start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=3393 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20261012 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the Japanese Version of the Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Efficacy Scale (CKDSE-J) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Objectives: Self-efficacy is an important determinant of self-care among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Efficacy Scale (CKD-SE) is a disease-specific measure, but its use has not been reported in Japan. This study translated and culturally adapted the CKD-SE into Japanese and conducted an initial psychometric evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Japanese adults with CKD stages G3a?G5 not receiving dialysis. Structural validity and internal consistency were evaluated in 227 participants, and construct validity was evaluated in 222. Structural validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Results: The original 25-item four-factor CFA showed a poor fit, and ESEM yielded an improper solution involving Item 19. Sequential evaluation resulted in a 23-item structure. The 23-item CFA showed mixed fit, whereas Target ESEM showed improved overall fit (CFI = 0.935, TLI = 0.902, RMSEA = 0.060, SRMR = 0.033). However, several autonomy items showed weak target loadings and cross-loadings. Proposed subscale scores correlated positively with self-care behavior (r = 0.27?0.46), and McDonald’s omega ranged from 0.84 to 0.90. Conclusions: The 23-item CKDSE-J showed improved overall model fit under Target ESEM, but the structural definition of autonomy remained uncertain. Because the structure was refined and evaluated in the same sample, independent replication and further psychometric evaluation are needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GengTingting en-aut-sei=Geng en-aut-mei=Tingting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiwaraYuki en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoMichiko en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Doctor’s Program, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=chronic kidney disease kn-keyword=chronic kidney disease en-keyword=self-efficacy kn-keyword=self-efficacy en-keyword=self-care kn-keyword=self-care en-keyword=cultural adaptation kn-keyword=cultural adaptation en-keyword=psychometric evaluation kn-keyword=psychometric evaluation en-keyword=exploratory structural equation modeling kn-keyword=exploratory structural equation modeling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=3880 end-page=3890 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260526 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Sequential Immune Activation of Effector T Cells as Biomarkers of Response to Durvalumab in Patients with Locally Advanced NSCLC en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: Durvalumab therapy following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) improves progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with unresectable locally advanced non?small cell lung cancer. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated the changes in peripheral blood immune cell counts to elucidate the immunologic mechanisms underlying cCRT and durvalumab therapy.
Experimental Design: Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected at four time points: before cCRT, after cCRT, at the start of durvalumab, and 8 weeks after the start of durvalumab, and analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry.
Results: Of the 149 enrolled patients, 115 received durvalumab consolidation therapy after cCRT. The median PFS in the overall population was 24.2 months, and the 3-year PFS rate was 38.9%. PBMC analysis showed an increased effector fraction of CD4+ T cells before and after cCRT but no change in CD8+ T cells. Following durvalumab therapy, the effector fraction ratio of CD8+ T cells (CD62Llow CD8+ T cells) increased and positively correlated with increased CD62Llow CD4+ T cells during cCRT. Patients whose proportion of CD62Llow CD4+ T cells exceeded the threshold for cCRT had better PFS than those below the threshold. Patients whose CD62Llow CD8+ T-cell proportion exceeded the threshold after durvalumab therapy showed prolonged PFS compared with those below the threshold.
Conclusions: cCRT promotes an increase in effector CD4+ T cells, and the subsequent increase in CD8+ T cells following durvalumab therapy prolongs PFS. Peripheral blood effector?type CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are potential biomarkers for evaluating the immune status of patients and predicting treatment efficacy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MouriAtsuto en-aut-sei=Mouri en-aut-mei=Atsuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KenmotsuHirotsugu en-aut-sei=Kenmotsu en-aut-mei=Hirotsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagamuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kagamu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AzumaKoichi en-aut-sei=Azuma en-aut-mei=Koichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoRyota en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkamatsuHiroaki en-aut-sei=Akamatsu en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YonesakaKimio en-aut-sei=Yonesaka en-aut-mei=Kimio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakegawaMikiko en-aut-sei=Kakegawa en-aut-mei=Mikiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagashimaHiromi en-aut-sei=Nagashima en-aut-mei=Hiromi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujitaMasaki en-aut-sei=Fujita en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanagitaniNoriko en-aut-sei=Yanagitani en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaKiichiro en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Kiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiokaYasuhiko en-aut-sei=Nishioka en-aut-mei=Yasuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriKeita en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitanoShigehisa en-aut-sei=Kitano en-aut-mei=Shigehisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamadaKoji en-aut-sei=Tamada en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoNobuyuki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Nobuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=GemmaAkihiko en-aut-sei=Gemma en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsudomiTetsuya en-aut-sei=Mitsudomi en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Thoracic Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Biostatistics, Clinical Research Support Center, Shizuoka Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Advanced Medical Development, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Immunology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Internal Medicine III, Wakayama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Division of Thoracic Surgery, Izumi City General Hospital kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1 end-page=16 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical impact of hypomagnesemia induced by necitumumab plus cisplatin and gemcitabine treatment in patients with advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma: a subanalysis of the NINJA study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The clinical impact of hypomagnesemia induced by necitumumab plus gemcitabine and cisplatin (GCN) as a second-line or later therapy is unclear.
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and survival impact of hypomagnesemia induced by this therapy.
Design: This was a sub-analysis of the retrospective multicenter NINJA study.
Methods: Among the 93 patients enrolled in the NINJA study, this subanalysis included 75 patients with baseline serum magnesium concentrations.
Results: The incidence of grade ?2 hypomagnesemia was 18.0% in the patients with normal baseline serum magnesium concentrations and 42.8% in those with low concentrations (p?=?0.073). The discontinuation rates of GCN treatment owing to hypomagnesemia in each group were 0% and 7.1%, respectively (p?=?0.187). The number of necitumumab doses and severity of hypomagnesemia were positively correlated (r?=?0.389, p? Conclusion: GCN as a second-line or later therapy may be tolerable regardless of the patient’s baseline serum magnesium concentration. On the other hand, early serum magnesium reduction with this therapy is associated with a poor prognosis. However, caution should be needed because our results lacked sufficient information for confounding variables other than those analyzed here that may influence the correlation between hypomagnesemia and survival. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanzawaShigeru en-aut-sei=Tanzawa en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiokaHiroshige en-aut-sei=Yoshioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisumiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Misumi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyauchiEisaku en-aut-sei=Miyauchi en-aut-mei=Eisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaKiichiro en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Kiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataYasunori en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeshitaMasafumi en-aut-sei=Takeshita en-aut-mei=Masafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaFumihiko en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Fumihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujishitaTakatoshi en-aut-sei=Fujishita en-aut-mei=Takatoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugawaraShunichi en-aut-sei=Sugawara en-aut-mei=Shunichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawashimaYosuke en-aut-sei=Kawashima en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKazuki en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriMasahide en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Masahide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyanagaAkihiko en-aut-sei=Miyanaga en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiAnna en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Anna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHisashi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaRyoichi en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Ryoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojiriMasafumi en-aut-sei=Nojiri en-aut-mei=Masafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYuki en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataAkito en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Akito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikawaNobuhisa en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Nobuhisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=KozukiToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Kozuki en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraTakahisa en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoGo en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiTeppei en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Teppei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsumotoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Tetsumoto en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeSatoshi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=29 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaYukihiro en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Yukihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=30 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiKakuhiro en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Kakuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=31 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiiKazuya en-aut-sei=Nishii en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=32 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurunoKosuke en-aut-sei=Tsuruno en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=33 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisumiYuki en-aut-sei=Misumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=34 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuraishiHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kuraishi en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=35 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiharaKen en-aut-sei=Yoshihara en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=36 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaoAkira en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=37 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuboAkihito en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Akihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=38 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaToshihiko en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=39 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeKana en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=40 ORCID= en-aut-name=SekiNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Seki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=41 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Kansai Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Data Science, National Cancer Center Hospital East kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, NHO Kyushu Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, NHO Kyushu Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sendai Kousei Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sendai Kousei Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, NHO Osaka Toneyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Asahi General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Division of Thoracic Oncology, Kobe Minimally Invasive Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology and Medicine, NHO Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shizuoka General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Suita Municipal Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Niigata Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=29 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=30 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui kn-affil= affil-num=31 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=32 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan kn-affil= affil-num=33 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Iizuka Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=34 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=35 en-affil=Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Nagano Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=36 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=37 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fukuoka University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=38 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Aichi Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=39 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=40 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Miyagi Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=41 en-affil=Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=adverse event kn-keyword=adverse event en-keyword=hypomagnesemia kn-keyword=hypomagnesemia en-keyword=lung squamous cell carcinoma kn-keyword=lung squamous cell carcinoma en-keyword=necitumumab kn-keyword=necitumumab en-keyword=prognosis kn-keyword=prognosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=573 end-page=583 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250401 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Tob negatively regulates NF-κB activation in breast cancer through its association with the TNF receptor complex en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=NF-κB mediates transcriptional regulation crucial to many biological functions, and elevated NF-κB activity leads to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancer. Since highly aggressive breast cancers have few therapeutic molecular targets, clarification of key molecular mechanisms of NF-κB signaling would facilitate the development of more effective therapy. In this report, we show that Tob, a member of the Tob/BTG family of antiproliferative proteins, acts as a negative regulator of the NF-κB signal in breast cancer. Studies with 35 human breast cancer cell lines reveal that Tob expression is negatively correlated with NF-κB activity. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database of clinical samples reveals an inverse correlation between Tob expression and NF-κB activity. Tob knockdown in human breast cancer cells promoted overactivation of NF-κB upon TNF-α treatment, whereas overexpression of Tob inhibited TNF-α stimulation-dependent NF-κB activation. Mechanistically, Tob associates with the TNF receptor complex I and consequently inhibits RIPK1 polyubiquitylation, leading to possible prevention of overwhelming activation of NF-κB. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokumasuMiho en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Miho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoAtsuko en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Atsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Ito-KurehaTaku en-aut-sei=Ito-Kureha en-aut-mei=Taku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoMizuki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Mizuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhmineNao en-aut-sei=Ohmine en-aut-mei=Nao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SembaKentaro en-aut-sei=Semba en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueJun-ichiro en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Jun-ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTadashi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Immunology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA) kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1 end-page=15 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250903 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Presentation Quality Assessment through Audience 3D Facial and Head Direction Using Conventional Cameras en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This paper shows the method for evaluating the quality of presentations using information from the audience's facial and head behavior. Existing studies have focused on assessing presentation skills by analyzing presentation materials and the presenter's verbal and non-verbal cues, however, since a presentation is an interaction between the presenter and the audience, the presentation quality is not only influenced by presenter's information but also audience's information such as their background knowledge. This means that the presenter's output alone is not enough for a comprehensive evaluation of the presentation. To address this, we show a method that utilizes videos of the audience recorded during presentations using two cameras: one capturing from the presenter's point of view and the other from around the presentation screen. The 3D position and direction of the audience's face were detected using face detection techniques, which were then used to predict gaze targets, such as the presenter and the presentation screen. The number of times these targets were looked at during the presentation served as feature values for evaluating presentation quality. Using a dataset of 18 presenters and 32 audience members, this paper shows a significant correlation between subjective ratings and behavioral characteristics. It also demonstrates an algorithm that infers the quality of a presentation from these feature values. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ImamuraGoshi en-aut-sei=Imamura en-aut-mei=Goshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakazawaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Nakazawa en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=presentation quality kn-keyword=presentation quality en-keyword=computer vision kn-keyword=computer vision en-keyword=gaze kn-keyword=gaze END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=85 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=317 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260713 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Intensity of chemical weathering and its implications for soil erosion across lithological and climatic gradients in the Chemoga watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The geochemistry of rocks, regolith/soil, surficial and core sediments, and clay mineral assemblages from these sediments was analyzed to elucidate the transition from fresh to chemically altered materials. These data were used to evaluate the intensity of chemical weathering and its implications for erosion across contrasting lithological and climatic gradients in the Chemoga watershed of the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Our findings show depletion of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+, and enrichment of Al3+, Fe3+, Ti4+, and Mn2+ in the regolith/soil, upper part of surficial sediment, and upper layer of the core sediment (10 m). Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values are rocks 35?47, regolith/soil 75?96, surficial river sediments 45?96, and core sediments 50?90. River sediments in the highland area are dominated by kaolinite (39%), illite (34%), and chlorite (27%), while the lower study area has illite (76%), chlorite (11%), and kaolinite (12%). Geochemistry, ternary plots, and clay mineralogy show that the highland region underwent intensive chemical weathering, while the midland experienced intermediate to high weathering, and the lowland had weak weathering. The highlands experience severe weathering due to a humid, bimodal precipitation climate; despite having younger, weathering-resistant rocks (basalt, andesite, trachyte), the lower regions consist of older, more mafic rocks (basalt and trachybasalt). Like the surficial river sediment, core sediment showed intense chemical weathering and kaolinite dominance in the upper layers (0?10 m depth, CIA?>?80). Weathering intensity decreased with depth, suggesting changes in weathering and in clay mineral formation that reflect past climate. The high weathering gradient from highland to lowland correlates with erosion, indicating that weathering strongly influences soil erosion variability in the watershed. This work provides a reasonable basis for improving our understanding of the degree of weathering across contrasting environments and its implications for soil erosion by connecting the relationship between parent materials and chemically altered samples with the degree of soil erosion. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KehaliAlebachew Tareke en-aut-sei=Kehali en-aut-mei=Alebachew Tareke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaregeweynNigussie en-aut-sei=Haregeweyn en-aut-mei=Nigussie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuboMitsuru en-aut-sei=Tsubo en-aut-mei=Mitsuru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AntenehZelalem Leyew en-aut-sei=Anteneh en-aut-mei=Zelalem Leyew kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AyalewBelay Tesfa en-aut-sei=Ayalew en-aut-mei=Belay Tesfa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerefeZena Tessema en-aut-sei=Terefe en-aut-mei=Zena Tessema kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=BelayAshebir Sewale en-aut-sei=Belay en-aut-mei=Ashebir Sewale kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FentaAyele Almaw en-aut-sei=Fenta en-aut-mei=Ayele Almaw kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsunekawaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Tsunekawa en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=International Platform for Dryland Research and Education, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=International Platform for Dryland Research and Education, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Geology, School of Earth Sciences, Bahir Dar University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Geology, School of Earth Sciences, Bahir Dar University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Geology, School of Earth Sciences, Bahir Dar University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Geochemistry kn-keyword=Geochemistry en-keyword=Clay mineralogy kn-keyword=Clay mineralogy en-keyword=Core sediment kn-keyword=Core sediment en-keyword=Chemical Index of Alteration kn-keyword=Chemical Index of Alteration en-keyword=Climate kn-keyword=Climate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=44 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260511 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=GWAS and Candidate Gene Prediction of Elemental Accumulation Traits in Rice Using a Multiparental Population en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Rice plants accumulate essential elements to sustain physiological processes during growth and development and to ensure the nutritional quality of the grain as a food source. However, the genetic basis of elemental accumulation and the interrelationships among elemental concentrations across different tissues remain poorly understood. To conduct breeding aimed at improving the absorption characteristics of multiple interrelated elements, genetic analysis using experimental populations that retain diversity while sharing the genetic background of cultivated varieties is effective. Here we show genetic variations in the concentrations of 13 elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn, Ni, and Zn) in rice straw at the flowering stage and grain at the mature stage using a multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population that derived from eight cultivars including both Japonica and Indica. Comprehensive evaluation of the correlation coefficients revealed divergences in the association between grain and straw for several combinations of elements. Haplotype-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified 51 and 53 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in straw and grain, respectively. In total, the 104 QTLs were grouped into 19 clusters and 60 independent QTLs. By leveraging the haplotype information from the MAGIC population, 52 candidate genes associated with the accumulation of Ca, Mg, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Mo were efficiently predicted from these QTLs, including both previously reported and novel genes. Among them, OsMOT1;1 encoding a molybdenum transporter, was predicted to be within a QTL associated with Mo accumulation in grain on chromosome 8. OsACA9, a homolog of autoinhibited Ca??-ATPases, was predicted within a QTL related to Ca accumulation in straw on chromosome 2. In addition, an unidentified gene, OsCML6, which is presumed to be involved in calcium signaling, was predicted to be a candidate for a Ca-accumulation QTL on chromosome 11. These findings offer insights into haplotypes and putative genes associated with element accumulation and trait interrelationships, providing valuable information for optimizing plant growth and enhancing grain nutritional quality in rice breeding programs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangQian en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Qian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurutaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Furuta en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KashiharaKazunari en-aut-sei=Kashihara en-aut-mei=Kazunari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YonemaruJunichi en-aut-sei=Yonemaru en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaJian Feng en-aut-sei=Ma en-aut-mei=Jian Feng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoToshio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Research Center for Agricultural Information Technology, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Rice kn-keyword=Rice en-keyword=Oryza sativa L. kn-keyword=Oryza sativa L. en-keyword=Multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross population kn-keyword=Multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross population en-keyword=Element accumulation kn-keyword=Element accumulation en-keyword=GWAS kn-keyword=GWAS en-keyword=QTL kn-keyword=QTL END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1572 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Neoplasm-Related Mortality and the Social Determinants of Health en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Objectives: Racial/ethnic and regional disparities in neoplasm-related mortality remain a significant public health challenge. In this study, we aimed to evaluate long-term trends in county-level neoplasm-related mortality rates by race/ethnicity in the United States and examine associations with social determinants of health. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional ecological study using population-based data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, including individuals residing in 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia from 2000 to 2019. We analyzed age-standardized neoplasm-related mortality rates by ethnicity/race. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to identify significant changes in mortality trends, summarized as average annual percentage change. County-level correlations between mortality and key social determinants of health were also assessed. Results: Neoplasm-related mortality rates declined across all racial/ethnic groups from 2000 to 2019; however, disparities persisted. The age-standardized neoplasm-related mortality rates per 100,000 population decreased in all racial/ethnic subgroups. The average annual percentage change ranged from ?0.94% (Hispanic and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native) to ?1.90% (Black). Sex-specific analyses revealed similar trends. Southeastern states experienced slower declines than Northeastern states did. County-level smoking and poverty rates were positively correlated, whereas the primary care physician-to-population ratio, excessive alcohol consumption rate, mammography screening rate, and median household income were inversely correlated with neoplasm-related mortality rate, varying by race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Targeted, community-specific interventions are required to reduce inequities in cancer outcomes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiMariko en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Mariko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakoNanami en-aut-sei=Sako en-aut-mei=Nanami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=VuQuynh Thi en-aut-sei=Vu en-aut-mei=Quynh Thi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DuraniUrshila en-aut-sei=Durani en-aut-mei=Urshila kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AnsellStephen M. en-aut-sei=Ansell en-aut-mei=Stephen M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=CerhanJames R. en-aut-sei=Cerhan en-aut-mei=James R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=healthcare disparities kn-keyword=healthcare disparities en-keyword=disease kn-keyword=disease en-keyword=neoplasms/mortality kn-keyword=neoplasms/mortality en-keyword=regression analysis kn-keyword=regression analysis en-keyword=preventive health services kn-keyword=preventive health services en-keyword=mortality kn-keyword=mortality en-keyword=trends kn-keyword=trends END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=61 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1988 end-page=1991 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202609 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Stomatal Traits in Strawberry Cultivars: Variation among Plant Parts and Associations with Growth and Yield en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Stomatal traits are important determinants of photosynthesis and water use; however, their variation among plant parts and cultivars and their relationships with growth and yield in strawberry remain unclear. This study characterized stomatal density and guard cell length among plant parts and across 34 cultivars and examined their associations with growth and yield. Stomata were found not only on the abaxial leaf surface but also on petioles and calyces and occasionally on the adaxial surface of leaves. Both traits varied widely among cultivars and decreased between November and May. Stomatal density was significantly negatively correlated with plant height, estimated leaf area, and total yield in both seasons, whereas guard cell length showed no significant association with these traits. These results suggest that stomatal density may be a more relevant indicator of growth and yield in strawberries and that characterizing stomatal traits across plant parts and cultivars may support breeding and cultivation research. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Hikawa-EndoMinori en-aut-sei=Hikawa-Endo en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamanakaRyosuke en-aut-sei=Yamanaka en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanoTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Yano en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Western Region Agricultural Research Center, NARO kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Western Region Agricultural Research Center, NARO kn-affil= en-keyword=stomatal density kn-keyword=stomatal density en-keyword=guard cell length kn-keyword=guard cell length en-keyword=plant growth kn-keyword=plant growth en-keyword=yield kn-keyword=yield END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=e81104 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250324 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Pemafibrate and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester on Endothelial Function in Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia and Coronary Artery Disease: A Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Despite intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering therapies effectively reducing cardiovascular events, residual cardiovascular risks remain significant, with hypertriglyceridemia being an important contributing factor. Pemafibrate, a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha modulator, has shown strong triglyceride-lowering effects and potential vascular benefits. Similarly, eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (EPA) has demonstrated cardiovascular protective effects, particularly in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. However, the comparative impact of these agents on endothelial function, a key marker of atherosclerotic progression, has not been thoroughly evaluated in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The PRIME (PRospective comparIson of peMafibrate and Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester on vascular functions for hypertriglyceridemia) trial is a multi-center, open-label, randomised trial designed to compare the effects of pemafibrate and EPA on endothelial function in patients with CAD and hypertriglyceridemia. Patients receiving statin therapy with fasting triglyceride levels ?150 mg/dL will be randomised into two groups: pemafibrate (0.2 mg/day, with possible dose escalation to 0.4 mg/day) or EPA (1800 mg/day, with possible dose escalation to 2700 mg/day). Endothelial function will be assessed with reactive hyperemia index (RHI). The primary endpoint is the change in RHI at 12 weeks. The secondary endpoints include the changes in RHI at 24 weeks, correlations between changes in RHI and changes in lipid biomarkers, and changes in biochemical parameters at 12 and 24 weeks. This study investigates the comparative effects of pemafibrate and EPA on endothelial function, addressing an unmet need in managing residual cardiovascular risk in patients with CAD. The findings will contribute to the optimisation of treatment strategies in patients with CAD and hypertriglyceridemia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyoshiTrou en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Trou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuzawaYasushi en-aut-sei=Matsuzawa en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiMasayuki en-aut-sei=Doi en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaSeigo en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Seigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Cardiovascular Medicine, Kumamoto University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Cardiovascular Medicine, Jinnouchi Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=cardiovascular risk kn-keyword=cardiovascular risk en-keyword=eicosapentaenoic acid kn-keyword=eicosapentaenoic acid en-keyword=endothelial function kn-keyword=endothelial function en-keyword=pemafibrate kn-keyword=pemafibrate en-keyword=triglyceride kn-keyword=triglyceride END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=e70673 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202607 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Potential of quantitative X‐ray imaging from photon‐counting CT: A novel analysis based on effective atomic number and physical density en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Conventional CT assessment of lung lesions is based mainly on morphological features. CT values represent relative X-ray attenuation that does not directly reflect tissue composition and/or physical density. Quantitative imaging using photon-counting CT (PC-CT) has the potential to provide quantitative parameters, such as effective atomic number (Zeff) and effective physical density (ρeff).
Purpose: The purpose is to develop and demonstrate the potential of an algorithm that generates both the Zeff and ρeff images, derived directly from virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) acquired with a clinical PC-CT system.
Methods: The ρeff image was generated by fitting a database of mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) to the measured linear attenuation coefficients (μ), which were obtained from two VMIs at 70 and 100 keV. As an effective material, Zeff information was also determined and fed back into the ρeff calculation. An in-house low-density phantom was scanned for quantitative evaluation of ρeff. In addition, to demonstrate the applicability of our procedure to actual clinical imaging, representative chest PC-CT images from patients were analyzed.
Results: In experiments using low-density phantoms, the CT values did not necessarily correlate with Zeff values, but they showed a very good correlation with the ρeff values. The ρeff values calculated using our procedure correlated well with the correct values of ρ. A relative root mean square error of ρeff calculation was 5.5%. Furthermore, we found that in pulmonary diagnosis, image contrast information from ρeff makes it easier to identify and distinguish lesions compared to that from Zeff.
Conclusions: The proposed procedure directly generated Zeff and ρeff images from PC-CT data and enabled quantitative interpretation of CT value in terms of elemental composition and physical density. In this study, the feasibility of generating Zeff and ρeff images was demonstrated. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsaharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Asahara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishigamiRina en-aut-sei=Nishigami en-aut-mei=Rina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimotoNatsumi en-aut-sei=Kimoto en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitaniMana en-aut-sei=Mitani en-aut-mei=Mana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimitsuYusuke en-aut-sei=Morimitsu en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiNoriaki en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Noriaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiFumiyo en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Fumiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IguchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iguchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirakiTakao en-aut-sei=Hiraki en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Junshin Gakuen University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=College of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan kn-affil= en-keyword=computed tomography kn-keyword=computed tomography en-keyword=density image kn-keyword=density image en-keyword=photon-counting kn-keyword=photon-counting en-keyword=virtual monoenergetic image kn-keyword=virtual monoenergetic image en-keyword=X-ray diagnosis kn-keyword=X-ray diagnosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=65 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=104504 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202610 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association of initial interface formation time with CD34+ collection efficiency in continuous mononuclear cell collection: A retrospective study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Factors influencing CD34+ cell collection efficiency (CE) during peripheral blood stem cell harvesting have been investigated; however, the impact of procedural management remains unclear. In continuous mononuclear cell (CMNC) collection, a stable cell?plasma interface (IF) is formed through channel priming, initial IF establishment, and mononuclear cell (MNC) collection. Although IF instability is known to impair CE, the adequacy of initial IF formation has not been examined as an independent factor. Therefore, we focused on the time required for initial IF formation and its association with CE.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 291 Spectra Optia CMNC procedures (52 autologous and 239 allogeneic) performed between 2016 and 2025. Initial interface formation time (IFT) was defined as the interval from the start of the procedure to transition to MNC collection. CE2 was defined as the ratio of collected CD34+ cells to the product of pre-apheresis peripheral blood CD34+ cell concentration and processed blood volume. Results: CE2 was lower in autologous than in allogeneic collections (41.3% vs. 59.2%) and was associated with longer IFT (median, 18 vs. 15?min). CE2 correlated with white blood cell count (r?=??0.24), hematocrit (r?=?0.36), and IFT (r?=??0.23; all p? Conclusion: IFT is independently associated with CE2 and provides insight into the early dynamics of IF formation during leukapheresis, highlighting an underexplored procedural aspect of CE. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MurakamiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiKeiko en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraWataru en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkeuchiKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Ikeuchi en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimonoJoji en-aut-sei=Shimono en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiNobuharu en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Nobuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=CD34+CE2 kn-keyword=CD34+CE2 en-keyword=Continuous mononuclear cell collection kn-keyword=Continuous mononuclear cell collection en-keyword=Spectra Optia kn-keyword=Spectra Optia en-keyword=Interface formation time kn-keyword=Interface formation time en-keyword=Leukapheresis kn-keyword=Leukapheresis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=61 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1884 end-page=1891 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202408 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Shoot-to-Root Ratio Serves as an Early Practical Indicator of Tipburn Risk in Lisianthus [Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.] Seedlings en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Tipburn is a calcium-related physiological disorder that reduces lisianthus seedling quality, yet the factors underlying cultivar differences remain unclear. This study evaluated 10 lisianthus cultivars to determine whether the shoot-to-root (S/R) ratio and key physiological traits influence tipburn susceptibility. Seedlings were grown in a closed production system with restricted root volume and once-daily irrigation to enhance symptom expression. The S/R ratio varied significantly among cultivars (2.82?4.02) and was strongly correlated with tipburn incidence (r = 0.744, P < 0.05) and severity (r = 0.706, P < 0.05). Cultivars with higher S/R ratios exhibited greater tipburn, whereas those with lower ratios showed little to no symptoms. Diurnal measurements of transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, and electron transport rate revealed cultivar-specific physiological patterns; however, midday transpiration showed only a weak association with tipburn. These results indicate that biomass allocation, rather than physiological activity alone, is the primary factor governing tipburn susceptibility. The S/R ratio represents a simple and practical indicator for identifying high-risk cultivars in nursery production. Future studies should investigate the roles of calcium transport, developmental stage, and irrigation management in mitigating tipburn occurrence. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SambaNethone en-aut-sei=Samba en-aut-mei=Nethone kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkiKureha en-aut-sei=Iki en-aut-mei=Kureha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoTanjuro en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Tanjuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=Hikawa-EndoMinori en-aut-sei=Hikawa-Endo en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasubaKen-ichiro en-aut-sei=Yasuba en-aut-mei=Ken-ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamaYoko en-aut-sei=Miyama en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Fukushima Prefectural Iwaki Agriculture and Forestry Office kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan; and The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University kn-affil= en-keyword=biomass allocation kn-keyword=biomass allocation en-keyword=calcium deficiency kn-keyword=calcium deficiency en-keyword=cultivar kn-keyword=cultivar en-keyword=physiology kn-keyword=physiology en-keyword=transpiration kn-keyword=transpiration END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260722 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Dissociation between globe shape-induced rectus muscle pulley displacement and abduction limitation in patients aged 40?years and older with high myopic strabismus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose We hypothesized that high myopia (HM)-induced globe deformation displaces rectus muscle (RM) pulleys, contributing to mild ocular motility restriction. This study investigated the effects of globe shape on RM pulley positions in older Japanese patients with acquired strabismus (AS) and mild motility restriction?defined as the ability to abduct both eyes beyond the midline.
Methods In this retrospective case series, 28 patients (mean age?±?standard deviation: 61.2?±?9.0 years) with adult-onset AS were included: 6 patients with (LAB group) and 22 patients without abduction limitation (NLAB group). In each subject, the eye with the longer axial length (AL???26 mm), measured using an AL measurement apparatus, was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RM pulley positions relative to the globe center and equatorial diameter (ED) were measured; the ED-to-AL ratio (EAR) was calculated. We compared these parameters between groups and analyzed correlations of globe-shape factors (EAR, AL, and ED) with pulley positions and age.
Results No significant differences in EAR, AL, ED, or pulley positions were detected between LAB and NLAB groups, possibly owing to the limited sample size and group imbalance, in the analyzed eyes. However, as EAR decreased (prolate deformation), the superior rectus (SR) pulley (r?=?0.68, P? Conclusions In older Japanese patients with HM and AS, prolate globe deformation was associated with age and significantly correlated with SR and IR pulley positions. While the direct relationship between these structural changes and the clinical degree of mild abduction limitation requires further investigation in larger cohorts, EAR sensitively reflected age-related morphological shifts; thus, when used in conjunction with AL, EAR may represent a readily measurable MRI-based parameter associated with restrictive motility tendencies in strabismus with high myopia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KonoReika en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Reika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamasakiIchiro en-aut-sei=Hamasaki en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishimotoFumiko en-aut-sei=Kishimoto en-aut-mei=Fumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataKiyo en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Kiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorisawaShin en-aut-sei=Morisawa en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Lino Eye Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Ophthalmology, Ibara City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Lino Eye Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Heavy eye syndrome kn-keyword=Heavy eye syndrome en-keyword=High myopia kn-keyword=High myopia en-keyword=Magnetic resonance imaging kn-keyword=Magnetic resonance imaging en-keyword=Prolate deformation kn-keyword=Prolate deformation en-keyword=Rectus muscle pulley kn-keyword=Rectus muscle pulley en-keyword=Strabismus kn-keyword=Strabismus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=103486 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202609 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Students’ perceptions of an electronic one-minute paper in a radiography training programme: An exploratory cross-sectional questionnaire study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Formative assessment can support health professions education; however, reports on electronic 1-min papers as classroom feedback and engagement tools in radiography programmes remain limited. This study explored radiography students’ perceptions of an electronic 1-min paper, focusing on in-class reflection, ease of asking questions, and instructor feedback.
Methods: An electronic 1-min paper was used in a radiotherapy course across 45 class sessions in the 2024 academic year for third-year students enrolled in a 4-year radiography programme. Each 90-min class comprised a 60-min lecture, 10-min completion of the paper, and 20-min instructor feedback. After the course, a de-identified online questionnaire was administered. Eleven 5-point Likert-scale items were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlations. Free-text responses were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.
Results: Of the 77 eligible students, 74 responded (96.1%). Ease of use received the highest rating (mean, 4.76; standard deviation [SD], 0.52), followed by ease of asking questions (mean, 4.32), question resolution (mean, 4.16), and usefulness of instructor feedback (mean, 4.08). Motivation to review after class was lowest (mean, 3.04; SD, 1.16). Active participation showed a strong positive association with in-class concentration (rs = 0.815; P < 0.001). Free-text responses indicated reflection and improved understanding, anonymous sharing of questions, active listening and concentration, and suggestions for improvement.
Conclusion: The electronic 1-min paper was widely accepted and perceived to support in-class reflection, question expression, and immediate feedback. However, students’ perceptions of its influence on out-of-class review motivation were limited. The findings indicate perceived value and engagement rather than demonstrated educational effectiveness.
Implications for practice: Electronic 1-min papers may help instructors identify students’ questions and respond during class, providing a practical approach to in-class feedback. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KomatsuY. en-aut-sei=Komatsu en-aut-mei=Y. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeS. en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsudouS. en-aut-sei=Tsudou en-aut-mei=S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoY. en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Y. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeY. en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Y. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Jikei University of Health Care Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Jikei University of Health Care Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Radiological Technology, Okayama University Medical School, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Electronic 1-min paper kn-keyword=Electronic 1-min paper en-keyword=Formative assessment kn-keyword=Formative assessment en-keyword=Radiography education kn-keyword=Radiography education en-keyword=Immediate feedback kn-keyword=Immediate feedback en-keyword=Student engagement kn-keyword=Student engagement en-keyword=Health professions education kn-keyword=Health professions education END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=40 cd-vols= no-issue=52 article-no= start-page=27314 end-page=27322 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241219 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Formation of Nonspherical Cellulose Acetate Microparticles under Microflow en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nonspherical particles have gained significant interest owing to their unique shapes and large specific surface areas, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, such as drug delivery, catalysis, and adsorption. However, conventional methods for preparing nonspherical particles face certain limitations. In this study, we propose a simple method for fabricating nonspherical cellulose acetate (CA) microparticles using a microfluidic device in which droplets undergo rapid diffusion in a continuous aqueous phase. The influence of variations in the flow rate ratio and continuous phase composition on the dimensionless P?clet number (Pe) within the droplet and shape of the resultant particles is investigated. Pe is critical, because it indicates the balance between polymer diffusion and droplet shrinkage dynamics. Our findings reveal that increasing the flow rate ratio and reducing the methyl acetate concentration in the continuous phase lead to faster droplet shrinkage and an increased Pe. A high Pe (>100) suggests that the reduction of the droplet interface predominates over polymer diffusion, resulting in the formation of a viscous layer near the droplet surface, which subsequently leads to nonspherical particle shapes (such as bowl-like or biconcave structures). In situ time-lapse observations of droplets from the top and side of a microchannel reveal that the formation of a viscous layer near the droplet surface and the deformation of the droplet, influenced by the z-axis location of the droplets during particle formation, ultimately determine the final particle shape. Based on these observations, a linear correlation between the initial conditions, i.e., the Pe and z-axis location at which the viscous layer formed, is established, enabling the prediction of the particle structure. In summary, the present study enhances the understanding of shape control in microfluidic particle formation and offers a novel guideline for the fabrication of spherical and nonspherical particles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoriKurumi en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Kurumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakaichi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Takaichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoTsutomu en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=203 end-page=212 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202606 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density and Bone Structure in the Cervical and Thoracic Spine en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dropped head syndrome, which has been increasingly reported in recent years, requires correction of cervical kyphosis and may require long-range fixation extending from the cervical to the thoracic spine. Assessing vertebral bone structure may be important for preventing instrumentation failure in the upper thoracic spine, which is a potential complication of surgery. In this study, we evaluated volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular bone porosity, and cortical calcification in the cervical and upper thoracic spine using three-dimensional (3D) trabecular structure measurement software. The study included 79 patients with cervical spine disorders who underwent various surgical procedures and preoperative imaging, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography (CT) scans from C3 to Th3. Quantitative analysis using specialized software assessed volumetric bone mineral density and trabecular and cortical bone parameters, and statistical analyses were performed to examine correlations between imaging metrics and indicators of bone fragility. Two-dimensional CT evaluation revealed different trends between cancellous and cortical bone in the cervical and thoracic spine, suggesting that detailed 3D evaluation may also be important. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AoyamaShingo en-aut-sei=Aoyama en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaTerumasa en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Terumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NangoNobuhito en-aut-sei=Nango en-aut-mei=Nobuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoKoji en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kindai University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kindai University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Ratoc System Engineering Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kindai University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=cervical spine kn-keyword=cervical spine en-keyword=volumetric bone mineral density kn-keyword=volumetric bone mineral density en-keyword=three-dimensional trabecular structure measurement kn-keyword=three-dimensional trabecular structure measurement END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=169 end-page=178 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202606 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Peripheral Blood T-Cell Receptor Repertoire and Host Immune Background in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The association between peripheral blood T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and chemotherapy response remains unclear. We evaluated peripheral blood TCR repertoire and gut microbiota in 21 breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) who were enrolled in the SBP-14 prospective cohort study between October 2019 and March 2022. We analyzed stool samples obtained pre-NAC and peripheral blood samples obtained pre- and post-NAC. The primary endpoint was the association between baseline peripheral blood TCR repertoire and treatment response. Eleven patients (52%) had hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. All patients received anthracyclines and taxanes, with anti-HER2 therapy for HER2-positive disease. TCR diversity (TCR alpha chain [TRA], p=0.095; TCR beta chain [TRB], p=0.051) and clonality (TRA, p=0.271; TRB, p=0.500) were not significantly associated with treatment response. Gut microbiota diversity was not correlated with TCR diversity (TRA: ρ=0.046, p=0.845; TRB: ρ=0.021, p=0.929); however, three bacterial orders (Erysipelotrichales, Bacillales, and Pasteurellales) were significantly associated with TCR repertoire. Baseline TCR repertoire was not associated with treatment response in this cohort of breast cancer patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraYuki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamotoTakayuki en-aut-sei=Iwamoto en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiwaraYukiko en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Yukiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HidaAkira en-aut-sei=Hida en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamotoShogo en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiYuichiro en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Yuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienTadahiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Tadahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaMasahiko en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Masahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiharaHiroyoshi en-aut-sei=Doihara en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgataRyohei en-aut-sei=Ogata en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoikeYoshikazu en-aut-sei=Koike en-aut-mei=Yoshikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomuraTsunehisa en-aut-sei=Nomura en-aut-mei=Tsunehisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaKatsuhiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Katsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaKazutaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Kazutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamatsujiTomoki en-aut-sei=Yamatsuji en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TairaNaruto en-aut-sei=Taira en-aut-mei=Naruto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Matsuyama Shimin Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Breast Endocrine Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of General Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=TCR repertoire kn-keyword=TCR repertoire en-keyword=gut microbiota kn-keyword=gut microbiota en-keyword=neoadjuvant chemotherapy kn-keyword=neoadjuvant chemotherapy en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=330 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=L593 end-page=L609 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The role of S100A8/A9 in the pathogenesis of acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a life-threatening condition characterized by neutrophilic inflammation. S100A8/A9, an alarmin released by activated neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammatory responses. However, its specific involvement in acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. This study evaluated the role of S100A8/A9 in the pathogenesis of acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis. S100A8/A9 levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum from patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, with and without acute exacerbations. To model acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis, mice were intratracheally administered bleomycin followed by lipopolysaccharide. Subsequently, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine levels, morphological changes, and fibrosis marker levels in lung tissue and airways were analyzed. S100A8/A9 levels were significantly higher in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia experiencing acute exacerbations relative to those without; these levels were correlated with patient prognosis. In an experimental mouse model, intratracheal administration of bleomycin followed by lipopolysaccharide resulted in a significant increase in airway S100A8/A9 levels compared with bleomycin alone and control mice. Anti-S100A8/A9 neutralizing antibody Ab45 mitigated airway inflammation and lung fibrosis in mice with acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis, reducing S100A8/A9 levels and neutrophil extracellular traps. In vitro, recombinant S100A8/A9 or lipopolysaccharide and neutrophils activated and differentiated fibroblasts; these effects were inhibited by anti-S100A8/A9 neutralizing antibody Ab45 and the humanized form of Ab45 (HuAb45). These findings highlight S100A8/A9 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for acute exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraNaoki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigoHisao en-aut-sei=Higo en-aut-mei=Hisao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SenooSatoru en-aut-sei=Senoo en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiAkihiko en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzekiTaichi en-aut-sei=Ozeki en-aut-mei=Taichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunamiRyota en-aut-sei=Sunami en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=InukaiYumi en-aut-sei=Inukai en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoShusei en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Shusei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItanoJunko en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaAyaka en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomonobuNahoko en-aut-sei=Tomonobu en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaRie en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaNobuaki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Nobuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Okayama University Faculty of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=anti-S100A8/A9 neutralizing antibody kn-keyword=anti-S100A8/A9 neutralizing antibody en-keyword=calprotectin kn-keyword=calprotectin en-keyword=idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis kn-keyword=idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis en-keyword=lipopolysaccharide kn-keyword=lipopolysaccharide en-keyword=neutrophil extracellular traps kn-keyword=neutrophil extracellular traps END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=41 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=97 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260424 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Navigating long-term patient-reported outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery in older adults: ostomy, nutritional status, and living conditions as determinants in a prospective cohort study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To elucidate determinants of long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery in older adults, focusing on the impact of ostomy creation, nutritional status, and living conditions on functional independence and quality of life (QoL).
Methods This single-center, prospective observational study included patients aged???75 years who underwent elective CRC resection between July 2020 and December 2023. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were performed preoperatively, and PROs?including Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS?were reassessed more than one year postoperatively. The primary outcomes were postoperative changes in IADL and QoL. Modified Poisson regression identified independent determinants of long-term decline in each PRO domain.
Results Sixty patients (median age 79 years; 60% female) completed one-year follow-up. IADL declined in 35.6% of patients, EQ-5D in 26.6%, and EQ-VAS in 43.3%. Multivariate analysis revealed that stoma formation was independently associated with IADL decline (adjusted RR?=?3.37, 95% CI 1.50?7.54, p?=?0.003), whereas living alone postoperatively correlated with preserved IADL (adjusted RR?=?0.14, 95% CI 0.02?0.87, p?=?0.035). Low preoperative BMI ( Conclusion Among older CRC patients, stoma creation predicts long-term functional decline, while low BMI predicts QoL deterioration. Conversely, independent living appears protective for functional maintenance. Integrating PROs into perioperative assessment and tailoring surgical, nutritional, and social interventions may enhance survivorship outcomes in this aging population. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TeraishiFuminori en-aut-sei=Teraishi en-aut-mei=Fuminori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItagakiShiori en-aut-sei=Itagaki en-aut-mei=Shiori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraRie en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaYoshikazu en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Yoshikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShojiRyohei en-aut-sei=Shoji en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanayaNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Kanaya en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiYuki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuKunitoshi en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Kunitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Medical Development Field, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Colorectal cancer kn-keyword=Colorectal cancer en-keyword=Older patients kn-keyword=Older patients en-keyword=Patient-reported outcomes kn-keyword=Patient-reported outcomes en-keyword=Quality of life kn-keyword=Quality of life en-keyword=Surgery kn-keyword=Surgery END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=3702 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260511 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exploratory Analysis of Serum IGF-I Levels and Symptom Trajectories in Long COVID During the Omicron Period en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Although several risk factors have been reported for long COVID (LC), reliable biomarkers for this illness remain lacking. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, a major mediator of growth hormones, plays an important role in metabolism, neuroprotection, and systemic homeostasis, and therefore may be useful in predicting the severity and prognosis of LC. Methods: This study included patients who visited a specialized clinic for long COVID between 2022 and 2025 during the Omicron period and had serum IGF-I measurements taken. IGF-I levels were expressed as age- and sex-adjusted standard deviation scores (IGF-I SD), and patients were classified into low (SD < ?1.0), normal (?1.0 ? SD < 1.0), and high (SD ? 1.0) groups. Clinical characteristics, patient-reported outcomes, laboratory data, and follow-up duration were analyzed. Results: A total of 811 patients were included (median 42 years; 52.5% female). Compared with the normal group, the low-IGF-I group exhibited higher fatigue (FAS: 37.0 vs. 34.0; p < 0.05) and depressive (SDS: 50.0 vs. 49.0; p < 0.05) status. Multivariable linear regression analyses identified lower IGF-I SD as independently associated with higher scores of both FAS and SDS. IGF-I SD values showed negative correlations with ferritin (ρ = ?0.125, p < 0.05) and TSH (ρ = ?0.202, p < 0.01) and positive correlations with albumin (ρ = 0.227, p < 0.01) and FT4 (ρ = 0.165, p < 0.01). Among the 237 patients who completed follow-up, the median duration from the initial visit to recovery tended to be longer in the low-IGF-I group (221 days) compared with the normal (191 days) and high (109 days) groups, although these differences were not statistically significant overall. In patients aged < 50 years, the low-IGF-I group showed a relatively longer follow-up duration (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the low-IGF-I group had a longer time to recovery compared to the high-IGF-I group (p < 0.05), and this difference was more pronounced in patients under 50 years of age, with significant differences observed among the three IGF-I groups. Conclusions: Lower IGF-I levels in LC may be associated with greater fatigue and depressive symptoms and longer recovery time, particularly in younger patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical significance of these findings. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaseRyosuke en-aut-sei=Takase en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraDaisuke en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=fatigue kn-keyword=fatigue en-keyword=IGF-I kn-keyword=IGF-I en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=recovery kn-keyword=recovery END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=2026 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=8863202 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202601 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Selective ARID1A Loss Restricted to the Undifferentiated Component of a Mismatch Repair‐Deficient Gastric Carcinoma: A Case Report en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) gastric carcinomas often harbor ARID1A alteration, but a sharply demarcated undifferentiated/rhabdoid component with selective ARID1A loss is uncommon and may create a diagnostic dilemma. An 80-year-old man underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for anemia, which revealed a circumferential Borrmann Type 3 lesion in the gastric body, and distal gastrectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumor was composed predominantly of undifferentiated carcinoma with focal rhabdoid features and a minute well-differentiated adenocarcinoma component, with an abrupt transition between the two. Immunohistochemistry showed loss of nuclear MLH1 and PMS2 in both components, whereas loss of ARID1A expression was confined to the undifferentiated component; SMARCB1 (INI1), SMARCA2 (BRM), and SMARCA4 (BRG1) were retained. EBER in situ hybridization was negative. Because gene-level testing, MSI testing, and MLH1 promoter methylation analysis were not performed, the molecular basis of the dMMR phenotype and ARID1A loss could not be determined. The restricted scope of molecular testing limits the ability to draw broad or generalizable conclusions and to fully establish clinicopathological correlations. The value of this report is, therefore, not mechanistic proof but recognition of a practical morphologic-immunophenotypic observation: When a gastric carcinoma shows a sharply demarcated shift from differentiated to undifferentiated/rhabdoid morphology, dMMR should be considered, and selective ARID1A loss in the undifferentiated component may be associated with dedifferentiation. These findings should be interpreted with caution as preliminary, hypothesis-generating observations that require validation in larger studies with more extensive molecular profiling. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OmoteRika en-aut-sei=Omote en-aut-mei=Rika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamanoRyosuke en-aut-sei=Hamano en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaShinya en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanaiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Yanai en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Diagnostic Pathology, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Surgery, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=ARID1A kn-keyword=ARID1A en-keyword=carcinoma kn-keyword=carcinoma en-keyword=DNA mismatch repair deficiency kn-keyword=DNA mismatch repair deficiency en-keyword=rhabdoid features kn-keyword=rhabdoid features en-keyword=stomach neoplasms kn-keyword=stomach neoplasms en-keyword=SWI/SNF complex kn-keyword=SWI/SNF complex en-keyword=undifferentiated kn-keyword=undifferentiated END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2645 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260313 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Minimal Association Between Immunoglobulin A Coating and Gut Microbiota Alterations Induced by High-Fat Diets with Distinct Fatty Acid Compositions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=High-fat diets (HFDs) containing dietary fats with different fatty acid (FA) compositions alter gut microbiota composition in a fat-source-dependent manner. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and unabsorbed lipids in the distal gut are potential regulators of the gut microbiota. However, their roles in mediating gut microbiota alterations induced by dietary fats with different FA compositions remain unclear. This study aims to examine the associations of these two factors with fat-source-dependent gut microbiota alterations. BALB/c mice were fed a normal diet, a high-lard diet, a high-olive oil diet, or a high-soybean oil diet for 27 weeks. Fecal samples were collected to assess microbiota composition, the IgA coating index (ICI)?which quantifies the extent of IgA coating on gut microbiota?and fecal fatty acid concentrations. At the phylum level, the concentration of fecal total long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) was positively correlated with the relative abundance (RA) of Bacillota and negatively correlated with that of Bacteroidota. In addition, a trend toward a positive association between the RA and the ICI was observed for Bacillota but not for Bacteroidota. At the genus level, the RAs of 12 taxa were positively correlated with fecal LCFA concentrations, whereas those of 6 taxa were negatively correlated. Although the RAs of most taxa appeared to be influenced by unabsorbed lipids and additional factors, only four Bacillota genera exhibited a positive correlation between the RA and the ICI. Our observations suggest that IgA coating of the gut microbiota may have a minimal association with fat-source-specific alterations in gut microbiota composition during HFD intake. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TeraokaMao en-aut-sei=Teraoka en-aut-mei=Mao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyang en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenKuiyi en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Kuiyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil= Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil= Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil= Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil= Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=immunoglobulin A kn-keyword=immunoglobulin A en-keyword=high-fat diet kn-keyword=high-fat diet en-keyword=gut microbiota kn-keyword=gut microbiota en-keyword=fatty acid composition kn-keyword=fatty acid composition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=100194 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202606 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Extracellular matrix remodeling in calcific aortic valve disease: Localized enrichment of type III collagen and LTBP-4 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is characterized by progressive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling that promotes valve fibrosis and calcification. However, its molecular and structural basis remains unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed ECM remodeling in human CAVD valves, focusing on collagen dynamics and key ECM-associated regulatory components. Histopathological analysis revealed fibrous layer thickening, collagen disorganization, and focal loss of the spongiosa in the CAVD group. Polarized picrosirius red staining demonstrated increased yellow-orange birefringence in the fibrotic and calcified regions, indicating altered collagen organization. Quantitative liquid chromatography?mass spectrometry analysis showed region-specific shifts toward an increased type III collagen proportion in fibrotic and calcific regions despite the reduced total collagen content in calcified areas. Collagen with improper triple-helical structure primarily accumulated around the calcified nodules, suggesting abnormal collagen turnover. Transmission electron microscopy revealed thinner and more heterogeneous collagen fibrils in lesioned regions than that in pre-lesional region. In normal valves, immunohistochemistry suggested that the hyaluronan-versican-fibrillin complex contributes to local regulation of Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) activity via latent TGF-β binding proteins (LTBP); however, this regulatory structure was disrupted in CAVD. Notably, LTBP-4 showed strong, regionally restricted localization in the fibrotic and calcific regions and was positively correlated with collagen yellow-orange birefringence. Collectively, these findings indicate that CAVD is associated with a localized shift toward a structurally heterogeneous, type III collagen-enriched matrix, accompanied by collagen denaturation and abnormal accumulation of LTBP-4, highlighting ECM dysregulation as a key feature of disease progression. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KemmochiReiko en-aut-sei=Kemmochi en-aut-mei=Reiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiHaruko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Haruko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TagaYuki en-aut-sei=Taga en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiNaoki en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeTakafumi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkemuraKentaro en-aut-sei=Ikemura en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiTakako en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Takako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoKazunori en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Kazunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoMitsuaki en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Mitsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OohashiToshitaka en-aut-sei=Oohashi en-aut-mei=Toshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Calcific aortic valve disease kn-keyword=Calcific aortic valve disease en-keyword=Extracellular matrix kn-keyword=Extracellular matrix en-keyword=Type III collagen kn-keyword=Type III collagen en-keyword=TGF-β1 kn-keyword=TGF-β1 en-keyword=Latent TGF-β binding protein-4 kn-keyword=Latent TGF-β binding protein-4 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=181 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hypernatremia during the first week of life in very preterm infants and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 to 4 years of age: a cohort study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Hypernatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in both term and preterm infants. Previous studies have suggested a correlation between hypernatremia and short-term complications in preterm infants, such as intraventricular hemorrhage and chronic lung disease. However, the relationship between hypernatremia and neurodevelopmental outcomes is less well understood. This study aimed to assess the association between hypernatremia during the first week of life and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3?4 years of age in very preterm infants.
Methods This single-center, retrospective cohort study analyzed data from preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation between 2010 and 2020. Infants with peak whole blood sodium levels?>?145 mEq/L during the first week of life were included in the hypernatremia group and those with ??145 mEq/L in the non-hypernatremia group. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 3?4 years of age, defined as developmental impairment (developmental quotient? Results Of 272 infants with neurodevelopmental data, 82 and 190 infants were in the hypernatremia and non-hypernatremia groups, respectively. The median (interquartile range) gestational age and birth weight were 26.4 (25.1?28.0) and 28.7 (26.6?30.3) weeks and 860 (670?1062) and 997 (778?1264) g for infants in the hypernatremia and non-hypernatremia groups, respectively. Infants in the hypernatremia group had a greater incidence of NDI (29.3% vs. 14.7%, adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.75, 95% CI 1.08?2.84) and cerebral palsy (8.5% vs. 1.6%, adjusted RR 5.5, 95% CI 1.72?17.63) than those in the non-hypernatremia group.
Conclusions Hypernatremia during the first week of life was associated with an increased risk of NDI at 3?4 years of age in very preterm infants. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MurakamiMichiko en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamaiKei en-aut-sei=Tamai en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiAkihito en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Akihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMakoto en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KageyamaMisao en-aut-sei=Kageyama en-aut-mei=Misao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=Hypernatremia kn-keyword=Hypernatremia en-keyword=Development kn-keyword=Development en-keyword=Very preterm kn-keyword=Very preterm en-keyword=Cerebral palsy kn-keyword=Cerebral palsy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=115 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=107590 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202605 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-term neurological and neurocognitive deficits in adults prenatally exposed to methylmercury: Minamata disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Minamata disease, officially recognized in 1956, is a well-known food poisoning event that was caused by the consumption of fish and seafood contaminated with methylmercury. Although patients with congenital Minamata disease (CMD) with severe neurological impairments after birth are widely recognized, few studies have examined the effects of prenatal methylmercury exposure among residents, which is likely at lower levels than in CMD patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between prenatal methylmercury exposure and subsequent neurological and neurocognitive outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional study during 2024?2025 among 51 individuals aged approximately 70 years, 27 residents from an existing cohort established in 1970 in Minamata and 24 age-matched individuals who had lived in less-exposed regions. We performed a battery of neurological and neurocognitive tests in both groups and compared the results using multiple linear regression analyses. We also examined the association between intelligence scores obtained in 1970, and intelligence scores obtained in the present investigation, only among exposed participants. We found that exposed individuals had unfavorable neurological and neurocognitive test scores, in comparison with less-exposed controls. Scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Japanese Edition were 5.91 points lower (95% confidence interval: 3.09 to 8.73) for exposed residents than for the less-exposed group. Moreover, intelligence scores evaluated during exposed participants' adolescence were correlated with their neurocognitive scores in adulthood. Our findings showed that prenatal methylmercury exposure affected subsequent neurological and neurocognitive functions, including among individuals with lower exposure than in CMD patients, and even approximately 70 years after the initial exposure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamuraYuka en-aut-sei=Yamamura en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaganoItsuka en-aut-sei=Nagano en-aut-mei=Itsuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasudaMariko en-aut-sei=Yasuda en-aut-mei=Mariko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorookaTeruko en-aut-sei=Morooka en-aut-mei=Teruko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadoYoko en-aut-sei=Kado en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Non-Profit Organization Hamachidori kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Clinical Psychology Center, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Kansai University kn-affil= en-keyword=Environmental pollution kn-keyword=Environmental pollution en-keyword=Methylmercury compounds kn-keyword=Methylmercury compounds en-keyword=Minamata disease kn-keyword=Minamata disease en-keyword=Neurocognitive evaluation kn-keyword=Neurocognitive evaluation en-keyword=Neurological examination kn-keyword=Neurological examination END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=7 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=9 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relationship Between Numbers of Patients Registered and Procedures Performed at Lung Transplantation Centers in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in deceased lung transplantation (DLT) procedures performed in Japan. However, there is concern that the number of transplantations may reach the limit of capacity in some centers. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the numbers of individuals registered for DLT by the Japan Organ Transplantation Network (JOT) and procedures subsequently performed at lung transplantation centers. Methods: Using a database and registry reports provided by the Japanese Society of Lung and Heart-lung Transplantation, the numbers of individuals registered in the JOT and DLT procedures performed from January 2014 to December 2023 were analyzed. Results: The number of registrations was found to be correlated with the number of DLTs, with the coefficient of determination (R2) 0.962 and slope of the regression line (X coefficient) 0.407. The facility with the greatest number of registrations, with a registration-to-transplantation ratio of 0.353, was identified as an outlier (p < 0.05) and excluded from analysis. This exclusion increased both the correlation coefficient value to 0.986 and X coefficient value to 0.461. Conclusions: The present analysis showed that the number of DLTs was well correlated with number of registrations at each of the transplantation facilities. Both registration and transplantation numbers have increased in the recent decade. The facility with the highest number of registrations showed a lower registration-to-transplantation ratio, because the increase in registrations outpaced the number of transplantations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=InoueTakashi en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChidaMasayuki en-aut-sei=Chida en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaYoshinori en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoMasaaki en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiHidemi en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Hidemi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoshikawaYasushi en-aut-sei=Hoshikawa en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=Chen-YoshikawaToyofumi en-aut-sei=Chen-Yoshikawa en-aut-mei=Toyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakajimaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Nakajima en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SintaniYasushi en-aut-sei=Sintani en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiraishiTakeshi en-aut-sei=Shiraishi en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoKeitaro en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Keitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakajimaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Nakajima en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaSumiko en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Sumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, The Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic, Breast and Pediatric Surgery, Fukuoka University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic, Breast and Pediatric Surgery, Fukuoka University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University kn-affil= en-keyword=lung transplantation kn-keyword=lung transplantation en-keyword=registration kn-keyword=registration en-keyword=registration-to-transplantation ratio kn-keyword=registration-to-transplantation ratio en-keyword=ransplantation center kn-keyword=ransplantation center END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=83 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=16255 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260422 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Utility of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titers in the Management of Patients With Long COVID Infected With the Omicron Variant en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Long COVID (LC) presents persistent symptoms that pose a major clinical challenge. Identification of reliable biomarkers to evaluate LC pathophysiology is needed.
Objectives: To investigate whether serum S- and N-antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins reflect the clinical features of LC.
Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with Omicron variant-related LC who attended a post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic between July 2023 and November 2024 and provided informed consent for antibody testing.
Results: Among 275 patients (129 men and 146 women), 57 (21%) were unvaccinated. Median S- and N-antibody titers in vaccinated versus unvaccinated patients were 20,963 U/mL and 24.8 cut-off index (COI) versus 24 U/mL and 44.5 COI, respectively. S-antibody titers were associated with the number of vaccine doses received, whereas N-antibody titers correlated with disease severity during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, with females having higher titers by multivariable analysis. N-antibody titers in unvaccinated patients with LC were negatively correlated with time interval from infection to clinic visit, with an estimated daily decline of 0.34% in measured N-antibody levels. Patients with LC having memory impairment had low S-antibody titers by multivariable logistic regression analysis, and low S-antibody levels were associated with reduced quality of life (QOL). Additionally, N-antibody titers positively correlated with lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin levels.
Conclusion: Serum N-antibody titers reflect immune responses to COVID-19, although they are affected by gender differences and interval between infection and evaluation. Lower S-antibody titers were associated with brain fog symptoms and reduced QOL in patients with LC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawaguchiMarina en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Marina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraDaisuke en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukiNobuyoshi en-aut-sei=Matsuki en-aut-mei=Nobuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukawaMasanori en-aut-sei=Furukawa en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashikageAkihito en-aut-sei=Higashikage en-aut-mei=Akihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Laboratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Laboratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=brain fog kn-keyword=brain fog en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=Omicron variants kn-keyword=Omicron variants en-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 antibodies kn-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 antibodies END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=131 end-page=139 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202604 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of Proteinuria on Postoperative Complications Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Colorectal surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications regardless of the advances in surgical techniques and multidisciplinary treatment. Proteinuria is common in patients with malignancies, but few studies have investigated the association between preoperative proteinuria and patient prognoses, especially postoperative complications. We investigated the impact of proteinuria on patients undergoing colorectal surgery in a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 767 patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer between January 2016 and December 2022 at the National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center. Among them, 81 patients with preoperative proteinuria were compared with the control group of 686 patients without proteinuria. Our analyses revealed that the patients with proteinuria had malnutrition with a significantly lower prognostic nutritional index compared to the no-proteinuria control group (p<0.001). The proteinuria group had a significantly advanced tumor stage (p=0.005), experienced more bleeding during the surgery (p=0.002), and required more transfusions (p<0.001). Postoperative complications were significantly more frequent in the proteinuria group (p=0.03), thus demonstrating that proteinuria was independently associated with postoperative complications (p=0.045). Proteinuria in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery can therefore be considered a risk factor for postoperative complications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakataShunsuke en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakatsuFumiaki en-aut-sei=Takatsu en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikuriyaYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Mikuriya en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakishitaTomokazu en-aut-sei=Kakishita en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HatoShinji en-aut-sei=Hato en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtaKoji en-aut-sei=Ohta en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobatakeTakaya en-aut-sei=Kobatake en-aut-mei=Takaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= en-keyword=colorectal cancer kn-keyword=colorectal cancer en-keyword=surgery kn-keyword=surgery en-keyword=proteinuria kn-keyword=proteinuria en-keyword=complication kn-keyword=complication en-keyword=malnutrition kn-keyword=malnutrition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=109 end-page=117 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202604 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Mixed-Methods Study on Changes in Interprofessional Education Attitudes and Fundamental Competencies: A Pre?Post Analysis of Clinical Training in Dietetic Students en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study examined the effects of interprofessional education (IPE) on dietetics students during clinical training, focusing on changes in their attitudes toward IPE and their fundamental competencies. Eighty third-year female students (mean age, 21.0 years) at a Japanese women’s university participated. Self-administered surveys were conducted before and after clinical training to assess attitudes toward IPE using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and the Shakaijin Kisoryoku (SKL; Fundamental Competencies for Working Persons) scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests, chi-squared tests, and cluster analyses. Qualitative data from open-ended responses were analyzed thematically. RIPLS and SKL scores increased significantly, from 65.3 to 68.9, and from 28. 4 to 33. 2, respectively (p<0.001). All 12 SKL items showed significant improvement. In free responses, “initiative” (66 mentions), “communication” (10), and “execution” (8) were the most frequently cited as improved competencies. Cluster analysis identified three groups: increasing scores (n=25), high baseline (n=30), and minimal change (n=25). No significant correlation was found between changes in RIPLS and SKL scores (r=?0.108, p=0.355). IPE integrated into clinical training may enhance dietetics students’ attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration and contribute to the development of professional identity. Individualized, phased IPE implementation is recommended to accommodate differences in learner readiness. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SonoiMika en-aut-sei=Sonoi en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SonoiNorihiro en-aut-sei=Sonoi en-aut-mei=Norihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaYoko en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life Sciences, Notre Dame Seishin University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life Sciences, Notre Dame Seishin University kn-affil= en-keyword=interprofessional education kn-keyword=interprofessional education en-keyword=dietetics students kn-keyword=dietetics students en-keyword=clinical training kn-keyword=clinical training en-keyword=professional competencies kn-keyword=professional competencies en-keyword=transformative learning kn-keyword=transformative learning END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=85 end-page=97 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202604 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment on Bacterial and Clinical Parameters in Down Syndrome Patients Based on 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are more susceptible to periodontal disease; however, microbial changes following treatment remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on clinical outcomes and oral microbiome dynamics in 6 patients with DS using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Bacterial diversity, composition, network structure, and predicted functional pathways were analyzed using dental plaque samples. Bleeding on probing decreased significantly (p=0.047) after treatment, with a trend toward reduction in periodontal inflamed surface area (p=0.05). The abundance of Fusobacteria at the class level decreased significantly after treatment. The abundance of Mogibacterium timidum was higher in the pretreatment group than in the posttreatment group. M. timidum was positively correlated with Treponema denticola and associated with multiple bacterial taxa in the network during pretreatment. Predicted functional pathways related to aromatic compound degradation were more abundant in posttreatment samples than in pretreatment samples. An increase in the abundance of Fusobacterium and the positive correlation between T. denticola and M. timidum, together with their associations with other periodontal pathogens before treatment, may contribute to the development of periodontitis in individuals with DS. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy produces measurable clinical improvement and promotes microbial shifts in patients with DS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShibaTakahiko en-aut-sei=Shiba en-aut-mei=Takahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakamoriMitsuhito en-aut-sei=Takamori en-aut-mei=Mitsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatagiriSayaka en-aut-sei=Katagiri en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiRyota en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawauchiAki en-aut-sei=Kawauchi en-aut-mei=Aki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhsugiYujin en-aut-sei=Ohsugi en-aut-mei=Yujin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=LinPeiya en-aut-sei=Lin en-aut-mei=Peiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=EgusaMasahiko en-aut-sei=Egusa en-aut-mei=Masahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakanori en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaShigeru en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=The center for Special Needs Dentistry, Medical Development Field, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= en-keyword=Down Syndrome kn-keyword=Down Syndrome en-keyword=16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing kn-keyword=16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing en-keyword=periodontitis kn-keyword=periodontitis en-keyword=nonsurgical periodontal treatment kn-keyword=nonsurgical periodontal treatment en-keyword=oral microbiome kn-keyword=oral microbiome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=64 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=101428 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202605 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Short- and long-term outcomes of anti-thymocyte globulin-based regimen for acute antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) remains a major barrier to successful lung transplantation (LTx). Despite advances in donor-specific alloantibody (DSA) detection, effective treatments are limited, with current management largely empirical. Acute clinical AMR, marked by rapid graft dysfunction, demands urgent intervention. In Japan, where approved therapies for AMR were historically limited, rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) has been adopted as a treatment option.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 11 patients who developed acute AMR within three months after LTx at Okayama University Hospital between 2013 and 2023. Diagnosis (ISHLT possible AMR) was based on acute graft dysfunction unresponsive to steroids, positive DSA, and exclusion of infection, without histological confirmation due to procedural risk. rATG (1.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days) was administered, along with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasma exchange (PLEX), and rituximab when indicated. Outcomes included DSA clearance, clinical response, survival, and adverse events.
Results: Remission was achieved in 64% of patients, with 36% not requiring PLEX and 64% not receiving rituximab. Early rATG treatment correlated with favorable outcomes, whereas delayed therapy resulted in poorer responses. Six patients (55%) survived without chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) for over one year. Adverse events included cytomegalovirus infection (91%), bacterial pneumonia (36%), fungal infection (18%), and malignancy (18%).
Conclusions: rATG was effective for acute possible AMR management, particularly when initiated early. Some patients achieved remission without adjunct therapy, indicating rATG's potent immunosuppressive activity. However, frequent infectious complications emphasize the need for optimized dosing and further studies to validate its safety and long-term efficacy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniShinji en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Anti-thymocyte globulin kn-keyword=Anti-thymocyte globulin en-keyword=Acute antibody-mediated rejection kn-keyword=Acute antibody-mediated rejection en-keyword=Treatment kn-keyword=Treatment en-keyword=Lung transplantation kn-keyword=Lung transplantation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260407 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=ROWVA: A Structure-Based Metric for Predicting the Pathogenicity of Protein Variants Using Alphafold2 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=p53, an important tumor suppressor protein, functions as a tetramer. Therefore, malignant variants in the tetramer-forming domain increase the likelihood of p53 dysfunction. Recent developments in genome analysis technology have expanded our understanding of malignant variants. However, variants of uncertain significance are also being increasingly identified. Hence, methods to assess the pathogenicity of these variants are required. In this study, we aimed to examine whether AlphaFold2 can be used to evaluate the functional impacts of p53 variants based on predicted three-dimensional (3D) structural information. For each variant present in datasets of p53 functional score, we performed 3D structural prediction using AlphaFold2. We analyzed the correlations among multiple AlphaFold2-derived scores to predict functional scores, such as protein stability and pathogenicity labels, for each dataset. The root-mean-square deviation obtained by comparing the 3D structures predicted by AlphaFold2 for the wild-type and variant structures showed a high correlation with each functional score. Overall, these findings indicate that AlphaFold2 can be used to evaluate variants. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FurutaniTaiki en-aut-sei=Furutani en-aut-mei=Taiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkushaYuka en-aut-sei=Okusha en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagamiHiroki en-aut-sei=Nagami en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HanafusaHiroko en-aut-sei=Hanafusa en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaRyusuke en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Ryusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosonoYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Hosono en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakatochiMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakatochi en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=3D protein structural prediction kn-keyword=3D protein structural prediction en-keyword=AlphaFold2 kn-keyword=AlphaFold2 en-keyword=p53 kn-keyword=p53 en-keyword=tumor suppressor kn-keyword=tumor suppressor en-keyword=variants of uncertain significance kn-keyword=variants of uncertain significance END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=29 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=115137 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202604 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Multifaceted role of POU5F1P1 in regulating its parental stem cell gene, POU5F1 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The human-specific retrogene POU5F1P1 (OCT4-Pseudogene1; OCT4-PG1), derived from stem cell factor POU5F1 (OCT4A), is predicted to encode an OCT4A-like protein; however, its function remains unclear. This study investigated OCT4-PG1 expression, translational control, and its role in endometrial cancer and stem cell regulation. Quantitative analyses revealed that elevated OCT4A, but not OCT4-PG1, expression correlated with clinical risk factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer. OCT4-PG1 is under strong translational suppression mediated by its untranslated region and does not function as a protein under normal conditions. Instead, it acts as a non-coding RNA that suppresses OCT4A translation. Structural analyses showed that a single amino acid deletion (Gln259) destabilizes the OCT4-PG1 protein, thereby preventing its tumorigenic and transcriptional functions. Nevertheless, OCT4-PG1 forms heterodimers with OCT4A or SOX2, enhancing the regulatory activity of OCT4A. These findings highlight the regulatory role of pseudogenes in cancer and stem cell biology, with implications for therapies targeting OCT4A-related pathways. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IrieKyohei en-aut-sei=Irie en-aut-mei=Kyohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosakaMitsuko en-aut-sei=Kosaka en-aut-mei=Mitsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmaeRyo en-aut-sei=Omae en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataniYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Nakatani en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OoSandi Myat Noe en-aut-sei=Oo en-aut-mei=Sandi Myat Noe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasuyamaHisashi en-aut-sei=Masuyama en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaguchiAyano en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=35 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A case of tubulointerstitial nephritis with infiltration of neutrophils and interleukin-17-positive cells associated with Beh?et’s disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Beh?et’s disease (BD) is a non-infectious inflammatory condition characterized by neutrophilic infiltration. In addition to primary symptoms, including oral and genital ulcers, ocular involvement, and skin lesions, BD can also affect various organs. However, renal involvement, particularly in tubulointerstitial nephritis, has rarely been described. Herein, a rare case of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in a patient clinically diagnosed with BD is reported. The renal lesion presented with other symptoms of BD and fever, and was considered to be BD-related due to the presence of neutrophilic infiltration and its responsiveness to BD-directed therapy. Alterations in T-helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles are associated with BD activity. Interleukin (IL)-17 plays a central role in neutrophil activation, and recent studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between IL-17A levels and BD activity. In the present case, elevated serum IL-17A levels and infiltration of IL-17A-positive cells into the renal tissue reflected an active phase of BD and a BD-associated renal lesion. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UchidaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaKeiko en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaNatsuki en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Natsuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Katsuyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Tubulointerstitial nephritis kn-keyword=Tubulointerstitial nephritis en-keyword=Beh?et’s disease kn-keyword=Beh?et’s disease en-keyword=Neutrophils kn-keyword=Neutrophils en-keyword=Interleukin-17 kn-keyword=Interleukin-17 en-keyword=T-helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 cytokines kn-keyword=T-helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 cytokines END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=160 end-page=164 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=2026 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Verification of a Skin Electrical Impedance Model for Evaluating Indicators of Skin Barrier Function of Older Adults en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Skin barrier function has been quantitatively evaluated through trans-epidermal water loss, which has been difficult to measure in clinical settings owing to environmental factors and the measurement time. The thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum are important indicators of skin barrier function, and current methods for measuring these two indicators are also difficult to implement in clinical settings. Therefore, we developed a model based on skin electrical impedance to estimate the thickness and water content of the stratum corneum, enabling measurement and estimation of these two indicators in a short time. In this study, we verified this model implemented in a portable skin electrical impedance measurement device for estimating the thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum of the skin in older adults. Thirty-four older individuals were studied. The measurement electrodes were placed in contact with the forearm skin, and an alternating signal of two frequencies was applied to measure the impedance, from which the thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum were estimated in approximately 5 s. The correlation coefficients between the estimated and measured thickness and between the estimated and measured surface water content were 0.732 and 0.604, respectively. Furthermore, the root mean square errors of the residuals for the thickness and surface water content were 1.66 ?m and 3.50 points, respectively, indicating that the model accurately estimated the thickness and surface water content of the stratum corneum, even in the skin of older adults. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UEHARAOsamu en-aut-sei=UEHARA en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUNAKIYuya en-aut-sei=FUNAKI en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NAKAMURATakao en-aut-sei=NAKAMURA en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Medical Engineering Laboratory, ALCARE Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Medical Engineering Laboratory, ALCARE Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=older adults kn-keyword=older adults en-keyword=stratum corneum thickness kn-keyword=stratum corneum thickness en-keyword=stratum corneum surface water content kn-keyword=stratum corneum surface water content END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=411 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=22 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The impact of liver transection depth on surgical difficulty in robotic versus laparoscopic limited liver resection (TAKUMI-5) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose Although robotic liver resection (RLR) has gained popularity worldwide, limited liver resection remains the mainstay of RLR. This study aimed to investigate the effect of parameters, including liver transection depth (LTD), on surgical difficulty in limited RLR compared with limited laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).
Methods This retrospective study included 105 patients who underwent limited RLR (n?=?56) or LLR (n?=?49) at our institution between January 2018 and December 2024. After comparing outcomes of RLR and LLR, multivariate analyses were performed to examine effect of LTD on surgical difficulty (defined as prolonged operative time). Moreover, outcomes stratified by LTD cut-off values were compared between the groups.
Results Median LTD was similar between groups (RLR vs. LLR: 2.6 vs. 2.6 cm, P?=?0.77). LTD was significantly correlated with operative time for both procedures (RLR, R? = 0.07, P?=?0.042; LLR, R? = 0.08, P?=?0.046). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that LLR (odds ratio, 6.9; P??2.5 cm), the RLR group had significantly shorter operative time (145 vs. 231 min, P? Conclusion This study investigated impact of LTD on surgical outcomes in patients who underwent limited RLR compared to those who underwent limited LLR. LTD may be a useful parameter for estimating surgical difficulty in limited RLR. Moreover, robotic surgery may be favorable for deeper and limited liver resections. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoAtene en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Atene kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaTakeyoshi en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Takeyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaiYasuo en-aut-sei=Nagai en-aut-mei=Yasuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaShohei en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Shohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Robotic surgery kn-keyword=Robotic surgery en-keyword=Laparoscopic surgery kn-keyword=Laparoscopic surgery en-keyword=Limited liver resection kn-keyword=Limited liver resection en-keyword=Textbook outcome kn-keyword=Textbook outcome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=39 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=3137 end-page=3145 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of visceral fat area on surgical difficulty during robotic distal pancreatectomy (TAKUMI-2) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Difficulty scoring systems (DSS) have been developed to quantify the surgical complexity of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). However, few studies have validated these systems in the context of robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). Moreover, the impact of body composition on RDP outcomes remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of surgical difficulty in RDP, including body composition.
Methods: This retrospective study included 72 consecutive patients who underwent RDP at our institution between April 2021 and October 2024. Using a modified DSS for LDP, patients were divided into three difficulty index groups. The association between the difficulty index and outcomes was investigated. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with surgical difficulty (prolonged operative time) in RDP.
Results: Patients were classified into three difficulty index groups: low (n?=?28), intermediate (n?=?25), and high (n?=?19). Operative time was significantly associated with the surgical index (P?=?0.01). Moreover, visceral fat area (VFA) was significantly correlated with operative time (r2?=?0.10, P?=?0.008). The multivariate analyses found that VFA (??100 cm2) (odds ratio [OR] 5.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32?22.4, P?=?0.02), malignancy (OR 4.92, 95% CI 1.50?18.9, P?=?0.01), and pancreatic resection on the portal vein (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.24?15.9, P?=?0.02) were significant risk factors associated with surgical difficulty.
Conclusion: VFA could be a novel and useful factor for assessing the surgical difficulty associated with RDP. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaMotohiko en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Motohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaTakeyoshi en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Takeyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaiYasuo en-aut-sei=Nagai en-aut-mei=Yasuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanehiraNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Kanehira en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Robotic distal pancreatectomy kn-keyword=Robotic distal pancreatectomy en-keyword=Difficulty score kn-keyword=Difficulty score en-keyword=Visceral fat area kn-keyword=Visceral fat area END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1877 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260228 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of Surgical Procedures for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformities on Radiographic Foot Length and Width Variations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing forefoot arthroplasty has increased to better control the disease. Despite patients frequently expressing concerns regarding postoperative foot appearance and footwear-related expectations, no study has investigated postoperative changes in foot length and width in patients with RA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgical procedures for rheumatoid forefoot deformities on variations in radiologically determined foot length and width. Methods: In total, 72 feet of 50 women and 3 men (average age: 66.7 years) underwent joint-preserving arthroplasty (n = 33) and arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with shortening osteotomy of the lesser metatarsals or resection arthroplasty of the lesser metatarsal heads (n = 39); procedures were carried out in our institute from August 2013 to February 2020. The mean disease duration was 23.5 years, and the average follow-up period was 17.5 months. Pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) of the first and second metatarsals (M1M2A), and IMA of the first and fifth metatarsals (M1M5A) were measured on weightbearing radiographs as well as foot length and width. We also evaluated the correlation between changes in radiographic parameters and variations in radiologically determined foot length and width. Results: Radiologically determined foot width changed significantly from 10.1 cm to 9.7 cm (p < 0.01), while no significant difference was found between pre- and postoperative radiologically determined foot length. HVA, M1M2A, and M1M5A were significantly improved after the surgery (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). A significant negative correlation was found between the variation in radiologically determined foot length and changes in HVA (r = ?0.29, p = 0.02) and M1M5A (r = ?0.23, p < 0.05), while a significant positive correlation was found between the variation in the foot width and changes in HVA (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), M1M2A (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), and M1M5A (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between operative procedures regarding variation in radiologically determined foot length and width. Conclusions: Surgical procedure for rheumatoid forefoot deformity improved radiographic parameters and reduced radiographic foot width while maintaining foot length. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HoritaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Horita en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KisoYohei en-aut-sei=Kiso en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NasuYoshihisa en-aut-sei=Nasu en-aut-mei=Yoshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigaKenta en-aut-sei=Saiga en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medical Development Field, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kurashiki Sweet Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Musculoskeletal Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Locomotive Pain Center, Faculty of Medical Development Field, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=forefoot surgery kn-keyword=forefoot surgery en-keyword=foot length kn-keyword=foot length en-keyword=foot width kn-keyword=foot width en-keyword=rheumatoid arthritis kn-keyword=rheumatoid arthritis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=39 end-page=46 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202602 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Kinesiophobia Is Associated with Disability, Poor Quality of Life, Psychological Morbidity, and Surgery Dissatisfaction in Patients with Lumbar Microdiscetomy: A Cross-Sectional Controlled Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The study aimed to determine the prevalence of kinesiophobia in patients who had undergone lumbar microdiscectomy and to examine its associations with pain intensity, disability, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with surgery. Forty-eight patients with microdiscectomy and 48 healthy controls were enrolled. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Roland-Morris Disability Index (RMDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D, respectively), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were administered to both groups. The scores of TSK, RMDI, HADS-A, and HADS-D were significantly higher and SF-36 scores were significantly lower in the microdiscectomy than the control group (p<0.001 for all). In the microdiscectomy group, median (min-max) RMDI, HADS-A, and HADS-D scores were 19 (4-34), 10 (0-18), and 9 (0-18), respectively, in kinesiophobic patients, and were significantly higher than 6 (2-20), 3 (0-11), 2.5 (0-11) in non-kinesiophobic patients (all p<0.001). The median (min-max) SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS, and VAS scores for surgery satisfaction were 36.5 (8.7-75), 52.1 (11-95), 5, 5 (0-10), respectively, in kinesiophobic patients and were significantly lower than 71 (28-95), 85.5 (9-93), 8.5 (3-10) in non-kinesiophobic patients (all p<0.05). TSK scores were significantly correlated with RMDI, HADS-A, HADS-D, SF-36, and surgery satisfaction scores (all p<0.05). Kinesiophobic patients with lumbar microdiscectomy therefore showed greater disability and psychological morbidity, poorer quality of life, and lower satisfaction with surgery. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TezelNihal en-aut-sei=Tezel en-aut-mei=Nihal kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=CanAsl? Gen?ay en-aut-sei=Can en-aut-mei=Asl? Gen?ay kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Health Sciences University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Y?ld?r?m Beyaz?t University kn-affil= en-keyword=kinesiophobia kn-keyword=kinesiophobia en-keyword=microdiscectomy kn-keyword=microdiscectomy en-keyword=disability kn-keyword=disability en-keyword=quality of life kn-keyword=quality of life en-keyword=depression kn-keyword=depression END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=80 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=31 end-page=37 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202602 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Preoperative Anterior Pelvic Plane Angle Predicts Cup Anteversion Changes at 1 Year after Total Hip Arthroplasty en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated global alignment changes following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and predictive alignment parameters for increased cup anteversion (CA) by retrospectively analyzing the primary THA data of 75 patients treated at our hospital (49 women, 26 men; age 65.1±5.7 years, BMI 28.3±3.4 kg/m2). Global alignment parameters, i.e., the anterior pelvic plane angle (APPa) and proximal femoral shaft angle (PFSa) and other alignment parameters were measured. CA was evaluated based on the patients’ standing coronal radiographs. ΔCA was defined as the difference in CA from 2 weeks before to 1 year after each THA. We classified the cases as stable (S) (CA < 10°; n=63) and pelvic retroversion (R) (CA ? 10°; n=12) groups. Associations between ΔCA and alignment parameters were evaluated by linear regression and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A significant decrease in the PFSa occurred between the 2-week and 1-year post-THA timepoints (7.8±4.3° vs. 4.2±3.6°, p<0.001), with no notable change in other alignment parameters. At 1-year post-THA, the CA of 12 (16%) patients had increased to 4.5±4.4°. Only the preoperative APPa was positively associated with ΔCA (β=0.165, p=0.020). The ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for increased CA in the APPa is 2.1° (area under the curve, 0.700; p=0.020; odds ratio, 4.80). The APPa change predicted increased CA, which emphasizes the importance of the use of preoperative standing radiography for identifying the optimal cup positioning for post-THA changes in CA. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshibashiKyota en-aut-sei=Ishibashi en-aut-mei=Kyota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OishiHirotaka en-aut-sei=Oishi en-aut-mei=Hirotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiRyo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraKosuke en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiIsamu en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Isamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiEiji en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamadaHikaru en-aut-sei=Kamada en-aut-mei=Hikaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KogawaMasakazu en-aut-sei=Kogawa en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaSunao en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Sunao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NumasawaTakuya en-aut-sei=Numasawa en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshibashiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Ishibashi en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hachinohe City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=total hip arthroplasty kn-keyword=total hip arthroplasty en-keyword=global alignment kn-keyword=global alignment en-keyword=anterior pelvic plane kn-keyword=anterior pelvic plane en-keyword=cup anteversion kn-keyword=cup anteversion en-keyword=pelvic tilt kn-keyword=pelvic tilt END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=178 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=e70775 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=202601 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Reactive Carbonyl Species Mediate Isothiocyanate Signaling Pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana Guard Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Our previous results demonstrated that depletion of glutathione (GSH) rather than elevation of levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is highly correlated with the decrease in stomatal aperture induced by isothiocyanates (ITCs), although ROS is considered a key second messenger in stomatal closure, suggesting that another signal component regulates stomatal apertures along with GSH depletion. This study, using Arabidopsis, clarified that reactive carbonyl species (RCS), especially acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal, are determinants of stomatal aperture responses to ITCs. All tested ITCs, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), sulforaphane (SFN), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), significantly induced stomatal closure, which was inhibited by the RCS scavengers, carnosine and pyridoxamine. The RCS scavengers suppressed ITC-induced depletion of GSH but not elevation of ROS levels. All tested ITCs (AITC, SFN, BITC, and PEITC) increased levels of RCS and non-RCS aldehydes in the epidermal tissues. However, acrolein, 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal, crotonaldehyde, and (E)-2-pentenal induced stomatal closure at 10 and 100?μM, whereas propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and n-pentanal did not at concentrations up to 100?μM. Acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal more effectively induced stomatal closure and GSH depletion than crotonaldehyde and (E)-2-pentenal did. The contents of RCS were more strongly correlated with GSH levels and stomatal closure than with ROS levels. These results suggest that RCS, especially acrolein and 4-hydroxy-(E)-2-nonenal, acts as key regulators of stomatal closure in guard cells in response to ITCs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FarzanaSumaiya en-aut-sei=Farzana en-aut-mei=Sumaiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IslamMd. Moshiul en-aut-sei=Islam en-aut-mei=Md. Moshiul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MunemasaShintaro en-aut-sei=Munemasa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManoJun'ichi en-aut-sei=Mano en-aut-mei=Jun'ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Science Research Center, Yamaguchi University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=arabidopsis kn-keyword=arabidopsis en-keyword=GSH depletion kn-keyword=GSH depletion en-keyword=isothiocyanate kn-keyword=isothiocyanate en-keyword=reactive carbonyl species kn-keyword=reactive carbonyl species en-keyword=reactive oxygen species kn-keyword=reactive oxygen species END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260202 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Pediatric autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection without heparin using a highly concentrated sodium citrate anticoagulant: A retrospective comparison with standard ACD-A en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Heparin combined with sodium citrate has been used in leukocytapheresis for pediatric patients. Since 2022, we have performed leukocytapheresis using a highly concentrated sodium citrate solution (HSC, 5.32%) instead of acid citrate dextrose solution A (ACD-A). We conducted this study to determine whether HSC use reduces run time and the total amount of anticoagulant solution in children.
Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from consecutive autologous peripheral blood stem cell harvests (auto-PBSCHs) between June 2012 and May 2025, including patient characteristics, mobilization methods, protocol used, anticoagulant type, run time, total anticoagulant solution volume, and collection efficiency.
Results: Auto-PBSCH was performed using the mononuclear cell collection (MNC) protocol in 28 procedures and the continuous MNC protocol in 20 procedures. ACD-A was used in 35 procedures and HSC in 13. The run time was significantly shorter (204 [range, 117?302] vs. 157?min [range, 103?227], p?=?.02) in the HSC group and also confirmed in multivariable regression analysis (coefficient, ?55.6; 95% confidence interval, ?106.2 to ?5.04; p?=?.03). In a subgroup analysis of cMNC procedures, CD34+ collection efficiency showed a strong negative correlation with the proportion of run time devoted to establishing the initial interface (r?=??.73, p?=?.0003).
Conclusion: Delays in establishing the initial interface can reduce the duration of the effective MNC collection phase and may negatively affect collection efficiency. Careful attention to the initial interface phase is therefore warranted when using HSC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiiKeiko en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraWataru en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WashioKana en-aut-sei=Washio en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkeuchiKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Ikeuchi en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimonoJoji en-aut-sei=Shimono en-aut-mei=Joji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiNobuharu en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Nobuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=acid citrate dextrose solution kn-keyword=acid citrate dextrose solution en-keyword=autologous kn-keyword=autologous en-keyword=continuous mononuclear cell collection kn-keyword=continuous mononuclear cell collection en-keyword=highly concentrated sodium kn-keyword=highly concentrated sodium en-keyword=pediatric kn-keyword=pediatric en-keyword=peripheral blood stem cells kn-keyword=peripheral blood stem cells END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2026 dt-pub=20260120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=SPRED2 suppresses the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma through the p53/miR-506-3p/KLF4 pathway en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: We previously reported that endogenous Sprouty-related, EVH1 domain-containing protein 2 (SPRED2), an inhibitor of the Ras/Raf/ERK-MAPK pathway, controls hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell stemness by downregulating the expression of pluripotency factors, such as Nanog, c-Myc, and KLF4, in an ERK-dependent fashion. However, the exact mechanisms by which SPRED2 regulates HCC cell stemness have not been established.
Methods: Three human HCC cell lines [HepG2 (parental and SPRED2-deficient), HLE, and Hep3B] were used. Cells were transfected to downregulate or overexpress proteins. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to evaluate the level of protein and mRNA expression. Co-immunoprecipitation and ChIP-qPCR were used to examine protein-protein interactions and the activation of gene transcription. Clinical HCC tissues were also used to validate in vitro data.
Results: KLF4 was identified as the major pluripotency factor responsible for SPRED2-mediated downregulation of HCC cell stemness and KLF4 expression was regulated by miR-506-3p. SPRED2 formed a protein complex with the tumor suppressor (p53) and upregulated miR-506 gene transcription by binding to the promoter region, resulting in subsequent downregulation of KLF4 mRNA expression. There was a negative correlation between KLF4 expression and miR-506-3p and a positive correlation between miR-506-3p expression and SPRED2 in human HCC samples, highlighting the relevance of the study findings.
Conclusions: The current study revealed a novel SPRED2/p53/miR-506-3p/KLF4 axis through which SPRED2 contributes to the suppression of HCC cell stemness and provides a potential new target to prevent HCC progression. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GaoTong en-aut-sei=Gao en-aut-mei=Tong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoSachio en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Sachio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Moh-Moh-AungAye en-aut-sei=Moh-Moh-Aung en-aut-mei=Aye kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimuraTeizo en-aut-sei=Yoshimura en-aut-mei=Teizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=SPRED2 kn-keyword=SPRED2 en-keyword=p53 kn-keyword=p53 en-keyword=KLF4 kn-keyword=KLF4 en-keyword=miR-506-3p kn-keyword=miR-506-3p en-keyword=stemness kn-keyword=stemness END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1786 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251221 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Salivary short chain fatty acids serve as biomarkers of periodontal inflammatory burden en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with systemic diseases. Early detection and intervention are crucial; however, conventional diagnostic methods require specialized dental procedures. Therefore, we aimed to develop a noninvasive saliva-based screening method that can be easily performed outside dental clinics. This cross-sectional pilot study evaluated three periodontal indices?probing depth, Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA), and periodontal epithelial surface area?in relation to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bacterial profiles in the saliva. Saliva samples collected during the day exhibited stronger correlations with periodontal indices than waking time samples, demonstrating a significant association with periodontal pathogens, protease activity, and elevated levels of butyric acid. The diagnostic thresholds for PISA were 300 mm2 and 600 mm2. Multivariate logistic regression and likelihood ratio analyses identified the combination of enzymatic SCFA markers and dipstick-based occult blood or leukocyte detection as a promising biomarker pair. Combining enzymatic SCFA markers with occult blood demonstrated a positive likelihood ratio of 3.4 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.19 for PISA???600 mm2, with a post-test probability of 77%, sensitivity of 86%, and specificity of 75%. These findings suggest that combining salivary enzymatic and dipstick-based biomarkers provides a simple, cost-effective, and moderately informative screening strategy for periodontitis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Takeuchi-HatanakaKazu en-aut-sei=Takeuchi-Hatanaka en-aut-mei=Kazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirahaseYasushi en-aut-sei=Shirahase en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoMari en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyaNaoki en-aut-sei=Toya en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonishiKenji en-aut-sei=Konishi en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Periodontics and Endodontics, Department of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Sysmex Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Sysmex Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Sysmex Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Sysmex Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Present address: Diagnostics Division, IVD Enzyme Department, Nagase Diagnostics kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Periodontitis kn-keyword=Periodontitis en-keyword=Screening kn-keyword=Screening en-keyword=Saliva kn-keyword=Saliva en-keyword=Short-chain fatty acid kn-keyword=Short-chain fatty acid en-keyword=Periodontal inflamed surface area kn-keyword=Periodontal inflamed surface area en-keyword=Crosssectional studies kn-keyword=Crosssectional studies END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Genotype?Phenotype Correlations of Li?Fraumeni Syndrome in Japan Children's Cancer Group LFS20 Study Cohort en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Li?Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline pathogenic variants in the TP53 gene. With the increasing use of multi-gene panel testing, TP53 variants have been identified in individuals who do not meet established TP53 testing criteria, such as the Chompret criteria. The term “attenuated LFS” has been proposed for some of these cases, particularly those with adult-onset cancer. We analyzed participants of the Japanese nationwide prospective clinical trial of the cancer surveillance program (Japan Children's Cancer Group LFS-20), along with clinical information including their family histories, to better understand their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. We identified 32 distinct TP53 variants from 41 families (45 participants), including four missense variants with conflicting classifications of pathogenicity in ClinVar. Among these families, 36 (88%) met the LFS criteria (hereafter referred to as “LFS” in contrast to attenuated LFS), while 5 (12%) were classified as attenuated LFS. Including 30 additional family members carrying the same variant, we analyzed 75 individuals with TP53 variants. Of these, 40 with LFS and 6 with attenuated LFS had cancer. Multiple primary cancers occurred in 22 individuals (21 LFS, 1 attenuated LFS). LFS-core tumors accounted for 66% (58/88) of cancers in the LFS group and 63% (5/8) in the attenuated LFS group; of note, all core tumors in the attenuated group were limited to breast cancer. Hotspot missense variants were detected in 11 of 36 LFS families and in none of 5 attenuated LFS families, and non-hotspot null variants were found in 14 and 1, respectively. Our study revealed genotype?phenotype correlations in several respects. UMIN-CTR: UMIN000045855. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamazakiFumito en-aut-sei=Yamazaki en-aut-mei=Fumito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYoshiko en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yoshiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanadaMasashi en-aut-sei=Sanada en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurahashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kurahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaiShunsuke en-aut-sei=Miyai en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UekiArisa en-aut-sei=Ueki en-aut-mei=Arisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeYuko en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KarakawaShuhei en-aut-sei=Karakawa en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirasawaAkira en-aut-sei=Hirasawa en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoAkiko M. en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Akiko M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueEisuke en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Eisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoMotohiro en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Motohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriHiroyoshi en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Genetic Medicine and Services, National Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Advanced Diagnosis, Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagoya Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Molecular Genetics, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genetic Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagoya Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Showa Medical University Research Administration Center, Showa Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genetics, NHO Nagoya Medical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer predisposition kn-keyword=cancer predisposition en-keyword=genotype?phenotype correlations kn-keyword=genotype?phenotype correlations en-keyword=hotspot variants kn-keyword=hotspot variants en-keyword=Li?Fraumeni syndrome kn-keyword=Li?Fraumeni syndrome en-keyword=TP53 kn-keyword=TP53 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=193 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=118724 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Deciphering the structural impact of norepinephrine analog radiopharmaceuticals on organic cation transporter affinity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: Previous studies have investigated the kinetics and affinities of norepinephrine transporter (NET)-targeting radiotracers, including [123I]MIBG, but the role of organic cation transporters (OCTs) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate how the structural design of selective NET-targeting tracers affects OCT-mediated non-specific uptake, identifying factors influencing both NET and OCT affinity.
Methods: Cellular uptake assays were conducted using SK-N-SH cells expressing human NET, and human OCT1-, OCT2-, and OCT3-expressing cells with [3H]norepinephrine, [3H]MPP+, and [131I]MIBG. Competitive uptake assays used non-radioactive reference compounds for several NET-targeting radiopharmaceuticals (MIBG, HED, EPI, PHEN, LMI1195, and PHPG), along with a new PET radiotracer [18F]AF78, and its two analogs with meta-iodide [18F]AF78(I) or hydroxyl group [18F]AF78(OH). Dynamic PET imaging in non-human primates assessed the in vivo uptake of [18F]AF78 after NET inhibition with desipramine.
Results: Monoamine-based tracers (EPI, PHEN, HED) exhibited high NET selectivity with minimal OCTs interaction, while guanidine-containing tracers (e.g., MIBG, LMI1195) displayed substantial OCTs affinity. Lower lipophilicity in guanidine-containing compounds, influenced by substitutions on the benzene ring (e.g., PHPG, AF78), correlated with weaker OCT interactions. PET imaging confirmed that cardiac uptake of [18F]AF78 is sensitive to desipramine pretreatment (***P? Conclusion: This study highlights the critical influence of the compounds’ chemical structure on NET and OCT affinities. Structural modifications that reduce OCT-mediated uptake while maintaining high NET affinity could improve the specificity and theranostic potential of NET-targeting ligands. These findings provide insights for designing next-generation radiotracers with enhanced selectivity and clinical utility. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=M?hligSaskia en-aut-sei=M?hlig en-aut-mei=Saskia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenXinyu en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Xinyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TutovAnna en-aut-sei=Tutov en-aut-mei=Anna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NoseNaoko en-aut-sei=Nose en-aut-mei=Naoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LapaConstantin en-aut-sei=Lapa en-aut-mei=Constantin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WernerRudolf A. en-aut-sei=Werner en-aut-mei=Rudolf A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DeckerMichael en-aut-sei=Decker en-aut-mei=Michael kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Norepinephrine transporter kn-keyword=Norepinephrine transporter en-keyword=Organic cation transporter kn-keyword=Organic cation transporter en-keyword=Neuroendocrine tumor kn-keyword=Neuroendocrine tumor en-keyword=Competitive cell uptake kn-keyword=Competitive cell uptake en-keyword=PET radiotracer kn-keyword=PET radiotracer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=190 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=90 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250922 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prognostic Value of Serum (1→3)-β-D-Glucan Levels in Patients with Candidemia Stratified by Compliance with Candida Bundle: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study (2016?2023) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Candidemia is a severe systemic infection with a high mortality risk. While β-D-glucan (BDG) serves as a diagnostic biomarker, its prognostic value in candidemia, particularly in association with Candida bundle compliance, remains unclear.
Methods In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, we evaluated 96 patients with candidemia across nine Japanese hospitals between 2016 and 2023. Candida bundle compliance was assessed using five key components: central venous catheter removal within 24 h of diagnosis, appropriate initial antifungal therapy, ophthalmologic examination, follow-up blood cultures until clearance, and antifungal therapy for at least two weeks post-clearance. Analyses stratified patients by serum BDG status (positive/negative) and compliance with the Candida bundle (high: 4?5 points; low: 0?3 points). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and the secondary outcome was defined as endophthalmitis incidence.
Results Of 96 eligible patients with candidemia, 70 (72.9%) were BDG-positive and 26 (27.1%) were BDG-negative. The overall 30-day mortality was 17.7%. Among BDG-positive patients, 15 (21.4%) died, while 2 (7.7%) died in BDG-negative cohorts (p?=?0.09). Serum BDG positivity demonstrated a statistically significant association with decreased survival rates in the low bundle adherence group (p?=?0.02), whereas this correlation was not observed among patients in the high-compliance cohort (p?=?0.66). Endophthalmitis occurred in 25.0% of patients, without significant correlation to serum BDG status. C. albicans was associated with a significantly higher incidence of endophthalmitis compared with non-albicans species (45.7% vs. 8.9%).
Conclusions Serum BDG positivity potentially correlates with worse survival in candidemia, particularly in patients with low bundle compliance. This emphasizes the importance of adherence to standardized Candida management protocols for optimizing patient outcomes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkazawaHidemasa en-aut-sei=Akazawa en-aut-mei=Hidemasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiToshie en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Toshie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiTomoko en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IioKoji en-aut-sei=Iio en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkamatsuYukinobu en-aut-sei=Akamatsu en-aut-mei=Yukinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HarukiYuto en-aut-sei=Haruki en-aut-mei=Yuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamotoYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Iwamoto en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShuichi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisatoShun en-aut-sei=Fujisato en-aut-mei=Shun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkoSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ako en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine, Okayama Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Medical Education and Internationalization, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Tottori Municipal Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama Rousai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Candidemia kn-keyword=Candidemia en-keyword=Prognosis kn-keyword=Prognosis en-keyword=β-D-glucan kn-keyword=β-D-glucan en-keyword=Candida bundle kn-keyword=Candida bundle en-keyword=Endophthalmitis kn-keyword=Endophthalmitis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=36 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=100857 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A multi-institutional dummy run on segmentation variability and plan quality of stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and purpose: Oligometastatic disease represents limited metastatic burden, and local ablative therapies such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may improve survival. However, inter-institutional variability in target segmentation and treatment planning can compromise treatment quality. This study aimed to evaluate the segmentation variability and dose distribution quality of SBRT in oligometastatic settings using a multi-institutional dummy run approach.
Methods and materials: Sixty-nine institutions were provided with two anonymized cases of adrenal and spine metastases to delineate targets and organs at risk (OARs) and create intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans following a protocol. Variability was quantified using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance, and mean distance to agreement. Plan qualities were assessed using the Paddick conformity index, modified gradient index, and a new three-dimensional conformity?gradient index (3D-CGI). Knowledge-based planning (KBP) was applied to explore potential improvements in OAR sparing.
Results: All submitted plans met protocol dose constraints. However, substantial segmentation variability was observed, particularly for the spine case. Among 136 plans, 79% demonstrated acceptable conformity and dose gradients, with 3D-CGI < 6 correlating with favorable distributions. Mean DSC was 0.93 for the clinical target volume and 0.76 for the cauda equina, which showed the highest variability. KBP reduced OAR doses for the adrenal case but showed limited impact for the spine case.
Conclusions: Although dose constraints were achieved, segmentation variability remained substantial, particularly for the cauda equina in the spine case. These findings emphasize inter-institutional differences and the need for standardization and tools to improve SBRT consistency. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HirashimaHideaki en-aut-sei=Hirashima en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoYukinori en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Yukinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikuraSatoshi en-aut-sei=Ishikura en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishibuchiIkuno en-aut-sei=Nishibuchi en-aut-mei=Ikuno kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimadaYoshihisa en-aut-sei=Shimada en-aut-mei=Yoshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaYoshiro en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Yoshiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishioTeiji en-aut-sei=Nishio en-aut-mei=Teiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShikamaNaoto en-aut-sei=Shikama en-aut-mei=Naoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeShun-ichi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Shun-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoIsamu en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Isamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshibaToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiba en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaraFumikata en-aut-sei=Hara en-aut-mei=Fumikata kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienTadahiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Tadahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizowakiTakashi en-aut-sei=Mizowaki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology and Image-Applied Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Luke’s International Hospital, St. Luke’s International University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Advanced Medical Physics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Health Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Health Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kitasato University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Medical Physics Laboratory, Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Breast Surgery, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology and Image-Applied Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University kn-affil= en-keyword=Oligometastatic disease kn-keyword=Oligometastatic disease en-keyword=Dummy run kn-keyword=Dummy run en-keyword=Segmentation variability kn-keyword=Segmentation variability en-keyword=Dose distribution accuracy kn-keyword=Dose distribution accuracy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=20250037 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Perme ICU Mobility Score: An Initial Psychometric Evaluation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives : The Perme ICU Mobility Score is widely used to assess functional status, but no version of this assessment tool has been validated for use in Japan. This study aimed to translate the Perme Score into Japanese and evaluate its reliability and validity.
Methods : Following forward?backward translation, the Japanese Perme Score was tested at ICU discharge. Inter-rater reliability was examined using weighted kappa coefficient. Construct validity was assessed through correlations with the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS), Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU), and ICU Mobility Scale (IMS). Predictive validity for activities of daily living (ADL) independence (Barthel Index ??85) and discharge destination was evaluated using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Floor and ceiling effects were also analyzed.
Results : In 69 patients, the Japanese Perme Score showed high inter-rater reliability (κ=0.83). It showed moderate correlation with FSS-ICU (rho=0.61) and IMS (rho=0.73), and it showed weak correlation with MRC-SS (rho=0.36). Predictive validity for ADL independence and home discharge yielded AUCs of 0.76 and 0.73, respectively. A ceiling effect was noted in 10% of cases, with no floor effect.
Conclusions: The Japanese Perme Score is a reliable, valid instrument for evaluating physical function at ICU discharge. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatayamaSho en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanishiNobuto en-aut-sei=Nakanishi en-aut-mei=Nobuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsukawaHajime en-aut-sei=Katsukawa en-aut-mei=Hajime kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NawaRicardo Kenji en-aut-sei=Nawa en-aut-mei=Ricardo Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=PermeChristiane en-aut-sei=Perme en-aut-mei=Christiane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoIkumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ikumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Scientific Research, Japanese Society for Early Mobilization kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Services, Houston Methodist Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Academic Field of Health Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Academic Field of Health Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=critical illness kn-keyword=critical illness en-keyword=intensive care unit kn-keyword=intensive care unit en-keyword=outcome assessment kn-keyword=outcome assessment en-keyword=physical function kn-keyword=physical function en-keyword=rehabilitation kn-keyword=rehabilitation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1908 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251125 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans strains possessing genes encoding collagen-binding proteins in the Japanese population en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Streptococcus mutans harbors collagen-binding protein genes, namely cnm and cbm, which are implicated in its virulence and pathogenicity in both oral and extraoral infections. Although both genes were initially identified in S. mutans isolated from Japanese populations, their geographical prevalence, distribution, and genetic relatedness within Japan remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the prevalence of S. mutans strains carrying cnm and cbm genes across Japan, correlates these findings with clinical data, and analyzes the genetic relatedness of cnm-positive and cnm-negative strains using multilocus sequence typing (MLST).
Methods Dental plaque specimens were collected from 1248 individuals from eight Japanese cities (Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Niigata, Okayama, Osaka, Tokushima, and Tokyo) and plated on selective medium for S. mutans isolation. S. mutans was confirmed in 523 subjects by colony morphology and PCR using species-specific primers, and the presence of the cnm and cbm genes was determined by PCR with gene-specific primers. Demographic (age, sex) and oral examination (caries prevalence, caries experience, number of teeth) data were recorded. MLST was employed to genotype selected cnm-positive and cnm-negative S. mutans strains to assess their clonal relationships.
Results Among 523 subjects possessing S. mutans (aged 3?90 years), we detected cnm-positive strains in all cities; specifically, the prevalence ranged from 5.5% in Okayama to 25.0% in Tokushima. In contrast, cbm-positive strains were less common and undetectable in some regions. Furthermore, subjects harboring cnm-positive S. mutans were significantly older (p?=?0.002) and had higher caries prevalence and experience (p? Conclusions The cnm-positive S. mutans strains are widely distributed throughout Japan and are associated with increased age and caries burden. Although core genome analysis revealed some clonal patterns, the non-uniform distribution of the non-core cnm gene is likely influenced by horizontal gene transfer, providing S. mutans with adaptive advantages irrespective of its core genetic background or serotype. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkudaMakoto en-aut-sei=Okuda en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuehiroYuto en-aut-sei=Suehiro en-aut-mei=Yuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=LapirattanakulJinthana en-aut-sei=Lapirattanakul en-aut-mei=Jinthana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaShuhei en-aut-sei=Naka en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=Matsumoto-NakanoMichiyo en-aut-sei=Matsumoto-Nakano en-aut-mei=Michiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomuraRyota en-aut-sei=Nomura en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkawaRena en-aut-sei=Okawa en-aut-mei=Rena kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, The University of Osaka kn-affil= en-keyword=Collagen-binding protein gene kn-keyword=Collagen-binding protein gene en-keyword=cnm gene kn-keyword=cnm gene en-keyword=cbm gene kn-keyword=cbm gene en-keyword=Japan kn-keyword=Japan en-keyword=Multilocus sequence typing kn-keyword=Multilocus sequence typing en-keyword=Serotype kn-keyword=Serotype en-keyword=Streptococcus mutans kn-keyword=Streptococcus mutans END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=8 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1720 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A genome-wide association study identifies the GPM6A locus associated with age at onset in ALS en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibits considerable clinical variability, such as differences in age at onset (AAO). Multiple factors, including genetic factors, may underlie this variability; however, the specific determinants remain unclear. To identify genes affecting AAO, we have conducted a genome-wide association study in Japanese patients with ALS (discovery cohort: n?=?1808; replication cohort: n?=?207). Here, we show that the minor A allele of rs113161727 at the ADAM29-GPM6A locus is associated with a younger AAO in the discovery cohort (effect, -4.27 years; p?=?4.60 × 10-8); this finding has been confirmed in the replication cohort (p?=?0.0068) and meta-analysis (p?=?1.08 × 10?9). Among 65 ALS patients with a SOD1 mutation, the AAO has been found to be 10.2 years younger in those with the A allele than in those without it (p?=?0.002). This variant correlates with GPM6A upregulation in iPSC-derived motor neurons, suggesting GPM6A as a candidate AAO modifier. Overall, our study highlights the impact of genetic modifiers on ALS heterogeneity and provides a potential target for delaying disease onset. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraRyoichi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Ryoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TohnaiGenki en-aut-sei=Tohnai en-aut-mei=Genki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AtsutaNaoki en-aut-sei=Atsuta en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYumi en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoSatoru en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsunoMasahisa en-aut-sei=Katsuno en-aut-mei=Masahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IzumiYuishin en-aut-sei=Izumi en-aut-mei=Yuishin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaMitsuya en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Mitsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataIkuko en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YabeIchiro en-aut-sei=Yabe en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakazatoTomoko en-aut-sei=Nakazato en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriNobutaka en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Nobutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirayamaTakehisa en-aut-sei=Hirayama en-aut-mei=Takehisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanoOsamu en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraAsako en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Asako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNaoki en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokiMasashi en-aut-sei=Aoki en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibuyaKazumoto en-aut-sei=Shibuya en-aut-mei=Kazumoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuwabaraSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kuwabara en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaMasaya en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoRina en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Rina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=AibaIkuko en-aut-sei=Aiba en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaTomohiko en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Tomohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoderaOsamu en-aut-sei=Onodera en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaToru en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=BokudaKota en-aut-sei=Bokuda en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuToshio en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=29 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaYoshio en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Yoshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=30 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKazuko en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kazuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=31 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaFumiaki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Fumiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=32 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokotaTakanori en-aut-sei=Yokota en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=33 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanaiKazuaki en-aut-sei=Kanai en-aut-mei=Kazuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=34 ORCID= en-aut-name=NotoYu-ichi en-aut-sei=Noto en-aut-mei=Yu-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=35 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiRyuji en-aut-sei=Kaji en-aut-mei=Ryuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=36 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeHirohisa en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hirohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=37 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonishiTomoko en-aut-sei=Konishi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=38 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaMikiko en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Mikiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=39 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukayaHozuki en-aut-sei=Fukaya en-aut-mei=Hozuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=40 ORCID= en-aut-name=NiwaJun-ichi en-aut-sei=Niwa en-aut-mei=Jun-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=41 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoyuManabu en-aut-sei=Doyu en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=42 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaYohei en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=43 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraShiho en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=44 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzawaFumiko en-aut-sei=Ozawa en-aut-mei=Fumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=45 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkanoHideyuki en-aut-sei=Okano en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=46 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakatochiMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakatochi en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=47 ORCID= en-aut-name=SobueGen en-aut-sei=Sobue en-aut-mei=Gen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=48 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of ALS Research, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Vihara Hananosato Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Neurology, NHO Higashinagoya National Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Neurology, NHO Higashinagoya National Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=29 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=30 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=31 en-affil=Division of Neurology, NHO Sagamihara National Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=32 en-affil=Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=33 en-affil=Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, NucleoTIDE and PepTIDE Drug Discovery Center (TIDE), Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=34 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=35 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=36 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=37 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Fujita Health University kn-affil= affil-num=38 en-affil=Division of ALS Research, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=39 en-affil=Division of ALS Research, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=40 en-affil=Division of ALS Research, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=41 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=42 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=43 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=44 en-affil=Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki kn-affil= affil-num=45 en-affil=Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki kn-affil= affil-num=46 en-affil=Keio University Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kawasaki kn-affil= affil-num=47 en-affil=Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=48 en-affil=Division of ALS Research, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=63 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=1863 end-page=1872 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Activated CD4+ T Cell Proportion in the Peripheral Blood Correlates with the Duration of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Predicts Clinical Outcome after Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is an emerging and effective therapy for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). The characteristic toxicities of CAR T cell therapy include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and prolonged cytopenia. We investigated the factors associated with these complications after CAR T cell therapy by analyzing lymphocyte subsets following CAR T cell infusion.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed peripheral blood samples on days 7, 14, and 28 after tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) infusion by flow cytometry at our institution between June 2020 and September 2022.
Patients Thirty-five patients with R/R DLBCL who received tisa-cel therapy were included.
Results A flow cytometry-based analysis of blood samples from these patients revealed that the proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127+ T cells (hereafter referred to as "activated CD4+ T cells" ) among the total CD4+ T cells on day 7 after tisa-cel infusion correlated with the duration of CRS (r=0.79, p<0.01). In addition, a prognostic analysis of the overall survival (OS) using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves indicated a significantly more favorable OS and progression-free survival of patients with a proportion of activated CD4+ T cells among the total CD4+ T cells <0.73 (p=0.01, and p<0.01, respectively).
Conclusion These results suggest that the proportion of activated CD4+ T cells on day 7 after tisa-cel infusion correlates with the CRS duration and predicts clinical outcomes after CAR T cell therapy. Further studies with a larger number of patients are required to validate these observations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KitamuraWataru en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsadaNoboru en-aut-sei=Asada en-aut-mei=Noboru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkegawaShuntaro en-aut-sei=Ikegawa en-aut-mei=Shuntaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraHideaki en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamoiChihiro en-aut-sei=Kamoi en-aut-mei=Chihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimoriHisakazu en-aut-sei=Nishimori en-aut-mei=Hisakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiKeiko en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiNobuharu en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Nobuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaKen-ichi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Ken-ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital, Japan kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Blood Transfusion, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy kn-keyword=chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy en-keyword=diffuse large B cell lymphoma kn-keyword=diffuse large B cell lymphoma en-keyword=flow cytometry kn-keyword=flow cytometry en-keyword=cytokine release syndrome kn-keyword=cytokine release syndrome en-keyword=prolonged cytopenia kn-keyword=prolonged cytopenia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=244 end-page=249 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250527 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Identification of New Repeat Expansion Diseases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Through a genetic study of benign adult familial myoclonus epilepsy (BAFME) type 1, TTTCA and TTTTA repeat expansions have been identified in intron 4 of SAMD12. Lengths of expanded repeats inversely correlated with age at onset of epilepsy. Gain-of-toxic function mechanisms are suggested by the presence of UUUCA-repeat-containing RNA foci. From families with BAFME who did not have repeat expansions in SAMD12, we identified expanded TTTCA and TTTTA repeats in TNRC6A and RAPGEF2. These findings indicated a strong correlation between the repeat motif and the phenotype, leading to the identification of other types of BAFME. We then conducted genetic analysis of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukoencephalopathy (OPML), and oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM). From the observation that NIID, OPML, and OPDM, in addition to fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, have shared clinical features, a direct search for CGG repeat expansions successfully led to the identification of the causative genes. Here, I review recent studies on repeat expansions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IshiuraHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Ishiura en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Okayama UniversityGraduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251216 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of size factors and velocity of impinging diesel spray flames on wall heat transfer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To examine the effects of size and velocity of impinging diesel spray flames on wall heat transfer, this study conducted visualization of the spray flame and measurements of wall heat flux in a constant volume vessel. The impinging flame velocity was varied by adjusting the injection velocity. To vary the flame size independently of the flame velocity, the nozzle orifice diameter and the nozzle-to-wall distance were varied under similarity conditions, while maintaining a constant ratio of nozzle-to-wall distance to orifice diameter. Care was taken to minimize wall interference from the liquid phase and unburned regions of the spray flame by employing a high cetane number fuel and increasing the nozzle-to-wall distance. The experimental results showed that the wall heat flux increased as the impinging velocity increased, and the flame width decreased. The power-law correlations between the Nusselt and Reynolds numbers were determined based on the experimental results, revealing that the exponent of the Reynolds number reaches a local minimum at the impingement point. As the radial displacement from the impingement point increases, the exponent of the Reynolds number approaches approximately 0.8, which is a typical value for turbulent wall flow. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KobashiYoshimitsu en-aut-sei=Kobashi en-aut-mei=Yoshimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraiRyoga en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Ryoga kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataGen en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Gen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaHideyuki en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=25-00212 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=DNS analysis on the correlation between local burning velocity and flame displacement speed of turbulent premixed flames en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The local burning velocity and flame displacement speed are the major properties of premixed flames. The local burning velocity, which is the instantaneous quantity based on the local consumption rate of the unburnt mixture, is considered to be the most appropriate burning velocity in terms of the definition. The local burning velocity can be evaluated theoretically and numerically; however, it is almost impossible to obtain it experimentally using the current technology of measurement. The flame displacement speed can be evaluated more easily than the local burning velocity and compared with the flame displacement speed obtained from experiments. However, the local burning velocity and flame displacement speed have been discussed separately in turbulent premixed flames. In this study, to clarify the relation between the local burning velocity and the flame displacement speed, numerical analyses were performed using the DNS database of statistically steady and fully developed turbulent premixed flames with different density ratios of the unburnt mixture to the burnt product and with different Lewis numbers. It was found that for different density ratios, the local burning velocity was little sensitive to the flame displacement speed in any case under the unity Lewis number. This means the correlation between the local burning velocity and the flame displacement speed is little affected by the dilation of a flame. For different Lewis numbers, the correlation between the local burning velocity and the flame displacement speed was negative in Le = 0.8, and positive in Le = 1.2. This can be explained by the effect of the Lewis number on the local burning velocity, and the flame displacement speed was little affected by the Lewis number in the correlation between the local burning velocity and the flame displacement speed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TSUBOIKazuya en-aut-sei=TSUBOI en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) kn-keyword=Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) en-keyword=Turbulent premixed flame kn-keyword=Turbulent premixed flame en-keyword=Local burning velocity kn-keyword=Local burning velocity en-keyword=Flame displacement speed kn-keyword=Flame displacement speed en-keyword=Density ratio kn-keyword=Density ratio en-keyword=Dilation kn-keyword=Dilation en-keyword=Lewis number kn-keyword=Lewis number END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=463 end-page=468 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=MRI Images of a Case of Adenocarcinoma, Human Papillomavirus-Independent, Mesonephric Type, of the Uterine Cervix en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We present a case of a woman in her 70s who was diagnosed with mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, following biopsy and surgery. Preoperative MRI revealed a 7-cm, well-defined circumferential cervical mass with left lateral wall predominance, bulging into the uterine cavity and vagina. The lesion showed intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted images, diffusion restriction, and early contrast enhancement weaker than that of the myometrium, followed by washout on contrast-enhanced imaging. The circumferential growth pattern with the lateral wall predominance and its imaging characteristics may suggest this rare entity be routinely included in the differential diagnosis of cervical cancers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsanoYudai en-aut-sei=Asano en-aut-mei=Yudai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiharaChika en-aut-sei=Nishihara en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitayamaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kitayama en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkawaNanako en-aut-sei=Okawa en-aut-mei=Nanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoSatoko en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Satoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiFumiyo en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Fumiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKatsuhide en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Katsuhide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiharaHanako en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Hanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdaNaoyuki en-aut-sei=Ida en-aut-mei=Naoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanaiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Yanai en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirakiTakao en-aut-sei=Hiraki en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=mesonephric adenocarcinoma kn-keyword=mesonephric adenocarcinoma en-keyword=cervical cancer kn-keyword=cervical cancer en-keyword=MRI imaging characteristics kn-keyword=MRI imaging characteristics en-keyword=HPV-independent adenocarcinoma kn-keyword=HPV-independent adenocarcinoma END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=5 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=ycaf192 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202501 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Proliferation of a bloom-forming phytoplankton via uptake of polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria under phosphate-limiting conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Harmful algal blooms negatively impact the ecosystem and fisheries in affected areas. Eutrophication is a major factor contributing to bloom occurrence, and phosphorus is particularly important in limiting the growth of bloom-forming algae. Although algae efficiently utilize orthophosphate (Pi) as a phosphorous source over other molecular forms, Pi is often limited in the marine environment. While uptake and utilization of soluble inorganic and organic phosphorous by bloom-forming algae has been extensively studied, the details of geochemical and biological phosphorous cycling remain to be elucidated. Here, we report for the first time that the bloom-forming alga Heterosigma akashiwo can phagocytose bacteria and grow under phosphate-depleted conditions. The addition of Vibrio comitans to Pi-depleted H. akashiwo enabled the alga propagate to high cell densities, whereas other bacterial strains had only a minor effect. Importantly, V. comitans accumulates polyphosphate?a linear polymer of Pi?at high levels. The extent of algal proliferation induced by the addition of Vibrio species and polyphosphate-accumulating Escherichia coli correlated strongly with their polyphosphate content, indicating that bacterial polyphosphate served as an alternative PO43? source for H. akashiwo. The direct uptake of polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria through algal phagocytosis may represent a novel biological phosphorous-cycling pathway in marine ecosystems. The role of polyphosphate-accumulating marine bacteria as a hidden phosphorous source required for bloom formation warrants further investigation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukuyamaSeiya en-aut-sei=Fukuyama en-aut-mei=Seiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UsamiFumiko en-aut-sei=Usami en-aut-mei=Fumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirotaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Hirota en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatohAyano en-aut-sei=Satoh en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaShizuka en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Shizuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoKen en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=GomibuchiYuki en-aut-sei=Gomibuchi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasunagaTakuo en-aut-sei=Yasunaga en-aut-mei=Takuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OndukaToshimitsu en-aut-sei=Onduka en-aut-mei=Toshimitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaAkio en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Akio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoikeKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Koike en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=UekiShoko en-aut-sei=Ueki en-aut-mei=Shoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Research Institute of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries , Osaka Prefecture kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Physics and Information Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Physics and Information Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Hatsukaichi Branch, Fisheries Technology Institute , Fisheries Research and Education Agency kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=e95695 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251029 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association of Use of GRADE, Protocol Registration, and Journal Impact Factor With Reporting and Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Published in Rehabilitation Journals: A Meta-Epidemiological Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to identify factors associated with the reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) published in rehabilitation journals. We conducted a meta-epidemiological study as a secondary analysis of a previous study. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework. We analyzed 219 SRs from rehabilitation journals published since 2020. We assessed reporting quality using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and methodological quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2. Multiple linear regression and Spearman's correlation were used to identify factors associated with quality, including Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the Journal Impact Factor (JIF). Multivariate analysis revealed PRISMA 2020 adherence was significantly associated with use of GRADE (β = 4.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.24-5.42), protocol registration (β = 3.40; 95% CI: 2.32-4.47), and the JIF (2023) (β = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.42-0.95). AMSTAR 2 adherence was also significantly associated with use of GRADE (β = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.88-3.17), protocol registration (β = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.44-2.70), and the JIF (2023) (β = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.45). Weak positive correlations were observed between the JIF (2023) and both PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR 2 adherence (ρ = 0.27 and ρ = 0.22, respectively; both P < 0.01). It should be noted that these findings reflect associations and do not imply causality. To enhance the quality of SRs in rehabilitation, researchers should prioritize adherence to PRISMA 2020, particularly the use of GRADE and protocol registration, which this study identified as key associated factors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsugeTakahiro en-aut-sei=Tsuge en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomitaYosuke en-aut-sei=Tomita en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyamaAkikazu en-aut-sei=Hagiyama en-aut-mei=Akikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiratsuchiDaijo en-aut-sei=Shiratsuchi en-aut-mei=Daijo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraMasatsugu en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Masatsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanekoTakao en-aut-sei=Kaneko en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiKosuke en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaYuki en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaitoShunsuke en-aut-sei=Taito en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Systematic Reviewers, Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Care, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Systematic Reviewers, Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Rehabilitation, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Rehabilitation, Yamagata Saisei Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Systematic Reviewers, Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Systematic Reviewers, Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=citation kn-keyword=citation en-keyword=grade kn-keyword=grade en-keyword=journal impact factor kn-keyword=journal impact factor en-keyword=methodological and reporting quality kn-keyword=methodological and reporting quality en-keyword=prisma kn-keyword=prisma END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251107 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Is Pain Intensity Related to Psychosocial Factors in Chronic Non‐Nociceptive Orofacial Pain Patients? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: In order to understand the psychological aspects of chronic pain, it is important to consider the relationships between pain and psychosocial factors in patients with chronic pain. While psychosocial factors are known to affect pain intensity in temporomandibular disorders, few studies have evaluated them in patients with other types of chronic orofacial pain.
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationships between pain intensity and patient characteristics, diagnostic categories and psychosocial factors in chronic non-nociceptive orofacial pain patients.
Methods: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we collected information from the medical records of 123 patients with chronic non-nociceptive orofacial pain. Pain intensity was measured using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) total score. Analysis of the correlations among the variables revealed several strong correlations. Principal component analysis identified two components: the psychological distress and self-efficacy/quality of life (QOL) components. Multiple linear regression analyses of the overall study population and each ICOP pain category were also performed.
Results: In the overall sample, higher BPI scores were significantly associated with a greater psychological distress component and lower self-efficacy/QOL component. The pain category was not a significant predictor of the BPI score. In the subgroup analyses, both components were significant predictors of the BPI score in myofascial orofacial pain; whereas, only the self-efficacy/QOL component was in idiopathic orofacial pain.
Conclusion: The results indicated that pain intensity in chronic non-nociceptive orofacial pain is related to the self-efficacy/QOL psychosocial factor component. These findings suggest that assessing psychosocial factors may be clinically important for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic orofacial pain. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawaseAkiko en-aut-sei=Kawase en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiHitoshi en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoFumika en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Fumika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakeSaki en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Saki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiokaYukiko en-aut-sei=Nishioka en-aut-mei=Yukiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueMidori en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Midori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=UjitaHitomi en-aut-sei=Ujita en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawauchiAki en-aut-sei=Kawauchi en-aut-mei=Aki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaShigeru en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyawakiTakuya en-aut-sei=Miyawaki en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=chronic pain kn-keyword=chronic pain en-keyword=International Classification of Orofacial Pain kn-keyword=International Classification of Orofacial Pain en-keyword=orofacial pain kn-keyword=orofacial pain en-keyword=psychological distress component kn-keyword=psychological distress component en-keyword=psychosocial factors kn-keyword=psychosocial factors en-keyword=self-efficacy/ QOL component kn-keyword=self-efficacy/ QOL component END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=145 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=373 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250715 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Changes in the anatomical positions of the femoral nerve and artery in the lateral and supine positions: a multicenter retrospective study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction Femoral nerve palsy and femoral artery injury are serious complications of total hip arthroplasty. However, few studies have compared the anatomical positions of these structures in different patient positions. This study aimed to compare the anatomical positions of the femoral nerve and artery in the lateral and supine positions.
Materials and methods This multicenter retrospective study included 111 patients who underwent lateral and supine computed tomography (CT) from 2016 to 2023. CT images were reconstructed in the anterior pelvic plane. The horizontal distance from the anterior margin of the acetabulum to the femoral nerve (Distance N) and femoral artery (Distance A) was measured. The difference in Distance N between the two positions (ΔLateral?supine Distance N) was calculated by subtracting the supine value from the lateral value.
Results The average Distance N was 26.5?±?5.1 mm in the lateral position and 21.1?±?4.4 mm in the supine position, with the nerve located significantly closer to the acetabulum in the supine position (P? Conclusions The femoral nerve and artery are located closer to the anterior margin of the acetabulum in the supine position than in the lateral position. Low body weight was an independent predictor of shorter Distance N in both positions and a smaller ΔLateral?supine Distance N. These findings underscore the importance of considering patient positioning during total hip arthroplasty, particularly in patients with low body weight, to reduce neurovascular risks. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkudaRyuichiro en-aut-sei=Okuda en-aut-mei=Ryuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomoko en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KouraTakashi en-aut-sei=Koura en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueTomohiro en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasadaYasutaka en-aut-sei=Masada en-aut-mei=Yasutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoShin en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkumaHisanori en-aut-sei=Ikuma en-aut-mei=Hisanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomatsubaraTadashi en-aut-sei=Komatsubara en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Musculoskeletal Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Materials for Musculoskeletal Reconstruction, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Total hip arthroplasty kn-keyword=Total hip arthroplasty en-keyword=Femoral artery kn-keyword=Femoral artery en-keyword=Femoral nerve kn-keyword=Femoral nerve en-keyword=Computed tomography kn-keyword=Computed tomography en-keyword=Lateral position kn-keyword=Lateral position en-keyword=Supine position kn-keyword=Supine position END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=5762 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia induced by phenolic uremic toxins in CKD and DKD patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Patients with end-stage renal disease have lower fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, with significantly higher insulin levels. For a long time, it has been believed that this higher insulin level in renal failure is due to decreased insulin clearance caused by reduced renal function. However, here we reported that accumulation of the gut microbiota-derived uremic toxin, phenyl sulfate (PS) in the renal failure, increased insulin secretion from the pancreas by enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Other endogenous sulfides compounds which accumulated as in the renal failure also increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from β?-cell. With RNA-seq analyses and gene knock down, we demonstrated that insulin secretion evoked by PS was mediated by Ddah2. In addition, we also found that PS increased insulin resistance through lncRNA expression and Erk phosphorylation in the adipocytes. To confirm the relationship between PS and glucose metabolism in human, we recruited 2 clinical cohort studies (DKD and CKD) including 462 patients, and found that there was a weak negative correlation between PS and HbA1c. Because these trials did not measure fasting insulin level, we alternatively used the urinary C-peptide/creatinine ratio (UCPCR) as an indicator of insulin resistance. We found that PS may induce insulin resistance in patients with eGFR? Methods: This study included 12 pregnant women with GDM and 21 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).
Results: No significant differences in obstetrical outcomes were detected between the two groups. In participants with NGT, circulating GPIHBP1 levels were markedly lower in the 3rd trimester than in the 2nd trimester and at delivery. In women with GDM, circulating GPIHBP1 levels were unchanged during the 3rd trimester, and circulating GPIHBP1 levels throughout the 3rd trimester were negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight percentile and umbilical venous pO2 (ρ=-0.636, p=0.026; ρ=-0.657, p=0.020).
Discussion: Our findings suggest a possible association between circulating GPIHBP1 levels and perinatal outcomes in patients with GDM. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeMayu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EguchiJun en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurookaNaoko en-aut-sei=Kurooka en-aut-mei=Naoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EtoEriko en-aut-sei=Eto en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasuyamaHisashi en-aut-sei=Masuyama en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) kn-keyword=glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) en-keyword=gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) kn-keyword=gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) en-keyword=perinatal outcomes kn-keyword=perinatal outcomes en-keyword=placenta kn-keyword=placenta en-keyword=triglyceride (TG) kn-keyword=triglyceride (TG) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250704 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Admission prognostic nutritional index predicts prolonged hospitalization in severe odontogenic deep neck infections en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives Severe odontogenic deep neck infections (DNIs) can be life threatening. This study investigated the nutritional status of affected patients and evaluated the usefulness of the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) at admission in helping maxillofacial surgeons identify, at presentation, those likely to require extended hospitalization.
Methods A total of 112 patients treated for odontogenic deep neck abscesses and necrotizing soft tissue infections at five hospitals in Japan. Patients were included. Patients were categorized by length of hospitalization duration and factors associated with prolonged hospitalization were analyzed using propensity score matching to minimize bias. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was also performed to assess the relationship between PNI and hospitalization duration.
Results Fifty patients (44.6%) required hospitalization for more than 14 days. Multivariate analysis identified PNI???41.2 (odds ratio [OR]?=?2.79) and the presence of abscesses in multiple deep neck spaces (OR?=?2.76) as significant predictors of prolonged hospitalization. Propensity score analysis confirmed the significant association between PNI and length of hospitalization duration (P?=?0.048). In addition, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was r?=???0.471 (P? Conclusion The admission PNI may serve as a useful adjunctive indicator for predicting prolonged hospitalization in patients with severe odontogenic DNIs, as it reflects both nutritional status and systemic inflammation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IwataEiji en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObataKyoichi en-aut-sei=Obata en-aut-mei=Kyoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikutaShogo en-aut-sei=Kikuta en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanekoNaoki en-aut-sei=Kaneko en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoKotaro en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaNorio en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeshitaYohei en-aut-sei=Takeshita en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoKatsuhisa en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Katsuhisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SameshimaJunsei en-aut-sei=Sameshima en-aut-mei=Junsei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TachibanaAkira en-aut-sei=Tachibana en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoShintaro en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KusukawaJingo en-aut-sei=Kusukawa en-aut-mei=Jingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkashiMasaya en-aut-sei=Akashi en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwanagaJoe en-aut-sei=Iwanaga en-aut-mei=Joe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=IbaragiSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ibaragi en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kakogawa Central City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Odontogenic deep neck infections kn-keyword=Odontogenic deep neck infections en-keyword=Nutrition status kn-keyword=Nutrition status en-keyword=Prognostic nutritional index kn-keyword=Prognostic nutritional index en-keyword=Prolonged hospitalization kn-keyword=Prolonged hospitalization en-keyword=Multiple spaces with abscess kn-keyword=Multiple spaces with abscess END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=3351 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251017 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Are Associated with Favorable Clinical Outcomes and Negatively Correlated with Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Esophageal Cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Esophageal cancer remains a highly aggressive malignant tumor with poor prognosis, despite advances in combination therapies and novel immunotherapies. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), characterized by densely packed CD20+ B cells in a germinal-center-like structure, have recently been recognized as immune-stimulating components within the tumor microenvironment. In contrast, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are stromal cells expressing fibroblast-activating protein (FAP) involved in immunosuppression. Methods: In this retrospective study, 124 clinical samples from patients who underwent radical surgery for esophageal cancer at our institute were analyzed. We investigated whether TLSs could serve as a prognostic factor and examined their association with tumor microenvironment factors. Results: The presence of TLSs was an independent prognostic factor for overall and progression-free survival in multivariate analyses. A high level of TLS formation correlated with better nutritional status, fewer M2 macrophages, and greater plasma cell infiltration. Additionally, little TLS formation was observed in areas with abundant CAFs, and quantitative analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between TLSs and CAFs. Conclusions: TLSs enhance antitumor immunity via macrophages and plasma cells and can be a valuable prognostic indicator in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer. Targeting CAFs may prove to be a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance tumor-immunity-related TLSs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KunitomoTomoyoshi en-aut-sei=Kunitomo en-aut-mei=Tomoyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiwakiNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Nishiwaki en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraSeitaro en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Seitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaYasushige en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Yasushige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoHijiri en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Hijiri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiTatsuya en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawasakiKento en-aut-sei=Kawasaki en-aut-mei=Kento kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkaiMasaaki en-aut-sei=Akai en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaNaoaki en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Naoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuchiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeShunsuke en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TazawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tazawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirakawaYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Shirakawa en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) kn-keyword=tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) en-keyword=cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) kn-keyword=cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) en-keyword=esophageal cancer kn-keyword=esophageal cancer en-keyword=tumor microenvironment kn-keyword=tumor microenvironment en-keyword=prognosis kn-keyword=prognosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=145 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=457 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250930 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Component placement angles in total knee arthroplasty affect mid- to long-term clinical results: an average 8-year follow-up study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction Few studies have examined how the component placement angles in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) affect mid- to long-term clinical outcomes. This study investigated the influence of coronal and sagittal plane component placement angles on mid- to long-term outcomes in mechanical alignment TKA.
Materials and Methods Forty-eight knees undergoing TKA using the FINE Total Knee System were evaluated for range of motion (ROM) preoperatively. Both ROM and clinical scores were evaluated at 3 and 5 years postoperatively and at the final follow-up (average 8-year). The valgus (alpha) and flexion (gamma) angles of the femoral component, and the varus (beta) and posterior tilt (sigma) angles of the tibial component were evaluated. Correlations between radiographic assessments, knee ROM, and clinical scores were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient.
Results The alpha angle was negatively correlated with the knee flexion angle (r?=?? 0.323, p?=?0.025) and ROM (r?=?? 0.352, p?=?0.014), and the sigma angle was negatively correlated with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-Symptoms at 3 years postoperatively (r?=?? 0.304, p?=?0.036). The alpha angle was negatively correlated with the knee flexion angle (r?=?? 0.357, p?=?0.013), ROM (r?=?? 0.337, p?=?0.019), and KOOS-Sports and Recreation function (r?=?? 0.349, p?=?0.015), and positively correlated with the Visual Analog Scare pain score (r?=?0.307, p?=?0.034) at the final follow-up. The beta angle was positively correlated with KOOS-Pain (r?=?0.303, p?=?0.036) and KOOS-Symptoms (r?=?0.397, p?=?0.005) at the final follow-up.
Conclusions Valgus placement of the femoral component and varus placement of the tibial component in the FINE Total Knee System negatively impacted clinical scores at an average 8-year follow-up. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoharaToshiki en-aut-sei=Kohara en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Total knee arthroplasty kn-keyword=Total knee arthroplasty en-keyword=Component placement kn-keyword=Component placement en-keyword=Varus kn-keyword=Varus en-keyword=Valgus kn-keyword=Valgus en-keyword=Clinical outcome kn-keyword=Clinical outcome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=381 end-page=385 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease Mimicking Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report the case of a 72-year-old Japanese man with an incidental portal vein mass that was surgically resected and diagnosed as immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease. The mass was discovered during an atrial fibrillation examination. The patient had a history of gastric cancer and was also diagnosed with rectal cancer, raising concerns about metastasis. Due to technical challenges, a biopsy was not feasible. Imaging findings suggested portal vein tumor thrombosis, complicating the diagnosis. This case highlights a rare presentation of IgG4-related disease mimicking portal vein tumor thrombus. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakuraiAtsunobu en-aut-sei=Sakurai en-aut-mei=Atsunobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YabukiTakayuki en-aut-sei=Yabuki en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokiHideki en-aut-sei=Aoki en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsekiAkiko en-aut-sei=Iseki en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiology, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiology, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=immunoglobulin G4-related disease kn-keyword=immunoglobulin G4-related disease en-keyword=inflammatory pseudotumor kn-keyword=inflammatory pseudotumor en-keyword=mass kn-keyword=mass en-keyword=portal vein kn-keyword=portal vein en-keyword=pericarditis kn-keyword=pericarditis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=369 end-page=379 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Patterns Identified by Unsupervised Machine Learning and Their Associations with Subclinical Cerebral and Renal Damage in a Japanese Community: The Masuda Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We applied unsupervised machine learning to analyze blood pressure (BP) and resting heart rate (HR) patterns measured during a 1-year period to assess their cross-sectional relationships with subclinical cerebral and renal target damage. Dimension reduction via uniform manifold approximation and projection, followed by K-means++ clustering, was used to categorize 362 community-dwelling participants (mean age, 56.2 years; 54.9% women) into three groups: Low BP and Low HR (Lo-BP/Lo-HR), High BP and High HR (Hi-BP/Hi-HR), and Low BP and High HR (Lo-BP/Hi-HR). Cerebral vessel lesions were defined as the presence of at least one of the following magnetic resonance imaging findings: lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, or intracranial artery stenosis. A high urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was defined as the top 10% (? 12 mg/g) of the mean value from ?2 measurements. Poisson regression with robust error variance, adjusted for demographics, lifestyle, and medical history, showed that the Hi-BP/Hi-HR group had relative risks of 3.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.75-7.46) for cerebral vessel lesions and 3.58 (1.33-9.67) for high UACR, and the Lo-BP/Hi-HR group had a relative risk of 3.09 (1.12-8.57) for high UACR, compared with the Lo-BP/Lo-HR group. These findings demonstrate the utility of an unsupervised, data-driven approach for identifying physiological patterns associated with subclinical target organ damage. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HisamatsuTakashi en-aut-sei=Hisamatsu en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinutaMinako en-aut-sei=Kinuta en-aut-mei=Minako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MunetomoSosuke en-aut-sei=Munetomo en-aut-mei=Sosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukudaMari en-aut-sei=Fukuda en-aut-mei=Mari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKatsuhide en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Katsuhide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiKaori en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakahataNoriko en-aut-sei=Nakahata en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaHideyuki en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Izumo, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Health and Nutrition, The University of Shimane Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=blood pressure kn-keyword=blood pressure en-keyword=heart rate kn-keyword=heart rate en-keyword=subclinical disease kn-keyword=subclinical disease en-keyword=uniform manifold approximation and projection kn-keyword=uniform manifold approximation and projection en-keyword=unsupervised machine learning kn-keyword=unsupervised machine learning END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=353 end-page=358 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Comparison of Extraocular Muscles in Patients with Exotropia and Healthy Participants Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To analyze and characterize the medial and lateral rectus muscles in patients with exotropia using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). This study included 24 patients with exotropia (48 eyes) and 25 healthy individuals (50 eyes). Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was used to construct the en face images. The anterior chamber angle to the extraocular muscle insertion distance, muscle width, and muscle fiber angle from the muscle insertion sites were compared between the exotropia and the control groups. The correlation between these parameters and age or angle of deviation was evaluated. The mean ages were 13.2±4.1 years for the exotropia group and 17.6±7.2 years for the control group. The lateral rectus angle was significantly more inwardly rotated in the exotropia group than in the control group (1.6±6.3°, ?1.4±4.0°, p=0.014). With increasing angle of deviation, the width of the lateral rectus increased (p=0.002). Our results indicate that the lateral rectus angle is significantly more inwardly rotated in patients with exotropia. These findings should contribute to a deeper understanding of the extraocular muscles in patients with this condition. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ChiharaYuki en-aut-sei=Chihara en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamasakiIchiro en-aut-sei=Hamasaki en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataKiyo en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Kiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorisawaShin en-aut-sei=Morisawa en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoReika en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Reika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanenagaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kanenaga en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=exotropia kn-keyword=exotropia en-keyword=AS-OCT kn-keyword=AS-OCT en-keyword=anterior chamber angle to extraocular muscle insertion distance kn-keyword=anterior chamber angle to extraocular muscle insertion distance en-keyword=muscle width kn-keyword=muscle width en-keyword=muscle fiber angle kn-keyword=muscle fiber angle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=607 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250715 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Fundamental Statistics Self-Learning Method with Python Programming for Data Science Implementations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The increasing demand for data-driven decision making to maintain the innovations and competitiveness of organizations highlights the need for data science educations across academia and industry. At its core is a solid understanding of statistics, which is necessary for conducting a thorough analysis of data and deriving valuable insights. Unfortunately, conventional statistics learning often lacks practice in real-world applications using computer programs, causing a separation between conceptual knowledge of statistics equations and their hands-on skills. Integrating statistics learning into Python programming can convey an effective solution for this problem, where it has become essential in data science implementations, with extensive and versatile libraries. In this paper, we present a self-learning method for fundamental statistics through Python programming for data science studies. Unlike conventional approaches, our method integrates three types of interactive problems?element fill-in-blank problem (EFP), grammar-concept understanding problem (GUP), and value trace problem (VTP)?in the Programming Learning Assistant System (PLAS). This combination allows students to write code, understand concepts, and trace the output value while obtaining instant feedback so that they can improve retention, knowledge, and practical skills in learning statistics using Python programming. For evaluations, we generated 22 instances using source codes for fundamental statistics topics, and assigned them to 40 first-year undergraduate students at UPN Veteran Jawa Timur, Indonesia. Statistics analytical methods were utilized to analyze the student learning performances. The results show that a significant correlation (?<0.05) exists between the students who solved our proposal and those who did not. The results confirm that it can effectively assist students in learning fundamental statistics self-learning using Python programming for data science implementations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RiyantokoPrismahardi Aji en-aut-sei=Riyantoko en-aut-mei=Prismahardi Aji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=BrataKomang Candra en-aut-sei=Brata en-aut-mei=Komang Candra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MentariMustika en-aut-sei=Mentari en-aut-mei=Mustika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DamalianaAviolla Terza en-aut-sei=Damaliana en-aut-mei=Aviolla Terza kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=PrasetyaDwi Arman en-aut-sei=Prasetya en-aut-mei=Dwi Arman kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Data Science, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Data Science, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timur kn-affil= en-keyword=fundamental statistics kn-keyword=fundamental statistics en-keyword=self-learning method kn-keyword=self-learning method en-keyword=Python programming kn-keyword=Python programming en-keyword=data science kn-keyword=data science END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=28 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=51 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250930 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived SOD3 enhances lymphangiogenesis to drive metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality due to its aggressive metastatic potential. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) is an antioxidant enzyme that regulates oxidative stress and is regarded as a tumor suppressor. However, studies have demonstrated that SOD3 can either promote or inhibit cell proliferation and survival in various cancers, and its molecular mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment are poorly understood. In this study, we report a breakthrough in uncovering the role of SOD3 derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in LUAD. Using LUAD xenograft models co-implanted with SOD3-overexpressing CAFs (CAFSOD3), we observe an aggressive tumor phenotype characterized by increased lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) of the tumor. Additionally, LUAD patients with elevated SOD3 levels exhibit a higher incidence of LVI and metastasis. Notably, RNA sequencing of CAFSOD3 reveals that SOD3-mediated VEGF-dependent tumor progression and lymphangiogenesis are up-regulated. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomic analysis of LUAD clinical samples confirms a strong correlation between SOD3 expression in fibroblasts and characteristics of tumor exacerbation, such as lymphangiogenesis and metastasis. These findings underscore new insights into the role of CAF-derived SOD3 in LUAD progression and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OoMay Wathone en-aut-sei=Oo en-aut-mei=May Wathone kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HikitaTakao en-aut-sei=Hikita en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MashimaTomoha en-aut-sei=Mashima en-aut-mei=Tomoha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TorigataKosuke en-aut-sei=Torigata en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ThuYin Min en-aut-sei=Thu en-aut-mei=Yin Min kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabuTomohiro en-aut-sei=Habu en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoSachio en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Sachio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasanori en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=School of Medicine, Kobe University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Cancer-associated fibroblast kn-keyword=Cancer-associated fibroblast en-keyword=Superoxide dismutase 3 kn-keyword=Superoxide dismutase 3 en-keyword=Lymphangiogenesis kn-keyword=Lymphangiogenesis en-keyword=Angiogenesis kn-keyword=Angiogenesis en-keyword=Metastasis kn-keyword=Metastasis en-keyword=Lung adenocarcinoma kn-keyword=Lung adenocarcinoma END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250922 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Applicability of Effective Atomic Number (Z eff) Image Analysis of Coronary Plaques Measured With Photon- Counting Computed Tomography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: Coronary computed tomography (CT) allows the assessment of cardiovascular risk by imaging calcified plaques in coronary arteries. Because photon-counting CT (PC-CT) can analyze the effective atomic number (Zeff) of the subject, it is expected to be applied to the analysis of plaque components. The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of plaque analysis based on Zeff images with continuous gradation.
Methods: Zeff images were generated from virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) obtained by PC-CT. Zeff values were derived from the difference between linear attenuation coefficients (μ) at low and high energies using an in-house program. Coronary CT images of 64 plaques in 10 patients were analyzed. The Zeff score, calculated as the sum of Zeff values within the plaque region, was calculated and compared with the conventional Agatston score and mean coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
Results: The systematic uncertainty of Zeff images was estimated to be ±0.08. The Zeff score of actual patient data showed strong positive correlations with the conventional Agatston and mean CAC scores. The Zeff score uses all voxel data in the plaque area, whereas conventional scores consider only data from voxels with a CT value >130. We found that the conventional scores excluded 39% of the plaque area, and the Zeff score permitted the analysis of low- and high-density plaques.
Conclusions: Zeff imaging was shown to be applicable to plaque analysis that reflects the entire plaque volume. This study demonstrated its technical feasibility as a compositional analysis method using the Zeff image. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AsaharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Asahara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitaniMana en-aut-sei=Mitani en-aut-mei=Mana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimotoNatsumi en-aut-sei=Kimoto en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishigamiRina en-aut-sei=Nishigami en-aut-mei=Rina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakegamiKazuki en-aut-sei=Takegami en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimitsuYusuke en-aut-sei=Morimitsu en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiNoriaki en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Noriaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanazawaYuki en-aut-sei=Kanazawa en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IguchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iguchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Medical Support Department, Division of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Junshin Gakuen University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Yamaguchi University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Medical Support Department, Division of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Medical Support Department, Division of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Life Science, Kumamoto University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=College of Transdisciplinary Sciences for Innovation, Kanazawa University kn-affil= en-keyword=effective atomic number image kn-keyword=effective atomic number image en-keyword=photon-counting computed tomography kn-keyword=photon-counting computed tomography en-keyword=virtual monoenergetic images kn-keyword=virtual monoenergetic images en-keyword=coronary CT kn-keyword=coronary CT en-keyword=coronary plaques kn-keyword=coronary plaques en-keyword=Agatston score kn-keyword=Agatston score END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=243 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=120539 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Organic solvent transport through reduced graphene oxide membranes with controlled oxygen content en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recent 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. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ChenHongzhe en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Hongzhe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LinTongxi en-aut-sei=Lin en-aut-mei=Tongxi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=RamadhanZeno Rizqi en-aut-sei=Ramadhan en-aut-mei=Zeno Rizqi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=RawalAditya en-aut-sei=Rawal en-aut-mei=Aditya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinaYuta en-aut-sei=Nishina en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KartonAmir en-aut-sei=Karton en-aut-mei=Amir kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=RenXiaojun en-aut-sei=Ren en-aut-mei=Xiaojun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=JoshiRakesh en-aut-sei=Joshi en-aut-mei=Rakesh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Electron Microscope Unit, University of New South Wales kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=School of Science and Technology, University of New England kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney kn-affil= en-keyword=Graphene oxide kn-keyword=Graphene oxide en-keyword=Organic solvent nanofiltration kn-keyword=Organic solvent nanofiltration END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=100277 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Development of a technique to identify μm-sized organic matter in asteroidal material: An approach using machine learning en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Asteroidal materials contain organic matter (OM), which records a number of extraterrestrial environments and thus provides a record of Solar System processes. OM contain essential compounds for the origin of life. To understand the origin and evolution of OM, systematic identification and detailed observation using in-situ techniques is required. While both nm- and μm-sized OM were studied previously, only a small portion of a given sample surface was investigated in each study. Here, a novel workflow was developed and applied to identify and classify μm-sized OM on mm-sized asteroidal materials. The workflow involved image processing and machine learning, enabling a comprehensive and non-biased way of identifying, classifying, and measuring the properties of OM. We found that identifying OM is more accurate by classification with machine learning than by clustering. On the approach of classification with machine learning, five algorithms were tested. The random forest algorithm was selected as it scored the highest in 4 out of 5 accuracy parameters during evaluation. The workflow gave modal OM abundances that were consistent with those identified manually, demonstrating that the workflow can accurately identify 1-15 μm-sized OM. The size distribution of OM was modeled using the power-law distribution, giving slope α values that were consistent with fragmentation processes. The shape of the OM was quantified using circularity and solidity, giving a positive correlation and indicating these properties are closely related. Overall, the workflow enabled identification of many OM quickly and accurately and the obtainment of chemical and petrographic information. Such information can help the selection of OM for further in-situ techniques, and elucidate the origin and evolution of OM preserved in asteroidal materials. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KumarRahul en-aut-sei=Kumar en-aut-mei=Rahul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKatsura en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Katsura kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PotiszilChristian en-aut-sei=Potiszil en-aut-mei=Christian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunihiroTak en-aut-sei=Kunihiro en-aut-mei=Tak kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Asteroidal material kn-keyword=Asteroidal material en-keyword=Organic matter kn-keyword=Organic matter en-keyword=Carbonaceous chondrites kn-keyword=Carbonaceous chondrites en-keyword=RyuguImage processing kn-keyword=RyuguImage processing en-keyword=Machine learning kn-keyword=Machine learning en-keyword=Size distribution kn-keyword=Size distribution END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=31 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=103174 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of a method to predict positioning errors in orthopantomography using cephalography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Various radiographic examinations are used to diagnose diseases and determine treatment plans, and the quality of radiographic images affects diagnostic accuracy. This study assessed the relationship between orthopantomography and cephalometric analysis in predicting positioning errors before orthopantomography.
Methods: This study evaluated four human head phantom types and included 300 patients aged ?18 years who underwent orthopantomography. The correlation between the Frankfort horizontal plane and occlusal plane angles in the orthopantomogram was analyzed. The occlusal plane angle at a Frankfort horizontal plane of 0° was estimated using a linear approximation formula. Frankfort horizontal plane and occlusal plane angles were measured on the cephalograms, and their differences were analyzed for correlation with the occlusal plane angle at a Frankfort horizontal plane of 0° in the corresponding orthopantomograms. The cephalogram’s condylar plane?corpus line angle was also compared with orthopantomogram measurements.
Results: Frankfort horizontal and occlusal plane angles demonstrated a strong negative correlation (r < ?0.9) in phantom studies and moderate negative correlation (r < ?0.4) in clinical orthopantomograms. In the phantoms, the occlusal plane at a Frankfort horizontal of 0° in the orthopantomogram strongly correlated with the difference between the Frankfort horizontal and condylar plane?corpus line angles in the cephalogram.
Conclusion: Adjusting patient positioning based on individual skeletal differences and angles may reduce positioning errors and improve image quality. Cephalogram analysis could help determine an appropriate Frankfort plane angle for each patient when acquiring orthopantomograms.
Implications for practice: Integrating cephalometric analysis into positioning protocols enhances radiographic accuracy, reduces retakes, and improves diagnostic reliability in clinical positioning. This research could improve image quality by identifying reference indicators for orthopantomography by incorporating data from images other than cephalograms, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ImajoS. en-aut-sei=Imajo en-aut-mei=S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaM. en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeY. en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Y. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Radiology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Radiology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Cephalogram kn-keyword=Cephalogram en-keyword=Orthopantomogram kn-keyword=Orthopantomogram en-keyword=Panoramic radiography kn-keyword=Panoramic radiography en-keyword=Frankfort horizontal plane kn-keyword=Frankfort horizontal plane en-keyword=Occlusal plane angle kn-keyword=Occlusal plane angle en-keyword=Patient positioning kn-keyword=Patient positioning END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=39 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2810 end-page=2817 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250828 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index: A Key Indicator of Perioperative Outcome in Oldest-old Patients With Colorectal Cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant challenge in oldest-old patients (?85 years), where surgical intervention carries substantial perioperative risks. Nutritional status is a crucial determinant of outcomes, and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) has shown promise. This prospective study aimed to validate the GNRI as a key indicator of perioperative outcomes in oldest-old patients undergoing CRC surgery, and to establish its utility in preoperative risk stratification.
Patients and Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients aged ?85 years undergoing elective surgery for CRC. Preoperative GNRI was calculated using the formula: GNRI=14.89×serum albumin (g/dl)+41.7×[actual body weight/ideal body weight (corresponding to body mass index 22)]. Patients were stratified into two groups: GNRI >98 and GNRI ?98. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, geriatric assessments (including Geriatric-8 and EuroQol 5 dimension), and postoperative complication rates were analyzed.
Results: Twenty-four patients (median age 88 years, interquartile range=86-91) were included: 11 in the GNRI >98 group and 13 in the GNRI ?98 group. The patients with GNRI >98 demonstrated significantly better G8 scores (median 12 vs. 11, p<0.01) and EQ-5D index values (median 88 vs. 75.0, p<0.01). The postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in the GNRI ?98 group (p=0.02).
Conclusion: Preoperative GNRI effectively identifies oldest-old patients with CRC at increased risk for postoperative complications. A GNRI ?98 correlates with poorer nutritional status and impaired geriatric functional parameters. These findings highlight GNRI’s utility as a simple, valuable tool for preoperative risk stratification, potentially guiding interventions to optimize outcomes in this vulnerable population. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TERAISHIFUMINORI en-aut-sei=TERAISHI en-aut-mei=FUMINORI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UTSUMIMASASHI en-aut-sei=UTSUMI en-aut-mei=MASASHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YOSHIDAYUSUKE en-aut-sei=YOSHIDA en-aut-mei=YUSUKE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SHOJIRYOHEI en-aut-sei=SHOJI en-aut-mei=RYOHEI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KANAYANOBUHIKO en-aut-sei=KANAYA en-aut-mei=NOBUHIKO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MATSUMIYUKI en-aut-sei=MATSUMI en-aut-mei=YUKI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SHIGEYASUKUNITOSHI en-aut-sei=SHIGEYASU en-aut-mei=KUNITOSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KONDOYOSHITAKA en-aut-sei=KONDO en-aut-mei=YOSHITAKA kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ITAGAKISHIORI en-aut-sei=ITAGAKI en-aut-mei=SHIORI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TAMURARIE en-aut-sei=TAMURA en-aut-mei=RIE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MATSUOKAYOSHIKAZU en-aut-sei=MATSUOKA en-aut-mei=YOSHIKAZU kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUJIWARATOSHIYOSHI en-aut-sei=FUJIWARA en-aut-mei=TOSHIYOSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=INAGAKIMASARU en-aut-sei=INAGAKI en-aut-mei=MASARU kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=Geriatric nutritional risk index kn-keyword=Geriatric nutritional risk index en-keyword=oldest?old kn-keyword=oldest?old en-keyword=colorectal cancer kn-keyword=colorectal cancer en-keyword=short?term outcome kn-keyword=short?term outcome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=27047 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250725 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans harboring the cnm gene encoding cell surface protein Cnm in Japanese children en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dental caries is a highly prevalent infectious disease primarily caused by the pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which has also been associated with systemic disease. A 120-kDa collagen-binding protein (Cnm) produced by S. mutans contributes to cardiovascular disease pathogenicity. Few studies have addressed the current prevalence of S. mutans and the cnm gene in Japanese children or examined caries pathology in relation to cnm presence. Here, we investigated the prevalence of S. mutans and the distribution of cnm-positive S. mutans among 490 children who visited two university hospitals in Japan. The caries experience index (dmft/DMFT) was calculated, and the collagen-binding ability of cnm-positive S. mutans strains was assessed. S. mutans was isolated from the oral cavities of 158 patients (36.8%); 10.1% (16/158) harbored cnm-positive S. mutans. When caries experience indices were compared across dentitions, patients harboring cnm-positive strains had significantly higher dmft/DMFT scores than those with cnm-negative strains (P? Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether the dosage adjustment of VGCV based on TDM in patients undergoing preemptive therapy for CMV infections is associated with the successful completion rate of treatment without severe hematological adverse effects.
Methods: This phase II, single-center, single-arm trial aims to enroll 40 patients admitted at the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Hospital, who will receive oral VGCV as preemptive therapy for CMV infections. Participants will begin treatment with VGCV at the dose recommended in the package insert, with subsequent dose adjustments based on weekly TDM results. The primary end point will be the proportion of patients who achieve CMV antigenemia negativity within 3 weeks without severe hematological adverse events. The secondary end points will include weekly changes in CMV antigen levels, total VGCV dose, and duration of preemptive therapy. For safety evaluation, the occurrence, type, and severity of VGCV-related adverse events will be analyzed. Additionally, this study will explore the correlations between the efficacy and safety of preemptive therapy and the pharmacokinetic parameters of GCV, CMV-polymerase chain reaction values, and nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) genetic polymorphisms. The correlation between GCV plasma concentrations obtained from regular venous blood and blood concentrations will be examined using dried blood spots.
Results: This study began with patient recruitment in September 2024, with 5 participants enrolled as of June 16, 2025. The target enrollment is 40 participants, and the anticipated study completion is set for July 2027.
Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the impact of TDM intervention in patients receiving VGCV as preemptive therapy. The findings are postulated to provide valuable evidence regarding the utility of TDM in patients receiving VGCV as preemptive therapy.
Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs051240080; https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs051240080
International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/72549 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TamuraNaoki en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoharaKotaro en-aut-sei=Itohara en-aut-mei=Kotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaYo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Yo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitahiroYumi en-aut-sei=Kitahiro en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaneToshiyasu en-aut-sei=Sakane en-aut-mei=Toshiyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaegusaJun en-aut-sei=Saegusa en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanoIkuko en-aut-sei=Yano en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Integrated Clinical and Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kobe Pharmaceutical University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=valganciclovir kn-keyword=valganciclovir en-keyword=ganciclovir kn-keyword=ganciclovir en-keyword=cytomegalovirus kn-keyword=cytomegalovirus en-keyword=therapeutic drug monitoring kn-keyword=therapeutic drug monitoring en-keyword=preemptive therapy kn-keyword=preemptive therapy en-keyword=dried blood spots kn-keyword=dried blood spots END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=26737 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250723 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Coronary cross-sectional area stenosis severity determined using coronary CT highly correlated with coronary functional flow reserve: a pilot study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the gold standard for assessing the physiological significance of coronary stenosis. We examined the potential correlation between digitally measured coronary cross-sectional area stenosis using coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography and FFR. We analyzed data of 32 consecutive patients with stenoses who underwent invasive FFR determination. The cross-sectional area was assessed using 128-slice coronary detector-based spectral CT angiography. Power analysis revealed that the sample size enabled the detection of an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.90. FFR???0.8 and?>?0.8 were defined as FFR-positive and FFR-negative, respectively. Intra- and interobserver differences were negligible. Percentage cross-sectional area stenosis was calculated as 100?×?(A?B)/A, where A is the cross-sectional area at non-stenotic pre-stenotic segment and B is the cross-sectional area of the most severe stenotic lesion. AUC indicated that percentage cross-sectional area stenosis effectively discriminated between FFR-positive and FFR-negative cases, yielding a sensitivity of 0.882 and specificity of 0.933 at a cutoff of 50% area reduction, with an AUC of 0.976. Lesions with less than 45% cross-sectional area stenosis on coronary CT angiography were not FFR-positive. When ROC analysis was conducted for lesion characteristics, AUC did not significantly improve. In conclusion, the percent coronary cross-sectional area stenosis measured using coronary CT angiography distinguished between FFR-positive and FFR-negative lesions with high accuracy. The severity of coronary cross-sectional area stenosis determined using CT angiography is clinically useful for predicting FFR. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KoumotoTakuto en-aut-sei=Koumoto en-aut-mei=Takuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KusachiShozo en-aut-sei=Kusachi en-aut-mei=Shozo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomiyaTakumi en-aut-sei=Tomiya en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiTakuya en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamajiHirosuke en-aut-sei=Yamaji en-aut-mei=Hirosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiTakashi en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamikawaShigeshi en-aut-sei=Kamikawa en-aut-mei=Shigeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiMasaaki en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Radiation, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Intervention, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Intervention, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Intervention, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Cardiovascular Intervention, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= en-keyword=Ischemic heart disease kn-keyword=Ischemic heart disease en-keyword=Reversible ischemia kn-keyword=Reversible ischemia en-keyword=Coronary pressure kn-keyword=Coronary pressure en-keyword=Multi-slice CT kn-keyword=Multi-slice CT en-keyword=Coronary hemodynamics kn-keyword=Coronary hemodynamics END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=2503029 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250601 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Polyglycerol‐Grafted Graphene Oxide with pH‐Responsive Charge‐Convertible Surface to Dynamically Control the Nanobiointeractions for Enhanced in Vivo Tumor Internalization en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=pH-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. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZouYajuan en-aut-sei=Zou en-aut-mei=Yajuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=BiancoAlberto en-aut-sei=Bianco en-aut-mei=Alberto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinaYuta en-aut-sei=Nishina en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=charge conversion kn-keyword=charge conversion en-keyword=in vivo tumor internalization kn-keyword=in vivo tumor internalization en-keyword=non-specific interaction kn-keyword=non-specific interaction en-keyword=pH-responsiveness kn-keyword=pH-responsiveness en-keyword=polyglycerol-grafted graphene oxide kn-keyword=polyglycerol-grafted graphene oxide END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=56 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=64 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250527 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluating a discretized data acquisition method for couch modeling to streamline the commissioning process of radiological instruments en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background The commissioning of radiotherapy treatment planning system (RTPS) involves many time-consuming tests to maintain consistency between actual and planned dose. As the number of new technologies and peripheral devices increases year by year, there is a need for time-efficient and accurate commissioning of radiation therapy equipment. Couch modeling is one type of commissioning, and there are no recommended values for CT due to differences in equipment calibration between facilities. This study evaluated the optimal electron density (ED) for the couch using discretized gantry angles.
Results All discrete-angle groups showed a high correlation between the surface ED and dose difference between the actual and planned doses (|r|>?0.9). AcurosXB did not demonstrate a significant correlation between dose differences and each energy. For a small number of discretized gantry groups, the optimal couch modeling results revealed several combinations of surface and interior ED with the same score. Upon adding all couch thickness scores, all energy scores, and both algorithm scores, the optimal surface and interior EDs with the highest score across all couch thicknesses were 0.4 and 0.07, respectively.
Conclusions The optimal couch surface ED dose difference trend was identified, and the effectiveness indicated using the dose difference score from discrete-angle couch modeling. Using this method, couch modeling can be evaluated in a highly precise and quick manner, which helps in the commissioning of complicated linear accelerator and radiological treatment plans. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TomimotoSyouta en-aut-sei=Tomimoto en-aut-mei=Syouta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaekiYusuke en-aut-sei=Saeki en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MotodaOkihiro en-aut-sei=Motoda en-aut-mei=Okihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaMasato en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsumotoSyouki en-aut-sei=Tsumoto en-aut-mei=Syouki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishikawaHana en-aut-sei=Nishikawa en-aut-mei=Hana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyashimaYuki en-aut-sei=Miyashima en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiMakiko en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Makiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniTadashi en-aut-sei=Tani en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuiKuniaki en-aut-sei=Katsui en-aut-mei=Kuniaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Couch modeling kn-keyword=Couch modeling en-keyword=Commissioning kn-keyword=Commissioning en-keyword=Attenuation of couch kn-keyword=Attenuation of couch en-keyword=Linear accelerator kn-keyword=Linear accelerator en-keyword=Radiotherapy planning system kn-keyword=Radiotherapy planning system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1094 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250704 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A cross-sectional interventional study on the effects of periodontal treatment on periodontal inflamed surface area and masticatory efficiency values according to the 2018 periodontal status classification en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and masticatory efficiency have been used to evaluate the relationship between systemic diseases and oral diseases. However, clear standards for PISA values and masticatory efficiency in relation to the severity of periodontitis are lacking. This study aims to evaluate PISA values and masticatory efficiency based on the 2018 periodontal status classification system.
Methods In total, 153 healthy participants diagnosed with periodontitis were included in the study. The diagnosis was based on the 2018 periodontal status classification. PISA values and masticatory efficiency were measured at baseline and after initial periodontal therapy.
Results PISA demonstrated a higher area under the curve for Stage III (0.815) and Grade B (0.85). At baseline, PISA was showed significant negative correlation with masticatory efficiency (B coefficient [95% CI]: -0.02 [-0.03, -0.006], p? Conclusion Periodontal therapy improved PISA and masticatory efficiency values. However, the extent of improvement was less pronounced in patients with higher stages and grades of periodontitis. It is essential to consider the interplay between increased PISA and decreased masticatory efficiency when treating patients with severe periodontitis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsudaShinji en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumotoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Yumoto en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomatsuYasutaka en-aut-sei=Komatsu en-aut-mei=Yasutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=DewakeNanae en-aut-sei=Dewake en-aut-mei=Nanae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakanori en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaganoTakatoshi en-aut-sei=Nagano en-aut-mei=Takatoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorozumiToshiya en-aut-sei=Morozumi en-aut-mei=Toshiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoRyoma en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Ryoma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoSatsuki en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Satsuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaMotozo en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Motozo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiJoichiro en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Joichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SekinoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Sekino en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaAkiko en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaKeiko en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimuraAtsutoshi en-aut-sei=Yoshimura en-aut-mei=Atsutoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugayaTsutomu en-aut-sei=Sugaya en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaguchiYoichiro en-aut-sei=Taguchi en-aut-mei=Yoichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=NemotoEiji en-aut-sei=Nemoto en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShintaniTomoaki en-aut-sei=Shintani en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyagawaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Miyagawa en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiHiromi en-aut-sei=Nishi en-aut-mei=Hiromi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoNoriyoshi en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Noriyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=NumabeYukihiro en-aut-sei=Numabe en-aut-mei=Yukihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaguchiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Periodontal Clinic, Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Operative Dentistry, Endodontology and Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Kanagawa Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=School of Dentistry, Division of Periodontology and Endodontology, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Periodontology and Regenerative Dentistry, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Division of Periodontology, Department of Oral Biology and Tissue Engineering, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Meikai University School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=School of Life Dentistry Department of Periodontology, The Nippon Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Section of Periodontology, Division of Oral Rehabilitation Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Tokyo Dental College kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, Osaka Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Clinical Research Center in Hiroshima, Hiroshima University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of General Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Periodontal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Periodontology, Tokyo Dental College kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of General Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital, kn-affil= en-keyword=Periodontal diseases kn-keyword=Periodontal diseases en-keyword=Masticatory system kn-keyword=Masticatory system en-keyword=Nonsurgical periodontal debridement kn-keyword=Nonsurgical periodontal debridement END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=40 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between lower limb muscle strength and musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom complex in patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in and the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and physical function before and after medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) repair.
Methods Thirty-three patients who underwent MMPR repair were evaluated. Pain was evaluated with the numerical rating scale (NRS), and knee flexor/extensor muscle strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Physical function was evaluated using a timed up and go (TUG) test. The NRS, knee flexor/extensor muscle strength, and TUG were compared preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The correlation of patient characteristics, NRS score, knee flexor/extensor muscle strength, and preoperative TUG with the postoperative TUG was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results NRS (3.5?±?2.1 to 0.1?±?0.5 points), knee flexor strength (111.9?±?50.2 to 146.7?±?51.5 Nm), knee extensor strength (181.9?±?92.8 to 256.9?±?107.1 Nm), and TUG (12.3?±?5.7 to 9.2?±?2.2 s) all improved significantly from preoperatively to 1 year postoperatively (p? Conclusion In patients undergoing MMPR repair, surgery and rehabilitation significantly improve lower limb muscle strength and physical function. There was a significant correlation between lower limb muscle strength and TUG, and further strengthening of the lower limb muscles from the preoperative level is desirable to improve patients’ physical function further.
Level of evidence IV. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukubaMikao en-aut-sei=Fukuba en-aut-mei=Mikao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom complex kn-keyword=Musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom complex en-keyword=Meniscus kn-keyword=Meniscus en-keyword=Posterior root tear kn-keyword=Posterior root tear en-keyword=Physical therapy kn-keyword=Physical therapy en-keyword=Rehabilitation kn-keyword=Rehabilitation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=269 end-page=278 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Femoral and Global Femoral Offset, but not Anteroposterior Offset, to Improve Postoperative Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: Considerations Independent of the Contralateral Side en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The global femoral offset (the sum of the acetabular and femoral offsets) influences outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The optimal offset using plain radiographs has been reported, but internal and external rotations of the hip affect the offset value, producing unclear results when the nonsurgical side is not intact. We investigated the relationship between a functional hip score, i.e., the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and its effect on the post-THA anteroposterior and lateral offsets, and we sought to identify the optimal offset value. The cases of 158 patients with hemilateral hip osteoarthritis who underwent THA at a single center were retrospectively analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Three-dimensional pelvic and femoral models generated from computed tomography were used to examine several parameters, and the results revealed a significant binomial correlation among the modified HHS and femoral and global femoral offsets, with maximum values of 21.3 mm and 40 mm/100 cm body height, respectively. Pelvic and femoral parameters were measured and evaluated via alignment with a specific coordinate system. Our findings indicate that preoperative planning using these parameters may improve postoperative hip function, even when the nonoperative side is unsuitable for use as a reference, as in bilateral hip osteoarthritis cases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ImaiNorio en-aut-sei=Imai en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranoYuki en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HommaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Homma en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EndoYuki en-aut-sei=Endo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorigomeYoji en-aut-sei=Horigome en-aut-mei=Yoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiHayato en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Hayato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawashimaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kawashima en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Regenerative and Transplant Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=total hip arthroplasty kn-keyword=total hip arthroplasty en-keyword=global femoral offset kn-keyword=global femoral offset en-keyword=postoperative outcome kn-keyword=postoperative outcome en-keyword=three-dimensional analysis kn-keyword=three-dimensional analysis en-keyword=anteroposterior offset kn-keyword=anteroposterior offset END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=253 end-page=259 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Study of Periprosthetic Femoral Stem Fractures in Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the risk factors for bone fragility and perioperative periprosthetic femoral stem fractures in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures. The records of 215 patients (42 male, 173 female; mean age, 84.4 years) were analyzed to assess correlations among periprosthetic fracture rates and sex, age, body mass index (BMI), Dorr classification, femoral stem fixation type (cemented/cementless), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the contralateral proximal femur. The overall prevalence of perioperative periprosthetic fractures was 4.7%. All patients with periprosthetic fractures were female, and all but one were ? 80 years of age. Fracture rates were higher in patients with lower BMI, although this difference was not significant. The fracture rates were 0%, 4.7%, and 7.9% for Dorr types A, B, and C, respectively, and 0% and 5.3% for patients who received cemented and cementless stems, respectively. The findings indicated that female patients, those of advanced age, those with lower BMI, and those with Dorr type C had lower BMDs. Although BMD was significantly lower in patients who received cemented stems compared to those who received cementless stems, no fractures were observed in the former group, suggesting that the use of cemented stems is safe for this high-risk population. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyakeYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiToru en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonishiikeTaizo en-aut-sei=Konishiike en-aut-mei=Taizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=bone mineral density kn-keyword=bone mineral density en-keyword=cemented stem kn-keyword=cemented stem en-keyword=Dorr classification kn-keyword=Dorr classification en-keyword=femoral neck fracture kn-keyword=femoral neck fracture en-keyword=periprosthetic femoral stem fracture kn-keyword=periprosthetic femoral stem fracture END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=243 end-page=251 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Work Productivity of Cancer-survivor and Non-cancer-survivor Workers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the work productivity levels of employed cancer survivors and non-cancer-survivor workers by conducting a cross-sectional study in Japan between February and March 2019, using an online survey. A total of 561 employed individuals aged 20-64 years were analyzed. Work productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health questionnaire which evaluates absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall work productivity loss. The questionnaire responses demonstrated that the cancer survivors within 1 year of diagnosis had significantly higher absenteeism compared to the non-cancer workers (p=0.048). Although presenteeism and overall work productivity loss were also higher in the non-cancer-survivor group, the differences were not significant. Cancer survivors within 1 year of diagnosis exhibited higher absenteeism, but their work productivity appeared to recover to levels comparable to those of the non-cancer workers over time. These findings may contribute to workplace policies supporting cancer survivors’ return to work. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KamanoMika en-aut-sei=Kamano en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaKanae en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Kanae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NgatuNlandu Roger en-aut-sei=Ngatu en-aut-mei=Nlandu Roger kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiAkitsu en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Akitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadoriYusuke en-aut-sei=Yamadori en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraoTomohiro en-aut-sei=Hirao en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Cancer Center, Kagawa University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer survivor kn-keyword=cancer survivor en-keyword=work productivity kn-keyword=work productivity en-keyword=absenteeism kn-keyword=absenteeism en-keyword=presenteeism kn-keyword=presenteeism END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=231 end-page=242 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Bloodstream Infections Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria in Geriatric Patients: Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance and The Factors Affecting Mortality en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of geriatric patients who developed BSIs due to gram-negative bacteria in order to evaluate the epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and the factors affecting mortality. The cases of 110 patients aged ? 65 years admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022 were assessed; 70 (63.6%) of the BSIs were healthcare-associated BSIs. The urinary system was the most common detectable source of infection at 43.6%. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, in that order. Carbapenem resistance was detected in 17 patients (15.5%), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production from Enterobacterales family members was detected in 37 (51.4%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that (i) the probability of mortality in the patients with total bilirubin was increased by approx. sixfold and (ii) the likelihood of mortality for those with a Pitt bacteremia score (PBS) ? 4 points was approx. 17 times higher. PBS and simplified qPitt scores can help predict mortality and manage geriatric patients. There is a significant increase in mortality among patients with procalcitonin (PCT) levels at ? 2 nm/ml. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KardanM Enes en-aut-sei=Kardan en-aut-mei=M Enes kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ErdemIlknur en-aut-sei=Erdem en-aut-mei=Ilknur kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YildizEmre en-aut-sei=Yildiz en-aut-mei=Emre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KirazNuri en-aut-sei=Kiraz en-aut-mei=Nuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=?elikkolAliye en-aut-sei=?elikkol en-aut-mei=Aliye kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University kn-affil= en-keyword=geriatrics kn-keyword=geriatrics en-keyword=gram-negative bacteria kn-keyword=gram-negative bacteria en-keyword=epidemiology kn-keyword=epidemiology en-keyword=antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=mortality kn-keyword=mortality END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=221 end-page=229 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Organ Donation after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Clinical and Ethical Perspectives en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has evolved into a life-saving therapy for select cardiac arrest patients, yet a growing body of evidence suggests it also holds promise as a bridge to organ donation in non-survivors. This review explores the clinical outcomes, ethical complexities, and evolving policies surrounding organ donation after ECPR. We summarize recent international and Japanese data demonstrating favorable graft function from ECPR donors, with the exception of lung transplantation. The ethical challenges ? particularly those involving brain death determination on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and adherence to the dead donor rule ? are discussed in the context of Japan’s recent regulatory reforms. Additionally, we highlight the importance of structured end-of-life communication through multidisciplinary team meetings in facilitating ethically sound transitions from rescue efforts to donation pathways. Moving forward, improvements in donor management, standardized legal frameworks, and public and professional education are essential to optimizing the life-saving and life-giving potential of ECPR. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Yumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HongoTakashi en-aut-sei=Hongo en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObaraTakafumi en-aut-sei=Obara en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosakiYoshinori en-aut-sei=Kosaki en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AgetaKohei en-aut-sei=Ageta en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojimaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaKohei en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaoAtsunori en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Atsunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=brain death kn-keyword=brain death en-keyword=end-of-life care kn-keyword=end-of-life care en-keyword=ethical dilemmas kn-keyword=ethical dilemmas en-keyword=extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation kn-keyword=extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=e70057 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Quadriceps muscle strength of the affected limb in medial meniscus posterior root tears is negatively correlated with the progression of postoperative medial joint space narrowing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: The effect of quadriceps muscle strength on medial joint space (MJS) narrowing after repair for medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tears (MMPRTs) has not yet been determined. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength on the change in MJS (ΔMJS) in MMPRTs.
Methods: Thirty patients who underwent pullout repair for MMPRTs were retrospectively evaluated. The MJS width using fixed-flexion view radiographs, MM extrusion (MME) using magnetic resonance imaging, quadriceps muscle strength using the Locomo Scan-II and clinical scores were measured and compared preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Correlations between the ΔMJS, change in MME (ΔMME), and preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
Results: MJS narrowing and MME progressed significantly at 1 year postoperatively (p? Conclusions: In pullout repair for MMPRTs, preoperative and postoperative quadriceps muscle strength in MMPRT knees was negatively correlated with the progression of MJS narrowing and MME. Rehabilitation with a focus on quadriceps muscle strengthening, including preoperative rehabilitation, may delay knee-osteoarthritis progression after pullout repair for MMPRTs.
Level of Evidence: Level IV. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukubaMikao en-aut-sei=Fukuba en-aut-mei=Mikao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=meniscus extrusion kn-keyword=meniscus extrusion en-keyword=medial joint space kn-keyword=medial joint space en-keyword=muscle strength kn-keyword=muscle strength en-keyword=posterior root tear kn-keyword=posterior root tear en-keyword=quadriceps kn-keyword=quadriceps END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250613 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Distinct age-related effects of homologous recombination deficiency on genomic profiling and treatment efficacy in gastric cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background The incidence of gastric cancer among younger patients is increasing globally, with growing attention being paid to the role of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). However, the effect of HRD on treatment outcomes and prognosis in this population remains unclear.
Methods We analyzed clinical and genomic data from the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics database. Younger patients (??39 years, n?=?140) were compared with older patients (??65 years, n?=?1118) diagnosed with gastric cancer. This study focused on mutations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes and their association with tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and treatment outcomes.
Results In older patients, HRD was associated with higher TMB and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status, whereas no such correlations were observed in younger patients. Notably, MSI-H status was not observed in the younger group. Younger patients with HRD had a significantly shorter time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) than those without HRD. Conversely, in older patients, there was no significant difference in TTF or OS based on HRD status.
Conclusion HRR gene mutations influence genomic profiling, TMB, and MSI differently depending on the age of gastric cancer onset, suggesting potential effects on treatment efficacy and prognosis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MakiYoshie en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Yoshie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoYoshiyasu en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Yoshiyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzatoToshiki en-aut-sei=Ozato en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirasawaAkira en-aut-sei=Hirasawa en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnnishiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ennishi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaKenta en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamuroMasaya en-aut-sei=Iwamuro en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoSeiji en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Homologous recombination repair gene kn-keyword=Homologous recombination repair gene en-keyword=Early-onset gastric cancer kn-keyword=Early-onset gastric cancer en-keyword=Comprehensive genomic profiling kn-keyword=Comprehensive genomic profiling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=409 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=356 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241125 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Subjective global assessment for nutritional screening and its impact on surgical outcomes: A prospective study in older patients with colorectal cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose Our perioperative management center provides preoperative intervention and functional and nutritional assessments for colorectal cancer patients aged over 75 years. This study evaluated the associations of preoperative nutritional status with postoperative outcomes and prognosis in colorectal cancer patients aged 75 years or older.
Methods This was a prospective, observational study of 71 colorectal cancer patients aged 75 years or older who underwent surgery between July 2020 and September 2022. The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was evaluated as a nutritional index. The patients were classified into three groups: SGA-A (well nourished), B (moderately malnourished), and C (severely malnourished), and the correlations with postoperative outcomes and prognosis were examined.
Results The median age of the 71 patients (34 males, 37 females) was 78 (75?92) years, and their median body mass index (BMI) was 22.3 (13.4?31.9) kg/m2. Forty-eight patients had colon cancer, and 23 had rectal cancer. On the SGA, 28 patients were SGA-A, 25 SGA-B, and 18 SGA-C. The SGA-B/C group had significantly higher BMI (p? Conclusion The SGA is a promising nutritional index associated with short-term outcomes in older patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. The SGA can be assessed in a few minutes during an outpatient visit, making it useful for routine clinical use. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TeraishiFuminori en-aut-sei=Teraishi en-aut-mei=Fuminori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShojiRyohei en-aut-sei=Shoji en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanayaNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Kanaya en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiYuki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuKunitoshi en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Kunitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraRie en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaYoshikazu en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Yoshikazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimatsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morimatsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Perioperative Management Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Subjective global assessment kn-keyword=Subjective global assessment en-keyword=Colorectal cancer kn-keyword=Colorectal cancer en-keyword=Older patients kn-keyword=Older patients en-keyword=Surgical outcome kn-keyword=Surgical outcome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=244 end-page=254 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202408 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A novel brief questionnaire using a face rating scale to assess dental anxiety and fear en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a four-item questionnaire using a face rating scale to measure dental trait anxiety (DTA), dental trait fear (DTF), dental state anxiety (DSA), and dental state fear (DSF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were consecutively selected from patients undergoing scaling (S-group; n = 47) and implant placement (I-group; n = 25). The S-group completed the questionnaire both before initial and second scaling, whereas the I-group responded on the pre-surgery day (Pre-day), the day of implant placement (Imp-day), and the day of suture removal (Post-day).
RESULTS The reliability in the S-group was evaluated using the test-retest method, showing a weighted kappa value of DTA, 0.61; DTF, 0.46; DSA, 0.67; DSF, 0.52. Criterion-related validity, assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory’s trait anxiety and state anxiety, revealed positive correlations between trait anxiety and DTA/DTF (DTA, ρ = 0.30; DTF, ρ = 0.27, ρ: correlation coefficient) and between state anxiety and all four items (DTA, ρ = 0.41; DTF, ρ = 0.32; DSA, ρ = 0.25; DSF, ρ = 0.25). Known-group validity was assessed using the initial data and Imp-day data from the S-group and I-group, respectively, revealing significantly higher DSA and DSF scores in the I-group than in the S-group. Responsiveness was gauged using I-group data, showing significantly lower DSA and DSF scores on post-day compared to other days.
CONCLUSION The newly developed questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity for clinical use, suggesting its usefulness for research on dental anxiety and fear and for providing patient-specific dental care. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MinoTakuya en-aut-sei=Mino en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Kimura-OnoAya en-aut-sei=Kimura-Ono en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakawaHikaru en-aut-sei=Arakawa en-aut-mei=Hikaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumotoKana en-aut-sei=Tokumoto en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurosakiYoko en-aut-sei=Kurosaki en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukaYoshizo en-aut-sei=Matsuka en-aut-mei=Yoshizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaekawaKenji en-aut-sei=Maekawa en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubokiTakuo en-aut-sei=Kuboki en-aut-mei=Takuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Stomatognathic Function and Occlusal Reconstruction, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Removable Prosthodontics and Occlusion, Osaka Dental University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Dental anxiety kn-keyword=Dental anxiety en-keyword=Anxiety disorders kn-keyword=Anxiety disorders en-keyword=Surveys kn-keyword=Surveys en-keyword=Questionnaires kn-keyword=Questionnaires en-keyword=Validation study kn-keyword=Validation study en-keyword=Phobia kn-keyword=Phobia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=79 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250703 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association of the expression of 5?FU biomarkers with aging and prognosis in elderly patients with lung cancer treated with S?1 adjuvant chemotherapy: Follow?up results of the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 1201 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Managing elderly patients presents several challenges because of age?related declines; however, age should not be the sole determinant for adjuvant treatment decisions in patients with non?small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, age may affect the expression of 5?fluorouracil (5?FU) biomarkers. The present study assessed: i) The effect of age on the expression levels of 5?FU biomarkers by analyzing a public database; and ii) the ability of these biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NSCLC who underwent complete resection in the Setouchi Lung Cancer Group Study 1201 (SCLG1201) followed by S?1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Changes in gene expression levels across age groups were assessed by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The expression of 5?FU biomarkers, including thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and excision repair cross?complementation group 1 (ERCC1), were assessed via quantitative reverse?transcription PCR assays in 89 elderly patients (?75 years) with NSCLC who received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug S?1 in the SLCG1201 trial. TCGA database analysis (n=955) showed that TS expression decreased significantly with aging, especially in the age group ?75. In the SCLG1201 trial, univariate analysis revealed that EGFR upregulation and TS downregulation were correlated with favorable recurrence?free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that pathological stage was an independent prognostic factor for both RFS and OS. EGFR mutations were associated with upregulation of DPD and EGFR, and downregulation of TS and ERCC1. In conclusion, although pathological stage is an independent prognostic factor for survival, EGFR upregulation and TS downregulation may be a greater predictor of clinical outcomes in elderly patients with NSCLC treated with S?1 adjuvant chemotherapy. The age?related decrease in TS expression supports the potential benefit of 5?FU therapies in elderly patients. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to validate these results. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SohJunichi en-aut-sei=Soh en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkumuraNorihito en-aut-sei=Okumura en-aut-mei=Norihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataMasao en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiya en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=GembaKenicehi en-aut-sei=Gemba en-aut-mei=Kenicehi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanoIsao en-aut-sei=Sano en-aut-mei=Isao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujinagaTakuji en-aut-sei=Fujinaga en-aut-mei=Takuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaMasafumi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Masafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasakiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Terasaki en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimotoNobukazu en-aut-sei=Fujimoto en-aut-mei=Nobukazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosakaShinji en-aut-sei=Kosaka en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaMotohiro en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Motohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=InokawaHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Inokawa en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueMasaaki en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraHiroshige en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Hiroshige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaYoshinori en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYuta en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=TorigoeHidejiro en-aut-sei=Torigoe en-aut-mei=Hidejiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHiroki en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomidaShuta en-aut-sei=Tomida en-aut-mei=Shuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=HottaKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiokaHiroshige en-aut-sei=Yoshioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshige kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoKeitaro en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Keitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoJunichi en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= en-aut-name=DateHiroshi en-aut-sei=Date en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=29 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=30 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chest Surgery, Fukushima Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chugoku Central Hospital, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720?0001, Japan; 8Department of Respiratory Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Nagara Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Surgery and Respiratory Center, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Surgery, Saga Medical Center Koseikan kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Medical Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Yamaguchi?Ube Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shimonoseki City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Tottori University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Oncology, Kansai Medical University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Biomedical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Tokai Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=29 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=30 en-affil=Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=non?small cell lung cancer kn-keyword=non?small cell lung cancer en-keyword=elderly patients kn-keyword=elderly patients en-keyword=adjuvant chemotherapy kn-keyword=adjuvant chemotherapy en-keyword=S?1 kn-keyword=S?1 en-keyword=EGFR kn-keyword=EGFR en-keyword=TP kn-keyword=TP en-keyword=TS kn-keyword=TS en-keyword=OPRT kn-keyword=OPRT en-keyword=ERCC1 kn-keyword=ERCC1 en-keyword=DPD kn-keyword=DPD END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240826 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Characteristic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding to Identify Morton Neuroma: The Slug Sign en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Morton neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain and sensory disturbances, but it is difficult to identify on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of a characteristic MRI finding (slug sign) for identifying Morton neuroma and to clarify the relationship between excised neuroma characteristics and preoperative MRI findings.
Methods: Twenty-two web spaces were retrospectively assessed from the second and third intermetatarsal spaces of 11 feet of 10 patients (7 women and 3 men, aged average 59.5?years) who underwent surgical excision of Morton neuroma between 2017 and 2022. Asymptomatic web spaces were used as control. Neuromas with 2 branches of the plantar digital nerves on axial T1-weighted MRI (MRI-T1WI) were considered the slug sign. We investigated the preoperative presence of the slug sign in Morton neuroma and asymptomatic control web spaces. We also investigated the relationship between the maximum transverse diameter of the excised specimen and that estimated on coronal MRI-T1WI.
Results: A total of 15 Morton neuromas were excised and assessed. The slug signs were present in 10 intermetatarsal spaces in 15 web spaces with Morton neuroma whereas the sign was found in 1 intermetatarsal space in 7 asymptomatic web spaces. The sensitivity and specificity for the slug sign to diagnose Morton neuroma was 66.7% and 85.7%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 90.9% and 54.5%, respectively. The mean maximum transverse diameter of excised neuromas was 4.7?mm. The mean maximum transverse diameter of neuromas on coronal MRI-T1WI was 3.4?mm. A significant positive correlation was found between the maximum transverse diameters of excised specimens and diameters estimated on coronal MRI-T1WI (r?=?0.799, P? Conclusion: The slug sign may be a useful indicator of Morton neuroma on MRI to confirm nerve involvement after bifurcation.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective series. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HoritaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Horita en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigaKenta en-aut-sei=Saiga en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Morton neuroma kn-keyword=Morton neuroma en-keyword=T1-weighted MRI kn-keyword=T1-weighted MRI en-keyword=forefoot pain kn-keyword=forefoot pain en-keyword=slug sign kn-keyword=slug sign END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=218 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=104922 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Alteration of perineuronal nets and parvalbumin interneurons in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and correlation with blood corticosterone in activity-based anorexia model mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by restricted energy intake, severely underweight status, and frequent hyperactivity. Previous research has shown structural and functional alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus of AN patients. To investigate the pathological mechanism of AN, we analyzed the expression and distribution of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and perineuronal nets (PNNs), which are implicated in the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders, in the mPFC and hippocampus dorsal (HPCd) and ventral (HPCv) using an activity-based anorexia (ABA) mouse model. We found that PNN expression and density increased in the mPFC, with minor alterations in the HPCd and HPCv of ABA mice. The expression and distribution of PV neurons were unchanged in the brains of ABA mice, except for a regional decrease in PV-expressing neuron density in the HPCd. Co-localization analysis showed an increased number of PNNs enwrapping PV-negative neurons in the mPFC of ABA mice. Furthermore, the upregulation of PNN expression in the mPFC was positively correlated with elevated blood corticosterone levels, a well-known stress indicator, in ABA mice. Our findings suggest that the increased expression and distribution of PNNs surrounding PV-negative neurons in the mPFC may indicate the pathological mechanisms of AN. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NguyenHoang Duy en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hoang Duy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyazakiHaruko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Haruko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangZiyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Ziyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoShinji en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakakiManabu en-aut-sei=Takaki en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OohashiToshitaka en-aut-sei=Oohashi en-aut-mei=Toshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=anorexia nervosa kn-keyword=anorexia nervosa en-keyword=activity-based anorexia kn-keyword=activity-based anorexia en-keyword=perineuronal nets kn-keyword=perineuronal nets en-keyword=parvalbumin kn-keyword=parvalbumin en-keyword=corticosterone kn-keyword=corticosterone en-keyword=prefrontal cortex kn-keyword=prefrontal cortex en-keyword=hippocampus kn-keyword=hippocampus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e60943 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250729 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Usefulness of Interventions Using a Smartphone Cognitive Behavior Therapy Application for Children With Mental Health Disorders: Prospective, Single-Arm, Uncontrolled Clinical Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The prevalence of mental health disorders among children in Japan has increased rapidly, and these children often show depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life (QOL). We previously developed a smartphone-based self-monitoring app to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), implemented it in healthy children, and reported its effectiveness for health promotion.
Objective: This study aims to examine the usefulness of the CBT app for improvement in depressive symptoms and QOL in children with mental health disorders.
Methods: The participants were 115 children with mental health disorders (eg, school refusal, orthostatic hypotension, eating disorders, developmental disorders, among others) and aged 12‐18 years. The CBT app?based program comprised 1 week of psychoeducation followed by 1 week of self-monitoring. After reading story-like scenarios, participants created a self-monitoring sheet with 5 panels: events, thoughts, feelings, body responses, and actions. All participants received regular mental health care from physicians in addition to the app-based program. To evaluate the participants’ depressive symptoms and QOL, Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-9A), Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were measured at the beginning of the intervention, and at 2 and 6 months thereafter. Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were also used to measure their health and self-esteem. Participants were divided into 4 groups on the basis of the PHQ-9A score (above or below the cutoff; PHQ-9A?5 or PHQ-9A<5) and completion or noncompletion of the CBT app?based program (app [+] or app [-]). The primary outcome was improvement in the DSRS-C score, and secondary outcomes were improvement in other psychometric scales including PedsQL, QTA30, and RSE. A paired-samples t test was used for statistical analysis. The Medical Ethics Committee of Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine (approval U22-05-002) approved the study design.
Results: There were 48, 18, 18, and 7 participants in the PHQ-9A?5 app (+), PHQ-9A?5 app (-), PHQ-9A<5 app (+), and PHQ-9A<5 app (-) groups, respectively. A total of 24 participants dropped out. No improvement in the DSRS-C score was observed in all groups. However, PedsQL scores improved significantly at 2 and 6 months in the PHQ-9A<5 app (+) group (t17=6.62; P<.001 and t17=6.11; P<.001, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between the PHQ-9A scores and the number of self-monitoring sheets completed.
Conclusions: The CBT app was useful for improving PedsQL scores of children with mental health disorders. However, a higher-intensity CBT program is necessary for more severely depressed children.
Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000046775; center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053360 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NagamitsuShinichiro en-aut-sei=Nagamitsu en-aut-mei=Shinichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaAyumi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Ayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakutaRyoichi en-aut-sei=Sakuta en-aut-mei=Ryoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiiRyuta en-aut-sei=Ishii en-aut-mei=Ryuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyanagiKenshi en-aut-sei=Koyanagi en-aut-mei=Kenshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabukawaChizu en-aut-sei=Habukawa en-aut-mei=Chizu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaTakashi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoMasaya en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanieAyako en-aut-sei=Kanie en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaniRyoko en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Ryoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueTakeshi en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitajimaTasuku en-aut-sei=Kitajima en-aut-mei=Tasuku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraNaoki en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaChie en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Chie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiChikako en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Chikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuYoshie en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Yoshie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaMichiko en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakumaTatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Kakuma en-aut-mei=Tatsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorikoshiMasaru en-aut-sei=Horikoshi en-aut-mei=Masaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Child Development and Psychosomatic Medicine Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Kurume University, School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Nagasaki Prefectural Center of Medicine and Welfare for Children kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Allergy, Minami Wakayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=L2B Inc kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Child Development and Psychosomatic Medicine Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Child Development and Psychosomatic Medicine Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Child Development and Psychosomatic Medicine Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Child Development and Psychosomatic Medicine Center, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Biostatistics Center, Kurume University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=National Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry kn-affil= en-keyword=smartphone kn-keyword=smartphone en-keyword=cognitive behavioral therapy kn-keyword=cognitive behavioral therapy en-keyword=application kn-keyword=application en-keyword=adolescent kn-keyword=adolescent en-keyword=youth kn-keyword=youth en-keyword=teen kn-keyword=teen en-keyword=pediatric kn-keyword=pediatric en-keyword=mental health kn-keyword=mental health en-keyword=psychoeducation kn-keyword=psychoeducation en-keyword=self-monitoring kn-keyword=self-monitoring en-keyword=questionnaire kn-keyword=questionnaire en-keyword=depressive symptoms kn-keyword=depressive symptoms en-keyword=effectiveness kn-keyword=effectiveness en-keyword=Japan kn-keyword=Japan en-keyword=statistical analysis kn-keyword=statistical analysis en-keyword=single-arm uncontrolled study kn-keyword=single-arm uncontrolled study en-keyword=mobile phone kn-keyword=mobile phone END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=26752 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250723 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=ADAR1 as a prognostic marker for patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis and a predictor of chemotherapy efficacy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=RNA editing by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes plays a role in cancer progression. However, its clinical significance in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether ADAR1 expression predicts prognosis and treatment response in colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous liver metastasis. This study included 40 patients with stage IV CRC and synchronous liver metastases. ADAR1 expression in tumor tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Expression levels were quantified using the immunoreactive score, and associations with clinicopathological features, overall survival (OS), and chemotherapy response were examined. High ADAR1 expression was significantly associated with multiple liver metastases (P?=?0.0206), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0241), and reduced response to chemotherapy (P?=?0.0224). Significantly shorter OS was observed in patients with high ADAR1 expression in the nucleus (P?=?0.0458). ADAR1 expression was an independent prognostic factor comparable to the presence of extrahepatic metastases. Low ADAR1 expression was correlated with a higher likelihood of achieving a response to chemotherapy. ADAR1 expression can reflect tumor aggressiveness and chemotherapy resistance in patients with CRC and synchronous liver metastasis. ADAR1 has considerable potential as a dual-purpose biomarker for stratifying patients based on prognosis and optimizing treatment intensity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NittaKaori en-aut-sei=Nitta en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuKunitoshi en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Kunitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaHibiki en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiToshiaki en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeKazuya en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaSho en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiYuki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishimotoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kishimoto en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KayanoMasashi en-aut-sei=Kayano en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraShunsuke en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MichiueHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Michiue en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanayaNobuhiko en-aut-sei=Kanaya en-aut-mei=Nobuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYuhei en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakeEiki en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShojiRyohei en-aut-sei=Shoji en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakiuchiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Kakiuchi en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=TazawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tazawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=RNA editing kn-keyword=RNA editing en-keyword=Liver metastasis kn-keyword=Liver metastasis en-keyword=Chemotherapy kn-keyword=Chemotherapy en-keyword=Biomarker kn-keyword=Biomarker en-keyword=Colorectal cancer kn-keyword=Colorectal cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=26 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=294 end-page=300 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240104 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluating the Patterns of FAPI Uptake in the Shoulder Joint: a Preliminary Study Comparing with FDG Uptake in Oncological Studies en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) targeting PET has been introduced as a novel molecular imaging modality for visualizing cancer-associated fibroblasts. There have also been reports suggesting incidental findings of localized accumulation in the shoulder joints. However, further characterization in a larger patient cohort is still lacking.
Methods 77 consecutive patients (28 females; mean age, 63.1?±?11.6) who underwent Ga-68 FAPI-04 PET/CT for diagnosis of solid tumors were included. The incidence and localization of tracer uptake in shoulder joints were investigated and compared with available F-18 FDG scans serving as reference.
Results Ga-68 FAPI-04 uptake was evaluated in 77 patients (154 shoulder joints), of whom 54 subjects (108 shoulder joints) also had available F-18 FDG scans for head-to-head comparison. On FAPI-targeted imaging, 67/154 shoulders (43.5%) demonstrated increased radiotracer accumulation in target lesions, which were distributed as follows: acromioclavicular (AC) joints in 25/67 (37.3%), followed by glenohumeral and subacromial (GH?+?SA) joints in 23/67 (34.3%), or both (AC and GH?+?SA joints) in the remaining 19/67 (28.4%). Ga-68 FAPI-04 correlated with quantified F-18 FDG uptake (r?=?0.69, p? Conclusion Our study revealed focal accumulation of Ga-68 FAPI-04 in the shoulders, particularly in the AC joints, with higher uptake compared to the inflammatory-directed PET radiotracer F-18 FDG in oncological studies. As a result, further trials are warranted to investigate the potential of FAPI-directed molecular imaging in identifying chronic remodeling in shoulder joints. This could have implications for initiating anti-FAP targeted photodynamic therapy based on PET signal strength. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsusakaYohji en-aut-sei=Matsusaka en-aut-mei=Yohji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WernerRudolf A. en-aut-sei=Werner en-aut-mei=Rudolf A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SerflingSebastian E. en-aut-sei=Serfling en-aut-mei=Sebastian E. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=BuckAndreas K. en-aut-sei=Buck en-aut-mei=Andreas K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosmalaAleksander en-aut-sei=Kosmala en-aut-mei=Aleksander kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiTakanori en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WeichAlexander en-aut-sei=Weich en-aut-mei=Alexander kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Molecular Imaging of the Heart, University Hospital of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Molecular Imaging of the Heart, University Hospital of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Molecular Imaging of the Heart, University Hospital of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Molecular Imaging of the Heart, University Hospital of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Molecular Imaging of the Heart, University Hospital of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Molecular Imaging of the Heart, University Hospital of W?rzburg kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Fibroblast activation inhibitor kn-keyword=Fibroblast activation inhibitor en-keyword=Shoulder kn-keyword=Shoulder en-keyword=Acromioclavicular joints kn-keyword=Acromioclavicular joints en-keyword=F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose kn-keyword=F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose en-keyword=Positron emission tomography kn-keyword=Positron emission tomography en-keyword=FAP kn-keyword=FAP en-keyword=Ga-68 FAPI-04 kn-keyword=Ga-68 FAPI-04 en-keyword=Rheumatoid arthritis kn-keyword=Rheumatoid arthritis en-keyword=Osteoarthritis kn-keyword=Osteoarthritis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=uhae248 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240904 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A low-cost dpMIG-seq method for elucidating complex inheritance in polysomic crops: a case study in tetraploid blueberry en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Next-generation sequencing (NGS) library construction often requires high-quality DNA extraction, precise adjustment of DNA concentration, and restriction enzyme digestion to reduce genome complexity, which results in increased time and cost in sample preparation and processing. To address these challenges, a PCR-based method for rapid NGS library preparation, named dpMIG-seq, has been developed and proven effective for high-throughput genotyping. However, the application of dpMIG-seq has been limited to diploid and polyploid species with disomic inheritance. In this study, we obtained genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for tetraploid blueberry to evaluate genotyping and downstream analysis outcomes. Comparison of genotyping qualities inferred across samples with different DNA concentrations and multiple bioinformatics approaches revealed high accuracy and reproducibility of dpMIG-seq-based genotyping, with Pearson's correlation coefficients between replicates in the range of 0.91 to 0.98. Furthermore, we demonstrated that dpMIG-seq enables accurate genotyping of samples with low DNA concentrations. Subsequently, we applied dpMIG-seq to a tetraploid F1 population to examine the inheritance probability of parental alleles. Pairing configuration analysis supported the random meiotic pairing of homologous chromosomes on a genome-wide level. On the other hand, preferential pairing was observed on chr-11, suggesting that there may be an exception to the random pairing. Genotypic data suggested quadrivalent formation within the population, although the frequency of quadrivalent formation varied by chromosome and cultivar. Collectively, the results confirmed applicability of dpMIG-seq for allele dosage genotyping and are expected to catalyze the adoption of this cost-effective and rapid genotyping technology in polyploid studies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NagasakaKyoka en-aut-sei=Nagasaka en-aut-mei=Kyoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraKazusa en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Kazusa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MotokiKo en-aut-sei=Motoki en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamagataKeigo en-aut-sei=Yamagata en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaSoichiro en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneHisayo en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Hisayo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaoRyutaro en-aut-sei=Tao en-aut-mei=Ryutaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoRyohei en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakazakiTetsuya en-aut-sei=Nakazaki en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=93 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=335 end-page=343 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Elucidation of Low-temperature Regulated Flavone Synthesis in Dahlia Variabilis and its Effects on Flower Color en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) flower colors are diverse and are determined by the accumulation of flavonoids. Cultivars with dark red flowers accumulate more anthocyanins in their petals. Flower color changes such as color fading often occur in some cultivars. In this study, low minimum temperature regulated flower color fading and flavonoid synthesis in dahlia ‘Nessho’ were investigated. The pigment contents and expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis genes were investigated in detail under several growing environments in which color fading occurs. Flavones accumulate more in color-faded orange flowers than in dark red ray florets. The expression analysis of the anthocyanin synthesis pathway genes indicated that the upregulation of flavone synthase (DvFNS) gene expression correlated with the high accumulation of flavones in color-faded petals. DvFNS expression was also detected in young leaves, and the expression level was higher in winter than in summer. Seasonal changes in DvFNS expression in young leaves significantly correlated with color fading in petals. The change in DvFNS expression in young unexpanded leaves of relatively high-sensitive plants was significantly higher than that of low-sensitive plants before and after treatment under inductive conditions. In conclusion, low-temperature-inducible changes in the flavonoid accumulation in petals was suggested to reflect a change in DvFNS expression occurring in the meristem prior to flower bud formation. This temporal DvFNS expression in young unexpanded leaves of ‘Nessho’ dahlia could be an insight for the selection and breeding of non-color fading plants. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=K. MuthamiaEdna en-aut-sei=K. Muthamia en-aut-mei=Edna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoKoji en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaHiromasa en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KarasawaYukino en-aut-sei=Karasawa en-aut-mei=Yukino kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikumuraTokuyu en-aut-sei=Kikumura en-aut-mei=Tokuyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaraTakuya en-aut-sei=Nara en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamauzuYasunori en-aut-sei=Hamauzu en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MotokiKo en-aut-sei=Motoki en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasubaKen-ichiro en-aut-sei=Yasuba en-aut-mei=Ken-ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYuichi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraYoshikuni en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Yoshikuni kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotoTanjuro en-aut-sei=Goto en-aut-mei=Tanjuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=anthocyanin kn-keyword=anthocyanin en-keyword=dahlia kn-keyword=dahlia en-keyword=flavone synthase kn-keyword=flavone synthase en-keyword=seasonal color fading kn-keyword=seasonal color fading en-keyword=young unexpanded leaves kn-keyword=young unexpanded leaves END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=20715 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250701 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in the incidence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Japan: an observational study from 2013 to 2022 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We aimed to determine the 10-year trend in the incidence of Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Japan. This retrospective observational study used a publicly available national database. Trends in the incidence of SFTS with annual percent changes (APC) were examined using Joinpoint regression analysis with stratification by patient age, season, and region. The association between disease incidence and environmental factors was investigated using Spearman’s rank correlation. Between 2013 and 2022, there were 803 notified cases (397 males and 406 females) of SFTS, with 79.5% aged???65 years. The annual incidence rate increased continuously with an APC of 9.6%. The incidence peaked between May and June, with 80.8% of cases observed between May and October. The incidence was predominantly higher in western Japan, and the mean annual incidence rate was the highest in Miyazaki prefecture, with 0.89 per 100,000 people. Correlations between the SFTS incidence rates and environmental factors were observed in western Japan, with forest area (correlation coefficient, 0.80), followed by agricultural population rate (0.70). SFTS incidence is continuously increasing in Japan, especially among the elderly population. Environmental factors such as broader forest areas and increased agricultural population were possibly associated with the incidence. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukushimaShinnosuke en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Shinnosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkazawaHidemasa en-aut-sei=Akazawa en-aut-mei=Hidemasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Health Data Science, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Epidemiology kn-keyword=Epidemiology en-keyword=Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) kn-keyword=Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) en-keyword=Tick-borne infectious disease kn-keyword=Tick-borne infectious disease en-keyword=Joinpoint regression analysis kn-keyword=Joinpoint regression analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=17720 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A meta-linked isomer of ITIC: influence of aggregation patterns on open-circuit voltage in organic solar cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Improving the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of organic solar cells (OSCs) remains an important challenge. While it is known that the energy levels at the donor/acceptor (D/A) interface affect the VOC, the impact of aggregation patterns on the energy levels at the D/A interface has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we focus on ITIC, a widely used acceptor in OSCs, and designed a meta-linked isomer of ITIC (referred to as im-ITIC) to alter molecular symmetry and modify substitution arrangements. Concentration-dependent 1H NMR spectra revealed that im-ITIC shows stronger aggregation behavior in solution. Single-crystal X-ray analysis showed that im-ITIC forms both tail-to-tail (J-aggregation) and face-to-face (H-aggregation) stacking modes, whereas ITIC exclusively forms tail-to-tail stacking. OSCs based on PBDB-T:im-ITIC showed a high VOC value of 1.02 V, which is 0.12 V higher than that of those based on PBDB-T:ITIC. Time-resolved infrared measurements revealed the lifetime of free electrons for the pristine and blend films. The energy levels of the charge transfer state (ECT) for PBDB-T:im-ITIC- and PBDB-T:ITIC OSCs were determined to be 1.57 and 1.39 eV, respectively, correlating with the VOC values. Theoretical calculations indicated that pronounced H-aggregation in im-ITIC increases the ECT compared with J-aggregation, contributing to the improved VOC. This study underscores the critical impact of molecular aggregation patterns on energy alignment and VOC enhancement, offering insights into molecular design for achieving high VOC in OSCs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangKai en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Kai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=JinnaiSeihou en-aut-sei=Jinnai en-aut-mei=Seihou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UesakaKaito en-aut-sei=Uesaka en-aut-mei=Kaito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamakataAkira en-aut-sei=Yamakata en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IeYutaka en-aut-sei=Ie en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), The University of Osaka kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), The University of Osaka kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250710 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Tumor Microvessels with Specific Morphology as a Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Angiogenesis is essential for tumor progression. Microvessel density (MVD) is a widely used histological method to assess angiogenesis using immunostained sections, but its prognostic significance in esophageal cancer remains controversial. Recently, the evaluation of microvascular architecture has gained importance as a method to assess tumor aggressiveness. The present study aimed to identify the histological characteristics of tumor microvessels that are associated with the aggressiveness of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Patients and Methods A total of 108 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues were immunohistochemically stained with blood vessel markers and angiogenesis-related markers, including CD31, alpha smooth muscle actin, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), CD206, and D2-40. MVD, microvessel pericyte coverage index (MPI), and tumor vascular morphology were evaluated by microscopy.
Results MVD was significantly associated with patient outcomes, whereas neither MPI nor VEGF-A expression throughout the tumor showed a significant correlation. In addition, the presence of blood vessels encircling clusters of tumor cells, termed C-shaped microvessels, and excessively branching microvessels, termed X-shaped microvessels, was significantly associated with poor prognosis. These vessel types were also correlated with clinicopathological parameters, including deeper invasion of the primary tumor, presence of lymph node metastasis, advanced pathological stage, and distant metastasis. Focal VEGF-A immunoexpression in tumor cells was higher in areas containing C-shaped or X-shaped microvessels compared with areas lacking these vessel morphologies.
Conclusions The data suggest that tumor microvessels with specific morphologies (C-shaped and X-shaped microvessels) may serve as a promising prognostic factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TunHnin Thida en-aut-sei=Tun en-aut-mei=Hnin Thida kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraSeitaro en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Seitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunitomoTomoyoshi en-aut-sei=Kunitomo en-aut-mei=Tomoyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Esophageal neoplasms kn-keyword=Esophageal neoplasms en-keyword=Angiogenesis kn-keyword=Angiogenesis en-keyword=Microvessel density kn-keyword=Microvessel density en-keyword=Pericytes kn-keyword=Pericytes en-keyword=VEGF-A kn-keyword=VEGF-A en-keyword=Immunohistochemistry kn-keyword=Immunohistochemistry en-keyword=Prognosis kn-keyword=Prognosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=26 article-no= start-page=12024 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Collective motions in the primary coordination sphere: a critical functional framework for catalytic activity of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Photosynthetic water oxidation, vital for dioxygen production and light energy conversion, is catalyzed by the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, where the inorganic Mn4CaO5 cluster acts as the catalytic core. In this study, we investigate the functional significance of collective motions of amino acid side chains within the primary coordination sphere of the Mn cluster, focusing on their role in modulating the energetic demands for catalytic transformations in the S3 state. We applied regularized canonical correlation analysis to quantitatively correlate the three-dimensional arrangement of coordinating atoms with catalytic driving forces computed via density functional theory. Our analysis reveals that distinct collective side chain motions profoundly influence the energetic requirements for structural reconfigurations of the Mn cluster, achieved through expansion and contraction of the ligand cavity while fine-tuning its geometry to stabilize key intermediates. Complementary predictions from a neural network-based machine learning model indicate that the coordination sphere exerts a variable energetic impact on the catalytic transformations of the Mn cluster, depending on the S-state environment. Integrated computational analyses suggest that the extended lifetime of the S3YZ? state, consistently observed after three flash illuminations, may result from slow, progressive protein dynamics that continuously reshape the energy landscape, thereby shifting the equilibrium positions of rapid, reversible chemical processes over time. Overall, our findings demonstrate that collective motions in the primary coordination sphere constitute an active, dynamic framework essential for the efficient execution of multi-electron catalysis under ambient conditions, while simultaneously achieving a high selectivity with irreversible nature required for effective 3O2 evolution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IsobeHiroshi en-aut-sei=Isobe en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaMichihiro en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Michihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShenJian-Ren en-aut-sei=Shen en-aut-mei=Jian-Ren kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiKizashi en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Kizashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, Osaka University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=510 end-page=524 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250626 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=C1orf50 Drives Malignant Melanoma Progression Through the Regulation of Stemness en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background/Aim: Recent advancements in omics analysis have significantly enhanced our understanding of the molecular pathology of malignant melanoma, leading to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target specific vulnerabilities within the disease. Despite these improvements, the factors contributing to the poor prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of C1orf50 (Chromosome 1 open reading frame 50), a gene previously of unknown function, as a prognostic biomarker in melanoma.
Materials and Methods: We performed comprehensive transcriptome data analysis and subsequent functional validation of the human Skin Cutaneous Melanoma project from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
Results: Elevated expression levels of C1orf50 correlated with worse survival outcomes. Mechanistically, we revealed that C1orf50 plays a significant role in the regulation of cell cycle processes and cancer cell stemness, providing a potential avenue for novel therapeutic interventions in melanoma.
Conclusion: This study is the first to identify C1orf50 as a prognostic biomarker in melanoma. The clinical relevance of our results sheds light on the importance of further investigation into the biological mechanisms underpinning C1orf50’s impact on melanoma progression and patient prognosis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OTANIYUSUKE en-aut-sei=OTANI en-aut-mei=YUSUKE kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MAEKAWAMASAKI en-aut-sei=MAEKAWA en-aut-mei=MASAKI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TANAKAATSUSHI en-aut-sei=TANAKA en-aut-mei=ATSUSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PE?ATIRSO en-aut-sei=PE?A en-aut-mei=TIRSO kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=CHINVANESSA D. en-aut-sei=CHIN en-aut-mei=VANESSA D. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ROGACHEVSKAYAANNA en-aut-sei=ROGACHEVSKAYA en-aut-mei=ANNA kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TOYOOKASHINICHI en-aut-sei=TOYOOKA en-aut-mei=SHINICHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ROEHRLMICHAEL H. en-aut-sei=ROEHRL en-aut-mei=MICHAEL H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FUJIMURAATSUSHI en-aut-sei=FUJIMURA en-aut-mei=ATSUSHI kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=UMass Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=C1orf50 kn-keyword=C1orf50 en-keyword=melanoma kn-keyword=melanoma en-keyword=cancer stem cells kn-keyword=cancer stem cells en-keyword=YAP/TAZ kn-keyword=YAP/TAZ END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=17 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e83484 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Detailed Ophthalmic and Pathological Features of Choroidal Metastasis From Breast Cancer: A Case Series of Five Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Breast cancer causes choroidal metastases on rare occasions. This study presented the eye manifestations of choroidal metastases from breast cancer and their response to treatments in detail as well as their pathological correlation in five patients. The patients' age at the diagnosis of breast cancer ranged from 24 to 69 years (median: 37 years). The time from the diagnosis of breast cancer to the detection of metastases was concurrent in one patient, two years later in three patients, and six years later in the other patient. The time from the detection of systemic metastases to the detection of choroidal metastases was the same in one patient, while it ranged from one to seven years later in four patients. Choroidal metastases were in the unilateral eye of four patients, whereas they were in both eyes of one patient. Choroidal metastases manifested as one or a few nodular or flat choroidal lesions with serous retinal detachment. As for the treatment of choroidal metastases, enucleation of the right eye was chosen based on the patient's wish as well as the family's wish in the earliest patient when cancer notification was not the norm in Japan. In the other four patients, whole-eye radiation was performed to reduce the choroidal metastatic lesions. As regards the prognosis, which was available in four patients, three patients died within one year from the diagnosis of choroidal metastases, while one patient died one year and eight months later. Regarding the pathology of breast cancer, which was available in four patients, immunostaining of the preserved enucleated eye in the earliest patient revealed that breast cancer cells in the choroidal metastatic lesion were positive for estrogen receptor and negative for progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Invasive ductal carcinoma in two patients was positive for estrogen receptor and negative for HER2, while invasive ductal carcinoma in the other patient was triple-negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 with a high Ki-67 index. In conclusion, the prognosis for life was poor in patients with breast cancer who developed choroidal metastases. Choroidal metastatic lesions showed a response to whole-eye radiation to improve the quality of vision at the end of life. Vision-related symptoms should be monitored in the course of chemotherapy for systemic metastases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienTadahiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Tadahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraokaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Muraoka en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiharaHiroyoshi en-aut-sei=Doihara en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Healthcare Science, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer en-keyword=chemotherapy kn-keyword=chemotherapy en-keyword=choroidal metastasis kn-keyword=choroidal metastasis en-keyword=estrogen receptor kn-keyword=estrogen receptor en-keyword=her2 kn-keyword=her2 en-keyword=immunostaining kn-keyword=immunostaining en-keyword=invasive ductal carcinoma kn-keyword=invasive ductal carcinoma en-keyword=ki-67 kn-keyword=ki-67 en-keyword=progesterone receptor kn-keyword=progesterone receptor en-keyword=radiation kn-keyword=radiation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250616 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Leg-biting fights reduce the number of sperm transferred by the loser and in draws in Zophobas atratus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Intra-sexual selection has been observed across a wide range of species. Male-male combat can not only determine the winner and loser but also affect subsequent reproductive success. The effects of combat outcomes on reproduction are thought to depend on the reproductive ecology of the target species. However, to our knowledge, studies examining the impact of combat outcomes on sperm competition and fitness remain limited. In the giant mealworm (Zophobas atratus), male’s combat involves biting each other's hind legs. Females mated to the losers of leg-biting contests had significantly fewer eggs and fewer offspring than females mated to males that were not in a contest. Possible explanations for this fitness reduction include the inability of males to transfer sperm effectively due to the combat outcome or the inability of their sperm to fertilize eggs due to female cryptic sperm choice, and the mechanisms underlying this reduction remain unclear. Previous studies have observed distorted mating postures in losing males, leading us to hypothesize that leg-biting during combat might affect sperm transfer. To test this, we allowed uncontested males, winners, losers, and males with a draw outcome to mate with females and compared the number of sperm within the female’s spermatheca. Additionally, we examined the correlation between combat duration and sperm count. Results showed that losers and males with draw transferred fewer sperm than non-combat males. Moreover, the longer the combat duration, the fewer sperm males were able to transfer. These findings suggest that the reduction in sperm transferred was affected by both losing in combat and prolonged combat duration in leg-biting encounters. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuuraTeruhisa en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Teruhisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyatakeTakahisa en-aut-sei=Miyatake en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Male combat kn-keyword=Male combat en-keyword=Male-male competition kn-keyword=Male-male competition en-keyword=Sperm transfer kn-keyword=Sperm transfer en-keyword=Sperm biology kn-keyword=Sperm biology END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=745 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250521 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exploring the relationship between posture-dependent airway assessment in orthodontics: insights from kinetic MRI, cephalometric data, and three-dimensional MRI analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Previous studies have assessed the upper airway using various examination methods, such as cephalometric imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is a significant gap in the research regarding the relationship between these different imaging modalities. This study compares airway assessments using kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans, examining their correlation with three dimensional (3D) MRI data.
Materials and methods Kinetic MRI, cephalometric scans, and 3D MRI of forty-seven participants were used in the present study. Airway areas and widths were measured at the retropalatal, retroglossal, and hypopharyngeal levels in both kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans. Airway volumes were calculated from 3D MRI data. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression, were performed to evaluate the data and identify significant differences, correlations, and prediction models, respectively.
Results Significant differences were found between kinetic MRI and cephalometric scans. Cephalometric data showed larger airway areas and widths compared to kinetic MRI measurements. Although both cephalometric and kinetic MRI showed a correlation with 3D MRI, kinetic MRI demonstrated stronger correlations with 3D MRI airway volumes than cephalometric scans. According to our linear regression model equations, RPA-Max (maximum retropalatal airway area) and RPA (retropalatal airway area) can elucidate variations in RPV (retropalatal airway volume). RGA-Med (median retroglossal airway area) and RGA-Min (minimum retroglossal airway area) can explain variations in RGV (retroglossal airway volume). HPA (hypopharyngeal airway area) and ULHPAW-Max (maximum upper limit hypopharyngeal airway width) account for variations in HPV (hypopharyngeal airway volume). Additionally, TA-Max (maximum total airway area) can account for variations in TPV (total pharyngeal airway volume).ConclusionBoth cephalometric data and kinetic MRI data showed correlations with 3D MRI data. The shared posture of kinetic MRI and 3D MRI led to stronger correlations between these two modalities. Although cephalometric data had fewer correlations with 3D MRI and predictors for 3D airway volume, they were still significant. Our study highlights the complementary nature of kinetic MRI and cephalometric imaging, as both provide valuable information for airway assessment and exhibit significant correlations with 3D MRI data. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkaNaoki en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HabumugishaJanvier en-aut-sei=Habumugisha en-aut-mei=Janvier kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaTomoki en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaAtsuro en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Atsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanabeNoriaki en-aut-sei=Kawanabe en-aut-mei=Noriaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IzawaTakashi en-aut-sei=Izawa en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamiokaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kamioka en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tottori University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Kinetic MRI kn-keyword=Kinetic MRI en-keyword=Posture kn-keyword=Posture en-keyword=Airway assessment kn-keyword=Airway assessment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=295 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=128303 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20251201 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Using a microfluidic paper-based analytical device and solid-phase extraction to determine phosphate concentration en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Phosphate is an essential nutrient, but in high concentrations it contributes to water pollution. Traditional methods for phosphate measurement, such as absorption spectrophotometry and ion chromatography, require expensive equipment and skilled operators. This study introduces a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) that is designed to accomplish field-based, low-concentration phosphate measurements. This μPAD utilizes colorimetric detection based on the molybdenum blue method. Herein, we describe how the conditions were optimized in terms of design and sensitivity by adjusting reagent concentrations, paper thickness, and the time frames for sample introduction, and reaction. The operation consists of simply dipping the μPAD into a sample, capturing images in a home-made photo studio box, and processing the images with ImageJ software to measure RGB intensity. An additional preconcentration step involves solid-phase extraction with an anion exchange resin that achieves a 10-fold enrichment, which enables detection that ranges from 0.05 to 1 mg L?1 with a detection limit of 0.089 mg L?1 and a quantification limit of 0.269 mg L?1. The replicated measurements showed good reproducibility both intraday and interday (five different days) as 4.7 % and 3.0 % of relative standard deviations, respectively. After storage in a refrigerator for as long as 26 days, this μPAD delivered stable and accurate results for real-world samples of natural water, soil, and toothpaste. The results produced using this system correlate well with those produced via spectrophotometry. This μPAD-based method is a cost-effective, portable, rapid, and simple approach that allows relatively unskilled operators to monitor phosphate concentrations in field applications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DanchanaKaewta en-aut-sei=Danchana en-aut-mei=Kaewta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NambaHaruka en-aut-sei=Namba en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanetaTakashi en-aut-sei=Kaneta en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Phosphate kn-keyword=Phosphate en-keyword=Microfluidic paper-based analytical device kn-keyword=Microfluidic paper-based analytical device en-keyword=Solid-phase extraction kn-keyword=Solid-phase extraction en-keyword=Anion exchanger kn-keyword=Anion exchanger en-keyword=Molybdenum blue method kn-keyword=Molybdenum blue method END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=14323 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250424 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Lymphatic flow dynamics under exercise load assessed with thoracic duct ultrasonography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The thoracic duct (TD) is the largest lymphatic vessel proximal to the venous system. It undergoes morphological changes in response to lymph flow from the periphery, with automatic contraction controlling the dynamics to propel lymph toward the venous system. Recent advancements in ultrasonography have facilitated non-invasive observations of the TD’s terminal, including its valve and wall motions. Observations of TD movements allow predictions of lymphatic flow dynamics. However, no studies have yet documented the changes in the TD under exercise-induced lymph flow enhancement in humans. Here, using 18-MHz high-frequency ultrasonography, we demonstrate for the first time that the TD diameter significantly expands under exercise load. This study analyzed 20 participants; the maximum TD diameters at rest and post-exercise were 2.69?±?1.06 mm and 3.41?±?1.32 mm, respectively (p?=?0.00000056). While various methods exist for observing the TD, our approach?dynamically monitoring the TD diameter using sonography in real time and correlating it with lymphatic flow dynamics?offers a novel contribution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShinaokaAkira en-aut-sei=Shinaoka en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimataYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Kimata en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Lymphatics and Edematology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Lymphedema kn-keyword=Lymphedema en-keyword=Lymphatic function kn-keyword=Lymphatic function en-keyword=Lymph flow kn-keyword=Lymph flow en-keyword=Chylothorax kn-keyword=Chylothorax en-keyword=Chylous ascites,lymph velocity kn-keyword=Chylous ascites,lymph velocity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=116 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250416 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=ADAR1-high tumor-associated macrophages induce drug resistance and are therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been shown to promote drug resistance. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA-editing, as regulated by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), is a process that induces the posttranscriptional modification of critical oncogenes. The aim of this study is to determine whether the signals from cancer cells would induce RNA-editing in macrophages.
Methods The effects of RNA-editing on phenotypes in macrophages were analyzed using clinical samples and in vitro and in vivo models.
Results The intensity of the RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1 (Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1) in cancer and mononuclear cells indicated a strong positive correlation between the nucleus and cytoplasm. The ADAR1-positive mononuclear cells were positive for CD68 and CD163, a marker for M2 macrophages. Cancer cells transport pro-inflammatory cytokines or ADAR1 protein directly to macrophages via the exosomes, promoting RNA-editing in AZIN1 (Antizyme Inhibitor 1) and GLI1 (Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog 1) and resulting in M2 macrophage polarization. GLI1 RNA-editing in the macrophages induced by cancer cells promotes the secretion of SPP1, which is supplied to the cancer cells. This activates the NF kappa B pathway in cancer cells, promoting oxaliplatin resistance. When the JAK inhibitors were administered, oncogenic RNA-editing in the macrophages was suppressed. This altered the macrophage polarization from M2 to M1 and decreased oxaliplatin resistance in cancer cells.
Conclusions This study revealed that ADAR1-high TAMs are crucial in regulating drug resistance in CRC and that targeting ADAR1 in TAMs could be a promising treatment approach for overcoming drug resistance in CRC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UmedaHibiki en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuKunitoshi en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Kunitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiToshiaki en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeKazuya en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaSho en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanoShuya en-aut-sei=Yano en-aut-mei=Shuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiYuki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishimotoHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Kishimoto en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=KayanoMasashi en-aut-sei=Kayano en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MichiueHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Michiue en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriYoshiko en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Yoshiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraishiFuminori en-aut-sei=Teraishi en-aut-mei=Fuminori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=TazawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tazawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaYuzo en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=GoelAjay en-aut-sei=Goel en-aut-mei=Ajay kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Gradu?ate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=RNA-editing kn-keyword=RNA-editing en-keyword=Macrophage kn-keyword=Macrophage en-keyword=Chemoresistance kn-keyword=Chemoresistance en-keyword=Biomarker kn-keyword=Biomarker en-keyword=Colorectal cancer kn-keyword=Colorectal cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=81 end-page=92 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Outcomes of Neoadjuvant Paclitaxel/Cisplatin/Gemcitabine Compared with Gemcitabine/Cisplatin for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We retrospectively evaluated the oncologic outcomes of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine (PCG) with those of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. The primary outcome was efficacy: pathological complete response (pCR), ypT0N0; and pathological objective response (pOR), ypT0N0, ? ypT1N0, or ypT0N1. Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), predictive factors for pOR, OS, and RFS, and hematologic adverse events (AEs). Among 113 patients treated (PCG, n=28; GC, n=85), similar pOR and pCR rates were achieved by the groups (pOR: PCG, 57.1% vs. GC, 49. 4%; p=0.52; pCR: PCG, 39.3% vs. GC, 29.4%; p=0.36). No significant differences were observed in OS (p=1.0) or RFS (p=0.20). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hydronephrosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.92) and clinical node-positive status (cN+) (OR 0.22, 95%CI: 0.050-0.99) were significantly associated with a decreased probability of pOR. On multivariate Cox regression analyses, pOR achievement was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.23, 95%CI: 0.10-0.56) and RFS (HR 0.30, 95%CI: 0.13-0.67). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of grade ? 3 hematologic AEs or dose-reduction required, but the PCG group had a higher incidence of grade 4 neutropenia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaTatsushi en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsugawaTakuji en-aut-sei=Tsugawa en-aut-mei=Takuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuboiKazuma en-aut-sei=Tsuboi en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakehiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BekkuKensuke en-aut-sei=Bekku en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiTomoko en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=EdamuraKohei en-aut-sei=Edamura en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=EbaraShin en-aut-sei=Ebara en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiMotoo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Motoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Urology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=urothelial carcinoma kn-keyword=urothelial carcinoma en-keyword=paclitaxel kn-keyword=paclitaxel en-keyword=cisplatin kn-keyword=cisplatin en-keyword=gemcitabine kn-keyword=gemcitabine en-keyword=neoadjuvant kn-keyword=neoadjuvant END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=37 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=16 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The preoperative flexion tear gap affects postoperative meniscus stability after pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tear en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background We investigated whether the preoperative flexion tear gap (FTG) observed in open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affects meniscus stability after medial meniscus (MM) posterior root (MMPR) repairs. Furthermore, time-correlated MRI findings from MMPR tear occurrence were evaluated.
Methods This retrospective observational study included 54 patients (mean age, 64.6 years; 13 males and 41 females) who underwent pullout repair for radial degenerative MMPR tear. Meniscus stability (scored 0-4 points) was assessed using a semi-quantitative arthroscopic scoring system during second-look arthroscopy 1 year postoperatively. The FTG was evaluated on preoperative axial MRI at 90 degrees knee flexion. Other MRI measurements included MM extrusion (MME) at 10 degrees knee flexion, MM posterior extrusion (MMPE) at 90 degrees knee flexion, and MM posteromedial extrusion (MMpmE) at 90 degrees knee flexion preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The correlation between the arthroscopic stability score and MRI findings was investigated. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was calculated to predict a good meniscus healing score (3-4 points). The correlation between the FTG and patient demographics, including time from injury to MRI, was analyzed.
Results At 1 year postoperatively, MME increased by 1.1 mm, while MMpmE and MMPE decreased by 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively. The meniscus stability score was negatively correlated with the preoperative FTG (r = -0.61, p < 0.01). The time from injury to MRI was significantly correlated with the preoperative FTG. The receiver-operating characteristic curve identified an FTG cut-off value of 8.7 mm for predicting good postoperative stability, with sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 85%, respectively.
Conclusions FTG evaluated with open MRI at 90 degrees knee flexion was associated with time from injury and affected meniscus stability following pullout repair. MMPR tears should be treated in the early phase to increase meniscus healing stability. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitayamaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kitayama en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Posterior root tear kn-keyword=Posterior root tear en-keyword=Distance kn-keyword=Distance en-keyword=Pullout repair kn-keyword=Pullout repair en-keyword=Second-look arthroscopy kn-keyword=Second-look arthroscopy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=e0320482 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Serum uric acid level is associated with renal arteriolar hyalinosis and predicts post-donation renal function in living kidney donors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Major guidelines for living-donor kidney transplantation underscore the need for pre-donation evaluation of renal function, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and albuminuria to minimize the risk of donation from marginal donors. However, validity is yet to be established. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between clinical characteristics and histological indices in baseline renal biopsies (0-h biopsies) and whether these parameters could predict renal function in living kidney donors one year post-donation. Seventy-six living kidney donors were recruited for this study. In histological analyses, glomerulosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, arteriolar hyalinosis, and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores/indices were evaluated. Post-donation serum creatinine levels in kidney donors with arteriolar hyalinosis were significantly higher than those in individuals without arteriolar hyalinosis. There was a significant correlation between baseline serum uric acid levels and the arteriolar hyalinosis index, with baseline uric acid level identified as an independent factor for hyalinosis in multiple regression analysis. Additionally, the serum uric acid level was a significant prognostic factor for post-donation serum creatinine after adjustment for baseline clinical parameters. These data demonstrate that pre-donation serum uric acid levels are associated with arteriolar hyalinosis in the kidney and could predict a decline in renal function during the first year after donation in living kidney donors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KanoYuzuki en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Yuzuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaMasashi en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamanoiTomoaki en-aut-sei=Yamanoi en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinagaKasumi en-aut-sei=Yoshinaga en-aut-mei=Kasumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=BekkuKensuke en-aut-sei=Bekku en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraShingo en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiMotoo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Motoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center and Department of Medical Care Work, Kawasaki College of Health Professions kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Urology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=143 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Hair Drawing Evaluation Algorithm for Exactness Assessment Method in Portrait Drawing Learning Assistant System en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, portrait drawing has become increasingly popular as a means of developing artistic skills and nurturing emotional expression. However, it is challenging for novices to start learning it, as they usually lack a solid grasp of proportions and structural foundations of the five senses. To address this problem, we have studied Portrait Drawing Learning Assistant System (PDLAS) for guiding novices by providing auxiliary lines of facial features, generated by utilizing OpenPose and OpenCV libraries. For PDLAS, we have also presented the exactness assessment method to evaluate drawing accuracy using the Normalized Cross-Correlation (NCC) algorithm. It calculates the similarity score between the drawing result and the initial portrait photo. Unfortunately, the current method does not assess the hair drawing, although it occupies a large part of a portrait and often determines its quality. In this paper, we present a hair drawing evaluation algorithm for the exactness assessment method to offer comprehensive feedback to users in PDLAS. To emphasize hair lines, this algorithm extracts the texture of the hair region by computing the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the hair image. For evaluations, we applied the proposal to drawing results by seven students from Okayama University, Japan and confirmed the validity. In addition, we observed the NCC score improvement in PDLAS by modifying the face parts with low similarity scores from the exactness assessment method. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangYue en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Yue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FebriantiErita Cicilia en-aut-sei=Febrianti en-aut-mei=Erita Cicilia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudarsonoAmang en-aut-sei=Sudarsono en-aut-mei=Amang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HsuChenchien en-aut-sei=Hsu en-aut-mei=Chenchien kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=portrait drawing kn-keyword=portrait drawing en-keyword=auxiliary lines kn-keyword=auxiliary lines en-keyword=OpenPose kn-keyword=OpenPose en-keyword=OpenCV kn-keyword=OpenCV en-keyword=normalized cross-correlation (NCC) kn-keyword=normalized cross-correlation (NCC) en-keyword=hair texture kn-keyword=hair texture en-keyword=exactness assessment method kn-keyword=exactness assessment method END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=33 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=283 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250315 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cancer-related alopecia and wig acquisition: how age, sex, and treatment affect patient choices en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose This study aimed to explore the prevalence and cost of wig purchases among patients with cancer in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, and examine the relationship between wig purchases and various demographic, social, and clinical factors. The findings aim to provide insights into appearance care and support systems for patients with cancer, particularly wig subsidies.
Methods A survey was conducted between July and August 2023 among 3000 patients with cancer at 13 designated cancer care hospitals in Okayama Prefecture. Data on demographics, cancer treatment status, and wig purchase details were collected. Statistical analyses, including the Mann?Whitney U test, chi-square test, and logistic regression, were performed to identify factors significantly associated with wig purchases.
Results Among the 863 respondents, 31.4% (271 patients) reported purchasing wigs. Factors significantly associated with wig purchase included young age (odds ratio [OR]?=?1.04), female sex (OR?=?1.61), and current cancer treatment (OR?=?1.16). No significant correlation was found between wig purchase and household income, although higher-income patients tended to purchase more expensive wigs.
Conclusion The findings suggest that younger female patients with cancer and those undergoing treatment were more likely to purchase wigs, highlighting the importance of appearance care and the need for enhanced financial support for low-income patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatayamaHideki en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaAyako en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakimotoGo en-aut-sei=Makimoto en-aut-mei=Go kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KagawaShunsuke en-aut-sei=Kagawa en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiiAyano en-aut-sei=Ishii en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TabataMasahiro en-aut-sei=Tabata en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine , Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine , Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Integrated Support Center for Patients and Self-Learning , Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Cancer kn-keyword=Cancer en-keyword=Alopecia kn-keyword=Alopecia en-keyword=Wig purchases kn-keyword=Wig purchases en-keyword=Appearance care kn-keyword=Appearance care en-keyword=Patient support kn-keyword=Patient support END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=301 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=108334 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Roles of basic amino acid residues in substrate binding and transport of the light-driven anion pump Synechocystis halorhodopsin (SyHR) en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Microbial rhodopsins are photoreceptive seventransmembrane a-helical proteins, many of which function as ion transporters, primarily for small monovalent ions such as Na+, K+, Cl-, Br-, and I-. Synechocystis halorhodopsin (SyHR), identified from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 7509, uniquely transports the polyatomic divalent SO42- inward, in addition to monovalent anions (Cl- and Br-). In this study, we conducted alanine-scanning mutagenesis on twelve basic amino acid residues to investigate the anion transport mechanism of SyHR. We quantitatively evaluated the Cl-and SO42- transport activities of the WT SyHR and its mutants. The results showed a strong correlation between the Cl-and SO42- transport activities among them (R = 0.94), suggesting a shared pathway for both anions. Notably, the R71A mutation selectively abolished SO42- transport activity while maintaining Cl- transport, whereas the H167A mutation significantly impaired both Cl-and SO42- transport. Furthermore, spectroscopic analysis revealed that the R71A mutant lost its ability to bind SO42- due to the absence of a positive charge, while the H167A mutant failed to accumulate the O intermediate during the photoreaction cycle (photocycle) due to reduced hydrophilicity. Additionally, computational analysis revealed the SO42- binding modes and clarified the roles of residues involved in its binding around the retinal chromophore. Based on these findings and previous structural information, we propose that the positive charge and hydrophilicity of Arg71 and His167 are crucial for the formation of the characteristic initial and transient anion-binding site of SyHR, enabling its unique ability to bind and transport both Cl-and SO42-. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamaMasaki en-aut-sei=Nakama en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojiTomoyasu en-aut-sei=Noji en-aut-mei=Tomoyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKeiichi en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshizawaSusumu en-aut-sei=Yoshizawa en-aut-mei=Susumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikitaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ishikita en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SudoYuki en-aut-sei=Sudo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=microbial rhodopsin kn-keyword=microbial rhodopsin en-keyword=anion transport kn-keyword=anion transport en-keyword=retinal kn-keyword=retinal en-keyword=membrane protein kn-keyword=membrane protein en-keyword=photobiology kn-keyword=photobiology END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=101 end-page=122 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250328 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Impact of Free Government Healthcare Insurance on The Utilization of Healthcare Services in Vietnam en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=　This study investigates the impact of the Free Government Healthcare Insurance (FGHI) scheme on healthcare utilization patterns among enrolled households. Utilizing Tobit regression and Nearest Neighbor Matching (NNM), the analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between scheme enrollment and increased healthcare checkup frequency. However, demographic and geographic variations were evident in the scheme's impact, with ethnic minorities and rural households experiencing a more pronounced rise in healthcare visits compared to the majority group and urban residents. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored policy interventions to address disparities across diverse demographic and geographic strata. Moreover, the FGHI scheme demonstrated effectiveness in encouraging healthcare utilization, particularly among specific demographic groups. This study's insights advocate for more nuanced policy frameworks that consider demographic and geographic nuances, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all segments of society. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Do Thi Hoai Giang en-aut-sei=Do Thi Hoai Giang en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=ドティホアイジャン kn-aut-sei=ドティホアイジャン kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学大学院社会文化科学研究科 en-keyword=Free Government Healthcare Insurance kn-keyword=Free Government Healthcare Insurance en-keyword=Nearest Neighbor Matching kn-keyword=Nearest Neighbor Matching en-keyword=Vietnam Healthcare kn-keyword=Vietnam Healthcare END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=25 end-page=44 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250328 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=A Study on the Relationship between Kazuo Inamori's Philosophy, the Teachings of Nanshu Saigo, and the Iroha Poem by Prince Jisshin kn-title=稲盛和夫のフィロソフィーと西郷南洲翁遺訓及び日新公いろは歌の連関についての考察 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=Kazuo Inamori is a rare business leader who founded DDI, the predecessor of Kyocera and KDDI, in one generation, and grew it into a trillion-yen company. He also rebuilt the bankrupt Japan Airlines (JAL) in three years and led it to relisting. He has not only led tens of thousands of people with his unique management method called amoeba management, but also with management principles. What are the roots of the way of life that a manager of a small and medium-sized business has derived from management? What is the Goju education that is the foundation of Satsuma, where he was born and raised? From the perspective of business management, it is interesting to know what it is like.
How is it related to Saigo Nanshu Ikun, the record of the words and deeds of Saigo Takamori, a local hero whom Kazuo Inamori met after founding Kyocera and used as the basis of his own management philosophy, and Shimazu Nisshin Iroha Uta, left by Shimazu Tadayoshi (Nissin), the father of Shimazu Takahisa, the 15th lord of the Shimazu clan who unified southern Kyushu, including Satsuma and Hyuga, in the 16th century? First of all, I am interested in the relationship between the ideas of the three men born in Satsuma. In this study, we used the grounded theory approach, a qualitative research method, to analyze the correlation between Kazuo Inamori's philosophy, the teachings of Nanshu Saigo, and the Nisshin Iroha Uta. As a result, the analysis revealed that the three concepts are related across 400 years of time. In particular, Kazuo Inamori's philosophy is not only positively influenced by the teachings of Nanshu Saigo, which are the words and deeds of Takamori Saigo, whom Kazuo Inamori admires, but also by the Nisshin Iroha Uta, which dates back 400 years, due to his education in Satsuma. It is believed that the ideals that the people of Satsuma have inherited for 400 years contain concepts that should be the foundation for people's lives, or that should be important core ideas and qualities in life, regardless of the era. kn-abstract=　一代で京セラやKDDIの前身となる第二電電（DDI）を創業し、合計数兆円企業に育て、倒産した日本航空（JAL）を3年で再建し、再上場に導いた稀代の経営者稲盛和夫は、アメーバ経営という独自の経営手法だけでなく、理念経営により数万人を導いてきた。中小企業の一経営者が経営の中から導き出した人生成功の処世術のルーツは何処にあるのか。生まれ育った薩摩の基礎となる郷中（ごじゅう）教育とは何か、などについて経営学の観点から関心が湧く。
　稲盛和夫が京セラ創業以降に出会い、自ら経営理念の基礎とした地元の偉人である西郷隆盛の言行録である西郷南洲翁遺訓及び16世紀に薩摩や日向など南九州を統一した島津家第15代領主島津貴久公の実父島津忠良（日新）が残した、島津日新公いろは歌とどのように連関があるのか。そもそも薩摩生まれの3名の思想にどのような連関があるのか、についても関心が湧く。この研究では、質的研究法であるグラウンデッド・セオリー・アプローチを援用して、稲盛和夫のフィロソフィーと西郷南洲翁遺訓及び日新公いろは歌の連関について分析した。結果的に3つの概念は400年の時代を超えて、連関していることが分析により明らかになった。特に稲盛和夫のフィロソフィーが稲盛和夫が敬愛する西郷隆盛の言行録である西郷南洲翁遺訓に正の影響を受けているだけでなく、薩摩での教育を背景に、400年前に遡る日新公いろは歌からも正の影響を受けていることが明らかになった。400年に渡り薩摩の人々が受け継いできた理念には、時代を超えても人が生きていく中で基礎とすべき、もしくは人生で重要なコアな思想・資質とすべき概念があると考えられる。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MACHIDAHisashi en-aut-sei=MACHIDA en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name=町田尚史 kn-aut-sei=町田 kn-aut-mei=尚史 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学教育推進機構 en-keyword=稲盛和夫 (Kazuo Inamori) kn-keyword=稲盛和夫 (Kazuo Inamori) en-keyword=フィロソフィー (philosophy) kn-keyword=フィロソフィー (philosophy) en-keyword=西郷隆盛 (Takamori Saigo) kn-keyword=西郷隆盛 (Takamori Saigo) en-keyword=西郷南洲翁遺訓 (the teachings of Nanshu Saigo) kn-keyword=西郷南洲翁遺訓 (the teachings of Nanshu Saigo) en-keyword=島津忠良（日新） (Tadayoshi Shimazu (Nissin)) kn-keyword=島津忠良（日新） (Tadayoshi Shimazu (Nissin)) en-keyword=日新公いろは歌 (Nisshin Iroha Uta) kn-keyword=日新公いろは歌 (Nisshin Iroha Uta) en-keyword=グラウンデッド・セオリー・アプローチ (grounded theory approach) kn-keyword=グラウンデッド・セオリー・アプローチ (grounded theory approach) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=59 end-page=73 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250328 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Effects of Career Years on the Coordination Behavior of Yogo Teachers kn-title=養護教諭のコーディネーション行動に及ぼすキャリア年数の影響 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors influencing coordination behavior of Yogo teachers and the relationship between the occurrence process of the factors and career years. The subjects analyzed were 695 persons working in public elementary and junior high schools. The effect of years of career was seen in the improvement of scale scores of factors related to the stages of coordination behavior and motivation, as well as subscale scores of the factors.
The relationship between the number of years of career and factors related to the generation process of coordination behavior suggested three characteristics. That is, (1) The establishment of a foundation for organizational support that starts from collaboration, due to the correlation between factors showing high subscale scores unaffected by the number of years of career, and (2) The correlation among factors of motivational factors whose subscale scores increase with the number of years of career, which leads to the promotion of individualized support efforts, and (3) Correlation between factors of leader recognition and individual support seen in the career category of 11 years or more, and which leads to the promotion of expansion to management of organizational support. kn-abstract=　本研究の目的は，養護教諭のコーディネーション行動に影響する要因やその因子の傾向をキャリア年数から捉え，これらとコーディネーション行動の生起プロセスとの関係について明らかにすることであった。分析対象は，公立小学校・中学校勤務695名とした。キャリア年数の影響は，コーディネーション行動と動機づけの段階に関わる要因の尺度得点や，因子の下位尺度得点の向上に見られた。また，キャリア年数とコーディネーション行動の生起プロセスに関わる因子間の関係からは，（1）キャリア年数に影響されない高い下位尺度得点を示す因子間相関による，協働を起点にした組織支援の基盤づくり，（2）キャリア年数により下位尺度得点が高まる動機づけ要因の因子間相関による，個別支援の取組推進へのつながり，（3）11年以上キャリア区分で見られるリーダー認知と個別支援の因子間相関，及び組織的支援のマネジメントへの広がり，の３つの特徴をもつことが示唆された。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SUZUKIKaoru en-aut-sei=SUZUKI en-aut-mei=Kaoru kn-aut-name=鈴木薫 kn-aut-sei=鈴木 kn-aut-mei=薫 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MIMURAYukari en-aut-sei=MIMURA en-aut-mei=Yukari kn-aut-name=三村由香里 kn-aut-sei=三村 kn-aut-mei=由香里 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research student, United Graduate School of Education, Hyogo University of Teacher Education kn-affil=兵庫教育大学連合大学院教育学研究科研究生 affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院教育学域 en-keyword=養護教諭 (Yogo teacher) kn-keyword=養護教諭 (Yogo teacher) en-keyword=コーディネーション行動 (coordination behavior) kn-keyword=コーディネーション行動 (coordination behavior) en-keyword=尺度得点 (scale score) kn-keyword=尺度得点 (scale score) en-keyword=下位尺度得点 (subscale scoreｒ) kn-keyword=下位尺度得点 (subscale scoreｒ) en-keyword=行動の生起プロセス (process of behavioral development) kn-keyword=行動の生起プロセス (process of behavioral development) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2421 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250224 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Deep Reinforcement Learning for Dynamic Pricing and Ordering Policies in Perishable Inventory Management en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Perishable goods have a limited shelf life, and inventory should be discarded once it exceeds its shelf life. Finding optimal inventory management policies is essential since inefficient policies can lead to increased waste and higher costs. While many previous studies assume the perishable inventory is processed following the First In, First Out rule, it does not reflect customer purchasing behavior. In practice, customers' preferences are influenced by the shelf life and price of products. This study optimizes inventory and pricing policies for a perishable inventory management problem considering age-dependent probabilistic demand. However, introducing dynamic pricing significantly increases the complexity of the problem. To tackle this challenge, we propose eliminating irrational actions in dynamic programming without sacrificing optimality. To solve this problem more efficiently, we also implement a deep reinforcement learning algorithm, proximal policy optimization, to solve this problem. The results show that dynamic programming with action reduction achieved an average of 63.1% reduction in computation time compared to vanilla dynamic programming. In most cases, proximal policy optimization achieved an optimality gap of less than 10%. Sensitivity analysis of the demand model revealed a negative correlation between customer sensitivity to shelf lives or prices and total profits. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NomuraYusuke en-aut-sei=Nomura en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuZiang en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Ziang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiTatsushi en-aut-sei=Nishi en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=reinforcement learning kn-keyword=reinforcement learning en-keyword=supply chain kn-keyword=supply chain en-keyword=inventory management kn-keyword=inventory management en-keyword=perishable inventory kn-keyword=perishable inventory en-keyword=dynamic pricing kn-keyword=dynamic pricing END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=36 end-page=43 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=2025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of the temporal behavior of fulvic acid iron in Asahi River, Okayama, Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Iron is essential for biogeochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems, but its riverine concentration can be affected by environmental conditions. This study assessed weekly fulvic acid iron (FAFe) concentration at a single sampling site in Asahi River from 2022?2023 to explore the differences in the temporal scales. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of physicochemical properties of the river on the concentration of FAFe, analyze the concentration of FAFe in spring, summer, autumn and winter, and assess the relationship between FAFe concentration and land use types of the watershed. The results indicated that physicochemical parameters, such as pH and surface water temperature (SWT) seemed to influence FAFe concentration (p < 0.05). Hydrological dynamics influenced FAFe concentration and transport, revealing an increasing trend during spring (p < 0.001) and summer (p = 0.05), with non-significant trends during autumn and winter (p > 0.05). FAFe exhibited a strong positive correlation with total organic carbon (TOC) (p < 0.001). Upland fields significantly influenced FAFe concentration (p < 0.01) through runoff with abundant NO3? and PO43? into the river. Thus, FAFe concentration in Asahi River was influenced by pH, SWT, TOC, hydrological regime, and agricultural runoff. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YengehRohdof Lactem en-aut-sei=Yengeh en-aut-mei=Rohdof Lactem kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SomuraHiroaki en-aut-sei=Somura en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoroizumiToshitsugu en-aut-sei=Moroizumi en-aut-mei=Toshitsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriYasushi en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaMorihiro en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Morihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=dissolved iron kn-keyword=dissolved iron en-keyword=seasonal variation kn-keyword=seasonal variation en-keyword=dissolved organic matter kn-keyword=dissolved organic matter en-keyword=fulvic acid iron kn-keyword=fulvic acid iron END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=429 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=529 end-page=565 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250605 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Polyhedral entire solutions in reaction-diffusion equations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This paper studies polyhedral entire solutions to a bistable reaction-diffusion equation in Rn. We consider a pyramidal traveling front solution to the same equation in Rn+1. As the speed goes to infinity, its projection converges to an n-dimensional polyhedral entire solution. Conversely, as the time goes to -infinity, an n-dimensional polyhedral entire solution gives n-dimensional pyramidal traveling front solutions. The result in this paper suggests a correlation between traveling front solutions and entire solutions in general reaction-diffusion equations or systems. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TaniguchiMasaharu en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Masaharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Traveling front solution kn-keyword=Traveling front solution en-keyword=Entire solution kn-keyword=Entire solution en-keyword=Reaction-diffusion equation kn-keyword=Reaction-diffusion equation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=60 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Significance of Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Endothelial Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Under Statin Therapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Vascular endothelial function plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key therapy for preventing coronary artery disease (CAD), but the role of omega-3 fatty acids as residual risk factors of CAD remains controversial. We studied the correlation between serum omega-3 fatty acid levels and endothelial function in patients with CAD receiving statin therapy and examined the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) therapy on endothelial function. Methods: A total of 150 consecutive patients with CAD receiving statin therapy (LDL-C levels < 100 mg/dL) were enrolled. Serum omega-3 fatty acid levels were measured, and endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Subsequently, 65 patients with impaired FMD (<6%) and low EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) (<0.3) were administered EPA, and FMD was reassessed after 3 months. Results: A multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA plus DHA levels were independent determinants of %FMD (β = 0.214 and 0.163, p < 0.05, respectively). The EPA therapy significantly improved %FMD (from 3.7 ± 1.0% to 4.1 ± 1.0%, p < 0.05) in patients with low EPA/AA, and especially in patients with low EPA/AA and high triglyceride levels (from 3.4 ± 1.0% to 4.0 ± 1.1%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Serum omega-3 fatty acid levels were associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with CAD receiving statin therapy. EPA therapy improves endothelial function in patients with low EPA/AA, especially those with low EPA/AA and high triglycerides. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YunokiKei en-aut-sei=Yunoki en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Matsumi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuboMotoki en-aut-sei=Kubo en-aut-mei=Motoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataYoshiki en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Yoshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Minamino Cardiovascular Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=coronary artery disease kn-keyword=coronary artery disease en-keyword=endothelial function kn-keyword=endothelial function en-keyword=eicosapentaenoic acid kn-keyword=eicosapentaenoic acid en-keyword=residual risk factor kn-keyword=residual risk factor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=101 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Radiographic and Clinical Assessment of Unidirectional Porous Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate to Treat Benign Bone Tumors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic changes, clinical outcomes, and complications following unidirectional porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (UDPTCP) implantation for the treatment of benign bone tumors. We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients who underwent intralesional resection. The patients were divided into two cohorts: Cohort 1 (n = 32), which included all bones except the phalanges and metacarpal/tarsal bones, and Cohort 2 (n = 14), which included the phalanges and metacarpal/tarsal bones. Radiographic changes were assessed at each reading based on resorption of the implanted UDPTCP and bone trabeculation through the defect. UDPTCP resorption and bone trabeculation were observed on radiographs within 3 months of surgery in all patients. Bone remodeling in the cavity progressed steadily for up to 3 years postoperatively. In Cohort 1, resorption and trabeculation progressed significantly in young patients, and trabeculation developed significantly in small lesions. The rates of resorption and trabeculation at 3 months postoperatively correlated statistically with their increased rates at one year. There was no statistical difference in resorption and trabeculation rates between Cohort 1 and Cohort 2. There were no cases of postoperative deep infections or allergic reactions related to the implant. UDPTCP is a useful bone-filling substitute for the treatment of benign bone tumors and has a low complication rate. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KunisadaToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Kunisada en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaHaruyoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Haruyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItanoTakuto en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Takuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurozumiTakanao en-aut-sei=Kurozumi en-aut-mei=Takanao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoTeruhiko en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Teruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=unidirectional porous beta-tricalcium phosphate kn-keyword=unidirectional porous beta-tricalcium phosphate en-keyword= bone tumor kn-keyword= bone tumor en-keyword= bone graft kn-keyword= bone graft en-keyword= radiography kn-keyword= radiography en-keyword= bone remodeling kn-keyword= bone remodeling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=111 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=064502 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250204 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Josephson effect and odd-frequency pairing in superconducting junctions with unconventional magnets en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We consider Josephson junctions formed by coupling two conventional superconductors via an unconventional magnet and investigate the formation of Andreev bound states, their impact on the Josephson effect, and the emergent superconducting correlations. In particular, we focus on unconventional magnets known as ?-wave altermagnets and ?-wave magnets. We find that the Andreev bound states in ?-wave altermagnet and ??-wave magnet Josephson junctions strongly depend on the transverse momentum, with a spin splitting and low-energy minima as a function of the superconducting phase difference ?. In contrast, the Andreev bound states for ??-wave magnets are insensitive to the transverse momentum. We then show that the Andreev bound states can be probed by the local density of states in the middle of the junction, which also reveals that ??2??2- and ?-wave magnet junctions are prone to host zero energy peaks. While the zero-energy peak in ??2??2-wave altermagnet junctions tends to oscillate with the magnetic order, it remains robust in ?-wave magnet junctions. We then discover that the Josephson current in ?-wave altermagnet junctions is composed of higher harmonics of ?, which originate a ?-Josephson junction behavior entirely controlled by the magnetic order in ????-wave altermagnets. In contrast, the Josephson current in Josephson junctions with ?-wave magnets exhibits a conventional sinelike profile with a fast sign change at ?=? due to zero-energy Andreev bound states. We also demonstrate that the critical currents in ?-wave altermagnet Josephson junctions exhibit an oscillatory decay with the increase of the magnetic order, while the oscillations are absent in ?-wave magnet junctions albeit the currents exhibit a slow decay. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that the interplay of the Josephson effect and unconventional magnetic order of ?-wave altermagnets and ?-wave magnets originates from odd-frequency spin-triplet ?-wave superconducting correlations that are otherwise absent. Our results can serve as a guide to pursue the new functionality of Josephson junctions based on unconventional magnets. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukayaYuri en-aut-sei=Fukaya en-aut-mei=Yuri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaKazuki en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YadaKeiji en-aut-sei=Yada en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=CayaoJorge en-aut-sei=Cayao en-aut-mei=Jorge kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaYukio en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Yukio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=LuBo en-aut-sei=Lu en-aut-mei=Bo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Applied Physics, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Joint Quantum Studies, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, Department of Physics, Tianjin University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol= cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page= end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease: investigating comprehensive clinicopathological features and risk factors for recurrence en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aims: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare disease that typically manifests with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Little is known about the risk factors associated with recurrence and their correlation with clinicopathologic features.
Methods and Results: We analysed 112 patients with KFD, predominantly female (61/112, 54.5%), with an average age of 29.4?years. The incidence was higher in males up to the age of 20 and higher in females from their 30s onwards. Of the 70 patients with follow-up data, 23% experienced recurrence. Recurrence was associated with lower C4 levels (P?=?0.038) and higher antinuclear antibody (ANA) rates (P?=?0.007) compared to transient disease. The mean duration of symptoms was 71.5?days. Lymph node histology in 98 cases (excluding 14 needle biopsy specimens) was classified into three patterns: proliferative (n?=?75, 77%), necrotizing (n?=?22, 22%), and xanthomatous (n?=?1, 1%). The necrotizing pattern associated with significantly enlarged lymph nodes (P?=?0.047) and a longer symptom duration (P?=?0.009) than the proliferating pattern. The number of CD4-positive lymphocytes was significantly lower in the necrotizing type than in the proliferative type (P? Conclusion: These results indicated that low C4 levels and positive ANA were associated with KFD recurrence. Although the aetiology of KFD remains elusive, given that some cases develop autoimmune disease, the results suggest that patients with recurrent KFD represent an intermediate status between those with transient KFD and those with overt autoimmune disease. The comprehensive clinicopathological findings of this study may be useful for elucidating its pathogenesis and predicting the clinical course. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishimuraMidori Filiz en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Midori Filiz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaoChikako en-aut-sei=Sakao en-aut-mei=Chikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurokawaYuka en-aut-sei=Kurokawa en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishikoriAsami en-aut-sei=Nishikori en-aut-mei=Asami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHidetaka en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hidetaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYasuharu en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yasuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis kn-keyword=histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis en-keyword=histological subtypes kn-keyword=histological subtypes en-keyword=Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease kn-keyword=Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease en-keyword=necrotizing type kn-keyword=necrotizing type en-keyword=proliferating type kn-keyword=proliferating type en-keyword=recurrent kn-keyword=recurrent en-keyword=xanthomatous type kn-keyword=xanthomatous type END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=39 end-page=45 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202502 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Could the Trabecular Bone Score Be a Complementary Tool for Evaluating Degenerative Lumbar Vertebrae? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Evaluating vertebral bone mass and quality in the elderly poses challenges due to degenerative changes. This study aims to elucidate the usefulness of the trabecular bone score (TBS) by examining the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), TBS, and Hounsfield unit (HU) values. A retrospective analysis of 599 vertebrae from 152 patients (mean age 69.0 years; range 44-89; 74 males and 78 females) undergoing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and CT scans was conducted. Vertebrae were categorized into three grades based on the degree of degeneration. The TBS was calculated from DXA images, and the HU value was measured by placing a region of interest on an axial image of the vertebral mid-body. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation tests were employed to investigate the relationship between BMD and TBS or HU values. While lumbar BMD significantly increased (p<0.01) with degenerative changes, TBS and HU values showed no significant differences. The correlations between lumbar BMD and TBS values, and between BMD and HU values, were stronger without degenerative changes than with degenerative changes. Significantly different HU values were observed between the right and left sides of severely degenerated vertebrae. Severe degenerative changes, particularly those associated with sclerosis, may impact HU values. TBS exhibits greater potential than HU values as a complementary tool. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakaoShinichiro en-aut-sei=Takao en-aut-mei=Shinichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaHaruo en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Haruo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomoko en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinoharaKensuke en-aut-sei=Shinohara en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneKentaro en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiHironori en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Hironori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajikiYuya en-aut-sei=Kajiki en-aut-mei=Yuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=trabecular bone score kn-keyword=trabecular bone score en-keyword=computed tomography Hounsfield unit kn-keyword=computed tomography Hounsfield unit en-keyword=lumbar degenerative change kn-keyword=lumbar degenerative change en-keyword=radiodensity kn-keyword=radiodensity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=199 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250208 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Establishment of a rapid and quantitative method for detecting the range of infection exposure in preclinical dental education en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Backgrounds Safe dental treatments that prevent nosocomial and cross-infections are essential for patients and dental workers. However, dental students sometimes pay inadequate attention to infection control, especially in preclinical practice, because of too much focus on technical training, such as the use of equipment, etc. The spread of infections such as SARS-CoV-2, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and oral bacteria are sometimes lethal for medically compromised patients. Thus, the rapid and inexpensive detection system to detect and measure dental practice-related infection spread during preclinical treatment is highly desired for dental education. This study aimed to establish a method to quantify and visualize infected areas using dental phantoms for safe and effective preclinical dental practices.
Methods At first, we developed artificial saliva as an in vitro study, including food-derived bacteria and fluorescence dye, which is safe for application to preclinical practice education. In vitro study, the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and Lactobacillus colony numbers in yogurt was examined using the ATP fluorescent method, with colony counting on yogurt only and a mixture of yogurt and ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive hand lotion. The mixed liquid of yogurt and hand lotion was used as artificial saliva. Second, we used this artificial saliva in preclinical education. The degree of contamination of personal protective equipment and dental chairs in preclinical practice using this artificial saliva was determined using the ATP fluorescent method and measuring the luminescence areas among 10 dentists, 10 dental residents, and 10 fifth-grade dental students.
Results ATP levels and Lactobacillus colony numbers in yogurt were positively correlated with yogurt alone and a mixture of yogurt and UV-sensitive hand lotions (correlation coefficient & efDot; 1). Preclinical education using a mixture of artificial saliva successfully quantified and visualized infectious areas and droplets, which revealed significant differences in ATP amounts in personal protective equipment among groups according to years of experience as dental practitioners (p < 0.05).
Conclusions An education system for infection control constructed using artificial saliva containing Lactobacillus and a UV-sensitive fluorescent hand lotion quantified the infectious areas and degrees. Thus, this method is effective in preclinical practice using dental phantoms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UedaAyaka en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Shinoda-ItoYuki en-aut-sei=Shinoda-Ito en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Takeuchi-HatanakaKazu en-aut-sei=Takeuchi-Hatanaka en-aut-mei=Kazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoTakashi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoShintaro en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraiKimito en-aut-sei=Hirai en-aut-mei=Kimito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTadashi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=The Center for Graduate Medical Education (Dental Division), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Dental education kn-keyword=Dental education en-keyword=Infection control kn-keyword=Infection control en-keyword=Fluorescent dye kn-keyword=Fluorescent dye en-keyword=Adenosine triphosphate kn-keyword=Adenosine triphosphate en-keyword=Lactobacillus kn-keyword=Lactobacillus END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=79 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=9 end-page=19 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=202502 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Gastrectomy Causes an Imbalance in the Trunk Muscles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Muscle loss negatively affects gastrectomy prognosis. However, muscle loss is recognized as a systemic change, and individual muscle function is often overlooked. We investigated changes in the muscle volume of individual muscles after gastrectomy to identify clues for prognostic factors and optimal rehabilitation programs. Patients who underwent R0 gastrectomy for Stage I gastric cancer at our hospital from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively selected to minimize the effects of malignancy and chemotherapy. Trunk muscle volume was measured by computed tomography to analyze body composition changes. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors related to body composition changes. We compared the preoperative and 6-month postoperative conditions of 59 patients after gastrectomy. There was no difference in the psoas major muscle, a conventional surrogate marker of sarcopenia. There were significant decreases in the erector spinae (p=0.01) and lateral abdominal (p=0.01) muscles, and a significant increase in the rectus abdominis muscle (p=0.02). No significant correlation was found between these muscle changes and nutritional status. Body composition imbalance may serve as a new indicator of the general condition of patients after gastrectomy. Rehabilitation to correct this imbalance may improve prognosis after gastrectomy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IkeyaNanami en-aut-sei=Ikeya en-aut-mei=Nanami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkitaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Okita en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashidaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Hashida en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoSumiharu en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Sumiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaHirokuni en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Hirokuni kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukudaKazunori en-aut-sei=Tsukuda en-aut-mei=Kazunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=sarcopenia kn-keyword=sarcopenia en-keyword=skeletal muscle kn-keyword=skeletal muscle en-keyword=gastric cancer kn-keyword=gastric cancer en-keyword=gastrectomy kn-keyword=gastrectomy en-keyword=erector spinae muscle kn-keyword=erector spinae muscle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=69 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1 end-page=9 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250204 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relationships between tilt angles of rectus muscles and positions of rectus muscle pulleys in patients with sagging eye syndrome en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose To examine the relationship between the rectus muscle (RM) angle and RM pulley displacement in patients with sagging eye syndrome (SES) without myopia.
Study design Retrospective cross-sectional case series.
Methods High-resolution quasi-coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 20 orbits of ten Japanese patients with SES but without high myopia were analyzed. The patients had no abduction deficiency. The RM angles were measured between the major axes of the horizontal and vertical RMs relative to the vertical and horizontal planes, respectively. The positions of the RM pulleys relative to the center of the globe were analyzed as previously described.
Results The mean age of the patients was 75.8 ± 4.5 years (standard deviation). The average axial length was 23.6 ± 0.6 mm. The lateral rectus (LR) muscle angle (22 ± 6°) had moderate negative correlations with the inferior displacement of the inferior rectus (IR), superior rectus (SR), and LR pulleys (r =? 0.63,? 0.45, and? 0.45, respectively); however, no change was observed in the medial rectus (MR) pulley (r =? 0.41). No correlations were found between the angles of the SR (4 ± 8°), IR (? 13 ± 8°), and MR (? 1 ± 6°) muscles and the positions of the RM pulleys.
Conclusion Given the correlation between increased LR muscle angle and inferior displacement of adjacent RM pulleys in SES, the LR muscle angle may serve as a diagnostic clue, even when inferior displacement is not identifiable on MRI. Further confirmation in larger studies is warranted. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KonoReika en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Reika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamasakiIchiro en-aut-sei=Hamasaki en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishimotoFumiko en-aut-sei=Kishimoto en-aut-mei=Fumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataKiyo en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Kiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorisawaShin en-aut-sei=Morisawa en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Ophthalmology, Ibara City Hospital, Ibara City kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Orbital pulley kn-keyword=Orbital pulley en-keyword=Sagging eye syndrome kn-keyword=Sagging eye syndrome en-keyword=Distance esotropia kn-keyword=Distance esotropia en-keyword=Cyclovertical strabismus kn-keyword=Cyclovertical strabismus en-keyword=Aging kn-keyword=Aging END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=71 end-page=89 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241227 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Exploring the Link Between Modern Household Amenities and Health in Vietnam en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=　The correlation between the impact of the external and internal environment of a household on its occupants’ health has been well documented by various research studies. Yet a limitation of the literature is the prevalence of modern household basic amenities and occupant health, especially in Vietnam. This paper examines the impact of modern household basic amenities on occupant health by applying the Vietnam Household Standard Survey 2018. By applying the Tobit method, it is revealed that household amenities displayed a significant association with health outcomes. For instance, individuals residing in concrete houses or employing waste collection systems exhibited decreased illness likelihood. Handwashing with soap correlated with a diminished illness probability. Tobit analysis highlights internet accessibility as significant in reducing days of work incapacity (approximately 6 days less). Gender, residential location, and total income also impact workdays. Age and education exhibit inverse relationships with workdays missed. In essence, these findings contribute to the broader discourse on public health and underscore the importance of considering diverse factors, ranging from basic amenities to socio-economic indicators, in formulating comprehensive health policies and interventions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Do Thi Hoai Giang en-aut-sei=Do Thi Hoai Giang en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name=ドティホアイジャン kn-aut-sei=ドティホアイジャン kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= kn-affil=岡山大学大学院社会文化科学研究科 en-keyword=Modern household amenity kn-keyword=Modern household amenity en-keyword=occupant health kn-keyword=occupant health en-keyword=Vietnam kn-keyword=Vietnam en-keyword=Tobit regression kn-keyword=Tobit regression en-keyword=Logit model kn-keyword=Logit model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=129 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=726 end-page=735 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241231 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hydronium Ions Are Less Excluded from Hydrophobic Polymer?Water Interfaces than Hydroxide Ions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The cloud point temperatures of aqueous poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) solutions were measured from pH 1.0 to pH 13.0 at a constant ionic strength of 100 mM. This ionic strength was reached by mixing the appropriate concentration of NaCl with either HCl or NaOH. The phase transition temperature of both polymers was nearly constant between pH 2.0 and 12.0. However, the introduction of 100 mM HCl (pH 1.0) led to an increase in the cloud point temperature, although this value was still lower than the cloud point temperature in the absence of salt. By contrast, the introduction of 100 mM NaOH (pH 13.0) caused a decrease in the cloud point temperature, both relative to adding 100 mM NaCl and adding no salt. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of these systems were performed below the cloud point temperature, and the chemical shifts closely tracked the corresponding changes in the phase transition temperature. Specifically, the introduction of 100 mM HCl caused the 1H chemical shift to move downfield for the CH resonances from both PNIPAM and PEO, while 100 mM NaOH caused the same resonances to move upfield. Virtually no change in the chemical shift was seen between pH 2.0 and 12.0. These results are consistent with the idea that a sufficient concentration of H3O+ led to polymer swelling compared to Na+, while substituting Cl? with OH? reduced swelling. Finally, classical all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with a monomer and 5-mer corresponding to PNIPAM. The results correlated closely with the thermodynamic and spectroscopic data. The simulation showed that H3O+ ions more readily accumulated around the amide oxygen moiety on PNIPAM compared with Na+. On the other hand, OH? was more excluded from the polymer surface than Cl?. Taken together, the thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and MD simulation data revealed that H3O+ was less depleted from hydrophobic polymer/water interfaces than any of the monovalent Hofmeister metal cations or even Ca2+ and Mg2+. As such, it should be placed on the far-right side of the cationic Hofmeister series. On the other hand, OH? was excluded from the interface and could be positioned in the anionic Hofmeister series between H2PO4? and SO42?. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MyersRyan L. en-aut-sei=Myers en-aut-mei=Ryan L. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TairaAoi en-aut-sei=Taira en-aut-mei=Aoi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanChuanyu en-aut-sei=Yan en-aut-mei=Chuanyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LeeSeung-Yi en-aut-sei=Lee en-aut-mei=Seung-Yi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WelshLauren K. en-aut-sei=Welsh en-aut-mei=Lauren K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IaniroPatrick R. en-aut-sei=Ianiro en-aut-mei=Patrick R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangTinglu en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Tinglu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KogaKenichiro en-aut-sei=Koga en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=CremerPaul S. en-aut-sei=Cremer en-aut-mei=Paul S. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=4383 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241126 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association Between Change in Prognostic Nutritional Index During Neoadjuvant Therapy and Dental Occlusal Support in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Under Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Retrospective Longitudinal Pilot Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: A high prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is associated with good prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. However, nutritional status often decreases during neoadjuvant therapy. Functional tooth units (FTUs) provide an index for the status of posterior occlusal support. We have previously reported that low PNI is related to low FTUs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine whether the status of occlusal support relates to changes in PNI during neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: This study included 34 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy before esophagectomy (32 men, 2 women; age, 36-82 years) in 2012 at Okayama University Hospital. Patients were divided into the good occlusal support group (FTUs >= 11, n = 18) or poor occlusal support group (FTUs < 11, n = 16), and changes in PNI during neoadjuvant therapy were investigated. Results: PNI decreased significantly after neoadjuvant therapy, particularly in the good occlusal support group, and became more dispersed after neoadjuvant therapy. Decreases in PNI after neoadjuvant therapy showed a significant positive correlation with good occlusal support by multiple regression analysis (p = 0.03). The proportions of patients provided with nutritional intervention (p = 0.02) or early dental intervention (p = 0.04) were lower in the good occlusal support group than in the poor occlusal support group. Conclusions: Even in patients with esophageal cancer with good occlusal support experienced significant declines in PNI during neoadjuvant therapy, potentially due to delayed nutritional and dental interventions. Early multidisciplinary interventions are thus recommended for all patients, regardless of preoperative dental or nutritional status. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Yamanaka-KohnoReiko en-aut-sei=Yamanaka-Kohno en-aut-mei=Reiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirakawaYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Shirakawa en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Inoue-MinakuchiMami en-aut-sei=Inoue-Minakuchi en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoiAya en-aut-sei=Yokoi en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeShunsuke en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaNaoaki en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Naoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=esophageal cancer kn-keyword=esophageal cancer en-keyword=prognostic factors kn-keyword=prognostic factors en-keyword=nutrition kn-keyword=nutrition en-keyword=neoadjuvant therapy kn-keyword=neoadjuvant therapy en-keyword=dental occlusion kn-keyword=dental occlusion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=391 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=158 end-page=176 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2025 dt-pub=20250215 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Magnesium isotope composition of volcanic rocks from cold and warm subduction zones: Implications for the recycling of subducted serpentinites and carbonates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Magnesium (Mg) isotopes are regarded as a sensitive tracer to the contribution from subducted serpentinites and carbonates. However, the source, distribution, and controlling factors of the Mg isotope composition of arc magmas remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the intra-arc and inter-arc variations in Mg isotope compositions of volcanic rocks from two typical cold subduction zones [NE Japan (NEJ) and Izu arcs] and a typical hot subduction zone [SW Japan (SWJ) arc] to address the question. The volcanic rocks from the frontal-arc regions of NEJ and Izu have isotopically heavy Mg (δ26Mg = ?0.20 to ?0.08 ‰) compared to the mantle-like δ26Mg values of most of volcanic rocks from SWJ and the rear regions of NEJ and Izu arcs (?0.28 to ?0.17 ‰). It is also worth noting that NEJ arc includes samples with δ26Mg values (?0.61 to ?0.39 ‰) significantly lower than the mantle, but similar to the < 110 Ma intra-continental basalts from eastern China, which is the first observation in modern arc rocks. No obvious effects of post-eruptive alteration, fractional crystallization, partial melting, or the addition of silicate-rich sediment and oceanic crust components could be identified in the Mg isotope compositions of these volcanic rocks. By contrast, the correlations between the δ26Mg values and the proxy for serpentinite component (i.e., 11B/10B and Nb/B ratios) indicate that the component exerts a strong control on the Mg-isotopic signature of these arc rocks. Considering metamorphic reactions in subduction lithologies under P-T conditions postulated for these arcs, the variations in δ26Mg values of these arc magmas are unlikely to have been controlled by dehydration of serpentinites in subducted oceanic lithosphere (slab serpentinite). Instead, the high-δ26Mg values of frontal-arc rocks are delivered by the fluids from serpentinite formed in the lowermost part of the sub-arc mantle (mantle wedge serpentinite) in channelized flow. Comparatively, such a high-δ26Mg signature is invisible in volcanic rocks from rear-arc regions of NEJ and Izu, and the entire SWJ, suggesting that the major Mg carriers in subducted serpentinites (e.g., talc, chlorite, and serpentine) were broken down completely before subducted slabs reached the depth beneath these volcanoes. Moreover, the volcanic rocks with low δ26Mg values from the rear arc of NEJ are characterized by high La/Yb and U/Nb ratios as well as low Ti/Eu, Ti/Ti*, and Hf/Hf* ratios, suggesting the involvements of carbonates in their magma sources. The quantitative modeling suggests that < 20 % of sedimentary carbonate (dolomite) was recycled into their mantle source, revealing that Mg-rich carbonate could be incorporated into a deep mantle wedge at rear-arc depths of 150?400 km in subduction zones. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangWei en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Wei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuangFang en-aut-sei=Huang en-aut-mei=Fang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China kn-affil= en-keyword=Magnesium isotopes kn-keyword=Magnesium isotopes en-keyword=Arc magmas kn-keyword=Arc magmas en-keyword=Mantle wedge serpentinite kn-keyword=Mantle wedge serpentinite en-keyword=Slab serpentinite kn-keyword=Slab serpentinite en-keyword=Carbonate recycle kn-keyword=Carbonate recycle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=4 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=100105 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202412 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Capturing chronological variation in L2 speech through lexical measurements and regression analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aims to bridge gaps in current research by analyzing a longitudinal spoken learner corpus of low-proficiency English learners. We investigated the chronological variation in lexical measurements in second language (L2) speaking production, focusing on data from 104 low-proficiency learners elicited eight times over 23 months. Our findings show that measures such as the number of different words and type-token ratio are effective indicators of L2 speaking development, whereas the use of sophisticated vocabulary was not significantly correlated with learning duration. These results suggest that in the early stages of L2 acquisition, speaking skills are influenced primarily by lexical variation. This finding underscores the importance of lexical variation as a key factor in novice-level L2 speaking proficiency. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AbeMariko en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Mariko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiYuichiro en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoYusuke en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Nihon University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Waseda University kn-affil= en-keyword=Longitudinal learner corpus kn-keyword=Longitudinal learner corpus en-keyword=Second language speaking kn-keyword=Second language speaking en-keyword=Low-proficiency learner kn-keyword=Low-proficiency learner en-keyword=Automatic analyzer kn-keyword=Automatic analyzer en-keyword=Regression analysis kn-keyword=Regression analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=249 end-page=260 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241005 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Loss of Nr4a1 ameliorates endothelial cell injury and vascular leakage in lung transplantation from circulatory-death donor en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) stands as a major trigger for primary graft dysfunction (PGD) in lung transplantation (LTx). Especially in LTx from donation after cardiac death (DCD), effective control of IRI following warm ischemia (WIRI) is crucial to prevent PGD. This study aimed to identify the key factors affecting WIRI in LTx from DCD.
Methods: Previously reported RNA-sequencing dataset of lung WIRI was reanalyzed to identify nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) as the immediate early gene for WIRI. Dynamics of NR4A1 expression were verified using a mouse hilar clamp model. To investigate the role of NR4A1 in WIRI, a mouse model of LTx from DCD was established using Nr4a1 knockout (Nr4a1?/?) mice.
Results: NR4A1 was located around vascular cells, and its protein levels in the lungs increased rapidly and transiently during WIRI. LTｘ from Nr4a1?/? donors significantly improved pulmonary graft function compared to wild-type donors. Histological analysis showed decreased microvascular endothelial cell death, neutrophil infiltration, and albumin leakage. Evans blue permeability assay demonstrated maintained pulmonary microvascular barrier integrity in grafts from Nr4a1?/? donors, correlating with diminished pulmonary edema. However, NR4A1 did not significantly affect the inflammatory response during WIRI, and IRI was not suppressed when a wild-type donor lung was transplanted into the Nr4a1?/? recipient.
Conclusions: Donor NR4A1 plays a specialized role in the positive regulation of endothelial cell injury and microvascular hyperpermeability. These findings demonstrate the potential of targeting NR4A1 interventions to alleviate PGD and improve outcomes in LTx from DCD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawanaShinichi en-aut-sei=Kawana en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaueTomohisa en-aut-sei=Sakaue en-aut-mei=Tomohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataKentaro en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChoshiHaruki en-aut-sei=Choshi en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtaniShinji en-aut-sei=Ohtani en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=lung transplantation kn-keyword=lung transplantation en-keyword=ischemia-reperfusion injury kn-keyword=ischemia-reperfusion injury en-keyword=donation after circulatory death kn-keyword=donation after circulatory death en-keyword=nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 kn-keyword=nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 en-keyword=endothelial cell kn-keyword=endothelial cell END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=48 end-page=53 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effectiveness of oral health care intervention for stroke patients following the introduction of Oral Health Assessment Tool en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health assessment tools in facilitating oral health care interventions by dental care providers for acute stroke patients within 48?h of admission, following a reform of the nursing system.
Methods: Data were gathered from a retrospective cohort study conducted at a stroke center, comparing 10?months before and after the implementation of the reformed system, with a 2-month interval. Parameters assessed included stroke type, severity measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, stroke history, stroke-related factors, number of teeth, hospitalization cost and duration, occurrence of fever and pneumonia, stroke treatment, days from admission to dental intervention, and intervention frequency.
Results: Implementation of the new system significantly reduced the time before dental intervention (P? Conclusions: Although the frequency and duration of fevers increased slightly, this approach, incorporating oral health assessment tools, made it possible to provide early dental intervention, particularly for patients with severe strokes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 48?53. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsunagaKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Matsunaga en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Yoshida‐TsuboiAyaka en-aut-sei=Yoshida‐Tsuboi en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoharaKen en-aut-sei=Inohara en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYasuko en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yasuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakahamaKanako en-aut-sei=Nakahama en-aut-mei=Kanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiKazuki en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoudaFumie en-aut-sei=Souda en-aut-mei=Fumie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasawaYuka en-aut-sei=Terasawa en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimoeYutaka en-aut-sei=Shimoe en-aut-mei=Yutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=Takeuchi‐HatanakaKazu en-aut-sei=Takeuchi‐Hatanaka en-aut-mei=Kazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTadashi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KohriyamaTatsuo en-aut-sei=Kohriyama en-aut-mei=Tatsuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=The Center for Graduate Medical Education (Dental Division), Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology ? Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology ? Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=acute stroke kn-keyword=acute stroke en-keyword=dental intervention kn-keyword=dental intervention en-keyword=medical and dental cooperation kn-keyword=medical and dental cooperation en-keyword=oral health assessment tool kn-keyword=oral health assessment tool en-keyword=severity kn-keyword=severity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=136 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=112 end-page=119 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241202 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Evaluation of empathy in nursing students : Empathy in everyday situations and empathy as healthcare professionals kn-title=看護学生における共感性の検討―日常場面での共感性と医療者としての共感性から― en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=　Empathy is crucial for building an effective patient-nurse relationship. This study aimed to examine two aspects of nursing students' empathy : their empathy in everyday situations and their empathy as healthcare professionals.
　This study involved 214 female students in their second to fourth years of nursing studies at a university, with analysis focusing on 118 participants. The Empathy Experience Scale Revised (EESR) was used to measure empathy in everyday situations, and the Jefferson Empathy Scale, Health Professionals version (JSE, HP-Version) measured the participants' empathy as healthcare professionals. The EESR comprises the Scale of Shared Experiences (SSE) and the Scale of Insufficient Sharing Experience (SISE) ; the JSE comprises Perspective Taking, Compassionate Care, and Standing in the Patient's Shoes.
　The total JSE scores and the Perspective Taking subfactor scores tended to be higher in fourth-year students, who also showed SISE scores significantly lower than those of students with fewer years of nursing study. Relationship analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between SSE scores and Perspective Taking scores. There was a weak negative correlation between SISE and Standing in the Patient's Shoes scores. Compassionate Care scores were not significantly related to SSE or SISE scores. These results suggest that nursing students' empathy as healthcare professionals increases as they advance in their nursing studies, and emphasize the importance of scale selection in measuring empathy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NagoshiShiori en-aut-sei=Nagoshi en-aut-mei=Shiori kn-aut-name=名越史織 kn-aut-sei=名越 kn-aut-mei=史織 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoRiho en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Riho kn-aut-name=松本梨穂 kn-aut-sei=松本 kn-aut-mei=梨穂 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajiwaraYuki en-aut-sei=Kajiwara en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name=梶原右揮 kn-aut-sei=梶原 kn-aut-mei=右揮 aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoMichiko en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Michiko kn-aut-name=森本美智子 kn-aut-sei=森本 kn-aut-mei=美智子 aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil=岡山大学医学部保健学科　看護学 affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil=岡山大学医学部保健学科　看護学 affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院保健学域　看護学 affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院保健学域　看護学 en-keyword=看護学生（nursing students） kn-keyword=看護学生（nursing students） en-keyword=共感性（empathy） kn-keyword=共感性（empathy） en-keyword=尺度（scale） kn-keyword=尺度（scale） END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1500023 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trabecular bone scores in children with osteogenesis imperfecta respond differently to bisphosphonate treatment depending on disease severity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a congenital skeletal disorder characterized by bone fragility. Bisphosphonates (BISs) have become the mainstream treatment in children with OI. However, an optimal treatment protocol has not yet been established, while BIS treatment tends to be administered to normalize bone mineral density (BMD). Bone quality is an important component of bone strength. The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a quantitative measure of the microstructure that affects bone quality. This study investigated the TBS during BIS treatment in children with OI. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine children with OI were enrolled and classified into two groups: mild (type 1) and moderate to severe (types 3 and 4). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry images were retrospectively analyzed for TBS calculation. The relationship between the areal BMD (aBMD), its Z-score, height-adjusted BMD (BMDHAZ) Z-score, TBS, and TBS Z-score with the treatment duration was assessed for each group. Results: In the mild group, the aBMD, its Z-score, and BMDHAZ Z-score showed a significant positive correlation with treatment duration (r = 0.68, 0.68, 0.72, respectively, p < 0.01). The TBS Z-score tended to increase with treatment duration, albeit without reaching significance. In the moderate to severe group, the TBS Z-score showed a significant positive correlation with treatment duration (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), in contrast to the aBMD Z-score, which did not increase. Finally, the BMDHAZ Z-score only showed a weak positive correlation with treatment duration (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Because BIS affect the BMD and TBS differently based on the severity of OI, treatment goals may need to be stratified by disease severity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FutagawaNatsuko en-aut-sei=Futagawa en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bone density kn-keyword=bone density en-keyword=osteoporosis kn-keyword=osteoporosis en-keyword=bone diseases kn-keyword=bone diseases en-keyword=connective tissue kn-keyword=connective tissue en-keyword=child kn-keyword=child END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=32 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=292 end-page=305 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241128 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The role of C1orf50 in breast cancer progression and prognosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Although the prognosis of breast cancer has significantly improved compared to other types of cancer, there are still some patients who expire due to recurrence or metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to identify patients with poor prognosis at the early stages of cancer. In the process of discovering new prognostic markers from genes of unknown function, we found that the expression of C1orf50 determines the prognosis of breast cancer patients, especially for those with Luminal A breast cancer. This study aims to elucidate the molecular role of C1orf50 in breast cancer progression. Bioinformatic analyses of the breast cancer dataset of TCGA, and in vitro analyses, reveal the molecular pathways influenced by C1orf50 expression. C1orf50 knockdown suppressed the cell cycle of breast cancer cells and weakened their ability to maintain the undifferentiated state and self-renewal capacity. Interestingly, upregulation of C1orf50 increased sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibition. In addition, C1orf50 was found to be more abundant in breast cancer cells than in normal breast epithelium, suggesting C1orf50’s involvement in breast cancer pathogenesis. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level of C1orf50 was positively correlated with the expression of PD-L1 and its related factors. These results suggest that C1orf50 promotes breast cancer progression through cell cycle upregulation, maintenance of cancer stemness, and immune evasion mechanisms. Our study uncovers the biological functions of C1orf50 in Luminal breast cancer progression, a finding not previously reported in any type of cancer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OtaniYusuke en-aut-sei=Otani en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaekawaMasaki en-aut-sei=Maekawa en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=Pe?aTirso en-aut-sei=Pe?a en-aut-mei=Tirso kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=RogachevskayaAnna en-aut-sei=Rogachevskaya en-aut-mei=Anna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoTeruhiko en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Teruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItanoTakuto en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Takuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaHaruyoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Haruyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiharaHiroyoshi en-aut-sei=Doihara en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=RoehrlMichael H. en-aut-sei=Roehrl en-aut-mei=Michael H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAtsushi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Cellular Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=C1orf50 kn-keyword=C1orf50 en-keyword=Luminal A breast cancer kn-keyword=Luminal A breast cancer en-keyword=Cell cycle kn-keyword=Cell cycle en-keyword=Immune evasion kn-keyword=Immune evasion en-keyword=YAP/TAZ kn-keyword=YAP/TAZ END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=42 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241126 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Genotypes and phenotypes of neurofibromatosis type 1 patients in Japan: A Hereditary Tumor Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presents with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including an increased risk of tumor development and hypertension. Comprehensive data on genotype?phenotype correlations in patients with NF1 are limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the detailed genetic and clinical characteristics of NF1 in a hereditary tumor cohort. We performed sequencing and copy number assays in a clinical laboratory and analyzed the clinical data of 44 patients with suspected NF1. Germline pathogenic variants were detected in 36 patients (81.8%), and 20.7% of the variants were novel. Notably, 40.0% of adult patients presented with malignancies; female breast cancer occurred in 20.0% of patients, which was a higher rate than that previously reported. Hypertension was observed in 30.6% of the adult patients, with one patient experiencing sudden death and another developing pheochromocytoma. Three patients with large deletions in NF1 exhibited prominent cutaneous, skeletal, and neurological manifestations. These results highlight the importance of regular surveillance, particularly for patients with malignancies and hypertension. Our findings provide valuable insights for genetic counseling and clinical management, highlighting the multiple health risks associated with NF1 and the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary care. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FutagawaMashu en-aut-sei=Futagawa en-aut-mei=Mashu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiTetsuya en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukanoChika en-aut-sei=Fukano en-aut-mei=Chika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OsumiRisa en-aut-sei=Osumi en-aut-mei=Risa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoFumino en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Fumino kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=UrakawaYusaku en-aut-sei=Urakawa en-aut-mei=Yusaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHideki en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirasawaAkira en-aut-sei=Hirasawa en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=35 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230511 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Development of the Follow-Up Human 3D Oral Cancer Model in Cancer Treatment en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=As function preservation cancer therapy, targeted radiation therapies have been developed for the quality of life of cancer patients. However, preclinical animal studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of targeted radiation therapy is challenging from the viewpoints of animal welfare and animal protection, as well as the management of animal in radiation-controlled areas under the regulations. We fabricated the human 3D oral cancer model that considers the time axis of the follow up in cancer treatment. Therefore, in this study, the 3D model with human oral cancer cells and normal oral fibroblasts was treated based on clinical protocol. After cancer treatment, the histological findings of the 3D oral cancer model indicated the clinical correlation between tumor response and surrounding normal tissue. This 3D model has potential as a tool for preclinical studies alternative to animal studies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IgawaKazuyo en-aut-sei=Igawa en-aut-mei=Kazuyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IzumiKenji en-aut-sei=Izumi en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuraiYoshinori en-aut-sei=Sakurai en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Biomimetics, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University kn-affil= en-keyword=3D cancer model kn-keyword=3D cancer model en-keyword=preclinical study kn-keyword=preclinical study en-keyword=cancer treatment kn-keyword=cancer treatment en-keyword=quality of life kn-keyword=quality of life en-keyword=multidisciplinary treatment kn-keyword=multidisciplinary treatment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=35 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=8 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230314 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Meniscus extrusion is a predisposing factor for determining arthroscopic treatments in partial medial meniscus posterior root tears en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background Patients with partial medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) sometimes require arthroscopic pullout repair because of their intolerable/repeated knee pains and continuous disturbance in gait during activities of daily living. However, the predisposing factors for future knee surgery in patients with partial MMPRTs remain unclear. We compared the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients who underwent pullout repair and nonoperative management following partial MMPRTs.
Methods Twenty-five patients who required arthroscopic repair for partial MMPRTs and 23 patients who were managed nonoperatively were evaluated during a mean follow-up period of 27.1 months. Sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index, duration from onset to initial MRI, MRI findings, and medial meniscus (MM) extrusion were compared between the two groups. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between MM extrusion and duration from onset to MRI examination.
Results No significant differences were observed between the pullout repair and nonoperative management groups in terms of patient demographics and the positive ratio of MRI-based root tear signs. However, absolute MM extrusion in the pullout repair group (3.49?±?0.82 mm) was larger than that in the nonoperative management group (2.48?±?0.60 mm, P??3 mm) was detected more frequently in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative management group (P??3 mm cases was 9.662. Linear regression analysis revealed a fair correlation between the duration from onset to MRI and MM extrusion only in the pullout repair group (0.462 mm/month increase in MM extrusion).
Conclusions This study demonstrated that more severe MM extrusions were observed in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative management group. Major extrusion (>?3 mm) was also observed more in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative group. Assessing MM extrusion and its severity can help determine a valid treatment for patients with partial MMPRTs.
Level of evidence IV, Retrospective comparative study. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KintakaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Kintaka en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=XueHaowei en-aut-sei=Xue en-aut-mei=Haowei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Posterior root kn-keyword=Posterior root en-keyword=Partial tear kn-keyword=Partial tear en-keyword=Meniscal extrusion kn-keyword=Meniscal extrusion en-keyword=Operative indication kn-keyword=Operative indication END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=300 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=105679 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Methyl vinyl ketone and its analogs covalently modify PI3K and alter physiological functions by inhibiting PI3K signaling en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Reactive carbonyl species (RCS), which are abundant in the environment and are produced in vivo under stress, covalently bind to nucleophilic residues such as Cys in proteins. Disruption of protein function by RCS exposure is predicted to play a role in the development of various diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders, but most studies on RCS have been limited to simple cytotoxicity validation, leaving their target proteins and resulting physiological changes unknown. In this study, we focused on methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), which is one of the main RCS found in cigarette smoke and exhaust gas. We found that MVK suppressed PI3K-Akt signaling, which regulates processes involved in cellular homeostasis, including cell proliferation, autophagy, and glucose metabolism. Interestingly, MVK inhibits the interaction between the epidermal growth factor receptor and PI3K. Cys656 in the SH2 domain of the PI3K p85 subunit, which is the covalently binding site of MVK, is important for this interaction. Suppression of PI3K- Akt signaling by MVK reversed epidermal growth factor- induced negative regulation of autophagy and attenuated glucose uptake. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of the 23 RCS compounds with structures similar to MVK and showed that their analogs also suppressed PI3K-Akt signaling in a manner that correlated with their similarities to MVK. Our study demonstrates the mechanism of MVK and its analogs in suppressing PI3K-Akt signaling and modulating physiological functions, providing a model for future studies analyzing environmental reactive species. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MorimotoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakasugiNobumasa en-aut-sei=Takasugi en-aut-mei=Nobumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PanYuexuan en-aut-sei=Pan en-aut-mei=Yuexuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaSho en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DohmaeNaoshi en-aut-sei=Dohmae en-aut-mei=Naoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbikoYumi en-aut-sei=Abiko en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaKoji en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KumagaiYoshito en-aut-sei=Kumagai en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Uehara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Biomolecular Characterization Unit, Technology Platform Division, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) kn-keyword=phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) en-keyword=cell signaling kn-keyword=cell signaling en-keyword=chemical modification kn-keyword=chemical modification en-keyword=autophagy kn-keyword=autophagy en-keyword=glucose uptake kn-keyword=glucose uptake END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=24968 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241023 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Apolipoprotein-B mRNA-editing complex 3B could be a new potential therapeutic target in endometriosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the correlation of Apolipoprotein-B mRNA-editing complex 3B (APOBEC3B) expression with hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) in endometriosis patients, and the inhibitory effects of APOBEC3B knockdown in a human endometriotic cell line. Here, APOBEC3B, HIF-1α, KRAS, and PIK3CA were examined in patients with and without endometriosis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The apoptosis, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and biological function of APOBEC3B knockdown were explored in 12Z immortalized human endometriotic cell line. We observed APOBEC3B, HIF-1α, KRAS and PIK3CA expressions were significantly higher in endometriosis patients (p? Methods: Overall, 126 eyes diagnosed with LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis, or macular pseudohole using the horizontal B-scan image according to the definition proposed by Hubschman et al in 2020 were analyzed using multimodal optical coherence tomography imaging including horizontal and vertical 5-line B-scan, radial scan, and macular three-dimensional volume scan images. If at least two diagnostic criteria for LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis, or macular pseudohole were satisfied in these scans, the patient was diagnosed as having a “mixed type.” Retinal traction force was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the maximum depth of the retinal folds using en-face images.
Results: Mixed types constituted 34.1% of the cases. The LMH-related mixed group demonstrated intermediate characteristics between the epiretinal membrane foveoschisis/macular pseudohole and true LMH groups in terms of retinal traction and LMH-specific features and had a significant positive correlation between the maximum depth of the retinal folds and mean M-CHARTS scores (P = 0.034).
Conclusion: A thorough optical coherence tomography analysis is necessary to accurately diagnose LMH and related diseases. A significant positive correlation was observed between the maximum depth of the retinal folds and the degree of metamorphopsia in the LMH-related mixed group. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaYuki en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=en-face imaging kn-keyword=en-face imaging en-keyword=epiretinal membrane kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane en-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis kn-keyword=epiretinal membrane foveoschisis en-keyword=lamellar macular hole kn-keyword=lamellar macular hole en-keyword=metamorphopsia kn-keyword=metamorphopsia en-keyword=mixed type kn-keyword=mixed type en-keyword=optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=optical coherence tomography en-keyword=retinal fold kn-keyword=retinal fold en-keyword=retinal traction kn-keyword=retinal traction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=20756 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240905 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Basic characteristics of tongue pressure and electromyography generated by articulation of a syllable using the posterior part of the tongue en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The basic function of the tongue in pronouncing diadochokinesis and other syllables is not fully understood. This study investigates the influence of sound pressure levels and syllables on tongue pressure and muscle activity in 19 healthy adults (mean age: 28.2 years; range: 22-33 years). Tongue pressure and activity of the posterior tongue were measured using electromyography (EMG) when the velar stops /ka/, /ko/, /ga/, and /go/ were pronounced at 70, 60, 50, and 40 dB. Spearman's rank correlation revealed a significant, yet weak, positive association between tongue pressure and EMG activity (rho = 0.14, p < 0.05). Mixed-effects model analysis showed that tongue pressure and EMG activity significantly increased at 70 dB compared to other sound pressure levels. While syllables did not significantly affect tongue pressure, the syllable /ko/ significantly increased EMG activity (coefficient = 0.048, p = 0.013). Although no significant differences in tongue pressure were observed for the velar stops /ka/, /ko/, /ga/, and /go/, it is suggested that articulation is achieved by altering the activity of both extrinsic and intrinsic tongue muscles. These findings highlight the importance of considering both tongue pressure and muscle activity when examining the physiological factors contributing to sound pressure levels during speech. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MandaYousuke en-aut-sei=Manda en-aut-mei=Yousuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Kodama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriKeitaro en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Keitaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AdachiReimi en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Reimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsugishiMakoto en-aut-sei=Matsugishi en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinagiShogo en-aut-sei=Minagi en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=e58753 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240923 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Enhancing Medical Interview Skills Through AI-Simulated PatientInteractions:Nonrandomized Controlled Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Medical interviewing is a critical skill in clinical practice, yet opportunities for practical training are limited in Japanese medical schools, necessitating urgent measures. Given advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in the medical field is expanding. However, reports on its application in medical interviews in medical education are scarce.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether medical students' interview skills could be improved by engaging with Al-simulated patients using large language models, including the provision of feedback.
Methods: This nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted with fourth-year medical students in Japan. A simulation program using large language models was provided to 35 students in the intervention group in 2023, while 110 students from 2022 who did not participate in the intervention were selected as the control group. The primary outcome was the score on the Pre-Clinical Clerkship Objective Structured Clinical Examination (pre-CC OSCE), a national standardized clinical skills examination, in medical interviewing. Secondary outcomes included surveys such as the Simulation-Based Training Quality Assurance Tool (SBT-QA10), administered at the start and end of the study.
Results: The Al intervention group showed significantly higher scores on medical interviews than the control group (Al group vs control group: mean 28.1, SD 1.6 vs 27.1, SD 2.2; P=.01). There was a trend of inverse correlation between the SBT-QA10 and pre-CC OSCE scores (regression coefficient-2.0 to-2.1). No significant safety concerns were observed.
Conclusions: Education through medical interviews using Al-simulated patients has demonstrated safety and a certain level of educational effectiveness. However, at present, the educational effects of this platform on nonverbal communication skills are limited, suggesting that it should be used as a supplementary tool to traditional simulation education. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoAkira en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodaMasahide en-aut-sei=Koda en-aut-mei=Masahide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgawaHiroko en-aut-sei=Ogawa en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiTomoko en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoHideo en-aut-sei=Ino en-aut-mei=Hideo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Co-learning Community Healthcare Re-innovation Office, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=medical interview kn-keyword=medical interview en-keyword=generative pretrained transformer kn-keyword=generative pretrained transformer en-keyword=large language model kn-keyword=large language model en-keyword=simulation-based learning kn-keyword=simulation-based learning en-keyword=OSCE kn-keyword=OSCE en-keyword=artificial intelligence kn-keyword=artificial intelligence en-keyword=medical education kn-keyword=medical education en-keyword=simulated patients kn-keyword=simulated patients en-keyword=nonrandomized controlled trial kn-keyword=nonrandomized controlled trial END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=5686 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240924 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Liver Transection Area Is a Novel Predictor for Surgical Difficulty in Laparoscopic Liver Resection en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: A difficulty scoring system was developed to estimate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS); however, the effect of the liver transection area (LTA) on LLS outcomes have not been previously examined. Therefore, this study investigated the predictive significance of the LTA for LLS. Methods: This retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent LLS in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2023. The association of the LTA with the surgical difficulty level and operative time was investigated. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting surgical difficulty in LLS. Results: The median LTA and operative time were 62.5 (IQR, 36.0?91.8) cm2 and 250 (IQR, 195?310) minutes, respectively. The LTA was significantly associated with surgical difficulty as evaluated using the IWATE Criteria. Moreover, the LTA significantly correlated with operative time (r2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). The multivariable analyses found that the LTA (?59 cm2) (odds ratio [OR], 6.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.38?16.6; p < 0.001) and the type of LLS (?segmentectomy) (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.35?11.4; p = 0.01) were significant factors associated with surgical difficulty. Conclusions: The LTA is a useful parameter that reflects the difficulty of LLS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamadaMotohiko en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Motohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraJiro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Jiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiyamaTakeyoshi en-aut-sei=Nishiyama en-aut-mei=Takeyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaiYasuo en-aut-sei=Nagai en-aut-mei=Yasuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanehiraNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Kanehira en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=laparoscopic liver resection kn-keyword=laparoscopic liver resection en-keyword=surgical difficulty kn-keyword=surgical difficulty en-keyword=liver transection area kn-keyword=liver transection area END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=423 end-page=428 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Occult Nesidioblastosis Detected by 111In-Pentetreotide Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nesidioblastosis, also known as persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, is usually observed in children and infants, although more recently adult-onset nesidioblastosis has also been described. We present a case of nesidioblastosis in a 78-year-old man that was detected by 111In-pentetreotide single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT). The patient was transferred to our hospital’s emergency department in a hypoglycemic coma. Dynamic enhanced CT could detect no lesion in the pancreas, but an 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT scan performed after a similar episode four weeks later showed increased focal uptake at the head of the pancreas. The results of a selective arterial calcium injection test were negative. After careful consideration and discussion among colleagues, surgical intervention was selected, and a pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. On histology, there were elevated numbers of Langerhans islets in the pancreatic head, and the islets themselves appeared enlarged. Hypertrophic β-cells comprised the majority, but α-cells, δ-cells and pancreatic polypeptide were also detected in the islets. Based on the histopathological results and repeated hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic crises, the patient was finally diagnosed with adult-onset nesidioblastosis. He had no hypoglycemic symptoms during outpatient follow-up examination. Since 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT may be able to detect nesidioblastosis, clinicians should consider this relatively new-modality examination when encountering such cases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakamotoShinya en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TabuchiMotoyasu en-aut-sei=Tabuchi en-aut-mei=Motoyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimatsuRika en-aut-sei=Yoshimatsu en-aut-mei=Rika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HishidaAi en-aut-sei=Hishida en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoManabu en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataJun en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkabayashiTakehiro en-aut-sei=Okabayashi en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenteorlogical Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenteorlogical Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenteorlogical Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= en-keyword=111In-pentetreotide kn-keyword=111In-pentetreotide en-keyword=nesidioblastosis kn-keyword=nesidioblastosis en-keyword=single-photon emission computed tomography kn-keyword=single-photon emission computed tomography en-keyword=hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia kn-keyword=hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=e087657 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241008 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Decline in and recovery of fertility rates after COVID-19-related state of emergency in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in fertility rates worldwide. Although many regions have experienced a temporary drop in fertility rates with the spread of the infection, subsequent recovery has varied across countries. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection rates and regional sociodemographic factors on the recovery of fertility rates in Japan following the state of emergency.
Methods This study examined prefectural fertility data from before the COVID-19 pandemic to forecast fertility rates up to 2022 using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model. A regression analysis was conducted on fertility rates during the first state of emergency and the subsequent recovery rate with respect to the number of new COVID-19 cases and sociodemographic factors specific to each prefecture.
Results During the first state of emergency, the monthly fertility rate decreased by an average of -13.8% (SD: 6.26, min: -28.78, max: 0.15) compared with the previous year. Over the following 22 months, the average fertility recovery rate was +2.31% (SD: 3.57; min: -8.55, max: 19.54). Multivariate analysis of the impact of the pandemic on fertility changes during the first emergency indicated a negative correlation between new COVID-19 cases per capita and the proportion of nuclear households. No significant correlation was found between fertility recovery rate and new COVID-19 cases or emergency duration. When classifying fertility rate fluctuation patterns before and after the emergency into four clusters, variations were noted in the proportion of the elderly population, marriage divorce rate and the number of internet searches related to pregnancy intentions across the clusters.
Conclusions No association was found between pregnancy intentions related to the spread of infection, such as the number of new cases and the fertility recovery rate following the first state of emergency. Differences in the patterns of decline and recovery during the pandemic were observed based on population composition and internet searches for infection and pregnancy across different prefectures. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MitomaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Mitoma en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakiJota en-aut-sei=Maki en-aut-mei=Jota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OobaHikaru en-aut-sei=Ooba en-aut-mei=Hikaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasuyamaHisashi en-aut-sei=Masuyama en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=357 end-page=362 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Factors Affecting Dynamic Postural Control Ability in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Research on postural control in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has focused on static postural control, with few studies assessing dynamic postural control. We aimed to identify factors affecting index of postural stability (IPS), a dynamic postural control parameter, in patients with AIS. The participants comprised 50 female patients with AIS. We measured the IPS using stabilometry to evaluate dynamic postural control ability. We investigated age of the participants, major curve position (thoracic or thoracolumbar/lumbar), Cobb angle, and coronal balance. We then assessed the relationships between stabilometry parameters and other variables. IPS was analyzed with a linear regression model. Coronal balance, major curve position, and age each correlated with dynamic postural control ability. The Cobb angle showed no correlation with any of the parameters. Our results offer new insights into the assessment of postural control in patients with AIS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamawakiRyoko en-aut-sei=Yamawaki en-aut-mei=Ryoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneShuhei en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaHaruo en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Haruo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Science of Functional Recovery and Reconstruction, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Ryusoh Orthopaedic Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=adolescent idiopathic scoliosis kn-keyword=adolescent idiopathic scoliosis en-keyword=postural control kn-keyword=postural control en-keyword=coronal balance kn-keyword=coronal balance en-keyword=index of postural stability kn-keyword=index of postural stability en-keyword=stabilometry kn-keyword=stabilometry END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=215 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240823 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Study of a Drawing Exactness Assessment Method Using Localized Normalized Cross-Correlations in a Portrait Drawing Learning Assistant System en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, portrait drawing has gained significance in cultivating painting skills and human sentiments. In practice, novices often struggle with this art form without proper guidance from professionals, since they lack understanding of the proportions and structures of facial features. To solve this limitation, we have developed a Portrait Drawing Learning Assistant System (PDLAS) to assist novices in learning portrait drawing. The PDLAS provides auxiliary lines as references for facial features that are extracted by applying OpenPose and OpenCV libraries to a face photo image of the target. A learner can draw a portrait on an iPad using drawing software where the auxiliary lines appear on a different layer to the portrait. However, in the current implementation, the PDLAS does not offer a function to assess the exactness of the drawing result for feedback to the learner. In this paper, we present a drawing exactness assessment method using a Localized Normalized Cross-Correlation (NCC) algorithm in the PDLAS. NCC gives a similarity score between the original face photo and drawing result images by calculating the correlation of the brightness distributions. For precise feedback, the method calculates the NCC for each face component by extracting the bounding box. In addition, in this paper, we improve the auxiliary lines for the nose. For evaluations, we asked students at Okayama University, Japan, to draw portraits using the PDLAS, and applied the proposed method to their drawing results, where the application results validated the effectiveness by suggesting improvements in drawing components. The system usability was also confirmed through a questionnaire with a SUS score. The main finding of this research is that the implementation of the NCC algorithm within the PDLAS significantly enhances the accuracy of novice portrait drawings by providing detailed feedback on specific facial features, proving the system's efficacy in art education and training. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhangYue en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Yue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KongZitong en-aut-sei=Kong en-aut-mei=Zitong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HsuChen-Chien en-aut-sei=Hsu en-aut-mei=Chen-Chien kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=portrait drawing kn-keyword=portrait drawing en-keyword=auxiliary lines kn-keyword=auxiliary lines en-keyword=OpenPose kn-keyword=OpenPose en-keyword=OpenCV kn-keyword=OpenCV en-keyword=normalized cross-correlation (NCC) kn-keyword=normalized cross-correlation (NCC) en-keyword=exactness assessment kn-keyword=exactness assessment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=19 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240929 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Assessment of the renal function of patients with anorexia nervosa en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background A decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated using creatinine (Cr- eGFR), is often found at the initial presentation of anorexia nervosa (AN). Its pathophysiology has been explained mainly by dehydration, and chronic hypokalemia is also thought to be a cause. However, because we have often experienced cases of AN with decreased Cr-eGFR without these conditions, we must consider different etiologies. The focus of this paper is on low free triiodothyronine (FT3) syndrome. We also discuss the utility of eGFR, estimated using cystatin-C (CysC-eGFR), for these patients.
Methods The data of 39 patients diagnosed with AN between January 2005 and December 2023 was available for study. The characteristics of patients at the lowest and highest body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) were examined. Data on the parameters Cr-eGFR, CysC-eGFR, dehydration markers, potassium (K), and hormonal data and BMI-SDS were assessed during the treatment course to evaluate the correlations in these parameters. Blood hematocrit, uric acid (UA), blood urine nitrogen (BUN) level, and urine specific gravity were adopted as dehydration markers; FT3, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, and insulin-like growth factor were adopted as hormonal data. Cr-eGFR and simultaneously evaluated dehydration markers, K, or hormonal data were extracted and correlations associated with the changes in BMI-SDS were examined. Furthermore, Cr-eGFR and simultaneously assessed CysC-eGFR were compared.
Results When the BMI-SDS was at the lowest value, low-FT3 syndrome was shown. Severe hypokalemia was not found in our study. A linear relation was not found between Cr-eGFR and BMI-SDS. A statistically significant correlation was found between Cr-eGFR and FT3 (p = 0.0025). Among the dehydration markers, statistically significant correlations were found between Cr-eGFR and BUN or UA. The difference between Cr-eGFR and CysC-eGFR was prominent, and CysC-eGFR showed much higher values.
Conclusions Our data indicates that low-FT3 syndrome and dehydration were related to the renal function of our patients with AN. Furthermore, our data suggest that caution is needed in the interpretation of kidney function evaluation when using CysC-eGFR in cases of AN. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyaharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigeyasuYoshie en-aut-sei=Shigeyasu en-aut-mei=Yoshie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiChikako en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Chikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaChie en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Chie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ManaHanzawa en-aut-sei=Mana en-aut-mei=Hanzawa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiharaAkiko en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaAyumi en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Ayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Clinical Psychology Section, Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=Anorexia nervosa kn-keyword=Anorexia nervosa en-keyword=Dehydration kn-keyword=Dehydration en-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using creatinine kn-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using creatinine en-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using cystatin-C kn-keyword=Glomerular filtration rate estimated using cystatin-C en-keyword=Hypokalemia kn-keyword=Hypokalemia en-keyword=Low free triiodothyronine syndrome kn-keyword=Low free triiodothyronine syndrome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=2824 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240823 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cyclic Oligosaccharide-Induced Modulation of Immunoglobulin A Reactivity to Gut Bacteria Contributes to Alterations in the Bacterial Community Structure en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a major gut antibody that coats commensal gut bacteria and contributes to shaping a stable gut bacterial composition. Although previous studies have shown that cyclic oligosaccharides, including cyclic nigerosyl-1,6-nigerose (CNN) and cyclodextrins (CDs, including alpha CD, beta CD, and gamma CD), alter the gut bacterial composition, it remains unclear whether cyclic oligosaccharides modify the IgA coating of gut bacteria, which relates to cyclic oligosaccharide-induced alteration of the gut bacterial composition. To address this issue, mice were maintained for 12 weeks on diets containing CNN, alpha CD, beta CD, or gamma CD; the animals' feces were evaluated for their bacterial composition and the IgA coating index (ICI), a measure of the degree of IgA coating of bacteria. We observed that the intake of each cyclic oligosaccharide altered the gut bacterial composition, with changes in the ICI found at both the phylum and genus levels. The ICI for Bacillota, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, UC Lachnospiraceae, and Tuzzerella were significantly and positively correlated with the relative abundance (RA) in total bacteria for these bacteria; in contrast, significant correlations were not seen for other phyla and genera. Our observations suggest that cyclic oligosaccharide-induced modulation of the IgA coating of gut bacteria may partly relate to changes in the community structure of the gut bacteria. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyamotoTaisei en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Taisei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraokaMao en-aut-sei=Teraoka en-aut-mei=Mao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyang en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cyclic oligosaccharides kn-keyword=cyclic oligosaccharides en-keyword=gut bacteria kn-keyword=gut bacteria en-keyword=immunoglobulin A kn-keyword=immunoglobulin A END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=357 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=114601 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20241001 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Revisiting the hormonal control of sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Sexual dimorphism in plumage is widespread among avian species. In chickens, adult females exhibit countershading, characterized by dull-colored round feathers lacking fringe on the saddle, while adult males display vibrant plumage with deeply fringed bright feathers. This dimorphism is estrogen-dependent, and administering estrogen to males transforms their showy plumage into cryptic female-like plumage. Extensive studies have shown that estrogen’s role in female plumage formation requires thyroid hormone; however, the precise mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of estrogen and thyroid hormone in creating sexual dimorphism in the structure and coloration of saddle feathers by administering each hormone to adult males and observing the resulting changes in regenerated feathers induced by plucking. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), responsible for thyroid hormone inactivation, correlates with fringing. Estrogen suppressed DIO3 and agouti signaling protein (ASIP) expression while stimulating BlSK1, a marker of barbule cells, resulting in female-like feathers with mottled patterns and lacking fringes. Administration of thyroxine (T4) stimulated BlSK1 and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, with no effect on ASIP, leading to the formation of solid black feathers lacking fringes. Triiodothyronine (T3) significantly increased POMC expression in pulp cells in culture. Taken together, these findings suggest that estrogen promotes the formation of solid vanes by suppressing DIO3 expression, while also inducing the formation of mottled patterns through inhibition of ASIP expression and indirect stimulation of melanocortin expression via changes in local T3 concentration. This is the first report describing molecular mechanism underlying hormonal crosstalk in creating sexual dimorphism in feathers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YouLi en-aut-sei=You en-aut-mei=Li kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishioKaori en-aut-sei=Nishio en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KowataKinue en-aut-sei=Kowata en-aut-mei=Kinue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorikawaMinaru en-aut-sei=Horikawa en-aut-mei=Minaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuchiHibiki en-aut-sei=Fukuchi en-aut-mei=Hibiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgoshiMaho en-aut-sei=Ogoshi en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AizawaSayaka en-aut-sei=Aizawa en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiSakae en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Melanocortin kn-keyword=Melanocortin en-keyword=Thyroid hormone kn-keyword=Thyroid hormone en-keyword=ASIP kn-keyword=ASIP en-keyword=Estrogen kn-keyword=Estrogen en-keyword=Deiodinase kn-keyword=Deiodinase END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=307 end-page=312 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202408 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Can Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer Patients with a 5% Briganti Nomogram Cut-off Value Provide an Oncological Benefit? A Large Multi-Institutional Cohort Study in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Briganti nomogram (cut-off value 5%) is commonly used to determine the indications for pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with prostate cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the potential oncological benefit of PLND based on the 5% cut-off value on the Briganti nomogram. We obtained the data from the Medical Investigation Cancer Network (MICAN) Study, which included 3,463 patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy (RP) at nine institutions in Japan between 2010 and 2020. We included patients with Briganti scores ? 5% and a follow-up period ?6 months and excluded patients categorized in the very high-risk group (based on NCCN categories); a final total of the cases of 1,068 patients were analyzed. The biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival was significantly worse in the patients who underwent PLND compared to those who did not (p=0.019). A multivariate analysis showed that high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (p<0.001) and an advanced T-stage (p=0.018) were significant prognostic factors for BCR, whereas PLND had no effect on BCR (p=0.059). Thus, PLND in patients with prostate cancer whose Briganti score was 5% did not provide any oncological benefit. Further research is necessary to determine the indication criteria for conducting PLND. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SugiharaNaoya en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashineKatsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Hashine en-aut-mei=Katsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaNatsumi en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoMiki en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Miki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerashitaMasato en-aut-sei=Terashita en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunakiKeisuke en-aut-sei=Funaki en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaikiKaori en-aut-sei=Saiki en-aut-mei=Kaori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaTakatora en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Takatora kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KakudaToshio en-aut-sei=Kakuda en-aut-mei=Toshio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraKenichi en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Fukumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiuraNoriyosi en-aut-sei=Miura en-aut-mei=Noriyosi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyauchiYuki en-aut-sei=Miyauchi en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikugawaTadahiko en-aut-sei=Kikugawa en-aut-mei=Tadahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaikaTakashi en-aut-sei=Saika en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Urology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Epidemiology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Urology, Ehime University kn-affil= en-keyword=Briganti nomogram kn-keyword=Briganti nomogram en-keyword=pelvic lymph node dissection kn-keyword=pelvic lymph node dissection en-keyword=prostate cancer kn-keyword=prostate cancer en-keyword=radical prostatectomy kn-keyword=radical prostatectomy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=8370 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240731 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Increased Oxidative Stress and Decreased Citrulline in Blood Associated with Severe Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in Adult Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the correlation between oxidative stress and blood amino acids associated with nitric oxide metabolism in adult patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. Clinical data and serum samples were prospectively collected from 100 adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between July 2020 and August 2021. Patients with COVID-19 were categorized into three groups for analysis based on lung infiltrates, oxygen inhalation upon admission, and the initiation of oxygen therapy after admission. Blood data, oxidative stress-related biomarkers, and serum amino acid levels upon admission were compared in these groups. Patients with lung infiltrations requiring oxygen therapy upon admission or starting oxygen post-admission exhibited higher serum levels of hydroperoxides and lower levels of citrulline compared to the control group. No remarkable differences were observed in nitrite/nitrate, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and arginine levels. Serum citrulline levels correlated significantly with serum lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein levels. A significant negative correlation was found between serum levels of citrulline and hydroperoxides. Levels of hydroperoxides decreased, and citrulline levels increased during the recovery period compared to admission. Patients with COVID-19 with extensive pneumonia or poor oxygenation showed increased oxidative stress and reduced citrulline levels in the blood compared to those with fewer pulmonary complications. These findings suggest that combined oxidative stress and abnormal citrulline metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 pneumonia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsugeMitsuru en-aut-sei=Tsuge en-aut-mei=Mitsuru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKou en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KudoKenichiro en-aut-sei=Kudo en-aut-mei=Kenichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimotoYasushi en-aut-sei=Tanimoto en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NousoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Nouso en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsumuneSho en-aut-sei=Mitsumune en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraGoro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Goro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaHaruto en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Haruto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakataIchiro en-aut-sei=Takata en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiAkihiko en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaKohei en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokageToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Aokage en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Infectious Disease, Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=novel coronavirus disease 2019 kn-keyword=novel coronavirus disease 2019 en-keyword=pneumonia kn-keyword=pneumonia en-keyword=hydroperoxide kn-keyword=hydroperoxide en-keyword=nitric oxide kn-keyword=nitric oxide en-keyword=reactive oxygen species kn-keyword=reactive oxygen species en-keyword=citrulline kn-keyword=citrulline en-keyword=arginine kn-keyword=arginine en-keyword=asymmetric dimethylarginine kn-keyword=asymmetric dimethylarginine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=2930 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240724 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Performance Investigations of VSLAM and Google Street View Integration in Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality under Various Lighting Conditions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The growing demand for Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) experiences has driven the integration of Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) with Google Street View (GSV) to enhance the accuracy. However, the impact of the ambient light intensity on the accuracy and reliability is underexplored, posing significant challenges in outdoor LAR implementations. This paper investigates the impact of light conditions on the accuracy and reliability of the VSLAM/GSV integration approach in outdoor LAR implementations. This study fills a gap in the current literature and offers valuable insights into vision-based approach implementation under different light conditions. Extensive experiments were conducted at five Point of Interest (POI) locations under various light conditions with a total of 100 datasets. Descriptive statistic methods were employed to analyze the data and assess the performance variation. Additionally, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis was utilized to assess the impact of different light conditions on the accuracy metric and horizontal tracking time, determining whether there are significant differences in performance across varying levels of light intensity. The experimental results revealed that a significant correlation (p < 0.05) exists between the ambient light intensity and the accuracy of the VSLAM/GSV integration approach. Through the confidence interval estimation, the minimum illuminance 434 lx is needed to provide a feasible and consistent accuracy. Variations in visual references, such as wet surfaces in the rainy season, also impact the horizontal tracking time and accuracy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BrataKomang Candra en-aut-sei=Brata en-aut-mei=Komang Candra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=RiyantokoPrismahardi Aji en-aut-sei=Riyantoko en-aut-mei=Prismahardi Aji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MentariMustika en-aut-sei=Mentari en-aut-mei=Mustika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=light intensity kn-keyword=light intensity en-keyword=Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) kn-keyword=Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) en-keyword=outdoor kn-keyword=outdoor en-keyword=Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) kn-keyword=Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) en-keyword=Google Street View (GSV) kn-keyword=Google Street View (GSV) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=29 article-no= start-page=5836 end-page=5847 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relationship between π?A isotherms and single microgel/microgel array structures revealed via the direct visualization of microgels at the air/water interface en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The structures of single microgels and microgel arrays formed at the air/water interface were visualized directly, and their structures correlated with π?A isotherms in order to understand the compression behavior of soft and deformable microgels at this interface. Large microgels (ca. 4 μm) were synthesized so that these can be clearly visualized at the air/water interface, even under high compression, and a series of microgel compression experiments were directly evaluated using a Langmuir trough equipped with a fluorescence microscope. The experiments revealed that upon compressing the microgel arrays at the interface voids disappeared and colloidal crystallinity increased. However, the colloidal crystallinity decreased when the microgel arrays were strongly compressed. In addition, when the structures were observed at higher magnification, it became clear that the single microgel structures, when visualized from above, changed from circular to polygonal upon compressing the microgel array. The results of this study can be expected to improve the understanding of the compression behavior of microgel arrays adsorbed at the air/water interface and will thus be useful for the creation of new functional microgel stabilizers with potential applications in e.g., bubbles and emulsions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawamotoTakahisa en-aut-sei=Kawamoto en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinatoHaruka en-aut-sei=Minato en-aut-mei=Haruka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=68 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=2400078 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240704 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Unabsorbed Fecal Fat Content Correlates with a Reduction of Immunoglobulin a Coating of Gut Bacteria in High‐Lard Diet‐Fed Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Scope: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) selectively coats gut bacteria and contributes to regulatory functions in gastrointestinal inflammation and glucose metabolism. Excess intake of lard leads to decrease in the IgA coating of gut bacteria, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study validates how unabsorbed fat derived from a high-lard diet in the gut affects the IgA coating of bacteria, as assessed in mouse models using three types of dietary fat (lard, medium-, and long-chain triglycerides [MLCTs], and medium-chain triglycerides [MCTs]) exhibiting different digestibilities.
Methods and results: C57BL/6J mice are maintained on diets containing lard, MLCTs, or MCTs at 7% or 30% w/w for 10 weeks (n = 6 per group). The fecal fatty acid concentration is measured to quantify unabsorbed fat content. The ratio of IgA-coated bacteria to total bacteria (IgA coating ratio) in the feces is measured by flow cytometry. Compared to lard-fed mice, MLCT- and MCT-fed mice exhibit lower fecal concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid and higher IgA coating ratios at both 7% and 30% dietary fat, and these parameters exhibit significant negative correlations.
Conclusion: Unabsorbed fat content in the gut may result in attenuated IgA coating of bacteria in high-lard diet-fed mice.
en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatsumataEmiko en-aut-sei=Katsumata en-aut-mei=Emiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SonoyamaKei en-aut-sei=Sonoyama en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiMio en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Mio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeraokaMao en-aut-sei=Teraoka en-aut-mei=Mao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyang en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=TAIYO YUSHI Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=TAIYO YUSHI Corporation kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=gut bacteria kn-keyword=gut bacteria en-keyword=immunoglobulin A kn-keyword=immunoglobulin A en-keyword=lard kn-keyword=lard END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=49 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=291 end-page=297 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240330 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluation of the trend of set-up errors during the treatment period using set-up margin in prostate radiotherapy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Accurate information on set-up error during radiotherapy is essential for determining the optimal number of treatments in hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. This necessitates careful control by the radiotherapy staff to assess the patient's condition. This study aimed to develop an evaluation method of the temporal trends in a patient's specific prostate movement during treatment using image matching and margin values. This study included 65 patients who underwent prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy (mean treatment time, 87.2 s). Set-up errors were assessed using bone, inter-, and intra-fraction marker matching across 39 fractions. The set-up margin was determined by dividing the four periods into 39 fractions using Stroom's formula and correlation coefficient. The intra-fraction set-up error was biased in the anterior-superior (AS) direction during treatment. The temporal trend of set-up errors during radiotherapy slightly increased based on bone matching and inter-fraction marker matching, with a 1.6-mm difference in the set-up margin fractions 11 to 20. The correlation coefficient of the mean prostate movement during treatment significantly decreased in the superior-inferior direction, while remaining high in the left-right and anterior-posterior directions. Image matching contributed significantly to the improvement of set-up errors; however, careful attention is needed for prostate movement in the AS direction, particularly during short treatment times. Understanding the trend of set-up errors during the treatment period is essential in numerical information sharing on patient condition and evaluating the margins for tailored hypo-fractionated radiotherapy, considering the facility's image-guided radiation therapy technology. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SasakiHinako en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Hinako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorishitaTakumi en-aut-sei=Morishita en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IrieNaho en-aut-sei=Irie en-aut-mei=Naho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaRena en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Rena kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiriyamaTetsukazu en-aut-sei=Kiriyama en-aut-mei=Tetsukazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamotoAkira en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiokaKunio en-aut-sei=Nishioka en-aut-mei=Kunio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiShotaro en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Shotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Uwajima City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Tokuyama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Tokuyama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Tokuyama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Hypofractionated radiotherapy kn-keyword=Hypofractionated radiotherapy en-keyword=Image-guided radiation therapy kn-keyword=Image-guided radiation therapy en-keyword=Prostate cancer kn-keyword=Prostate cancer en-keyword=Prostate movement kn-keyword=Prostate movement en-keyword=Set-up margin kn-keyword=Set-up margin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=65 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=276 end-page=281 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202405 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Postnatal longitudinal analysis of serum nitric oxide and eosinophil counts in extremely preterm infants en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Nitric oxide (NO) may be related to the pathogenesis of several morbidities in extremely preterm infants, including late-onset adrenal insufficiency. However, eosinophilia is observed under pathological conditions with adrenal insufficiency. Therefore, this study explored postnatal changes in NO levels and eosinophil counts in extremely preterm infants with and without morbidities.
Methods: Nineteen extremely preterm infants with a median gestational age of 27.0 weeks and median birth weight of 888 g were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were measured at birth and every 2 weeks thereafter. Morbidities of the study group were diagnosed using a single criterion.
Results: Serum NOx levels (mean ± standard deviation) were 22.5 ± 14.9 μmol/L, 51.2 ± 23.7 μmol/L, 42.4 ± 15.2 μmol/L, and 33.8 ± 9.4 μmol/L at birth and 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age, respectively. The serum NOx level at 2 weeks of age was significantly higher than that at birth and 6 weeks of age. Eosinophil counts, which increase with adrenal insufficiency, were measured simultaneously and were 145 ± 199/μL, 613 ± 625/μL, 466 ± 375/μL, and 292 ± 228/μL at birth and 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age, respectively. These values showed that the eosinophil count was significantly higher at 2 weeks of age than at birth and 6 weeks of age. The serum NOx level of infants without chorioamnionitis was significantly increased at 4 weeks of age, and the eosinophil count of infants with necrotizing enterocolitis was significantly increased at 2 weeks of age. No correlation with the NOx level or eosinophil count was observed in infants with late-onset circulatory collapse.
Conclusion: The postnatal serum NOx level and eosinophil count were significantly correlated with each other and peaked at 2 weeks of age. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeHirokazu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WashioYosuke en-aut-sei=Washio en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamaiKei en-aut-sei=Tamai en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimotoDaisaku en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Daisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraTomoka en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimotoJunko en-aut-sei=Yoshimoto en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanishiHidehiko en-aut-sei=Nakanishi en-aut-mei=Hidehiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KageyamaMisao en-aut-sei=Kageyama en-aut-mei=Misao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchiyamaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Uchiyama en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KusudaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kusuda en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neonatology, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Tokyo Women’s Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Neonatology, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Tokyo Women’s Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Neonatology, Maternal and Perinatal Center, Tokyo Women’s Medical University kn-affil= en-keyword=eosinophils kn-keyword=eosinophils en-keyword=extremely preterm infant kn-keyword=extremely preterm infant en-keyword=nitric oxide kn-keyword=nitric oxide en-keyword=relative adrenal insufficiency kn-keyword=relative adrenal insufficiency END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=271 end-page=279 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy with a Pulmonary Infection Control Window as a Ventilation Switching Indication in Combination with Atomizing Inhalation of Terbutaline on the Lung Function of Patients with Acute Exacerbation of COPD en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated how humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) with a pulmonary infection control (PIC) window as a ventilation switching indication in combination with atomizing inhalation of terbutaline affects the lung function of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We examined 140 hospitalized AECOPD patients randomized to control and observation groups. Conventional supportive therapy and invasive mechanical ventilation with tracheal intubation were conducted in both groups, with a PIC window as the indication for ventilation switching. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) plus atomizing inhalation of terbutaline was used in the control group. In the observation group, HFNC combined with atomizing inhalation of terbutaline was used. Compared to the control group, after 48-hr treatment and treatment completion, the observation group had significantly increased levels of lung function indicators (maximal voluntary ventilation [MVV] plus forced vital capacity [FVC], p<0.05) and oxygen metabolism indicators (arterial oxygen partial pressure [PaO2], arterial oxygen content [CaO2], and oxygenation index, p<0.05). The comparison of the groups revealed that the levels of airway remodeling indicators (matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2], tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 [TIMP-2] plus MMP-9) and inflammatory indicators (interferon gamma [IFN-γ] together with interleukin-17 [IL-17], IL-10 and IL-4) were significantly lower after 48 h of treatment as well as after treatment completion (both p<0.05). These results demonstrate that HFNC with a PIC window as the indication for ventilation switching combined with atomizing inhalation of terbutaline can relieve the disorder of oxygen metabolism and correct airway hyper-reactivity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YeMengjiao en-aut-sei=Ye en-aut-mei=Mengjiao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhangRenwei en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Renwei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tiantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tiantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease kn-keyword=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease en-keyword=inhalation kn-keyword=inhalation en-keyword=oxygen therapy kn-keyword=oxygen therapy en-keyword=pulmonary function kn-keyword=pulmonary function en-keyword=ventilation kn-keyword=ventilation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=259 end-page=270 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Role of the Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress in Fatigue, Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of the lipid profile, dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein, ischaemia-modified albumin and thiol?disulfide homeostasis with cognitive impairment, fatigue and sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. The cognitive functions of patients were evaluated with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis battery. Fatigue was evaluated with the Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Impact Scale. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to assess patients’ sleep disturbance. Peripheral blood samples were collected, and lipid levels and myeloperoxidase and paraoxonase activity were measured. The myeloperoxidase/paraoxonase ratio, which indicates dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein, was calculated. Thiol?disulfide homeostasis and ischaemia-modified albumin were measured.
We did not identify any relationship between dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein and the physical disability, cognitive decline, fatigue and sleep problems of multiple sclerosis. Thiol?disulfide homeostasis was associated with cognitive scores. The shift of the balance towards disulfide was accompanied by a decrease in cognitive scores. On the other hand, we did not detect any relationship between fatigue and sleep disorders and thiol?disulfide homeostasis. Our findings revealed a possible correlation between cognitive dysfunction and thiol?disulfide homeostasis in multiple sclerosis patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=VuralGonul en-aut-sei=Vural en-aut-mei=Gonul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DemirEsra en-aut-sei=Demir en-aut-mei=Esra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GumusyaylaSadiye en-aut-sei=Gumusyayla en-aut-mei=Sadiye kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ErenFunda en-aut-sei=Eren en-aut-mei=Funda kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BarakliSerdar en-aut-sei=Barakli en-aut-mei=Serdar kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NeseliogluSalim en-aut-sei=Neselioglu en-aut-mei=Salim kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ErelOzcan en-aut-sei=Erel en-aut-mei=Ozcan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Ankara City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ankara City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Neurology, Ankara City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ankara City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ankara City Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=multiple sclerosis kn-keyword=multiple sclerosis en-keyword=dysfunctional HDL kn-keyword=dysfunctional HDL en-keyword=thiol?disulfide homeostasis kn-keyword=thiol?disulfide homeostasis en-keyword=cognitive decline kn-keyword=cognitive decline END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=245 end-page=250 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Impact of Reduced Skeletal Muscle Mass on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Although several studies have suggested a possible association between sarcopenia and knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the elderly, there remains no definitive evidence. Recently, however, the serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio (sarcopenia index: SI) was reported to correlate with skeletal muscle mass. The present retrospective study therefore investigated the impact of reduced skeletal muscle mass on advanced knee OA using SI. In 55 individuals scheduled for knee osteotomy or knee arthroplasty, correlations between SI and patient-reported outcomes such as the Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were explored. Significant associations were found between SI and the KSS functional activity score (β=0.37; p=0.022), KOOS subscale for activities of daily living (β=0.42; p=0.0096), and OKS (β=0.42; p=0.0095). This study underscores the role of reduced muscle mass in functional outcomes and introduces SI as a valuable marker for assessing muscle loss in knee OA patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkagawaManabu en-aut-sei=Akagawa en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoHidetomo en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Hidetomo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamotoYosuke en-aut-sei=Iwamoto en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaJunpei en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Junpei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshikawaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Yoshikawa en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeToshiki en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoKimio en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Kimio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KijimaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Kijima en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KasukawaYuji en-aut-sei=Kasukawa en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HongoMichio en-aut-sei=Hongo en-aut-mei=Michio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakoshiNaohisa en-aut-sei=Miyakoshi en-aut-mei=Naohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Omagari Kousei Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Omagari Kousei Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Omagari Kousei Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Omagari Kousei Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Omagari Kousei Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Omagari Kousei Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=knee osteoarthritis kn-keyword=knee osteoarthritis en-keyword=sarcopenia index kn-keyword=sarcopenia index en-keyword=reduced muscle mass kn-keyword=reduced muscle mass en-keyword=activities of daily living kn-keyword=activities of daily living en-keyword=functional activity kn-keyword=functional activity END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=205 end-page=213 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Thoughts on and Proposal for the Education, Training, and Recruitment of Infectious Disease Specialists en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The global pandemic of COVID-19 has underscored the significance of establishing and sustaining a practical and efficient infection control system for the benefit and welfare of society. Infectious disease (ID) specialists are expected to take on leadership roles in enhancing organizational infrastructures for infection prevention and control (IPC) at the hospital, community, and national levels. However, due to an absolute shortage and an uneven distribution, many core hospitals currently lack the ID specialists. Given the escalating global risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance pathogens, the education and training of ID specialists constitutes an imperative concern. As demonstrated by historical changes in the healthcare reimbursement system, the establishment and enhancement of IPC measures is pivotal to ensuring medical safety. The existing structure of academic society-driven certification and training initiatives for ID specialists, contingent upon the discretionary decisions of individual physicians, possesses both quantitative and qualitative shortcomings. In this article, I first address the present situations and challenges related to ID specialists and then introduce my idea of securing ID specialists based on the new concepts and platforms; (i) ID Specialists as National Credentials, (ii) Establishment of the Department of Infectious Diseases in Medical and Graduate Schools, (iii) Endowed ID Educative Courses Funded by Local Government and Pharmaceutical Companies, and (iv) Recruitment of Young Physicians Engaged in Healthcare Services in Remote Areas. As clarified by the COVID-19 pandemic, ID specialists play a crucial role in safeguarding public health. Hopefully, this article will advance the discussion and organizational reform for the education and training of ID specialists. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=emerging infectious diseases kn-keyword=emerging infectious diseases en-keyword=infection prevention and control kn-keyword=infection prevention and control en-keyword=medical education kn-keyword=medical education en-keyword=silent pandemic kn-keyword=silent pandemic END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=e174618 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240522 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Double-faced CX3CL1 enhances lymphangiogenesis-dependent metastasis in an aggressive subclone of oral squamous cell carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Because cancer cells have a genetically unstable nature, they give rise to genetically different variant subclones inside a single tumor. Understanding cancer heterogeneity and subclone characteristics is crucial for developing more efficacious therapies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by high heterogeneity and plasticity. On the other hand, CX3C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a double-faced chemokine with anti- and pro -tumor functions. Our study reported that CX3CL1 functioned differently in tumors with different cancer phenotypes, both in vivo and in vitro. Mouse OSCC 1 (MOC1) and MOC2 cells responded similarly to CX3CL1 in vitro. However, in vivo, CX3CL1 increased keratinization in indolent MOC1 cancer, while CX3CL1 promoted cervical lymphatic metastasis in aggressive MOC2 cancer. These outcomes were due to double-faced CX3CL1 effects on different immune microenvironments indolent and aggressive cancer created. Furthermore, we established that CX3CL1 promoted cancer metastasis via the lymphatic pathway by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and transendothelial migration of lymph -circulating tumor cells. CX3CL1 enrichment in lymphatic metastasis tissues was observed in aggressive murine and human cell lines. OSCC patient samples with CX3CL1 enrichment exhibited a strong correlation with lower overall survival rates and higher recurrence and distant metastasis rates. In conclusion, CX3CL1 is a pivotal factor that stimulates the metastasis of aggressive cancer subclones within the heterogeneous tumors to metastasize, and our study demonstrates the prognostic value of CX3CL1 enrichment in long-term monitoring in OSCC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EainHtoo Shwe en-aut-sei=Eain en-aut-mei=Htoo Shwe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasaaki en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OoMay Wathone en-aut-sei=Oo en-aut-mei=May Wathone kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaYoko en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShanQuisheng en-aut-sei=Shan en-aut-mei=Quisheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoeYamin en-aut-sei=Soe en-aut-mei=Yamin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoKisho en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Kisho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizukawaNobuyoshi en-aut-sei=Mizukawa en-aut-mei=Nobuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaSeiji en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama Universit kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=165 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=106013 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202409 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Salivary buffering capacity is correlated with umami but not sour taste sensitivity in healthy adult Japanese subjects en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: Saliva serves multiple important functions crucial for maintaining a healthy oral and systemic environment. Among them, the pH buffering effect, which is primarily mediated by bicarbonate ions, helps maintain oral homeostasis by neutralizing acidity from ingested foods. Therefore, higher buffering capacity, reflecting the ability to neutralize oral acidity, may influence taste sensitivity, especially for sour taste since it involves sensing H+ ions. This study aims to explore the relationship between salivary buffering capacity and taste sensitivities to the five basic tastes in healthy adult humans.
Design: Eighty seven healthy adult students participated in this study. Resting saliva volume was measured using the spitting method. The liquid colorimetric test was used to assess salivary buffering capacity. The whole-mouth taste testing method was employed to determine the recognition threshold for each tastant (NaCl, sucrose, citric acid, quinine-HCl, monosodium glutamate).
Results: Taste recognition thresholds for sour taste as well as sweet, salty, and bitter tastes showed no correlation with salivary buffering capacity. Interestingly, a negative relationship was observed between recognition threshold for umami taste and salivary buffering capacity. Furthermore, a positive correlation between salivary buffering capacity and resting saliva volume was observed.
Conclusions: Salivary buffering capacity primarily influences sensitivity to umami taste, but not sour and other tastes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HyodoAiko en-aut-sei=Hyodo en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikamiAyaka en-aut-sei=Mikami en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorieKengo en-aut-sei=Horie en-aut-mei=Kengo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitohYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Mitoh en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaYuzo en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaSeiji en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=taste recognition threshold kn-keyword=taste recognition threshold en-keyword=resting saliva kn-keyword=resting saliva en-keyword=bicarbonate kn-keyword=bicarbonate en-keyword=xerostomia kn-keyword=xerostomia en-keyword=TAS1R kn-keyword=TAS1R END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=127 cd-vols= no-issue=25 article-no= start-page=12295 end-page=12303 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230620 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Li-Ion Transport and Solution Structure in Sulfolane-Based Localized High-Concentration Electrolytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs), which are mixtures of highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) and non-coordinating diluents, have attracted significant interest as promising liquid electrolytes for next-generation Li secondary batteries, owing to their various beneficial properties both in the bulk and at the electrode/electrolyte interface. We previously reported that the large Li+-ion transference number in sulfolane (SL)-based HCEs, attributed to the unique exchange/hopping-like Li+-ion conduction, decreased upon dilution with the non-coordinating hydrofluoroether (HFE) despite the retention of the local Li+-ion coordination structure. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of HFE dilution on the Li+ transference number and the solution structure of SL-based LHCEs via the analysis of dynamic ion correlations and molecular dynamics simulations. The addition of HFE caused nano-segregation in the SL-based LHCEs to afford polar and nonpolar domains and fragmentation of the polar ion-conducting pathway into smaller clusters with increasing HFE content. Analysis of the dynamic ion correlations revealed that the anti-correlated Li+?Li+ motions were more pronounced upon HFE addition, suggesting that the Li+ exchange/hopping conduction is obstructed by the non-ion-conducting HFE-rich domains. Thus, the HFE addition affects the entire solution structure and ion transport without significantly affecting the local Li+-ion coordination structure. Further studies on ion transport in LHCEs would help obtain a design principle for liquid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and large Li+-ion transference numbers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SudohTaku en-aut-sei=Sudoh en-aut-mei=Taku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaShuhei en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigenobuKeisuke en-aut-sei=Shigenobu en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuzukiSeiji en-aut-sei=Tsuzuki en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DokkoKaoru en-aut-sei=Dokko en-aut-mei=Kaoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShinodaWataru en-aut-sei=Shinoda en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoKazuhide en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Kazuhide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Taku Sudoh Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre (ACERC), Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre (ACERC), Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Department of Chemistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=120 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=128 end-page=134 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240415 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Spontaneous regression of multiple solitary plasmacytoma harboring Epstein?Barr virus: a case report and literature review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We report a rare case of spontaneous regression (SR) in an elderly untreated patient with multiple solitary plasmacytoma (MSP). Diagnosis of MSP was confirmed through surgical resection of the left nasal cavity mass and subsequent biopsy of the right humerus. The patient was considered ineligible for chemotherapy due to poor performance status. At 3-month post-diagnosis, the patient’s condition worsened with deteriorating bone lesions and emergence of a new serum monoclonal protein. However, these clinical findings completely disappeared at 6 months, and positron emission tomography?computed tomography at 1 year confirmed complete metabolic remission. Notably, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were inversely correlated with tumor progression and remission. Pathological re-evaluation of the initial biopsy specimens revealed programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. In addition, tumor cells were infected with Epstein?Barr virus (EBV) but were negative for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which is the most potent immune escape mechanism in tumor cells. While the mechanism underlying SR remains unclear, our findings suggest that host immune response as well as EBV infection may contribute to SR. Further studies are needed to elucidate the clinicopathologic mechanisms of tumor regression in plasma cell neoplasms. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KitamuraWataru en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaMinori en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Minori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IsekiAkiko en-aut-sei=Iseki en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYumi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuyamaShoichi en-aut-sei=Kuyama en-aut-mei=Shoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Otorhinolaryngology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= en-keyword=Plasmacytoma kn-keyword=Plasmacytoma en-keyword=Epstein?Barr virus kn-keyword=Epstein?Barr virus en-keyword=Spontaneous regression kn-keyword=Spontaneous regression END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e1617 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202405 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Postoperative Complications in Living Donors for Lung Transplantation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background. Living donor lobar lung transplantation is a life-saving procedure for critically ill patients. This requires 2 healthy donors exposed to risks and without medical benefit. Therefore, the donor's safety and minimal postoperative complications are crucial. This study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes and identify the risk factors affecting these outcomes. Methods. The data of 175 living donors enrolled between 1998 and 2022 were analyzed. Donors were divided into era 1 (1998-2009) and era 2 (2010-2022). Results. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 39%, of which 7% were major complications. Donors who underwent surgery on the right side had a higher incidence of delayed pulmonary fistulae (P = 0.01) and elevated liver enzyme levels (P = 0.028). Living donor surgery on the right side (P = 0.01), era 2 (P = 0.01), and the need for plasty (P = 0.04) were predictors of postoperative complications. Conclusions. Updated data on complications and their correlation with postoperative quality of life from this study could aid in the selection of potential donors and facilitate informed consent. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiKento en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Kento kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiharaMegumi en-aut-sei=Ishihara en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChoshiHaruki en-aut-sei=Choshi en-aut-mei=Haruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsubaraKei en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkaharaShuji en-aut-sei=Okahara en-aut-mei=Shuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=77 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=85 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202307 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Latitudinal cline in reproductive traits in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Several previous studies have reported geographic variation and/or latitudinal clines of morphological sexual characteristics, but there are few studies that consider reproductive traits that are not morphological. Here, we measured the proportion of females fertilized by males, frequency of reproductive failure in males, and number of female copulations of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum collected from fields in Japan to investigate the relationship between reproductive traits and latitude. Our results show substantial differences in the reproductive traits of both sexes among field populations. We identified latitudinal clines for reproductive traits in males, but not females. Moreover, female, but not male, reproductive traits were correlated with body size. Our study suggests that selection for male reproductive traits varies with latitude in T. castaneum. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumuraKentarou en-aut-sei=Matsumura en-aut-mei=Kentarou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakabayashiKyosuke en-aut-sei=Wakabayashi en-aut-mei=Kyosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawakamiRenya en-aut-sei=Kawakami en-aut-mei=Renya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyatakeTakahisa en-aut-sei=Miyatake en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Sexual selection kn-keyword=Sexual selection en-keyword=Sexual conflict kn-keyword=Sexual conflict en-keyword=Geographic variation kn-keyword=Geographic variation en-keyword=Tribolium castaneum kn-keyword=Tribolium castaneum END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=171 end-page=184 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Relationships among Internalized Stigma, Sense of Coherence, and Personal Recovery of Persons with Schizophrenia Living in the Community en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated (i) the relationships among internalized stigma (IS), sense of coherence (SOC), and the personal recovery (PR) of persons with schizophrenia living in the community, and (ii) how to improve the support for these individuals. A questionnaire survey on IS, SOC, and PR was sent by mail to 270 persons with schizophrenia living in the community who were using psychiatric daycare services, of whom 149 responded and 140 were included in the analysis. We established a hypothetical model in which IS influences PR, and SOC influences IS and PR, and we used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among these concepts. The goodness of fit was acceptable. Our findings suggest that rather than directly promoting PR, SOC promotes PR by mitigating the impact of IS. It is important for nurses/supporters to support individuals with schizophrenia living in the community so that they have opportunities to reflect on their own experiences through their activities and to share their experiences with peers. Nurses/supporters themselves should also reflect on their own support needs. Our findings suggest that this will lead to a reduction of IS and the improvement of SOC, which will in turn promote personal recovery. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuramotoAya en-aut-sei=Kuramoto en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoShinya en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Shinya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeKumi en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Kumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University kn-affil= en-keyword=schizophrenia kn-keyword=schizophrenia en-keyword=internalized stigma kn-keyword=internalized stigma en-keyword=sense of coherence kn-keyword=sense of coherence en-keyword=personal recovery kn-keyword=personal recovery en-keyword=community kn-keyword=community END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=95 end-page=106 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202404 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Roles of Neuropeptide Y in Respiratory Disease Pathogenesis via the Airway Immune Response en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The lungs are very complex organs, and the respiratory system performs the dual roles of repairing tissue while protecting against infection from various environmental stimuli. Persistent external irritation disrupts the immune responses of tissues and cells in the respiratory system, ultimately leading to respiratory disease. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino-acid polypeptide and a neurotransmitter that regulates homeostasis. The NPY receptor is a seven-transmembrane-domain G-protein-coupled receptor with six subtypes (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, and Y6). Of these receptors, Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5 are functional in humans, and Y1 plays important roles in the immune responses of many organs, including the respiratory system. NPY and the Y1 receptor have critical roles in the pathogenesis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The effects of NPY on the airway immune response and pathogenesis differ among respiratory diseases. This review focuses on the involvement of NPY in the airway immune response and pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ItanoJunko en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiuraKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Kiura en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaNobuaki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Nobuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=neuropeptide y kn-keyword=neuropeptide y en-keyword=Y1 receptor kn-keyword=Y1 receptor en-keyword=airway immune response kn-keyword=airway immune response en-keyword=bronchial epithelial cells kn-keyword=bronchial epithelial cells en-keyword=respiratory disease kn-keyword=respiratory disease END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1314 end-page=1328 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240310 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Wetting property of Fe‐S melt in solid core: Implication for the core crystallization process in planetesimals en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In differentiated planetesimals, the liquid core starts to crystallize during secular cooling, followed by the separation of liquid?solid phases in the core. The wetting property between liquid and solid iron alloys determines whether the core melts are trapped in the solid core or they can separate from the solid core during core crystallization. In this study, we performed high-pressure experiments under the conditions of the interior of small bodies (0.5?3.0?GPa) to study the wetting property (dihedral angle) between solid Fe and liquid Fe-S as a function of pressure and duration. The measured dihedral angles are approximately constant after 2?h and decrease with increasing pressure. The dihedral angles range from 30° to 48°, which are below the percolation threshold of 60° at 0.5?3.0?GPa. The oxygen content in the melt decreases with increasing pressure and there are strong positive correlations between the S?+?O or O content and the dihedral angle. Therefore, the change in the dihedral angle is likely controlled by the O content of the Fe-S melt, and the dihedral angle tends to decrease with decreasing O content in the Fe-S melt. Consequently, the Fe-S melt can form interconnected networks in the solid core. In the obtained range of the dihedral angle, a certain amount of the Fe-S melt can stably coexist with solid Fe, which would correspond to the “trapped melt” in iron meteorites. Excess amounts of the melt would migrate from the solid core over a long period of core crystallization in planetesimals. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsubaraShiori en-aut-sei=Matsubara en-aut-mei=Shiori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TerasakiHidenori en-aut-sei=Terasaki en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinoTakashi en-aut-sei=Yoshino en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UrakawaSatoru en-aut-sei=Urakawa en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumitoriDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yumitori en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=4564 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240225 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Longitudinal antibody dynamics after COVID-19 vaccine boosters based on prior infection status and booster doses en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Global concern over COVID-19 vaccine distribution disparities highlights the need for strategic booster shots. We explored longitudinal antibody responses post-booster during the Omicron wave in a Japanese cohort, emphasizing prior infection and booster doses. This prospective cohort study included 1763 participants aged 18 years and older with at least three vaccine doses (7376 datapoints). Antibody levels were measured every 2 months. We modeled temporal declines in antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccine boosters according to prior infection status and booster doses using a Bayesian linear mixed-effects interval-censored model, considering age, sex, underlying conditions, and lifestyle. Prior infection enhanced post-booster immunity (posterior median 0.346, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.335-0.355), maintaining antibody levels (posterior median 0.021; 95% CrI 0.019-0.023) over 1 year, in contrast to uninfected individuals whose levels had waned by 8 months post-vaccination. Each additional booster was correlated with higher baseline antibody levels and slower declines, comparing after the third dose. Female sex, older age, immunosuppressive status, and smoking history were associated with lower baseline post-vaccination antibodies, but not associated with decline rates except for older age in the main model. Prior infection status and tailored, efficient, personalized booster strategies are crucial, considering sex, age, health conditions, and lifestyle. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiAyako en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Ayako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KadowakiTomoka en-aut-sei=Kadowaki en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaoSoshi en-aut-sei=Takao en-aut-mei=Soshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=17 end-page=31 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240329 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=Interrelationship between Autonomous and Organizational Learning among Elementary School Teachers: Differences Arising from the Images of Organizational Learning kn-title=小学校教師の自律的な学びを支える組織的な学び ―組織的な学びのイメージに基づく比較― en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=　This study examined the interrelationship between autonomous and organizational learning among elementary school teachers. A questionnaire survey administered to Japanese public elementary school teachers received 99 responses. We measured four aspects of autonomous learning attitudes: “self-reflection,” “incorporating colleagues’ experiences,” “considering children’ s and parents’ perspectives,” and “challenging attitude.” Additionally, two facets of perceptions of professional learning community (PLC) were assessed: “shared mission and responsibility” and “collaborative reflection with colleagues,” serving as indicators of organizational learning. Positive and negative images of organizational learning were also examined. Correlation analysis revealed that the PLC perceptions of “shared mission and responsibility” and “collaborative reflection with colleagues” were positively associated with learning attitudes of “incorporating colleagues’ experiences.” Furthermore, a positive association was identified between the PLC perception of “collaborative reflection with colleagues” and the autonomous learning attitudes of “self-reflection.” However, it was observed that when teachers held a negative image of organizational learning, the interrelation between autonomous and organizational learning might be constrained or even exhibit a negative correlation. kn-abstract=　本研究では，教師の自律的な学びと組織的な学びの連動を検討した。質問紙調査を実施し，公立小学校教師99名から回答を得た。既往知見を参考に，自律的な学習姿勢は4側面（「自己省察」，「同僚の経験の取り入れ」，「児童・保護者の視点の考慮」，「前向きな挑戦姿勢」），組織的な学びについては専門的な学習共同体（PLC）の認識の2要素（「使命と責任の共有」，「同僚との協働的省察」），組織的な学びに対するポジティブおよびネガティブなイメージを測定した。相関分析の結果，PLC 認識の「使命と責任の共有」と「同僚との協働的省察」は学習姿勢の「同僚の経験の取り入れ」と正の関連を示した。また，「同僚との協働的省察」は学習姿勢の「自己省察」とも正の関連を示した。しかし，組織的な学びにネガティブなイメージを抱く場合，自律的な学びと組織的な学びの連動は制限されたり，負の関係になる可能性が示唆された。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MISAWARyo en-aut-sei=MISAWA en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name=三沢良 kn-aut-sei=三沢 kn-aut-mei=良 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MATSUEMomoka en-aut-sei=MATSUE en-aut-mei=Momoka kn-aut-name=松江桃果 kn-aut-sei=松江 kn-aut-mei=桃果 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院教育学域 affil-num=2 en-affil=Akashi Municipal Futami-Nishi Junior School kn-affil=明石市立二見西小学校 en-keyword=小学校教師 (elementary school teacher) kn-keyword=小学校教師 (elementary school teacher) en-keyword=自律的な学び (autonomous learning) kn-keyword=自律的な学び (autonomous learning) en-keyword=組織的な学び (organizational learning) kn-keyword=組織的な学び (organizational learning) en-keyword=専門職の学習共同体 (professional lea rning community) kn-keyword=専門職の学習共同体 (professional lea rning community) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=1 end-page=15 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240329 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title=A Preliminary Study of School-Based Strengths Intervention with Japanese elementary school students: Through Classroom Activity to Promote Awareness of Strengths kn-title=児童を対象とした強み介入の予備的検討 ―強みへの気付きを促す学級活動の授業を通して― en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract=This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a preliminary strengths intervention lesson for children. The participants included 95 sixth-grade students, comprising 50 boys, 40 girls, and 5 of unknown gender. The findings revealed three key points. Firstly, life satisfaction and the sense of trust and acceptance significantly improved in post-event scores. Secondly, a noteworthy positive partial correlation was identified between the amount of change in attention to one's strengths and the amount of change in feelings of trust and acceptance. Additionally, a quantitative text analysis was conducted to explore the learning impressions of children whose focus on strengths improved versus those whose attention did not improve. Results indicated no significant bias in descriptions for each group. Overall, most of the children described subjective experiences of positive emotions. Lastly, the study discussed the lessons for intervention and research design as areas to address, providing insights into future perspectives. kn-abstract=　本研究の目的は，児童を対象とした強み介入の予備的検討のために実践した強みへの気付きを促す授業の効果について検討することである。対象者は小学６年生95名(男子50名，女子40名，不明５名)であった。本研究によって以下の３点が明らかになった。まず，生活充実感と被信頼感・受容感の事後の得点が有意に向上した。次に，自己の強みへの注目の変化量と被信頼感・受容感の変化量で有意な正の偏相関が確認された。さらに，強みへの注目が向上した児童と向上しなかった児童の学習の感想を計量テキスト分析で検証した。その結果，群ごとに有意な記述の偏りは確認されなかった。全体として，児童の多くはポジティブな感情に関する主観的経験について記述していた。最後に，課題として介入で実施する授業と研究デザインを取り上げ，今後の展望について議論した。 en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IZUMITsuguyuki en-aut-sei=IZUMI en-aut-mei=Tsuguyuki kn-aut-name=伊住継行 kn-aut-sei=伊住 kn-aut-mei=継行 aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TODAAkane en-aut-sei=TODA en-aut-mei=Akane kn-aut-name=戸田朱音 kn-aut-sei=戸田 kn-aut-mei=朱音 aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OKURAHisashi en-aut-sei=OKURA en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name=大倉尚志 kn-aut-sei=大倉 kn-aut-mei=尚志 aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil=岡山大学学術研究院教育学域 affil-num=2 en-affil=Shintoku Elementary School kn-affil=新得町立新得小学校 affil-num=3 en-affil=Hayashima Kindergarten kn-affil=早島町立早島幼稚園 en-keyword=促進的援助 (facilitative assistance) kn-keyword=促進的援助 (facilitative assistance) en-keyword=強み介入 (strengths intervention) kn-keyword=強み介入 (strengths intervention) en-keyword=学級活動(２) (classroom activities (2)) kn-keyword=学級活動(２) (classroom activities (2)) en-keyword=児童 (children) kn-keyword=児童 (children) en-keyword=計量テキスト分析 (quantitative text analysis) kn-keyword=計量テキスト分析 (quantitative text analysis) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=34 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240224 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Experimental quantification of genetic and ontogenetic effects on fighting behavior in the broad-horned flour beetle en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Most animal behaviors show large within- and among-individual variation, and this includes competitive male behaviors. With male fighting for example, aggressiveness often correlates with dominance, and contest duration varies with age. However, few studies have directly quantified how mean aggressiveness and contest duration, the variation among individuals in both traits, and the relationship among them, vary with age. Here we address these gaps and examine the effect of male age and genotype on two key aspects of male fighting behavior - aggressiveness (here measured as latency to fight) and contest duration - and the relationship between them. We do this using isogenic lines of the broad-horned flour beetle Gnatocerus cornutus. We observed fighting behavior of paired males of similar body size and age. Using uni- and multivariate mixed models, we show that although there was a significant difference between younger and older males in contest duration, mean aggressiveness was not affected by male age. However, the variation in aggression and fight duration varied with age, being greater in younger and older males respectively. Additionally, although there was a positive correlation between aggressiveness and contest duration in younger males, this relationship was not found in older males. Finally, the only significant genetic effect was for aggression in younger males. Our study shows that age differentially shapes key components of male fighting behavior as well as the relationship among them, highlighting the dynamic nature and context-dependence of fighting. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishitaniToshiki en-aut-sei=Nishitani en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumuraKentarou en-aut-sei=Matsumura en-aut-mei=Kentarou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PostmaErik en-aut-sei=Postma en-aut-mei=Erik kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SharmaManmohan Dev en-aut-sei=Sharma en-aut-mei=Manmohan Dev kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoskenDavid J en-aut-sei=Hosken en-aut-mei=David J kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyatakeTakahisa en-aut-sei=Miyatake en-aut-mei=Takahisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Male-male contest kn-keyword=Male-male contest en-keyword=Contest kn-keyword=Contest en-keyword=Aggressiveness kn-keyword=Aggressiveness en-keyword=Aging kn-keyword=Aging en-keyword=Genetics kn-keyword=Genetics en-keyword=Beetle kn-keyword=Beetle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=18 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=e0295078 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231128 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between oral condition and subjective psychological well-being among older adults attending a university hospital dental clinic: A cross-sectional study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Positive psychological well-being has a favorable impact on survival rates in both healthy and unhealthy populations. Oral health is also associated with psychological well-being, is multidimensional in nature, and includes physical, psychological, emotional, and social domains that are integral to overall health and well-being. This study aimed to identify the associations between individual and environmental characteristics, oral condition and nutritional status in relation to subjective well-being among older adults using the Wilson and Cleary conceptual model. The participants were older adults (age >= 60 years) attending a university hospital. Subjective well-being was assessed using the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, oral condition was assessed based on the number of bacteria in the tongue coating, oral wettability, tongue pressure, occlusal force, oral diadochokinesis, and masticatory ability, and subjective swallowing function was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool, number of remaining teeth, and number of functional teeth. In addition, factors related to well-being, including social networks, life-space mobility, nutritional status, smoking history, drinking history, and medical history were assessed. In the analysis, structural equation modeling was used to investigate the association between oral condition and subjective well-being. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed oral condition as a latent variable, including tongue pressure, oral diadochokinesis /pa/, /ta/, /ka/, occlusal force, masticatory ability, subjective swallowing function, and number of functional teeth. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that oral condition was positively correlated with nutritional status, and nutritional status was positively correlated with the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index. These findings suggest that oral condition may influence subjective well-being via nutritional status or social environmental factors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakeuchiNoriko en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaNanami en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Nanami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Health, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=78 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=1 end-page=8 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=202402 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Role of Macrophages in Liver Fibrosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Liver fibrosis, which ultimately leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is a major health burden worldwide. The progression of liver fibrosis is the result of the wound-healing response of liver to repeated injury. Hepatic macrophages are cells with high heterogeneity and plasticity and include tissue-resident macrophages termed Kupffer cells, and recruited macrophages derived from circulating monocytes, spleen and peritoneal cavity. Studies have shown that hepatic macrophages play roles in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis by releasing inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and pro-fibrogenic factors. Furthermore, the development of liver fibrosis has been shown to be reversible. Hepatic macrophages have been shown to alternately regulate both the regression and turnover of liver fibrosis by changing their phenotypes during the dynamic progression of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the role of hepatic macrophages in the progression and regression of liver fibrosis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SunCuiming en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Cuiming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=ERK-MAPK kn-keyword=ERK-MAPK en-keyword=SPRED2 kn-keyword=SPRED2 en-keyword=fibrosis kn-keyword=fibrosis en-keyword=macrophages kn-keyword=macrophages END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=49 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=55 end-page=60 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=2024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Methylmercury-induced brain neuronal death in CHOP-knockout mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Apoptosis 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. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IijimaYuta en-aut-sei=Iijima en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikiRyohei en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraMasatake en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Masatake kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OyadomariSeiichi en-aut-sei=Oyadomari en-aut-mei=Seiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Uehara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Methylmercury kn-keyword=Methylmercury en-keyword=Neuronal cell death kn-keyword=Neuronal cell death en-keyword=Apoptosis kn-keyword=Apoptosis en-keyword=CHOP kn-keyword=CHOP en-keyword=Knockout mouse kn-keyword=Knockout mouse END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=81 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=80 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240128 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mutational analysis of the transmembrane α4-helix of Bacillus thuringiensis mosquito-larvicidal Cry4Aa toxin en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cry4Aa, produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, exhibits specific toxicity to larvae of medically important mosquito genera. Cry4Aa functions as a pore-forming toxin, and a helical hairpin (α4-loop-α5) of domain I is believed to be the transmembrane domain that forms toxin pores. Pore formation is considered to be a central mode of Cry4Aa action, but the relationship between pore formation and toxicity is poorly understood. In the present study, we constructed Cry4Aa mutants in which each polar amino acid residues within the transmembrane α4 helix was replaced with glutamic acid. Bioassays using Culex pipiens mosquito larvae and subsequent ion permeability measurements using symmetric KCl solution revealed an apparent correlation between toxicity and toxin pore conductance for most of the Cry4Aa mutants. In contrast, the Cry4Aa mutant H178E was a clear exception, almost losing its toxicity but still exhibiting a moderately high conductivity of about 60% of the wild-type. Furthermore, the conductance of the pore formed by the N190E mutant (about 50% of the wild-type) was close to that of H178E, but the toxicity was significantly higher than that of H178E. Ion selectivity measurements using asymmetric KCl solution revealed a significant decrease in cation selectivity of toxin pores formed by H178E compared to N190E. Our data suggest that the toxicity of Cry4Aa is primarily pore related. The formation of toxin pores that are highly ion-permeable and also highly cation-selective may enhance the influx of cations and water into the target cell, thereby facilitating the eventual death of mosquito larvae. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakahashiHirokazu en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsakuraMami en-aut-sei=Asakura en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeToru en-aut-sei=Ide en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayakawaTohru en-aut-sei=Hayakawa en-aut-mei=Tohru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=e12636 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in childhood obesity in Japan: A nationwide observational study from 2012 to 2021 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The persistent ascension of childhood obesity on a global scale constitutes a significant quandary. The prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan peaked in the early 2000s and has been reported to have declined since then, but recent data and its trend including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era are not available. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies examining the correlation between the trend in childhood obesity and exercise habits over the past decade. This study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of obesity, physical fitness, and exercise habits over the past 10?years in Japanese children. We investigated the prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan, using the School Health Statistics Survey data from 2012 to 2021. The dataset has a sample size representative of children nationwide and includes variables for obesity, such as height, weight, and age. Data were classified into groups by sex and age (6?8, 9?11, and 12?14?years age). Children weighing 20% or more of the standard body weight are classified as obese. The annual percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were estimated using the joinpoint regression model. We also examined the trends in the physical fitness test score and exercise time. Average annual percentage changes of boys increased, especially in the 6- to 8-year age group (3.4%?4.6%). For girls, average annual percentage changes had increased in 6- to 8-year (2.5%?4.0%) and 9- to 11-year (0.9%?2.2%) age groups. Since the late 2010s, significantly increasing annual percentage changes were observed in 12- to 14-year age boys (6.7%?8.9%) and girls of many age groups (2.6%?8.6%). The physical fitness test score and exercise time showed decreasing trends since the late 2010s. Childhood obesity may have generally risen in Japan, in the last decade. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity through school policies and curricula is necessary. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiwaraShintaro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, NHO Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=childhood obesity kn-keyword=childhood obesity en-keyword=epidemiology kn-keyword=epidemiology en-keyword=joinpoint regression analysis kn-keyword=joinpoint regression analysis en-keyword=paediatrics kn-keyword=paediatrics en-keyword=trend analysis kn-keyword=trend analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=55 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=4 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240102 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evaluating the index of panoramic X-ray image quality using K-means clustering method en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background A panoramic X-ray image is generally considered optimal when the occlusal plane is slightly arched, presenting with a gentle curve. However, the ideal angle of the occlusal plane has not been determined. This study provides a simple evaluation index for panoramic X-ray image quality, built using various image and cluster analyzes, which can be used as a training tool for radiological technologists and as a reference for image quality improvement.
Results A reference panoramic X-ray image was acquired using a phantom with the Frankfurt plane positioned horizontally, centered in the middle, and frontal plane centered on the canine teeth. Other images with positioning errors were acquired with anteroposterior shifts, vertical rotations of the Frankfurt plane, and horizontal left/right rotations. The reference and positioning-error images were evaluated with the cross-correlation coefficients for the occlusal plane profile, left/right angle difference, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and deformation vector fields (DVF). The results of the image analyzes were scored for positioning-error images using K-means clustering analysis. Next, we analyzed the correlations between the total score, cross-correlation analysis of the occlusal plane curves, left/right angle difference, PSNR, and DVF. In the scoring, the positioning-error images with the highest quality were the ones with posterior shifts of 1 mm. In the analysis of the correlations between each pair of results, the strongest correlations (r?=?0.7?0.9) were between all combinations of PSNR, DVF, and total score.
Conclusions The scoring of positioning-error images using K-means clustering analysis is a valid evaluation indicator of correct patient positioning for technologists in training. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ImajoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Imajo en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraNobue en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Nobue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaMitsugi en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Mitsugi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Radiology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Radiology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Radiology, Medical Support Department, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Quality improvement kn-keyword=Quality improvement en-keyword=Signal-to-noise ratio kn-keyword=Signal-to-noise ratio en-keyword=Panoramic X-ray images kn-keyword=Panoramic X-ray images en-keyword=Cluster analysis kn-keyword=Cluster analysis en-keyword=Occlusal plane kn-keyword=Occlusal plane END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=5 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=100733 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Kidney Veno-Muscular Characteristics and Kidney Disease Progression: A Native Kidney-Biopsy Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Rationale & Objective: Assessment of kidney biopsies provides crucial information for diagnosis and disease activity, as well as prognostic value. Kidney-biopsy specimens occasionally contain veno-muscular complex (VMC), which consists of muscle tissues around the kidney venous system in the corticomedullary region. However, the role of VMC and the clinical significance of VMC variants are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated kidney prognostic values of VMC variants.
Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.
Setting & Participants: Among 808 patients who underwent a kidney biopsy from 2011 to 2019, 246 patients whose kidney biopsy specimens contained VMC were enrolled.
Predictors: VMC variants; inflammatory-VMC (an infiltration of ?80 inflammatory cells/mm2-VMC area) and VMC hypertrophy (hyper-VMC, a VMC average width ?850 μm), and the interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) score.
Outcomes: A decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ?40% from the baseline or commencement of kidney replacement therapy.
Analytical Approach: Cox proportional hazards model.
Results: Among 246 patients with data on VMC, mean baseline eGFR was 56.0±25.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 80 had high inflammatory-VMC, and 62 had VMC hypertrophy. There were 51 kidney events over median follow-up of 2.5 years. We analyzed 2 VMC variants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that eGFR negatively correlated with the presence of both inflammatory-VMC and hyper-VMC. A Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that inflammatory-VMC (but not hyper-VMC) was independently associated with the primary outcome after adjustments for known risk factors of progression, including proteinuria, eGFR, and the interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) score (hazard ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-3.91).
Limitations: Single-center study and small sample size.
Conclusions: Assessment of inflammatory-VMC provides additional kidney prognostic information to known indicators of kidney disease progression in patients who undergo kidney biopsy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanohHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Nakanoh en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKensaku en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Kensaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTakafumi en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SangYizhen en-aut-sei=Sang en-aut-mei=Yizhen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=Matsuoka-UchiyamaNatsumi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka-Uchiyama en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraShinji en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=210 cd-vols= no-issue= article-no= start-page=154 end-page=161 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231015 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Negative correlations of mitochondrial DNA copy number in commercial frozen bull spermatozoa with the motility parameters after thawing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between mitochondrial content of commercial frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa and motility. Firstly, mitochondrial DNA copy number per spermatozoon (MDCN), mitochondrial content (MC), the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and motility parameters of frozen-thawed spermatozoa derived from five bulls were determined by using qPCR, flow cytometry and CASA, respectively, and analyzed the relationships. Results showed that all parameters examined, including MDCN, MC, HMMP, ROS and motility indicators, significantly differed among frozen spermatozoa from different bulls. Both MDCN and MC were negatively correlated with HMMP and motility indicators, but positively with ROS, of course, whereas there was a highly positive relationship between MDCN and MC. Secondly, when MDCN and MC were examined in frozen spermatozoa prepared at different points in the lives of four bulls, those did not correlate overall throughout their lives (1.3?14.3 years old), but did correlate significantly in two sires. From these results, we conclude that MDCN and MC of frozen spermatozoa differ among sires, and are negatively correlated with HMMP and sperm motility parameters, probably due to mitochondrial oxidative stress resulted in the presence of ROS, demonstrating that these appear to be useful markers to assess sires’ spermatozoa. It should be noted that the MDCN and MC of bull spermatozoa may not vary overall with the age of the sire, whereas those changes with age in some individuals and may affect sperm motility. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NguyenHai Thanh en-aut-sei=Nguyen en-aut-mei=Hai Thanh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoSon Quang en-aut-sei=Do en-aut-mei=Son Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroshi en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakaiTakuya en-aut-sei=Wakai en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunahashiHiroaki en-aut-sei=Funahashi en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama Prefectural Center for Animal Husbandry and Research kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Spermatozoa kn-keyword=Spermatozoa en-keyword=Bulls kn-keyword=Bulls en-keyword=Mitochondrial content kn-keyword=Mitochondrial content en-keyword=Motility kn-keyword=Motility en-keyword=Frozen semen kn-keyword=Frozen semen END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=3 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=100305 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202309 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Quantitative Analyses of Retinal Traction Force and Metamorphopsia in Lamellar Macular Hole and Related Diseases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: To investigate the involvement of retinal traction in the pathogenesis of lamellar macular hole (LMH) and related diseases based on OCT?based consensus definition.
Design: Retrospective, observational study.
Participants: Seventy-two eyes with LMH, epiretinal membrane foveoschisis (ERM-FS), or macular pseudohole (MPH).
Methods: To quantitatively evaluate the involvement and strength of retinal traction in their pathogenesis, retinal folds were visualized with en face OCT imaging, and the maximum depth of the parafoveal retinal folds (MDRF) was measured. Metamorphopsia was quantified by measuring the minimum visual angle of dotted lines needed to cause it to disappear using M-CHARTS (Inami).
Main Outcome Measures: Maximum depth of retinal folds and M-CHARTS scores.
Results: Of the 72 eyes, 26 were classified as having LMH, 25 as having ERM-FS, and 21 as having MPH. Parafoveal retinal folds were observed in 7 (26.9%) eyes with LMH, 25 (100%) with ERM-FS, and 21 (100%) with MPH. The MDRF (7.5?±?17.6 μm) was significantly smaller in LMH than in ERM-FS (86.3?±?31.4 μm) and MPH (74.5?±?24.6 μm) (both P? Conclusions: Retinal traction was significantly weaker in the LMH group than in the ERM-FS and MPH groups. The MDRF was significantly associated with the degree of metamorphopsia in the ERM-FS and MPH groups. These results provide insights into the diseases’ pathophysiology and treatment strategy.
Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MinoMai en-aut-sei=Mino en-aut-mei=Mai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatobaRyo en-aut-sei=Matoba en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiYuki en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraShuhei en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Shuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosokawaMio M. en-aut-sei=Hosokawa en-aut-mei=Mio M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiodeYusuke en-aut-sei=Shiode en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaTetsuro en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorizaneYuki en-aut-sei=Morizane en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Epiretinal membrane foveoschisis kn-keyword=Epiretinal membrane foveoschisis en-keyword=Lamellar macular hole kn-keyword=Lamellar macular hole en-keyword=Macular pseudohole kn-keyword=Macular pseudohole en-keyword=Metamorphopsia kn-keyword=Metamorphopsia en-keyword=Optical coherence tomography kn-keyword=Optical coherence tomography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=194 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=e63525 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Radiological characteristics of skeletal growth in neonates and infants with achondroplasia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by a rhizomelic short stature. Radiological skeletal findings in pediatric and adult patients with ACH include short long bones, a relatively longer fibula compared to the tibia, a narrow lumbar interpedicular distance, and a hypoplastic iliac wing. Nonetheless, the characteristics of skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods have scarcely been explored. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the radiological skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods in 41 Japanese patients with genetically confirmed ACH. The length of long bones in the upper and lower limbs and the lumbar interpedicular distances at L1 and L4 were measured. These parameters showed significant positive correlations with age. The upper segment-to-lower segment ratio in the lower limbs resembled the data of healthy controls from previous reports. The L1/L4 and fibula/tibia ratios increased with age, suggesting that some representative skeletal phenotypes of ACH were less distinct during the neonatal and infantile periods. In conclusion, for the first time, this study radiologically characterized skeletal growth during the neonatal and infantile periods of patients with genetically confirmed ACH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyaharaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKosei en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AgoYuko en-aut-sei=Ago en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutagawaNatsuko en-aut-sei=Futagawa en-aut-mei=Natsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiYousuke en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Yousuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriwakeTadashi en-aut-sei=Moriwake en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopedics, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Iwakuni Clinical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bone development kn-keyword=bone development en-keyword=dwarfism kn-keyword=dwarfism en-keyword=growth kn-keyword=growth en-keyword=infant kn-keyword=infant en-keyword=radiography kn-keyword=radiography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=e49273 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231123 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Risk Factors for Anterior Skull Base Injury in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives
This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationships between the Keros classification, the Gera classification, the vertical height of the posterior ethmoid roof (ER), and anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) types in Japanese patients.
Methods
We investigated the computed tomography (CT) slices of paranasal sinuses (120 sides) of 60 patients; measured the cribriform plate (CP) depth, lateral lamella CP angle (LLCPA), and vertical height of the lateral ER from the hard palate (LERHP) at the coronal plane of the posterior ethmoidal artery (PEA); and reviewed the AEA types, whether floating or non-floating.
Results
CP depth was positively correlated with LLCPA (r=0.63; p<0.01) and the height of LERHP (r=0.19; p<0.05). The height of the LERHP in females was significantly lower than that in males. With increased CP depth, floating AEAs became prevalent (p<0.001).
Conclusion
In females, low height of the posterior ethmoid sinus roof, where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks occurred while penetrating the basal lamella, often existed; the heights positively correlated with the Keros classification in Japanese patients. The Keros and Gera classifications, AEA type, and posterior ER height do not individually constitute a complete risk assessment but may correlate, preventing major complications, such as CSF leak and orbital hemorrhage. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MakiharaSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Makihara en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UraguchiKensuke en-aut-sei=Uraguchi en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuAiko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraiAya en-aut-sei=Murai en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiTakaya en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Takaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaYohei en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KariyaShin en-aut-sei=Kariya en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkanoMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okano en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoMizuo en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Mizuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kagawa Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Otolaryngology, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=posterior ethmoid roof kn-keyword=posterior ethmoid roof en-keyword=cerebrospinal fluid leak kn-keyword=cerebrospinal fluid leak en-keyword=anterior ethmoidal artery kn-keyword=anterior ethmoidal artery en-keyword=gera classification kn-keyword=gera classification en-keyword=keros classification kn-keyword=keros classification END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=77 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=635 end-page=645 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Nutritional Support Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Strength and Thickness: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Young Adult Males en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In the management of post-injury patients with activity limitations, methods to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and hasten recovery are important. This randomized controlled, single-blinded study was a preliminary investigation of the combined effect of nutritional support with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength and thickness. Healthy young adult males (median age, 21 years) were enrolled; each of their hands was randomly assigned to one of the following four groups: Placebo, Nutrition, NMES, and Nutrition + NMES. All participants received whey protein or placebo (3x/week for 6 weeks) and NMES training (3x/week for 6 weeks) on the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle of either the left or right hand. ADM muscle strength and thickness were analyzed at baseline and at week 7. We analyzed 38 hands (9 Placebo, 10 Nutrition, 9 NMES, 10 Nutrition + NMES). There was significantly greater muscle strengthening in the Nutrition + NMES group compared to the Placebo group or the NMES group, but no significant difference in gain of muscle thickness. The combined intervention may be effective in improving muscle strength. Future clinical trials targeting various muscles after sports-related injuries are warranted. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IkedaTomohiro en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraKazunori en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Kazunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaMasaki en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanaiShusaku en-aut-sei=Kanai en-aut-mei=Shusaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Prefectural University of Hiroshima kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Prefectural University of Hiroshima kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Prefectural University of Hiroshima kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Prefectural University of Hiroshima kn-affil= en-keyword=whey protein kn-keyword=whey protein en-keyword=electrical stimulation kn-keyword=electrical stimulation en-keyword=muscle strength kn-keyword=muscle strength en-keyword=healthy volunteers kn-keyword=healthy volunteers END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=77 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=577 end-page=587 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202312 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Japanese Nursing Staff’s Knowledge and Attitude toward Bereavement Care for Couples with Miscarriage/Stillbirth and Its Associated Factors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bereavement care is conducted to meet the emotional needs of grieving couples who are devastated by the experience of a miscarriage or stillbirth. From January to April 2022, we distributed a questionnaire that assessed the knowledge and attitudes of Japanese nursing staff (nurses and midwives) in Japan’s Chugoku-Shikoku region toward bereavement care for couples with miscarriage/stillbirth. The 370 survey respondents’ answers revealed that the nursing staff’s knowledge regarding recurrent pregnancy loss and subsequent bereavement care was insufficient. About 41.1% and 64.1% of the respondents had received school and on-the-job education in bereavement care, respectively, and 79.2% expressed willingness to provide such care. Our analyses revealed that the following factors were associated with the nursing staff’s knowledge level: parent status, age, reproductive history, midwifery license, work experience and environment, and on-the-job education. The following were correlated with the staff’s willingness to provide bereavement care: work environment, midwifery license, bereavement care knowledge, and on-the-job education. Together our findings indicate that education plays a significant role in equipping caregivers to provide effective bereavement care for couples who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiuSiyu en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Siyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AthurupanaRukmali en-aut-sei=Athurupana en-aut-mei=Rukmali kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HanHongmei en-aut-sei=Han en-aut-mei=Hongmei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangTiti en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Titi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakatsukaMikiya en-aut-sei=Nakatsuka en-aut-mei=Mikiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=midwife kn-keyword=midwife en-keyword=nurse kn-keyword=nurse en-keyword=miscarriage kn-keyword=miscarriage en-keyword=bereavement kn-keyword=bereavement en-keyword=knowledge kn-keyword=knowledge END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=127 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1398 end-page=1406 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220509 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Tactile angle discriminability improvement: contributions of working memory training and continuous attended sensory input en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Perceptual learning is commonly assumed to enhance perception through continuous attended sensory input. However, learning is generalizable to performance in untrained stimuli and tasks. Although previous studies have observed a possible generalization effect across tasks as a result of working memory (WM) training, comparisons of the contributions of WM training and continuous attended sensory input to perceptual learning generalization are still rare. Therefore, we compared which factors contributed most to perceptual generalization and investigated which skills acquired during WM training led to tactile generalization across tasks. Here, a Braille-like dot pattern matching n-back WM task was used as the WM training task, with four workload levels (0, 1, 2, and 3-back levels). A tactile angle discrimination (TAD) task was used as a pre- and posttest to assess improvements in tactile perception. Between tests, four subject groups were randomly assigned to four different workload n-back tasks to consecutively complete three sessions of training. The results showed that tactile n-back WM training could enhance TAD performance, with the 3-back training group having the highest TAD threshold improvement rate. Furthermore, the rate of WM capacity improvement on the 3-back level across training sessions was correlated with the rate of TAD threshold improvement. These findings suggest that continuous attended sensory input and enhanced WM capacity can lead to improvements in TAD ability, and that greater improvements in WM capacity can predict greater improvements in TAD performance.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY Perceptual learning is not always specific to the trained task and stimuli. We demonstrate that both continuous attended sensory input and improved WM capacity can be used to enhance tactile angle discrimination (TAD) ability. Moreover, WM capacity improvement is important in generalizing the training effect to the TAD ability. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanism of perceptual learning generalization across tasks. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangWu en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Wu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangJiajia en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Jiajia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuYinghua en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Yinghua kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiHuazhi en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Huazhi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuYulong en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Yulong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuYiyang en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Yiyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuJiabin en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Jiabin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TangXiaoyu en-aut-sei=Tang en-aut-mei=Xiaoyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangJingjing en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Jingjing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjimaYoshimichi en-aut-sei=Ejima en-aut-mei=Yoshimichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=WuJinglong en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Jinglong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=College of Information Engineering, China Jiliang University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=School of Psychology, Liaoning Collaborative Innovation Center of Children and Adolescents Healthy Personality Assessment and Cultivation, Liaoning Normal University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=School of Computer Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=continuous attended sensory input kn-keyword=continuous attended sensory input en-keyword=perceptual learning kn-keyword=perceptual learning en-keyword=tactile angle discriminability kn-keyword=tactile angle discriminability en-keyword=tactile generalization kn-keyword=tactile generalization en-keyword=working memory training kn-keyword=working memory training END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=727 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230912 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Increased quadriceps muscle strength after medial meniscus posterior root repair is associated with decreased medial meniscus extrusion progression en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background　This study aimed to assess quadriceps muscle strength after medial meniscus (MM) posterior root repair and determine its relationship with clinical scores and MM extrusion (MME).
Methods　Thirty patients who underwent pullout repair for MM posterior root tear and were evaluated for quadriceps muscle strength preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively were included in this study. Quadriceps muscle strength was measured using the Locomo Scan-II instrument (ALCARE, Tokyo, Japan). MME and clinical scores (i.e., Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and visual analog scale pain score) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively, and second-look arthroscopy was performed at 1 year postoperatively. Wilcoxon ' s signed-rank test was used to compare each measure pre-and postoperatively. Pearson ' s correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation with quadriceps muscle strength values. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the change in MME (.MME).
Results　Second-look arthroscopy confirmed continuity of the posterior root in all patients. The quadriceps muscle strength measured at 1 year postoperatively (355.1 +/- 116.2 N) indicated significant improvement relative to the quadriceps muscle strength measured preoperatively (271.9 +/- 97.4 N, p < 0.001). The MME at 1 year postoperatively (4.59 +/- 1.24 mm) had progressed significantly relative to the MME preoperatively (3.63 +/- 1.01 mm, p < 0.001). The clinical scores at 1 year postoperatively were improved significantly relative to the scores preoperatively (p < 0.001). The postoperative quadriceps muscle strength was correlated with.MME (correlation coefficient = -0.398, p = 0.030), and the change in quadriceps muscle strength was correlated with the KOOS-Quality of Life (correlation coefficient = 0.430, p = 0.018). Multiple regression analysis showed that the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength had a significant effect on.MME even when the body mass index and time from injury to surgery were included.
Conclusions　After MM posterior root repair, patients with greater quadriceps muscle strength showed less MME progression. In addition, patients with greater improvement in quadriceps muscle strength had better clinical scores; therefore, continued rehabilitation aimed at improving quadriceps muscle strength after MM posterior root repair is recommended. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawadaKoki en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurumatsuTakayuki en-aut-sei=Furumatsu en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukubaMikao en-aut-sei=Fukuba en-aut-mei=Mikao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraMasanori en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigashiharaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Higashihara en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiYuki en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaYusuke en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Clinical score kn-keyword=Clinical score en-keyword=Medial meniscus kn-keyword=Medial meniscus en-keyword=Medial meniscus extrusion kn-keyword=Medial meniscus extrusion en-keyword=Muscle strength kn-keyword=Muscle strength en-keyword=Posterior root tear kn-keyword=Posterior root tear en-keyword=Quadriceps kn-keyword=Quadriceps END