kn-keyword=estuary en-keyword=Iriomote Island kn-keyword=Iriomote Island en-keyword=Ishigaki Island kn-keyword=Ishigaki Island en-keyword=mangrove swamp kn-keyword=mangrove swamp en-keyword=salt marsh kn-keyword=salt marsh en-keyword=taxonomy kn-keyword=taxonomy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=126 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=012901 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250102 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Dynamic domain motion enhancing electro-optic performance in ferroelectric films en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=With the rapid advancement of information technology, there is a pressing need to develop ultracompact and energy-efficient thin-film-based electro-optic (EO) devices. A high EO coefficient in ferroelectric materials is crucial. However, substrate clamping can positively or negatively influence various physical properties, including the EO response of these films, thus complicating the development of next-generation thin-film-based devices. This study demonstrates that reversible dynamic domain motion, achieved through substrate clamping, significantly enhances the EO coefficient in epitaxial ferroelectric rhombohedral Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 thin films, where the (111) and (⁠ 111⁠) domains coexist with distinct optical axes. In principle, this approach can be applied to different film-substrate systems, thereby contributing to the advancement of sophisticated EO devices based on ferroelectrics. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KondoShinya en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoKazuki en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakataOsami en-aut-sei=Sakata en-aut-mei=Osami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeranishiTakashi en-aut-sei=Teranishi en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishimotoAkira en-aut-sei=Kishimoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagasakiTakanori en-aut-sei=Nagasaki en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaTomoaki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Energy Engineering, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Energy Engineering, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Energy Engineering, Nagoya University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=e202404400 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250107 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Graphene Oxide as a Self‐Carbocatalyst to Facilitate the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Glycidol for Efficient Polyglycerol Grafting en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Grafting carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) with polyglycerol (PG) improves their application potentials in biomedicine and electronics. Although “grafting from” method offers advantages over “grafting to” one in terms of operability and versatility, little is known about the reaction process of glycidol with the surface groups onto CNMs. By using graphene oxide (GO) as a multi-functional model material, we examined the reactivity of the surface groups on GO toward glycidol molecules via a set of model reactions. We reveal that carboxyl groups spontaneously react with the epoxide ring with no need of catalyst, while GO catalyzes the reactions of hydroxyl groups with the epoxide of glycidol. In addition, the hydroxyl group of glycidol can open the epoxide in the basal plane of GO. The subsequent polymerization of PG is supposed to propagate at the primary and/or the secondary hydroxyl groups, generating a ramified PG macromolecule with random branch-on-branch topology. In addition, ketones, benzyl esters and aromatic ethers are found not to react with glycidol even in the presence of GO, while the aldehydes are easily oxidized into carboxyl groups under ambient condition, behaving then as the carboxyl groups. Our findings pose the foundation for understanding the polymerization mechanism of PG on CNMs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZouYajuan en-aut-sei=Zou en-aut-mei=Yajuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhkuraKentaro en-aut-sei=Ohkura en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Ortiz‐AnayaIsrael en-aut-sei=Ortiz‐Anaya en-aut-mei=Israel kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraRyota en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BiancoAlberto en-aut-sei=Bianco en-aut-mei=Alberto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinaYuta en-aut-sei=Nishina en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Carbon nanomaterials kn-keyword=Carbon nanomaterials en-keyword=Epoxide ring-opening kn-keyword=Epoxide ring-opening en-keyword=Catalysis kn-keyword=Catalysis en-keyword=Polyglycerol functionalization kn-keyword=Polyglycerol functionalization END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=102570 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241202 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Epidemiology and clinical features of patients with tick bites in the Japanese spotted fever-endemic zone en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology and clinical features of tick bites in a Japanese spotted fever (JSF)-endemic area.
Method: The clinical records of patients with tick bites were retrospectively reviewed based on a survey conducted at Numakuma Hospital, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, Japan, from 2016 to 2023. Data on basic characteristics, visit dates, residential address, exposure activities, tick-bite sites, and prophylactic antimicrobial prescriptions for each patient with tick bites were collected at the JSF hotspot hospital.
Results: A total of 443 patients with tick bites visited the hospital, of which data on 305 cases (68.8 %) were reviewed. The median age of these patients was 71 years, with a higher proportion of women (63.0 %). One-third of the patients had a preceding history of working in fields, whereas two-thirds had entered mountains or agricultural fields. Nearly 90 % of the patients visited the hospital from April to August, and the most common bite sites were the lower extremities (45.1 %). Most patients (76.1 %) resided in the southern area of Numakuma Hospital. Nearly all patients were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics (minocycline in 87.8 % of cases), and none subsequently developed JSF.
Conclusion: Continued surveillance of patients with tick bites is warranted to better understand changes in the clinical impact of tick-borne diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumidaTakaomi en-aut-sei=Sumida en-aut-mei=Takaomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamataOsamu en-aut-sei=Kawamata en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HidaniYoshimi en-aut-sei=Hidani en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Numakuma Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Global warming kn-keyword=Global warming en-keyword=Japanese spotted fever kn-keyword=Japanese spotted fever en-keyword=Tick bite kn-keyword=Tick bite en-keyword=Tick-borne diseases kn-keyword=Tick-borne diseases END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=102575 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical and microbiological characteristics of high-level daptomycin-resistant Corynebacterium species: A systematic scoping review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Corynebacterium species potentially develop high-level daptomycin resistance (HLDR) shortly after daptomycin (DAP) administration. We aimed to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of HLDR Corynebacterium infections.
Methods: We first presented a clinical case accompanied by the results of a comprehensive genetic analysis of the isolate, and then performed a systematic scoping review. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we searched for articles with related keywords, including “Corynebacterium”, “Daptomycin", and "Resistance”, in the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases from the database inception to October 25, 2024. Clinical case reports and research articles documenting the isolation of HLDR Corynebacterium species, defined by a minimum inhibitory concentration of DAP at ≥256 μg/mL, were deemed eligible for this review.
Results: Of 80 articles screened, seven case reports detailing eight cases of HLDR Corynebacterium infections, as well as five research articles, were included. C. striatum was the most common species (7/9 cases, 77.8 %), and prosthetic device-associated infections accounted for 66.7 % of the cases. Duration of DAP administration before the emergence of HLDR isolates ranged from 5 days to 3 months; three-quarters of the cases developed within 17 days. Three HLDR isolates were genetically confirmed to have an alteration in pgsA2. The majority of the patients were treated with either glycopeptides or linezolid, with favorable outcomes. In vitro experiments confirmed that C. striatum strains acquire the HLDR phenotype at higher rates (71 %–100 %) within 24 h of incubation, compared to other Corynebacterium strains.
Conclusion: DAP monotherapy, especially for prosthetic device-associated infections, can result in the development of HLDR Corynebacterium. Additional research is warranted to investigate the clinical implications of this potentially proliferating antimicrobial resistant pathogen. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkazawaHidemasa en-aut-sei=Akazawa en-aut-mei=Hidemasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaOsamu en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=Antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=Corynebacterium kn-keyword=Corynebacterium en-keyword=Daptomycin kn-keyword=Daptomycin en-keyword=High-level daptomycin resistance kn-keyword=High-level daptomycin resistance en-keyword=pgsA2 kn-keyword=pgsA2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=145 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=881 end-page=896 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250220 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Oral Inflammation and Microbiome Dysbiosis Exacerbate Chronic Graft-versus-host Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The oral microbiota, second in abundance to the gut, is implicated in chronic systemic diseases, but its specific role in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) pathogenesis has been unclear. Our study finds that mucositis-induced oral dysbiosis in patients after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) associated with increased chronic GVHD (cGVHD), even in patients receiving posttransplant cyclophosphamide. In murine HCT models, oral dysbiosis caused by bilateral molar ligatures exacerbated cGVHD and increased bacterial load in the oral cavity and gut, with Enterococcaceae significantly increasing in both organs. In this model, the migration of Enterococcaceae to cervical lymph nodes both before and after transplantation activated antigen-presenting cells, thereby promoting the expansion of donor-derived inflammatory T cells. Based on these results, we hypothesize that pathogenic bacteria increase in the oral cavity might not only exacerbate local inflammation but also enhance systemic inflammation throughout the HCT course. Additionally, these bacteria translocated to the gut and formed ectopic colonies, further amplifying systemic inflammation. Furthermore, interventions targeting the oral microbiome mitigated murine cGVHD. Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of oral dysbiosis in cGVHD and suggest that modulation of the oral microbiome during transplantation may be an effective approach for preventing or treating cGVHD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KambaraYui en-aut-sei=Kambara en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraHideaki en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoAkira en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunihiroMari en-aut-sei=Kunihiro en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OyamaTadashi en-aut-sei=Oyama en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraoToshiki en-aut-sei=Terao en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoAyame en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ayame kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=PeltierDaniel en-aut-sei=Peltier en-aut-mei=Daniel kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SeikeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Seike en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimoriHisakazu en-aut-sei=Nishimori en-aut-mei=Hisakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaNoboru en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Noboru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiKeiko en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiNobuharu en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Nobuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=SogaYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Soga en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=ReddyPavan en-aut-sei=Reddy en-aut-mei=Pavan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinobuMaeda en-aut-sei=Yoshinobu en-aut-mei=Maeda kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Division of Blood Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Division of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=102554 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241105 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Human Papillomavirus vaccination awareness and uptake among healthcare students in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The vaccination rate for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) has remained significantly low in Japan because of the administrative suspension of active recommendation. This study investigates the awareness and uptake of the HPV vaccine among healthcare students in Japan following the reinstatement of active recommendation for young women in April 2022.
Methods: A web-based survey was administered to 2567 healthcare students from Okayama and Shujitsu Universities in Japan in July 2023. The survey assessed participants' backgrounds, immunization status, awareness of vaccine recommendations, and knowledge of cervical cancer across various demographics, including sex, academic year, and department (Medicine, Health Science, Pharmaceutical, and Dentistry).
Results: The response rate was 36.3 % (933 students; 181 male, 739 female, and 13 unspecified gender). The overall immunization rate among female students was 55.6 %, with higher rates observed in medical (73.8 %) and dental (63.0 %) students. Awareness of the government's change in vaccine recommendation was notably high among female and senior male students. Over half of the female students (54.7 %) reported receiving vaccinations based on their parents' advice. Among those unvaccinated but interested in future immunization, concerns about adverse reactions (47.4 %) and challenges in scheduling vaccinations (29.1 %) were predominant.
Conclusion: Healthcare students exhibited a higher HPV vaccination rate than the general population. Ongoing education to improve vaccine literacy is crucial for augmenting HPV vaccination rates in Japan. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimbeMadoka en-aut-sei=Shimbe en-aut-mei=Madoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYoichi en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cervical cancer kn-keyword=Cervical cancer en-keyword=Human Papillomavirus kn-keyword=Human Papillomavirus en-keyword=Immunization kn-keyword=Immunization en-keyword=Vaccine literacy kn-keyword=Vaccine literacy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=228 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=30 end-page=36 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241015 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exogenous expression of PGC-1α during in vitro maturation impairs the developmental competence of porcine oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives of the current study were to examine the effects of exogenous expression of PGC-1α, which is a transcription factor responsive for controlling mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, mitochondria quantity control, mitochondrial biogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) maintenance, in porcine oocytes during in-vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental competence, as well as mitochondrial quantity and function. Exogenous over-expression of PGC-1α by injection of the mRNA construct into oocytes 20 h after the start of IVM culture significantly increased the copy number of mtDNA in the oocytes, but reduced the incidences of oocytes matured to the metaphase-II stage after the IVM culture for totally 44 h and completely suppressed the early development in vitro to the blastocyst stage following parthenogenetic activation. The exogenous expression of PGC-1α also significantly induced spindle defects and chromosome misalignments. Furthermore, markedly higher ROS levels were observed in the PGC-1α-overexpressed mature oocytes, whereas mRNA level of SOD1, encoded for a ROS scavenging enzyme, was decreased. These results conclude that forced expression of PGC-1α successfully increase mtDNA copy number but led to increased ROS production, evidently by downregulation of SOD1 gene expression, inducement of spindle aberration/chromosomal misalignment, and consequently reduction in the meiotic and developmental competences of porcine oocytes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Porcine kn-keyword=Porcine en-keyword=Mitochondria kn-keyword=Mitochondria en-keyword=Oocytes kn-keyword=Oocytes en-keyword=PGC-1 alpha kn-keyword=PGC-1 alpha en-keyword=In vitro maturation kn-keyword=In vitro maturation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=226 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=158 end-page=166 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240915 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The impact of cumulus cell viability and pre-culture with the healthy cell mass on brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining assessment and meiotic competence of suboptimal porcine oocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives of the present study were to investigate the characteristics including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, as determined by Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining, of suboptimal porcine oocytes and to enhance the meiotic competence of those through pre-culture with cumulus cell masses (CCMs). Percentage of oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) derived from small follicles (SF; <3 mm in diameter) containing the oocytes that were assessed as BCB-negative (BCB-) was significantly higher than those derived from medium follicles (MF; 3–6 mm in diameter). Degrees of dead cumulus cells were significantly higher in OCCs containing BCB- oocytes, regardless of the origin of OCCs (MF vs. SF), than those containing BCB-positive (BCB+) ones. Exposing OCCs containing BCB+ oocytes to the apoptosis inducer, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, for 20 h significantly induced the transition to BCB- and meiotic progression of exposed OCCs were significantly reduced in both SF and MF derived ones. Transit of BCB- oocytes to BCB+ was induced when OCCs were pre-cultured with CCMs of MF derived OCCs containing BCB+ oocytes for 20 h before IVM. This pre-culture also significantly increased the meiotic competence of BCB- oocytes, particularly in SF derived ones. However, reactive oxygen species levels were significantly higher in BCB+ oocytes as compared with BCB- ones, regardless of pre-culture with CCMs, whereas no significant differences were found in the ATP contents among the treatment groups. In conclusion, the BCB result of oocytes could be regulated by the healthy status and content of surrounding cumulus cells and the meiotic competence of suboptimal BCB- porcine oocytes is improved by pre-culture with healthy CCMs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FonsekaWanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha en-aut-sei=Fonseka en-aut-mei=Wanniarachchige Tharindu Lakshitha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=VanPhong Ngoc en-aut-sei=Van en-aut-mei=Phong Ngoc kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Oocytes kn-keyword=Oocytes en-keyword=Meiotic competence kn-keyword=Meiotic competence en-keyword=Brilliant cresyl blue kn-keyword=Brilliant cresyl blue en-keyword=Cumulus cells kn-keyword=Cumulus cells END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=102494 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cryptococcal prostatitis in an immunocompromised patient with tocilizumab and glucocorticoid therapy: A case report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cryptococcus prostatitis is an uncommon manifestation of cryptococcal infection that occurs mostly in immunocompromised patients. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, has been associated with an increased risk of cryptococcal infections. However, there have been no documented cases of cryptococcal prostatitis in patients receiving tocilizumab therapy. We report a case of cryptococcal prostatitis in a 72-year-old man treated with glucocorticoids and tocilizumab for giant cell arteritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The patient presented dysuria and his serum level of prostate-specific antigen was elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a prostate mass, and a prostate biopsy was performed, leading to a pathologic diagnosis of cryptococcal prostatitis. Fungal cultures for blood and urine were negative, while the cryptococcal antigen for both serum and urine showed positive results. There were no particular findings in the pulmonary and central nervous systems. The patient was successfully treated with oral fluconazole (400 mg/day) and was discharged. Although cryptococcal prostatitis is a rare entity, clinicians should note that an immunosuppressed patient may develop such a difficult-to-diagnose disease. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakehiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyawakiYoshia en-aut-sei=Miyawaki en-aut-mei=Yoshia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoSawako en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Sawako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cryptococcosis kn-keyword=Cryptococcosis en-keyword=Fluconazole kn-keyword=Fluconazole en-keyword=Glucocorticoids kn-keyword=Glucocorticoids en-keyword=Prostatitis kn-keyword=Prostatitis en-keyword=Tocilizumab kn-keyword=Tocilizumab END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=65 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=105534 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Currency portfolios and global foreign exchange ambiguity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates whether cross-sectional global foreign exchange (FX) ambiguity impacts currency portfolios. We observe that, in contrast to FX volatility, high FX ambiguity leads to high currency carry returns. We also reveal that FX ambiguity is weakly associated with the highest interest rate portfolio, but strongly related to the second highest interest rate portfolio. These results suggest that FX ambiguity captures elements of uncertainty that are not captured by FX volatility. In addition, FX ambiguity is not linked to returns on currency momentum and value portfolios. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsanoTakao en-aut-sei=Asano en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=CaiXiaojing en-aut-sei=Cai en-aut-mei=Xiaojing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakemotoRyuta en-aut-sei=Sakemoto en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Economics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Economics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Economics and Business, Hokkaido University kn-affil= en-keyword=Currency portfolio kn-keyword=Currency portfolio en-keyword=Ambiguity kn-keyword=Ambiguity en-keyword=Carry trades kn-keyword=Carry trades en-keyword=FX volatility kn-keyword=FX volatility END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=24 end-page=28 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Initial trial of three‑lead wearable electrocardiogram monitoring in a full marathon en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sudden cardiac arrest during exercise can occur without prior warning signs at rest, highlighting the importance of monitoring for its prevention. To detect the signs of ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery anomalies, ST changes must be detected using three‑lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) corresponding to each region of the three coronary artery branches. We conducted ECG monitoring of five runners during a marathon using a wearable three‑lead ECG device (e-skin ECG; Xenoma Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Data without noise or artifacts were successfully collected for one of five runners during the entire marathon. Within the initial hour of the marathon, poor electrode adhesion to the skin hindered the data collection for the remaining four runners, which resulted in significantly decreased acquisition rate compared with the first hour (86.7 ± 13.4 % to 37.3 ± 36.9 %, p = 0.028). Couplets of premature ventricular contractions with clear ECG waveforms in the three leads were detected in one runner during the marathon. Further device improvements are necessary to enable marathon runners to obtain ECGs efficiently without affecting their performance. This study also demonstrated the potential applications of three‑lead wearable ECG monitoring for other short-duration sports and remote home-based cardiac rehabilitation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiraiKenta en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakanoNoriko en-aut-sei=Sakano en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OozawaSusumu en-aut-sei=Oozawa en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OusakaDaiki en-aut-sei=Ousaka en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurokoYosuke en-aut-sei=Kuroko en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasaharaShingo en-aut-sei=Kasahara en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Clinical Safety, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= en-keyword=Sudden cardiac arrest kn-keyword=Sudden cardiac arrest en-keyword=Sports cardiology kn-keyword=Sports cardiology en-keyword=Electrocardiogram kn-keyword=Electrocardiogram en-keyword=Wearable device kn-keyword=Wearable device en-keyword=Cardiac rehabilitation kn-keyword=Cardiac rehabilitation en-keyword=Coronary artery anomalies kn-keyword=Coronary artery anomalies END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=71 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=215 end-page=224 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241214 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of aged microplastics on paddy soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions under laboratory aerobic conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Microplastics (MPs) formed after changes in chemical or physical properties may alter soil properties, which in turn may affect microbial activities and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, few studies have focused on the effects of aged MPs changes on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of MPs with different aging times on soil GHG emissions and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Low-density polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) were treated with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for 0–2 weeks. Soil was incubated with PE or PLA 1% (w/w) concentration at 60% water holding capacity (WHC) for 35 days. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Results showed that CO2 and N2O emissions were higher (p < 0.05) in MPs-amended treatments than those without MPs and increased with MPs age. The addition of virgin PE did not affect soil DOC content, whereas aged PE and all PLA additions significantly increased soil DOC content on day 0, probably because UV irradiation caused the degradation of MPs to smaller molecules. In addition, aged MPs addition altered DOC spectral characteristics on day 7, possibly because aged PE and PLA promote microbial decomposition of organic matter by altering soil properties. Changes in soil DOC content and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) by aged PE and PLA probably promoted the emissions of CO2 and N2O compared to virgin MPs or soil only. Our study revealed that aged PE and PLA promote GHG emissions from soil by changing DOC contents and qualities. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangTian en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Tian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SomuraHiroaki en-aut-sei=Somura en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkaoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akao en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaNozomi en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Nozomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=PereraGamamada Liyanage Erandi Priyangika en-aut-sei=Perera en-aut-mei=Gamamada Liyanage Erandi Priyangika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoChiyu en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Chiyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaMorihiro en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Morihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Environmental Management Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Aged MPs kn-keyword=Aged MPs en-keyword=biodegradable plastics kn-keyword=biodegradable plastics en-keyword=microplastics kn-keyword=microplastics en-keyword=nitrogen transformation kn-keyword=nitrogen transformation en-keyword=organic carbon decomposition kn-keyword=organic carbon decomposition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=51 article-no= start-page=11111 end-page=11116 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241216 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Electrogenerated Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Claisen Rearrangement of Allyl Aryl Ethers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Catalysts for Claisen rearrangement have been intensively studied to overcome the need for high temperature. However, previous studies have encountered challenges, such as the need for heating, a long reaction time, and/or the need for equivalent amounts of catalyst. In this study, we introduce an effective electrogenerated boron-based Lewis acid catalyst for the aromatic Claisen rearrangement, which proceeds in a few minutes at ambient temperature. Generation of the electrogenerated Lewis acid catalyst is discussed based on NMR analysis and DFT calculations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NikiYuta en-aut-sei=Niki en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e202400552 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Potassium tert-Butoxide-Mediated Ring-Opening of Indolines: Concise Synthesis of 2-Vinylanilines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A concise and metal-free procedure has been developed for the synthesis of 2-vinylanilines. Reactions of indolines with tert-BuOK in DMSO afford the decorated 2-vinylanilines in yields up to 92 %. In addition, the 2, or 3-substituted indolines could be converted to trisubstituted alkenes. Also, the protocol can be scaled to afford gram quantities of the decorated 2-vinylanilines. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsaiShota en-aut-sei=Asai en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=2-vinylanilines kn-keyword=2-vinylanilines en-keyword=indolines kn-keyword=indolines en-keyword=Potassium tert-butoxide kn-keyword=Potassium tert-butoxide en-keyword=Elimination kn-keyword=Elimination en-keyword=Ring-opening kn-keyword=Ring-opening END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=53 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=upae196 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=SNAr hexafluoroisopropoxylation of electron-rich aryl fluoride with a catalytic electrical input en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anodic oxidation–promoted SNAr reactions of electron-rich aryl fluoride were developed. The anodic oxidation of 4-fluoroanisole in hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol (HFIP) with K2CO3 led to SNAr-type hexafluoroisopropoxylation, and the reaction was completed with a catalytic electrical input. The results of cyclic voltammetry suggest that the radical cation of 4-fluoroanisole, which would react with the alkoxide of HFIP, is generated. Electron transfer between the intermediate and the starting material constructs the catalytic cycle, and the elimination of fluoride from the Meisenheimer complex produces the desired compound. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakahamaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Nakahama en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=anodic oxidation kn-keyword=anodic oxidation en-keyword=organic electrochemistry kn-keyword=organic electrochemistry en-keyword=SNAr reaction kn-keyword=SNAr reaction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=169 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106712 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20249 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The parallel stack loading problem of minimizing the exact number of relocations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study addresses the parallel stack loading problem, a general optimization problem arising in storage facilities such as container yards, slab yards, and warehouses. In this problem, we load incoming items into parallel stacks in the loading phase to minimize the number of relocations in the subsequent retrieval phase. Because of difficulties in treating the nested problem structure originating from the mutual dependence of the two phases, the existing studies approximately minimized the number of relocations using surrogate objective functions. In contrast, this study considers the parallel stack loading problem aiming to minimize the exact number of relocations. We first provide an integer programming formulation and next develop a nested branch-and-bound algorithm. In a computational study, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed branch-and-bound algorithm and evaluate the known surrogate objective functions based on the exact minimization. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaShunji en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shunji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ElWakilMohamed en-aut-sei=ElWakil en-aut-mei=Mohamed kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EltawilAmr en-aut-sei=Eltawil en-aut-mei=Amr kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life and Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Production Engineering and Mechanical Design, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Egypt Japan University of Science and Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=Logistics kn-keyword=Logistics en-keyword=Parallel stack loading problem kn-keyword=Parallel stack loading problem en-keyword=Relocation kn-keyword=Relocation en-keyword=Integer programming kn-keyword=Integer programming en-keyword=Branch-and-bound algorithm kn-keyword=Branch-and-bound algorithm END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=801 end-page=804 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202411 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Preventable Fraction in the Context of Disease Progression en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The relevance of the epidemiologic concept of preventable fraction to the study of the population-level impact of preventive exposures is unequivocal. Here, we discuss how the preventable fraction can be usefully understood for the class of outcomes that relate to disease progression (e.g., clinical severity given diagnosis), and, under the principal stratification framework, derive an expression for this quantity for this type of outcome. In particular, we show that, in the context of disease progression, the preventable fraction is a function of the effect on the postdiagnosis outcome in the principal stratum in the unexposed group who would have disease regardless of exposure status. This work will facilitate an understanding of the contribution of principal effects to the impact of preventive exposures at the population level. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GonçalvesBronner P. en-aut-sei=Gonçalves en-aut-mei=Bronner P. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Counterfactual framework kn-keyword=Counterfactual framework en-keyword=Disease progression kn-keyword=Disease progression en-keyword=Disease severity kn-keyword=Disease severity en-keyword=Preventable fraction kn-keyword=Preventable fraction en-keyword=Principal stratification kn-keyword=Principal stratification END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=1324 end-page=1326 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Detailed regimens for the prolonged β-lactam infusion therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the efficacy and safety of prolonged versus intermittent β-lactam infusion in adult sepsis patients. The findings revealed a significant decrease in all-cause mortality and marked clinical success in the prolonged infusion group. Unfortunately, however, the manuscript lacked data and discussion for the specific regimens of prolonged β-lactam infusion defined in the included 15 RCT studies, which are herein additionally provided. Excluding one RCT, all protocols adopted a continuous infusion for the prolonged treatment. Except for three RCTs, dosages and timings of bolus injection were clearly defined. The total daily antibiotic dose for the continuous therapy was equivalent to those recommended for intermittent therapy. We believe this supplementary data aids clinicians in providing prolonged β-lactam infusions, contributing to enhanced treatment outcomes for patients suffering from severe sepsis or septic shock. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Sepsis kn-keyword=Sepsis en-keyword=Continuous infusion kn-keyword=Continuous infusion en-keyword=Prolonged infusion kn-keyword=Prolonged infusion en-keyword=Pharmacokinetics kn-keyword=Pharmacokinetics END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=60 cd-vols= no-issue=93 article-no= start-page=13678 end-page=13681 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Machine-learning-assisted prediction of the size of microgels prepared by aqueous precipitation polymerization en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The size of soft colloids (microgels) is essential; however, control over their size has typically been established empirically. Herein, we report a linear-regression model that can predict microgel size using a machine learning method, sparse modeling for small data, which enables the determination of the synthesis conditions for target-sized microgels. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinatoHaruka en-aut-sei=Minato en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYuji en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NamiokaRyuji en-aut-sei=Namioka en-aut-mei=Ryuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IgarashiYasuhiko en-aut-sei=Igarashi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataRisako en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Risako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OakiYuya en-aut-sei=Oaki en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Textile Science & Technology, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=1992 end-page=2000 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202411 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=INVESTIGATION OF THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE FOVEOSCHISIS: Analysis of Longitudinal Changes in Visual Functions, Retinal Structures, and Retinal Traction Force en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To analyze the pathophysiology of epiretinal membrane foveoschisis (FS) by evaluating the longitudinal changes in visual function and several optical coherence tomography parameters.
Methods: The medical records of 33 consecutive patients (35 eyes) with untreated epiretinal membrane foveoschisis were retrospectively reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity, M-CHARTS score, and optical coherence tomography parameters including epiretinal membrane area, maximum depth of retinal folds, FS area, and FS circularity were evaluated.
Results: A wide range of FS area changes was observed at the final follow-up visit (59.68%–240.45% of the baseline FS area). In the FS enlargement group, best-corrected visual acuity and mean M-CHARTS scores significantly worsened and maximum depth of retinal folds significantly increased over time, whereas in the FS non-enlargement group, no significant change was observed in the best-corrected visual acuity, mean M-CHARTS scores, or maximum depth of retinal folds during the follow-up period. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that maximum depth of retinal folds (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.10, P = 0.048) and FS circularity (odds ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.00, P = 0.043) were significantly associated with FS enlargement.
Conclusion: Epiretinal membrane foveoschisis encompasses diverse pathophysiologies. Since visual functions do not worsen in some cases, monitoring the changes in visual functions and retinal morphology over time is recommended to determine surgical indications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaYuki en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=en-face imaging kn-keyword=en-face imaging en-keyword=epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane en-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis en-keyword=foveoschisis kn-keyword=foveoschisis en-keyword=lamellar macular hole kn-keyword=lamellar macular hole en-keyword=metamorphopsia kn-keyword=metamorphopsia en-keyword=optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=optical coherence tomography en-keyword=retinal fold kn-keyword=retinal fold en-keyword=retinal traction kn-keyword=retinal traction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1785 end-page=1792 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=MIXED PATHOPHYSIOLOGIES OF LAMELLAR MACULAR HOLES AND RELATED DISEASES: A Multimodal Optical Coherence Tomography–Based Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of mixed pathophysiologies in lamellar macular holes (LMHs) and related diseases using multimodal optical coherence tomography.
Methods: Overall, 126 eyes diagnosed with LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis, or macular pseudohole using the horizontal B-scan image according to the definition proposed by Hubschman et al in 2020 were analyzed using multimodal optical coherence tomography imaging including horizontal and vertical 5-line B-scan, radial scan, and macular three-dimensional volume scan images. If at least two diagnostic criteria for LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis, or macular pseudohole were satisfied in these scans, the patient was diagnosed as having a “mixed type.” Retinal traction force was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the maximum depth of the retinal folds using en-face images.
Results: Mixed types constituted 34.1% of the cases. The LMH-related mixed group demonstrated intermediate characteristics between the epiretinal membrane foveoschisis/macular pseudohole and true LMH groups in terms of retinal traction and LMH-specific features and had a significant positive correlation between the maximum depth of the retinal folds and mean M-CHARTS scores (P = 0.034).
Conclusion: A thorough optical coherence tomography analysis is necessary to accurately diagnose LMH and related diseases. A significant positive correlation was observed between the maximum depth of the retinal folds and the degree of metamorphopsia in the LMH-related mixed group. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaYuki en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=en-face imaging kn-keyword=en-face imaging en-keyword=epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane en-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis en-keyword=lamellar macular hole kn-keyword=lamellar macular hole en-keyword=metamorphopsia kn-keyword=metamorphopsia en-keyword=mixed type kn-keyword=mixed type en-keyword=optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=optical coherence tomography en-keyword=retinal fold kn-keyword=retinal fold en-keyword=retinal traction kn-keyword=retinal traction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=47 end-page=57 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241023 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Deep learning-based approach for acquisition time reduction in ventilation SPECT in patients after lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We aimed to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic performance of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) with lung ventilation single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images acquired briefly using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in patients after lung transplantation and to explore the feasibility of short acquisition times. We retrospectively identified 93 consecutive lung-transplant recipients who underwent ventilation SPECT/computed tomography (CT). We employed a CNN to distinguish the images acquired in full time from those acquired in a short time. The image quality was evaluated using the structural similarity index (SSIM) loss and normalized mean square error (NMSE). The correlation between functional volume/morphological volume (F/M) ratios of full-time SPECT images and predicted SPECT images was evaluated. Differences in the F/M ratio were evaluated using Bland–Altman plots, and the diagnostic performance was compared using the area under the curve (AUC). The learning curve, obtained using MSE, converged within 100 epochs. The NMSE was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and the SSIM was significantly higher (P < 0.001) for the CNN-predicted SPECT images compared to the short-time SPECT images. The F/M ratio of full-time SPECT images and predicted SPECT images showed a significant correlation (r = 0.955, P < 0.0001). The Bland–Altman plot revealed a bias of -7.90% in the F/M ratio. The AUC values were 0.942 for full-time SPECT images, 0.934 for predicted SPECT images and 0.872 for short-time SPECT images. Our findings suggest that a deep-learning-based approach can significantly curtail the acquisition time of ventilation SPECT, while preserving the image quality and diagnostic accuracy for CLAD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiRyohei en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IguchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iguchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Chronic lung allograft dysfunction kn-keyword=Chronic lung allograft dysfunction en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation en-keyword=Single photon emission computed tomography kn-keyword=Single photon emission computed tomography en-keyword=Deep learning kn-keyword=Deep learning en-keyword=Convolutional neural network kn-keyword=Convolutional neural network END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=193 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=1641 end-page=1642 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240531 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Re: “Defining and identifying local average treatment effects” en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoEiji en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University of Science kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=8 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e2400228 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240919 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Response to Imatinib in a Patient With Gastric Adenocarcinoma With KIT Q556_K558 In-Frame Deletion: A Case Report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NinomiyaKiichiro en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Kiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoKunio en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Kunio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoMidori en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Midori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraSatoko en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Satoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AyadaYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Ayada en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoGo en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkitaNatsuko en-aut-sei=Okita en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TabataMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tabata en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Research Management Division, Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=51 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=875 end-page=879 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Endoscopic Transpterygoid Repair of Sphenoid Sinus Meningocele: A Comprehensive Case Report and Literature Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a challenging and uncommon case involving a 53-year-old Japanese man with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage caused by a meningocele in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus. Our innovative treatment approach involved a combination of transpterygoid and endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy techniques, with special emphasis on the preservation of the sphenopalatine artery. This strategic preservation was pivotal to the successful use of the ipsilateral nasoseptal flap for reconstruction, which played a crucial role in the prevention of postoperative CSF leakage. Otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons collaborated to perform the bath-plugging technique; effective collaboration was instrumental to the success of the procedure. This report highlights significant advancement from conventional frontal craniotomy to a more sophisticated endoscopic technique, shows the importance of meticulous surgical planning and execution, emphasizes careful preservation of critical anatomical structures during complex neurosurgical and otolaryngological procedures, and underscores the evolving landscape of surgical approaches for managing complex medical conditions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimizuAiko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiharaSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Makihara en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImotoRyoji en-aut-sei=Imoto en-aut-mei=Ryoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirashitaKoji en-aut-sei=Hirashita en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoMizuo en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Mizuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurosurgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cerebrospinal fluid leakage kn-keyword=Cerebrospinal fluid leakage en-keyword=Meningocele kn-keyword=Meningocele en-keyword=Transpterygoid approach kn-keyword=Transpterygoid approach en-keyword=Ipsilateral nasoseptal flap kn-keyword=Ipsilateral nasoseptal flap en-keyword=Bath-plug technique kn-keyword=Bath-plug technique END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=36 article-no= start-page=7343 end-page=7348 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Indoline hemiaminals: a platform for accessing anthranilic acid derivatives through oxidative deformylation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=2-Aminobenzoyl chlorides possess both a nucleophilic nitrogen atom and an electrophilic carbonyl group, and thus selective acylation of nucleophiles is challenging; self-dimerization and sluggish reactions occur. Herein, we introduce a new synthetic protocol using 2-aminobenzoyl surrogates, allowing concise entry to decorated 2-aminobenzoyl derivatives in the absence of transition metals, acid chlorides, and specific reagents. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoboriYuito en-aut-sei=Kobori en-aut-mei=Yuito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsaiShota en-aut-sei=Asai en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=67 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=971 end-page=979 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240905 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Job strain and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A scoping review and meta‐analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Previous studies have shown that job strain is associated with low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA). We conducted a scoping review and meta-analysis to assess the association between job strain and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed. We included English-language studies that examined the association between job strain (based on the Karasek demand-control model) and pregnancy outcomes. We excluded letters, posters, reviews, and qualitative studies. Random effects meta-analysis was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using τ2 and I2 statistics. Potential bias was assessed using standard funnel plots. Asymmetry was evaluated by Egger's test. Leave-one-out analysis was performed for sensitivity analyses.
Results: Three eligible studies were found for LBW, seven for PTB, and four for SGA. The number of subjects ranged from 135 to 4889, and the prevalence of high job strain ranged from 6.64% to 33.9%. The pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for LBW, PTB, and SGA were 1.23 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.56), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.22), and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.39) respectively, indicating modest associations. Heterogeneity for LBW and PTB may not be important but may be moderate for SGA. No publication bias was detected for LBW and PTB, but possible publication bias exists for SGA.
Conclusion: We found a modest association between job strain and PTB. Since job strain is only one of the many aspects of an unhealthy work environment, interventions that improve working conditions more broadly are needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakayamaKota en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SlopenNatalie en-aut-sei=Slopen en-aut-mei=Natalie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawachiIchiro en-aut-sei=Kawachi en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health kn-affil= en-keyword=birthweight kn-keyword=birthweight en-keyword=gestational age kn-keyword=gestational age en-keyword=meta‐analysis kn-keyword=meta‐analysis en-keyword=occupational stress kn-keyword=occupational stress en-keyword=preterm birth kn-keyword=preterm birth END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=357 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114601 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241001 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Revisiting the hormonal control of sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sexual dimorphism in plumage is widespread among avian species. In chickens, adult females exhibit countershading, characterized by dull-colored round feathers lacking fringe on the saddle, while adult males display vibrant plumage with deeply fringed bright feathers. This dimorphism is estrogen-dependent, and administering estrogen to males transforms their showy plumage into cryptic female-like plumage. Extensive studies have shown that estrogen’s role in female plumage formation requires thyroid hormone; however, the precise mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of estrogen and thyroid hormone in creating sexual dimorphism in the structure and coloration of saddle feathers by administering each hormone to adult males and observing the resulting changes in regenerated feathers induced by plucking. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), responsible for thyroid hormone inactivation, correlates with fringing. Estrogen suppressed DIO3 and agouti signaling protein (ASIP) expression while stimulating BlSK1, a marker of barbule cells, resulting in female-like feathers with mottled patterns and lacking fringes. Administration of thyroxine (T4) stimulated BlSK1 and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, with no effect on ASIP, leading to the formation of solid black feathers lacking fringes. Triiodothyronine (T3) significantly increased POMC expression in pulp cells in culture. Taken together, these findings suggest that estrogen promotes the formation of solid vanes by suppressing DIO3 expression, while also inducing the formation of mottled patterns through inhibition of ASIP expression and indirect stimulation of melanocortin expression via changes in local T3 concentration. This is the first report describing molecular mechanism underlying hormonal crosstalk in creating sexual dimorphism in feathers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YouLi en-aut-sei=You en-aut-mei=Li kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishioKaori en-aut-sei=Nishio en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KowataKinue en-aut-sei=Kowata en-aut-mei=Kinue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorikawaMinaru en-aut-sei=Horikawa en-aut-mei=Minaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgoshiMaho en-aut-sei=Ogoshi en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Melanocortin kn-keyword=Melanocortin en-keyword=Thyroid hormone kn-keyword=Thyroid hormone en-keyword=ASIP kn-keyword=ASIP en-keyword=Estrogen kn-keyword=Estrogen en-keyword=Deiodinase kn-keyword=Deiodinase END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=897 end-page=900 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A randomized, open-label phase II study on the preventive effect of goshajinkigan against peripheral neuropathy induced by paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy: The OLCSG2101 study protocol en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) is an essential cytotoxic anticancer agent and a standard treatment regimen component for various malignant tumors, including advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer, thymic cancer, and primary unknown cancers. However, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) caused by PTX is a significant adverse event that may lead to chemotherapy discontinuation and deterioration of the quality of life (QOL). Although treatment modalities such as goshajinkigan (GJG), pregabalin, and duloxetine are empirically utilized for CIPN, there is no established evidence for an agent as a preventive measure. We designed a randomized phase II trial (OLCSG2101) to investigate whether prophylactic GJG administration can prevent the onset of CIPN induced by PTX.
Methods: This study was designed as a two-arm, prospective, randomized, multicenter phase II trial. The patients will be randomly assigned to either the GJG prophylaxis arm (Arm A) or the GJG non-prophylaxis arm (Arm B), using cancer type (lung cancer or not) and age (<70 years or not) as adjustment factors. A total of 66 patients (33 in each arm) will be enrolled.
Discussion: The results of this study may contribute to better management of CIPN, which can enable the continuation of chemotherapy and maintenance of the patient's QOL.
Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the certified review board of Okayama University (approval no. CRB21-005) on September 28, 2021. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number jRCTs061210047). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraNaoki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoGo en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoYuka en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzeIsao en-aut-sei=Oze en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KozukiToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Kozuki en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaToshihide en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Toshihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaHirohisa en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Hirohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuyamaShoichi en-aut-sei=Kuyama en-aut-mei=Shoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaraNaofumi en-aut-sei=Hara en-aut-mei=Naofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=HottaKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center of Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Center of Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Kampo kn-keyword=Kampo en-keyword=CIPN kn-keyword=CIPN en-keyword=prophylaxis kn-keyword=prophylaxis en-keyword=neuropathy kn-keyword=neuropathy en-keyword=taxane kn-keyword=taxane END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=42 cd-vols= no-issue=21 article-no= start-page=126156 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202408 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers after booster vaccinations during an Omicron surge in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Despite the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and waning immunity after initial vaccination, data on antibody kinetics following booster doses, particularly those adapted to Omicron subvariants like XBB.1.5, remain limited. This study assesses the kinetics of anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) IgG antibody titers post-booster vaccination in a Japanese population during the Omicron variant epidemic.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Bizen City, Japan, from November 2023 to January 2024. Participants included residents and workers aged ≥18 years, with at least three COVID-19 vaccinations. Antibody levels were measured from venous blood samples. The study analyzed 424 participants and 821 antibody measurements, adjusting for variables such as age, sex, underlying conditions, and prior infection status. Mixed-effects models were employed to describe the kinetics of log-transformed S-RBD antibody titers.
Results: The study found that S-RBD antibody titers declined over time but increased with the number of booster vaccinations, particularly those adapted to Omicron and its subvariant XBB.1.5 (Pfizer-BioNTech Omicron-compatible: 0.156, 95%CI −0.032 to 0.344; Pfizer-BioNTech XBB-compatible: 0.226; 95%CI −0.051 to 0.504; Moderna Omicron-compatible: 0.279, 95%CI 0.012 to 0.546; and Moderna XBB-compatible: 0.338, 95%CI −0.052 to 0.728). Previously infected individuals maintained higher antibody titers, which declined more gradually compared to uninfected individuals (coefficient for interaction with time 0.006; 95%CI 0.001 to 0.011). Sensitivity analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations and interval-censored random intercept model confirmed the robustness of these findings.
Conclusions: The study provides specific data on antibody kinetics post-booster vaccination, including the XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine, in a highly vaccinated Japanese population. The results highlight the importance of considering individual demographics and prior infection history in optimizing vaccination strategies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiAyako en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadowakiTomoka en-aut-sei=Kadowaki en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaoSoshi en-aut-sei=Takao en-aut-mei=Soshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 kn-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 en-keyword=Vaccine kn-keyword=Vaccine en-keyword=Antibody kn-keyword=Antibody en-keyword=Mixed-effects model kn-keyword=Mixed-effects model en-keyword=Omicron kn-keyword=Omicron END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=378 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=113269 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mesoporous carbon with extremely low micropore content synthesized from graphene oxide modified with alkali metal nitrates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High-temperature thermal exfoliation is a simple, rapid, and cost-efficient method for transforming graphene oxide (GO) materials into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) materials. In this study, GO materials were dispersed with alkali metal nitrates (MNO3), leading to the preparation of porous rGO materials characterized by high specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume via high-temperature thermal exfoliation. Experimental data indicate that the metal cations of MNO3 tend to react directly with the oxygen functional groups (OFG) of GO, modulating the OFG content. Simultaneously, nitrate anions have preferential interaction with alkali metal ions and adhere to the surface of the GO. The presence of MNO3 on the surface of GO facilitates the thermal exfoliation process and leads to the formation of structures with an extremely high proportion of mesoporous content. The isothermal gas adsorption results show that the exfoliation efficiency of the samples activated with different nitrate salts decreases in the order rGO-KNO3 > rGO-NaNO3 > rGO-LiNO3. Among these samples, rGO modified with KNO3 exhibited the greatest exfoliation efficiency, with a mesopore-to-micropore volume ratio of 22.4, more than 1.7 times that of rGO. Its SSA and pore volume were 359 m2 g−1 and 1.26 cm3 g−1, respectively. These values significantly surpass those of rGO. Our research findings demonstrate that activation with MNO3 significantly increases the SSA and pore volume of the GO material after high-temperature annealing. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiZhao en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Zhao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyotaMoeto en-aut-sei=Toyota en-aut-mei=Moeto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhkuboTakahiro en-aut-sei=Ohkubo en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Mesoporous carbon kn-keyword=Mesoporous carbon en-keyword=Alkali metal nitrates kn-keyword=Alkali metal nitrates en-keyword=Oxygen functional groups kn-keyword=Oxygen functional groups en-keyword=Activation kn-keyword=Activation en-keyword=Thermal exfoliation kn-keyword=Thermal exfoliation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=32 article-no= start-page=16994 end-page=17000 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240730 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of Droplet-Removal Processes on Fog-Harvesting Performance on Wettability-Controlled Wire Array with Staggered Arrangement en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Development of freshwater resources is vital to overcoming severe worldwide water scarcity. Fog harvesting has attracted attention as a candidate technology that can be used to obtain fresh water from a stream of foggy air without energy input. Drainage of captured droplets from fog harvesters is necessary to maintain the permeability of harp-shaped harvesters. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the droplet-removal process on the amount of water harvested using a harvester constructed by wettability-controlled wires with an alternating and staggered arrangement. Droplet transfer from hydrophobic to hydrophilic wires, located upstream and downstream of the fog flow, respectively, was observed with a fog velocity greater than 1.5 m/s. The proportion of harvesting resulting from droplet transfer exceeded 30% of the total, and it reflected more than 20% increase of the harvesting performance compared with that of a harvester with wires of the same wettability: this value varied with the adhesive property of the wires and fog velocity. Scaled-up and multilayered harvesters were developed to enhance harvesting performance. We demonstrated certain enhancements under multilayered conditions and obtained 15.99 g/30 min as the maximum harvested amount, which corresponds to 13.3% of the liquid contained in the fog stream and is enhanced by 10% compared with that without droplet transfer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkaJunya en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Junya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=88 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1164 end-page=1171 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240716 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cytosolic acidification and oxidation are the toxic mechanisms of SO2 in Arabidopsis guard cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=SO2/H2SO3 can damage plants. However, its toxic mechanism has still been controversial. Two models have been proposed, cytosolic acidification model and cellular oxidation model. Here, we assessed the toxic mechanism of H2SO3 in three cell types of Arabidopsis thaliana, mesophyll cells, guard cells (GCs), and petal cells. The sensitivity of GCs of Chloride channel a (CLCa)-knockout mutants to H2SO3 was significantly lower than those of wildtype plants. Expression of other CLC genes in mesophyll cells and petal cells were different from GCs. Treatment with antioxidant, disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (tiron), increased the median lethal concentration (LC50) of H2SO3 in GCs indicating the involvement of cellular oxidation, while the effect was negligible in mesophyll cells and petal cells. These results indicate that there are two toxic mechanisms of SO2 to Arabidopsis cells: cytosolic acidification and cellular oxidation, and the toxic mechanism may vary among cell types. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MozhganiMahdi en-aut-sei=Mozhgani en-aut-mei=Mahdi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OoiLia en-aut-sei=Ooi en-aut-mei=Lia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EspagneChristelle en-aut-sei=Espagne en-aut-mei=Christelle kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FilleurSophie en-aut-sei=Filleur en-aut-mei=Sophie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriIzumi C en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Izumi C kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cytosolic acidification kn-keyword=cytosolic acidification en-keyword=Arabidopsis kn-keyword=Arabidopsis en-keyword=cellular oxidation kn-keyword=cellular oxidation en-keyword=chloride channel a kn-keyword=chloride channel a en-keyword=sulfur dioxide kn-keyword=sulfur dioxide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=804 end-page=810 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Augmented humoral response to third and fourth dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in lung transplant recipients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Since lung transplant recipients (LTRs) exhibit low immunogenicity after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, optimal vaccine strategies for SARS-CoV-2 are required in LTRs. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the third and fourth doses of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in LTRs.
Methods: We conducted a single-center study of 73 LTRs and 23 healthy controls (HCs). Participants received two-to-four doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. The LTRs were divided into three groups based on the number of vaccine dose. IgG titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured, and adverse events were assessed. Factors associated with humoral response were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results: The Dose 4 group (n = 27) had a higher humoral response rate (P = 0.018) and higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody (P = 0.04) than the Dose 2 group (n = 14). The Dose 3 group (n = 32) had lower humoral response rates (P = 0.005) and levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody (P = 0.0005) than the HCs (n = 23) even after the same dose. Systemic adverse events were milder in the LTRs than in the HCs (P < 0.05). Increased number of vaccine dose was identified as a predictor of positive humoral response (P = 0.021).
Conclusion: Booster doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines may enhance humoral response with mild adverse events in LTRs. Repeated vaccination might be warranted for LTRs to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawanaShinichi en-aut-sei=Kawana en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChoshiHaruki en-aut-sei=Choshi en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaMegumi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabuTomohiro en-aut-sei=Habu en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasanori en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Office of Innovative Medicine, Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Adverse events kn-keyword=Adverse events en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=Immunogenicity kn-keyword=Immunogenicity en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation en-keyword=mRNA vaccine kn-keyword=mRNA vaccine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=89 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=10349 end-page=10354 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Formal One Carbon Deletion of Indoline Hemiaminals under Tautomeric Control to Access 2-Aminobenzyl Compounds en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Unprecedented tert-BuOK-mediated one carbon deletion of indoline hemiaminals has been achieved. This novel protocol provides an efficient synthetic tool for the construction of 2-aminobenzyl compounds with high chemoselectivity. In addition, functionalized 2-aminobenzyl compounds are difficult to make, for which few limited means of access currently exist. The key to success is the use of in situ generated Heyns rearrangement products (α-amino carbonyl compounds) as precursors for formal one carbon deletion. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=72 end-page=80 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240702 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A case of membranous nephropathy complicated by Cronkhite–Canada syndrome successfully treated with mizoribine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a non-hereditary disorder characterized by non-neoplastic hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis, hair loss, nail atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and diarrhea. While the relationship between CCS and nephritis remains unclear, seven cases of nephritis complicated by CCS have been reported to date, all of which were membranous nephropathy (MN). A 57-year-old man presented with taste disturbance, hair loss, nail plate atrophy, skin pigmentation, and frequent diarrhea. Endoscopic findings showed multiple polyposis of the stomach and large intestine. Given the above, he was diagnosed with CCS. The symptoms gradually improved with prednisolone treatment, although urinary protein and hypoproteinemia appeared during the tapering of prednisolone. He was diagnosed with MN using a renal biopsy, and immunofluorescence microscopy with IgG subclass staining showed predominantly diffuse granular capillary wall staining of IgG4. The cause of secondary MN was not found, including malignant tumors. Nephrotic-range proteinuria persisted despite treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Additional treatment with mizoribine resulted in incomplete remission type 1 of nephrotic syndrome, suggesting that mizoribine may be a treatment option for patients with CCS with steroid-resistant MN. Considering a high prevalence of hypoproteinemia due to chronic diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy in patients with CCS, proteinuria might be overlooked; thus, follow-up urinalysis would be recommended in patients with CCS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakanohHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Nakanoh en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoShiho en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamuroMasaya en-aut-sei=Iwamuro en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Cronkhite–Canada syndrome kn-keyword=Cronkhite–Canada syndrome en-keyword=Membranous nephropathy kn-keyword=Membranous nephropathy en-keyword=Nephrotic syndrome kn-keyword=Nephrotic syndrome en-keyword=Mizoribine kn-keyword=Mizoribine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=128 cd-vols= no-issue=27 article-no= start-page=6509 end-page=6517 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Bidirectional Optical Control of Proton Motive Force in Escherichia coli Using Microbial Rhodopsins en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Proton (H+) motive force (PMF) serves as the energy source for the flagellar motor rotation, crucial for microbial motility. Here, to control PMF using light, we introduced light-driven inward and outward proton pump rhodopsins, RmXeR and AR3, into Escherichia coli. The motility of E. coli cells expressing RmXeR and AR3 significantly decreased and increased upon illumination, respectively. Tethered cell experiments revealed that, upon illumination, the torque of the flagellar motor decreased to nearly zero (28 pN nm) with RmXeR, while it increased to 1170 pN nm with AR3. These alterations in PMF correspond to +146 mV (RmXeR) and −140 mV (AR3), respectively. Thus, bidirectional optical control of PMF in E. coli was successfully achieved by using proton pump rhodopsins. This system holds a potential for enhancing our understanding of the roles of PMF in various biological functions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakanishiKotaro en-aut-sei=Nakanishi en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKeiichi en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SowaYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Sowa en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudoYuki en-aut-sei=Sudo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Frontier Bioscience and Research Center for Micro-Nano Technology, Hosei University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=68 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=2400078 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240704 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Unabsorbed Fecal Fat Content Correlates with a Reduction of Immunoglobulin a Coating of Gut Bacteria in High‐Lard Diet‐Fed Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Scope: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) selectively coats gut bacteria and contributes to regulatory functions in gastrointestinal inflammation and glucose metabolism. Excess intake of lard leads to decrease in the IgA coating of gut bacteria, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study validates how unabsorbed fat derived from a high-lard diet in the gut affects the IgA coating of bacteria, as assessed in mouse models using three types of dietary fat (lard, medium-, and long-chain triglycerides [MLCTs], and medium-chain triglycerides [MCTs]) exhibiting different digestibilities.
Methods and results: C57BL/6J mice are maintained on diets containing lard, MLCTs, or MCTs at 7% or 30% w/w for 10 weeks (n = 6 per group). The fecal fatty acid concentration is measured to quantify unabsorbed fat content. The ratio of IgA-coated bacteria to total bacteria (IgA coating ratio) in the feces is measured by flow cytometry. Compared to lard-fed mice, MLCT- and MCT-fed mice exhibit lower fecal concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid and higher IgA coating ratios at both 7% and 30% dietary fat, and these parameters exhibit significant negative correlations.
Conclusion: Unabsorbed fat content in the gut may result in attenuated IgA coating of bacteria in high-lard diet-fed mice.
en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatsumataEmiko en-aut-sei=Katsumata en-aut-mei=Emiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SonoyamaKei en-aut-sei=Sonoyama en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiMio en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Mio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraokaMao en-aut-sei=Teraoka en-aut-mei=Mao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyang en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=TAIYO YUSHI Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=TAIYO YUSHI Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=gut bacteria kn-keyword=gut bacteria en-keyword=immunoglobulin A kn-keyword=immunoglobulin A en-keyword=lard kn-keyword=lard END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=469 end-page=472 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Errors in the Calculation of the Population Attributable Fraction en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=One of the common errors in the calculation of the population attributable fraction (PAF) is the use of an adjusted risk ratio in the Levin formula. In this article, we discuss the errors visually using wireframes by varying the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and associational risk ratio (aRR) when the prevalence of exposure is fixed. When SMR >1 and SMR > aRR, the absolute bias is positive, and its magnitude increases as the difference between SMR and aRR increases. By contrast, when aRR > SMR > 1, the absolute bias is negative and its magnitude is relatively small. Moreover, when SMR > aRR, the relative bias is larger than one, whereas when SMR < aRR, the relative bias is smaller than one. Although the target population of the PAF is the total population, the target of causation of the PAF is not the total population but the exposed group. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiEtsuji en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Etsuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoEiji en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University of Science kn-affil= en-keyword=Attributable fraction kn-keyword=Attributable fraction en-keyword=Bias kn-keyword=Bias en-keyword=Causality kn-keyword=Causality en-keyword=Counterfactual model kn-keyword=Counterfactual model en-keyword=Potential outcomes kn-keyword=Potential outcomes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=110 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=116399 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cefazolin inoculum effect in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of Cefazolin inoculum effect (CInE) among clinical MSSA isolates in Japan. Although 35.5 % (39 isolates) were positive for the blaZ gene, none met the phenotypic criteria for CInE. Our findings suggested a very low prevalence of CInE among MSSA isolates in our clinical setting. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsujiShuma en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Shuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManabeTadahiro en-aut-sei=Manabe en-aut-mei=Tadahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaOsamu en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Beta-lactamase kn-keyword=Beta-lactamase en-keyword=blaZ kn-keyword=blaZ en-keyword=Cefazolin kn-keyword=Cefazolin en-keyword=Inoculum effect kn-keyword=Inoculum effect en-keyword=Staphylococcus aureus kn-keyword=Staphylococcus aureus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=100 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=938 end-page=946.e1 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240613 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Virtual indigo carmine chromoendoscopy images: A novel modality for peroral cholangioscopy using artificial intelligence technology (with video) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Aims: Accurately diagnosing biliary strictures is crucial for surgical decisions, and although peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) aids in visual diagnosis, diagnosing malignancies or determining lesion margins via this route remains challenging. Indigo carmine is commonly used to evaluate lesions during GI endoscopy. We aimed to establish the utility of virtual indigo carmine chromoendoscopy (VICI) converted from POCS images using artificial intelligence.
Methods: This single-center, retrospective study analyzed 40 patients with biliary strictures who underwent POCS using white-light imaging (WLI) and narrow-band imaging (NBI). A cycle-consistent adversarial network was used to convert the WLI into VICI of POCS images. Three experienced endoscopists evaluated WLI, NBI, and VICI via POCS in all patients. The primary outcome was the visualization quality of surface structures, surface microvessels, and lesion margins. The secondary outcome was diagnostic accuracy.
Results: VICI showed superior visualization of the surface structures and lesion margins compared with WLI (P < .001) and NBI (P < .001). The diagnostic accuracies were 72.5%, 87.5%, and 90.0% in WLI alone, WLI and VICI simultaneously, and WLI and NBI simultaneously, respectively. WLI and VICI simultaneously tended to result in higher accuracy than WLI alone (P = .083), and the results were not significantly different from WLI and NBI simultaneously (P = .65).
Conclusions: VICI in POCS proved valuable for visualizing surface structures and lesion margins and contributed to higher diagnostic accuracy comparable to NBI. In addition to NBI, VICI may be a novel supportive modality for POCS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoRyosuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinugasaHideaki en-aut-sei=Kinugasa en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiyaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tomiya en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimotoTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Tanimoto en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtoAkimitsu en-aut-sei=Ohto en-aut-mei=Akimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKei en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriNao en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Nao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObataTaisuke en-aut-sei=Obata en-aut-mei=Taisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoKazuya en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoKosaku en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Kosaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasawaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Terasawa en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiYuki en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsutsumiKoichiro en-aut-sei=Tsutsumi en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriguchiShigeru en-aut-sei=Horiguchi en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoHironari en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Hironari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYoshiro en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yoshiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Business Strategy Division, Ryobi Systems Co, Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Business Strategy Division, Ryobi Systems Co, Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Business Strategy Division, Ryobi Systems Co, Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=49 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=291 end-page=297 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240330 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of the trend of set-up errors during the treatment period using set-up margin in prostate radiotherapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Accurate information on set-up error during radiotherapy is essential for determining the optimal number of treatments in hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. This necessitates careful control by the radiotherapy staff to assess the patient's condition. This study aimed to develop an evaluation method of the temporal trends in a patient's specific prostate movement during treatment using image matching and margin values. This study included 65 patients who underwent prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy (mean treatment time, 87.2 s). Set-up errors were assessed using bone, inter-, and intra-fraction marker matching across 39 fractions. The set-up margin was determined by dividing the four periods into 39 fractions using Stroom's formula and correlation coefficient. The intra-fraction set-up error was biased in the anterior-superior (AS) direction during treatment. The temporal trend of set-up errors during radiotherapy slightly increased based on bone matching and inter-fraction marker matching, with a 1.6-mm difference in the set-up margin fractions 11 to 20. The correlation coefficient of the mean prostate movement during treatment significantly decreased in the superior-inferior direction, while remaining high in the left-right and anterior-posterior directions. Image matching contributed significantly to the improvement of set-up errors; however, careful attention is needed for prostate movement in the AS direction, particularly during short treatment times. Understanding the trend of set-up errors during the treatment period is essential in numerical information sharing on patient condition and evaluating the margins for tailored hypo-fractionated radiotherapy, considering the facility's image-guided radiation therapy technology. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SasakiHinako en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Hinako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorishitaTakumi en-aut-sei=Morishita en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IrieNaho en-aut-sei=Irie en-aut-mei=Naho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaRena en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Rena kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiriyamaTetsukazu en-aut-sei=Kiriyama en-aut-mei=Tetsukazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamotoAkira en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiokaKunio en-aut-sei=Nishioka en-aut-mei=Kunio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiShotaro en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Shotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Uwajima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Tokuyama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Tokuyama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Tokuyama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Hypofractionated radiotherapy kn-keyword=Hypofractionated radiotherapy en-keyword=Image-guided radiation therapy kn-keyword=Image-guided radiation therapy en-keyword=Prostate cancer kn-keyword=Prostate cancer en-keyword=Prostate movement kn-keyword=Prostate movement en-keyword=Set-up margin kn-keyword=Set-up margin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=820 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=137598 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240118 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neurogenesis impairment with glial activation in the hippocampus-connected regions of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-injected mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ) is impaired by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin (icv-STZ) to rodents. Although neural cells in the several brain regions which connect with the hippocampus or SVZ is thought to be involved in the adult neurogenesis, few studies have investigated morphological alterations of glial cells in these areas. The present study revealed that icv-STZ induces reduction of neural progenitor cells and a dramatic increase in reactive astrocytes and microglia especially in the hippocampus and various hippocampus-connected brain areas. In contrast, there was no significant neuronal damage excluding demyelination of the stria medullaris. The results indicate the hippocampal neurogenesis impairment of this model might be occurred by activated glial cells in the hippocampus, or hippocampus-connected regions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MasaiKaori en-aut-sei=Masai en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaYuta en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinKotaro en-aut-sei=Shin en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaharaChiaki en-aut-sei=Sugahara en-aut-mei=Chiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiIkuko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuharaTakao en-aut-sei=Yasuhara en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateIsao en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsanumaMasato en-aut-sei=Asanuma en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Streptozotocin kn-keyword=Streptozotocin en-keyword=Adult neurogenesis kn-keyword=Adult neurogenesis en-keyword=Astrocyte kn-keyword=Astrocyte en-keyword=Microglia kn-keyword=Microglia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=281 end-page=289 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240408 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Volume X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of the Early Cephalized Central Nervous System in a Marine Flatworm, Stylochoplana pusilla en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Platyhelminthes are a phylum of simple bilaterian invertebrates with prototypic body systems. Compared with non-bilaterians such as cnidarians, the bilaterians are likely to exhibit integrated free-moving behaviors, which require a concentrated nervous system “brain” rather than the distributed nervous system of radiatans. Marine flatworms have an early cephalized ‘central’ nervous system compared not only with non-bilaterians but also with parasitic flatworms or freshwater planarians. In this study, we used the marine flatworm Stylochoplana pusilla as an excellent model organism in Platyhelminthes because of the early cephalized central nervous system. Here, we investigated the three-dimensional structures of the flatworm central nervous system by the use of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) in a synchrotron radiation facility. We found that the obtained tomographic images were sufficient to discriminate some characteristic structures of the nervous system, including nerve cords around the cephalic ganglion, mushroom body-like structures, and putative optic nerves forming an optic commissure-like structure. Through the micro-CT imaging, we could obtain undistorted serial section images, permitting us to visualize precise spatial relationships of neuronal subpopulations and nerve tracts. 3-D micro-CT is very effective in the volume analysis of the nervous system at the cellular level; the methodology is straightforward and could be applied to many other non-model organisms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IkenagaTakanori en-aut-sei=Ikenaga en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiAoshi en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Aoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiAkihisa en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Akihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UesugiKentaro en-aut-sei=Uesugi en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaezawaTakanobu en-aut-sei=Maezawa en-aut-mei=Takanobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataNorito en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Norito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoTatsuya en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoHirotaka en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Hirotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute/SPring-8 kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute/SPring-8 kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Integrated Science and Technology, National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Integrated Science and Technology, National Institute of Technology, Tsuyama College kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=bilaterians kn-keyword=bilaterians en-keyword=micro-CT scan kn-keyword=micro-CT scan en-keyword=central nervous system kn-keyword=central nervous system en-keyword=Platyhelminthes kn-keyword=Platyhelminthes en-keyword=marine flatworms kn-keyword=marine flatworms END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=25 article-no= start-page=e2322765121 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240612 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Argonaute-independent, Dicer-dependent antiviral defense against RNA viruses en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) is conserved from yeasts to mammals. Dicer recognizes and cleaves virus-derived double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and/or structured single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) into small-interfering RNAs, which guide effector Argonaute to homologous viral RNAs for digestion and inhibit virus replication. Thus, Argonaute is believed to be essential for antiviral RNAi. Here, we show Argonaute-independent, Dicer-dependent antiviral defense against dsRNA viruses using Cryphonectria parasitica (chestnut blight fungus), which is a model filamentous ascomycetous fungus and hosts a variety of viruses. The fungus has two dicer-like genes (dcl1 and dcl2) and four argonaute-like genes (agl1 to agl4). We prepared a suite of single to quadruple agl knockout mutants with or without dcl disruption. We tested these mutants for antiviral activities against diverse dsRNA viruses and ssRNA viruses. Although both DCL2 and AGL2 worked as antiviral players against some RNA viruses, DCL2 without argonaute was sufficient to block the replication of other RNA viruses. Overall, these results indicate the existence of a Dicer-alone defense and different degrees of susceptibility to it among RNA viruses. We discuss what determines the great difference in susceptibility to the Dicer-only defense. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoYukiyo en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yukiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=RNAi kn-keyword=RNAi en-keyword=Argonaute kn-keyword=Argonaute en-keyword=Dicer kn-keyword=Dicer en-keyword=fungal virus kn-keyword=fungal virus en-keyword=chestnut blight kn-keyword=chestnut blight END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=121 cd-vols= no-issue=25 article-no= start-page=e2318150121 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240612 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Replication of single viruses across the kingdoms, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=It is extremely rare that a single virus crosses host barriers across multiple kingdoms. Based on phylogenetic and paleovirological analyses, it has previously been hypothesized that single members of the family Partitiviridae could cross multiple kingdoms. Partitiviridae accommodates members characterized by their simple bisegmented double-stranded RNA genome; asymptomatic infections of host organisms; the absence of an extracellular route for entry in nature; and collectively broad host range. Herein, we show the replicability of single fungal partitiviruses in three kingdoms of host organisms: Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Betapartitiviruses of the phytopathogenic fungusRosellinia necatrix could replicate in protoplasts of the carrot (Daucus carota), Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum, in some cases reaching a level detectable by agarose gel electrophoresis. Moreover, betapartitiviruses showed more robust replication than the tested alphapartitiviruses. One of the fungal betapartitiviruses, RnPV18, could persistently and stably infect carrot plants regenerated from virion-transfected protoplasts. Both alpha- and betapartitiviruses, although with different host preference, could replicate in two insect cell lines derived from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Our results indicate the replicability of single partitiviruses in members of three kingdoms and provide insights into virus adaptation, host jumping, and evolution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TelengechPaul en-aut-sei=Telengech en-aut-mei=Paul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HyodoKiwamu en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Kiwamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuwataRyusei en-aut-sei=Kuwata en-aut-mei=Ryusei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cross- kingdom infection kn-keyword=cross- kingdom infection en-keyword=partitivirus kn-keyword=partitivirus en-keyword=fungal virus kn-keyword=fungal virus en-keyword=Plantae kn-keyword=Plantae en-keyword=Animalia kn-keyword=Animalia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2497 end-page=2509 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240531 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Senescent Fibroblasts Potentiate Peritoneal Metastasis of Diffuse-type Gastric Cancer Cells via IL-8–mediated Crosstalk en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Aim: Diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) often forms peritoneal metastases, leading to poor prognosis. However, the underlying mechanism of DGC-mediated peritoneal metastasis is poorly understood. DGC is characterized by desmoplastic stroma, in which heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), including myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and senescent CAFs (sCAFs), play a crucial role during tumor progression. This study investigated the CAF subtypes induced by GC cells and the role of sCAFs in peritoneal metastasis of DGC cells. Materials and Methods: Conditioned medium of human DGC cells (KATOIII, NUGC-4) and human intestinal-type GC (IGC) cells (MKN-7, N87) was used to induce CAFs. CAF subtypes were evaluated by analyzing the expression of α–smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), and p16 in human normal fibroblasts (GF, FEF-3). A cytokine array was used to explore the underlying mechanism of GC-induced CAF subtype development. The role of sCAFs in peritoneal metastasis of DGC cells was analyzed using a peritoneally metastatic DGC tumor model. The relationships between GC subtypes and CAF-related markers were evaluated using publicly available datasets. Results: IGC cells significantly induced α-SMA+ myCAFs by secreting transforming growth factor–β, whereas DGC cells induced SA-β-gal+/p16+ sCAFs by secreting interleukin (IL)-8. sCAFs further secreted IL-8 to promote DGC cell migration. In vivo experiments demonstrated that co-inoculation of sCAFs significantly enhanced peritoneal metastasis of NUGC-4 cells, which was attenuated by administration of the IL-8 receptor antagonist navarixin. p16 and IL-8 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis of DGC patients. Conclusion: sCAFs promote peritoneal metastasis of DGC via IL-8–mediated crosstalk. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LIYUNCHENG en-aut-sei=LI en-aut-mei=YUNCHENG kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TAZAWAHIROSHI en-aut-sei=TAZAWA en-aut-mei=HIROSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NAGAIYASUO en-aut-sei=NAGAI en-aut-mei=YASUO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUJITASHUTO en-aut-sei=FUJITA en-aut-mei=SHUTO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OKURATOMOHIRO en-aut-sei=OKURA en-aut-mei=TOMOHIRO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SHOJIRYOHEI en-aut-sei=SHOJI en-aut-mei=RYOHEI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YAMADAMOTOHIKO en-aut-sei=YAMADA en-aut-mei=MOTOHIKO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KIKUCHISATORU en-aut-sei=KIKUCHI en-aut-mei=SATORU kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KURODASHINJI en-aut-sei=KURODA en-aut-mei=SHINJI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OHARATOSHIAKI en-aut-sei=OHARA en-aut-mei=TOSHIAKI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NOMAKAZUHIRO en-aut-sei=NOMA en-aut-mei=KAZUHIRO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NISHIZAKIMASAHIKO en-aut-sei=NISHIZAKI en-aut-mei=MASAHIKO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KAGAWASHUNSUKE en-aut-sei=KAGAWA en-aut-mei=SHUNSUKE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUJIWARATOSHIYOSHI en-aut-sei=FUJIWARA en-aut-mei=TOSHIYOSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Departments of Gastroenterological Surgery and Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Gastric cancer kn-keyword=Gastric cancer en-keyword=peritoneal metastasis kn-keyword=peritoneal metastasis en-keyword=senescent fibroblast kn-keyword=senescent fibroblast en-keyword=IL-8 kn-keyword=IL-8 en-keyword=CXCR1/2 kn-keyword=CXCR1/2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=60 cd-vols= no-issue=52 article-no= start-page=6615 end-page=6618 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Switchable synthesis of 3-aminoindolines and 2′-aminoarylacetic acids using Grignard reagents and 3-azido-2-hydroxyindolines en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The switchable synthesis of 3-aminoindolines and 2′-aminoaryl acetic acids from the same substrates, 3-azido-2-hydroxyindolines, was developed through denitrogenative electrophilic amination of Grignard reagents. The key to success is the serendipitous discovery that the reaction conditions, including solvents and reaction temperature, can affect the chemoselectivity. It is noteworthy that isotope-labeling experiments revealed the occurrence of the aziridine intermediate in the production of 2′-aminoaryl acetic acids. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamashiroToshiki en-aut-sei=Yamashiro en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1177 end-page=1189 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240516 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of output factors of different radiotherapy planning systems using Exradin W2 plastic scintillator detector en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aims to evaluate the output factors (OPF) of different radiation therapy planning systems (TPSs) using a plastic scintillator detector (PSD). The validation results for determining a practical field size for clinical use were verified. The implemented validation system was an Exradin W2 PSD. The focus was to validate the OPFs of the small irradiation fields of two modeled radiation TPSs using RayStation version 10.0.1 and Monaco version 5.51.10. The linear accelerator used for irradiation was a TrueBeam with three energies: 4, 6, and 10 MV. RayStation calculations showed that when the irradiation field size was reduced from 10 × 10 to 0.5 × 0.5 cm2, the results were within 2.0% of the measured values for all energies. Similarly, the values calculated using Monaco were within approximately 2.0% of the measured values for irradiation field sizes between 10 × 10 and 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 for all beam energies of interest. Thus, PSDs are effective validation tools for OPF calculations in TPS. A TPS modeled with the same source data has different minimum irradiation field sizes that can be calculated. These findings could aid in verification of equipment accuracy for treatment planning requiring highly accurate dose calculations and for third-party evaluation of OPF calculations for TPS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AndoYasuharu en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Yasuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNatsuko en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkuhiroKawasaki en-aut-sei=Ikuhiro en-aut-mei=Kawasaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiriuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kiriu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Hiroshima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Hiroshima City North Medical Center Asa Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Hiroshima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Hiroshima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Plastic scintillator kn-keyword=Plastic scintillator en-keyword=Radiation therapy kn-keyword=Radiation therapy en-keyword=Small irradiation field kn-keyword=Small irradiation field en-keyword=Output factor kn-keyword=Output factor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=165 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106013 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Salivary buffering capacity is correlated with umami but not sour taste sensitivity in healthy adult Japanese subjects en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: Saliva serves multiple important functions crucial for maintaining a healthy oral and systemic environment. Among them, the pH buffering effect, which is primarily mediated by bicarbonate ions, helps maintain oral homeostasis by neutralizing acidity from ingested foods. Therefore, higher buffering capacity, reflecting the ability to neutralize oral acidity, may influence taste sensitivity, especially for sour taste since it involves sensing H+ ions. This study aims to explore the relationship between salivary buffering capacity and taste sensitivities to the five basic tastes in healthy adult humans.
Design: Eighty seven healthy adult students participated in this study. Resting saliva volume was measured using the spitting method. The liquid colorimetric test was used to assess salivary buffering capacity. The whole-mouth taste testing method was employed to determine the recognition threshold for each tastant (NaCl, sucrose, citric acid, quinine-HCl, monosodium glutamate).
Results: Taste recognition thresholds for sour taste as well as sweet, salty, and bitter tastes showed no correlation with salivary buffering capacity. Interestingly, a negative relationship was observed between recognition threshold for umami taste and salivary buffering capacity. Furthermore, a positive correlation between salivary buffering capacity and resting saliva volume was observed.
Conclusions: Salivary buffering capacity primarily influences sensitivity to umami taste, but not sour and other tastes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HyodoAiko en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikamiAyaka en-aut-sei=Mikami en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorieKengo en-aut-sei=Horie en-aut-mei=Kengo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitohYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Mitoh en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaYuzo en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaSeiji en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=taste recognition threshold kn-keyword=taste recognition threshold en-keyword=resting saliva kn-keyword=resting saliva en-keyword=bicarbonate kn-keyword=bicarbonate en-keyword=xerostomia kn-keyword=xerostomia en-keyword=TAS1R kn-keyword=TAS1R END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=頭蓋内椎骨脳底動脈解離に対する 3D phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequence kn-title=3D phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequence for intracranial vertebrobasilar artery dissection en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ENOKITakuya en-aut-sei=ENOKI en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name=榎卓也 kn-aut-sei=榎 kn-aut-mei=卓也 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院保健学研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Rab11はEGFR発現とEpCAM含有エクソソームの分泌を制御することで頭頸部癌を抑制する kn-title=Rab11 Suppresses Head and Neck Carcinoma by Regulating EGFR and EpCAM Exosome Secretion en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YOSHIDAKunihiro en-aut-sei=YOSHIDA en-aut-mei=Kunihiro kn-aut-name=吉田国弘 kn-aut-sei=吉田 kn-aut-mei=国弘 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=両肺移植後の移植片慢性機能不全、特に閉塞性細気管支炎症候群の検出における、コンピュータ断層撮影を用いた肺野低吸収域割合の有用性 kn-title=Percentage of low attenuation area on computed tomography detects chronic lung allograft dysfunction, especially bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, after bilateral lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KUBOYujiro en-aut-sei=KUBO en-aut-mei=Yujiro kn-aut-name=久保友次郎 kn-aut-sei=久保 kn-aut-mei=友次郎 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=肺動脈にいつ介入するべきか。肺動脈縮窄症診断におけるの解剖学的評価の重要性 kn-title=When to intervene the pulmonary artery: Importance of anatomical assessment in the diagnosis of pulmonary artery coarctation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KISAMORIEiri en-aut-sei=KISAMORI en-aut-mei=Eiri kn-aut-name=木佐森永理 kn-aut-sei=木佐森 kn-aut-mei=永理 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=肺移植後早期移植肺機能不全に対する治療としての体内肺還流戦略 kn-title=In vivo lung perfusion for prompt recovery from primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MATSUBARAKei en-aut-sei=MATSUBARA en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name=松原慧 kn-aut-sei=松原 kn-aut-mei=慧 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=非小細胞肺癌におけるがん関連線維芽細胞由来ペリオスチンの腫瘍促進効果および薬剤耐性誘導効果 kn-title=Periostin secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes cancer progression and drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TAKATSUFumiaki en-aut-sei=TAKATSU en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name=髙津史明 kn-aut-sei=髙津 kn-aut-mei=史明 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Small for gestational age児は乳幼児期の入院リスクが高い:21世紀出生児縦断調査より kn-title=A nationwide birth cohort in Japan showed increased risk of early childhood hospitalisation in infants born small for gestational age en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OYAMAAsami en-aut-sei=OYAMA en-aut-mei=Asami kn-aut-name=大山麻美 kn-aut-sei=大山 kn-aut-mei=麻美 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=統合失調症スペクトラム障害における退院後104週間のオランザピンとアリピプラゾールによる治療の比較:実臨床における多施設後方視的コホート研究 kn-title=Comparison between olanzapine and aripiprazole treatment for 104 weeks after hospital discharge in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a multicenter retrospective cohort study in a real-world setting en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HOSOKAWATomonari en-aut-sei=HOSOKAWA en-aut-mei=Tomonari kn-aut-name=細川智成 kn-aut-sei=細川 kn-aut-mei=智成 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=二重抗血小板療法は好中球細胞外トラップを阻害することで、肝内胆管癌の微小肝転移を抑制する kn-title=Dual antiplatelet therapy inhibits neutrophil extracellular traps to reduce liver micrometastases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YOSHIMOTOMasashi en-aut-sei=YOSHIMOTO en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name=吉本匡志 kn-aut-sei=吉本 kn-aut-mei=匡志 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院医歯薬学総合研究科 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=267 end-page=271 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Body-size-dependent predation by some jumping spider species (Araneae: Salticidae) on Tribolium castaneum (Coletptera: Tenebrionidae) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We examined the predation of two synanthropic jumping spiders, Hasarius adansoni (Araneae: Salticidae) and Plexippus paykulli (Araneae: Salticidae), on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coletptera: Tenebrionidae), a grain storage pest, that is sometimes found with these species to determine whether the predatory success of synanthropic and grassland jumping spiders on T. castaneum differs. We examined the predation of two synanthropic and three grassland jumping spiders on T. castaneum adults and larvae. We found that the two synanthropic species preyed on T. castaneum adults and larvae, while the three grassland species never attacked T. castaneum adults. The success or failure of predation on T. castaneum adults also depended on the body size of the jumping spiders. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HayashiToma en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Toma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumuraKentarou en-aut-sei=Matsumura en-aut-mei=Kentarou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyatakeTakahisa en-aut-sei=Miyatake en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=146 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=14935 end-page=14941 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Skeletal Formation of Carbocycles with CO2: Selective Synthesis of Indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles or Cyclophanes from Indoles, CO2, and Phenylsilane en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The catalytic reactions of indoles with CO2 and phenylsilane afforded indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles, where the fused benzene ring was constructed by forming two C–H bonds and four C–C bonds with two CO2 molecules via deoxygenative conversions. Nine-membered cyclophanes made up of three indoles and three CO2 molecules were also obtained, where the cyclophane framework was constructed by forming six C–H bonds and six C–C bonds. These multicomponent cascade reactions giving completely different carbocycles were switched simply by choosing the solvent, acetonitrile or ethyl acetate. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiSha en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Sha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaShoko en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiTaishin en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Taishin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataTakumi en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaishiKazuto en-aut-sei=Takaishi en-aut-mei=Kazuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EmaTadashi en-aut-sei=Ema en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=452 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=115613 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Photochemical synthesis and solvatochromic fluorescence behavior of imide-fused phenacenes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Chrysenes, picene, fulminene, modified with imide, bromo, and amino functionalities, were synthesized through Mallory photoreaction as the key step, and their electronic spectra were investigated. Fluorescence spectra of chrysene-diimide CHRDI and bromo-substituted phencanene-imides, BrCHRI, BrPICI, BrFULI were dependent on solvent polarity to display appreciable fluorescence color changes. The solvatofluorochromic behavior was analyzed by conventional relationships between Stokes shift and solvent polarity parameters, such as Lippert-Mataga and Bilot-Kawski equations. The results indicated that the solvatofluorochromism was derived from the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) nature in the excited state. Theoretical studies using time-dependent density-functional theory revealed that the phenacene-imide molecules in the fluorescent state possessed ICT characters between the strongly electron-withdrawing imide moiety and moderately electron-donating phenacene cores. Amino-substituted chrysene-imide NH2CHRI showed fluorescence band in a red region (λFL = 618 nm) in toluene with a very large Stokes shift (Δ nu= 7630 cm−1) suggesting that the molecule in the fluorescent state was highly polarized. The present results indicate that phenacenes would provide potential platforms for constructing future functional fluorophores through an appropriate functionalization. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NoseKeito en-aut-sei=Nose en-aut-mei=Keito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamajiMinoru en-aut-sei=Yamaji en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniFumito en-aut-sei=Tani en-aut-mei=Fumito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoKenta en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Gunma University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Phenacene kn-keyword=Phenacene en-keyword=Imide kn-keyword=Imide en-keyword=Fluorescence kn-keyword=Fluorescence en-keyword=Solvatofluorochromism kn-keyword=Solvatofluorochromism en-keyword=Intramolecular charge transfer kn-keyword=Intramolecular charge transfer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=88 end-page=97 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240228 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhancing effect of the coexisting alpha-tocopherol on quercetin absorption and metabolism en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The aim of this study is to investigate the modulating effect of coexisting food components on the absorption and metabolism of quercetin and blood plasma antioxidant potentials. The combination of quercetin with α-tocopherol (αT), cellulose, or a commercially available vegetable beverage containing αT and dietary fiber was orally administered to mice. Compared to the single administration of quercetin aglycone, the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly increased the plasma quercetin concentration at 0.5 h, whereas the combination of quercetin and cellulose decreased it. Interestingly, the administration of quercetin mixed with the vegetable beverage showed no significant change in the quercetin concentration in the mice plasma. The treatment of the cells with the blood plasma after the coadministration of αT with quercetin significantly upregulated the gene expression of the antioxidant enzyme (heme oxygenase-1), whereas the quercetin and cellulose combination did not. In the plasma of the quercetin-administered mice, eight types of quercetin metabolites were detected, and their quantities were affected by the combination with αT. The potentials of the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression by these metabolites were very limited, although several metabolites showed radical scavenging activities comparable to aglycone in the in vitro assays. These results suggested that the combination of αT potentiates the quercetin absorption and metabolism and thus the plasma antioxidant potentials, at least in part, by the quantitative changes in the quercetin metabolites. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MitsuzaneRikito en-aut-sei=Mitsuzane en-aut-mei=Rikito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkuboReiko en-aut-sei=Okubo en-aut-mei=Reiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishikawaMiyu en-aut-sei=Nishikawa en-aut-mei=Miyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkushiroShinichi en-aut-sei=Ikushiro en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MunemasaShintaro en-aut-sei=Munemasa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=quercetin kn-keyword=quercetin en-keyword=metabolite kn-keyword=metabolite en-keyword=absorption kn-keyword=absorption en-keyword=metabolism kn-keyword=metabolism en-keyword=antioxidant activity kn-keyword=antioxidant activity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=56 cd-vols= no-issue=16 article-no= start-page=2507 end-page=2512 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Sequential Paired Electrochemical Transformation of Styrene Oxide via Anodic Meinwald Rearrangement and Cathodic Nitro­methylation in an Electrochemical Flow Reactor with Catalytic Electrical Input en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Paired electrosynthesis, which utilize both anodic and cathodic events in electrolysis, enables attractive transformations with higher current efficiency than conventional electrosynthesis. The electrochemical flow technique has been widely employed to ensure stable reaction conditions and mitigate issues stemming from mass transfer. In this study, the electrochemical Meinwald rearrangement of styrene oxides was investigated, yielding aldehydes as intermediates, followed by the nitromethylation of aldehydes to produce β-nitro alcohols. These reactions were achieved with catalytic electrical input, enabling the conversion of various styrene oxides into the corresponding β-nitro alcohols. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagamineKanon en-aut-sei=Nagamine en-aut-mei=Kanon kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiChika en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunimotoShumpei en-aut-sei=Kunimoto en-aut-mei=Shumpei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=electrochemical organic synthesis kn-keyword=electrochemical organic synthesis en-keyword=paired electrolysis kn-keyword=paired electrolysis en-keyword=Meinwald rearrangement kn-keyword=Meinwald rearrangement en-keyword=nitromethylation kn-keyword=nitromethylation en-keyword=flow synthesis kn-keyword=flow synthesis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1828 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=148790 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Protective effect of scallop-derived plasmalogen against vascular dysfunction, via the pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis, in a novel mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease with cerebral hypoperfusion en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A strong relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dysfunction has been the focus of increasing attention in aging societies. In the present study, we examined the long-term effect of scallop-derived plasmalogen (sPlas) on vascular remodeling-related proteins in the brain of an AD with cerebral hypoperfusion (HP) mouse model. We demonstrated, for the first time, that cerebral HP activated the axis of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE)/phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3)/provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1)/nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), accounting for such cerebral vascular remodeling. Moreover, we also found that cerebral HP accelerated pSTAT3-mediated astrogliosis and activation of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, probably leading to cognitive decline. On the other hand, sPlas treatment attenuated the activation of the pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis independent of RAGE and significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, demonstrating the beneficial effect on AD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhaiYun en-aut-sei=Zhai en-aut-mei=Yun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriharaRyuta en-aut-sei=Morihara en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FengTian en-aut-sei=Feng en-aut-mei=Tian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuXinran en-aut-sei=Hu en-aut-mei=Xinran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Fukui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianZhihong en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Zhihong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianYuting en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Yuting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuHaibo en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Haibo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunHongming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Hongming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakemotoMami en-aut-sei=Takemoto en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYumiko en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YunokiTaijun en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Taijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TangYing en-aut-sei=Tang en-aut-mei=Ying kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer's disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer's disease en-keyword=Hypoperfusion kn-keyword=Hypoperfusion en-keyword=Cerebral vascular remodeling kn-keyword=Cerebral vascular remodeling en-keyword=Scallop-derived plasmalogen kn-keyword=Scallop-derived plasmalogen en-keyword=pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis kn-keyword=pSTAT3/PIM1/NFATc1 axis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=120 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=128 end-page=134 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spontaneous regression of multiple solitary plasmacytoma harboring Epstein–Barr virus: a case report and literature review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a rare case of spontaneous regression (SR) in an elderly untreated patient with multiple solitary plasmacytoma (MSP). Diagnosis of MSP was confirmed through surgical resection of the left nasal cavity mass and subsequent biopsy of the right humerus. The patient was considered ineligible for chemotherapy due to poor performance status. At 3-month post-diagnosis, the patient’s condition worsened with deteriorating bone lesions and emergence of a new serum monoclonal protein. However, these clinical findings completely disappeared at 6 months, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography at 1 year confirmed complete metabolic remission. Notably, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were inversely correlated with tumor progression and remission. Pathological re-evaluation of the initial biopsy specimens revealed programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. In addition, tumor cells were infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) but were negative for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which is the most potent immune escape mechanism in tumor cells. While the mechanism underlying SR remains unclear, our findings suggest that host immune response as well as EBV infection may contribute to SR. Further studies are needed to elucidate the clinicopathologic mechanisms of tumor regression in plasma cell neoplasms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KitamuraWataru en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaMinori en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsekiAkiko en-aut-sei=Iseki en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuyamaShoichi en-aut-sei=Kuyama en-aut-mei=Shoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Otorhinolaryngology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=Plasmacytoma kn-keyword=Plasmacytoma en-keyword=Epstein–Barr virus kn-keyword=Epstein–Barr virus en-keyword=Spontaneous regression kn-keyword=Spontaneous regression END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=46 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=180 end-page=186 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exploration of urine metabolic biomarkers for new-onset, untreated pediatric epilepsy: A gas and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: The discovery of objective indicators for recent epileptic seizures will help confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy and evaluate therapeutic effects. Past studies had shortcomings such as the inclusion of patients under treatment and those with various etiologies that could confound the analysis results significantly. We aimed to minimize such confounding effects and to explore the small molecule biomarkers associated with the recent occurrence of epileptic seizures using urine metabolomics.
Methods: This is a multicenter prospective study. Subjects included pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years old with new-onset, untreated epilepsy, who had had the last seizure within 1 month before urine collection. Controls included healthy children aged 2 to 12 years old. Those with underlying or chronic diseases, acute illnesses, or recent administration of medications or supplements were excluded. Targeted metabolome analysis of spot urine samples was conducted using gas chromatography (GC)- and liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
Results: We enrolled 17 patients and 21 controls. Among 172 metabolites measured by GC/MS/MS and 41 metabolites measured by LC/MS/MS, only taurine was consistently reduced in the epilepsy group. This finding was subsequently confirmed by the absolute quantification of amino acids. No other metabolites were consistently altered between the two groups.
Conclusions: Urine metabolome analysis, which covers a larger number of metabolites than conventional biochemistry analyses, found no consistently altered small molecule metabolites except for reduced taurine in epilepsy patients compared to healthy controls. Further studies with larger samples, subjects with different ages, expanded target metabolites, and the investigation of plasma samples are required. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkiyamaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigusaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Saigusa en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueTakushi en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Takushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokorodaniChiho en-aut-sei=Tokorodani en-aut-mei=Chiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkiyamaMari en-aut-sei=Akiyama en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MichiueRie en-aut-sei=Michiue en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriAtsushi en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HishinumaEiji en-aut-sei=Hishinuma en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataTakashi en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaHiroki en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKatsuhiro en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Katsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Laboratory of Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Pharma-Science, Teikyo University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Neurology, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Shiga Medical Center for Children kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics (Child Neurology), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Amino acids kn-keyword=Amino acids en-keyword=Gas chromatography kn-keyword=Gas chromatography en-keyword=Liquid chromatography kn-keyword=Liquid chromatography en-keyword=Mass spectrometry kn-keyword=Mass spectrometry en-keyword=New-onset epilepsy kn-keyword=New-onset epilepsy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=160 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=144304 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Analysis on high-resolution spectrum of the S1–S0 transition of free-base phthalocyanine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A high-resolution absorption spectrum of the S-1-S-0 transition of free-base phthalocyanine was observed and analyzed with improved reliability. The spectrum, with a partially resolved rotational structure, was obtained by using the buffer-gas cooling technique and a single-mode tunable laser. Our new analysis reveals that the S-1 <- S-0 0(0)(0) band belongs to the a-type transition, where the electronic transition moment aligns parallel to the NH-HN direction, allowing the assignment of the S-1 state to B-1(3u). These results agree with a prior study using supersonic expansion and are well supported by theoretical calculations. Interestingly, the rotational constant B in the S-1 state, which is often smaller than that in the ground state for typical molecules, was found to be slightly larger than that in the S-0 (1)A(g) state. This suggests a change in the character of pi bonds with the electronic excitation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoYuki en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiramotoAyami en-aut-sei=Hiramoto en-aut-mei=Ayami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwakuniKana en-aut-sei=Iwakuni en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KumaSusumu en-aut-sei=Kuma en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnomotoKatsunari en-aut-sei=Enomoto en-aut-mei=Katsunari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaNaofumi en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Naofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BabaMasaaki en-aut-sei=Baba en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Laser Science, University of Electro-Communications kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Laboratory, RIKEN kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Physics, University of Toyama kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=CONFLEX Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Molecular Photoscience Research Center, Kobe University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=76 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=476 end-page=485 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Perioperative and Postoperative Continuous Nutritional Counseling Improves Quality of Life of Gastric Cancer Patient Undergoing Gastrectomy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Post-gastrectomy syndrome (PGS) and body weight loss (BWL) decrease quality of life (QOL) and survival of the patient undergoing gastrectomy. We have introduced perioperative and post-discharge continuous nutritional counseling (CNC) to prevent BWL and improve QOL after gastrectomy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CNC on QOL using the Post-gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Eighty-three patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent curative gastrectomy between March 2018 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received either pre-discharge nutritional counseling alone (control group, n = 45) or CNC (CNC group, n = 38) after gastrectomy. QOL at 12 months after gastrectomy was compared between the two groups. In QOL assessment, change in body weight (−7.98% vs. −12.77%, p = 0.0057), ingested amount of food per meal (7.00 vs. 6.07, p = 0.042) and ability for working (1.89 vs. 2.36, p = 0.049) were significantly better in CNC group than control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that CNC was a significantly beneficial factor for abdominal pain subscale (p = 0.028), diarrhea subscale (p = 0.047), ingested amount of food per meal (p = 0.012), Ability for working (p = 0.031) and dissatisfaction at the meal (p = 0.047). Perioperative and postoperative CNC could improve QOL in the patient undergoing gastrectomy in addition to preventing postoperative BWL. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HanzawaShunya en-aut-sei=Hanzawa en-aut-mei=Shunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuchiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaShinji en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShojiRyohei en-aut-sei=Shoji en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KashimaHajime en-aut-sei=Kashima en-aut-mei=Hajime kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiYuki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiAyako en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakiuchiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Kakiuchi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeShunsuke en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShikataKenichi en-aut-sei=Shikata en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Clinical Nutrition, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Clinical Nutrition, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=143 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=110894 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=First-principles molecular dynamics simulations for the properties of boron-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Based on first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations combined with a liquid quenching method, we study the effects of boron doping at 0 %, 2 %, 4 %, 6 % on the properties of tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) with an initial density of 3.0 g/cm3. The results of bond structures and internal stress show the promotion of graphitization with increase in the concentration of boron doping. In addition, simulation of electronic states reveals that the Fermi level shifts to valence band and the intensity of density of electronic states near Fermi level increases with the boron concentration increasing. A covalent bond formation between carbon and boron atoms is also shown by analyzing projected densities of electronic states (PDOS) and electron density distribution. The results of electronic state and bond formation strongly indicate that the boron-doped ta-C is like a p-type semiconductor. The present simulation results provide useful information for deeper understanding on the physical properties of boron-doped ta-C. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YueQiang en-aut-sei=Yue en-aut-mei=Qiang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyaTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yokoya en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaYuji en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Boron-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon kn-keyword=Boron-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon en-keyword=First-principles molecular dynamics kn-keyword=First-principles molecular dynamics en-keyword=Liquid quenching method kn-keyword=Liquid quenching method END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=160 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=094101 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240301 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=GenIce-core: Efficient algorithm for generation of hydrogen-disordered ice structures en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Ice is different from ordinary crystals because it contains randomness, which means that statistical treatment based on ensemble averaging is essential. Ice structures are constrained by topological rules known as the ice rules, which give them unique anomalous properties. These properties become more apparent when the system size is large. For this reason, there is a need to produce a large number of sufficiently large crystals that are homogeneously random and satisfy the ice rules. We have developed an algorithm to quickly generate ice structures containing ions and defects. This algorithm is provided as an independent software module that can be incorporated into crystal structure generation software. By doing so, it becomes possible to simulate ice crystals on a previously impossible scale. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoMasakazu en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagasakiTakuma en-aut-sei=Yagasaki en-aut-mei=Takuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHideki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Toyota Physical and Chemical Research Institute kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=8074 end-page=8082 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240405 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Engineering Interconnected Open-Porous Particles via Microfluidics Using Bijel Droplets as Structural Templates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Designing porous structures is key in materials science, particularly for separation, catalysis, and cell culture systems. Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels represent a unique class of soft matter formed by kinetically arresting the separation of the spinodal decomposition phase, which is stabilized by colloidal particles with neutral wetting. This study introduces a microfluidic technique to create highly interconnected open-porous particles using bijel droplets stabilized with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified silica particles. Monodisperse droplets comprising a hydrophobic monomer, water, ethanol, silica particles, and CTAB were initially formed in the microfluidic device. The diffusion of ethanol from these droplets into the continuous cyclohexane phase triggered spinodal decomposition within the droplets. The phase-separated structure within the droplets was stabilized by the CTAB-modified silica particles, and subsequent photopolymerization yielded microparticles with highly interconnected, open pores. Moreover, the influence of the ratio of the CTAB and silica particles, fluid composition, and microchannel direction on the final structure of the microparticles was explored. Our findings indicated that the phase-separated structure of the particles transitioned from oil-in-water to water-in-oil as the CTAB/silica ratio was increased. At intermediate CTAB/silica ratios, microparticles with bicontinuous structures were formed. Regardless of the fluid composition, the pore size of the particles increased with time after phase separation. However, this coarsening was arrested 15 s after droplet formation in the CTAB-modified silica particles, accompanied by a change in the particle shape from spherical to ellipsoidal. In situ observations of the bijel droplet formation revealed that the particle shape deformation is caused by the rolling of elastic bijel droplets at the bottom of the microchannel. As such, the channel setup was altered from horizontal to vertical to prevent the deformation of bijel droplets, resulting in spherical particles with open pores. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MasaokaMina en-aut-sei=Masaoka en-aut-mei=Mina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakaichi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Takaichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoTsutomu en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1314 end-page=1328 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Wetting property of Fe‐S melt in solid core: Implication for the core crystallization process in planetesimals en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In differentiated planetesimals, the liquid core starts to crystallize during secular cooling, followed by the separation of liquid–solid phases in the core. The wetting property between liquid and solid iron alloys determines whether the core melts are trapped in the solid core or they can separate from the solid core during core crystallization. In this study, we performed high-pressure experiments under the conditions of the interior of small bodies (0.5–3.0 GPa) to study the wetting property (dihedral angle) between solid Fe and liquid Fe-S as a function of pressure and duration. The measured dihedral angles are approximately constant after 2 h and decrease with increasing pressure. The dihedral angles range from 30° to 48°, which are below the percolation threshold of 60° at 0.5–3.0 GPa. The oxygen content in the melt decreases with increasing pressure and there are strong positive correlations between the S + O or O content and the dihedral angle. Therefore, the change in the dihedral angle is likely controlled by the O content of the Fe-S melt, and the dihedral angle tends to decrease with decreasing O content in the Fe-S melt. Consequently, the Fe-S melt can form interconnected networks in the solid core. In the obtained range of the dihedral angle, a certain amount of the Fe-S melt can stably coexist with solid Fe, which would correspond to the “trapped melt” in iron meteorites. Excess amounts of the melt would migrate from the solid core over a long period of core crystallization in planetesimals. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsubaraShiori en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Shiori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasakiHidenori en-aut-sei=Terasaki en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinoTakashi en-aut-sei=Yoshino en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UrakawaSatoru en-aut-sei=Urakawa en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumitoriDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yumitori en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=564 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=121937 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Synthesis and characterization of iron(II) complex with unsymmetrical heterocyclic (2-pyridyl)(4-imidazolyl)azine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A new iron(II) complex bearing unsymmetrical azine, [Fe(HLH)2](PF6)2·H2O·MeCN (HLH = 2-pyridylmethylidenehydrazono(4-imidazolyl)methane), was synthesized exclusively by a reaction of 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde, 1H-imidazole-4-carboxaldehyde, hydrazine monohydrate and FeCl2·4H2O (in a molar ratio of 2:2:2:1) in methanol, followed by the addition of an aqueous NH4PF6 solution. It was characterized using spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis, magnetic measurement, and cyclic voltammetry. The molecular and crystal structure of the compound was revealed by X-ray analysis, where an iron(II) ion was surrounded by two HLH azines with a planar E(py),Z(im) conformation, and tridentate κ3N,N’,N” coordination mode, forming a monomeric six-coordinated and diamagnetic complex. The complex cations were linked by water molecules via intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the imidazole N−H and the neighboring uncoordinated azine-N atom, forming a 1D chain structure. The selective formation of this unsymmetrical azine (HLH) from a stoichiometric mixture of the components would result from the steric preference of the five- and six-membered chelate rings by the 2-pyridyl and 4-imidazolyl azine moieties, respectively, with the E(py),Z(im) configuration. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HayiborKennedy Mawunya en-aut-sei=Hayibor en-aut-mei=Kennedy Mawunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunatsukiYukinari en-aut-sei=Sunatsuki en-aut-mei=Yukinari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil= kn-affil= en-keyword=(Pyridyl)(imidazolyl)azine kn-keyword=(Pyridyl)(imidazolyl)azine en-keyword=Aldazines kn-keyword=Aldazines en-keyword=Iron(II) complex kn-keyword=Iron(II) complex en-keyword=Crystal structure kn-keyword=Crystal structure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=245 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=14 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240130 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Experimental apparatus for detection of radiative decay of 229Th isomer from Th-doped CaF2 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Among all the nuclei, Thorium-229 has the lowest excited level at approximately 8.3 eV. This level is an isomeric state with a long radiative lifetime. Therefore, 229Th can be excited to the isomeric state using a vacuum ultraviolet laser and is expected to have applications such as in frequency standards. Our group has been conducting experiments to excite 229Th to the isomeric state via the second excited state using the high-intensity X-ray beam available at the SPring-8 facility. To detect vacuum ultraviolet photons from the isomeric state of 229Th, a dedicated apparatus was constructed. We employed 229Th-doped CaF2 crystals as the irradiation target. Because these targets emit numerous scintillation photons due to nuclear decay and X-ray beam irradiation, detectors are required to significantly reduce these background events. To achieve this, we adopted dichroic mirrors and a photomultiplier tube for detecting scintillation photons by nuclear decay, in addition to a solar-blind photomultiplier tube for detecting decay photons from the isomeric state of 229Th. In this proceedings paper, we describe the experimental apparatus used in the beamtime in 2023. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HirakiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Hiraki en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=229Th kn-keyword=229Th en-keyword=Isomeric state kn-keyword=Isomeric state en-keyword=Vacuum ultraviolet light kn-keyword=Vacuum ultraviolet light en-keyword=X-ray beam kn-keyword=X-ray beam en-keyword=SPring-8 kn-keyword=SPring-8 en-keyword=Detector kn-keyword=Detector END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=240 end-page=246 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-term outcomes of lung transplantation requiring renal replacement therapy: A single-center experience en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background
Life-long immunosuppressive therapy after lung transplantation (LT) may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). We aimed to investigate the characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing LT and requiring RRT.

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

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

Conclusions
Favorable long-term outcomes can be achieved by RRT for ESRD after LT. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TomiokaYasuaki en-aut-sei=Tomioka en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiotaniToshio en-aut-sei=Shiotani en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChoshiHaruki en-aut-sei=Choshi en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaMegumi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniShinji en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation en-keyword=Dialysis kn-keyword=Dialysis en-keyword=Living-donor kidney transplantation kn-keyword=Living-donor kidney transplantation en-keyword=End -stage renal disease kn-keyword=End -stage renal disease en-keyword=Renal replacement therapy kn-keyword=Renal replacement therapy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=63 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=03SP03 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240207 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of transducer for cryogenic actuators by equivalent circuit model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cryogenic environments are increasingly used in scientific and industrial fields. Recently, cryogenic environments are also used for storage and supply of liquid hydrogen, which is considered essential for the realization of a decarbonized society. Actuators to drive a valve that controls such a low-temperature fluid are required. In this study, a piezoelectric transducer that can be driven in the cryogenic environment has been fabricated and evaluated. Although the performance of piezoelectric elements degrades at cryogenic temperatures in general, the application of a preload can suppress the degradation of performance. Equivalent circuits were used for evaluation, and force factors and figures of merit were compared. As a result, the force factor was as high as that at RT even at cryogenic temperatures, and a high figure of merit was obtained. The result indicates that the transducer can be used for the driving of micro actuator at cryogenic temperature. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuboKazuki en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagiKairi en-aut-sei=Yagi en-aut-mei=Kairi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaTakefumi en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Takefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasudaKoa en-aut-sei=Yasuda en-aut-mei=Koa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakimotoShuichi en-aut-sei=Wakimoto en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environment, Life, Natural, Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cryogenic kn-keyword=cryogenic en-keyword=ultrasonic kn-keyword=ultrasonic en-keyword=piezoelectric kn-keyword=piezoelectric en-keyword=transducer kn-keyword=transducer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=322 end-page=328 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of attenuation correction method for head holder in brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Head holder attenuation affects brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image quality. Here, we proposed a head holder-attenuation correction (AC) method using attenuation coefficient maps calculated by Chang’s method from CT images. Then, we evaluated the effectiveness of the head holder-AC method by numerical phantom and clinical cerebral perfusion SPECT studies. In the numerical phantom, the posterior counts were 10.7% lower than the anterior counts without head holder-AC method. However, by performing head holder-AC, the posterior count recovered by approximately 6.8%, approaching the true value. In the clinical study, the normalized count ratio was significantly increased by performing the head holder-AC method in the posterior-middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery and cerebellum regions. There were no significant increases in other regions. The head holder-AC method can correct the counts attenuated by the head holder. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamazakiYuta en-aut-sei=Yamazaki en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=ivision of Radiological Technology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Canon Medical Systems Corporation kn-affil= en-keyword=Attenuation correction kn-keyword=Attenuation correction en-keyword=Brain perfusion kn-keyword=Brain perfusion en-keyword=Head holder kn-keyword=Head holder en-keyword=Single-photon emission computed tomography kn-keyword=Single-photon emission computed tomography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1756 end-page=1764 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Synthetic strategies for the construction of C3–N1′ bisindoles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=C3–N1′ bisindoles are unique structures, and the construction of these structures has drawn much attention. However, their synthesis still presents significant challenges that limit the functional group compatibility. This minireview summarizes the recent progress in the methodology for constructing C3–N1′ bisindoles. There are two approaches for access to C3–N1′ bisindoles: (1) direct approaches including reverse polarity techniques. (2) Stepwise approaches using designed and prefunctionalized substrates enable further functionalization by additional reactions to facilitate access to the target products. I believe that this review will allow its readers to develop novel approaches for the synthesis of C3–N1′ bisindoles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=46 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=536 end-page=541 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240119 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A comparison between the adverse event profiles of patients receiving palbociclib and abemaciclib: analysis of two real-world databases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Palbociclib and abemaciclib are cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors currently used to treat breast cancer. Although their therapeutic efficacies are considered comparable, differences in adverse event (AE) profiles of the two drugs remain unclear.
Aim We analysed two real-world databases, the World Health Organization’s VigiBase and the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), to identify differences in AE profiles of palbociclib and abemaciclib.
Method Data of patients with breast cancer receiving palbociclib or abemaciclib recorded until December 2022 were extracted from the VigiBase and FAERS databases. In total, 200 types of AEs were analysed. The reporting odds ratios were calculated using a disproportionality analysis.
Results Cytopenia was frequently reported in patients receiving palbociclib, whereas interstitial lung disease and diarrhoea were frequently reported in those receiving abemaciclib. Moreover, psychiatric and nervous system disorders were more common in the palbociclib group, whereas renal and urinary disorders were more common in the abemaciclib group.
Conclusion This study is the first to show comprehensively the disparities in the AE profiles of palbociclib and abemaciclib. The findings highlight the importance of considering these differences when selecting a suitable CDK4/6 inhibitor to ensure safe and favourable outcomes for patients with breast cancer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakedaTatsuaki en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Tatsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoShiho en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoJun en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNaohiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamotoAkihiko en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiAya Fukuma en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Aya Fukuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamanoHirofumi en-aut-sei=Hamano en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AriyoshiNoritaka en-aut-sei=Ariyoshi en-aut-mei=Noritaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Personalized Medicine and Preventive Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Abemaciclib kn-keyword=Abemaciclib en-keyword=Adverse event kn-keyword=Adverse event en-keyword=Breast cancer kn-keyword=Breast cancer en-keyword=Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor kn-keyword=Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor en-keyword=Palbociclib kn-keyword=Palbociclib END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=e202302963 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240108 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=On Demand Synthesis of C3−N1’ Bisindoles by a Formal Umpolung Strategy: First Total Synthesis of (±)‐Rivularin A en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In this work, a straightforward synthesis of C3−N1’ bisindolines is achieved by a formal umpolung strategy. The protocols were tolerant of a wide variety of substituents on the indole and indoline ring. In addition, the C3−N1’ bisindolines could be converted to C3−N1’ indole-indolines and C3−N1’-bisindoles. Also, we have successfully synthesized (±)-rivularin A through a biomimetic late-stage tribromination as a key step. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=C3-N1' bisindoles kn-keyword=C3-N1' bisindoles en-keyword=bromination kn-keyword=bromination en-keyword=umpolung kn-keyword=umpolung en-keyword=rivularin A kn-keyword=rivularin A en-keyword=alkaloid kn-keyword=alkaloid END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=116 end-page=123 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240104 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Intercondylar notch width and osteophyte width impact meniscal healing and clinical outcomes following transtibial pullout repair of medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between intercondylar notch width (ICNW), osteophyte width (OW), and the healing of medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) following arthroscopic pullout repair.
Methods: The study included 155 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who underwent transtibial pullout repair. Meniscal healing status was evaluated on second-look arthroscopy using a previously reported meniscus healing score. Patients were divided into two groups based on this score: the high healing score (group HH, healing score ≥ 8 points) and suboptimal healing score (group SO, healing score ≤ 6 points) groups. Computed tomography scans were performed on patients 1 week postsurgery. ICNW and OW widths were measured and relatively evaluated based on their ratio to the intercondylar distance (ICD), represented as the ICNW/ICD ratio (%) and OW/ICD ratio (%), respectively. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and on second-look arthroscopy using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: There were no significant demographic differences between the SO and HH group (n = 35 and 120 patients, respectively). Regarding radiographic measurements, significant differences were observed in the ICNW/ICD ratio (group SO, 24.2%; group HH, 25.2%; p = 0.024), OW (group SO, 2.6 mm; group HH, 2.0 mm; p < 0.001), and OW/ICD ratio (group SO, 3.5%; group HH, 2.7%; p < 0.001). Both groups had similar preoperative clinical scores, but postoperative clinical scores, including KOOS-activities of daily living (group SO, 83.4; group HH, 88.7; p = 0.035) and VAS (group SO, 19.1; group HH, 11.3; p = 0.005), were significantly better in group HH.
Conclusion: The study suggests that ICNW and OW may play a crucial role in MMPRT healing following arthroscopic pullout repair, as evidenced by the worse clinical outcomes associated with a narrower ICNW and wider OW. These findings highlight the potential significance of ICNW and OW assessments when evaluating meniscal repair indications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=XueHaowei en-aut-sei=Xue en-aut-mei=Haowei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=intercondylar notch width kn-keyword=intercondylar notch width en-keyword=intercondylar osteophyte kn-keyword=intercondylar osteophyte en-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tear kn-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tear en-keyword=transtibial pullout repair kn-keyword=transtibial pullout repair END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=64 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=532 end-page=542 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=pSPICA Force Field Extended for Proteins and Peptides en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Many coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) studies have been performed to investigate biological processes involving proteins and lipids. CG force fields (FFs) in these MD studies often use implicit or nonpolar water models to reduce computational costs. CG-MD using water models cannot properly describe electrostatic screening effects owing to the hydration of ionic segments and thus cannot appropriately describe molecular events involving water channels and pores through lipid membranes. To overcome this issue, we developed a protein model in the pSPICA FF, in which a polar CG water model showing the proper dielectric response was adopted. The developed CG model greatly improved the transfer free energy profiles of charged side chain analogues across the lipid membrane. Application studies on melittin-induced membrane pores and mechanosensitive channels in lipid membranes demonstrated that CG-MDs using the pSPICA FF correctly reproduced the structure and stability of the pores and channels. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior of the highly charged nona-arginine peptides on lipid membranes changed with salt concentration, indicating the pSPICA FF is also useful for simulating protein adsorption on membrane surfaces. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyazakiYusuke en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinodaWataru en-aut-sei=Shinoda en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=53 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104348 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202402 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Multi-isotopic analysis of domestic burials from sin Cabezas, Escuintla, Guatemala en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We present the results from the stable isotope measurements of strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ 18O) in tooth enamel from 36 individuals from the site of Sin Cabezas, Escuintla, Guatemala. This is the first contribution of isotopic proveniencing from the Pacific Coast of Guatemala and offers new solid baseline reference data from a large archaeological sample. Although some outlier cases are identified, the high homogeneity is the most evident feature in the sample. Based on this homogeneity, we discuss a critical issue of baseline data between Teotihuacan and the Pacific Coast, where the material culture has indicated intimate cultural interactions. A critical overlap for both strontium and oxygen reference between the Mexican metropolis and the coastal region is pointed out. This is why detecting human movement between both regions is still elusive. A case study of a possible Mexican individual is introduced. We also assess the outlier cases in terms of proveniencing and add several osteobiographic notes for the most relevant cases whose origin could be seen among the Northern - Eastern part of the Guatemalan Highlands, the Soconusco border region, or Central Honduras. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuzukiShintaro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=BarrientosTomás en-aut-sei=Barrientos en-aut-mei=Tomás kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MejíaHéctor en-aut-sei=Mejía en-aut-mei=Héctor kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PriceT. Douglas en-aut-sei=Price en-aut-mei=T. Douglas kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Centro de Investigaciones Arqueológicas y Antropológicas, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Transportadora de Energía de Centroamérica, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=University of Wisconsin kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=117 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=181 end-page=188 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Features of Patients With Second Primary Lung Cancer After Head and Neck Cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background In survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC), second primary lung cancer (SPLC) often develop as a result of a common risk factor, that is, smoking. A multicenter experience was reviewed to evaluate how the history of a diagnosis of HNC affects the outcomes of patients undergoing pulmonary resection for SPLC.
Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized between January 2012 and December 2018 was performed. From a cohort of 4521 patients undergoing therapeutic pulmonary resection for primary non-small cell lung cancer, 100 patients with a previous history of HNC (HNC group) were identified. These patients were compared with a control group consisting of 200 patients without an HNC history from the same cohort pair-matched with operating facility, age, sex, and pathologic stage of lung cancer.
Results At the time of surgery for SPLC, the HNC group showed malnutrition with a lower prognostic nutritional index compared with the control group (P < .001). The HNC group was determined to have postoperative complications more frequently (P = .02). The 5-year overall survival rates in the HNC and control groups were 59.0% and 83.2%, respectively (P < .001). Statistically, HNC history, lower prognostic nutritional index, squamous cell lung cancer, and TNM stage were identified to be independently associated with poor survival.
Conclusions Patients with SPLC after primary HNC often present with malnutrition and are predisposed to postoperative complications and poor survival after pulmonary resection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakatsuFumiaki en-aut-sei=Takatsu en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMototsugu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Mototsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayamaMakio en-aut-sei=Hayama en-aut-mei=Makio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoRyujiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Ryujiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiYuho en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Yuho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiya en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkitaRiki en-aut-sei=Okita en-aut-mei=Riki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=InokawaHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Inokawa en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tao en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiramiYuji en-aut-sei=Hirami en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaEisuke en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaMotohiro en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Motohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanoYoshifumi en-aut-sei=Sano en-aut-mei=Yoshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuuraMotoki en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Motoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizutaniHisao en-aut-sei=Mizutani en-aut-mei=Hisao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Okayama University Thoracic Surgery Study Group kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=221 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=125047 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Bayesian optimization of periodic multilayered slabs for passive absorptivity control en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A vanadium dioxide (VO2) film grown on a titanium oxide crystal shows a metal–insulator transition at room temperature with drastically changed optical properties. A multilayered slab with a sub-micron scale VO2 film was proposed to utilize its unique properties for passive intensity control of sunlight absorption and radiative cooling. Its optimal geometries were numerically explored using the Bayesian optimization (BO) method. BO was applied for three types of multilayered slabs, those having one, two, or three isolated slabs of different widths. For each type of multilayered slab, BO could optimize geometric variables with practical calculation times considering the total number of possible combinations of variables, which is subsequently referred to as the total number of candidates. Optimization results revealed that two isolated slabs had the most suitable spectral absorptivity in both hot and cold environments. The infrared absorptivity of the double slab was kept low in cold conditions to suppress radiative cooling. However, the double slab exhibited good radiative cooling performance under hot conditions. Electromagnetic energy density surrounding the slab illustrated that metallic VO2 and gold placed in a parallel manner excited the coupled mode of surface plasmon polaritons to enhance absorptivity. Radiative cooling faded for the triple slab because each slab could couple with radiation propagating only across a portion of the cross-sectional area. Through three BO trials, improvement of the VO2 visible reflectivity was recognized as a future issue for further development of passive sunlight absorption control. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Advanced Mechanics, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Radiative cooling kn-keyword=Radiative cooling en-keyword=Sunlight absorption kn-keyword=Sunlight absorption en-keyword=Bayesian optimization kn-keyword=Bayesian optimization en-keyword=Vanadium dioxide kn-keyword=Vanadium dioxide en-keyword=Short-range surface plasmon polariton kn-keyword=Short-range surface plasmon polariton END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e12636 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in childhood obesity in Japan: A nationwide observational study from 2012 to 2021 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The persistent ascension of childhood obesity on a global scale constitutes a significant quandary. The prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan peaked in the early 2000s and has been reported to have declined since then, but recent data and its trend including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era are not available. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies examining the correlation between the trend in childhood obesity and exercise habits over the past decade. This study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of obesity, physical fitness, and exercise habits over the past 10 years in Japanese children. We investigated the prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan, using the School Health Statistics Survey data from 2012 to 2021. The dataset has a sample size representative of children nationwide and includes variables for obesity, such as height, weight, and age. Data were classified into groups by sex and age (6–8, 9–11, and 12–14 years age). Children weighing 20% or more of the standard body weight are classified as obese. The annual percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were estimated using the joinpoint regression model. We also examined the trends in the physical fitness test score and exercise time. Average annual percentage changes of boys increased, especially in the 6- to 8-year age group (3.4%–4.6%). For girls, average annual percentage changes had increased in 6- to 8-year (2.5%–4.0%) and 9- to 11-year (0.9%–2.2%) age groups. Since the late 2010s, significantly increasing annual percentage changes were observed in 12- to 14-year age boys (6.7%–8.9%) and girls of many age groups (2.6%–8.6%). The physical fitness test score and exercise time showed decreasing trends since the late 2010s. Childhood obesity may have generally risen in Japan, in the last decade. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity through school policies and curricula is necessary. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiwaraShintaro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=childhood obesity kn-keyword=childhood obesity en-keyword=epidemiology kn-keyword=epidemiology en-keyword=joinpoint regression analysis kn-keyword=joinpoint regression analysis en-keyword=paediatrics kn-keyword=paediatrics en-keyword=trend analysis kn-keyword=trend analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=47 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=237 end-page=249 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231222 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=International Trends in Adverse Drug Event-Related Mortality from 2001 to 2019: An Analysis of the World Health Organization Mortality Database from 54 Countries en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objective
Adverse drug events (ADEs) are becoming a significant public health issue. However, reports on ADE-related mortality are limited to national-level evaluations. Therefore, we aimed to reveal overall trends in ADE-related mortality across the 21st century on an international level.
Methods
This observational study analysed long-term trends in ADE-related mortality rates from 2001 to 2019 using the World Health Organization Mortality Database. The rates were analysed according to sex, age and region. North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Western Pacific regions were assessed. Fifty-four countries were included with four-character International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes in the database, population data in the World Population Prospects 2019 report, mortality data in more than half of the study period, and high-quality or medium-quality death registration data. A locally weighted regression curve was used to show international trends in age-standardised rates.
Results
The global ADE-related mortality rate per 100,000 population increased from 2.05 (95% confidence interval 0.92–3.18) in 2001 to 6.86 (95% confidence interval 5.76–7.95) in 2019. Mortality rates were higher among men than among women, especially in those aged 20–50 years. The population aged ≥ 75 years had higher ADE-related mortality rates than the younger population. North America had the highest mortality rate among the five regions. The global ADE-related mortality rate increased by approximately 3.3-fold from 2001 to 2019.
Conclusions
The burden of ADEs has increased internationally with rising mortality rates. Establishing pharmacovigilance systems can facilitate efforts to reduce ADE-related mortality rates globally. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IinumaShunya en-aut-sei=Iinuma en-aut-mei=Shunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoMichio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Michio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NiimuraTakahiro en-aut-sei=Niimura en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OsakiYuka en-aut-sei=Osaki en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraSayoko en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Sayoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=143 end-page=150 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Weight loss enhances meniscal healing following transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: This study investigated the impact of weight change on the success of transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (MMPRTs).
Methods: The study included 129 patients diagnosed with MMPRTs who had undergone transtibial pullout repair. The patients were screened between July 2018 and November 2021. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). MM extrusion (MME) and ΔMME (postoperative MME – preoperative MME) were calculated preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging.
Results: Patients were divided into weight loss (body mass index [BMI] decrease of at least 0.5 kg/m2 after primary repair; n = 63) and weight gain (BMI increase of at least 0.5 kg/m2; n = 66) groups. Both groups had similar demographic variables and preoperative clinical scores; patient-reported outcomes significantly improved postoperatively. The weight loss group had significantly greater improvement in KOOS–quality of life (weight loss, 29.4 ± 23.7; weight gain, 23.9 ± 27.6; p = 0.034), lower postoperative MME (weight loss, 3.9 ± 1.7 mm; weight gain, 4.2 ± 1.2 mm; p = 0.043) and lower ΔMME (weight loss, 0.8 ± 0.8 mm; weight gain, 1.2 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.002) than the weight gain group. Total arthroscopic healing scores (weight loss, 7.6 ± 1.0; weight gain, 7.2 ± 1.5; p = 0.048) and associated subscales, including anteroposterior bridging tissue width (weight loss, 4.0 ± 0.0; weight gain, 3.8 ± 0.7; p = 0.004) and MM posterior root stability (weight loss, 2.6 ± 0.7; weight gain, 2.4 ± 0.7; p = 0.041), significantly differed between the groups.
Conclusions: Weight loss was associated with better meniscal healing and less MME progression after MMPRT repair, highlighting the significance of weight management in individuals undergoing meniscal surgery. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical significance of weight loss in the success of transtibial pullout repair for MMPRTs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiranakaTakaaki en-aut-sei=Hiranaka en-aut-mei=Takaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=clinical outcomes kn-keyword=clinical outcomes en-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tears kn-keyword=medial meniscus posterior root tears en-keyword=transtibial pullout repair kn-keyword=transtibial pullout repair en-keyword=weight change kn-keyword=weight change END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=123 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=231601 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231204 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Water/ice mixture- and freezing-front motion in a non-isothermal liquid bridge en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We experimentally investigate the water/ice mixture- and freezing-front behavior in a water liquid bridge under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. We find rapid propagation, temporary suspension, and regression of the water/ice mixture front, and finally, it merges with the freezing front when part of the liquid bridge is higher than the freezing temperature. However, freezing-front propagation follows dendritic ice formation, and a protrusion forms at the middle of the liquid bridge as long as the whole liquid bridge is lower than the freezing temperature. We explain those phenomena by quasi-stationary heat-transfer considerations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkanoKodai en-aut-sei=Okano en-aut-mei=Kodai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=140 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=110514 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Molecular dynamics simulation of deposition of amorphous carbon films on sapphire surfaces en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The growth of amorphous carbon films on a sapphire surface was investigated using classical molecular dynamics simulation. The kinetic energy of carbon particles was set as 10 eV and ReaxFF potential was used to express the interaction between different kinds of particles. The results of the temperature distribution in both deposition time and deposition space are reported. Simulation results reveal that the grown amorphous carbon film consists of four regions, namely interlayer, low density, stable growth, and surface regions. In the interlayer region, the interlayer between substrate and pure carbon film is formed. In the low density region, a pure carbon film is grown while the film density decreases initially and then increases. In the stable growth region, the film density remains almost constant. The film density decreases rapidly in the surface region. The radial distribution function (RDF) analysis suggests that a structure similar to that of diamond exists in the stable growth region of the film. The lower film density in the low density and surface regions was interpreted to indicate the existence of abundant sp1 chain structures, which is supported by the depth profile of the sp fractions. The present results are in good agreement with previous experimental and simulation results and demonstrate the suitability of the ReaxFF potential in the simulation of amorphous carbon growth on sapphire substrate. Our study provides a good starting point for the simulation study of amorphous carbon films on sapphire substrates. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YueQiang en-aut-sei=Yue en-aut-mei=Qiang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyaTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yokoya en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaYuji en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Amorphous carbon kn-keyword=Amorphous carbon en-keyword=Sapphire substrate kn-keyword=Sapphire substrate en-keyword=Molecular dynamics simulation kn-keyword=Molecular dynamics simulation en-keyword=Empirical potential kn-keyword=Empirical potential END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=153 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=107623 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202311 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prediction of slip activity of crystal grains around semi-circular and semi-elliptical notches in thin-sheet specimens of pure titanium using formulated macroscopic stress distribution and crystal orientation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Thin metal sheets and wires are important materials for various devices used in electrical, mechanical, and medical fields. With the downsizing of these devices, demand for thinner sheets and wires has increased. Amongst the many metals available, pure titanium has been attracting much attention for use in medical and dental devices because of its good biocompatibility in addition to its light weight and high corrosion resistance. However, thin metal sheets and wires are usually polycrystalline materials and, with the downsizing of materials, there is a loss of homogeneity during deformations. Inhomogeneous deformation becomes significant in thin sheets and wires, owing to the different crystal orientations and geometries of crystal grains. Furthermore, the shapes of such devices are not uniform, unlike, say, a simple rod. Therefore, macroscopic stress and strain concentrations should be taken into consideration when designing these devices as they affect the localization of deformation and the resultant fracture. In this study, semi-circular and semi-elliptical notched specimens made of thin-sheet polycrystalline pure titanium are subjected to tensile testing. Inhomogeneous deformation caused by crystallographic slip is observed near the notch root. Analysis of the crystal orientation and observation of the slip line show that the slip initiation in crystal grains is affected by the macroscopic stress distribution and can be predicted from the slip activity calculated from both the critical resolved shear stress on the slip systems and the resolved shear stress acting on prospective slip planes obtained from the macroscopic multiaxial stress distribution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TadaNaoya en-aut-sei=Tada en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UemoriTakeshi en-aut-sei=Uemori en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoJunji en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Junji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Mechanical engineering kn-keyword=Mechanical engineering en-keyword=Microdevices made of thin metal sheet kn-keyword=Microdevices made of thin metal sheet en-keyword=Pure titanium kn-keyword=Pure titanium en-keyword=Deformation kn-keyword=Deformation en-keyword=Microscopic characterization and microanalysis kn-keyword=Microscopic characterization and microanalysis en-keyword=Plastic deformation kn-keyword=Plastic deformation en-keyword=Microscopic inhomogeneity and stress kn-keyword=Microscopic inhomogeneity and stress en-keyword=concentration kn-keyword=concentration en-keyword=Slip activity control kn-keyword=Slip activity control END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=1278 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=341723 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231016 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Determination of mass-dependent chromium isotopic compositions in geological samples by double spike-total evaporation-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (DS-TE-TIMS) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Chromium isotopes have been used to trace geochemical and cosmochemical processes in the past. However, the presence of multivalent Cr species has made it difficult to isolate Cr from geological samples, particularly for samples with a low Cr mass fraction.
Results: Here, a simple three-step ion exchange chromatography procedure is presented to separate Cr from various sample matrices, ranging from ultramafic to felsic rocks. Throughout each of the column chromatography step, 1 mL of cation exchange resin AG50W-X8 (200–400 mesh) was used as the stationary phase and oxalic acid as a chelating agent, was used in addition to the inorganic acids. This method yielded high recoveries of Cr [93 ± 8% (2SD, N = 7)] regardless of the lithology. The total procedural blank of Cr was <0.5 ng. We also developed a double spike-total evaporation-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (DS-TE-TIMS) technique that significantly reduced sample consumption to ∼20 ng of Cr per each measurement of mass-dependent 53Cr/52Cr.
Significance: This study achieved a 2SD external precision of 0.02‰ for the analysis of NIST NBS3112a and of 0.01–0.07‰ for the geological samples. This study enabled high-precision Cr isotope analysis in geological samples with various matrix and Cr compositions using relatively small sample volumes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RatnayakeDilan M. en-aut-sei=Ratnayake en-aut-mei=Dilan M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaRyoji en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Ryoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraEizo en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Eizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Cr isotopes kn-keyword=Cr isotopes en-keyword=DS-TE-TIMS kn-keyword=DS-TE-TIMS en-keyword=Cation exchange resin kn-keyword=Cation exchange resin en-keyword=Low blank kn-keyword=Low blank en-keyword=High precision kn-keyword=High precision END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=436 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=168319 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240301 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Molecular Property, Manipulation, and Potential Use of Opn5 and Its Homologs en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Animal opsin is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and binds retinal as a chromophore to form a photopigment. The Opsin 5 (Opn5) group within the animal opsin family comprises a diverse array of related proteins, such as Opn5m, a protein conserved across all vertebrate lineages including mammals, and other members like Opn5L1 and Opn5L2 found in non-mammalian vertebrate genomes, and Opn6 found in non-therian vertebrate genomes, along with Opn5 homologs present in invertebrates. Although these proteins collectively constitute a single clade within the molecular phylogenetic tree of animal opsins, they exhibit markedly distinct molecular characteristics in areas such as retinal binding properties, photoreaction, and G-protein coupling specificity. Based on their molecular features, they are believed to play a significant role in physiological functions. However, our understanding of their precise physiological functions and molecular characteristics is still developing and only partially realized. Furthermore, their unique molecular characteristics of Opn5-related proteins suggest a high potential for their use as optogenetic tools through more specialized manipulations. This review intends to encapsulate our current understanding of Opn5, discuss potential manipulations of its molecular attributes, and delve into its prospective utility in the burgeoning field of animal opsin optogenetics. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoKeita en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhuchiHideyo en-aut-sei=Ohuchi en-aut-mei=Hideyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Opn5 kn-keyword=Opn5 en-keyword=rhodopsin kn-keyword=rhodopsin en-keyword=optogenetics kn-keyword=optogenetics en-keyword=retinal protein kn-keyword=retinal protein en-keyword=non-image-forming opsin kn-keyword=non-image-forming opsin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=236 end-page=241 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relevance of complement immunity with brain fog in patients with long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction
This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with long COVID (coronavirus disease 2019), especially focusing on 50% hemolytic complement activity (CH50).

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

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

Conclusions
High CH50 levels were frequently reported in individuals with long COVID, indicating a relationship with brain fog. Future in-depth research should examine the pathological role and causal link between complement immunity and the development of long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukawaMasanori en-aut-sei=Furukawa en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Complement immunity kn-keyword=Complement immunity en-keyword=Complement system kn-keyword=Complement system en-keyword=Coronavirus disease 2019 kn-keyword=Coronavirus disease 2019 en-keyword=Inflammation kn-keyword=Inflammation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=75 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=102337 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Continued mycovirus discovery expanding our understanding of virus lifestyles, symptom expression, and host defense en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High-throughput sequencing technologies have greatly expanded the RNA virome in general and have led to an exponential increase in new fungal viruses, also known as mycoviruses. Mycoviruses are omnipresent in fungi and usually induce symptomless infections. Some mycoviruses infecting fungi pathogenic to plants, insects, and mammals are known to modify host virulence positively and negatively and attract particular interests. In addition, fungal viruses continue to provide intriguing research materials and themes that lead to discoveries of peculiar viruses as infectious entities and insights into virus evolution and diversity. In this review, we outline the diversity and neolifestyle of recently discovered fungal RNA viruses, and phenotypic alterations induced by them. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in research regarding the fungal antiviral defense and viral counterdefense, which are closely associated with host phenotype alterations. We hope that this article will enhance understanding of the interesting and growing fungal virology field. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoYukiyo en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yukiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=194 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e63525 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Radiological characteristics of skeletal growth in neonates and infants with achondroplasia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by a rhizomelic short stature. Radiological skeletal findings in pediatric and adult patients with ACH include short long bones, a relatively longer fibula compared to the tibia, a narrow lumbar interpedicular distance, and a hypoplastic iliac wing. Nonetheless, the characteristics of skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods have scarcely been explored. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the radiological skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods in 41 Japanese patients with genetically confirmed ACH. The length of long bones in the upper and lower limbs and the lumbar interpedicular distances at L1 and L4 were measured. These parameters showed significant positive correlations with age. The upper segment-to-lower segment ratio in the lower limbs resembled the data of healthy controls from previous reports. The L1/L4 and fibula/tibia ratios increased with age, suggesting that some representative skeletal phenotypes of ACH were less distinct during the neonatal and infantile periods. In conclusion, for the first time, this study radiologically characterized skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods of patients with genetically confirmed ACH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyaharaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AgoYuko en-aut-sei=Ago en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutagawaNatsuko en-aut-sei=Futagawa en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiYousuke en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Yousuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeTadashi en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Iwakuni Clinical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bone development kn-keyword=bone development en-keyword=dwarfism kn-keyword=dwarfism en-keyword=growth kn-keyword=growth en-keyword=infant kn-keyword=infant en-keyword=radiography kn-keyword=radiography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=307 end-page=316 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Significant delayed conduction and characteristic ventricular tachycardias in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and electrical storm en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Electrical storm (ES) of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) is an important cause of sudden death in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). VTAs in CS are associated with myocardial scarring and inflammation. However, little is known about the risk factors of ES in patients with CS and VTAs. The objective of this study is to clarify the characteristics and risk factors for the development of ES in patients with CS.
Methods: The study population included consecutive 52 patients with CS and sustained VTA. Twenty-five out of 52 patients experienced ES. We evaluated clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters to determine the risk factors associated with ES.
Results: Half of the patients experienced VTAs as the initial symptom of sarcoidosis, and eight patients had ES as the initial VTA episode. There were no differences in cardiac imaging abnormalities between patients with and without ES. Among ECG markers, significant QRS fragmentation (odds ratio [OR]: 7.9, p = .01) and epsilon waves (OR: 12.24, p = .02) were associated with ES. Among the ventricular tachycardia (VT) characteristics, multiple morphologies of monomorphic VTs (OR: 10.9, p < .01), short VT cycle lengths (OR: 12.5, p < .01), and polymorphic VT (OR: 13.5, p < .01) were associated with ES. Bidirectional VTs were detected in 10 patients with ES and one patient without ES. Immunosuppressive therapy relieved ES in some patients.
Conclusions: ES was common in patients with CS and VTAs. Significant depolarization abnormalities that appeared as QRS fragmentation, epsilon waves, and specific VT characteristics were associated with ES.
en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoritaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagawaKoji en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeokaAkira en-aut-sei=Ueoka en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoTomofumi en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Tomofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaTakuro en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Takuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaSaori en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Saori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoMasakazu en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Nishii en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry kn-affil= en-keyword=cardiac sarcoidosis kn-keyword=cardiac sarcoidosis en-keyword=ventricular tachycardia kn-keyword=ventricular tachycardia en-keyword=electrical storm kn-keyword=electrical storm en-keyword=ventricular fibrillation kn-keyword=ventricular fibrillation en-keyword=sudden cardiac death kn-keyword=sudden cardiac death END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=e202301130 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231219 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Concise Synthesis of Thiazolo[4,5-b]indoles via Ring Switch/Cyclization Sequences en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The unexpected reactions of indoline hemiaminals affords 2,5-diaryl-4-hydroxythiazolines through a thioamidation/ring switch sequence. The key to success of this transformation is to use a thioamide as a thiazoline precursor under transient tautomeric control. This transformation features mild reaction conditions and good yields with broad functional group tolerance (17 examples, up to 99 % yield). Further transformations of the thiazolines provide a direct entry to dihydrothiazolo[4,5-b]indoles and thiazolo[4,5-b]indoles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaKoji en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsubogoTetsu en-aut-sei=Tsubogo en-aut-mei=Tetsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanazawaHikaru en-aut-sei=Kanazawa en-aut-mei=Hikaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshizukaSayaka en-aut-sei=Ishizuka en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhyamaKoutaro en-aut-sei=Ohyama en-aut-mei=Koutaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaidaMasaki en-aut-sei=Kaida en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hemiaminals kn-keyword=hemiaminals en-keyword=indoles kn-keyword=indoles en-keyword=ring-switch kn-keyword=ring-switch en-keyword=thiazolo[4.5-b]indoles kn-keyword=thiazolo[4.5-b]indoles en-keyword=thioamides kn-keyword=thioamides END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1208 end-page=1219 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Nuclear Transformation of the Marine Pennate Diatom Nitzschia sp. Strain NIES-4635 by Multi-Pulse Electroporation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nitzschia is one of the largest genera of diatoms found in a range of aquatic environments, from freshwater to seawater. This genus contains evolutionarily and ecologically unique species, such as those that have lost photosynthetic capacity or those that live symbiotically in dinoflagellates. Several Nitzschia species have been used as indicators of water pollution. Recently, Nitzschia species have attracted considerable attention in the field of biotechnology. In this study, a transformation method for the marine pennate diatom Nitzschia sp. strain NIES-4635, isolated from the coastal Seto Inland Sea, was established. Plasmids containing the promoter/terminator of the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c binding protein gene (fcp, or Lhcf) derived from Nitzschia palea were constructed and introduced into cells by multi-pulse electroporation, resulting in 500 μg/mL nourseothricin-resistant transformants with transformation frequencies of up to 365 colonies per 108 cells. In addition, when transformation was performed using a new plasmid containing a promoter derived from a diatom-infecting virus upstream of the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp), 44% of the nourseothricin-resistant clones exhibited GFP fluorescence. The integration of the genes introduced into the genomes of the transformants was confirmed by Southern blotting. The Nitzschia transformation method established in this study will enable the transformation this species, thus allowing the functional analysis of genes from the genus Nitzschia, which are important species for environmental and biotechnological development. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkadaKoki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoYu en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiraishiYukine en-aut-sei=Shiraishi en-aut-mei=Yukine kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraTakashi en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MayamaShigeki en-aut-sei=Mayama en-aut-mei=Shigeki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadonoTakashi en-aut-sei=Kadono en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiMasao en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IfukuKentaro en-aut-sei=Ifuku en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NemotoMichiko en-aut-sei=Nemoto en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=The Advanced Support Center for Science Teachers, Tokyo Gakugei University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Diatom kn-keyword=Diatom en-keyword=Genetic transformation kn-keyword=Genetic transformation en-keyword=Nitzschia kn-keyword=Nitzschia en-keyword=Multi-pulse electroporation kn-keyword=Multi-pulse electroporation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=42 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=227 end-page=237 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Flavor retention characteristics of amorphous solid dispersion of flavors, prepared by vacuum-foam- and spray-drying under different conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the powderization of flavoring substances, using an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technique, in which hydrophobic molecules are separately embedded in a water-soluble carrier matrix. Six flavors, five carrier forming materials (polyvinylpyrrolidone/disaccharides), two solvents (methanol/ethanol) and two drying methods (vacuum-foam-/spray-drying) were employed. The drying conditions for the two drying processes were first examined, and under the optimal drying conditions, various flavor-carrier combinations and compositions of ASD samples were prepared and their flavor retention after drying and during storage under a vacuum were compared. Results demonstrated that flavor loss during drying and storage was minimized when the material was vacuum-foam-dried with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Vacuum-foam-drying in the presence of α-maltose or palatinose also resulted in a greater retention of flavor during drying and storage than a typical O/W emulsification-based powderization. These findings suggest that the ASD-based powderization of flavoring materials is a feasible alternative to the currently used produces. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NittaYuna en-aut-sei=Nitta en-aut-mei=Yuna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHaruna en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Haruna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoRina en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Rina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImanakaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Imanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshidaNaoyuki en-aut-sei=Ishida en-aut-mei=Naoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ImamuraKoreyoshi en-aut-sei=Imamura en-aut-mei=Koreyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Flavor kn-keyword=Flavor en-keyword=amorphous solid dispersion kn-keyword=amorphous solid dispersion en-keyword=vacuum foam drying kn-keyword=vacuum foam drying en-keyword=spray drying kn-keyword=spray drying en-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone kn-keyword=polyvinylpyrrolidone en-keyword=disaccharide kn-keyword=disaccharide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=62 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=125001 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231121 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Photoelectron holographic evidence for the incorporation site of Se and suppressed atomic displacement of the conducting layer of La(O,F)BiSSe en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=La(O,F)BiS2-xSex is a layered material that is considered to be a candidate exotic superconductor as well as a promising thermoelectrical material. We performed soft X-ray photoelectron holography to study the Se incorporation site and the local atomic arrangement of the conducting layer. A comparison of the experimental holograms with the simulated holograms indicates that Se atoms preferentially occupy the S sites in the conducting Bi–S plane of La(O,F)BiS2. A comparison between the state-of-the-art holographic reconstructions of La(O,F)BiSSe and La(O,F)BiS2 suggests that Se substitution suppresses the displacement of S atoms in La(O,F)BiS2. These results provide photoelectron holographic evidence for the Se incorporation site and the Se-induced suppression of in-plane disorder. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiYaJun en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=YaJun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunZeXu en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=ZeXu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SetoguchiTaro en-aut-sei=Setoguchi en-aut-mei=Taro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoYusuke en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSoichiro en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KogaShunjo en-aut-sei=Koga en-aut-mei=Shunjo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoshiKazuhisa en-aut-sei=Hoshi en-aut-mei=Kazuhisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizuguchiYoshikazu en-aut-sei=Mizuguchi en-aut-mei=Yoshikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakitaTakanori en-aut-sei=Wakita en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaYuji en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyaTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yokoya en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Engineering Research Center of Integrated Circuit Packaging and Testing, Ministry of Education, Tianshui Normal University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Physics, Tokyo Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Physics, Tokyo Metropolitan University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=photoelectron holography kn-keyword=photoelectron holography en-keyword=La(O,F)BiS2-x Se x kn-keyword=La(O,F)BiS2-x Se x en-keyword=local structure kn-keyword=local structure en-keyword=dopant site kn-keyword=dopant site END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=96 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=129536 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Direct evaluation of polarity of the ligand binding pocket in retinoid X receptor using a fluorescent solvatochromic agonist en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High selectivity of small-molecule drug candidates for their target molecule is important to minimize potential side effects. One factor that contributes to the selectivity is the internal polarity of the ligand-binding pocket (LBP) in the target molecule, but this is difficult to measure. Here, we first confirmed that the retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist 6-(ethyl(1-isobutyl-2-oxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-dihydroquinolin-7-yl)amino)nicotinic acid (NEt-iFQ, 1) exhibits fluorescence solvatochromism, i.e., its Stokes shift depends on the polarity of the solvent, and then we utilized this property to directly measure the internal polarity of the RXRα-LBP. The Stokes shift of 1 when bound to the RXRα-LBP corresponded to that of 1 in chloroform solution. This finding is expected to be helpful for designing RXR-selective ligands. A similar approach should be appliable to evaluate the internal polarity of the LBPs of other receptors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiuraKizuku en-aut-sei=Miura en-aut-mei=Kizuku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiharaMichiko en-aut-sei=Fujihara en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasaki en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakamuraYuta en-aut-sei=Takamura en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawasakiMayu en-aut-sei=Kawasaki en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoShogo en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakutaHiroki en-aut-sei=Kakuta en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=RXR kn-keyword=RXR en-keyword=Fluorescence kn-keyword=Fluorescence en-keyword=Solvatochromism kn-keyword=Solvatochromism en-keyword=Binding assay kn-keyword=Binding assay END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=38 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e15169 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231026 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of changes in skeletal muscle mass and quality during the waiting time on outcomes of lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: The association of changes in skeletal muscle mass and quality during the waiting time with outcomes of lung transplantation (LT) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association of changes in skeletal muscle mass and quality during the waiting time, as well as preoperative skeletal muscle mass and quality, with outcomes of LT.
Methods: This study included individuals who underwent LT from brain-dead donors. Skeletal muscle mass (cm2/m2) and quality (mean Hounsfield units [HU]) of the erector spinae muscle at the 12th thoracic level were evaluated using computed tomography. Preoperative skeletal muscle mass and quality, and their changes during the waiting time were calculated. We evaluated the associations among mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, 6-minute walk distance at discharge, and 5-year survival after LT.
Results: This study included 98 patients. The median waiting time was 594.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 355.0–913.0). The median changes in skeletal muscle mass and quality were −4.4% (IQR, −13.3–3.1) and −2.9% (IQR, −16.0–4.1), respectively. Severe low skeletal muscle mass at LT was associated with prolonged ICU LOS (B = 8.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .51–16.42) and hospital LOS (B = 36.00, 95% CI: 3.23–68.78). Pronounced decrease in skeletal muscle mass during the waiting time was associated with prolonged MV duration (B = 7.85, 95% CI: .89–14.81) and ICU LOS (B = 7.97, 95% CI: .83–15.10).
Conclusion: Maintaining or increasing skeletal muscle mass during the waiting time would be beneficial to improve the short-term outcomes of LT. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyamaAkikazu en-aut-sei=Hagiyama en-aut-mei=Akikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SendaMasuo en-aut-sei=Senda en-aut-mei=Masuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=computed tomography kn-keyword=computed tomography en-keyword=lung transplantation kn-keyword=lung transplantation en-keyword=prognosis kn-keyword=prognosis en-keyword=skeletal muscle kn-keyword=skeletal muscle en-keyword=waiting time kn-keyword=waiting time END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=65 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e15696 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Adverse reactions in young children receiving the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: We sought to investigate the occurrence of adverse reactions in Japanese children aged 6 months to 4 years who received the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, to examine parental considerations, and to evaluate potential risk factors associated with post-vaccination fever.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey study targeted 1617 children aged 6 months to 4 years who received their primary doses of BNT162b2 from November 10, 2022, to April 30, 2023, in Okayama Prefecture. We surveyed the occurrence of local and systemic reactions within 1 week after vaccination, and described the incidence proportions of adverse reactions for 515 participants overall and by age group. The study also examined the impact of previous COVID-19 infection and co-administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine on post-vaccination fever. A survey also assessed parents' reasons for vaccinating their children and the sources of information they used.
Results: Adverse reactions were infrequent (5.2%, with fever ≥37.5°C; no cases exceeded 39°C) and did not increase with vaccine doses administered. The risk of post-vaccination fever was not statistically associated with a history of COVID-19—the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) was 0.99, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.41–2.39—but was associated with co-administration of the seasonal influenza vaccine (aRR 3.24, 95% CI 1.14–9.18). Parental decisions regarding vaccination were influenced by official government guidelines and primary care physicians' opinion.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insight into the safety profile of the BNT162b2 vaccine in Japanese children aged 6 months to 4 years. Further research involving larger cohorts and appropriate control groups is needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuJunya en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Junya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYuji en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization, Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Aiiku Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=adverse reaction kn-keyword=adverse reaction en-keyword=BNT162b2 kn-keyword=BNT162b2 en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=vaccine kn-keyword=vaccine en-keyword=young children kn-keyword=young children END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=39 cd-vols= no-issue=44 article-no= start-page=15587 end-page=15596 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Analysis of Evaporation of Droplet Pairs by a Quasi-Steady-State Diffusion Model Coupled with the Evaporative Cooling Effect en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Multidroplet evaporation is a common phase-change phenomenon not only in nature but also in many industrial applications, including inkjet printing and spray cooling. The evaporation behavior of these droplets is strongly affected by the distance between neighboring droplets, and in particular, evaporation suppression occurs as the distance decreases. However, further quantitative information, such as the temperature and local evaporation flux, is limited because the analytical models of multidroplet evaporation only treat vapor diffusion, and the effect of the latent heat transfer through the liquid–vapor phase change is ignored. Here, we perform a numerical analysis of evaporating droplet pairs that linked vapor diffusion from the droplet surface and evaporative cooling. Heat transfer through the liquid and gas phases is also considered because the saturation pressure depends on the temperature. The results show an increase in the vapor concentration in the region between the two droplets. Consequently, the local evaporation flux in the proximate region significantly decreases with decreasing separation distance. This means that the latent heat transfer through the phase change is diminished, and an asymmetrical temperature distribution occurs in the liquid and gas phases. These numerical results provide quantitative information about the temperature and local evaporation flux of evaporating droplet pairs, and they will guide further investigation of multiple droplet evaporation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaYutaka en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsobeKazuma en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoribeAkihiko en-aut-sei=Horibe en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=19K14910 kn-keyword=19K14910 en-keyword=21K03898 kn-keyword=21K03898 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=89 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=101854 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The long-run risk premium in the intertemporal CAPM: International evidence en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates whether long-run conditional covariance risk is linked to expected returns in the Intertemporal CAPM framework. We observe that the long-run value risk is positively associated with the expected returns on the global portfolios excluding the US. We also find that the long-run momentum risk is negatively related to the expected returns. In contrast, the long-run market risk is not associated with them, due to the low covariance variation across portfolios. Finally, we uncover that the long-run value premiums were strong for the global and European portfolios before the COVID-19 pandemic. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakemotoRyuta en-aut-sei=Sakemoto en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University, Okayama-ken, Japan and Keio Economic Observatory, Keio University kn-affil= en-keyword=ICAPM kn-keyword=ICAPM en-keyword=long-run risk kn-keyword=long-run risk en-keyword=value anomalies kn-keyword=value anomalies en-keyword=factor models kn-keyword=factor models en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=DCC-MIDAS kn-keyword=DCC-MIDAS END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104585 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Do commodity factors work as inflation hedges and safe havens? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates whether commodity futures factor portfolios work as hedges and safe havens against inflation shocks. We observe that momentum, basis momentum, and a combination of factor portfolios act as strong hedges against core inflation shocks, suggesting that holding the factor portfolios generates not only higher Sharpe ratios but also strong hedge effects against inflation. Moreover, the momentum, basis momentum, and value portfolios have weak safe haven properties against inflation shocks. In addition, our empirical results suggest that hedge effects for commodity future portfolios are stronger during the pre-financialization period. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakagawaKei en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakemotoRyuta en-aut-sei=Sakemoto en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University, Keio Economic Observatory, Keio University kn-affil= en-keyword=Commodity futures kn-keyword=Commodity futures en-keyword=Factor investment kn-keyword=Factor investment en-keyword=Hedgen kn-keyword=Hedgen en-keyword=Safe have kn-keyword=Safe have en-keyword=Inflation kn-keyword=Inflation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=47 article-no= start-page=e202300835 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231113 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Electrochemical Coupling Reactions Using Non‐Transition Metal Mediators: Recent Advances en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Indirect electrolysis method using appropriate mediators enables numerous chemical reactions. The general principles of mediators were described herein with a particular focus on non-transition metal mediators. Recent representative examples of bond formation reactions by indirect electrolysis are summarized and discussed here. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MitsudoKoichi en-aut-sei=Mitsudo en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkumuraYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Okumura en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoEisuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry Graduate School of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=electrocatalysis kn-keyword=electrocatalysis en-keyword=electrochemistry kn-keyword=electrochemistry en-keyword=electrosynthesis kn-keyword=electrosynthesis en-keyword=indirect electrolysis kn-keyword=indirect electrolysis en-keyword=mediator kn-keyword=mediator END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230925 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=空間データ解析における一般化lasso適用の拡張 kn-title=Extension of the generalized lasso application in the spatial data analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RAHARDIANTOROSEPTIAN en-aut-sei=RAHARDIANTORO en-aut-mei=SEPTIAN kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230925 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=高脂肪・高コレステロール食を負荷した SHRSP5/Dmcr ラットは非アルコール性脂肪肝炎の進行に伴い疾患併発性サルコペニアを発症する kn-title=SHRSP5/Dmcr rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet develop disease-induced sarcopenia as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progresses en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract= en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YAMAMOTOShusei en-aut-sei=YAMAMOTO en-aut-mei=Shusei kn-aut-name=山元修成 kn-aut-sei=山元 kn-aut-mei=修成 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学大学院保健学研究科 END