Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama0366-70225592026Size-dependent reflection behavior of graphene oxide-based photonic crystalsupag176ENDaisukeOgawaDepartment of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKokiSanoDepartment of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu UniversityGraphene oxide (GO) nanosheets can spontaneously self-assemble into photonic crystals in water, exhibiting structural colors based on Bragg reflection. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of GO lateral size on the reflection behavior of GO-based photonic crystals. Reflection spectroscopy revealed that both the reflection peak intensity and its time-dependent evolution strongly depended on the GO lateral size, suggesting the existence of an optimal size range for maximizing their reflection intensity.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0376-73887572026Multi-criteria evaluation of graphene oxide nanofiltration membranes for decaffeination125992ENYihanTianSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesTongxiLinSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityXiaojunRenSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesRakeshJoshiSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesNanofiltration (NF) offers a promising low-energy approach for producing decaffeinated instant coffee, while requires membranes that balance caffeine removal, water permeance, and retention of key coffee matrix compounds. Here, graphene oxide membranes (GOMs) were modified by sodium alginate (SA) intercalation, Ca2+ crosslinking, and their combined strategy to tune nanochannel structure and separation performance. The results show that membrane modification does not follow a simple monotonic trend; instead, small structural and chemical changes generate competing effects on permeance and selectivity through coupled transport, adsorption, and confinement mechanisms. To identify the most suitable membrane, a multi-criteria evaluation framework (MCEF) combining entropy weighting and TOPSIS was established using five key performance indicators: caffeine removal, flavour-related marker retention index, choline retention, water permeance, and concentration increase. This framework identified CGSM-1 as the best-performing flat membrane, which also showed promising performance in hollow-fibre form. In coffee filtration tests, CGSM-1 reduced caffeine concentration from 24.64 to 12.95 μg/mg, corresponding to a 47.4% reduction, while retaining measurable levels of HMF, trigonelline, NMP, and choline. These findings demonstrate the potential of engineered GOMs for selective caffeine reduction in coffee liquor and provide a practical evaluation strategy for membrane-based decaffeination.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2643-6728742026Graphene Oxide: Designing a Functional Smarter Material for Advanced Biomedicine399409ENCéciliaMénard-MoyonCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISISYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityAlbertoBiancoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityGraphene oxide (GO) has emerged as one of the most extensively studied two-dimensional (2D) materials, thanks to its large surface area and abundance of functional groups, which enable applications across energy, catalysis, electronics, construction, and mobility. Its exceptional dispersibility in water further expands its use in the biomedical field. However, researchers have consistently expressed concerns about the limited control over GO chemical composition and structural heterogeneity. These factors are often overlooked, strongly affecting the reproducibility in both synthesis and applications. Because GO is considered a promising platform for advanced drug delivery, achieving reproducible preparation and precise structural control is essential to make it a reliable alternative to the many nanomaterials currently being explored for nanomedicine.<br>
Motivated by these challenges, we have focused our work on identifying and controlling the key parameters that govern GO structure and surface chemistry. Over the past decade, we have developed methods to produce GO with controlled and tunable chemical structures, clarified the reactivity of its major functional groups, and developed robust strategies for postfunctionalizing GO with therapeutic agents, targeting ligands, and imaging dyes. In parallel, we have established systematic approaches to evaluate GO biocompatibility and biodegradability, revealing how specific physicochemical features influence biological responses and clearance pathways.<br>
Together, these findings provide a unified framework linking GO synthesis, chemical modification, and biological behavior. By integrating chemical control, functional performance, and safety assessment, our work outlines a coherent strategy for the rational design of GO-based biomedical materials. We believe that this Account offers a solid foundation for the targeted exploitation of GO in nanomedicine and will help facilitate its eventual clinical translation.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1616-301X2026Biomineral-Inspired Organic/Inorganic Colloidal Liquid-Crystalline Hybrids for Photoresponsive Adhesione77420ENJunyaUchidaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityRyutaKiguchiDepartment of Chemistry and Biotechnology School of Engineering, The University of TokyoRikiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTakashiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityBioinspired hybrid nanostructures offer a promising strategy for developing dynamic functional materials. Herein, we report a new class of photoresponsive liquid-crystalline (LC) adhesives based on organic/inorganic nanostructured colloidal hybrids. These LC materials are composed of a biomineral-inspired hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorod and azobenzene-based forklike molecules. The organic/inorganic LC hybrids exhibit unusual photo-enhanced adhesion upon photoinduced order–disorder phase transitions of these LC materials. The photoresponsive adhesion functions of the colloidal LC hybrids are tuned by spacer moieties of the forklike molecules as well as mixing of the hybrids with the forklike molecules. The reversible photo-enhanced adhesion of the LC hybrids is achieved when the forklike molecule having oligooxyethylene spacers is hybridized with the HAp nanorod. The flexible oligooxyethylene spacers of the forklike molecule are effective for the formation of less ordered packing of the azobenzene units in the LC hybrids, which enables the dynamic photoresponsive functions. We propose an approach to the development of bioinspired photoresponsive LC materials through self-assembly of functional organic molecules and biomineral-based colloidal hybrids.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Optica Publishing GroupActa Medica Okayama2026Demonstration of a Raman Silicon Nanocavity Laser Emitting in the L-Band with S-band excitationFM4B.2ENRikutoIchinoseDepartment of Physics and Electronics, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityShoeiYamasakiDepartment of Physics and Electronics, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityAyumiIshiharaDepartment of Environmental, Life, and Natural Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaKanemaruDepartment of Physics and Electronics, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityTakashiAsanoDepartment of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto UniversitySusumuNodaDepartment of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto UniversityYasushiTakahashiDepartment of Environmental, Life, and Natural Sciences, Okayama UniversityWe demonstrated a Raman silicon nanocavity laser that enables wavelength conversion from the S-band to the L-band. Compared with Raman lasers operating from the E-band to the C-band, a degradation in lasing threshold was observed.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1759-995417292026Effect of graphene oxide sheet size on pickering miniemulsion polymerization of styrene32263236ENYueZhangCluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South WalesYaseminFadilCluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South WalesYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityVipulAgarwalCluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South WalesPer B.ZetterlundCluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South WalesThe effect of graphene oxide (GO) sheet size on the progression of Pickering miniemulsion polymerization of styrene was systematically investigated using two GO samples with lateral dimensions (∼500 nm and 5–10 µm). Key parameters, including the presence of the conventional surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), GO loading, and initiator concentration, were investigated individually. Miniemulsion polymerization with GO was successfully conducted both in the absence and presence of SDS, with the addition of SDS leading to a significant rate enhancement attributed to SDS-induced secondary nucleation. In the presence of SDS, GO sheet size influenced polymerization behavior, and its effect on polymerization rate and monomer conversion exhibited opposite trends at different GO loadings. Small GO (∼500 nm) led to higher conversion and faster rates at high GO loading (5 wt%), whereas large GO (5–10 µm) resulted in higher conversion and faster rates at low GO loading (0.5 wt%). This size-dependent effect became more pronounced at lower initiator concentration. Overall, while GO sheet size exhibited a measurable influence on polymerization behavior, the overall kinetics were primarily governed by SDS-induced secondary nucleation. These findings provide new insights into the role of GO lateral dimensions in miniemulsion polymerization and offer guidance for the design and synthesis of polymer/graphene (oxide) nanocomposites with tunable properties.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X8042026Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection of an Upper Mediastinal Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma241246ENYutaHasegawaDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalHironoriTsujimotoDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalNaoyukiUehataDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalRisaKariyaDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalAsumaIdeDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalTakafumiSuzukiDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalSeiichiroFujishimaDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalKeitaKouzuDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalYoshihisaYaguchiDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalKosukeMiyaiDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College HospitalAyumuKuriharaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College HospitalShoOgataDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College HospitalSusumuMatsukumaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College HospitalHidekiUenoDepartment of Surgery, National Defense Medical College HospitalCase Report10.18926/AMO/71067Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is typically caused by a parathyroid adenoma, although some cases arise from ectopic glands. Accurate preoperative localization is essential for guiding surgical strategy, particularly for mediastinal lesions. We report successful video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for an upper mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. A 68-year-old woman was referred for hypercalcemia during evaluation for recurrent ureteral stones. Laboratory tests revealed elevated serum calcium (13.2 mg/dl) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels (266 pg/ml). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy identified a 20-mm mass adjacent to the right esophageal wall. VATS was performed due to the tumor’s mediastinal location. The lesion was resected with intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) to avoid recurrent laryngeal nerve damage. Postoperatively, iPTH and calcium levels rapidly normalized. Transient hypocalcemia and mild hoarseness occurred but resolved with calcium supplementation and conservative management. Pathological examination confirmed a parathyroid adenoma without malignancy. VATS offers a safe and minimally invasive approach for upper mediastinal parathyroid adenomas. IONM and vigilant calcium management are crucial for minimizing these complications. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive imaging, surgical planning, and postoperative care in managing upper mediastinal pHPT.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPI AGActa Medica Okayama2076-26071472026Upregulation of the Outer Membrane Protein OmpV and Its Role in Polymyxin B Stress Adaptation in Vibrio mimicus1527ENShin-ichiMiyoshiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaOnoderaGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShunkiAnnoiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityBasilua AndreMuzemboResearch Center for Intestinal Health Science, Okayama UniversityDaisukeImamuraResearch Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of HyogoOmpV is an outer membrane protein found in a variety of Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we demonstrated that V. mimicus strain CS-66, isolated from a patient with diarrhea, was resistant to polymyxin B (PL-B) and colistin (CL) but susceptible to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. When strain CS-66 was cultured in Luria–Bertani broth containing a sub-minimal inhibitory concentration of each antibiotic used for the susceptibility tests, ompV expression as assayed by reverse transcription-qPCR, significantly increased regardless of the antibiotic tested. In contrast, cell aggregation during the early log phase was observed only when the strain was grown in the broth supplemented with PL-B or CL. A space-filling model of V. mimicus OmpV was generated. The model showed that, although OmpV adopted a β-barrel conformation, it had closed top and bottom ends and possessed a lateral cavity. Structural analysis further indicated that the interior of this lateral cavity was negatively charged and sufficiently large to accommodate PL-B. These results suggest that V. mimicus may adapt to PL-B stress through physical sequestration within the negatively charged cavity of OmpV.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama0941-43553482026Incidence and impact of odontogenic infection-related febrile episodes during perioperative doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide or docetaxel-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy for breast cancer747ENYoshihikoSogaDivision of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalKumikoMatsuzakiDivision of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalHirotakaKosakiDivision of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalTomokoKishimotoDivision of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalAikoYoshitomiDivision of Hospital Dentistry, Okayama University HospitalMakotoKajizonoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalTakashiMakitaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYutaTanakaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYoshitoZamamiDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalTadahikoShienDepartment of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHiroyoshiDoiharaDepartment of Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical CenterBackground Doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC) and docetaxel-cyclophosphamide (TC) are standard perioperative chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer. Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common adverse event, and odontogenic infections may contribute to febrile episodes. This study was performed to investigate the incidence and impact of febrile episodes clinically associated with odontogenic infections during AC and TC chemotherapy.<br>
Methods A total of 408 patients with breast cancer receiving 4 cycles of AC (n = 285) or TC (n = 123) between 2015 and 2020 were included in this single-center retrospective study. Patients recorded daily axillary temperatures and oral symptoms. Dental evaluations were performed when oral infection was suspected. Febrile episodes (≥ 37.5 °C) were assessed, and their clinical association with odontogenic infections was determined based on dental records and the documented clinical course. Relative dose intensity (RDI) was calculated to assess chemotherapy delivery.<br>
Results Overall, 40.2% of patients experienced febrile episodes, and the frequency was higher in the TC group (48.8%) than the AC group (36.5%, P = 0.02). Febrile episodes associated with oral infections occurred in 9.1% of patients, of which 78.4% were clinically associated with odontogenic infections (7.1% of all patients). Most such episodes occurred during the first chemotherapy cycle (79.3%, P < 0.01). Chemotherapy RDI was reduced in three patients with febrile episodes clinically associated with odontogenic infection, but remained ≥ 85%.<br>
Conclusions Febrile episodes clinically associated with odontogenic infections occurred in approximately 7%–8% of patients with breast cancer receiving perioperative AC or TC chemotherapy, predominantly during the first cycle. Odontogenic infections should be considered one possible source of febrile episodes during treatment.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0914-50878752026Cardio-ankle vascular index as a screening tool for coronary artery disease in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease429433ENMitsutakaNakashimaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToruMiyoshiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaUekiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakahiroNishiharaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakashiMikiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShoheiHaraDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKeishiIchikawaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhiroOsawaDepartment of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School General Medicine CentreShinsukeYuasaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesBackground: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common hepatic disorder that significantly increases cardiovascular risk. However, no established screening method exists for detecting subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) in this high-risk population. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a blood pressure–independent measure of arterial stiffness, may offer a non-invasive tool for early detection of coronary atherosclerosis.<br>
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 295 patients with MASLD who underwent both CAVI measurement and coronary computed tomography angiography at a single center. Significant CAD was defined as ≥50 % luminal stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent associations between elevated CAVI and CAD. The incremental predictive value of CAVI was assessed using net reclassification improvement (NRI).<br>
Results: Of the 295 patients, 110 (37.3 %) had significant CAD. Patients with CAD had significantly higher CAVI values (9.0 vs. 8.7, p = 0.007). The area under the ROC curve for CAVI predicting CAD was 0.614. A CAVI cut-off of 8.6 provided a sensitivity of 66.4 % and a specificity of 56.8 %. CAVI ≥8.0 was independently associated with CAD (OR 3.44, 95 % CI: 1.06–11.2, p = 0.040). Adding CAVI to a conventional risk model improved risk reclassification (NRI 0.4236, p < 0.001), although the C-statistic change was not significant (from 0.724 to 0.725, p = 0.835).<br>
Conclusions: CAVI is independently associated with significant coronary stenosis in MASLD patients and may serve as a non-invasive screening tool to enhance cardiovascular risk stratification. Its moderate diagnostic accuracy suggests utility as a component of a multifactorial risk assessment strategy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)Acta Medica Okayama2047-99801592026Insomnia and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide, Real‐World Cohort Studye045149ENTakuroMasudaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKentaroEjiriDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHidehiroKanekoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoYutaSuzukiDepartment of Advanced Cardiology, The University of TokyoToruMiyoshiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoshiTayaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKeiichiroIwasakiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKojiNakagawaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNobuhiroNishiiDepartment of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroshiMoritaDepartment of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkiraOkadaDepartment of Prevention of Diabetes and Lifestyle-Related Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of TokyoKatsuhitoFujiuDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoNorifumiTakedaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoHiroyukiMoritaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoHideoYasunagaDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of TokyoNorihikoTakedaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoShinsukeYuasaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesBackground: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent diseases observed in clinical practice, contributing to increased death and a range of chronic diseases. While numerous studies have explored the relationship between insomnia and cardiovascular disease, research on its association with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between insomnia and incident AF in the general population by comprehensive, nationwide, real‐world data in Japan.<br>
Methods: A total of 1 780 764 individuals without prior cardiovascular disease including AF from the DeSC database were included between April 2014 and August 2023. Insomnia was defined by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) codes (F510, G470) before the baseline health checkup. The primary outcome was incident AF (I480–I482 and I489). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios of AF according to present insomnia (versus absent).<br>
Results: Insomnia was observed in 216 919 individuals (12.2%), showing a significant association with incident AF after adjusting for potential confounding factors (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.10–1.18]). Among subgroups, a similar pattern in the association between insomnia and incident AF was seen, while the association was stronger in younger individuals aged <65 years (versus ≥65 years) and women (versus men) (P for interaction=0.01 and 0.03, respectively).<br>
Conclusions: Insomnia was significantly associated with the risk of AF. It highlighted the importance of recognizing insomnia as a risk factor for AF, given its high prevalence in the general population and the substantial impact of AF on quality of life and prognosis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)Acta Medica Okayama2187-01361412025Study of Signal Separation and Demodulation Techniques Considering IQ Imbalance by Stored Data Batch Signal Processing3033ENYudaiMitaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaHiraokaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTomofumiHikasaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShigeruTomisatoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySatoshiDennoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroUeharaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityWith the arrival of the IoT era, the problem of interference has become even more serious, and the challenge is to establish techniques for separating and demodulating collide signals. To achieve this, we are conducting research on stored data batch signal processing technology using short-time Fourier transform (STFT). In this paper, we used a feature quantity demodulation method proposed as a method for stored data batch signal processing to evaluate the effect of IQ imbalance, which is a factor in signal degradation in the transmitter, on signal separation and demodulation performance. Furthermore, we proposed a receiver configuration that estimates the amount of degradation due to IQ imbalance from the extracted feature quantities and compensates for the signal degradation. Computer simulation results confirmed that the proposed compensation method can improve signal separation and demodulation performance when degraded by IQ imbalance.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0361-860910012024Different impacts of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor administration on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant outcomes for adult acute myeloid leukemia according to graft type6677ENTakaakiKonumaDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of TokyoKazuakiKamedaDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical CenterKaoruMoritaDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical UniversityTadakazuKondoDepartment of Hematology, Kobe City Medical Center General HospitalFumihikoKimuraDivision of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical CollegeHidekiNakasoneDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical CenterFumihikoOuchiHematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome HospitalNaoyukiUchidaDepartment of Hematology, Toranomon HospitalMasatsuguTanakaDepartment of Hematology, Kanagawa Cancer CenterTetsuyaNishidaDepartment of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi HospitalTakahiroFukudaDepartment of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center HospitalYutaHasegawaDepartment of Hematology, Hokkaido University HospitalMamikoSakata‐YanagimotoDepartment of Hematology, University of Tsukuba HospitalMakotoOnizukaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of MedicineMasashiSawaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Anjo Kosei HospitalShuichiOtaDepartment of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu HospitalNoboruAsadaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University HospitalShin‐IchiroFujiwaraDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical UniversitySatoshiYoshiharaDepartment of Hematology, Hyogo Medical University HospitalFumihikoIshimaruTechnical Department, Japanese Red Cross Society Blood Service HeadquartersMakotoYoshimitsuDepartment of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kagoshima University HospitalYoshinobuKandaDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical UniversityMarieOhbikiJapanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationYoshikoAtsutaJapanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationMasamitsuYanadaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University East Medical CenterWe retrospectively evaluated the impacts of using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and its timing on posttransplant outcomes for 9766 adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) between 2013 and 2022 using a Japanese database. We separately evaluated three distinct cohorts based on graft type: 3248 received bone marrow transplantation (BMT), 3066 received peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), and 3452 received single-unit cord blood transplantation (CBT). Multivariate analysis showed that G-CSF administration significantly accelerated neutrophil recovery after BMT, PBSCT, and CBT. However, it was associated with a higher risk of grades II–IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) across all graft types. Moreover, an increased incidence of overall chronic GVHD was observed with G-CSF administration in BMT and CBT patients, but not in PBSCT patients. G-CSF administration significantly improved overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) only following CBT. Regarding the timing of G-CSF, in comparison with late initiation of G-CSF (Days 5–10), early initiation (Days 0–4) did not provide benefits for hematopoietic recovery regardless of graft type. In contrast, late initiation was significantly associated with a lower risk of grades II–IV acute GVHD and better OS and LFS in CBT patients. These data demonstrated that G-CSF administration accelerated neutrophil recovery and increased the risk of grades II–IV acute GVHD across all graft types, but significantly improved survival outcomes but only following CBT. Therefore, routine use of G-CSF should be considered for CBT in adult patients with AML.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPI AGActa Medica Okayama1718-77293262025Global Incidence Trend of Early-Onset Obesity-Related and Non-Obesity-Related Cancers324ENMiyuTerashimaOkayama University Medical SchoolKotaNakayamaOkayama University Medical SchoolSatokoUgaiDepartment of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USAHwa-YoungLeeGraduate School of Public Health and Healthcare Management, The Catholic University of KoreaYutaTsukumoDepartment of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthEtsujiSuzukiDepartment of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHirokiMizunoDepartment of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthMinkyoSongLaboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthNaokoSasamotoPublic Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterIchiroKawachiDepartment of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthTomotakaUgaiDepartment of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthThe global rise in obesity prevalence and the incidence of early-onset cancer (diagnosed between 20 and 49 years of age) is a serious public health concern. We, therefore, evaluated the recent global trends in the incidence of early-onset obesity-related cancers and compared them to those of non-obesity-related cancers. We obtained age-standardized incidence rates of early-onset cancers diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 in 44 countries from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents database. Using joinpoint regression models, we calculated the average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for combined and individual categories of obesity-related cancers (11 and 9 cancer types in females and males, respectively) and non-obesity-related cancers (12 cancer types in both females and males). Differences in the AAPC were assessed by comparing 95% CIs, where nonoverlapping 95% CIs were considered statistically significantly different. We observed statistically significant positive AAPCs for early-onset obesity-related cancers in all available countries combined among females (global AAPC, 4.3%; 95% CI, 4.1–4.6%) and males (global AAPC, 1.4%; 95% CI, 1.2–1.7%). When analyzed by countries, we observed statistically significant positive AAPCs in 26 countries among females and 11 countries among males. AAPCs for early-onset obesity-related cancers were statistically significantly higher than those of non-obesity-related cancers in several regions, especially North America and Oceania. In conclusion, this study indicates that the incidence of early-onset obesity-related cancers exhibited a more pronounced increasing trend than non-obesity-related cancers among both sexes in many countries and regions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1759-995417232026Synthesis of a BC6 polymer via cyclotrimerization of alkynylborane and its application as a heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst24732478ENNaokiTakahashiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKentaroOhkuraResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityLewis acidic boron-containing π-conjugated polymer materials have been demonstrated to be promising for sensing and catalysis; however, the synthetic approaches and the number of installed boron atoms have been limited. Herein, we report the synthesis of a BC6 polymer structure via cyclotrimerization of alkynes. The resulting polymer exhibited superior catalytic activity to small-molecule analogues such as BPh3 and previously reported boron-containing polymers. This enhanced performance is attributed to the high boron content and increased Lewis acidity of BC6, as supported by theoretical and experimental analyses. Owing to its polymeric nature, the catalyst was readily recovered and reused in the catalytic system. These findings demonstrate that building rigid polymer frameworks with a high density of Lewis acidic boron sites is a promising approach to developing recyclable heterogeneous Lewis acid catalysts, and offers a broadly applicable design principle for functional boron-containing polymeric materials.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1867-10712026A novel robot for CT-guided bone needle insertion with a rotational drilling and force-feedback speed control mechanism: preliminary evaluation in swineENYusukeMatsuiDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakaoHirakiDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaKimuraDepartment of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakanoriSasakiCollaborative Research Center for OMIC, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyutaroMatsuuraDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityKojiTomitaDepartment of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama UniversityNoriyukiUmakoshiDepartment of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama UniversitySoichiroOkamotoDepartment of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama UniversityKazuakiMunetomoDepartment of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama UniversityFumiyoHigakiDepartment of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama UniversityJunSakuraiCenter for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University HospitalToshihiroIguchiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityAtsushiNakazawaFaculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityKiyoshiMatsumiyaDepartment of Medical Technology, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of ScienceTakayukiMatsunoFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTetsushiKamegawaFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPurpose To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided needle insertion into swine bones by using a novel robotic system capable of rotational drilling.<br>
Materials and methods This was an animal experiment using three swine. A remote-controlled robot equipped with a rotational drilling and force-feedback insertion speed control mechanism was developed for bone needle insertion. Using the robot, CT-guided insertion of a 10-gauge bone access needle was attempted in the lumbar vertebrae, ilia, and femora six times each. Needle insertion accuracy was evaluated using the angle error, which is defined as the difference between the predetermined and post-insertion needle angles on axial and sagittal CT images. The time required for needle insertion was measured. The angle error and time required for needle insertion were compared among the bones using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Adverse events were also evaluated.<br>
Results Robotic bone needle insertion was successful in all attempts. The median axial and sagittal angle errors were 0.21 and 0.21° for the lumbar vertebrae, 0.32 and 0.13° for the ilia, and 0.65 and 0.25° for the femora, respectively. Axial angle errors were significantly different among the bone types (p = 0.038). The time required for needle insertion was 23.6, 21.3, and 59.7 s for the lumbar vertebrae, ilia, and femora, respectively. Time was significantly different among bone types (p = 0.017). No adverse events were observed.<br>
Conclusion CT-guided bone needle insertion using a robot equipped with a rotational drilling and force-feedback insertion speed control mechanism was feasible and accurate in swine.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1432-058410552026HLA-matched versus haploidentical donor transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide: a study on behalf of the donor/source working group of the Japanese society for transplantation and cellular therapy255ENYosukeNakayaDepartment of Hematology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of MedicineHirohisaNakamaeDepartment of Hematology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of MedicineJunichiSugitaDepartment of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu HospitalJunyaKandaDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityYutaHasegawaDepartment of Hematology, Hokkaido University HospitalTetsuyaEtoDepartment of Hematology, Hamanomachi HospitalTakahiroFukudaDepartment of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center HospitalNaokiKuritaDepartment of Hematology, University of Tsukuba HospitalNobuhiroHiramotoDepartment of Hematology, Kobe City Medical Center General HospitalKojiNagafujiDivision of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University HospitalDepartment of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu HospitalShuichiOtaDepartment of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu HospitalNoboruAsadaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University HospitalToshihikoAndoDivision of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityToshiroKawakitaDepartment of Hematology, NHO Kumamoto Medical CenterTakashiAkasakaDepartment of Hematology, Tenri HospitalYasuoMoriHematology, Oncology & Cardiovascular medicine, Kyushu University HospitalTomohikoKamimuraDepartment of Hematology, Harasanshin HospitalMakotoOnizukaDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of MedicineYoshikoAtsutaJapanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationHidekiNakasoneDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical CenterPost-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is now being increasingly applied to HLA-matched donor (MD) transplantation. Prior studies in Western countries have demonstrated that allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) employing PTCy yields better outcomes with HLA-matched donors (MDs) than with haploidentical donors (HIDs). However, the effect of HLA mismatch may differ among racial groups. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with hematological malignancies who underwent their first allo-HCT with PTCy from MDs or HIDs registered to the Japanese registry database between 2013 and 2021. Among 63 (related, n = 33; unrelated, n = 30) and 1261 patients who received MD and HID allo-HCT with PTCy, 50 (related, n = 30; unrelated, n = 20) and 100 patients were assigned to MD and HID groups by 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM). The results showed that MD recipients had better neutrophil recovery (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.10; P = 0.031) and lower risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05–0.81; P = 0.024) than HID recipients. Multivariable analyses in the entire cohort before PSM confirmed these findings. Fatal infection was the primary cause of NRM in the HID group. This study is the first to demonstrate that, within a homogeneous Asian cohort, MD may have an advantage over HID in PTCy-based allo-HCT in facilitating neutrophil engraftment and reducing the risk of NRM.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1432-058410552026Donor selection for patients with HLA-homozygous haplotypes in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation244ENNoriyoshiYoshinagaDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityMakotoIwasakiDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityKojiKatoDepartment of Medicine and Biosystemic Science, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical SciencesFumihikoKimuraDivision of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical CollegeMasahiroHirayamaDepartment of Pediatrics, Mie University Graduate School of MedicineMinoruKanayaBlood Disorders Center, Aiiku HospitalSatokoMorishimaCentral Japan Cord Blood BankNaoyukiUchidaDepartment of Hematology, Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations Toranomon HospitalNorikoDokiHematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome HospitalTakahiroFukudaDepartment of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center HospitalYoshinobuKandaDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical UniversityTetsuyaNishidaDepartment of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi HospitalYutaHasegawaDepartment of Hematology, Hokkaido University HospitalShinichiKakoDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical CenterMasatsuguTanakaDepartment of Hematology, Kanagawa Cancer CenterMineoKurokawaDepartment of Cell Therapy and Transplantation Medicine, The University of Tokyo HospitalNoboruAsadaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University HospitalToshiroKawakitaDepartment of Hematology, NHO Kumamoto Medical CenterKeisukeKataokaDivision of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of MedicineYukioKondoDepartment of Hematology, Toyama Prefectural Central HospitalKazunoriImadaDepartment of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Osaka HospitalTatsuoIchinoheDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima UniversityMakotoOnizukaDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of MedicineYoshikoAtsutaJapanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationJunyaKandaDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityHLA homozygous haplotypes occur worldwide, but outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using alternative donor sources remain uncertain. We retrospectively analyzed the Japanese national transplantation registry to compare outcomes after first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with HLA homozygous haplotypes. Donors were classified as homo-to-homo, defined as HLA-matched, or hetero-to-homo, defined as allele-level mismatches at HLA-A, -B, -C, and/or -DRB1 restricted to the host-versus-graft direction. The unrelated donor homo-to-homo group served as the reference. We included 691 patients: related donor homo-to-homo (n = 121), related donor hetero-to-homo (n = 76), unrelated donor homo-to-homo (n = 374), unrelated donor hetero-to-homo (n = 22), cord blood homo-to-homo (n = 40), and cord blood hetero-to-homo (n = 58). Compared with the unrelated donor homo-to-homo group, overall survival was inferior in the cord blood homo-to-homo group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–2.64; P = 0.015), whereas the unrelated donor hetero-to-homo group showed a nonsignificant trend toward inferior overall survival (adjusted HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.97–3.22; P = 0.061). In this Japanese cohort, cord blood homo-to-homo transplantation was associated with inferior overall survival, whereas related donor hetero-to-homo and cord blood hetero-to-homo transplantation were not. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the retrospective design and long study period, and require validation in contemporary, ethnically diverse cohorts.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2026Bioresorbable Membrane Composed of Sodium Hyaluronate and Carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm) Prevents Cancer Implantation at Peritoneal Defects in 3D‐Peritoneum and Murine ModelsENYutaUNEGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular TherapyActa Medica Okayama1882-40722012026Current Status of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An International Perspective Including Japanra.2025-0153ENMasatoKawakamiDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKenjiSugiuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasafumiHiramatsuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunHarumaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuKimuraDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSoutomeDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJuntaroFujitaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYuichiHirataDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFukikoBabaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShotaTanakaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMiddle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is gaining global prevalence as a minimally invasive treatment aimed at serving as an adjunct to or method of avoiding surgery; however, its optimal positioning remains unclear. This study outlines the current status of MMAE in Japan, Germany, and the United States based on nationwide survey reports, recently published consensus guidelines, and meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM; EMBOLISE, STEM, and MAGIC-MT) and examines its efficacy and limitations. Real-world clinical data from Japan, Germany, and the United States indicate that MMAE is primarily used as an adjunctive therapy following surgery for older and high-risk or recurrent cases, or as a stand-alone therapy in selected cases to safely reduce the risk of recurrence and reoperation. While a multidisciplinary consensus statement takes a cautious stance that limits MMAE to recurrent or inoperable cases such as those at high risk associated with interrupting antithrombotic medication, the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology guidelines published after the RCTs strongly recommend the concurrent use of MMAE with standard therapy in de novo cases. Meta-analyses integrating the 3 NEJM trials and other RCTs showed that MMAE suppressed recurrence and reoperation versus standard treatment, with particularly pronounced effects in the nonsurgical (conservative treatment) group; however, the additive effect was limited in the surgical adjunct group. No improvement in functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score) was observed. Cost-effectiveness analyses suggest that, while MMAE reduces reoperations, routine implementation for all cases is difficult to justify economically because of high procedural costs, indicating the need to narrow the indication to populations at high risk of recurrence. In conclusion, although MMAE is an effective treatment option, the current evidence does not support its uniform introduction in all patients with CSDH. Thus, it is necessary to individualize and adapt the indications for specific patient subgroups, such as those at high risk of recurrence or those for whom surgery is difficult. Finally, we propose a pragmatic treatment strategy for MMAE stratified by disease stage (de novo vs. recurrent) and clinical severity to guide the individualized selection of adjunctive and stand-alone embolization.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0935-96482026Turning Unpredictable Biomolecule Adsorption to Controlled Corona Formation: Focus on Carbon Nanomaterialse23328ENYajuanZouResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYaleiHuCNRS, Immunology Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry University of Strasbourg ISISJieYuGraduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto UniversityNaokiKomatsuGraduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityAlbertoBiancoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityWith unique optical and physicochemical properties, carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including carbon nanotubes, graphene-related materials, nanodiamonds, and carbon dots, are extensively explored as platforms for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, in biofluids, CNMs spontaneously adsorb biomolecules to form an unpredictable corona, obstructing the implementation of their designed functions. In this review, we summarize how the intrinsic and acquired properties of CNMs affect protein corona formation, and the consequent biological and toxicological outcomes, as well as strategies to reshape the composition and structural organization of adsorbed proteins. This comprehensive knowledge will provide insights into developing CNMs with tailored corona and requested functions in cancer nanomedicine, advancing their translations into clinics.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama2196-02161382026Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzo[b]Phosphole Oxides via Dehydrogenative Annulation Using 1,4-Diazabicyclo [2.2.2]Octane as a Mediatore70175ENKoichiMitsudoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySakuraKinjoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiOkumuraGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityEisukeSatoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRikiKatoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySeijiSugaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe electrochemical intermolecular annulation of diarylphosphine oxides with alkynes for the synthesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxides has been reported. The reaction proceeded under transition-metal- and oxidant-free conditions via indirect electrolysis, using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as a mediator. High-surface-area carbon electrodes, such as carbon felt and reticulated vitreous carbon, are essential for this reaction. Several diarylphosphine oxides and alkynes were applied to electrochemical annulation, and the corresponding benzo[b]phosphole oxides were obtained. Mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction proceeds via radical intermediates generated through multiple pathways.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1359-73452026Synthesis of sulfur- and oxygen-bridged cationic [4]-helicenes mediated by Friedel–Crafts-S <sub>N</sub> Ar tandem reactions for red-light-driven organophotoredox catalysisENRyogaHasebeGraduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National UniversityRumiHanadaGraduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National UniversityYutaTanakaGraduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National UniversityYutaGotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMioTakeuchiGraduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National UniversityHiroyoshiTakamuraGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIsaoKadotaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKentaTanakaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYujiroHoshinoGraduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National UniversityThe synthesis of sulfur- and oxygen-bridged cationic [4]-helicenes via a tandem Friedel–Crafts–SNAr reaction of a diaryl sulfide or a diaryl ether with a (thio)salicylic acid has been developed. The sulfur-bridged cationic [4]-helicenes are suitable as catalysts for photoredox reactions under low-energy light sources such as red LED light.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1472-68312612026Evaluation of contact-active antibacterial properties of cetylpyridinium chloride–graphene oxide coatings on dental restorative and titanium surfaces: an in vitro study558ENKeisukeOkuboDepartment of Periodontics and Endodontics, Field of Medical Development, Okayama UniversityGenKanoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasatoKomodaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityHideyukiKamataGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShinNakamuraDepartment of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiShinoda-ItoDepartment of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroOmoriDepartment of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityShogoTakashibaDepartment of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityObjective Biofilm formation on dental restorative materials and implant surfaces plays a central role in the development of dental caries, periodontal disease, and peri-implantitis. Durable antimicrobial surface treatments that inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation remain a significant unmet need in restorative and implant dentistry. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a composite coating combining cetylpyridinium chloride and graphene oxide, and to evaluate its durable antibacterial surface modification under in vitro conditions.<br>
Methods A composite coating consisting of cetylpyridinium chloride and graphene oxide was prepared and applied to composite resin and titanium surfaces. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis was evaluated using adenosine triphosphate assays and fluorescence-based live/dead staining. Coating retention after washing and air-drying was assessed by optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.<br>
Results Cetylpyridinium chloride-graphene oxide-coated surfaces showed a significant reduction in bacterial viability compared with phosphate-buffered saline, ethanol, and cetylpyridinium chloride-only controls. Antibacterial effects were maintained after rinsing and air-drying on both composite resin and titanium surfaces. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the persistence of characteristic graphene oxide bands after washing, indicating stable retention of the coating on the material surfaces.<br>
Conclusions Cetylpyridinium chloride–graphene oxide coatings demonstrate sustained surface-associated antibacterial activity against key cariogenic and periodontal pathogens and remain stably adhered to common dental restorative and implant materials after washing. These findings suggest that cetylpyridinium chloride–graphene oxide coatings may serve as a durable contact-active surface modification strategy to reduce biofilm formation associated with dental caries and peri-implantitis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPI AGActa Medica Okayama2410-387X942025Role-Based Efficient Proactive Secret Sharing with User Revocation80ENYixuanHeGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamsulHudaInterdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama UniversityProactive secret sharing (PSS), an extension of secret-sharing schemes, safeguards sensitive data in dynamic distributed networks by periodically refreshing shares to counter adversarial attacks. In our previous work, we constructed a non-interactive proactive secret scheme by integrating threshold homomorphic encryption (ThHE) while reducing the communication complexity to 𝑂(𝑛). Not only is refreshing shares important but revoking the shares of users who have left the system is also essential in practical dynamic membership scenarios. However, the previous work was insufficient for supporting explicit user revocation. This study strengthens the description of roles for authorized users and proposes a scheme to achieve non-interactive share refresh and dynamic user management. In each epoch, authorized users are classified into three roles: retain, newly join, and rejoin, and they receive a broadcast of the compact ciphertext encoding both the refresh information and the revocation instructions from the trusted center (dealer). Authorized users independently derive new shares through homomorphic computations, whereas revoked users are unable to generate new shares. Hash functions are used to bind revocation parameters to the cryptographic hashes of valid users in order to guarantee integrity during revocation, allowing for effective verification without compromising non-interactivity. Our new scheme not only extends the revocation structure but also preserves the 𝑂(𝑛) communication complexity.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2470-13431192026Water-Resistant Antibacterial Coatings Using Cetylpyridinium Chloride - Graphene Oxide Composites1457014577ENKeisukeOkuboDepartment of Periodontics and Endodontics, Field of Medical Development, Okayama UniversityGenKanoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasatoKomodaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroOmoriDepartment of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityShogoTakashibaDepartment of Pathophysiology - Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHospital-acquired infections remain a persistent threat in healthcare settings, especially with the increasing number of elderly and immunocompromised patients. In situations where the use of disposable materials is difficult, durable antibacterial surface coatings are essential. In this study, we report the structural characterization of cetylpyridinium chloride-graphene oxide (CPC–GO) hybrid materials and the sustainability of their antibacterial effects, aiming at washable antibacterial coatings for medical applications. Graphene oxide (GO) has a large surface area and numerous functional groups, while cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a quaternary ammonium compound with well-documented antibacterial activity. We hypothesized that the stable incorporation of CPC through the functional groups of GO could improve surface retention and provide long-term antibacterial performance. The structural properties of the CPC–GO composites were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These analyses confirmed the formation of a complex through ionic bonds and the maintenance of a planar composite structure. The antibacterial performance of the CPC–GO coatings was examined using representative bacteria. Notably, the CPC–GO coatings maintained their antibacterial activity significantly better than the negative controls even after multiple washings. The excellent surface retention of the CPC–GO composite suggests its potential as a next-generation antibacterial coating for areas where disinfection and sterilization are impossible, such as the interior of complex medical devices. This study suggests a strategy to extend the efficacy of existing antibacterial agents through the application of nanomaterials. Future studies will focus on the controlled release, long-term stability, and biocompatibility of CPC to realize clinical applications.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama2752-4191562025Sex differences in the progression of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic syndromeoeaf162ENSatoshiTayaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKentaroEjiriDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHidehiroKanekoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoYutaSuzukiDepartment of Advanced Cardiology, The University of TokyoToruMiyoshiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAtsushiMizunoDepartment of Cardiology, Medical Quality Management Office, QI Center, St. Luke's International HospitalToshiyukiKoDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoTakahiroJimbaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoTatsuhikoAzegamiDivision of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of MedicineAkiraOkadaDepartment of Prevention of Diabetes and Lifestyle-Related Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of TokyoKatsuhitoFujiuDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoNorifumiTakedaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoHiroyukiMoritaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoKaoriHayashiDivision of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of MedicineKoichiNodeDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga UniversityMasaomiNangakuDivision of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineHideoYasunagaDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of TokyoNorihikoTakedaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of TokyoShinsukeYuasaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAims Cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a novel disease concept; however, sex differences in its progression remain uncertain. This study aimed to quantify the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events across CKM stages and to explore sex differences in this association.<br>
Methods and results We included 1 332 436 individuals (581 423 males and 751 013 females) from the DeSC database between 2014 and 2023 who had no prior CVD (i.e. CKM Stage 4). CKM stages were categorized as follows: Stage 0 (no CKM risk factors); Stage 1 (excess or dysfunctional adiposity); Stage 2 [metabolic risk factors and chronic kidney diseases (CKD)], and Stage 3 (subclinical CVD). We used Cox models to examine the association of CKM stages with the risk of CVD events (newly developed CKM Stage 4), including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease. The progression from CKM Stages 0 to 3 showed a dose-dependent increase in adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for developing CVD events, with the highest risk at Stage 3 [1.85 (95% CI: 1.80–1.90)]. A similar pattern was observed in both males and females. However, the magnitude of associations for CKM stages 1–3 differed between the sexes: HR by Stage 1, 1.12 (1.04–1.21) vs. 1.12 (1.07–1.16); by Stage 2, 1.78 (1.69–1.88) vs. 1.43 (1.39–1.48); by Stage 3, 1.99 (1.89–2.10) vs. 1.82 (1.76–1.88); and P-for-interaction values were 0.87, < 0.001, and 0.005, respectively.<br>
Conclusion In this large nationwide cohort, CKM stage progression was associated with higher CVD risk in both sexes, with modest sex-specific differences. These findings highlight the value of CKM staging for early risk assessment, regardless of sex.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.The Carbon Society of JapanActa Medica Okayama2436-5831432025Synthesis and applications of porous carbonaceous materials with inherited molecular structural features from the precursor molecules179187ENKokiChidaInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityTakeharuYoshiInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKazuhideKamiyaResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaRyotaSakamotoDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityFumitoTaniInstitute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu UniversityTomokiOgoshiDepartment of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityHirotomoNishiharaInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityThe carbonization of organic crystalline materials, such as metal organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks, has emerged as a promising approach for producing functional porous carbonaceous materials. However, both the chemically defined long-term ordered structures and the local chemical structures derived from these precursor materials are generally lost, resulting in amorphous carbons. As a result, controlling the molecular-level structure of nanoporous carbons remains a significant challenge. We report a new bottom-up synthesis approach for porous carbons with a molecular-level design, involving the carbonization of well-designed precursor molecules by thermal polymerization. Among the resulting carbons, ordered carbonaceous frameworks, which contain a high-density of regularly aligned single-atomic metal species, have been identified as promising platforms for single-atom catalysts. This approach also enables the synthesis of various three-dimensional porous carbons that reflect the structural features of their precursor molecules. Recent progress in the synthesis and applications of porous carbons derived from molecular precursors is summarized, highlighting their potential for the development of functional materials.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama2590-1397282025Flow diverter treatment for internal carotid artery aneurysm following management of distal cerebral aneurysms: Technical note100540ENYuichiHirataDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasafumiHiramatsuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKenjiSugiuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFukikoBabaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJuntaroFujitaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSotomeDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatoKawakamiDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuKimuraDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiEbisudaniDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunHarumaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTomohitoHishikawaDepartment of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical SchoolShotaTanakaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesBackground: In recent years, the effectiveness of flow diverters (FDs) for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms has been reported. While FDs are effective, their deployment involves advancing a delivery wire distally, which may pose a risk if a distal aneurysm exists within the same artery. In such cases, the delivery wire could potentially perforate the distal aneurysm. Here, we present two cases of tandem aneurysms in which an internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm was treated with an FD following the treatment of a distal cerebral aneurysm.<br>
Case description: A 44-year-old woman and a 67-year-old woman underwent magnetic resonance imaging for headache or abducens nerve palsy. In both cases, two aneurysms were revealed: one at the ICA and the other either at the middle cerebral artery or the top of the ICA. Due to the risk of perforation by the delivery wire during FD deployment, the distal aneurysms were treated first―either with surgical neck clipping or stent-assisted coil embolization. One month after the initial treatment, FD placement for the ICA aneurysm was performed as planned without complications in either case.<br>
Discussion: This is the first report where tandem aneurysms were successfully treated with treatment for distal cerebral aneurysms, followed by FDs for proximal ICA aneurysms. We emphasize the potential risk of perforation of the distal aneurysm by the delivery wire during FD placement.<br>
Conclusion: Treatment of distal cerebral aneurysms beforehand can help ensure the safe and effective use of FDs in patients with tandem aneurysms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japan Stroke SocietyActa Medica Okayama0912-07264762025頭蓋頚椎移行部動静脈瘻の開頭手術時における上腕動脈穿刺による脳血管撮影の有用性410412ENYuichiHirataDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasafumiHiramatsuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSusumuSasadaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJuntaroFujitaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSotomeDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatoKawakamiDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuKimuraDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiEbisudaniDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKyoheiKinDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunHarumaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKenjiSugiuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShotaTanakaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences頭蓋頚椎移行部動静脈瘻の手術では，異常血管の確認のため術中血管撮影が重要であるが，体位変換時のsheathの固定や撮影血管へのカテーテルの誘導が困難である．今回，頭蓋頚椎移行部動静脈瘻の開頭手術において上腕動脈穿刺によりultra-long sheathを鎖骨下動脈に留置して椎骨動脈撮影（vertebral artery angiography: VAG）を行う方法の有用性を報告する．当院で本血管撮影を施行した症例の患者背景や合併症を評価した．企図した4例，5血管でVAGを施行でき，合併症も認めなかった．体位変換も腹臥位における穿刺部の観察も簡便であり，カテーテルの操作性にも優れ，VAGを容易に施行することができた．また，管球を頭側から移動する際の術野との干渉も最小限に抑えられた．本方法は利点が多く，有用な血管撮影方法であり，頭蓋頚椎移行部動静脈瘻の手術における一助となり得ると考える．No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama2041-65201792026Gaseous CO2 electrolysis: latest advances in electrode and electrolyzer technologies toward abating CO2 emissions4363ENKazuhideKamiyaResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaSoraNakasoneResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaRyoKuriharaResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaAsatoInoueResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaHazukiIrieResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaShokoNakahataResearch Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of OsakaYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversitySatoshiTaniguchiResearch Institute for Chemical Process Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5Thuy T. H.NguyenResearch Institute for Chemical Process Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5ShoKataokaResearch Institute for Chemical Process Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5The conversion of CO2 into multicarbon (C2+) products via electrochemical reduction is considered a key technology for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. The performance of high-rate gaseous CO2 electrolysis is governed by interrelated factors such as the electrocatalysts, electrodes, electrolytes, and cell architectures. Despite the intensive focus on catalyst research, systematic studies addressing the other components remain scarce, leaving critical gaps in our understanding toward achieving higher performance in CO2 electrolysis systems. The nanoscale design of catalyst surface electronic structures and the macroscale design of electrodes and electrolyzer architectures both influence the overall activity of the electrochemical system. In designing macroscale components, it is necessary to establish benchmarks based on a comprehensive evaluation of CO2 emissions for the entire electrolysis process, because these parameters are directly linked to output metrics such as current density and cell voltage under practical operating conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in electrodes and electrolyzers, and through life-cycle assessment (LCA), evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) for achieving negative emissions and assesses the current technology readiness of CO2 electrolysis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X8012026Time Course of the Development and Loss of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Tolerance: Effects on Hypothermia and Spontaneous Locomotor Activity in Mice4754ENYukiomiEguchiDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversitySoichiroUshioDepartment of Emergency and Disaster Medical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversityKeiichiIrieDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversityYutaYamashitaDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversityMiyuEguchiDepartment of Emergency and Disaster Medical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversityTakafumiNakanoDepartment of Oncology and Infectious Disease Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversityKenichiMishimaDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka UniversityOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/70072Deregulation of cannabis use is gradually expanding in Europe and the United States. However, the biological processes driving tolerance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and time course of tolerance development and loss to Δ9-THC in mice. Male ICR mice (7 weeks old) were administered Δ9-THC once daily for 3 days and then divided into three groups according to the washout period (3-, 10-, and 17-day washout groups). After each washout, changes in body temperature and locomotor activity were measured following re-exposure to Δ9-THC. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain were evaluated using real-time PCR. On day 1, significant hypothermia and reduced spontaneous locomotor activity were observed in the Δ9-THC-treated mice compared with the vehicle-treated mice. Tolerance to the hypothermic and locomotor-suppressing effects of Δ9-THC developed on days 2 and 3, respectively, and dissipated after 3 and 11 days of washout, respectively. These differences in the rates of tolerance development and recovery may reflect distinct underlying mechanisms. No significant changes in receptor mRNA expression were observed. These findings highlight the complexity of Δ9-THC tolerance and its potential implications for long-term cannabis use.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama2950-32993342025Collagen depletion by pirfenidone enhances antitumor effect of oncolytic adenovirus against peritoneal metastases of gastric cancer201045ENTomohiroOkuraDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoruKikuchiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroshiTazawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYuMikaneDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNobuhikoKanayaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesEmaMitsuiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaUneDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKunitoshiShigeyasuDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshiakiOharaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinjiKurodaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhiroNomaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunkoOhtsukaLaboratory of Fundamental Oncology, National Cancer Center Research InstituteRiekoOhkiLaboratory of Fundamental Oncology, National Cancer Center Research InstituteShunsukeKagawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYasuoUrata Oncolys BioPharma, Inc.ToshiyoshiFujiwaraDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in collagen accumulation, which develops and promotes peritoneal metastasis (PM) in gastric cancer (GC). In addition, the abundant stromal collagens in the tumor microenvironment function as a physical barrier against penetration of antitumor drugs and oncolytic viruses. This study investigated whether collagen depletion by pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic drug, enhances the antitumor effects of oncolytic adenoviruses. Analysis of the clinical samples revealed a significant association of high expression of collagen 1 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) with PM development and poor prognosis of advanced GC. Human and murine GC cells enhanced collagen production by fibroblasts, which was suppressed by PFD. Abundant fibroblasts and collagen inhibited the penetration of OBP-702, which reduced the antitumor effects of OBP-702 in the spheroid model. Intraperitoneal co-injection of GC cells and fibroblasts promoted the development of collagen-rich PM and reduced the antitumor effects of OBP-702 in vivo model. PFD suppressed collagen production in PM and improved viral penetration into the tumors, which enhanced the antitumor effects of OBP-702 against PM of GC. Collagen depletion by PFD enhances the penetration of OBP-702 into PM of GC, in turn enhancing the antitumor effects of OBP-702 against PM of GC.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0022-152X62122025An Improved Synthesis of a Key Intermediate for Glycosylation of Biopterin and Its Application for the First Synthesis of Microcystbiopterin B20212029ENTadashiHanayaDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityYutaMaedaDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityKatsuyaIwasakiDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityA 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0008-62155582025First total synthesis of cyanopterin, a pterin glycoside isolated from a cyanobacterium109710ENTadashiHanayaDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityYutaMaedaDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityKazumasaEjiriDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityThe 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama2211-12474512026Immunopeptidomics combined with full-length transcriptomics uncovers diverse neoantigens116781ENTakamasaIshinoDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTomofumiWatanabeDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSerinaTokitaDivision of Cancer Immunology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata UniversityYoukiUedaDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKatsushigeKawaseDivision of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research InstituteYukaTakanoDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYin MinThuDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSuzukiDepartment of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, The University of TokyoChieOwaDepartment of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, The University of TokyoTakashiInozumeDepartment of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of MedicineWenhaoZhouDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJojiNagasakiDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesVitalyKochinDepartment of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineToshihideUenoDivision of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research InstituteShinyaKojimaDivision of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research InstituteAkikoHonobe-TabuchiDepartment of Dermatology, University of YamanashiTatsuyoshiKawamuraDepartment of Dermatology, University of YamanashiTakehiroOhnumaDepartment of Dermatology, Kumamoto Kenhoku HospitalTakamitsuMatsuzawaDepartment of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of MedicineYuKawaharaDepartment of Dermatology, Chiba University Graduate School of MedicineKazuoYamashitaKOTAI Biotechnologies, IncJasonLinDivision of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research InstituteJunKosekiDivision of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineHiroyoshiNishikawaDepartment of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineMotooArakiDepartment of Urology, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNaoyaKatoDepartment of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba UniversityTeppeiShimamuraDivision of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineShinichiMorishitaDepartment of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, The University of TokyoYutakaSuzukiDepartment of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of TokyoHiroyukiManoDivision of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research InstituteToshihikoTorigoeTakayukiKanasekiDivision of Cancer Immunology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata UniversityMasahitoKawazuDivision of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research InstituteYosukeTogashiDepartment of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNeoantigens are crucial for antitumor immunity and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy by triggering strong immune responses. However, conventional methods for identifying neoantigens, such as whole-exon sequencing and short-read RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), appear to be insufficient, and the tumor mutational burden cannot sufficiently predict ICI efficacy. In this study, we employed a proteogenomic approach using long-read RNA-seq with Pacific Biosciences Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing technology to analyze full-length transcripts in combination with the human leukocyte antigen ligandome. As a result, many neoantigen candidates were identified, which were unregistered in a comprehensive database, including those from non-coding regions. Additionally, we validated the responses of specific T cell receptors (TCRs) to these candidates and identified several pairs of TCRs and neoantigens. These findings highlight the presence of more diverse neoantigens than expected that cannot be identified by conventional methods.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1759-995416472025Synthesis of sterically unhindered Lewis acidic boron-doped π-conjugated polymers50355039ENNaokiTakahashiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityWe report the synthesis of sterically unhindered boron-doped π-conjugated polymers via polymerization of organo-dilithium reagents with boron trichloride. The resulting polymer exhibits Lewis acidity and catalyzes the transesterification of methyl benzoate. This performance is attributed to the electron-accepting ability, and thermally labile Lewis acid–base interactions, facilitating catalytic turnover.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama0305-104853222025eIF2D promotes 40S ribosomal subunit recycling during intrinsic ribosome destabilizationgkaf1322ENKazuyaIchiharaDivision of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityTaichiShiraishiDivision of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityYuheiChadaniFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukiKitoDivision of Cell Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu UniversityChisaShiraishiDivision of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityMinaHirataDivision of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityYutaTakahashiDivision of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityAkinaoKoboSchool of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Science TokyoAtsushiHatanoDepartment of Omics and Systems Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata UniversityMasakiMatsumotoDepartment of Omics and Systems Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata UniversityKodaiMachidaGraduate School of Engineering, University of HyogoHiroakiImatakaGraduate School of Engineering, University of HyogoAtsushiToyodaAdvanced Genomics Center, National Institute of GeneticsEmiMishiro-SatoInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya UniversityTakayukiNojimaMedical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu UniversityTakuhiroItoLaboratory for Translation Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical SciencesHidekiTaguchiSchool of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo Keiichi INakayamaDivision of Cell Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu UniversityAkinobuMatsumotoDivision of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya UniversityAlthough eukaryotic initiation factor 2D (eIF2D) is implicated in translation initiation, reinitiation, and ribosome recycling, its precise role remains unclear. Here, we show that eIF2D promotes 40S ribosome recycling during intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD), a process in which ribosomes stochastically destabilize while translating proteins with consecutive acidic amino acids at their NH2-terminus. Unrecycled 40S ribosomes accumulate in eIF2D-deficient cells, leading to 80S ribosome stalling. Selective translation complex profiling (TCP-seq) reveals that eIF2D preferentially associates with IRD-prone regions. The winged helix domain, unique to eIF2D but absent in MCTS1–DENR, enhances its binding to 40S subunits, but likely clashes with ABCE1 during stop-codon-associated recycling. Loss of eIF2D reduces the expression of IRD-inducing proteins, including splicing factors. Together, these findings define a previously unappreciated role for eIF2D in 40S recycling and clarify its mechanistic divergence from the MCTS1–DENR complex.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2574-0962862025Effects of Metal-Cation Doping on Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Activity of Layered Perovskite Oxynitride K2LaTa2O6N35413552ENHideyaTsuchikadoDepartment of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Science TokyoShujiAnabukiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityOvidiuCretuElectron Microscopy Group, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)YukiKinoshitaDepartment of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Institute of Science TokyoMasashiHattoriInstitute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science TokyoYutaShiromaDepartment of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Science TokyoDongxiaoFanInstitute of Materials Structure Science High Energy Accelerator Research OrganizationMegumiOkazakiDepartment of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Science TokyoTakutoSomaDepartment of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Institute of Science TokyoFumitakaIshiwariDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityShunsukeNozawaInstitute of Materials Structure Science High Energy Accelerator Research OrganizationToshiyukiYokoiInstitute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science TokyoMichikazuHaraInstitute of Integrated Research, Institute of Science TokyoKojiKimotoElectron Microscopy Group, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)AkiraYamakataGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAkinoriSaekiDepartment of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka UniversityKazuhikoMaedaDepartment of Chemistry, School of Science, Institute of Science TokyoAliovalent cation doping into a heterogeneous photocatalyst affects several of its physicochemical properties, including its morphological characteristics, optical absorption behavior, and charge carrier dynamics, causing a drastic change in its photocatalytic activity. In the present work, we investigated the effects of aliovalent cation doping on the visible-light H2-evolution photocatalytic activity of the Ruddlesden–Popper layered perovskite oxynitride K2LaTa2O6N. The photocatalytic activity toward H2 evolution from an aqueous NaI solution was found to be enhanced by an increase in the specific surface area of the K2LaTa2O6N photocatalyst, which could be realized upon doping with lower-valence cations (e.g., Mg2+, Al3+, and Ga3+). Among the dopants examined at 1 mol % doping, Ga resulted in the highest activity. The activity of the Ga-doped specimen was further improved with increasing Ga concentration, where the maximal activity was obtained at 10 mol %, corresponding to an apparent quantum yield of 2.7 ± 0.4% at 420 nm from aqueous methanol. This number is the highest reported for a layered oxynitride photocatalyst. In the Ga-doped K2LaTa2O6N, a trade-off was observed between the Ga concentration and the photocatalytic activity. Although doping with Ga reduced the particle size of K2LaTa2O6N and suppressed undesirable charge recombination, it led to an enlarged bandgap, unsuitable for visible-light absorption.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama0944-117460122025Combination chemotherapy for older patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer: a prospective observational study using propensity-score matched analysis (JON2104-B)15841595ENSatoshiKobayashiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Kanagawa Cancer CenterKoheiNakachiDepartment of Medical Oncology, Tochigi Cancer CenterKoujiYamamotoDepartment of Biostatistics, Yokohama City University School of MedicineMakotoUenoDepartment of Gastroenterology, Kanagawa Cancer CenterYutaMarukiKenjiIkezawaDepartment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer InstituteTakeshiTerashimaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University HospitalSatoshiShimizuDepartment of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University HospitalKotoeOshimaDivision of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer CenterKunihiroTsujiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Ishikawa Prefectural Central HospitalYoshiharuMasakiDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of MedicineHidetakaTsumuraDepartment of Gastroenterological Oncology, Hyogo Cancer CenterTaroShibukiDepartment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital EastMasatoOzakaHepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Medicine Department, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchNaohiroOkanoDepartment of Medical Oncology, Kyorin University Faculty of MedicineYukiyasuOkamuraDivision of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nihon University School of MedicineKumikoUmemotoDepartment of Clinical Oncology, St. Marianna University School of MedicineTatsunoriSatohDepartment of Gastroenterology, Shizuoka General HospitalYasushiKojimaDepartment of Gastroenterology, National Center for Global Health and MedicineKazuhikoShiojiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Niigata Cancer Center HospitalHirokoNebikiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Osaka City General HospitalToshifumiDoiDepartment of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineAtsushiNaganumaDepartment of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical CenterShigekiKataokaDepartment of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityEmiriKitaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Chiba Cancer CenterHiroyukiAsamaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical UniversityKaoruTsuchiyaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross HospitalMichiakiUnnoDepartment of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of MedicineReikoAshidaSecond Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical UniversityKazuyukiMatsumotoDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Graduate School of MedicineIzumiOhnoDepartment of Gastroenterology, Chiba University Graduate School of MedicineTakaoItoiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Medical UniversityYujiNegoroDepartment of Oncologial Medicine, Kochi Health Sciences CenterYasunariSakamotoDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, International University of Health and Welfare Atami HospitalShihoArimaDigestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesAkinoriAsagiDepartment of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterHiroyukiOkuyamaDepartment of Medical Oncology, Kagawa University HospitalYoshitoKomatsuDepartment of Cancer Chemotherapy, Hokkaido University Hospital Cancer CenterNoritoshiKobayashiDepartment of Oncology, School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City UniversityHiroakiNaganoDepartment of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of MedicineJunjiFuruseDepartment of Gastroenterology, Kanagawa Cancer CenterBackground: Systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus S-1 (GEM + S-1), GEM + CDDP plus S-1 (GEM + CDDP + S-1), or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GEM + CDDP) is standard treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy in older patients with aBTC.<br>
Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study (JON2104-B, UMIN000045156) included patients aged ≥ 70 years with aBTC. Inverse-probability weighting propensity-score analyses (IPW) were used to compare overall survival (OS) as the primary endpoint and progression-free survival (PFS) across treatment groups.<br>
Results: This study included 305 patients between August 2021 and January 2023. Of them, 75, 131, 26, 52, and 10 received GEM + CDDP + S-1, GEM + CDDP, GEM + S-1, gemcitabine, and S-1; their median ages were 74, 75, 77.5, 80, and 80 years, and approximately 24%, 16.8%, 23.1%, 9.6%, and 0% had G-8 scores of > 14, respectively. GEM + CDDP had a safety profile comparable to that of GEM + CDDP + S-1 but was more toxic than gemcitabine. Per IPW, the hazard ratio (HR) for GEM + CDDP + S-1 versus GEM + CDDP was 0.80 for OS (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–1.17) and 0.55 for PFS (95% CI 0.38–0.80). The HR for GEM + CDDP versus gemcitabine was 0.74 for OS (95% CI 0.42–1.29) and 0.79 for PFS (95% CI 0.42–1.49).<br>
Conclusions: GEM + CDDP + S-1 was associated with longer PFS without additional toxicity than GEM + CDDP for fit older patients. However, the OS for both were not statistically different. The efficacies of GEM + CDDP and gemcitabine for vulnerable older patients did not also differ significantly. These findings highlight the importance of vulnerability in patients with aBTC.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1613-68102025Atomic-Level Insights into Thermal Carbonization of Ethynyl-Containing Boron Compoundse13537ENKentaroOhkuraResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversitySatoshiHayakawaFaculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityNaokiTakahashiGraduate School of Environment Life Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKenYamazakiGraduate School of Environment Life Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJunKanoGraduate School of Environment Life Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityThis study reports the design, synthesis, and characterization of boron-doped carbon (BDC) derived from a triethynylborane-pyridine complex. Triethynylborane is stabilized by coordination with pyridine, facilitating its synthesis and handling in ambient conditions. The complex is subjected to thermal treatment at various temperatures to form BDC. Powder XRD and single-crystal XRD analyses reveal that BDC prepared at 200 °C retains an ordered structure, while higher temperatures induce alkyne structural changes without significant weight or surface area alterations. Coin cells are assembled using BDC as the anode, demonstrating unique Li-ion and Na-ion storage properties distinct from graphite. These results suggest that the BDC reflects the precursor's crystal structure, enabling novel electrochemical behavior. These findings offer insight into the development of advanced BDC materials for energy storage applications.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama1465-36215542025Current management of neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase fusion-positive sarcoma: an updated review313326ENYutaKubotaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityMasanoriKawanoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityTatsuyaIwasakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityIchiroItonagaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityNobuhiroKakuDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityToshifumiOzakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery , Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroTanakaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityIn recent years, pembrolizumab has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating tumors characterized by a high tumor mutational burden and high microsatellite instability. Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors have shown considerable efficacy against tumors harboring neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) fusion genes, highlighting the growing importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment. Advanced sequencing technologies enable the rapid analysis of numerous genetic abnormalities in tumors, facilitating the identification of patients with positive biomarkers. These advances have increased the likelihood of providing effective, tailored treatments. NTRK fusion genes are present in various cancer types, including sarcomas, and the TRK inhibitors larotrectinib and entrectinib have been effectively used for these malignancies. Consequently, the treatment outcomes for NTRK fusion-positive tumors have improved significantly, reflecting a shift toward more personalized therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on NTRK fusion-positive sarcomas and comprehensively evaluates their epidemiology, clinical features, and radiological and histological characteristics. We also investigated the treatment landscape, including the latest methodologies involving TRK inhibitors, and discussed the long-term efficacy of these inhibitors, and their optimal order of use. Notably, larotrectinib has demonstrated a high response rate in infantile fibrosarcoma, and its efficacy has been confirmed even in advanced cases. However, further research is warranted to optimize treatment duration and subsequent management strategies. The accumulation of clinical cases worldwide will play a pivotal role in refining the treatment approaches for tumors associated with NTRK fusion genes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0007-10482025Impact of methotrexate-dosing regimens for GVHD prophylaxis on clinical outcomes of HLA-matched allogeneic HSCTENTomotakaSuzukiDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesTomoyasuJoDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityKotaYoshifujiDepartment of Hematology, Institute of Science TokyoTadakazuKondoDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityNorikoDokiHematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Centre, Komagome HospitalYoshinobuKandaDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical CentreTetsuyaNishidaDepartment of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Centre Nagoya Daiichi HospitalYasushiOnishiDepartment of Hematology, Tohoku University HospitalNoboruAsadaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University HospitalTakahiroFukudaDepartment of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Centre HospitalMasashiSawaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Anjo Kosei HospitalYutaHasegawaDepartment of Hematology, Hokkaido University HospitalKentaroSerizawaDepartment of Hematology and Rheumatology, Kindai University Faculty of MedicineShuichiOtaDepartment of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu HospitalMasatsuguTanakaDepartment of Hematology, Kanagawa Cancer CentreMakotoYoshimitsuDepartment of Hematology and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityYoshikoAtsutaJapanese Data Centre for Haematopoietic Cell TransplantationJunyaKandaDepartment of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversitySevere graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), necessitating optimal immunosuppressive strategies. This retrospective study used data from the Japanese Transplant Registry Unified Management Program to compare three methotrexate (MTX)-dosing regimens for GVHD prophylaxis in patients undergoing human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched allo-HSCT: a low-dose 3-day regimen (Ld3:10 mg/m2 on day 1, 7 mg/m2 on days 3 and 6), a low-dose 4-day regimen (Ld4: Ld3 with an additional 7 mg/m2 on day 11) and an original-dose 3-day regimen (Od3: 15 mg/m2 on day 1, 10 mg/m2 on days 3 and 6). Among 2537 analysed patients, Ld3 was the most commonly used regimen. Multivariate analyses showed no significant differences in the cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute GVHD among regimens. However, Od3 was associated with an increased risk of grade III–IV acute GVHD, and Ld4 was linked to delayed neutrophil engraftment. This study is the first large-scale retrospective analysis of the impact of different MTX-dosing regimens on the outcomes of HLA-matched allo-HSCT, providing valuable insights into optimal MTX-dosing strategies in clinical practice.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)Acta Medica Okayama2694-190210132025Endovascular treatment for a symptomatic dissecting ophthalmic artery aneurysm occurring in the orbit: illustrative caseCASE25483ENKoheiIzumiharaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunHarumaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKenjiSugiuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesFukikoBabaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJuntaroFujitaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYuichiHirataDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSotomeDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatoKawakamiDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuKimuraDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasafumiHiramatsuDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShotaTanakaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesBACKGROUND: Peripheral ophthalmic artery aneurysms (POAAs) arising from the main trunk or branches of the ophthalmic artery (OphA) are extremely rare. However, their epidemiology and optimal management remain poorly understood. The authors report a rare case of a symptomatic POAA caused by arterial dissection that was successfully treated using endovascular therapy, leading to favorable visual recovery.<br>
OBSERVATIONS: A 77-year-old woman presented with sudden-onset visual impairment in the right eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed a defect in the right visual field. CT angiography revealed a fusiform aneurysm in the right intraorbital OphA. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a pearl and string sign, consistent with a dissecting aneurysm. A balloon test occlusion (BTO) of the OphA origin confirmed collateral circulation from the external carotid artery. Internal trapping of the OphA was performed under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, the patient’s visual function gradually improved, and complete recovery was achieved within 3 months.<br>
LESSONS: Although POAAs are exceptionally rare, they may lead to significant visual dysfunction owing to optic nerve compression. When visual symptoms are present, prompt intervention may reverse the symptoms. Preoperative assessment of collateral circulation using BTO is essential for treatment planning. Internal trapping may be an effective strategy when sufficient collateral flow is confirmed.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japan Neurosurgical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2188-4226122025Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Vessel Occlusion in a Patient on Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report445451ENYukiEBISUDANIDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasafumiHIRAMATSUDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKeiichiroIWASAKIDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKenjiSUGIUDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunHARUMADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuKIMURADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatoKAWAKAMIDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSOTOMEDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakahiroNISHIHARADepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinsukeYUASADepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShotaTANAKADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation is utilized in the treatment of severe acute cardiac failure and respiratory failure. While it provides the advantage of oxygenating blood through extracorporeal circulation, it also carries risks of intracranial ischemic and hemorrhagic complications due to the continuous presence of artificial materials within the body. We encountered a case in which venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated for fulminant myocarditis, and the patient subsequently developed a large vessel occlusion. The diagnosis was confirmed using perfusion computed tomography. A visible thrombus was observed on the arterial cannula of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit, and the large vessel occlusion was determined to have been caused by thromboembolism. An immediate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit exchange was performed, followed by endovascular thrombectomy. The patient experienced no perioperative complications and achieved a favorable neurological outcome. Endovascular thrombectomy in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients requires careful perioperative management and should be promptly performed in eligible cases of thromboembolic events. Furthermore, because patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are often sedated and under intensive systemic management, regular neurological assessments and intracranial monitoring are essential for the early detection of intracranial pathologies.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama2045-23221512025The significance of adding posterior decompression to spine stabilization in metastatic spinal surgery: a multicenter prospective study27684ENHiroyukiTominagaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityIchiroKawamuraDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityHirofumiShimadaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityHiromiSasakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityNoboruTaniguchiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityYukiShirataniDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba UniversityAkinobuSuzukiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityHidetomiTeraiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityTakakiShimizuDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa UniversityKenichiroKakutaniDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of MedicineYutaroKandaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of MedicineMasayukiIshiharaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Medical University HospitalMasaakiPakuDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Medical University HospitalYoheiTakahashiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio UniversityToruFunayamaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of TsukubaKouseiMiuraDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of TsukubaEikiShirasawaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of MedicineHirokazuInoueRehabilitation Center, Jichi Medical University HospitalAtsushiKimuraDepartment of Orthopaedics, Jichi Medical UniversityTakuyaIimuraDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical UniversityHiroshiMoridairaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical UniversityHideakiNakajimaDepartment of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of FukuiShujiWatanabeDepartment of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of FukuiKojiAkedaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of MedicineNorihikoTakegamiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of MedicineKazuoNakanishiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical SchoolHirokatsuSawadaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nihon University School of MedicineKojiMatsumotoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nihon University School of MedicineMasahiroFunabaDepartment of Orthopaedics Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate school of MedicineHidenoriSuzukiDepartment of Orthopaedics Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate school of MedicineHarukiFunaoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Narita HospitalTsutomuOshigiriDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of MedicineTakashiHiraiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Science TokyoBungoOtsukiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyoto University HospitalKazuKobayakawaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityKojiUotaniDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHiroakiManabeDepartment of Orthopedics, Tokushima UniversityShinjiTanishimaDivision of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori UniversityKoHashimotoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of MedicineChizuoIwaiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University HospitalDaisukeYamabeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Iwate Medical UniversityAkihikoHiyamaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of MedicineShojiSekiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of ToyamaYutaGotoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City UniversityMasashiMiyazakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityKazuyukiWatanabeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of MedicineToshioNakamaeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima UniversityTakashiKaitoDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of MedicineHiroakiNakashimaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNarihitoNagoshiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio UniversitySatoshiKatoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa UniversityShiroImagamaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineKotaWatanabeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio UniversityGenInoueDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of MedicineTakeoFuruyaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba UniversityThe usefulness of spine stabilization for treating metastatic spinal tumors with tumor-induced instability has been reported. However, no reports have prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of adding posterior decompression to stabilization surgery for improving symptoms. This multicenter prospective study aimed to determine whether adding posterior decompression to spine stabilization surgery for metastatic spinal tumors affects postoperative outcomes and complications. A total of 263 patients who underwent spine stabilization with (n = 189) or without (n = 74) decompression were analyzed. Patient demographics, the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), and the Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) score were recorded. The outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively in terms of neurological status, the Barthel Index, the EQ-5D-5 L, and the visual analog scale (VAS). Decompression was primarily performed in patients with severe neurological deficits and high-grade ESCC. Both groups showed postoperative improvement. Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for baseline differences. After matching, there were no significant differences in functional improvement between the decompression and nondecompression groups, and the complication rates were comparable. In matched patients presenting primarily with spinal instability and pain, the addition of decompression did not appear to confer a significant functional benefit within 6 months postoperatively.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama2666-0873762025Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization in Patients Treated With Osimertinib738748ENYasuhisaTatebeDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYutaTanakaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYoheiManabeDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalShinobuOkanoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalTsukasaHigashionnaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalHirofumiHamanoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalKiminakaMurakawaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYoshitoZamamiDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalBackground Osimertinib, an oral epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is used to treat patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–mutant non–small-cell lung cancer. Although osimertinib has been linked to heart failure (HF), detailed risk estimates remain unclear.<br>
Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the association between osimertinib use and HF hospitalization.<br>
Methods In this retrospective cohort study using a large-scale Japanese claims database, patients diagnosed with lung cancer between April 2008 and December 2021 who received cancer therapy were identified. Patients were categorized into osimertinib and control groups according to treatment received. The incidence of HF hospitalization during the treatment period was compared between the groups. Multivariable analyses were performed before and after propensity score matching.<br>
Results The osimertinib and control groups included 11,391 and 108,144 patients, respectively. Among the entire cohort, the median age was 70 years (Q1-Q3: 64-76 years), and the median follow-up duration was 173 days (Q1-Q3: 73-448 days). The incidence of HF hospitalization was 9.9 and 4.1 cases per 1,000 person-years in the osimertinib and control groups, respectively. In multivariable analysis, osimertinib was associated with a higher risk for HF hospitalization than control therapy (subdistribution HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.07-3.18; P < 0.001). This association remained significant after propensity score matching (subdistribution HR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.62-3.24; P < 0.001).<br>
Conclusions Osimertinib use was associated with an increased risk for HF hospitalization. Cardiac function should be closely monitored in patients receiving osimertinib.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1439-01082025Coupling effects of biochar and sediment microbial fuel cells on CH4 and CO2 emissions from straw-amended paddy soilENAdhena TesfauBekeleGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMorihiroMaedaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNozomiNakaharaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAyumiHashiguchiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHiroakiSomuraGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySatoshiAkaoFaculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha UniversityChiyuNakanoDepartment of Comprehensive Technical Solutions, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityPurpose The independent incorporation of biochar and sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) into paddy soil has been shown to reduce methane (CH4) emissions. However, the application of rice straw into paddy soil enhances the availability of labile carbon that stimulates methanogen growth, counteracting the mitigation effects of both methods. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of coupling biochar and SMFC on CH4 and CO2 emissions from straw-amended paddy soil.<br>
Materials and methods Single chamber SMFC setups constructed using acrylic columns (height, 25 cm; inner diameter, 9 cm) with six treatments were established using soil amended with 0% (0BC), 1% (1BC), and 2% (2BC) biochar: with and without SMFC conditions. Stainless steel mesh (15 × 3 cm) and graphite felt (6 × 5 cm) were used as anode and cathode materials, respectively.<br>
Results Cumulative emission of CH4 in the 0BC treatment with SMFC was 39% less than in that without SMFC. Biochar addition and SMFC operation together further reduced CH4 emission by 57% and 60% in 1BC and 2BC treatments, respectively, compared to that in the 0BC treatment without SMFC operation. The relative abundance of microbial communities indicated methane-oxidizing bacteria were enriched in the presence of biochar and hydrogenotrophic Methanoregula were suppressed by SMFC operation. This suggested that SMFC mainly inhibited CH4 production by outcompeting hydrogenotrophic archaea.<br>
Conclusion The use of biochar made from leftover rice straw has an interactive effect on SMFC operation and both methods can be used to reduce CH4 emission from straw-amended paddy soil.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Nature SingaporeActa Medica Okayama1865-09292025Evaluation of a Startup Program Identification for Efficient and Accurate IoT Security Investigations417431ENYutaShimamotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJiratchayaPhinyodomSchool of Engineering, Okayama UniversityRyotaYoshimotoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHiroyukiUekawaNTT Social Informatics LaboratoriesMitsuakiAkiyamaNTT Social Informatics LaboratoriesToshihiroYamauchiFaculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNot 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japan Society on Water EnvironmentActa Medica Okayama1348-21652352025Biochar-amended Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells for Water Quality Improvement in Intensive and Extensive Pond Drainages in Central Vietnam234249ENUyen Tu NguyenGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityMorihiroMaedaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHiroakiSomuraGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNozomiNakaharaDepartment of Comprehensive Technical Solutions, Okayama UniversityGamamada Liyanage Erandi PriyangikaPereraGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityChiyuNakanoGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityHuu TienLeDepartment of Education, Science and Technology Quang Tri Branch, Hue UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityThe use of nutrient-rich feed in shrimp farming in Central Vietnam has led to high nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents in the pond sediment. The objectives of the study were to assess the effectiveness of biochar-sediment microbial fuel cells (BC-SMFCs) in suppressing P and N release from two types of sediment in intensive (Int) and extensive (Ext) pond drainages in Central Vietnam. Single chamber SMFCs were set up and operated under open or closed-circuit (no SMFC or SMFC) conditions. Coconut shell biochar (BC) was amended to sediments at 1%. For Int-sediment, total phosphorus (TP) release was reduced by no BC-SMFCs through co-precipitation with Fe. On the other hand, BC-SMFCs did not suppress TP release because P was released from BC and organic matter decomposition was enhanced in the sediment. Application of BC enhanced organic N mineralization in the sediment. Nitrification and denitrification occurred in the overlying water, reducing mineral N concentrations. For Ext-sediment, BC addition and SMFC conditions did not affect TP and total nitrogen (TN) release because of low initial organic matter content, and less reductive condition. Our study suggested that the effect of SMFCs was masked by BC which released more P from Int-sediment to the water.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japanese Society of Microbial EcologyActa Medica Okayama1342-63114032025Role of Formate Chemoreceptor in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 in Tobacco InfectionME25019ENPhuoc Quy ThangNguyenThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaWatanabeThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNanamiSakataThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukiIchinoseThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityChemotaxis is essential for infection by plant pathogenic bacteria. The causal agent of tobacco wildfire disease, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605), is known to cause severe leaf disease and is highly motile. The requirement of chemotaxis for infection has been demonstrated through the inoculation of mutant strains lacking chemotaxis sensory component proteins. Pta6605 possesses 54 genes that encode chemoreceptors (known as methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, MCPs). Chemoreceptors are classified into several groups based on the type and localization of ligand-binding domains (LBD). Cache LBD-type chemoreceptors have been reported to recognize formate in several bacterial species. In the present study, we identified Cache_3 Cache_2 LBD-type Mcp26 encoded by Pta6605_RS00335 as a chemoreceptor for formate using a quantitative capillary assay, and named it McpF. Although the deletion mutant of mcpF (ΔmcpF) retained attraction to 1% yeast extract, its chemotactic response to formate was markedly reduced. Swimming and swarming motilities were also impaired in the mutant. To investigate the effects of McpF on bacterial virulence, we conducted inoculations on tobacco plants using several methods. The ΔmcpF mutant exhibited weaker virulence in flood and spray assays than wild-type and complemented strains, highlighting not only the involvement of McpF in formate recognition, but also its critical role in leaf entry during the early stages of infection.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama2050-748813352025Thermally polymerizable phthalocyanine realizes a metal–nitrogen-doped carbon material featuring a defined single-atom catalyst motif with CO2RR activity2888728895ENYukiSanoDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityDaichiNakajimaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityBiplabMannaCenter for Basic Research on Materials, National Institute for Materials ScienceKokiChidaInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityRyojunToyodaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityShinyaTakaishiDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityKazuyukiIwaseInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityKojiHaranoCenter for Basic Research on Materials, National Institute for Materials ScienceYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakeharuYoshiiInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityRyotaSakamotoDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku UniversityMetal–nitrogen-doped carbon materials (MNCs) exhibit good electrocatalytic performance owing to the intrinsic advantages of carbon-based materials and the presence of isolated and stabilized metal atoms coordinated by nitrogen sites. However, conventional high-temperature pyrolysis of precursor molecules make it difficult to control the coordination structure precisely. To address this issue, here we report a new synthesis strategy for MNCs. Specifically, we design and synthesize Ni-phthalocyanine functionalized with ethynyl groups as solid-state thermal polymerization points. After depositing the Ni-phthalocyanine precursor on a carbon support and performing a thermal treatment, the resultant carbon composite material features a Ni–N4 coordination structure derived from the precursor, and enhanced porosity. This material demonstrates high catalytic activity for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Our synthetic approach is applicable to various precursor molecules and carbon supports, paving the way for the further development of MNC-based electrode catalysts.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0008-62232432025Organic solvent transport through reduced graphene oxide membranes with controlled oxygen content120539ENHongzheChenSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales SydneyTongxiLinSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales SydneyZeno RizqiRamadhanElectron Microscope Unit, University of New South WalesAdityaRawalMark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South WalesYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityAmirKartonSchool of Science and Technology, University of New EnglandXiaojunRenSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales SydneyRakeshJoshiSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales SydneyRecent advances in membranes based on 2-dimensional (2D) materials have enabled precise control over angstrom-scale pores, providing a unique platform for studying diverse mass transport mechanisms. In this work, we systematically investigate the transport of solvent vapors through 2D channels made of graphene oxide (GO) laminates with precisely controlled oxygen content. Using in-situ chemical reduction of GO with vitamin C, we fabricated reduced GO membranes (VRGMs) with oxygen content systematically decreased from 31.6 % (pristine GO) to 24.0 % (VRGM-maximum reduction). Vapor permeability measurements showed a distinct correlation between oxygen functional groups and solvent transport behaviour. Specifically, non-polar hexane exhibits 114 % of enhanced permeance through the reduced membranes with larger graphitic domains, while the permeance of water decreases by 55 %. With the support of density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we modelled the hydrogen-bond and dispersion complexes between the solvents and GO and calculated the complexation energies. The simulation results suggest that polar molecules interact with the oxygen functional groups of GO via a hydrogen-bond network, supporting in-plane transport. In contrast, van der Waals forces drive the transport of low-polarity solvents along the graphitic domains of the 2D channel in reduced GO membranes. Our findings provide potential strategies for future design of organic solvent nanofiltration membranes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.IOP PublishingActa Medica Okayama2053-15831242025Covalent cross-linked graphene oxide aerogels for moisture adsorption045010ENZhijianCaoSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesXiaojunRenSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesTongxiLinSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMasamichiYoshimuraGraduate School of Engineering, Toyota Technological InstituteRakeshJoshiSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South WalesCovalent cross-linking is an effective approach to enhance the hydrophilicity and water adsorption properties of graphene oxide (GO). We studied moisture absorption in GO cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diamines. At relative humidity (RH) of 85%, the PEG-cross-linked GO exhibited a significantly enhanced water uptake capacity of 0.59 g of water per gram of GO (gg−1), compared to 0.37 for unmodified GO. This is attributed to the presence of alkoxy groups via cross-linking, resulting in the enhanced interaction between GO and water molecules. These findings highlight the potential of PEG-based covalent functionalisation for efficient moisture capture in GO-based materials.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2694-24962025RNA Delivery Using a Graphene Oxide-Polyethylenimine Hybrid Inhibiting Myotube DifferentiationENKojiMatsuuraCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISISGiacomoReinaCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISISZhengfengGaoCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISISYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityAlbertoBiancoCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry, UPR3572, University of Strasbourg, ISISGraphene oxide (GO) conjugated with short polyethylenimine (PEI) chains (GO-PEI) has been designed as a candidate nanocarrier for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery to mammalian cells based on the efficient interaction between the positively charged GO-based platform and the negatively charged siRNA. The function and efficiency of siRNA delivery using GO-PEI were compared to those using the positive control Lipofectamine RNAiMax by analyzing the differentiation to myotubes, and myogenin gene and protein expression in C2C12 cells. RNAiMax transfection induced cellularization and reduction of both myogenin gene and protein expression, suggesting that the differentiation of C2C12 cells was triggered by gene silencing. While GO-PEI also promoted cellularization, the myogenin gene expression remained comparable to scrambled controls, whereas the protein levels were higher than those observed with RNAiMax. Mechanistically, we attributed the reduced gene silencing efficiency of GO-PEI to a poor endosomal escape, despite strong siRNA complexation. This limitation was likely due to a low buffering capacity of GO-PEI, as a significant fraction of nitrogen atoms were already protonated, reducing the availability of free amines necessary for endosomal disruption. An appropriate chemical modification to enhance siRNA release from the endosomes is therefore essential for advancing the development of GO-based platforms as versatile and efficient nanocarriers in gene therapy applications.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama2640-45672025Integration of Cholesterol Oxidase‐Based Biosensors on a Smart Contact Lens for Wireless Cholesterol Monitoring from Tears2500368ENYangCuiGraduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityLinZhuoGraduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamanAzhariGraduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityTakeoMiyakeGraduate school of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityCholesterol plays a critical role in physiological functions, but elevated levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular cholesterol monitoring is essential for elderly or obese individuals. Current methods, such as blood tests, are invasive, inconvenient, and require a professional operator. In contrast, tears, as an accessible body fluid, offer a promising alternative for noninvasive monitoring due to their correlation with blood cholesterol levels. Herein, a noninvasive approach for monitoring cholesterol levels in tears using a biosensor integrated into a smart contact lens is reported. The biosensor employs cholesterol oxidases as the biocatalyst, coupled with an osmium-based mediator, to detect cholesterol concentrations ranging from 0.1 mM to 1.2 mM in artificial tears. A key challenge is the extremely low cholesterol concentration in tears, which is addressed using a parity-time (P-T) symmetry-based magnetic resonance coupling system. This system enables wireless signal reading and achieves high sensitivity due to its high-quality (Q) factor, which can achieve a detection limit of 0.061 mM. This portable, high-sensitivity smart contact lens demonstrates significant potential as a wearable device for continuous, noninvasive cholesterol monitoring. The findings contribute to advancing tear-based diagnostic systems and highlight the scientific importance of utilizing tear biomarkers for health monitoring.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japan Neurosurgical SocietyActa Medica Okayama0470-81056592025Real-world Experience of Embolization for Intracranial Tumors in Japan: Analysis of 2,756 Cases from Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 4396406ENJunHARUMADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKenjiSUGIUDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTomohitoHISHIKAWADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaSOUTOMEDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiEBISUDANIDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyuKIMURADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHisanoriEDAKIDepartment of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical SchoolMasatoKAWAKAMIDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoshiMURAIDepartment of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical SchoolMasafumiHIRAMATSUDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShotaTANAKADepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTetsuSATOWDepartment of Neurosurgery, Kindai UniversityKojiIIHARADepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular CenterHirotoshiIMAMURADepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular CenterAkiraISHIIDepartment of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University Graduate School of MedicineYujiMATSUMARUDepartment of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medicine, University of TsukubaChiakiSAKAIDepartment of Neurosurgery, Kyoto UniversityShinichiYOSHIMURADepartment of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical UniversityNobuyukiSAKAIDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Shimizu HospitalJapanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy (JR-NET) InvestigatorsEmbolization of intracranial tumors is predominantly performed in Japan, primarily before neurosurgical resection. The Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy (JR-NET) Study Group, established in 2005, aims to clarify the factors influencing the outcomes of neuroendovascular treatment. Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 4 is a nationwide, multicenter retrospective observational study that evaluates real-world data on intracranial tumor embolization in Japan. Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 4 is based on data collected from 166 neurosurgical centers in Japan between January 2015 and December 2019. Of 63,230 patients, 2,664 (4.2%) with intracranial tumors underwent embolization. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 30 days post-procedure. Secondary endpoints included procedure-related complications. Among the 2,664 patients, 61 records lacked sufficient data, leaving 2,603 patients (1,612 females, median age: 61 years [interquartile range 51-71]). The proportion of patients with mRS scores ≤2 at 30 days after the procedure was 86.9%. The overall incidence of procedure-related complications was 4.8%, with 1.8% hemorrhagic, 2.0% ischemic, and 1.0% classified as other complications. In the multivariate analysis, general anesthesia and embolization of vessels other than the external carotid artery were identified as risk factors for the development of complications. Meningioma cases had a complication rate of 4.3%, with major complications occurring in 3.5%. Hemangioblastoma cases had a 14.9% complication rate, with major complications at 9.9%. Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 4 provides comprehensive real-world data on intracranial tumor embolization in Japan, identifying risk factors to inform and improve the safe practice of intracranial tumor embolization in neuroendovascular therapy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)Acta Medica Okayama2169-3536132025Optimized Ensemble Deep Learning for Real-Time Intrusion Detection on Resource-Constrained Raspberry Pi Devices113544113556ENMuhammad BisriMusthafaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamsulHudaInterdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama UniversityTuy TanNguyenSchool of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) networks has increased security risks, making it essential to have effective Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) for real-time threat detection. Deep learning techniques offer promising solutions for such detection due to their superior complex pattern recognition and anomaly detection capabilities in large datasets. This paper proposes an optimized ensemble-based IDS designed specifically for efficient deployment on edge hardware. However, deploying such computationally intensive models on resource-limited edge devices remains a significant challenge due to model size and computational overhead on devices with limited processing capabilities. Building upon our previously developed stacked Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model integrated with ANOVA feature selection, we optimize it by integrating dual-stage model compression: pruning and quantization to create a lightweight model suitable for real-time inference on Raspberry Pi devices. To evaluate the system under realistic conditions, we combined with a Kafka-based testbed to simulate dynamic IoT environments with variable traffic loads, delays, and multiple simultaneous attack sources. This enables the assessment of detection performance under varying traffic volumes, latency, and overlapping attack scenarios. The proposed system maintains high detection performance with accuracy of 97.3% across all test scenarios, while efficiently leveraging multi-core processing with peak CPU usage reaching 111.8%. These results demonstrate the system’s practical viability for real-time IoT security at the edge.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0956-56632872025A plant-insertable multi-enzyme biosensor for the real-time monitoring of stomatal sucrose uptake117674ENShiqiWuGraduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityWakutakaNakagawaGraduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityYukiMoriFaculty and Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of KitakyushuSamanAzhariGraduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityGáborMéhesGraduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTomonoriKawanoFaculty and Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of KitakyushuTakeoMiyakeGraduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda UniversityMonitoring sucrose transport in plants is essential for understanding plant physiology and improving agricultural practices, yet effective sensors for continuous and real-time in-vivo monitoring are lacking. In this study, we developed a plant-insertable sucrose sensor capable of real-time sucrose concentration monitoring and demonstrated its application as a useful tool for plant research by monitoring the sugar-translocating path from leaves to the lower portion of plants through the stem in living plants. The biosensor consists of a bilirubin oxidase-based biocathode and a needle-type bioanode integrating glucose oxidase, invertase, and mutarotase, with the two electrodes separated by an agarose gel for ionic connection. The sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 6.22 μA mM−1 cm−2, a limit of detection of 100 μM, a detection range up to 60 mM, and a response time of 90 s at 100 μM sucrose. Additionally, the sensor retained 86 % of its initial signal after 72 h of continuous measurement. Day-night monitoring from the biosensor inserted in strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) showed higher sucrose transport activity at night, following well the redistribution of photosynthetically produced sugars. In addition, by monitoring the forced translocation of sucrose dissolved in the stable isotopically labeled water, we demonstrated that a young seedling of Japanese cedar known as Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) can absorb and transport both water and sucrose through light-dependently opened stomata, which is the recently revealed path for liquid uptake by higher plants. These findings highlight the potential of our sensor for studying dynamic plant processes and its applicability in real-time monitoring of sugar transport under diverse environmental conditions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1613-68102025Polyglycerol‐Grafted Graphene Oxide with pH‐Responsive Charge‐Convertible Surface to Dynamically Control the Nanobiointeractions for Enhanced in Vivo Tumor Internalization2503029ENYajuanZouResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityAlbertoBiancoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversitypH-responsive charge-convertible nanomaterials (NMs) ameliorate the treatment of cancer via simultaneously reducing nonspecific interactions during systemic circulation and improving targeted uptake within solid tumors. While promising, little is known about how the pH-responsiveness of charge-convertible NMs directs their interactions with biological systems, leading to compromised performance, including off-target retention and low specificity to tumor cells. In the present study, polyglycerol-grafted graphene oxide bearing amino groups (GOPGNH2) at different densities are reacted with dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMMA), a pH-responsive moiety, to generate a set of charge-convertible GOPGNH-DMMA variants. This permits the assessment of a quantitative correlation between the structure of GOPGNH-DMMA to their pH-responsiveness, their dynamic interactions with proteins and cells, as well as their in vivo biological fate. Through a systematic investigation, it is revealed that GOPGNH115-DMMA prepared from GOPGNH2 with higher amine density experienced fast charge conversion at pH 7.4 to induce non-specific interactions at early stages, whereas GOPGNH60-DMMA and GOPGNH30-DMMA prepared from lower amine density retarded off-target charge conversion to enhance tumor accumulation. Notably, GOPGNH60-DMMA is also associated with enough amounts of proteins under acidic conditions to promote in vivo tumor internalization. The findings will inform the design of pH-responsive NMs for enhanced treatment accuracy and efficacy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7942025Anterior Uveitis Secondary to an Infected Postoperative Maxillary Cyst283286ENYutaImamuraDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYusukeShiodeDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShuheiKimuraDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMioHosokawaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesRyoMatobaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiKanzakiDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroyaKindoDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTetsuroMoritaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAyaMuraiDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMizuoAndoDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiMorizaneDepartment of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesCase Report10.18926/AMO/69154A 76-year-old man presented with right eyelid swelling and deteriorated vision. Examination revealed anterior uveitis with hypopyon and a visual acuity of 20/2,000 in the right eye, with no abnormalities in the left. Computed tomography revealed enlargement of the right maxillary sinus and internal fluid accumulation, suggesting a postoperative maxillary cyst (POMC). Nasal endoscopic surgery drained the pus by opening the lower wall of the maxillary cyst. Following the procedure, intraocular inflammation resolved, and visual acuity in the right eye improved to 24/20. This is the first reported case of uveitis secondary to POMC.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Spandidos PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2049-94502332025Association of the expression of 5‑FU biomarkers with aging and prognosis in elderly patients with lung cancer treated with S‑1 adjuvant chemotherapy: Follow‑up results of the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 120179ENJunichiSohDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHiromasaYamamotoDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalNorihitoOkumuraDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Kurashiki Central HospitalHiroyukiSuzukiDepartment of Chest Surgery, Fukushima Medical University HospitalMasaoNakataDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School HospitalToshiyaFujiwaraDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalKenicehiGembaDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Chugoku Central Hospital, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720‑0001, Japan; 8Department of Respiratory Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku HospitalIsaoSanoDepartment of Respiratory Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku HospitalTakujiFujinagaDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Nagara Medical CenterMasafumiKataokaDepartment of Surgery and Respiratory Center, Okayama Saiseikai General HospitalYasuhiroTerasakiDepartment of Respiratory Surgery, Saga Medical Center KoseikanNobukazuFujimotoDepartment of Medical Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai HospitalKazuhikoKataokaDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterShinjiKosakaDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Shimane Prefectural Central HospitalMotohiroYamashitaDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer CenterHidetoshiInokawaDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Yamaguchi‑Ube Medical CenterMasaakiInoueDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Shimonoseki City HospitalHiroshigeNakamuraDivision of General Thoracic Surgery, Tottori University HospitalYoshinoriYamashitaDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer CenterYutaTakahashiDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHidejiroTorigoeDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHirokiSatoDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalShutaTomidaCenter for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University HospitalKatsuyukiHottaCenter for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University HospitalHiroshigeYoshiokaDepartment of Thoracic Oncology, Kansai Medical University HospitalSatoshiMoritaDepartment of Biomedical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Kyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKeitaroMatsuoDivision of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research InstituteJunichiSakamotoTokai Central HospitalHiroshiDateDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University HospitalShinichiToyookaDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalManaging elderly patients presents several challenges because of age‑related declines; however, age should not be the sole determinant for adjuvant treatment decisions in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, age may affect the expression of 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) biomarkers. The present study assessed: i) The effect of age on the expression levels of 5‑FU biomarkers by analyzing a public database; and ii) the ability of these biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NSCLC who underwent complete resection in the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 1201 (SCLG1201) followed by S‑1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Changes in gene expression levels across age groups were assessed by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The expression of 5‑FU biomarkers, including thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and excision repair cross‑complementation group 1 (ERCC1), were assessed via quantitative reverse‑transcription PCR assays in 89 elderly patients (≥75 years) with NSCLC who received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug S‑1 in the SLCG1201 trial. TCGA database analysis (n=955) showed that TS expression decreased significantly with aging, especially in the age group ≥75. In the SCLG1201 trial, univariate analysis revealed that EGFR upregulation and TS downregulation were correlated with favorable recurrence‑free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that pathological stage was an independent prognostic factor for both RFS and OS. EGFR mutations were associated with upregulation of DPD and EGFR, and downregulation of TS and ERCC1. In conclusion, although pathological stage is an independent prognostic factor for survival, EGFR upregulation and TS downregulation may be a greater predictor of clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NSCLC treated with S‑1 adjuvant chemotherapy. The age‑related decrease in TS expression supports the potential benefit of 5‑FU therapies in elderly patients. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to validate these results.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SAGE PublicationsActa Medica Okayama2192-56821542024Effects of Palliative Surgical Treatment for Spinal Metastases on the Patient’s Quality of Life With a Focus on the Segment of the Metastasis: A Prospective Multicenter Study22862299ENNaokiSegiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineHiroakiNakashimaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineSadayukiItoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineJunOuchidaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineYukiShirataniDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University HospitalTakakiShimizuDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa UniversityAkinobuSuzukiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityHidetomiTeraiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityKenichiroKakutaniDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of MedicineYutaroKandaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of MedicineHiroyukiTominagaDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityIchiroKawamuraDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima UniversityMasayukiIshiharaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Medial University HospitalMasaakiPakuDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansai Medial University HospitalYoheiTakahashiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio UniversityMasahiroFunabaDepartment of Orthopaedics Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate school of MedicineToruFunayamaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of TsukubaHideakiNakajimaDepartment of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Fukui Faculty of Medical SciencesKojiAkedaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of MedicineTakashiHiraiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityHirokazuInoueRehabilitation Center, Jichi Medical University HospitalKazuoNakanishiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical SchoolHarukiFunaoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Narita HospitalTsutomuOshigiriDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of MedicineBungoOtsukiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyoto University HospitalKazuKobayakawaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityShinjiTanishimaDivision of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Sensory and Motor Organs, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori UniversityKoHashimotoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of MedicineTakuyaIimuraDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical UniversityHirokatsuSawadaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nihon University School of MedicineKojiUotaniDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalHiroakiManabeDepartment of Orthopedics, Tokushima UniversityChizuoIwaiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University HospitalDaisukeYamabeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Iwate Medical UniversityAkihikoHiyamaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokai University School of MedicineShojiSekiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of ToyamaYutaGotoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City UniversityMasashiMiyazakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Oita UniversityKazuyukiWatanabeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of MedicineToshioNakamaeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima UniversityTakashiKaitoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of MedicineNarihitoNagoshiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio UniversitySatoshiKatoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa UniversityKotaWatanabeDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio UniversityShiroImagamaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineGenInoueDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of MedicineTakeoFuruyaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba University HospitalStudy Design: Prospective multicenter study.<br>
Objectives: Palliative surgery is crucial for maintaining the quality of life (QOL) in patients with spinal metastases. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of QOL after palliative surgery between patients with metastatic spinal tumors at different segments.<br>
Methods: We prospectively compared the data of 203 patients with spinal metastases at 2-3 consecutive segments who were divided into the following three groups: cervical, patients with cervical spine lesions; thoracic, patients with upper–middle thoracic spine lesions; and TL/L/S, patients with lesions at the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar and sacral regions. Preoperative and postoperative EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ5D) 5-level were compared.<br>
Results: All groups exhibited improvement in the Frankel grade, performance status, pain, Barthel index, EQ5D health state utility value (HSUV), and EQ5D visual analog scale (VAS) postoperatively. Although preoperative EQ5D HSUVs did not significantly differ between the groups (cervical, 0.461 ± 0.291; thoracic, 0.321 ± 0.292; and TL/L/S, 0.376 ± 0.272), the thoracic group exhibited significantly lower postoperative EQ5D HSUVs than the other two groups (cervical, 0.653 ± 0.233; thoracic, 0.513 ± 0.252; and TL/L/S, 0.624 ± 0.232). However, postoperative EQ5D VAS was not significantly different between the groups (cervical, 63.4 ± 25.8; thoracic, 54.7 ± 24.5; and TL/L/S, 61.7 ± 21.9).<br>
Conclusions: Palliative surgery for metastatic spinal tumors provided comparable QOL improvement, irrespective of the spinal segment involved. Patients with upper and middle thoracic spinal metastases had poorer QOL outcomes than those with metastases in other segments; however, sufficient QOL improvement was achieved.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama1936-87981892025Novel Technique for Implanting the Second Valve Accompanied by Simultaneous Snorkel Stenting12031205ENHironobuTodaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaUekiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShoheiHaraDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakashiMikiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYoichiTakayaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYusukeMorimitsuDivision of Radiological Technology, Okayama University HospitalHiroshiMoritaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazufumiNakamuraDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinsukeYuasaDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama2192-264014102024Biocompatibility of Water-Dispersible Pristine Graphene and Graphene Oxide Using a Close-to-Human Animal Model: A Pilot Study on Swine2401783ENPaolaNicolussiIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaGiovannantonioPiloIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaMaria GiovannaCanceddaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaGuotaoPengInstitute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska InstitutetNgoc Do QuyenChauCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic ChemistryAlejandroDe la CadenaDipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di MilanoRenzoVannaIstituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie – CNRYarjan AbdulSamadCambridge Graphene Centre, University of CambridgeTanweerAhmedCambridge Graphene Centre, University of CambridgeJeremiaMarcellinoCambridge Graphene Centre, University of CambridgeGiuseppeTeddeIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaLindaGiroImmuneNano Laboratory, Department of Biomedical SciencesAcelyaYlmazerDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Ankara UniversityFedericaLoiIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaGavinaCartaIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaLoredanaSecchiIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaSilviaDei GiudiciIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaSimonaMacciocuIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaDarioPolliDipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di MilanoYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityCiriacoLigiosIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaGiulioCerulloDipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di MilanoAndreaFerrariCambridge Graphene Centre, University of CambridgeAlbertoBiancoCNRS, Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic ChemistryBengtFadeelInstitute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska InstitutetGiuliaFranzoniIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SardegnaLucia GemmaDeloguImmuneNano Laboratory, Department of Biomedical SciencesGraphene-based materials (GBMs) are of considerable interest for biomedical applications, and the pilot study on the toxicological and immunological impact of pristine graphene (GR) and graphene oxide (GO) using swine as a close-to-human provides valuable insights. First, ex vivo experiments are conducted on swine blood cells, then GBMs are injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into swine. Hematological and biochemical analyses at various intervals indicate that neither GO nor GR cause systemic inflammation, pro-coagulant responses, or renal or hepatic dysfunction. Importantly, no systemic toxicity is observed. Analysis of a panel of 84 immune-related genes shows minimal impact of GO and GR. The animals are sacrificed 21 days post-injection, and transient absorption imaging and Raman mapping show the presence of GO and GR in the mesentery only. Histological evaluation reveals no signs of alterations in other organs. Thus, clusters of both materials are detected in the mesentery, and GO aggregates are surrounded only by macrophages with the formation of granulomas. In contrast, modest local reactions are observed around the GR clusters. Overall, these results reveal that i.p. injection of GBMs resulted in a modest local tissue reaction without systemic toxicity. This study, performed in swine, provides essential guidance for future biomedical applications of graphene.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2694-2496442024Light-Responsive and Antibacterial Graphenic Materials as a Holistic Approach to Tissue Engineering263272ENAndreaFerrerasDepartment of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de MadridAnaMatesanzDepartment of Electronic Technology, Universidad Carlos III de MadridJabierMendizabalDomotek ingeniería prototipado y formación S.L.KoldoArtolaDomotek ingeniería prototipado y formación S.L.YutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPabloAcedoDepartment of Electronic Technology, Universidad Carlos III de MadridJosé L.JorcanoDepartment of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de MadridAmaliaRuizInstitute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of BradfordGiacomoReinaEmpa Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyCristinaMartínDepartment of Bioengineering, Universidad Carlos III de MadridWhile the continuous development of advanced bioprinting technologies is under fervent study, enhancing the regenerative potential of hydrogel-based constructs using external stimuli for wound dressing has yet to be tackled. Fibroblasts play a significant role in wound healing and tissue implants at different stages, including extracellular matrix production, collagen synthesis, and wound and tissue remodeling. This study explores the synergistic interplay between photothermal activity and nanomaterial-mediated cell proliferation. The use of different graphene-based materials (GBM) in the development of photoactive bioinks is investigated. In particular, we report the creation of a skin-inspired dressing for wound healing and regenerative medicine. Three distinct GBM, namely, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene platelets (GP), were rigorously characterized, and their photothermal capabilities were elucidated. Our investigations revealed that rGO exhibited the highest photothermal efficiency and antibacterial properties when irradiated, even at a concentration as low as 0.05 mg/mL, without compromising human fibroblast viability. Alginate-based bioinks alongside human fibroblasts were employed for the bioprinting with rGO. The scaffold did not affect the survival of fibroblasts for 3 days after bioprinting, as cell viability was not affected. Remarkably, the inclusion of rGO did not compromise the printability of the hydrogel, ensuring the successful fabrication of complex constructs. Furthermore, the presence of rGO in the final scaffold continued to provide the benefits of photothermal antimicrobial therapy without detrimentally affecting fibroblast growth. This outcome underscores the potential of rGO-enhanced hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Our findings hold promise for developing game-changer strategies in 4D bioprinting to create smart and functional tissue constructs with high fibroblast proliferation and promising therapeutic capabilities in drug delivery and bactericidal skin-inspired dressings.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japan Society on Water EnvironmentActa Medica Okayama1348-21652262024Effects of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells on CH4 and CO2 Emissions from Straw Amended Paddy Soil271285ENAdhena TesfauBekeleGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityMorihiroMaedaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversitySatoshiAkaoFaculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha UniversityHiroakiSomuraGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityChiyuNakanoOrganization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityStraw returning into paddy soil enhances soil organic matter which usually promotes the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The application of sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to paddy soil activates power-generating microorganisms and enhances organic matter biodegradation. In the present study, rice straw addition in SMFCs was examined to determine its effect on CH4 and CO2 emissions. Columns (height, 25 cm; inner diameter, 9 cm) with four treatments: soil without and with rice straw under SMFC and without SMFC conditions were incubated at 25°C for 70 days. Anodic potential values at 7 cm depth sediment were kept higher by SMFCs than those without SMFCs. Cumulative CH4 emission was significantly reduced by SMFC with straw amendment (p < 0.05) with no significant effect on CO2 emission. 16S rRNA gene analysis results showed that Firmicutes at the phylum, Closteridiales and Acidobacteriales at order level were dominant on the anode of straw-added SMFC, whereas Methanomicrobiales were in the treatment without SMFC, indicating that a certain group of methanogens were suppressed by SMFC. Our results suggest that the anodic redox environment together with the enrichment of straw-degrading bacteria contributed to a competitive advantage of electrogenesis over methanogenesis in straw-added SMFC system.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama2470-13439342024Engineering Zeolitic-Imidazolate-Framework-Derived Mo-Doped Cobalt Phosphide for Efficient OER Catalysts3611436121ENMohammad AtiqurRahmanDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityZeCaiDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityZannatul MumtarinMoushumyDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityRyutaTagawaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityYoshiharuHidakaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityChiyuNakanoResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityMd. SaidulIslamDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityYoshihiroSekineDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityShintaroIdaInstitute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa), Kumamoto UniversityShinyaHayamiInstitute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa), Kumamoto UniversityDesigning a cheap, competent, and durable catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is exceedingly necessary for generating oxygen through a water-splitting reaction. In this project, we have designed a ZIF-67-originated molybdenum-doped cobalt phosphide (CoP) using a simplistic dissolution–regrowth method using Na2MoO4 and a subsequent phosphidation process. This leads to the formation of an exceptional hollow nanocage morphology that is useful for enhanced catalytic activity. Metal–organic frameworks, especially ZIF-67, can be used both as a template and as a metal (cobalt) precursor. Molybdenum-doped CoP was fabricated through a two-step synthesis process, and the fabricated Mo-doped CoP showed excellent catalytic activity during the OER with a lower value of overpotential. Furthermore, the effect of the Mo amount on the catalytic activity has been explored. The best catalyst (CoMoP-2) showed an onset potential of around 1.49 V at 10 mA cm–2 to give rise to a Tafel slope of 62.1 mV dec–1. The improved catalytic activity can be attributed to the increased porosity and surface area of the resultant catalyst.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0008-62232382025Grafting-through functionalization of graphene oxide with cationic polymers for enhanced adsorption of anionic dyes and viruses120296ENRyotaKimuraGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityPilarFerré-PujolResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityGraphene oxide (GO) is a sheet-like carbon material with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface. GO has been extensively studied as an adsorbent for heavy metals and organic compounds. However, effective strategies for negatively charged materials have yet to be established. This study aimed to synthesize composites of GO and cationic polymers for the selective adsorption of negatively charged materials; a challenge in this approach is the strong electrostatic interactions between GO and cationic polymers, which can lead to aggregation. This study addresses this issue by employing the grafting-through method. GO was initially modified with allylamine to introduce a polymerizable site, followed by radical polymerization to covalently bond polymers to the GO surface, effectively preventing aggregation. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the GO-polymer composite selectively adsorbs anionic dye, such as methyl orange. Virus adsorption tests showed significantly enhanced performance compared to pristine GO. These results emphasize the critical role of controlled surface modification and charge manipulation in optimizing the adsorption performance of GO. This study establishes a simple and effective approach for synthesizing GO-cationic polymer composites, contributing to the development of advanced materials for water purification applications.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1359-734560762024Investigating the radical properties of oxidized carbon materials under photo-irradiation: behavior of carbon radicals and their application in catalytic reactions1054410547ENMd RazuAhmedResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityIsrael OrtizAnayaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityOxidized carbon materials have abundant surface functional groups and customizable properties, making them an excellent platform for generating radicals. Unlike reactive oxygen species such as hydroxide or superoxide radicals that have been reported previously, oxidized carbon also produces stable carbon radicals under photo-irradiation. This has been confirmed through electron spin resonance. Among the various oxidized carbon materials synthesized, graphene oxide shows the largest number of carbon radicals when exposed to blue LED light. The light absorption capacity, high surface area, and unique structural characteristics of oxidized carbon materials offer a unique function for radical-mediated oxidative reactions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama2045-23221512025Automated identification of the origin of energy loss in nonoriented electrical steel by feature extended Ginzburg–Landau free energy framework23758ENMichikiTaniwakiTokyo University of ScienceRyunosukeNagaokaTokyo University of ScienceKenMasuzawaTokyo University of ScienceShunsukeSatoTokyo University of ScienceAlexandre LiraFoggiattoTokyo University of ScienceChiharuMitsumataTokyo University of ScienceTakahiroYamazakiTokyo University of ScienceIppeiObayashiOkayama UniversityYasuakiHiraokaKyoto UniversityYasuhikoIgarashiUniversity of TsukubaYutaMizutoriUniversity of TsukubaSepehri AminHosseinNIMSTadakatsuOhkuboNIMSHisashiMogiNippon SteelMasatoKotsugiTokyo University of ScienceThis study presents the automated identification of the complex magnetization reversal process in nonoriented electrical steel (NOES) using the feature extended Ginzburg–Landau (eX-GL) free energy framework. eX-GL provides a robust connection between microscopic magnetic domains and macroscopic magnetic hysteresis using a data science perspective. This method employs physically meaningful features to analyze the energy landscape, providing insights into the mechanisms behind function. We obtained features representing both the microstructure and energy of the domain wall. The causes of iron loss were traced to the original domain structure, through which we could successfully distinguish and visualize the role of pinning as a promoting and resisting factor. We found that the reversal process was governed not only by general grain boundary pinning but also by segmented magnetic domains within the grain. This method revealed the complex interplay between magnetism and metallography and introduced a new means for transformative material design, bridging structures and functions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2025Towards SBOM-based Access Control for Transparent and Explicit Program ExecutionENYutaShimamotoOkayama UniversityHiroyukiUekawaNTT Social Informatics LaboratoriesMitsuakiAkiyamaNTT Social Informatics LaboratoriesToshihiroYamauchiOkayama UniversityAlthough a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) plays a key role in software transparency, inconsistencies in SBOM descriptions can undermine its value. To address this, we propose a novel approach to program access control, SBOMAC, which leverages Mandatory Access Control (MAC) systems to ensure transparent and explicit program execution. In this study, we identify the challenges associated with implementing this approach and present preliminary investigation results to address these challenges.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama2666-63673162025Clinical effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration and the timing of its initiation on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes for myelodysplastic syndrome388.e1388.e14ENTakaakiKonumaDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of TokyoMachikoFujiokaDepartment of Hematology, Sasebo City General HospitalKyokoFuseFaculty of Medicine, Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Niigata UniversityHirokiHosoiDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical UniversityYosukeMasamotoDepartment of Cell Therapy and Transplantation Medicine, The University of Tokyo HospitalNorikoDokiHematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome HospitalNaoyukiUchidaDepartment of Hematology, Toranomon HospitalMasatsuguTanakaDepartment of Hematology, Kanagawa Cancer CenterMasashiSawaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Anjo Kosei HospitalTetsuyaNishidaDepartment of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi HospitalJunIshikawaDepartment of Hematology, Osaka International Cancer InstituteNoboruAsadaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University HospitalHirohisaNakamaeDepartment of Hematology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of MedicineYutaHasegawaDepartment of Hematology, Hokkaido University HospitalMakotoOnizukaDepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of MedicineTakeshiMaedaDepartment of Hematology and oncology, Kurashiki Central HospitalTakahiroFukudaDepartment of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center HospitalKojiKawamuraDepartment of Hematology, Tottori University HospitalYoshinobuKandaDivision of Hematology, Jichi Medical UniversityMarieOhbikiJapanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationYoshikoAtsutaJapanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationHidehiroItonagaTransfusion and Cell Therapy Unit, Nagasaki University HospitalGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) accelerates neutrophil recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, the optimal use of G-CSF and the timing of its initiation after allogeneic HCT for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) according to graft type have not been determined. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effects of using G-CSF administration and the timing of its initiation on transplant outcomes in adult patients with MDS undergoing allogeneic HCT. Using Japanese registry data, we retrospectively investigated the effects of G-CSF administration and the timing of its initiation on transplant outcomes among 4140 adults with MDS after bone marrow transplantation (BMT), peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), or single-unit cord blood transplantation (CBT) between 2013 and 2022. Multivariate analysis showed that early (days 0 to 4) and late (days 5 to 10) G-CSF administration significantly accelerated neutrophil recovery compared with no G-CSF administration following BMT, PBSCT, and CBT, but there was no benefit of early G-CSF initiation for early neutrophilic recovery regardless of graft type. Late G-CSF initiation was significantly associated with a higher risk of overall chronic GVHD following PBSCT (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 2.24; P = .002) and CBT (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.21 to 3.60; P = .007) compared with no G-CSF administration. Late G-CSF initiation significantly improved OS compared with no G-CSF administration only following PBSCT (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.94; P = .015). However, G-CSF administration and the timing of its initiation did not affect acute GVHD, relapse, or non-relapse mortality, irrespective of graft type. These results suggest that G-CSF administration significantly accelerated neutrophil recovery after BMT, PBSCT, and CBT, but increased risk of overall chronic GVHD after PBSCT and CBT. However, the effect of early and late G-CSF initiation on transplant outcomes needs further study in adult patients with MDS.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0021-97976952025Tunable interlayer distance in graphene oxide through alkylamine surface coverage and chain length137727ENIsraelOrtiz-AnayaGraduate School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama UniversitySeijiObataResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityLayered materials have unique structures that can be modified by adjusting the space between layers through pillaring or surface functionalization. Unlike typical crystalline layered materials, graphene oxide (GO) possesses reactive oxygenated functional groups, which lead to spontaneous reduction and stacking upon thermal treatment. Here, we investigated the functionalization of GO with different amounts of hexylamine to control the degree of surface coverage. Furthermore, octylamine and dodecylamine were employed to confirm the effect of the alkyl chain length on the interlayer distance of the resultant GO derivatives. Subsequent thermal treatment produced reduced GO (rGO) functionalized with alkylamines, demonstrating the retention of the interlayer distance. Additionally, amine-functionalized rGOs exhibited varying porous structures.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2025Deeper Mechanistic Understanding of Some Reaction Processes in Electroorganic SynthesisENYutaNIKIGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama universityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama1464-67222652025Genomic Islands of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605: Identification of PtaGI-1 as a Pathogenicity Island With Effector Genes and a Tabtoxin Clustere70087ENYutaWatanabeThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKotomiKunishiFaculty of Agriculture,Okayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNanamiSakataThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukiIchinoseThe Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityGenomic islands (GIs) are 20-500 kb DNA regions that are thought to be acquired by horizontal gene transfer. GIs that confer pathogenicity and environmental adaptation have been reported in Pseudomonas species; however, GIs that enhance bacterial virulence have not. Here, we identified 110 kb and 103 kb GIs in P. syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605), the causative agent of tobacco wildfire disease, which has the ability to produce tabtoxin as a phytotoxin. These GIs are partially homologous to known genomic islands in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. syringae pv. phaseolicola and were designated PtaGI-1 and PtaGI-2. Both PtaGIs conserve core genes, whereas each GI possesses different accessory genes. PtaGI-1 contains a tabtoxin biosynthetic gene cluster and three type III effector genes among its accessory genes, whereas PtaGI-2 also contains homologous genes to hsvABC, pathogenicity-related genes in Erwinia amylovora. Inoculation revealed that the PtaGI-1 mutant, but not the PtaGI-2 mutant, lost the ability to biosynthesise tabtoxin and to cause disease. Therefore, PtaGI-1 is thought to be a pathogenicity island. Both PtaGI-1 and PtaGI-2 have a pseudogene of tRNALys on the left border and an intact tRNALys gene on the right border. In a colony of Pta6605, both GIs can be excised at tRNALys, and PtaGI-1 and PtaGI-2 exist in a circular form. These results indicate that tabtoxin biosynthesis genes in PtaGI-1 are required for disease development, and PtaGI-1 is necessary for Pta6605 virulence.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1999-59031732025Facial Privacy Protection with Dynamic Multi-User Access Control for Online Photo Platforms124ENAndriSantosoGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamsulHudaGreen Innovation Center, Okayama UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIn the digital age, sharing moments through photos has become a daily habit. However, every face captured in these photos is vulnerable to unauthorized identification and potential misuse through AI-powered synthetic content generation. Previously, we introduced SnapSafe, a secure system for enabling selective image privacy focusing on facial regions for single-party scenarios. Recognizing that group photos with multiple subjects are a more common scenario, we extend SnapSafe to support multi-user facial privacy protection with dynamic access control designed for online photo platforms. Our approach introduces key splitting for access control, an owner-centric permission system for granting and revoking access to facial regions, and a request-based mechanism allowing subjects to initiate access permissions. These features ensure that facial regions remain protected while maintaining the visibility of non-facial content for general viewing. To ensure reproducibility and isolation, we implemented our solution using Docker containers. Our experimental assessment covered diverse scenarios, categorized as "Single", "Small", "Medium", and "Large", based on the number of faces in the photos. The results demonstrate the system's effectiveness across all test scenarios, consistently performing face encryption operations in under 350 ms and achieving average face decryption times below 286 ms across various group sizes. The key-splitting operations maintained a 100% success rate across all group configurations, while revocation operations were executed efficiently with server processing times remaining under 16 ms. These results validate the system's capability in managing facial privacy while maintaining practical usability in online photo sharing contexts.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7912025A Rare Case of Compression Neuritis due to Intraorbital Arteriovenous Fistula (IOAVF) Mimicking Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis5964ENShunMinakawaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji HospitalMasayukiHiranoDepartment of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji HospitalKazuyaTakahashiDepartment of Neurosurgery, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji HospitalYutaImamuraDepartment of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji HospitalTakashiWatanabeDepartment of Ophthalmology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji HospitalCase Report10.18926/AMO/68363Intraorbital arteriovenous fistulas (IOAVFs) are rare vascular abnormalities. We describe a case of an IOAVF featuring a direct shunt between the accessory meningeal artery and the superior ophthalmic artery. A 55-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of visual impairment in her right eye, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed optic neuritis-like findings. Steroid pulse therapy temporarily resolved visual impairment. However, 1 month later, she experienced decreased visual acuity, ocular conjunctival hyperemia, edema, and a pulsatile murmur. Contrast-enhanced MRI and digital subtraction angiography revealed compression optic neuropathy due to an IOAVF. Following successful treatment with transarterial embolization, her symptoms disappeared.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2045-23221512025Novel treatment strategy targeting interleukin-6 induced by cancer associated fibroblasts for peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer3267ENEmaMitsuiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoruKikuchiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTomohiroOkuraDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroshiTazawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaUneDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesNoriyukiNishiwakiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinjiKurodaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhiroNomaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShunsukeKagawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshiakiOharaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunkoOhtsukaLaboratory of Fundamental Oncology, National Cancer Center Research InstituteRiekoOhkiLaboratory of Fundamental Oncology, National Cancer Center Research InstituteToshiyoshiFujiwaraDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a crucial component in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of peritoneal metastasis (PM), where they contribute to tumor progression and metastasis via secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Here, we investigated the role of IL-6 in PM of gastric cancer (GC) and assessed whether anti-IL-6 receptor antibody (anti-IL-6R Ab) could inhibit PM of GC. We conducted immunohistochemical analysis of IL-6 and alpha-smooth muscle (alpha-SMA) expressions in clinical samples of GC and PM, and investigated the interactions between CAFs and GC cells in vitro. Anti-tumor effects of anti-IL-6R Ab on PM of GC were investigated in an orthotopic murine PM model. IL-6 expression was significantly correlated with alpha-SMA expression in clinical samples of GC, and higher IL-6 expression in the primary tumor was associated with poor prognosis of GC. Higher IL-6 and alpha-SMA expressions were also observed in PM of GC. In vitro, differentiation of fibroblasts into CAFs and chemoresistance were observed in GC cells cocultured with fibroblasts. Anti-IL-6R Ab inhibited the progression of PM in GC cells cocultured with fibroblasts in the orthotopic mouse model but could not inhibit the progression of PM consisting of GC cells alone. IL-6 expression in the TME was associated with poor prognosis of GC, and CAFs were associated with establishment and progression of PM via IL-6. Anti-IL-6R Ab could inhibit PM of GC by the blockade of IL-6 secreted by CAFs, which suggests its therapeutic potential for PM of GC.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2079-63741512025Mapping Surface Potential in DNA Aptamer-Neurochemical and Membrane-Ion Interactions on the SOS Substrate Using Terahertz Microscopy46ENKoseiMoritaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityYutaMitsudaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversitySotaYoshidaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityToshihikoKiwaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityJinWangGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityIn this study, we utilized a terahertz chemical microscope (TCM) to map surface potential changes induced by molecular interactions on silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) substrates. By functionalizing the SOS substrate with DNA aptamers and an ion-selective membrane, we successfully detected and visualized aptamer-neurochemical complexes through the terahertz amplitude. Additionally, comparative studies of DNA aptamers in PBS buffer and artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) were performed by computational structure modeling and terahertz measurements. Beyond neurochemicals, we also investigated calcium ions, measuring their concentrations in PDMS-fabricated micro-wells using minimal sample volumes. Our results highlight the capability of TCM as a powerful, label-free, and sensitive platform for the probing and mapping of surface potential arising from molecular interactions, with broad implications for biomedical diagnostics and research.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0008-62232342025Reversible chemical modifications of graphene oxide for enhanced viral capture and release in water120015ENPilarFerré-PujolResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversitySeijiObataResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityJésusRayaInstitut de Chimie, UMR 7177 CNRS, Université de StrasbourgAlbertoBiancoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityHiroyukiKatayamaDepartment of Urban Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of TokyoTakashiKatoResearch Center for Water Environment Technology, School of Engineering, The University of TokyoYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityDetecting low concentrations of viruses in sewage water is crucial for monitoring the spread of emerging viral diseases. However, current detection methods, which involve concentrating viruses using traditional materials such as gauze or cotton, have limitations in effectively accomplishing this task. This study demonstrates that graphene oxide (GO), a two-dimensional carbon material, possesses strong viral adsorption capabilities. However, it lacks efficiency for effective viral release. Therefore, we designed a series of new GO-based materials, which exhibited a viral adsorption similar to pristine GO, while significantly enhancing their release performance by attaching alkyl chains and hydrophilic functional groups. Among the synthesized materials, 1,8-aminooctanol grafted to GO (GO-NH2C8OH) has emerged as the most promising candidate, achieving a viral release rate higher than 50 %. This superior performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the alkyl chain and the terminal OH group, which enhances both its affinity for viruses and water dispersibility. Furthermore, we have successfully applied GO-NH2C8OH in a new protocol for concentrating viruses from sewage wastewater. This approach has demonstrated a 200-fold increase in virus concentration, allowing PCR detection of this type of pathogens present in wastewater below the detection limit by direct analysis, underscoring its significant potential for virus surveillance.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0947-653931142025Graphene Oxide as a Self‐Carbocatalyst to Facilitate the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Glycidol for Efficient Polyglycerol Graftinge202404400ENYajuanZouResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKentaroOhkuraGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIsraelOrtiz‐AnayaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityRyotaKimuraGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAlbertoBiancoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityGrafting 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山大学文明動態学研究所Acta Medica Okayama2436-832642025吉備製鉄遺跡周辺地域の磁鉄鉱ざくろ石スカルン鉄鉱石の鉱物学的・地球化学的特徴1952ENYasushiTAKECHIKurashiki Museum of Natural HistoryDaisukeNAKAMURAOkayama University, Department of Earth SciencesShigeyukiSUZUKIOkayama University, Department of Earth SciencesJosephRYANOkayama University, Research Institute for the Dynamics of CivilizationsTakeshiUWAGAKIOkayama Prefectural Board of EducationMasatoNAGAHARAThe Historical Study Group of Mining and Metallurgy of JapanYutaYOSHIEMitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.KeiIKEHATAUniversity of Tsukuba, Faculty of Life and Environmental SciencesOsamuKIMURAOkayama University, Research Institute for the Dynamics of CivilizationsRyoichiHATTORIOsaka University, Graduate School of Humanities論文 (Research article)10.18926/67954We conducted mineralogical and geochemical analysis of ore samples taken from locations surrounding the Jinmu, Sanpō, and Kōmoto mines in order to determine the source of iron ore uncovered from archaeological sites. The mineral composition of the magnetite-garnet bearing skarn deposits varies from mine to mine: while clinopyroxene and amphibole are present in the Jinmu and Sanpō samples, only a small amount of clinopyroxene occurs in the Kōmoto samples. The chemical compositions of magnetite and garnet are distinctive for each mine. Among the trace elements contained in the magnetite, Mg and Mn tend to be higher in the Kōmoto samples, Ti in the Jinmu samples, and Ca and Si in the Sanpō samples. The garnet from all the mines is andradite, but while the Kōmoto samples contain almost no Al, it is present in the Jinmu and Sanpō samples. Although samples were taken from a limited number of mine areas (three), our analysis provides an index for comparison with iron ore uncovered from archaeological sites, which will aid in provenance determination.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama1523-706026512024Electrogenerated Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Claisen Rearrangement of Allyl Aryl Ethers1111111116ENYutaNikiDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKoichiMitsudoDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityEisukeSatoDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySeijiSugaDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityCatalysts 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama1936-085118492024Mass Production of Graphene Oxide Beyond the Laboratory: Bridging the Gap Between Academic Research and Industry3326433275ENYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityThe mass production of graphene oxide (GO) has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential applications in various fields, from materials science to biomedicine. Graphene, known for its unique properties, such as high conductivity and mechanical strength, has been extensively studied. However, traditional production methods such as the exfoliation of graphite with scotch tape are not suitable for large-scale production. This has led to an increased focus on GO as a viable alternative to graphene production. Nonetheless, challenges, including the optimization of oxidation processes, the control of structural uniformity, and the reproducibility of production, have not been solved so far. This review critically examines GO production advancements by analyzing experimental and mechanistic studies to identify significant developments that enable high-yield and reproducible methods suitable for industrial-scale production. Special attention is given to oxidation techniques and postsynthesis purification and storage, with a focus on controlled oxidation to achieve homogeneous and single-layer GO. Through this lens, the review outlines the path forward for the industrialization of GO, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial production.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama0009-267397112024Refined surface area determination of graphene oxide using methylene blue as a probe molecule: a comparative approachuoae118ENIsraelOrtiz-AnayaGraduate School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityIn this research, we explored the effectiveness of the methylene blue adsorption method as an alternative approach for determining the specific surface area of graphene oxide. Initially, through a comparative analysis with reference activated carbon, we identified the limitations of utilizing N2 physisorption for specific surface area determination of graphene oxide. Our findings revealed that the standard pretreatment process (heating under vacuum) before N2 physisorption led to damage to the surface oxygen groups on graphene oxide, and the measured surface areas (43 m2/g) do not accurately represent the entire surface area. To optimize methylene blue coverage on graphene oxide, we conducted adsorption equilibrium experiments, focusing on controlling temperature and pH. The pH was significantly important in regulating the coverage of methylene blue. Under the optimized methylene blue adsorption conditions, the specific surface area of graphene oxide was 1,555 m2/g. Our assumptions regarding specific surface area calculations were supported by structural characterization of samples with varying methylene blue uptakes. The results confirmed a uniform coverage of methylene blue on graphene oxide by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1424-822024232024The Design and Implementation of Kerberos-Blockchain Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks Authentication Across Diverse Network Scenarios7428ENMayaRahayuGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMd. BiplobHossainGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamsulHudaGreen Innovation Center, Okayama UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMd. ArshadAliFaculty of CSE, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityVehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) play an essential role in the intelligent transportation era, furnishing users with essential roadway data to facilitate optimal route selection and mitigate the risk of accidents. However, the network exposure makes VANETs susceptible to cyber threats, making authentication crucial for ensuring security and integrity. Therefore, joining entity verification is essential to ensure the integrity and security of communication in VANETs. However, to authenticate the entities, authentication time should be minimized to guarantee fast and secure authentication procedures. We propose an authentication system for VANETs using blockchain and Kerberos for storing authentication messages in a blockchain ledger accessible to Trusted Authentication Servers (TASs) and Roadside Units (RSUs). We evaluate the system in three diverse network scenarios: suburban, urban with 1 TAS, and urban with 2 TASs. The findings reveal that this proposal is applicable in diverse network scenarios to fulfill the network requirements, including authentication, handover, and end-to-end delay, considering an additional TAS for an increasing number of vehicles. The system is also practicable in storing the authentication message in blockchain considering the gas values and memory size for all scenarios.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama0340-57619922024Therapeutic potential of 4-phenylbutyric acid against methylmercury-induced neuronal cell death in mice563574ENRyoheiMikiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyosukeNomuraDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaIijimaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShoKubotaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNobumasaTakasugiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakaoIwawakiDivision of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical UniversityMasatakeFujimuraDepartment of International Affairs and Research, National Institute for Minamata DiseaseTakashiUeharaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMethylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental neurotoxin that induces damage to the central nervous system and is the causative agent in Minamata disease. The mechanisms underlying MeHg neurotoxicity remain largely unknown, and there is a need for effective therapeutic agents, such as those that target MeHg-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is activated as a defense mechanism. We investigated whether intraperitoneal administration of the chemical chaperone, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), at 120 mg/kg/day can alleviate neurotoxicity in the brains of mice administered 50 ppm MeHg in drinking water for 5 weeks. 4-PBA significantly reduced MeHg-induced ER stress, neuronal apoptosis, and neurological symptoms. Furthermore, 4-PBA was effective even when administered 2 weeks after the initiation of exposure to 30 ppm MeHg in drinking water. Our results strongly indicate that ER stress and the UPR are key processes involved in MeHg toxicity, and that 4-PBA is a novel therapeutic candidate for MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山医学会Acta Medica Okayama0030-155813622024mRNA ワクチン8384ENYutaTanakaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYoshitoZamamiDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama2577-171X642023A case of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the urachus253256ENKazumaTsuboiDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalKensukeBekkuDepartment of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKoheiHaisaDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalYutaKajiharaDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalTakujiTsugawaDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalYosukeInoueDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalTomokoSakoDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalWataruMuraoDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalShinEbaraDepartment of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens HospitalIntroduction: Urachus carcinoma is a rare malignancy with an aggressive potential and a poor prognosis, and evidence is limited for its diagnosis and treatment.<br>
Case presentation: A 75-year-old man underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for staging prostate cancer, and a mass (standardized uptake value max 9.5) was observed on the outside of the urinary bladder dome. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed the urachus and a low-intensity tumor, which suggested a malignant tumor. We suspected urachal carcinoma and performed total resection of the urachus and partial cystectomy. Pathological examination revealed mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with cells positive for CD20 and negative for CD3, CD5, and cyclin D1. After the surgery, no recurrence has been observed for more than 2 years.<br>
Conclusion: We encountered an extremely rare case of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the urachus. Surgical resection of the tumor provided an accurate diagnosis and good disease control.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2045-23221412024Training high-performance deep learning classifier for diagnosis in oral cytology using diverse annotations17591ENShintaroSukegawaDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityFutaTanakaDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityKeisukeNakanoDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakeshiHaraDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityTakanagaOchiaiDivision of Oral Pathogenesis and Disease Control, Department of Oral Pathology, Asahi University School of DentistryKatsumitsuShimadaDepartment of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental UniversityYutaInoueDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityYoshihiroTakiDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityFumiNakaiDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineYasuhiroNakaiDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineTakanoriIshihamaDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineRyoMiyazakiStony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook UniversitySatoshiMurakamiDepartment of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental UniversityHitoshiNagatsukaDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMinoruMiyakeDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineThe uncertainty of true labels in medical images hinders diagnosis owing to the variability across professionals when applying deep learning models. We used deep learning to obtain an optimal convolutional neural network (CNN) by adequately annotating data for oral exfoliative cytology considering labels from multiple oral pathologists. Six whole-slide images were processed using QuPath for segmenting them into tiles. The images were labeled by three oral pathologists, resulting in 14,535 images with the corresponding pathologists' annotations. Data from three pathologists who provided the same diagnosis were labeled as ground truth (GT) and used for testing. We investigated six models trained using the annotations of (1) pathologist A, (2) pathologist B, (3) pathologist C, (4) GT, (5) majority voting, and (6) a probabilistic model. We divided the test by cross-validation per slide dataset and examined the classification performance of the CNN with a ResNet50 baseline. Statistical evaluation was performed repeatedly and independently using every slide 10 times as test data. For the area under the curve, three cases showed the highest values (0.861, 0.955, and 0.991) for the probabilistic model. Regarding accuracy, two cases showed the highest values (0.988 and 0.967). For the models using the pathologists and GT annotations, many slides showed very low accuracy and large variations across tests. Hence, the classifier trained with probabilistic labels provided the optimal CNN for oral exfoliative cytology considering diagnoses from multiple pathologists. These results may lead to trusted medical artificial intelligence solutions that reflect diverse diagnoses of various professionals.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Pharmaceutical Society of JapanActa Medica Okayama0918-61584762024Epigenetic Regulation of Carbonic Anhydrase 9 Expression by Nitric Oxide in Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells11191122ENYutoMoriyaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShoKubotaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaIijimaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNobumasaTakasugiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakashiUeharaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityDNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and determines cell fate; however, the triggers that alter DNA methylation levels remain unclear. Recently, we showed that S-nitrosylation of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) induces DNA hypomethylation and alters gene expression. Furthermore, we identified DBIC, a specific inhibitor of S-nitrosylation of DNMT3B, to suppress nitric oxide (NO)-induced gene alterations. However, it remains unclear how NO-induced DNA hypomethylation regulates gene expression and whether this mechanism is maintained in normal cells and triggers disease-related changes. To address these issues, we focused on carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), which is upregulated under nitrosative stress in cancer cells. We pharmacologically evaluated its regulatory mechanisms using human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and DBIC. We demonstrated that nitrosative stress promotes the recruitment of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha to the CA9 promoter region and epigenetically induces CA9 expression in SAECs. Our results suggest that nitrosative stress is a key epigenetic regulator that may cause diseases by altering normal cell function.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231512024Controlling 229Th isomeric state population in a VUV transparent crystal5536ENTakahiroHirakiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKoichiOkaiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMichaelBartokosInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienKjeldBeeksInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienHiroyukiFujimotoNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)YutaFukunagaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityHiromitsuHabaRIKENYoshitakaKasamatsuGraduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityShinjiKitaoInstitute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto UniversityAdrianLeitnerInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienTakahikoMasudaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMingGuanResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityNobumotoNagasawaJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteRyoichiroOgakeResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityMartinPimonInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienMartinPresslerInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienNoboruSasaoResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityFabianSchadenInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienThorstenSchummInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienMakotoSetoInstitute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto UniversityYudaiShigekawaRIKENKotaroShimizuResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTomasSikorskyInstitute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics, TU WienKenjiTamasakuRIKEN SPring-8 CenterSayuriTakatoriResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTsukasaWatanabeNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)AtsushiYamaguchiRIKENYoshitakaYodaJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteAkihiroYoshimiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKojiYoshimuraResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityThe radioisotope thorium-229 (Th-229) is renowned for its extraordinarily low-energy, long-lived nuclear first-excited state. This isomeric state can be excited by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lasers and Th-229 has been proposed as a reference transition for ultra-precise nuclear clocks. To assess the feasibility and performance of the nuclear clock concept, time-controlled excitation and depopulation of the Th-229 isomer are imperative. Here we report the population of the Th-229 isomeric state through resonant X-ray pumping and detection of the radiative decay in a VUV transparent Th-229-doped CaF2 crystal. The decay half-life is measured to 447(25) s, with a transition wavelength of 148.18(42) nm and a radiative decay fraction consistent with unity. Furthermore, we report a new "X-ray quenching" effect which allows to de-populate the isomer on demand and effectively reduce the half-life. Such controlled quenching can be used to significantly speed up the interrogation cycle in future nuclear clock schemes.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1424-822024132024Optimizing IoT Intrusion Detection Using Balanced Class Distribution, Feature Selection, and Ensemble Machine Learning Techniques4293ENMuhammad BisriMusthafaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySamsulHudaGreen Innovation Center, Okayama UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMd. ArshadAliFaculty of CSE, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology UniversityShunsukeArakiGraduate School of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of TechnologyJedidahMwauraGraduate School of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of TechnologyYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityInternet of Things (IoT) devices are leading to advancements in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across various industries. However, as the number of connected IoT devices increases, the risk of intrusion becomes a major concern in IoT security. To prevent intrusions, it is crucial to implement intrusion detection systems (IDSs) that can detect and prevent such attacks. IDSs are a critical component of cybersecurity infrastructure. They are designed to detect and respond to malicious activities within a network or system. Traditional IDS methods rely on predefined signatures or rules to identify known threats, but these techniques may struggle to detect novel or sophisticated attacks. The implementation of IDSs with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques has been proposed to improve IDSs' ability to detect attacks. This will enhance overall cybersecurity posture and resilience. However, ML and DL techniques face several issues that may impact the models' performance and effectiveness, such as overfitting and the effects of unimportant features on finding meaningful patterns. To ensure better performance and reliability of machine learning models in IDSs when dealing with new and unseen threats, the models need to be optimized. This can be done by addressing overfitting and implementing feature selection. In this paper, we propose a scheme to optimize IoT intrusion detection by using class balancing and feature selection for preprocessing. We evaluated the experiment on the UNSW-NB15 dataset and the NSL-KD dataset by implementing two different ensemble models: one using a support vector machine (SVM) with bagging and another using long short-term memory (LSTM) with stacking. The results of the performance and the confusion matrix show that the LSTM stacking with analysis of variance (ANOVA) feature selection model is a superior model for classifying network attacks. It has remarkable accuracies of 96.92% and 99.77% and overfitting values of 0.33% and 0.04% on the two datasets, respectively. The model's ROC is also shaped with a sharp bend, with AUC values of 0.9665 and 0.9971 for the UNSW-NB15 dataset and the NSL-KD dataset, respectively.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.AIP PublishingActa Medica Okayama0003-695112522024Enhanced thermal conductivity of fluids by percolating high-concentration few-layer graphene023104ENKeikoIshiiCollege of Science and Engineering, Chuo UniversityTakahiroOgiyamaCollege of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin UniversityKojiFumotoCollege of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityHigh-performance and small-sized heat exchangers have been demanded due to the miniaturization and higher output of electronic devices, lasers, and energy harvesting/storage systems. Graphene nanosheet suspension has attracted attention as a next-generation nanofluid because of its high thermal conductivity and low pressure drop, while being dispersed stably without any additives. Graphene-based nanofluids have been mostly investigated using graphene oxide, and there are a few studies on pure graphene because of the limitation in mass production and stabilization at high concentrations of graphene. In this study, we prepared a 10 wt. % high-concentration few-layer graphene suspension by pulverizing graphite particles. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectra confirmed the few-layer graphene is formed in the suspension. The thermal conductivity of the suspension increased with concentration and suddenly jumped at a specific concentration. Furthermore, a significant improvement in thermal conductivity of >40% compared to base liquid was confirmed at 10 wt. % graphene content. A similar trend was observed for electrical resistance; 10 wt. % graphene suspension showed 62% lower resistance than that of 1 wt. %. These results suggest the percolation of graphene in a liquid, which has not been observed for graphene-based materials in previous research.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0304-39408202024Neurogenesis impairment with glial activation in the hippocampus-connected regions of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-injected mice137598ENKaoriMasaiDepartment of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaNakayamaDepartment of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Medical SchoolKotaroShinDepartment of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesChiakiSugaharaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesIkukoMiyazakiDepartment of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTakaoYasuharaDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesIsaoDateDepartment of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatoAsanumaDepartment of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesAdult 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1420-304929102024Recognition of 8-Oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine in DNA Using the Triphosphate of 2′-Deoxycytidine Connecting the 1,3-Diazaphenoxazine Unit, dCdapTP2270ENTakatoSakuradaGraduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityYutaChikadaFaculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyoMiyaharaGraduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu UniversityYosukeTaniguchiFaculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityDNA is constantly damaged by various external and internal factors. In particular, oxidative damage occurs in a steady state, and 8-oxo-2 '-deoxyguanosine (oxodG) is known as the main oxidative damage. OxodG is a strong genotoxic nucleoside and is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurological diseases. However, a breakthrough method to detect the position of oxodG in DNA has not yet been developed. Therefore, we attempted to develop a novel method to detect oxodG in DNA using artificial nucleosides. Recently, we have succeeded in the recognition of oxodG in DNA by a single nucleotide elongation reaction using nucleoside derivatives based on a purine skeleton with a 1,3-diazaphenoxazine unit. In this study, we developed a new nucleoside derivative with a pyrimidine skeleton in order to further improve the recognition ability and enzymatic reaction efficiency. We, therefore, designed and synthesized 2 '-deoxycytidine-1,3-diazaphenoxazine (Cdap) and its triphosphate derivatives. The results showed that it was incorporated into the primer strand relative to the dG template because of its cytidine skeleton, but it was more effective at the complementary position of the oxodG template. These results indicate that the new nucleoside derivative can be considered as one of the new candidates for the detection of oxodG in DNA.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.IARIAActa Medica Okayama2308-44132024Application of a Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithm to Virtual Machine Migration Control in Multi-Stage Information Processing Systems1318ENYukinobuFukushimaOkayama UniversityYukiKoujitaniOkayama UniversityKazutoshiNakaneNagoya UniversityYutaTarutaniOkayama UniversityCelimugeWuThe Univ. of Electro-Commun.YushengJiNational Institute of InformaticsTokumiYokohiraOkayama UniversityTutomuMuraseNagoya UniversityThis paper tackles a Virtual Machine (VM) migration control problem to maximize the progress (accuracy) of information processing tasks in multi-stage information processing systems. The conventional methods for this problem (e.g., VM sweeping method and VM number averaging method) are effective only for specific situations, such as when the system load is high. In this paper, in order to achieve high accuracy in various situations, we propose a VM migration method using a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm. It is difficult to directly apply a DRL algorithm to the VM migration control problem because the size of the solution space of the problem dynamically changes according to the number of VMs staying in the system while the size of the agent’s action space is fixed in DRL algorithms. Therefore, the proposed method divides the VM migration control problem into two problems: the problem of determining only the VM distribution (i.e., the proportion of the number of VMs deployed on each edge server) and the problem of determining the locations of all the VMs so that it follows the determined VM distribution. The former problem is solved by a DRL algorithm, and the latter problem is solved by a heuristic method. The simulation results confirm that our proposed method can select quasi-optimal VM locations in various situations with different link delays.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2024メチル水銀の毒性機序および新規障害部位の解析ENYutaIIJIMAGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0045-65353582024Size, polyglycerol grafting, and net surface charge of iron oxide nanoparticles determine their interaction and toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans142060ENYajuanZouGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutakaShikanoInstitute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of TsukubaYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNaokiKomatsuGraduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto UniversityErikoKage-NakadaiDepartment of Nutrition, Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityMasazumiFujiwaraGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe widespread application of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in environmental remediation has raised public concerns about their toxicity to aquatic organisms. Although appropriate surface modification can mitigate the ecotoxicity of NPs, the lack of polymer coating to inhibit toxicity completely and the insufficient knowledge about charge effect hinder the development of safe nanomaterials. Herein, we explored the potential of polyglycerol (PG) functionalization in alleviating the environmental risks of NPs. Iron oxide NPs (ION) of 20, 100, and 200 nm sizes (IONS, IONM and IONL, respectively) were grafted with PG to afford ION-PG. We examined the interaction of ION and ION-PG with Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and found that PG suppressed non-specific interaction of ION with C. elegans to reduce their accumulation and to inhibit their translocation. Particularly, IONS-PG was completely excluded from worms of all developmental stages. By covalently introducing sulfate, carboxyl and amino groups onto IONS-PG, we further demonstrated that positively charged IONS-PG-NH3+ induced high intestinal accumulation, cuticle adhesion and distal translocation, whereas the negatively charged IONS-PG-OSO3– and IONS-PG-COO– were excreted out. Consequently, no apparent deleterious effects on brood size and life span were observed in worms treated by IONS-PG and IONS-PG bearing negatively charged groups. This study presents new surface functionalization approaches for developing ecofriendly nanomaterials.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1359-734559172023Non-enzymatic detection of glucose levels in human blood plasma by a graphene oxide-modified organic transistor sensor24252428ENHaonanFanInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoYuiSasakiInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoQiZhouInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoWeiTangInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityTsuyoshiMinamiInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of TokyoWe herein report an organic transistor functionalized with a phenylboronic acid derivative and graphene oxide for the quantification of plasma glucose levels, which has been achieved by the minimization of interferent effects derived from physical protein adsorption on the detection electrode.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama3005-073124512024Experimental apparatus for detection of radiative decay of 229Th isomer from Th-doped CaF214ENTakahiroHirakiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityAmong 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japanese Society of ToxicologyActa Medica Okayama0388-13504922024Methylmercury-induced brain neuronal death in CHOP-knockout mice5560ENYutaIijimaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyoheiMikiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasatakeFujimuraDepartment of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata DiseaseSeiichiOyadomariDivision of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima UniversityTakashiUeharaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityApoptosis is one of the hallmarks of MeHg-induced neuronal cell death; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. We previously reported that MeHg exposure induces neuron-specific ER stress in the mouse brain. Excessive ER stress contributes to apoptosis, and CHOP induction is considered to be one of the major mechanisms. CHOP is also increased by MeHg exposure in the mouse brain, suggesting that it correlates with increased apoptosis. In this study, to clarify whether CHOP mediates MeHg-induced apoptosis, we examined the effect of CHOP deletion on MeHg exposure in CHOP-knockout mice. Our data showed that CHOP deletion had no effect on MeHg exposure-induced weight loss or hindlimb impairment in mice, nor did it increase apoptosis or inhibit neuronal cell loss. Hence, CHOP plays little role in MeHg toxicity, and other apoptotic pathways coupled with ER stress may be involved in MeHg-induced cell death.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1865-03331712024Evaluation of attenuation correction method for head holder in brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography322328ENMasahiroNakashimaivision of Radiological Technology, Okayama University HospitalYutaYamazakiCanon Medical Systems CorporationHead 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0960-894X962023Direct evaluation of polarity of the ligand binding pocket in retinoid X receptor using a fluorescent solvatochromic agonist129536ENKizukuMiuraFaculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMichikoFujiharaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasakiWatanabeDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaTakamuraDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMayuKawasakiGraduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of ShizuokaShogoNakanoGraduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of ShizuokaHirokiKakutaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHigh 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.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical Society (ACS)Acta Medica Okayama0022-26236582022Identification of a Vitamin-D Receptor Antagonist, MeTC7, which Inhibits the Growth of Xenograft and Transgenic Tumors In Vivo60396055ENNegarKhazanWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterKyu KwangKimWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterJeanne N.HansenDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical CenterNiloy A.SinghWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterTaylorMooreWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterCameron W. A.SnyderWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterRavinaPanditaWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterMylaStrawdermanDepartment of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical CenterMichikoFujiharaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaTakamuraDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYeJianDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterNicholasBattagliaDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterNaohiroYanoDepartment of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown UniversityYukiTeramotoDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical CenterLeggy A.ArnoldDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin MilwaukeeRussellHopsonDepartment of Chemistry, Brown UniversityKeshavKishorDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologySnehaNayakDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologyDebasmitaOjhaDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologyAshokeSharonDepartment of Chemistry, Birla Institute of TechnologyJohn M.AshtonGenomics Core Facility, Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical CenterJianWangDepartment of Pharmacology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State UniversityMichael T.MilanoDepartment of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical CenterHiroshiMiyamotoDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical CenterDavid C.LinehanDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterScott A.GerberDivision of Surgery and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical CenterNadaKawarCenter for Breast Health and Gynecologic Oncology, Mercy Medical CenterAjay P.SinghRutgers, The State University of New JerseyErdem D.TabdanovCytoMechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State UniversityNikolay V.DokholyanDepartment of Pharmacology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State UniversityHirokiKakutaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesPeter W.JurutkaSchool of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Health Futures CenterNina F.SchorDepartments of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical CenterRachael B.Rowswell-TurnerWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterRakesh K.SinghWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterRichard G.MooreWilmot Cancer Institute and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical CenterVitamin-D receptor (VDR) mRNA is overexpressed in neuroblastoma and carcinomas of lung, pancreas, and ovaries and predicts poor prognoses. VDR antagonists may be able to inhibit tumors that overexpress VDR. However, the current antagonists are arduous to synthesize and are only partial antagonists, limiting their use. Here, we show that the VDR antagonist MeTC7 (5), which can be synthesized from 7-dehydrocholesterol (6) in two steps, inhibits VDR selectively, suppresses the viability of cancer cell-lines, and reduces the growth of the spontaneous transgenic TH-MYCN neuroblastoma and xenografts in vivo. The VDR selectivity of 5 against RXRα and PPAR-γ was confirmed, and docking studies using VDR-LBD indicated that 5 induces major changes in the binding motifs, which potentially result in VDR antagonistic effects. These data highlight the therapeutic benefits of targeting VDR for the treatment of malignancies and demonstrate the creation of selective VDR antagonists that are easy to synthesize.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2694-2453352023Highly Stretchable Stress-Strain Sensor from Elastomer Nanocomposites with Movable Cross-links and Ketjenblack394405ENRyoheiIkuraDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityKotaKajimotoDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityJunsuParkDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityShunsukeMurayamaGraduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata UniversityYuseiFujiwaraDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Institute of TechnologyMotofumiOsakiDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityTomohiroSuzukiKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.HidenoriShirakawaKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.YujiroKitamuraKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.HiroakiTakahashiKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.YasumasaOhashiKanagawa Technical Center, Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.SeijiObataResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityAkiraHaradaSANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka UniversityYukaIkemotoJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research InstituteYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYasutomoUetsujiDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Institute of TechnologyGoMatsubaGraduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata UniversityYoshinoriTakashimaDepartment of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Forefront Research Center for Fundamental Sciences, Osaka UniversityPractical applications like very thin stress-strain sensors require high strength, stretchability, and conductivity, simultaneously. One of the approaches is improving the toughness of the stress-strain sensing materials. Polymeric materials with movable cross-links in which the polymer chain penetrates the cavity of cyclodextrin (CD) demonstrate enhanced strength and stretchability, simultaneously. We designed two approaches that utilize elastomer nanocomposites with movable cross-links and carbon filler (ketjenblack, KB). One approach is mixing SC (a single movable cross-network material), a linear polymer (poly(ethyl acrylate), PEA), and KB to obtain their composite. The electrical resistance increases proportionally with tensile strain, leading to the application of this composite as a stress- strain sensor. The responses of this material are stable for over 100 loading and unloading cycles. The other approach is a composite made with KB and a movable cross-network elastomer for knitting dissimilar polymers (KP), where movable cross-links connect the CD-modified polystyrene (PSCD) and PEA. The obtained composite acts as a highly sensitive stress-strain sensor that exhibits an exponential increase in resistance with increasing tensile strain due to the polymer dethreading from the CD rings. The designed preparations of highly repeatable or highly responsive stress-strain sensors with good mechanical properties can help broaden their application in electrical devices.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama2516-02304102022Synergic effect of graphene oxide and boron nitride on the mechanical properties of polyimide composite films23392345ENYi KaiChengGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityBenoît Denis LouisCampéonResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversitySeijiObataResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe addition of two-dimensional (2D) materials into polymers can improve their mechanical properties. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are expected to be potential nanoplatelet additives for polymers. Interactions between such nanoplatelets and polymers are effective in improving the above properties. However, no report has investigated the effect of using two types of nanoplatelets that have good interaction with polymers. In this study, we fabricated polyimide (PI) films that contain two types of nanoplatelets, amine-functionalized h-BN (BNNH2) and GO. We have elucidated that the critical ratio and the content of BNNH2 and GO within PI govern the films' mechanical properties. When the BNNH2/GO weight ratio was 52 : 1 and their content was 1 wt% in the PI film, the tensile modulus and tensile strength were increased by 155.2 MPa and 4.2 GPa compared with the pristine PI film.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7742023Acute Coronary Spasm Following Pelvic Fracture, Bleeding, and Shock in a Trauma Patient423427ENYasuakiYamakawaEmergency and Critical Care Center, Kochi Health Sciences CenterKoheiMiyashitaEmergency and Critical Care Center, Kochi Health Sciences CenterAtsushiMorizaneEmergency and Critical Care Center, Kochi Health Sciences CenterMasatoTakeuchiDepartment of Cardiology, Kochi Health Sciences CenterYutaKawashimaDepartment of Radiology, Kochi Health Sciences CenterTomokoSugimuraEmergency and Critical Care Center, Kochi Health Sciences CenterYuichiSaisakaEmergency and Critical Care Center, Kochi Health Sciences CenterCase Report10.18926/AMO/65753We report a case of a patient with severe pelvic fracture who showed concurrent ST elevation on electrocardiogram. A 70-year-old man incurred an unstable pelvic fracture from a motorcycle accident. On admission, he was hemodynamically unstable, and massive transfusion and noradrenaline were administered immediately. Although ST elevation was present in leads II, III, aVF, V5, and V6, cardiac function was preserved; thus, trans-arterial embolization and external fixation for pelvic fracture were given priority. Four days after the injury, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and coronary angiography revealed that the cause of ST elevation and cardiac arrest was coronary vasospasm. Physicians should be aware that pain-related stress and platelet activation as well as use of noradrenaline in severe trauma cases can induce coronary vasospasm.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2045-23221312023Effectiveness of deep learning classifiers in histopathological diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by pathologists11676ENShintaroSukegawaDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversitySawakoOnoDepartment of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalFutaTanakaDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityYutaInoueDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityTakeshiHaraDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityKazumasaYoshiiDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu UniversityKeisukeNakanoDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKiyofumiTakabatakeDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHotakaKawaiDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShimadaKatsumitsuDepartment of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental UniversityFumiNakaiDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineYasuhiroNakaiDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineRyoMiyazakiDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineSatoshiMurakamiDepartment of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental UniversityHitoshiNagatsukaDepartment of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMinoruMiyakeDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa University Faculty of MedicineThe study aims to identify histological classifiers from histopathological images of oral squamous cell carcinoma using convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning models and shows how the results can improve diagnosis. Histopathological samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma were prepared by oral pathologists. Images were divided into tiles on a virtual slide, and labels (squamous cell carcinoma, normal, and others) were applied. VGG16 and ResNet50 with the optimizers stochastic gradient descent with momentum and spectral angle mapper (SAM) were used, with and without a learning rate scheduler. The conditions for achieving good CNN performances were identified by examining performance metrics. We used ROCAUC to statistically evaluate diagnostic performance improvement of six oral pathologists using the results from the selected CNN model for assisted diagnosis. VGG16 with SAM showed the best performance, with accuracy = 0.8622 and AUC = 0.9602. The diagnostic performances of the oral pathologists statistically significantly improved when the diagnostic results of the deep learning model were used as supplementary diagnoses (p-value = 0.031). By considering the learning results of deep learning model classifiers, the diagnostic accuracy of pathologists can be improved. This study contributes to the application of highly reliable deep learning models for oral pathological diagnosis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231412023Pivotal role for S-nitrosylation of DNA methyltransferase 3B in epigenetic regulation of tumorigenesis621ENKosakuOkudaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKengoNakaharaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAkihiroItoChemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource ScienceYutaIijimaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyosukeNomuraDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAshutoshKumarLaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKENKanaFujikawaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKazuyaAdachiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiShimadaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversitySatoshiFujioDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityReinaYamamotoDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNobumasaTakasugiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKunishigeOnumaDivision of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori UniversityMitsuhikoOsakiDivision of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori UniversityFutoshiOkadaDivision of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori UniversityTaichiUkegawaDepartment of Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYasuoTakeuchiDepartment of Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNorihisaYasuiLaboratory of Structural Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAtsukoYamashitaLaboratory of Structural Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHiroyukiMarusawaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityYosukeMatsushitaDivision of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima UniversityToyomasaKatagiriDivision of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima UniversityTakahiroShibataGraduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya UniversityKojiUchidaLaboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of TokyoSheng-YongNiuBroad Institute of MIT and HarvardNhi B.LangNeurodegeneration New Medicines Center, and Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteTomohiroNakamuraNeurodegeneration New Medicines Center, and Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteKam Y. J.ZhangLaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKENStuart A.LiptonNeurodegeneration New Medicines Center, and Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research InstituteTakashiUeharaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityDNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) catalyze methylation at the C5 position of cytosine with S-adenosyl-l-methionine. Methylation regulates gene expression, serving a variety of physiological and pathophysiological roles. The chemical mechanisms regulating DNMT enzymatic activity, however, are not fully elucidated. Here, we show that protein S-nitrosylation of a cysteine residue in DNMT3B attenuates DNMT3B enzymatic activity and consequent aberrant upregulation of gene expression. These genes include Cyclin D2 (Ccnd2), which is required for neoplastic cell proliferation in some tumor types. In cell-based and in vivo cancer models, only DNMT3B enzymatic activity, and not DNMT1 or DNMT3A, affects Ccnd2 expression. Using structure-based virtual screening, we discovered chemical compounds that specifically inhibit S-nitrosylation without directly affecting DNMT3B enzymatic activity. The lead compound, designated DBIC, inhibits S-nitrosylation of DNMT3B at low concentrations (IC50 <= 100nM). Treatment with DBIC prevents nitric oxide (NO)-induced conversion of human colonic adenoma to adenocarcinoma in vitro. Additionally, in vivo treatment with DBIC strongly attenuates tumor development in a mouse model of carcinogenesis triggered by inflammation-induced generation of NO. Our results demonstrate that de novo DNA methylation mediated by DNMT3B is regulated by NO, and DBIC protects against tumor formation by preventing aberrant S-nitrosylation of DNMT3B.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer Science and Business Media LLCActa Medica Okayama1345-26308942023Positive chemotaxis to plant apoplastic fluids of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 and metabolome analysis219223ENYutaWatanabeThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityStephany AngeliaTumewuThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityHajimeYamadaFaculty of Agriculture, Okayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityMikihiroYamamotoThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiIchinoseThe Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityPseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605) is a causal agent of wildfire disease in host tobacco plants. Although chemotaxis has been shown to be necessary for Pta6605 in tobacco infection, the chemoattractants at the site of infection are unclear. Pta6605 was attracted to the apoplastic fluid from not only host tobacco leaves but also non-host plant leaves, indicating that Pta6605 is attracted to common plant metabolites. Metabolome analysis of apoplastic fluid from tobacco leaves revealed that amino acids including γ-aminobutyric acid and organic acids are abundant, suggesting that these compounds are potential chemoattractants.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2041-17231412023Structure and mechanism of oxalate transporter OxlT in an oxalate-degrading bacterium in the gut microbiota1730ENTitouanJaunet-LaharyResearch Center for Computational Science, Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural SciencesTatsuroShimamuraGraduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityMasahiroHayashiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNorimichiNomuraGraduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityKoutaHirasawaGraduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityTetsuyaShimizuRIKEN SPring-8 CenterMasaoYamashitaRIKEN SPring-8 CenterNaotakaTsutsumiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaSuehiroSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKeiichiKojimaGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiSudoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakashiTamuraGraduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Okayama UniversityHirokoIwanariResearch Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of TokyoTakaoHamakuboResearch Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of TokyoSoIwataGraduate School of Medicine, Kyoto UniversityKei-IchiOkazakiResearch Center for Computational Science, Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural SciencesTeruhisaHiraiRIKEN SPring-8 CenterAtsukoYamashitaGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAn oxalate-degrading bacterium in the gut microbiota absorbs food-derived oxalate to use this as a carbon and energy source, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stone formation in host animals. The bacterial oxalate transporter OxlT selectively uptakes oxalate from the gut to bacterial cells with a strict discrimination from other nutrient carboxylates. Here, we present crystal structures of oxalate-bound and ligand-free OxlT in two distinct conformations, occluded and outward-facing states. The ligand-binding pocket contains basic residues that form salt bridges with oxalate while preventing the conformational switch to the occluded state without an acidic substrate. The occluded pocket can accommodate oxalate but not larger dicarboxylates, such as metabolic intermediates. The permeation pathways from the pocket are completely blocked by extensive interdomain interactions, which can be opened solely by a flip of a single side chain neighbouring the substrate. This study shows the structural basis underlying metabolic interactions enabling favourable symbiosis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2023レチノイドX受容体作動薬NEt-3IBの炎症性腸疾患治療薬としての実用化に向けた研究ENYutaTAKAMURAGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Spandidos PublicationsActa Medica Okayama1792-09812532023Quantitative evaluation of the reduction of distortion and metallic artifacts in magnetic resonance images using the multiacquisition variable‑resonance image combination selective sequence109ENMasakiHiranoDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiMutoDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasahiroKurodaDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaFujiwaraDivision of Clinical Radiology Service, Okayama Central HospitalTomoakiSasakiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroKurodaDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyoKamizakiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversitySatoshiImajohDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityYoshinoriTanabeDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityWllaE. Al-HammadDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYukiNakamitsuDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700‑8558, JapanYudaiShimizuDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKoheiSugimotoGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama, 770‑8558, JapanMasatakaOitaGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityIrfanSugiantoDepartment of Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin UniversityBabatundeO. BamgboseDepartment of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Bayero UniversityMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) in determining changes in tissue structure, such as those observed following inflammation and infection. However, when metal implants or other metal objects are present, MRI exhibits more distortion and artifacts compared with CT, which hinders the accurate measurement of the implants. A limited number of reports have examined whether the novel MRI sequence, multiacquisition variable-resonance image combination selective (MAVRIC SL), can accurately measure metal implants without distortion. Therefore, the present study aimed to demonstrate whether MAVRIC SL could accurately measure metal implants without distortion and whether the area around the metal implants could be well delineated without artifacts. An agar phantom containing a titanium alloy lumbar implant was used for the present study and was imaged using a 3.0 T MRI machine. A total of three imaging sequences, namely MAVRIC SL, CUBE and magnetic image compilation (MAGiC), were applied and the results were compared. Distortion was evaluated by measuring the screw diameter and distance between the screws multiple times in the phase and frequency directions by two different investigators. The artifact region around the implant was examined using a quantitative method following standardization of the phantom signal values. It was revealed that MAVRIC SL was a superior sequence compared with CUBE and MAGiC, as there was significantly less distortion, a lack of bias between the two different investigators and significantly reduced artifact regions. These results suggested the possibility of utilizing MAVRIC SL for follow-up to observe metal implant insertions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7722023Predictive Factors for Recovery from Alcoholic Liver Failure169177ENKanaeInoueDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalRioFujitaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalTakatoshiNagaharaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalShihoMurakamiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalYutaNagaiDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalRinaMoriwakeDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalNozomiMiyakeDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalAkikoWakutaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalKazuyaKariyamaDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalMamoruNishimuraDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalKazuhiroNousoDepartment of Gastroenterology, Okayama City HospitalOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/65146Alcoholic liver disease is a risk factor for non-virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is increasing in prevalence. This study aimed to identify the factors for recovery from alcoholic liver failure. Sixty-two consecutive patients hospitalized for alcoholic liver failure at Okayama City Hospital were enrolled. The characteristics of patients who survived to the 1-month follow-up and whose liver function improved to Child–Pugh A at 3 months (CPA3) and 12 months (CPA12) were compared with the rest of the patients. The survivors at 1 month (50 patients) were significantly younger than the deceased patients and had better liver and renal function with higher levels of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The same factors, except renal function, were correlated with achieving CPA3. High AST, ALT, and GGT levels as well as short spleen length, total abstinence, and good Child–Pugh scores at admission were identified as factors for achieving CPA12. The extent of alcohol intake before admission was not identified as a risk factor in any analysis. In conclusion, baseline liver function is crucial for survival and achieving CPA3, whereas high transaminase and γ-GTP levels, the absence of splenomegaly, and total abstinence are significant factors for achieving CPA12.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Japanese Society of Microbial EcologyActa Medica Okayama1342-63113712022Identification of Aerotaxis Receptor Proteins Involved in Host Plant Infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605ME21076ENStephany AngeliaTumewuGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYutaWatanabeFaculty of Agriculture, Okayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiFaculty of Agriculture, Okayama UniversityMikihiroYamamotoFaculty of Agriculture, Okayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiIchinoseGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityPseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta6605) is a foliar plant pathogen that causes wildfire disease on tobacco plants. It requires chemotaxis to enter plants and establish infection. While chemotactic signals appear to be the main mechanism by which Pta6605 performs directional movement, the involvement of aerotaxis or energy taxis by this foliar pathogen is currently unknown. Based on domain structures and similarity with more than 50 previously identified putative methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), the genome of Pta6605 encodes three potential aerotaxis transducers. We identified AerA as the main aerotaxis transducer and found that it possesses a taxis-to-serine-and-repellent (Tsr)-like domain structure that supports a periplasmic 4HB-type ligand-binding domain (LBD). The secondary aerotaxis transducer, AerB, possesses a cytosolic PAS-type LBD, similar to the Aer of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aerotaxis ability by single and double mutant strains of aerA and aerB was weaker than that by wild-type Pta6605. On the other hand, another cytosolic PAS-type LBD containing MCP did not make a major contribution to Pta6605 aerotaxis in our assay system. Furthermore, mutations in aerotaxis transducer genes did not affect surface motility or chemotactic attraction to yeast extract. Single and double mutant strains of aerA and aerB showed less colonization in the early stage of host plant infection and lower biofilm production than wild-type Pta6605. These results demonstrate the presence of aerotaxis transducers and their contribution to host plant infection by Pta6605.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2470-13437502022Oligoarginine-Conjugated Peptide Foldamers Inhibiting Vitamin D Receptor-Mediated Transcription4657346582ENMamiTakyoNational Institute of Health SciencesYumiSatoNational Institute of Health SciencesNaoyaHirataNational Institute of Health SciencesKeisukeTsuchiyaNational Institute of Health SciencesHiroakiIshidaLaboratory of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry, Showa Pharmaceutical UniversityTakashiKuroharaNational Institute of Health SciencesYutaYanaseNational Institute of Health SciencesTakahitoItoNational Institute of Health SciencesYasunariKandaNational Institute of Health SciencesKeikoYamamotoLaboratory of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry, Showa Pharmaceutical UniversityTakashiMisawaNational Institute of Health SciencesYosukeDemizuNational Institute of Health SciencesThe vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor, which is involved in several physiological processes, including differentiation and bone homeostasis. The VDR is a promising target for the development of drugs against cancer and bone-related diseases. To date, several VDR antagonists, which bind to the ligand binding domain of the VDR and compete with the endogenous agonist 1 alpha,25(OH)D3, have been reported. However, these ligands contain a secosteroidal skeleton, which is chemically unstable and complicated to synthesize. A few VDR antagonists with a nonsecosteroidal skeleton have been reported. Alternative inhibitors against VDR transactivation that act via different mechanisms are desirable. Here, we developed peptide-based VDR inhibitors capable of disrupting the VDR-coactivator interaction. It was reported that helical SRC2-3 peptides strongly bound to the VDR and competed with the coactivator in vitro. Therefore, we designed and synthesized a series of SRC2-3 derivatives by the introduction of nonproteinogenic amino acids, such as beta-amino acids, and by side-chain stapling to stabilize helical structures and provide resistance against digestive enzymes. In addition, conjugation with a cell-penetrating peptide increased the cell membrane permeability and was a promising strategy for intracellular VDR inhibition. The nona-arginine-conjugated peptides 24 with side-chain stapling and 25 with cyclic beta-amino acids showed strong intracellular VDR inhibitory activity, resulting in suppression of the target gene expression and inhibition of the cell differentiation of HL-60 cells. Herein, the peptide design, structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, and biological evaluation of the peptides are described.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1422-006723232022Alterations in UPR Signaling by Methylmercury Trigger Neuronal Cell Death in the Mouse Brain15412ENRyosukeNomuraDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNobumasaTakasugiDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHidekiHiraokaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaIijimaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTakaoIwawakiDivision of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical UniversityYoshitoKumagaiEnvironmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of TsukubaMasatakeFujimuraDepartment of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata DiseaseTakashiUeharaDepartment of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMethylmercury (MeHg), an environmental toxicant, induces neuronal cell death and injures specific areas of the brain. MeHg is known to induce oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway has a dual nature in that it regulates and protects cells from an overload of improperly folded proteins in the ER, whereas excessively stressed cells are eliminated by apoptosis. Oxidative stress/ER stress induced by methylmercury exposure may tilt the UPR toward apoptosis, but there is little in vivo evidence of a direct link to actual neuronal cell death. Here, by using the ER stress-activated indicator (ERAI) system, we investigated the time course signaling alterations of UPR in vivo in the most affected areas, the somatosensory cortex and striatum. In the ERAI-Venus transgenic mice exposed to MeHg (30 or 50 ppm in drinking water), the ERAI signal, which indicates the activation of the cytoprotective pathway of the UPR, was only transiently enhanced, whereas the apoptotic pathway of the UPR was persistently enhanced. Furthermore, detailed analysis following the time course showed that MeHg-induced apoptosis is strongly associated with alterations in UPR signaling. Our results suggest that UPR modulation could be a therapeutic target for treating neuropathy.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WILEYActa Medica Okayama2050-09041022022Fulminant myocarditis after the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinatione05378ENAkihiroOkaDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalYuyaSudoDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalToruMiyoshiDepartment of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasatomoOzakiDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalYutaKimuraDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalWataruTakagiDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalSatokoUgawaDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalTomoakiOkadaDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalKazumasaNosakaDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalMasayukiDoiDepartment of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalMyocarditis is an adverse event associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination. A 50-year-old man presented with dyspnea and resting chest pain after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and developed cardiogenic shock. Fulminant myocarditis was diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy and treated with intravenous corticosteroids.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7662022Graphene Oxide-based Endodontic Sealer: An in Vitro Study715721ENMohammed Zahedul Islam NizamiDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMelahatGorduysusDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiShinoda-ItoDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityTadashiYamamotoDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityShogoTakashibaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityZulemaAriasDepartment of Pathophysiology – Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/64122The failure of endodontic treatment is directly associated with microbial infection in the root canal or periapical areas. An endodontic sealer that is both bactericidal and biocompatible is essential for the success of root canal treatments. This is one of the vital issues yet to be solved in clinical dental practice. This in vitro study assessed the effectiveness of graphene oxide (GO) composites GO-CaF2 and GO-Ag-CaF2 as endodontic sealer materials. Dentin slices were coated with either the GO-based composites or commonly used root canal sealers (non-eugenol zinc oxide sealer). The coated slices were treated in 0.9% NaCl, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37˚C for 24 hours to compare their sealing effect on the dentin surface. In addition, the radiopacity of these composites was examined to assess whether they complied with the requirements of a sealer for good radiographic visualization. Scanning electron microscopy showed the significant sealing capability of the composites as coating materials. Radiographic images confirmed their radiopacity. Mineral deposition indicated their bioactivity, especially of GO-Ag-CaF2, and thus it is potential for regenerative application. They were both previously shown to be bactericidal to oral microbes and cytocompatible with host cells. With such a unique assemblage of critical properties, these GO-based composites show promise as endodontic sealers for protection against reinfection in root canal treatment and enhanced success in endodontic treatment overall.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Beilstein-InstitutActa Medica Okayama1860-5397182022Electrochemical hydrogenation of enones using a proton- exchange membrane reactor: selectivity and utility10551061ENKoichiMitsudoDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHarukaInoueDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNikiDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityEisukeSatoDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySeijiSugaDivision of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityElectrochemical hydrogenation of enones using a proton-exchange membrane reactor is described. The reduction of enones proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to afford ketones or alcohols. The reaction occurred chemoselectively with the use of different cathode catalysts (Pd/C or Ir/C).No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1424-822022132022A Business-to-Business Collaboration System That Promotes Data Utilization While Encrypting Information on the Blockchain4909ENHiroakiNasuGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaKoderaFaculty of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiFaculty of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityEnsuring the reliability of data gathering from every connected device is an essential issue for promoting the advancement of the next paradigm shift, i.e., Industry 4.0. Blockchain technology is becoming recognized as an advanced tool. However, data collaboration using blockchain has not progressed sufficiently among companies in the industrial supply chain (SC) that handle sensitive data, such as those related to product quality, etc. There are two reasons why data utilization is not sufficiently advanced in the industrial SC. The first is that manufacturing information is top secret. Blockchain mechanisms, such as Bitcoin, which uses PKI, require plaintext to be shared between companies to verify the identity of the company that sent the data. Another is that the merits of data collaboration between companies have not been materialized. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a business-to-business collaboration system using homomorphic encryption and blockchain techniques. Using the proposed system, each company can exchange encrypted confidential information and utilize the data for its own business. In a trial, an equipment manufacturer was able to identify the quality change caused by a decrease in equipment performance as a cryptographic value from blockchain and to identify the change one month earlier without knowing the quality value.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1422-006723122022Control of STING Agonistic/Antagonistic Activity Using Amine-Skeleton-Based c-di-GMP Analogues6847ENYutaYanaseNational Institute of Health SciencesGenichiroTsujiNational Institute of Health SciencesMikiNakamuraGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama UniversityNorihitoShibataNational Institute of Health SciencesYosukeDemizuGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama UniversityStimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is a type of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-membrane receptor. STING is activated by a ligand binding, which leads to an enhancement of the immune-system response. Therefore, a STING ligand can be used to regulate the immune system in therapeutic strategies. However, the natural (or native) STING ligand, cyclic-di-nucleotide (CDN), is unsuitable for pharmaceutical use because of its susceptibility to degradation by enzymes and its low cell-membrane permeability. In this study, we designed and synthesized CDN derivatives by replacing the sugar-phosphodiester moiety, which is responsible for various problems of natural CDNs, with an amine skeleton. As a result, we identified novel STING ligands that activate or inhibit STING. The cyclic ligand 7, with a cyclic amine structure containing two guanines, was found to have agonistic activity, whereas the linear ligand 12 showed antagonistic activity. In addition, these synthetic ligands were more chemically stable than the natural ligands.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1099-43002462022Transition Probability Test for an RO-Based Generator and the Relevance between the Randomness and the Number of ROs780ENYutaKoderaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRyoichiSatoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMd ArshadAliDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU)TakuyaKusakaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityA ring oscillator is a well-known circuit used for generating random numbers, and interested readers can find many research results concerning the evaluation of the randomness with a packaged test suit. However, the authors think there is room for evaluating the unpredictability of a sequence from another viewpoint. In this paper, the authors focus on Wold's RO-based generator and propose a statistical test to numerically evaluate the randomness of the RO-based generator. The test adopts the state transition probabilities in a Markov process and is designed to check the uniformity of the probabilities based on hypothesis testing. As a result, it is found that the RO-based generator yields a biased output from the viewpoint of the transition probability if the number of ROs is small. More precisely, the transitions 01 -> 01 and 11 -> 11 happen frequently when the number l of ROs is less than or equal to 10. In this sense, l > 10 is recommended for use in any application, though a packaged test suit is passed. Thus, the authors believe that the proposed test contributes to evaluating the unpredictability of a sequence when used together with available statistical test suits, such as NIST SP800-22.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama0947-653928372022Design and Synthesis of Glycosylated Cholera Toxin B Subunit as a Tracer of Glycoprotein Trafficking in Organelles of Living Cellse202201253ENYutaMakiDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityKazukiKawataDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityYanboLiuDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityKang‐YingGooDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityRyoOkamotoDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityYasuhiroKajiharaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka UniversityAyanoSatohGraduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama UniversityGlycosylation of proteins is known to be essential for changing biological activity and stability of glycoproteins on the cell surfaces and in body fluids. Delivering of homogeneous glycoproteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus would enable us to investigate the function of asparagine-linked (N-) glycans in the organelles. In this work, we designed and synthesized an intentionally glycosylated cholera toxin B-subunit (CTB) to be transported to the organelles of mammalian cells. The heptasaccharide, the intermediate structure of various complex-type N-glycans, was introduced to the CTB. The synthesized monomeric glycosyl-CTB successfully entered mammalian cells and was transported to the Golgi and the ER, suggesting the potential use of synthetic CTB to deliver and investigate the functions of homogeneous N-glycans in specific organelles of living cells.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama2470-13437152022Eco-Benign Orange-Hued Pigment Derived from Aluminum-Enriched Biogenous Iron Oxide Sheaths1279512802ENKatsunoriTamuraGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYuriOshimaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaFuseGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNoriyukiNagaokaAdvanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama UniversityTatsukiKunohGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMakotoNakanishiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTatsuoFujiiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTokuroNanbaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityJunTakadaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityInorganic pigments have been widely used due to their low cost of production, strong hiding power, and chemical resistance; nevertheless, they have limited hue width and chromaticity. To eliminate these disadvantages, we herein propose the use of an ingenious biotemplate technique to produce Al-enriched biogenic iron oxide (BIOX) materials. Spectrophotometric color analysis showed that high levels of Al inclusion on heat-treated BIOX samples produced heightened yellowish hues and lightness. The Al-enriched BIOX sheaths exhibited a stable tubular structure and excellent thermal stability of color tones after heating at high temperatures and repetitive heat treatments. Ultrastructural analysis and mechanical destruction experiments revealed that the highly chromatic orange-hue of these pigments are ascribed probably to an ingenious cylindrical nanocomposite architecture composed of putative Fe-included low crystalline Al oxide regions and hematite particles embedded therein. The present work therefore demonstrates that the bioengineered material can serve as an epochal orange-hued inorganic pigment with low toxicity and marked thermostability that should meet large industrial demand.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Cell PressActa Medica Okayama2372-7705252022Modulation of p53 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts prevents peritoneal metastasis of cancer249261ENToshihiroOgawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesSatoruKikuchiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMotoyasuTabuchiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesEmaMitsuiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaUneDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiroshiTazawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinjiKurodaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhiroNomaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshiakiOharaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShunsukeKagawaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYasuoUrataOncolys BioPharmaToshiyoshiFujiwaraDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment are associated with the establishment and progression of peritoneal metastasis. This study investigated the efficacy of replicative oncolytic adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy (OBP-702) against CAFs and peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). Higher CAF expression in the primary tumor was associated with poor prognosis of GC, and higher CAF expression was also observed with peritoneal metastasis in immunohistochemical analysis of clinical samples. And, we found transcriptional alteration of p53 in CAFs relative to normal gastric fibroblasts (NGFs). CAFs increased the secretion of cancer-promoting cytokines, including interleukin-6, and gained resistance to chemotherapy relative to NGFs. OBP-702 showed cytotoxicity to both GC cells and CAFs but not to NGFs. Overexpression of wild-type p53 by OBP-702 infection caused apoptosis and autophagy of CAFs and decreased the secretion of cancer-promoting cytokines by CAFs. Combination therapy using intraperitoneal administration of OBP-702 and paclitaxel synergistically inhibited the tumor growth of peritoneal metastases and decreased CAFs in peritoneal metastases. OBP-702, a replicative oncolytic adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy, offers a promising biological therapeutic strategy for peritoneal metastasis, modulating CAFs in addition to achieving tumor lysis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Acta Medica Okayama2375-2548892022Vasopressin-oxytocin–type signaling is ancient and has a conserved water homeostasis role in euryhaline marine planarianseabk0331ENAoshiKobayashiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMayukoHamadaUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMasa-akiYoshidaOki Marine Biological Station, Shimane UniversityYasuhisaKobayashiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNaoakiTsutsuiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityToshioSekiguchiNoto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Kanazawa UniversityYutaMatsukawaUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityShoMaejimaUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityJoseph J.GingellVertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd.ShokoSekiguchiUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityAyumuHamamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityDebbie L.HaySchool of Biological Sciences and Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of AucklandJohn F.MorrisDepartment of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetic, Le Gros Clark Building, University of OxfordTatsuyaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirotakaSakamotoUshimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, UshimadoVasopressin/oxytocin (VP/OT)–related peptides are essential for mammalian antidiuresis, sociosexual behavior, and reproduction. However, the evolutionary origin of this peptide system is still uncertain. Here, we identify orthologous genes to those for VP/OT in Platyhelminthes, intertidal planarians that have a simple bilaterian body structure but lack a coelom and body-fluid circulatory system. We report a comprehensive characterization of the neuropeptide derived from this VP/OT-type gene, identifying its functional receptor, and name it the “platytocin” system. Our experiments with these euryhaline planarians, living where environmental salinities fluctuate due to evaporation and rainfall, suggest that platytocin functions as an “antidiuretic hormone” and also organizes diverse actions including reproduction and chemosensory-associated behavior. We propose that bilaterians acquired physiological adaptations to amphibious lives by such regulation of the body fluids. This neuropeptide-secreting system clearly became indispensable for life even without the development of a vascular circulatory system or relevant synapses.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Nature PortfolioActa Medica Okayama2045-23221212022One-step nucleic acid amplification for intraoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in lung cancer patients: a single-center prospective study7297ENKeiNambaDepartment of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterKenSuzawaDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhikoShienDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesAkihiroMiuraDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaTakahashiDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesShunsakuMiyauchiDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKotaArakiDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKentaroNakataDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesShutaTomidaCenter for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University HospitalShinTanakaDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesKentarohMiyoshiDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinjiOtaniDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiromasaYamamotoDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesMikioOkazakiDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesSeiichiroSugimotoDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunichiSohDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasaomiYamaneDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinichiToyookaDepartment of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesOne-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) is a rapid intraoperative molecular detection technique for sentinel node assessment via the quantitative measurement of target cytokeratin 19 (CK19) mRNA to determine the presence of metastasis. It has been validated in breast cancer but its application in lung cancer has not been adequately investigated. 214 LNs from 105 patients with 100 primary lung cancers, 2 occult primary lung tumors, and 3 metastatic lung tumors, who underwent surgical lung resection with LN dissection between February 2018 and January 2020, were assessed. Resected LNs were divided into two parts: one was snap-frozen for OSNA and the other underwent rapidly frozen histological examination. Intraoperatively collected LNs were evaluated by OSNA using loop-mediated isothermal amplification and compared with intraoperative pathological diagnosis as a control. Among 214 LNs, 14 were detected as positive by OSNA, and 11 were positive by both OSNA and intraoperative pathological diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of OSNA was 84.6% and 98.5%, respectively. The results of 5 of 214 LNs were discordant, and the remainder all matched (11 positive and 198 negative) with a concordance rate of 97.7%. Although the analysis of public mRNA expression data from cBioPortal showed that CK19 expression varies greatly depending on the cancer type and histological subtype, the results of the five cases, except for primary lung cancer, were consistent. OSNA provides sufficient diagnostic accuracy and speed and can be applied to the intraoperative diagnosis of LN metastasis for non-small cell lung cancer.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1473-019722132022Glass-patternable notch-shaped microwave architecture for on-chip spin detection in biological samples25192530ENKeisukeOshimiDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYushiNishimuraDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City UniversityTsutomuMatsubaraDepartment of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City UniversityMasuakiTanakaDepartment of Electrical and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City UniversityEijiShikohDepartment of Electrical and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City UniversityLiZhaoState Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow UniversityYajuanZouDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNaokiKomatsuGraduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto UniversityYutaIkadoDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYukaTakezawaDepartment of Human Life Science, Graduate School of Food and Human Life Science, Osaka City UniversityErikoKage-NakadaiDepartment of Human Life Science, Graduate School of Food and Human Life Science, Osaka City University,YumiIzutsuDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Niigata UniversityKatsutoshiYoshizatoSynthetic biology laboratory, Graduate school of medicine, Osaka City UniversitySahoMoritaDepartment of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya UniversityMasatoTokunagaDepartment of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya UniversityHiroshiYukawaDepartment of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya UniversityYoshinobuBabaDepartment of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya UniversityYoshioTekiDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City UniversityMasazumiFujiwaraDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityWe report a notch-shaped coplanar microwave waveguide antenna on a glass plate designed for on-chip detection of optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs). A lithographically patterned thin wire at the center of the notch area in the coplanar waveguide realizes a millimeter-scale ODMR detection area (1.5 × 2.0 mm2) and gigahertz-broadband characteristics with low reflection (∼8%). The ODMR signal intensity in the detection area is quantitatively predictable by numerical simulation. Using this chip device, we demonstrate a uniform ODMR signal intensity over the detection area for cells, tissue, and worms. The present demonstration of a chip-based microwave architecture will enable scalable chip integration of ODMR-based quantum sensing technology into various bioassay platforms.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Pharmaceutical Society of JapanActa Medica Okayama0009-23637022022Development of Scaled-Up Synthetic Method for Retinoid X Receptor Agonist NEt-3IB Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals146154ENYutaTakamuraDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKen-ichiMorishitaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShotaKikuzawaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasakiWatanabeDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHirokiKakutaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityAbstract
Small-molecular drugs, which are generally inexpensive compared with biopharmaceuticals and can often be taken orally, may contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. We previously reported the retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist 4-(ethyl(3-isobutoxy-4-isopropylphenyl)amino)benzoic acid (NEt-3IB, 1) as a small-molecular drug candidate to replace biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The previous synthetic method to 1 required a large amount of organic solvent and extensive purification. In line with the SDGs, we aimed to develop an environmentally friendly, inexpensive method for the large-scale synthesis of 1. The developed method requires only a hydrophobic ether and EtOH as reaction and extraction solvents. The product was purified by recrystallization twice to afford 99% pure 1 at 100 mmol scale in about 30% yield. The optimized process showed a 35-fold improvement of the E-factor (an index of environmental impact) compared to the original method. This work, which changes the solvent used to environmentally preferable ones based on the existing synthetic method for 1, illustrates how synthetic methods for small-molecular drugs can be adapted and improved to contribute to the SDGs.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Acta Medica Okayama1477-92265152022Grafting redox-active molecules on graphene oxide through a diamine linker: length optimization for electron transfer18741878ENRizwanKhanGraduate school of natural science and technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate school of natural science and technology, Okayama UniversityA redox-active molecule is grafted on graphene oxide (GO) via successive reactions. In the first step, GO is modified with diamine, which acts as a linker for the redox-active molecule. In the second step, the redox-active molecule is attached to the amino group of the linker by amide bond formation. Through these processes GO is partially reduced, enhancing its electrochemical properties. The structure of the functionalized GO is characterized by XPS, TGA, FTIR, and CV, and applied for electrodes in supercapacitors (SCs). The distance and direction of the redox-active molecule on the electrode affect the SC performance; ethylene diamine is the most promising linker to efficiently transfer electrons from the redox-active molecule to the electrode surface.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Elsevier BVActa Medica Okayama0169-4332573302022Uniform coating of magnesium oxide crystal with reduced graphene oxide achieves moisture barrier performance151483ENAkinoriSaitoTateho chemical industries co. ltdSeijiObataResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityMagnesium oxide (MgO) has high thermal conductivity while keeping insulation; thus, MgO is attractive material as a filler for thermosetting or thermoplastic resins. However, MgO readily hydrates with water or moisture. Thus, the surface of MgO is coated with organic or inorganic substances. <br>
We focused on graphene oxide (GO) as a surface coating agent. It has a 2-dimensional thin sheet structure, oxygen functional groups on the surface, and negative zeta-potential. Typically, GO has been used as a support material for metal nanoparticles. In this research, GO was coated on MgO micro-crystal surface to improve the surface character of MgO. The negatively charged GO and the positively charged MgO were combined with strong interaction. 0.5wt% GO coated MgO showed excellent moisture resistance compared to organic substances coating. Coating of MgO with GO or rGO is effective to overcome the weaknesses of MgO. Due to the hydrophilicity and high thermal conductivity of rGO, MgO/rGO composite can be a filler for high moisture resistance and thermal conductivity.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.WileyActa Medica Okayama2052-8817812021Refractory gastric ulcer due to undisclosed use of topical diclofenac epolamine patchese710ENYutaOdaDentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of MedicineHiromichiNaitoDentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of MedicineTsuyoshiNojimaDentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of MedicineAtsunoriNakaoDentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of MedicineBackground: Topical forms of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been created to lessen systemic adverse effects. In general, they are believed to be well tolerated and appropriate for use as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old woman visited our clinic due to tarry stool. The patient reported multiple episodes of recurrent bleeding from a gastric ulcer for 2 months and was treated with endoscopic hemostatic clipping. The patient disclosed she had been using a large number of diclofenac patches for more than 3 months. The patient was treated conservatively by discontinuation of diclofenac patches and treatment with a proton pump inhibitor and omeprazole. Conclusion: In conclusion, inappropriate use of topical NSAID patches can be a cause of peptic ulcer bleeding. Patients reporting multiple episodes of recurrent bleeding from a gastric ulcer should be questioned, particularly about the use of OTC medications that might include topical NSAID patches.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityActa Medica Okayama0030-15666412022Bijective proofs of the identities on the values of inner products of the Macdonald polynomials153186ENYutaNishiyamaGraduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto UniversityIn this article, we introduce some identities obtained from the inner products of some symmetric polynomials including the Macdonald polynomials. These identities are obtained not only from the inner products, but also by constructing certain bijections. The bijections are constructed through transforming the Young diagrams of partitions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1099-43002392021Consideration for Affects of an XOR in a Random Number Generator Using Ring Oscillators1168ENRyoichiSatoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaKoderaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMd. ArshadAliDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU)TakuyaKusakaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuyukiNogamiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRobert H.Morelos-ZaragozaDepartment of Electrical Engineering, San José State UniversityA cloud service to offer entropy has been paid much attention to. As one of the entropy sources, a physical random number generator is used as a true random number generator, relying on its irreproducibility. This paper focuses on a physical random number generator using a field-programmable gate array as an entropy source by employing ring oscillator circuits as a representative true random number generator. This paper investigates the effects of an XOR gate in the oscillation circuit by observing the output signal period. It aims to reveal the relationship between inputs and the output through the XOR gate in the target generator. The authors conduct two experiments to consider the relevance. It is confirmed that combining two ring oscillators with an XOR gate increases the complexity of the output cycle. In addition, verification using state transitions showed that the probability of the state transitions was evenly distributed by increasing the number of ring oscillator circuits.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Frontiers Media SAActa Medica Okayama1663-9812122021A Retinoid X Receptor Agonist Directed to the Large Intestine Ameliorates T-Cell-Mediated Colitis in Mice715752ENRyohtarohMatsumotoDivision of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science and Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio UniversityDaisukeTakahashiDivision of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science and Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio UniversityMasakiWatanabeDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityShunsukeNakataniDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaTakamuraDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityYujiKurosakiDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHirokiKakutaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityKojiHaseDivision of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science and Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio UniversityRetinoid X receptor (RXR) is a nuclear receptor that heterodimerizes with several nuclear receptors, integrating ligand-mediated signals across the heterodimers. Synthetic RXR agonists have been developed to cure certain inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, pre-existing RXR agonists, which are lipophilic and readily absorbed in the upper intestine, cause considerable adverse effects such as hepatomegaly, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism. To minimize these adverse effects, we have developed an RXR agonist, NEt-3IB, which has lipophilic and thus poorly absorptive properties. In this study, we evaluated the effects of NEt-3IB in an experimental murine colitis model induced through the adoptive transfer of CD45RB(high)CD4(+) T cells. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the major portion of NEt-3IB was successfully delivered to the large intestine after oral administration. Notably, NEt-3IB treatment suppressed the development of T cell-mediated chronic colitis, as indicated by improvement of wasting symptoms, inflammatory infiltration, and mucosal hyperplasia. The protective effect of NEt-3IB was mediated by the suppression of IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cell expansion in the colon. In conclusion, NEt-3IB, a large intestine-directed RXR agonist, is a promising drug candidate for IBDs.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ACMActa Medica Okayama2018Web access monitoring mechanism for Android webview1ENYutaImamuraOkayama University, Okayama, JapanHiroyukiUekawaOkayama University, Okayama, JapanYasuhiroIshiharaOkayama University, Okayama, JapanMasayaSatoOkayama University, Okayama, JapanToshihiroYamauchiOkayama University Okayama, JapanIn addition to conventional web browsers, WebView is used to display web content on Android. WebView is a component that enables the display of web content in mobile applications, and is extensively used. As WebView displays web content without having to redirect the user to web browsers, there is the possibility that unauthorized web access may be performed secretly via Web-View, and information in Android may be stolen or tampered with. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and analyze web access via WebView, particularly because attacks exploiting WebView have been reported. However, there is no mechanism for monitoring web access viaWebView. In this work, the goals are to monitor web access via WebView and to analyze mobile applications using Web-View. To achieve these goals, we propose a web access monitoring mechanism for Android WebView. In this paper, the design and implementation of a mechanism that does not require any modifications to the Android Framework and Linux kernel are presented for the Chromium Android System WebView app. In addition, this paper presents evaluation results for the proposed mechanism.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Institute of Electronics, Information and Communications Engineers (IEICE)Acta Medica Okayama0916-8532E100.D102017Mitigating Use-After-Free Attacks Using Memory-Reuse-Prohibited Library22952306ENToshihiroYamauchiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaIkegamiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYuyaBanGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRecently, there has been an increase in use-after-free (UAF) vulnerabilities, which are exploited using a dangling pointer that refers to a freed memory. In particular, large-scale programs such as browsers often include many dangling pointers, and UAF vulnerabilities are frequently exploited by drive-by download attacks. Various methods to prevent UAF attacks have been proposed. However, only a few methods can effectively prevent UAF attacks during runtime with low overhead. In this paper, we propose HeapRevolver, which is a novel UAF attackprevention method that delays and randomizes the timing of release of freed memory area by using a memory-reuse-prohibited library, which prohibits a freed memory area from being reused for a certain period. The first condition for reuse is that the total size of the freed memory area is beyond the designated size. The threshold for the conditions of reuse of the freed memory area can be randomized by HeapRevolver. Furthermore, we add a second condition for reuse in which the freed memory area is merged with an adjacent freed memory area before release. Furthermore, HeapRevolver can be applied without modifying the target programs. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of HeapRevolver in Linux and Windows, and report its evaluation results. The results show that HeapRevolver can prevent attacks that exploit existing UAF vulnerabilities. In addition, the overhead is small.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ACMActa Medica Okayama2016Plate : persistent memory management for nonvolatile main memory18851892ENToshihiroYamauchiOkayama University, Okayama, JapanYutaYamamotoOkayama University, Okayama, JapanKengoNagaiOkayama University, Okayama, JapanTsukasaMatonoKyushu University, Fukuoka, JapanShinjiInamotoKyushu University, Fukuoka, JapanMasayaIchikawaKyushu University, Fukuoka, JapanMasatakaGotoKyushu University, Fukuoka, JapanHideoTaniguchiOkayama University, Okayama, JapanOver the past few years, nonvolatile memory has actively been researched and developed. Therefore, studying operating system (OS) designs predicated on the main memory in the form of a nonvolatile memory and studying methods to manage persistent data in a virtual memory are crucial to encourage the widespread use of nonvolatile memory in the future. However, the main memory in most computers today is volatile, and replacing highcapacity main memory with nonvolatile memory is extremely cost-prohibitive.
This paper proposes an OS structure for nonvolatile main memory. The proposed OS structure consists of three functions to study and develop OSs for nonvolatile main memory computers. First, a structure, which is called plate, is proposed whereby persistent data are managed assuming that nonvolatile main memory is present in a computer. Second, we propose a persistent-data mechanism to make a volatile memory function as nonvolatile main memory, which serves as a basis for the development of OSs for computers with nonvolatile main memory. Third, we propose a continuous operation control using the persistent-data mechanism and plates. This paper describes the design and implementation of the OS structure based on the three functions on The ENduring operating system for Distributed EnviRonment and describes the evaluation results of the proposed functions.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Springer OpenActa Medica Okayama1880-59817312021An improved apparent polar wander path for southwest Japan: post-Cretaceous multiphase rotations with respect to the Asian continent132ENKojiUnoDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaIdeharaDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityDaichiMoritaDepartment of Earth Sciences, Okayama UniversityKuniyukiFurukawaFaculty of Business Administration, Aichi UniversityTo construct the Mesozoic apparent polar wander path (APWP) for the inner arc of the southwestern Japanese islands (referred to as southwest Japan) and compare it to that of East Asia, a 110 Ma paleomagnetic pole for southwest Japan was determined. Mudstone and sandstone samples were collected from 16 sites for paleomagnetic analysis in the Lower Cretaceous Inakura Formation of the Inakura area in the central part of southwest Japan. A high-temperature magnetization component, with unblocking temperatures of 670-695 degrees C, was isolated from 12 sites of red mudstone. Of these, 11 sites revealed a primary remanent magnetization during the Early Cretaceous. The primary directions combined with the previously reported ones provide a new mean direction (D = 79.7 degrees, I = 47.4 degrees, alpha(95) = 6.5 degrees, N = 17), and a corresponding paleomagnetic pole that is representative of southwest Japan (24.6 degrees N, 203.1 degrees E, A(95) = 6.8 degrees). The Early Cretaceous paleomagnetic pole, together with the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic poles, constitute a new APWP for southwest Japan. The new APWP illustrates a standstill polar position during 110-70 Ma, suggesting tectonic quiescence of this region. This standstill was followed by two large tracks during the Cenozoic. We interpret these tracks as clockwise tectonic rotations of southwest Japan that occurred twice during the Cenozoic. The earlier tectonic rotation occurred for a tectonic unit positioned below northeast China, the Liaodong and Korean Peninsulas, and southwest Japan (East Tan-Lu Block) during the Paleogene. The later rotation took place only under southwest Japan during the Neogene. Cenozoic multiphase rifting activity in the eastern margin of the Asian continent was responsible for the tectonic rotations that are observed from the paleomagnetic studies. Intermittent rifting may constitute a series of phenomena due to asthenospheric convection, induced by the growth of the Eurasian mega-continent in the Mesozoic.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Oxford University Press (OUP)Acta Medica Okayama1347-69478512021Synthesis of (12R,13S)-pyriculariol and (12R,13S)-dihydropyriculariol revealed that the rice blast fungus, Pyricularia oryzae, produces these phytotoxins as racemates134142ENYutaNagashimaLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityAyakaSasakiLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityRyoyaHiraokaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukoOnodaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKojiTanakaLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityZi-YiWangGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityAtsukiKuwanaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiSatoLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityYujiSuzukiLaboratory of Plant Nutrition and Function, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityMinoruIzumiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityShigefumiKuwaharaLaboratory of Applied Bioorganic Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku UniversityManabuNukinaProfessor Emeritus, Yamagata UniversityHiromasaKiyotaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversitySynthesis of assumed natural (12R,13S)-enantiomers of pyriculariol (1) and dihydropyriculariol (2), phytotoxins isolated from rice blast disease fungus, Pyricularia oryzae, was achieved using Wittig reaction or microwave-assisted Stille coupling reaction as the key step. The synthesis revealed that the natural 1 and 2 are racemates. Foliar application test on a rice leaf indicated that both the salicylaldehyde core and side chain were necessary for phytotoxic activity. The fungus is found to produce optically active phytotoxins when incubated with rotary shaker, but racemic ones when cultured using an aerated jar fermenter.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.IOP Publishing LtdActa Medica Okayama2515-7655332021Simulating the redox potentials of unexplored phenazine derivatives as electron mediators for biofuel cells034008ENRyoNakagawaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIn this research, we aimed to establish a guideline for designing electron mediators suitable for biofuel cells. A redox potential simulator was fabricated by combining density functional theory calculation and experiment, allowing us to select molecules with appropriate redox potentials efficiently. Previously, mediators have been developed depending on the trials and errors; thus, our strategy will speed up the development of biofuel cells with outstanding performances.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7522021Multiacquisition Variable-Resonance Image Combination Selective Can Improve Image Quality and Reproducibility for Metallic Implants in the Lumbar Spine187197ENYutaFujiwaraDivision of Clinical Radiology Service, Okayama Central HospitalTomoakiSasakiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityYukiMutoDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityMasakiHiranoDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityRyoKamizakiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityKaitoMurakamiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityNaoyaMiuraDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutakaFujibuchiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityNayuOhmukaiDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityNao UedaDepartment of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityKouhei SugimotoDepartment of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroOtaDivision of Clinical Radiology Service, Okayama Central HospitalYoshikiKamihoriuchiDivision of Clinical Radiology Service, Okayama Central HospitalTomokoSasakiDivision of Clinical Radiology Service, Okayama Central HospitalSouichirouKaneshigeDepartment of Radiology, Okayama Central HospitalOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/61897The aim of this study is to evaluate how metallic artifacts in the lumbar spine can affect images obtained from magnetic resonance (MR) sequences. We performed a phantom experiment by scanning an agar containing an orthopedic metallic implant using 64-channel multidetector row computed tomography (CT) and a 3-tesla MR unit. We compared the reproducibility in each measurement, enlargement or reduction ratio of the CT and MR measurements, and signal deviation in each voxel from the control. The reproducibility on CT and multiacquisition variable-resonance image combination selective (MAVRIC SL) was good, but that on the other MR sequences showed either fixed bias or proportional bias. The reduction ratios of the distance between the nails were significantly smaller in MAVRIC SL than in the other MR sequences after CT measurements (p<0.001, respectively). MAVRIC SL was able to reduce the metallic artifact, permitting observation of the tissue surrounding the metal with good reproducibility.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7522021Efficacy and Safety of Ramucirumab/nab-paclitaxel for Previously Treated Advanced Gastric Cancer in Community Hospitals133138ENShinsukeHashidaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalNorimitsuTanakaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalYutaTakahashiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalYujiOnodaDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalHugh ShunsukeColvinDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalRyuichiroOhashiDepartment of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalKunio OkamotoDepartment of Medical Oncology, Kagawa Prefectural Central HospitalOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/61879As the nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) is free of ethanol and premedication, the duration of administration is shorter and patients can drive themselves to and from the hospital. In the 2018 Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines, ramucirumab (RAM) plus weekly nab-PTX is conditionally recommended for previously treated patients with advanced gastric cancer. Here, we retrospectively analysed the efficacy and safety of RAM+nab-PTX for such patients in community hospitals. From January 2018 to December 2019, 43 patients with metastatic and recurrent gastric cancer received RAM+nab-PTX treatment. Six patients (13.9%) were older than 80 years and 9 patients (20.9%) showed ECOG-PS 2. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs) were reviewed retrospectively. Median PFS was 114 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84-190) and median OS was 297 days (95% CI: 180-398). ORR and DCR were 32.4% and 72.2%, respectively. The incidence rates of ≥grade 3 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were 53.5% and 2.3%, respectively. No treatment-related deaths occurred. RAM plus nab-PTX combination therapy demonstrated manageable toxicity even patients who were elderly or had an ECOG-PS 2. This treatment is useful in community hospital settings.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama1615-5262202021Web access monitoring mechanism via Android WebView for threat analysis833847ENYutaImamuraGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRintaroOritoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHiroyukiUekawaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKritsanaChaikaewFaculty of Engineering, Kasetsart UniversityPattaraLeelapruteFaculty of Engineering, Kasetsart UniversityMasayaSatoGraduate School of Natural Science and TechnologyToshihiroYamauchiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMany Android apps employ WebView, a component that enables the display of web content in the apps without redirecting users to web browser apps. However, WebView might also be used for cyberattacks. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, although some countermeasures based on access control have been reported for attacks exploiting WebView, no mechanism for monitoring web access via WebView has been proposed and no analysis results focusing on web access via WebView are available. In consideration of this limitation, we propose a web access monitoring mechanism for Android WebView to analyze web access via WebView and clarify attacks exploiting WebView. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of this mechanism by modifying Chromium WebView without any modifications to the Android framework or Linux kernel. The evaluation results of the performance achieved on introducing the proposed mechanism are also presented here. Moreover, the result of threat analysis of displaying a fake virus alert while browsing websites on Android is discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2046-20691122021Adsorption enhancement of nitrogen gas by atomically heterogeneous nanospace of boron nitride838846ENJunKimuraDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakahiroOhkuboDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYuta NishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityKokiUritaGraduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki UniversityYasushigeKurodaDepartment of Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityIn this study, porous boron nitride (p-BN) with hexagonal phase boron nitride (h-BN) pore walls was synthesized using high-temperature calcination. Negligible variation in pore-wall structure can be observed in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles and infrared (IR) spectra. However, a highly stable p-BN with a stable pore structure even at 973 K under the oxidative conditions is obtained when synthesized at higher than 1573 K under nitrogen gas flow. For p-BN, this stability is obtained by generating h-BN microcrystals. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms at 77 K provide type-IV features and typical adsorption–desorption hysteresis, which suggests micropore and mesopore formation. Moreover, adsorption–desorption isotherms of Ar at 87 K are measured and compared with those of nitrogen. The relative adsorbed amount of nitrogen (i.e., the amount of nitrogen normalized by that of Ar at each relative pressure or adsorption potential value) on p-BN is considerably larger than that on microporous carbon at low-pressure regions, which suggests the existence of strong adsorption sites on the p-BN surface. In fact, the relative number of adsorbed nitrogen molecules to that of Ar on p-BN is, at most, 150%–200% larger than that on microporous carbon for the same adsorption potential state. Furthermore, additional adsorption enhancement to nitrogen between P/P0 = 10−5 and 10−3 can be observed for p-BN treated at 1673 K, which suggests the uniformly adsorbed layer formation of nitrogen molecules in the vicinity of a basal planar surface. Thus, unlike typical nanoporous sp2 carbons, p-BN materials have the potential to enhance adsorption for certain gas species because of their unique surface state.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2516-02302102020Bottom-up synthesis of nitrogen-doped nanocarbons by a combination of metal catalysis and a solution plasma process44174420ENYangZhouGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityWe aimed to develop the bottom-up synthesis of nanocarbons with specific functions from molecules without any leaving group, halogen atom and boronic acid, by employing a metal catalyst under solution plasma irradiation. Pyridine was used as a source of carbon. In the presence of a Pd catalyst, the plasma treatment enabled the synthesis of N-doped carbons with a pyridinic configuration, which worked as an active catalytic site for the oxygen reduction reaction.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7462020Solitary Cardiac Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma525530ENHidekiAokiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterMasashiUtsumiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterYujiKimuraDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterYosukeTakahashiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterSeiichiNagahisaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterSeitaroNishimuraDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterYutaUneDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterMegumiWatanabeDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterFumitakaTaniguchiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterTakashiArataDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterKohKatsudaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterKohjiTanakayaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical CenterCase Report10.18926/AMO/61212Cardiac metastasis originating from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare condition with a poor prognosis. No therapeutic standards for cardiac metastasis originating from HCC have been established. At 19 months after a curative hepatectomy, a 64-year-old Japanese hepatitis B virus-positive male patient experienced solitary cardiac metastasis originating from HCC. The cardiac tumor was discovered in the right ventricle. The patient received three courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and survived > 3 years after the initial diagnosis of cardiac metastasis. His case demonstrates that radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for cardiac metastasis.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama1341-321X26102020Concomitant vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam treatment is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury in Japanese patients10261032ENYutoHarukiDepartment of Pharmacy, Tsuyama Chuo HospitalHideharuHagiyaDepartment of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMaiHarukiDepartment of Pharmacy, Tsuyama Chuo HospitalYutaInoueDepartment of Pharmacy, Tsuyama Chuo HospitalTetsuhiroSugiyamaDepartment of Pharmacy, Tsuyama Chuo HospitalIntroduction</br>
Recent studies have corroborated that the co-administration of vancomycin (VCM) and piperacillin/tazobactam (PT) is correlated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, evidence directed at the Japanese population is scarce. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to compare the occurrence of AKI among Japanese patients who received VCM with PT (VP therapy) and VCM with another β-lactams (VA therapy).</br>
Methods</br>
The present study, performed at Tsuyama Chuo Hospital between June 2012 and December 2018, included adult patients who received VCM and β-lactam antibiotics for ≥48 h. We defined the primary outcome as the incidence of AKI based on the risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage kidney disease criteria. Patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes were reviewed and compared between the two groups with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Subgroup analysis was conducted by stratifying the patients’ baseline hospital admittance status, as intensive care unit or general wards.</br>
Results</br>
We analyzed 272 patients (92 V P therapy and 180 VA therapy). Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in AKI development between VP and VA therapy (25.0% vs 12.2%; p < 0.01). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that VP therapy and VCM initial trough levels ≥15 μg/mL were associated with an incidence of AKI. Patients at general wards, rather than those admitted at an intensive care unit, developed AKI with VP therapy (p = 0.02).</br>
Conclusion</br>
VP therapy was associated with an increased risk of AKI compared to that with VA therapy among the Japanese population.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0013-46863632020Sophisticated rGO synthesis and pre-lithiation unlocking full-cell lithium-ion battery high-rate performances137257ENBenoît Denis Louis CampéonGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYumiYoshikawaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakashiTeranishiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityFor the application to portable devices and storage of renewable energies, high-performance lithium-ion batteries are in great demand. To this end, the development of high-performance electrode materials has been actively investigated. However, even if new materials exhibit high performance in a simple evaluation, namely half-cell tests, it is often impossible to obtain satisfactory performance with an actual battery (full cell). In this study, the structure of graphene analogs is modified in various ways to change crystallinity, disorder, oxygen content, electrical conductivity, and specific surface area. These graphene analogs are evaluated as negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, and we found reduced graphene oxide prepared by combination of chemical reduction and thermal treatment was the optimum. In addition, a full cell is fabricated by combining it with LiCoO2 modified with BaTiO3, which is applicable to high-speed charge–discharge cathode material developed in our previous research. In general, pre-lithiation is performed for the anode when assembling full cells. In this study, we optimized a "direct pre-lithiation" method in which the electrode and lithium foil were in direct contact before assembling a full cell, and created a lithium-ion battery with an output of 293 Wh kg−1 at 8,658 W kg−1.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2040-336412422020Iron nanoparticle templates for constructing 3D graphene framework with enhanced performance in sodium-ion batteries2178021787ENBenoît D. L.CampéonGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityChenWangResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThis study examines the synthesis and electrochemical performance of three-dimensional graphene for Li-ion batteries and Na-ion batteries. The in situ formation of iron hydroxide nanoparticles (Fe(OH)x NPs) of various weights on the surface of graphene oxide, followed by thermal treatment at elevated temperature and washing using hydrochloric acid, furnished 3D graphene. The characterization studies confirmed the prevention of graphene layer stacking by over 90% compared with thermal treatment without Fe(OH)x. The electrochemical performance of the 3D graphene was evaluated as a counter electrode for lithium metal and sodium metal in a half-cell configuration. This material showed good performances with a charging capacity of 507 mA h g−1 at 372 mA g−1 in Li-ion batteries and 252 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 in Na-ion batteries, which is 1.4 and 1.9 times higher, respectively, than the graphene prepared without Fe(OH)x templates.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.SpringerActa Medica Okayama20162016HeapRevolver: Delaying and Randomizing Timing of Release of Freed Memory Area to Prevent Use-After-Free Attacks219234ENToshihiroYamauchiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaIkegamiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRecently, there has been an increase in use-after-free (UAF) vulnerabilities, which are exploited using a dangling pointer that refers to a freed memory. Various methods to prevent UAF attacks have been proposed. However, only a few methods can effectively prevent UAF attacks during runtime with low overhead. In this paper, we propose HeapRevolver, which is a novel UAF attack-prevention method that delays and randomizes the timing of release of freed memory area by using a memory-reuse-prohibited library, which prohibits a freed memory area from being reused for a certain period. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of HeapRevolver in Linux and Windows, and report its evaluation results. The results show that HeapRevolver can prevent attacks that exploit existing UAF vulnerabilities. In addition, the overhead is small.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7442020The Late Phase/Early Phase Ratio of Pancreatic CT Values as a Novel Predictor of Pancreatic Fistula after Distal Pancreatectomy351358ENMasashiUtsumiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterHidekiAokiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterTakayukiYabukiDepartment of Radiology, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterSeiichiNagahisaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterSeitaroNishimuraDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterYutaUneDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterYujiKimuraDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterMegumiWatanabeDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterFumitakaTaniguchiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterTakashiArataaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterKohKatsudaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterKohjiTanakayaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterYumikoSatoDepartment of Pathology, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/60374Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains the most common complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). In this retrospective study, we reviewed the data from patients who underwent DP between 2008 and 2019 in our institute to determine whether the late phase/early phase ratio (L/E ratio) by preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan in the pancreas could predict POPF occurrence after DP. We examined the relationship between preoperative or intraoperative factors and the occurrence of POPF after DP using statistical methods in 23 males and 21 females with a mean age of 73. The mean L/E ratio was significantly lower in the POPF group than the non-POPF group (p=0.035). The L/E ratio had moderate diagnostic accuracy, with a calculated optimal cutoff value of 0.77. In univariate analysis, a significant association was noted between POPF and stump
thickness ≥ 16.9, body mass index ≥ 27.5, and L/E ratio ≤ 0.77. In the multivariate analysis, the L/E ratio (odds ratio, 5.96; p=0.036) was an independent risk factor for POPF. Our findings suggest that the pancreatic L/E ratio may predict the occurrence of POPF after DP. This measure may be useful in preoperative risk stratification, patient counseling, and perioperative patient management, improving clinical outcomes after DP.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2075-47011062020Friction-Induced Martensitic Transformation and Wear Properties of Stainless Steel under Dry and Wet Conditions743ENYoon-SeokLeeGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaKondoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityMitsuhiroOkayasuGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityThe wear characteristics of SUS304 and SUS316 stainless steels were evaluated at the rotation speeds of 100 m/s, 200 m/s, and 300 m/s under dry and wet conditions. The transition of friction-induced martensite occurred in wear-affected regions of two materials, regardless of the wear test conditions. The specific wear rates (W-s) of both stainless steels increase with increasing rotation speeds, regardless of the circumstances. Moreover,W(s)of SUS304 and SUS316, obtained under dry conditions, is significantly higher than that of SUS304 and SUS316 obtained under wet conditions, respectively. This is because that the water film on the wet ring can act as a liquid lubricant between the ring and the block during the tests. After the wear tests, the hardness changes of both SUS304 and SUS316 are much higher under dry conditions, compared to those under wet conditions.
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Royal Society of ChemistryActa Medica Okayama2041-653911232020Carbon-rich materials with three-dimensional ordering at the angstrom level58665873ENShixinFaDepartment of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityMasanoriYamamotoInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityHirotomoNishiharaInstitute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku UniversityRyotaSakamotoDepartment of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityKazuhideKamiyaGraduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityTomokiOgoshiDepartment of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto UniversityCarbon-rich materials, which contain over 90% carbon, have been mainly synthesized by the carbonization of organic compounds. However, in many cases, their original molecular and ordered structures are decomposed by the carbonization process, which results in a failure to retain their original three-dimensional (3D) ordering at the angstrom level. Recently, we successfully produced carbon-rich materials that are able to retain their 3D ordering at the angstrom level even after the calcination of organic porous pillar[6]arene supramolecular assemblies and cyclic porphyrin dimer assemblies. Other new pathways to prepare carbon-rich materials with 3D ordering at the angstrom level are the controlled polymerization of designed monomers and redox reaction of graph. Electrocatalytic application using these materials is described. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama1422-00672172020Synthesis of Dinaphtho[2,3-d:2',3'-d']anthra[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene (DNADT) Derivatives: Effect of Alkyl Chains on Transistor Properties2447ENTakumiIshidaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaSawanakaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityRyotaToyamaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityZhenfeiJiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityHirokiMoriResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityYasushiNishiharaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityTo investigate organic field-effect transistor (OFET) properties, a new thienoacene-type molecule, 4,14-dihexyldinaphtho[2,3-d:2',3'-d']anthra[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene (C6-DNADT), consisting of pi-conjugated nine aromatic rings and two hexyl chains along the longitudinal molecular axis has been successfully synthesized by sequential reactions, including Negishi coupling, epoxidation, and cycloaromatization. The fabricated OFET using thin films of C6-DNADT exhibited p-channel FET properties with field-effect mobilities (mu) of up to 2.6 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1), which is ca. three times lower than that of the parent DNADT molecule (8.5 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1 s(-1)). Although this result implies that the installation of relatively short alkyl chains into the DNADT core is not suitable for transistor application, the origins for the FET performance obtained in this work is fully discussed, based on theoretical calculations and solid-state structure of C6-DNADT by grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. The results obtained in this study disclose the effect of alkyl chains introduced onto the molecule on transistor characteristics.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2020A Study of Cryptographic Primitives for Efficient Database ProtectionENYutaKoderaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama2227-9717822020Structural Optimization of Alkylbenzenes as Graphene Dispersants238ENShimpeiTakedaGraduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaGraduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama UniversityAmong the several methods of producing graphene, the liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite is attractive because of a simple and easy procedure, being expected for mass production. The dispersibility of graphene can be improved by adding a dispersant molecule that interacts with graphene, but the appropriate molecular design has not been proposed. In this study, we focused on aromatic compounds with alkyl chains as dispersing agents. We synthesized a series of alkyl aromatic compounds and evaluated their performance as a dispersant for graphene. The results suggest that the alkyl chain length and solubility in the solvent play a vital role in graphene dispersion.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Wiley Open AccessActa Medica Okayama1347-903211082019Acquired resistance mechanisms to afatinib in HER2-amplified gastric cancer cells25492557ENTakahiroYoshiokaDepartments of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKazuhikoShienGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesTatsuakiTakedaDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaTakahashiGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesEisukeKuriharaGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYusukeOgoshiGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesKeiNambaGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHidejiroTorigoeGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHirokiSatoGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShutaTomidaBioinformatics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiromasaYamamotoGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesJunichiSohGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesToshiyoshiFujiwaraDepartments of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesShinichiToyookaGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesCancer treatment, especially that for breast and lung cancer, has entered a new era and continues to evolve, with the development of genome analysis technology and the advent of molecular targeted drugs including tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Nevertheless, acquired drug resistance to molecular targeted drugs is unavoidable, creating a clinically challenging problem. We recently reported the antitumor effect of a pan-HER inhibitor, afatinib, against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-amplified gastric cancer cells. The purpose of the present study was to identify the mechanisms of acquired afatinib resistance and to investigate the treatment strategies for HER2-amplified gastric cancer cells. Two afatinib-resistant gastric cancer cell lines were established from 2 HER2-amplified cell lines, N87 and SNU216. Subsequently, we investigated the molecular profiles of resistant cells. The activation of the HER2 pathway was downregulated in N87-derived resistant cells, whereas it was upregulated in SNU216-derived resistant cells. In the N87-derived cell line, both MET and AXL were activated, and combination treatment with afatinib and cabozantinib, a multikinase inhibitor that inhibits MET and AXL, suppressed the cell growth of cells with acquired resistance both in vitro and in vivo. In the SNU216-derived cell line, YES1, which is a member of the Src family, was remarkably activated, and dasatinib, a Src inhibitor, exerted a strong antitumor effect in these cells. In conclusion, we identified MET and AXL activation in addition to YES1 activation as novel mechanisms of afatinib resistance in HER2-driven gastric cancer. Our results also indicated that treatment strategies targeting individual mechanisms of resistance are key to overcoming such resistance.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama 0022-326384232019Copper-Catalyzed Regioselective Aminothiolation of Aromatic and Aliphatic Alkenes with N-Fluorobenzenesulfonimide and Thiols through Three-Component Radical Coupling1537315379ENMasayukiIwasakiResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityKoseiNonakaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversitySongZouYutaSawanakaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTakaakiShinozakiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTomoyaFujiiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKiyohikoNakajimaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasushiNishiharaResearch Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Copper-catalyzed regioselective aminothiolation of terminal and internal alkenes with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide and thiols has been developed. The three-component reaction is promoted by the addition of dimethyl sulfide. In addition to aromatic alkenes, aliphatic alkenes are subjected to the reaction, affording various aminothiolation adducts as single regioisomers. The radical process is proposed by preliminary mechanistic studies, involving radical trap and radical clock experiments.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.TAYLOR & FRANCISActa Medica Okayama0916-84518372019Plant complex type free N-glycans occur in tomato xylem sap13101314ENYutaTsujimoriDepartment of Biofunctional Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science , Okayama UniversityMikakoOguraFaculty of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Science , Okayama UniversityMd. Ziaur RahmanDepartment of Biofunctional Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science , Okayama UniversityMegumiMaedaDepartment of Biofunctional Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science , Okayama UniversityYoshinobuKimuraDepartment of Biofunctional Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science , Okayama University Free N-glycans (FNGs) are ubiquitous in growing plants. Further, acidic peptide:N-glycanase is believed to be involved in the production of plant complex-type FNGs (PCT-FNGs) during the degradation of dysfunctional glycoproteins. However, the distribution of PCT-FNGs in growing plants has not been analyzed. Here, we report the occurrence of PCT-FNGs in the xylem sap of the stem of the tomato plant.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.MDPIActa Medica Okayama972019Influence of Numerical Aperture on Molten Area Formation in Fusion Micro-Welding of Glass by Picosecond Pulsed Laser1412ENZhiyongOuyangGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYasuhiroOkamotoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaOginoGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityTomokazuSakagawaAkiraOkadaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Focusing condition such as numerical aperture (N.A.) has a great influence on the creation of molten area and the stable welding process in fusion micro-welding of glass. In this study, a picosecond pulsed laser of 1064 nm in wavelength and 12.5 ps in pulse duration was tightly focused inside a borosilicate glass using objective lenses of numerical apertures 0.45, 0.65, and 0.85 with spherical aberration correction. Influence of numerical aperture on molten area formation was experimentally investigated through analysis of focusing situation in glass, and movement of absorption point, and then molten area characteristics were discussed. It is concluded that N.A. of 0.65 with superior focusing characteristics can form a large and continuous molten area without cracks, which enables achievement of stable joining of glass material by picosecond pulsed laser.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama0022262362192019Competitive Binding Assay with an Umbelliferone-Based Fluorescent Rexinoid for Retinoid X Receptor Ligand Screening88098818ENShoyaYamadaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMayuKawasakiMichikoFujiharaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMasakiWatanabeDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYutaTakamuraDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMahoTakiokuDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesHiromiNishiokaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesYasuoTakeuchiDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesMakotoMakishimaDivision of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nihon University School of MedicineTomoharuMotoyamaGraduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of ShizuokaSoheiItoGraduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of ShizuokaHiroakiTokiwaDepartment of Chemistry and Research Center of Smart Molecules, Rikkyo UniversityShogoNakanoGraduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of ShizuokaHirokiKakutaDivision of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ligands for retinoid X receptors (RXRs), "rexinoids", are attracting interest as candidates for therapy of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, current screening methods for rexinoids are slow and require special apparatus or facilities. Here, we created 7-hydroxy-2-oxo-6-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid (10, CU-6PMN) as a new fluorescent RXR agonist and developed a screening system of rexinoids using 10. Compound 10 was designed based on the fact that umbelliferone emits strong fluorescence in a hydrophilic environment, but the fluorescence intensity decreases in hydrophobic environments such as the interior of proteins. The developed assay using 10 enabled screening of rexinoids to be performed easily within a few hours by monitoring changes of fluorescence intensity with widely available fluorescence microplate readers, without the need for processes such as filtration.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2019Comparative mutational evaluation of multiple lung cancers by multiplex oncogene mutation analysisENYutaTakahashiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama138824811042019Bipolar anodic electrochemical exfoliation of graphite powders106475ENHidekiHashimotoDepartment of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin UniversityYusukeMuramatsuDepartment of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityHidetakaAsohDepartment of Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin UniversityThe electrochemical exfoliation of graphite has attracted considerable attention as a method for large-scale, rapid production of graphene and graphene oxide (GO). As exfoliation typically requires direct electrical contact, and is limited by the shape and/or size of the starting graphite, treatment of small graphite particles and powders, the typical form available commercially, is extremely difficult. In this study, GO nanosheets were successfully prepared from small graphite particles and powders by a bipolar electrochemical process. Graphite samples were placed between two platinum feeder electrodes, and a constant current was applied between the feeder electrodes using dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. Optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to examine the samples obtained after electrolysis. The results obtained from these analyses confirmed that anodic electrochemical exfoliation occurs in the graphite samples, and the exfoliated samples are basically highly crystalline GO nanosheets with a low degree of oxidation (C/O = 3.6–5.3). This simple electrochemical method is extremely useful for preparing large amounts of graphene and GO from small particles of graphite.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2019Therapeutic effect of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 on acute lung injury after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitationENYutaKumadaGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7332019Safety of Surgical Treatment for Elderly Patients with Gallbladder Carcinoma241246ENMasashiUtsumiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterHidekiAokiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterSeitaroNishimuraDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterYutaUneDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterHajimeKashimaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical Center,YujiKimuraDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterFumitakaTaniguchiDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterTakashiArataDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterKohKatsudaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterKohjiTanakayaDepartment of Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinical CenterOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56867 Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis. With the average life expectancy increasing globally, the incidence of GBC is predicted to increase as well. We investigated the safety and feasibility of surgical treatment for elderly patients with GBC. We retrospectively compared clinical pathological data and treatment outcomes in 45 consecutive GBC patients (23 patients ≥ 75 years [elderly group] and 22 patients < 75 years [younger group]) who underwent curative resection at the Iwakuni Center from January 2008 to December 2017. The proportion of preoperative comorbidities and anticoagulant use was significantly higher in the elderly group. The American Society of Anesthesiologists score was higher in the elderly versus the younger group, and the elderly group had significantly shorter operation times. Reduced activities of daily living was more common in the elderly versus younger group. The percentage of radical resection and overall 3-year survival (66.6% younger vs. 64.4% elderly) were similar between the groups. Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score ≥ 3 and R0 resection were identified as prognostic factors for overall survival rate among all patients. After careful patient selection,No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山医学会Acta Medica Okayama0030-155813032018薬物相互作用（43―皮膚Ｔ細胞リンパ腫治療薬と薬物相互作用）175178ENYutaTanakaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalHirotakaKanzakiDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYosukeMorishitaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYoshihisaKitamuraDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalToshiakiSendoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7312019Reduction of Postoperative Pain by Addition of Intravenous Acetaminophen after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study714ENNorioFukumoriCommunity Medical Support Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityMotokiSonohataDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityMasaruKitajimaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityShunsukeKawanoDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityTsuyoshiKurataCommunity Medical Support Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityYutaSakanishiCommunity Medical Support Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityTakashiSugiokaCommunity Medical Support Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityMasaakiMawatariDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga UniversityOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56453 We evaluated the analgesic effects of multimodal pain control in which intravenous acetaminophen (IV APAP) was added to the standard protocol for Japanese patients who had undergone a total hip arthroplasty (THA). We performed a retrospective cohort study of 180 patients aged 66.4±10.5 years (30% male) who had undergone a THA (Oct. 2014 to Feb. 2015) at our hospital. The control patients were administered the standard analgesic protocol: flurbiprofen axetil as a continuous intravenous infusion and oral celecoxib (NAPAP; n=109). The patients in the new analgesic protocol group received IV APAP in addition to the standard analgesic protocol (APAP; n=71). The primary outcome was the maximum value of postoperative pain the patients reported on a numerical rating scale (NRS) during the first 24 h post-surgery. A univariate analysis and multivariate analyses adjusted for age, sex, the stage of hip osteoarthritis, preoperative pain, and surgical time showed that the maximum postoperative pain NRS scores during the first 24 h after surgery was significantly lower when the APAP protocol was used. The addition of IV APAP to the current standard multimodal analgesia protocol for Japanese patients who have undergone a THA may decrease the patients’ postoperative pain.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Okayama University Medical SchoolActa Medica Okayama0386-300X7242018A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Management of Chronic Pain through a Self-managed Behavioral Exercise Program : A Pilot Study in Japan343350ENHiroyukiNishieDepartment of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care 2, Kawasaki Medical SchoolTomokoTetsunaga Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital HirotakaKanzakiDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital KojiOdaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalShinichiroInoueDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University HospitalYutaRyuoDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Hospital HaruyukiOtaDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University HospitalTakuyaMiyawakiDepartment of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University HospitalKyosukeArakawaDepartment of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University HospitalTomonoriTetsunaga Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalYoshihisaKitamuraDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalToshiakiSendoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalHiroshiMorimatsuDepartment of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University HospitalToshifumiOzakiDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalKeiichiroNishidaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University HospitalOriginal Article10.18926/AMO/56169 We conducted this study to determine the short-term treatment outcomes of multidisciplinary approaches to chronic pain management for outpatients in Japan. We evaluated pain reduction and improvement in quality of life (QOL) after treatment. We analyzed 32 patients who had experienced intractable chronic pain for > 3 months. The patients received multidisciplinary therapeutic self-managed exercise instructions and then underwent evaluations 1 and 3 months after the treatment. We used the Pain Disability Short Form-36 (SF-36), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS) to evaluate QOL. Although the pain levels were the same before and after the physical exercise program, the patients showed significant improvements in physical function on the SF-36 (48.5 vs. 54.5, 3 months vs. 1 month; p=0.0124), the magnification subscale on the PCS (6.8 vs. 5.9, 1 month vs. before; p=0.0164) and the PDAS (29.2 vs. 23.4, 3 months vs. before; p=0.0055). Chronic pain should be treated with a biopsychosocial approach, but time constraints and costs have limited the implementation of multidisciplinary and behavioral approaches to chronic pain management. Our findings demonstrate that clinical improvements are possible for patients with chronic pain, using multidisciplinary team resources widely available in Japanese clinical practice.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.ElsevierActa Medica Okayama0944-50132152018Specific growth inhibitors of Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, X. campestris pv. campestris, and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis2935ENGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityTakuSawaiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYoshiteruNoutoshiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityHidenoriMatsuiGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityMikihiroYamamotoGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityKazuhiroToyodaGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama UniversityYukiIchinoseGraduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Plant pathogenic bacteria cause huge yield losses in crops globally. Therefore, finding effective bactericides to these pathogens is an immediate challenge. In this study, we sought compounds that specifically inhibit the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum. As a result, we identified one promising compound, 1-(4-bromophenyl)-6-methoxy-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carboline, which inhibited the growth of R. solanacearum (Rs1002) from a pilot library of 376 chemicals provided from RIKEN. We further obtained its structural analogues and assessed their ability to inhibit Rs1002 growth. Then we identified five compounds, named ralhibitins A to E, that specifically inhibit growth of Rs1002 at >5 μg/ml final concentration. The most effective compounds, ralhibitins A, C, and E completely inhibited the growth of Rs1002 at 1.25 μg/ml. In addition, ralhibitins A to E inhibited growth of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae but not the other bacteria tested at a final concentration of 10 μg/ml. Whereas, ralhibitin E, besides inhibiting R. solanacearum and X. oryzae pv. oryzae, completely inhibited the growth of X. campestris pv. campestris and the Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis at 10 μg/ml. Growth inhibition by these compounds was stable at pH 6–9 and after autoclaving. Because Rs1002 grew in the culture medium in which ralhibitins were incubated with the ralhibitin-insensitive bacteria, the unaffected bacteria may be able to inactivate the inhibitory effect of ralhibitins. These results suggest that ralhibitins might be potential lead compounds for the specific control of phytopathogenic bacteria.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2017The specific localization of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in rat pancreatic isletsENYutaMoriokaGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama1523-70601892016Lewis Acid and Fluoroalcohol Mediated Nucleophilic Addition to the C2 Position of Indoles20202023ENNaokiMorimotoOkayama Univ, Grad Sch Med Dent & Pharmaceut Sci, Div Pharmaceut SciKumikaMorioku Okayama Univ, Fac Engn, Dept Appl Chem & BiotechnolHideyukiSuzukiOkayama Univ, Res Core Interdisciplinary SciYasuoTakeuchiOkayama Univ, Grad Sch Med Dent & Pharmaceut Sci, Div Pharmaceut SciYutaNishinaOkayama Univ, Res Core Interdisciplinary Sci Indole readily undergoes nucleophilic substitution at the C3 site, and many indole derivatives have been functionalized using this property. Indole also forms indolium, which allows electrophilic addition in acidic conditions, but current examples have been limited to intramolecular reactions. C2 site-selective nucleophilic addition to indole derivatives using fluoroalcohol and a Lewis acid was developed.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama1523-70601952017Synthesis of Benzoisoselenazolone Derivatives by Nickel-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Direct Selenation of C(sp2)-H Bonds with Elemental Selenium in Air10921095ENMasayukiIwasaki Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama UniversityNatsumiMikiGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityYutaTsuchiyaGraduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama UniversityKiyohikoNakajimaDepartment of Chemistry, Aichi University of EducationYasushiNishihara Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Nickel-catalyzed direct selenation of benzamides bearing an 8-quinolyl auxiliary with elemental selenium provides benzoisoselenazolones in good yield via carbon-selenium and nitrogen-selenium bond formation under aerobic conditions. In addition to aryl C-H bonds, the method can also be applied to alkenyl C-H bonds, constructing an isoselenazolone skeleton. Simple mechanistic analysis shows that the reaction proceeds through a rate-determining C-H bond cleavage. The obtained benzoisoselenazolones are transformed into various organoselenium compounds and utilized as the catalyst for bromolactonization of alkenoic acids.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山医学会Acta Medica Okayama0030-155812922017薬物相互作用 (39―前立腺がん治療薬と薬物相互作用)131136ENHirotakaKanzakiDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYutaTanakaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalAkinoriMaruoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalShigeki NishiharaDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalYoshihisaKitamuraDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalToshiakiSendoDepartment of Pharmacy, Okayama University HospitalNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.American Chemical SocietyActa Medica Okayama152050022952017Real-Time, in Situ Monitoring of the Oxidation of Graphite: Lessons Learned21502156ENNaokiMorimotoGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversityHideyukiSuzukiResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama UniversityYasuoTakeuchiGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama UniversitShogoKawaguchiJapan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), SPring-8MasahiroKunisuToray Research Center, Inc., Surface Science LaboratoriesChristopher W.BielawskiCenter for Multidimensional Carbon Materials (CMCM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS)YutaNishinaResearch Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University Graphite oxide (GO) and its constituent layers (i.e., graphene oxide) display a broad range of functional groups and, as such, have attracted significant attention for use in numerous applications. GO is commonly prepared using the “Hummers method” or a variant thereof in which graphite is treated with KMnO4 and various additives in H2SO4. Despite its omnipresence, the underlying chemistry of such oxidation reactions is not well understood and typically affords results that are irreproducible and, in some cases, unsafe. To overcome these limitations, the oxidation of graphite under Hummers-type conditions was monitored over time using in situ X-ray diffraction and in situ X-ray absorption near edge structure analyses with synchrotron radiation. In conjunction with other atomic absorption spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis measurements, the underlying mechanism of the oxidation reaction was elucidated, and the reaction conditions were optimized. Ultimately, the methodology for reproducibly preparing GO on large scales using only graphite, H2SO4, and KMnO4 was developed and successfully adapted for use in continuous flow systems.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Okayama UniversityActa Medica Okayama0030-15665912017Gauss maps of cuspidal edges in hyperbolic 3-space, with application to flat fronts93111ENYutaOgataDepartment of Mathematics, Graduate School of Science, Kobe UniversityKeisukeTeramotoDepartment of Mathematics, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University10.18926/mjou/54716We study singularities of de Sitter Gauss map images of cuspidal edges in hyperbolic 3-space. We show relations between singularities of de Sitter Gauss map images and differential geometric properties of cuspidal edges. Moreover, we apply this result to flat fronts in hyperbolic 3-space.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.岡山医学会Acta Medica Okayama0030-155812812016回盲部潰瘍穿孔，食道潰瘍穿孔をきたした腸管Behçet 病の1 手術例2732ENYutaTsukumoKazuyukiKawamotoKoseiTakagiKaiChinYuriMatsubaYoshioNagahisaMichioOkabeYasuhiroShirakawaTadashiItohToshiyoshiFujiwara A 36-year-old Japanese man known to have incomplete Behçet’s disease (oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and esophageal and ileocecal ulcers) was admitted to our hospital in January 2011 for abdominal pain. We administered corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Two months later, we performed an ileocecal resection to control gastrointestinal bleeding from the ileocecal ulcers. High fever persisted after this surgery, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy demonstrated ulcer penetration between the lower and abdominal esophagus. Eighteen days after the initial ileocecal resection, we performed a lower esophagus resection, gastric tube reconstruction and enterostomy, during which we confirmed a 5-mm-dia. perforated site at the posterior wall of the abdominal esophagus. Postoperative anastomotic leakage and empyema occurred, but they were relieved by thoracic drainage and empyema dissection.No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2012Paclitaxelの新規微粒子製剤化と血管新生阻害剤との併用によるがん化学療法の最適化を目指した基礎的研究ENYutaYoshizawaNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2012持続的咬合負荷が臼歯歯根膜感覚に及ぼす影響ENYutaMorimotoNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.Acta Medica Okayama2010Insertion of Polar Unsaturated Molecules into a C-H bond Catalyzed by Group 7 Metal ComplexesENYutaNishinaNo potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.