Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1349-0079 68 1 2026 Roles of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its ligands in osteoclast differentiation and temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis 100726 EN Takashi Izawa Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Islamy Rahma Hutami Department of Orthodontics, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Yuri Yoshikawa Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Gohji Kozaki Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusaku Hamada Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Namba Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Misa Taguchi Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Jiamin Chen Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Janvier Habumugisha Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroshi Kamioka Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays an essential role in skeletal homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that AhR critically regulates osteoclast differentiation and activity, thereby influencing bone mass, bone resorption, and susceptibility to skeletal diseases. Although AhR has also been implicated in osteoblast-lineage cells, its regulatory roles in osteoclasts and immune cells are less well understood but are increasingly recognized as central to bone remodeling. In particular, AhR signaling modulates immune cell subsets relevant to bone metabolism and governs the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages into osteoclasts.<br> Highlight: This review summarizes the recent findings regarding the regulation of osteoclast differentiation by AhR and its ligands under both physiological and pathological conditions. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction between AhR and the RANKL signaling axis in osteoclasts, as well as on how exogenous and endogenous ligands, including benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), modulate bone resorption and subchondral bone remodeling in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the role of macrophages as osteoclast progenitors and immunomodulators has been highlighted, positioning AhR as a critical intermediary that links environmental exposure, inflammation, and skeletal metabolism.<br> Conclusion: In this review, we outlined the diverse functions of AhR signaling and its ligands in oral and temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. AhR plays a central role in bone remodeling. The harmful exogenous ligand B[a]P generally promotes bone loss, whereas the endogenous ligand FICZ exerts protective actions. These insights highlight AhR as a key regulatory switch linking the skeletal and immune systems and as a promising therapeutic target for bone-destructive disorders. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1340-6868 33 4 2026 Differences in drug efficacy and prognosis between primary and metastatic sites for de novo stage IV breast cancer: an exploratory analysis of a phase III trial, JCOG1017 829 838 EN Kiyo Tanaka Department of Breast Surgery, Toranomon Hospital Akihiko Shimomura Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Makoto Ishitobi Department of Breast Surgery, Osaka Habikino Medical Center Takashi Yamanaka Department of Breast Surgery, Kanagawa Cancer Center Takahiro Tsukioki Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Hiroji Iwata Department of Advanced Clinical Research and Development, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Fumikata Hara Department of Breast Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Tomomi Fujisawa Department of Breast Oncology, Gunma Prefectural Cancer Center Keita Sasaki Clinical Oncology Group Data Center/Operations Office, National Cancer Center Hospital Ryo Sadachi Clinical Oncology Group Data Center/Operations Office, National Cancer Center Hospital Riku Kajikawa Clinical Oncology Group Data Center/Operations Office, National Cancer Center Hospital Takehiko Sakai Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research Yasuaki Sagara Department of Breast Surgery, Sagara Hospital Hideo Shigematsu Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital Yukinori Ozaki Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research Kazuki Nozawa Department of Advanced Clinical Research and Development, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kazuki Sudo Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital Yoichi Naito Department of General Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East Kaori Terata Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Akita University Hospital Toshiyuki Ishiba Department of Breast Surgery, Institute of Science Tokyo Hospital Haruhiko Fukuda Clinical Oncology Group Data Center/Operations Office, National Cancer Center Hospital Tadahiko Shien Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Background Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, with biological factors like estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 receptor differing between primary and metastatic sites, potentially affecting treatment response.<br> This exploratory analysis aims to differentiate drug efficacy and long-term prognosis between these sites in stage IV breast cancer.<br> Methods Patients from JCOG1017, a phase III trial evaluating the role of primary tumor resection, who received primary systemic therapy (PST) were evaluated at three months. In this analysis, treatment response was assessed separately in primary and metastatic sites. Patients were categorized into four groups: discordant I (primary non-PD, metastatic PD), concordant I (both PD), discordant II (primary PD, metastatic non-PD), and concordant II (both non-PD).<br> Results Among 271 patients, overall discordance proportion of treatment response between primary and metastatic sites was 25.1%. Group distribution was 24.7% (discordant I), 9.6% (concordant I), 0.4% (discordant II), and 65.3% (concordant II). Discordance was more frequent in luminal (28.9%), triple-negative (25.0%), and luminal-HER2 (22.0%) subtypes than in HER2-enriched (11.1%). Survival analysis showed prognostic differences: concordant II, with both sites non-PD, demonstrated the most favorable outcome compared with discordant I (HR 0.556; 95% confidence interval, 0.396–0.782).<br> Conclusions One-fourth of patients exhibited discordant responses between primary and metastatic sites in early treatment phases. These discrepancies were associated with survival differences, emphasizing the importance of evaluating both primary and metastatic lesions when assessing efficacy and determining treatment strategies in de novo stage IV breast cancer. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2667-2421 20 2026 Behavioral effects of a chronic envy-like stress paradigm in mice using an adjacent cage model 148 159 EN Hiroshi Ueno Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare Yoshihiro Tanaka Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Eriko Kitano Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Yu Takahashi Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Sachiko Mori Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Shinji Murakami Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Kenta Wani Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Yosuke Matsumoto Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Motoi Okamoto Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Takeshi Ishihara Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Background: Social comparison and envy are significant psychosocial stressors in humans and are known to be involved in the onset and persistence of psychiatric disorders. However, animal models capable of experimentally reproducing the effects of indirect social comparison without physical contact are limited. In this study, we used a newly developed "adjacent-cage paradigm" to investigate whether chronic vicarious exposure to conspecifics in different environments induces envy-like stress in mice.<br> Methods: Male C57BL/6 N mice served as observers, while demonstrator mice were assigned to one of four conditions: (1) an environment enriched with objects, (2) an igloo, (3) a tube, or (4) social isolation. Observers were continuously exposed to these adjacent cages for 21 days. Subsequently, a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests was conducted to assess general health, anxiety-like behavior, spatial memory, social behavior, and depression-like behavior.<br> Results: In the objects condition, a decrease in time spent in the light compartment of the light/dark box indicated an increase in anxiety-like behavior. In the isolation condition, the mean duration per social interaction was shortened, suggesting a qualitative change in social behavior. The igloo condition resulted in reduced immobility time in the forced swim test, suggesting a possible alteration in stress coping behavior. Furthermore, increased nociceptive sensitivity was observed in the hot plate test under both the objects and isolation conditions.<br> Conclusion: Although the envy-like stress paradigm did not affect many behavioral indices, it did cause condition-dependent and limited behavioral changes. This suggests that the paradigm may serve as a novel model for capturing psychological and context-dependent social stress, which differs from conventional physical stress models. Elucidating the neural basis of this paradigm is expected to contribute to the understanding of how social comparison affects mental health in modern society. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 15 1 2025 Post-weaning maternal presence exerts a protective effect against social isolation-induced behavioural alterations in mice 44248 EN Hiroshi Ueno Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare Eriko Kitano Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Yu Takahashi Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Sachiko Mori Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Shinji Murakami Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Kenta Wani Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Yosuke Matsumoto Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Motoi Okamoto Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Takeshi Ishihara Department of Psychiatry, Kawasaki Medical School Parental “watchful presence” is considered an important factor influencing behavioural and emotional development in offspring across mammalian species, including humans. However, the effects of such parental presence remain insufficiently understood, even in human studies. In laboratory mice, offspring are typically weaned at approximately three weeks of age, leaving the impact of post-weaning maternal presence on behavioural development largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal presence in an adjacent cage after weaning can attenuate behavioural effects of social isolation stress in mice. Furthermore, we sought to assess whether this experimental paradigm could serve as a novel animal model for studying the effects of parental watchful presence, with potential relevance to human parent–child relationship research. Mouse pups were weaned at postnatal day 21 and housed either adjacent to their mother (maternal presence group) or without maternal presence (control group). The pups were subsequently housed either in groups with littermates or individually until eight weeks of age. After maturation, behavioural tests were conducted to assess locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviour, social behaviour, and depression-like behaviour. In group-housed mice, maternal presence did not influence behavioural outcomes. However, in individually housed mice, maternal presence partially attenuated social isolation-induced behavioural alterations, suggesting a subtle protective effect, including hyperlocomotion, reduced anxiety-like behaviour, and abnormal social interactions. Our findings demonstrate that maternal presence during the post-weaning period can offer a protective effect against certain behavioural abnormalities induced by social isolation stress in mice.　This simple adjacent-cage paradigm provides a novel and practical model for elucidating the impact of parental watchful presence on behavioural and emotional development, offering insights relevant to the understanding of parent–child relationships in humans. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1341-9625 31 6 2026 Barriers and facilitators for online genetic care for hereditary cancer in Japan: findings from surveys of both clients and medical professionals 1063 1074 EN Sayaka Ueno Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusaku Urakawa Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumino Kato Arisa Ueki Division of Clinical Genetic Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research Keika Kaneko Division of Clinical Genetic Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research Koji Matsumoto Division of Clinical Genetics, Hyogo Cancer Center Hiromi Sugawara Division of Clinical Genetics, Hyogo Cancer Center Sayoko Takeuchi Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Reiko Yoshida Department of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Saitama Cancer Center Miho Kakuta Center for Genomic Diagnosis, International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) Narita Hospital Kiwamu Akagi Center for Genomic Diagnosis, International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) Narita Hospital Kazuo Tamura Center for Genomic Diagnosis, International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) Narita Hospital Akira Hirasawa Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Online genetic care can offer a promising solution to the shortage of qualified medical professionals in genetic medicine, which leads to regional disparities in access. However, despite global adoption, its use in Japan remains limited.<br> Methods Two questionnaire surveys were conducted to investigate potential needs and barriers regarding online genetic care: one involving 858 medical professionals (738 physicians and 120 genetic counselors or nurses), and the other involving 443 clients who received in-person genetic counseling.<br> Results Only 14.0% of the medical professionals had experience with online genetic care, although 85.9% of the professionals engaged in cancer genetics were willing to consider providing it in the future. Notably, a discrepancy was found regarding hospital selection: clients prioritized access to specialized medical care, whereas professionals assumed clients valued accessibility for family members. Professionals expressed greater concerns about adequacy of online communication, client environments and internet security. Among clients, 89.1% estimated they would sufficiently understand and accept total content of counseling session if were conducted online. Older age and infrequent internet use were associated with lower acceptance and higher anxiety regarding online methods. Concerns about ability to use the necessary technology affected clients’ willingness to encourage online care for their relatives.<br> Conclusion Online genetic care shows high potential for client acceptance and can effectively address regional disparities in Japan. To bridge the gap between client needs and professional perceptions and to overcome the digital divide, it is necessary to develop secure, accessible systems and provide education for both patients and healthcare providers. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 0032-0781 2026 Cytokinin receptor AHK3 influences leaf size by modulating trans-zeatin-type cytokinin levels in xylem pcag052 EN Kota Monden Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Takamasa Suzuki College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University Mikiko Kojima RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Yumiko Takebayashi RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Takehiro Kamiya Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Tokyo University Takatoshi Kiba Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hitoshi Sakakibara RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Tsuyoshi Nakagawa Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Interdisciplinary Centerfor Science Research, Shimane University Takushi Hachiya Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Interdisciplinary Centerfor Science Research, Shimane University Trans-zeatin (tZ)-type cytokinins (CKs) are predominantly synthesized in roots, transported to the shoot via the xylem, and coordinate diverse physiological processes in aerial organs. Within this process, the regulation of CK biosynthesis by nitrate signaling via nodule inception-like protein 7, as well as the loading of tZ-type CKs into the xylem by ATP-binding cassette transporter G14, have been well studied. However, the roles of other components remain unclear. Here, we show that CK perception and degradation in roots, as mediated by Arabidopsis histidine kinase 3 (AHK3) and CK oxidase/dehydrogenase 4 (CKX4), modulate root-to-shoot tZ-type cytokinin transport in response to nitrate. Grafting experiments demonstrate that root-specific AHK3 deficiency systemically increases the leaf blade area through long-distance signals of root-derived tZ-type CKs, perceived by shoot-expressed AHK3. Transcriptome and hormonome analyses reveal that root-specific AHK3 deficiency reduces CKX4 expression in roots, elevating tZ-type CK levels in roots and xylem sap and thereby enhancing the leaf CK response. Transfer experiments manipulating root nitrate levels show that root-specific AHK3 deficiency promotes the leaf blade area in a manner dependent on both nitrate and root-derived tZ-type CK signaling. Moreover, both nitrate signals and root-expressed AHK3 are required for maximal CKX4 induction in roots, and root-specific CKX4 deficiency enhances the leaf blade area in a nitrate-dependent manner. These findings reveal a novel mechanism in which an AHK3–CKX4 module governs xylem transport of tZ-type CKs, fine-tuning leaf size according to root nitrate status. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1867-1071 2026 A novel robot for CT-guided bone needle insertion with a rotational drilling and force-feedback speed control mechanism: preliminary evaluation in swine EN Yusuke Matsui Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takao Hiraki Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuta Kimura Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takanori Sasaki Collaborative Research Center for OMIC, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryutaro Matsuura Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Koji Tomita Department of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Noriyuki Umakoshi Department of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Soichiro Okamoto Department of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Kazuaki Munetomo Department of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Fumiyo Higaki Department of Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Jun Sakurai Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Toshihiro Iguchi Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Atsushi Nakazawa Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Kiyoshi Matsumiya Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of Science Takayuki Matsuno Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tetsushi Kamegawa Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided needle insertion into swine bones by using a novel robotic system capable of rotational drilling.<br> Materials and methods This was an animal experiment using three swine. A remote-controlled robot equipped with a rotational drilling and force-feedback insertion speed control mechanism was developed for bone needle insertion. Using the robot, CT-guided insertion of a 10-gauge bone access needle was attempted in the lumbar vertebrae, ilia, and femora six times each. Needle insertion accuracy was evaluated using the angle error, which is defined as the difference between the predetermined and post-insertion needle angles on axial and sagittal CT images. The time required for needle insertion was measured. The angle error and time required for needle insertion were compared among the bones using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Adverse events were also evaluated.<br> Results Robotic bone needle insertion was successful in all attempts. The median axial and sagittal angle errors were 0.21 and 0.21° for the lumbar vertebrae, 0.32 and 0.13° for the ilia, and 0.65 and 0.25° for the femora, respectively. Axial angle errors were significantly different among the bone types (p = 0.038). The time required for needle insertion was 23.6, 21.3, and 59.7 s for the lumbar vertebrae, ilia, and femora, respectively. Time was significantly different among bone types (p = 0.017). No adverse events were observed.<br> Conclusion CT-guided bone needle insertion using a robot equipped with a rotational drilling and force-feedback insertion speed control mechanism was feasible and accurate in swine. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 27 6 2026 Minimal Association Between Immunoglobulin A Coating and Gut Microbiota Alterations Induced by High-Fat Diets with Distinct Fatty Acid Compositions 2645 EN Mao Teraoka Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Naoki Nishino Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tianyang Wang Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Kuiyi Chen Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takeshi Tsuruta Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) Acta Medica Okayama 0090-3493 54 6 2026 Institutional Variability in Brain-Dead Organ Donation Processes and Practices: A Multicenter Cohort Study 1319 1328 EN Tetsuya Yumoto Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mineji Hayakawa Department of Emergency Medicine, Hokkaido University Hospital Shoji Yokobori Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School Kei Nishiyama Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science Takahiro Atsumi Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Osamu Tasaki Acute and Critical Care Center, Nagasaki University Hospital Junya Tsurukiri Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center Mariko Hayamizu Department of Emergency Medicine, Hokkaido University Hospital Shimon Murahashi Acute and Critical Care Center, Nagasaki University Hospital Munehiro Hayashi Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center Takeshi Nishimura Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo Emergency Medical Center Yukari Goto Department of Emergency Medicine, Nagoya Ekisaikai Hospital Hiromichi Narumiya Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital Atsushi Mizutani Department of Emergency Medicine, Hamamatsu Medical Center Mamoru Miyajima Emergency and Critical Care Center, Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital Junya Shimazaki Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Kansai Medical University Medical Center Takeshi Miura Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba Hospital Nozomu Shima Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Wakayama Medical University Kazuki Deuchi Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science Hitomi Nakayasu Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital Hitoshi Kano Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nippon Medical School Takashi Yorifuji Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Japan Comprehensive Process for End-of-Life Care and Organ Donation after Brain Death (J-RESPECT) study group OBJECTIVES: To determine whether key institutional and clinical differences exist between highly and moderately active hospitals in Japan with respect to brain-dead organ donation practices.<br> DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter cohort study.<br> SETTING: Sixteen tertiary emergency and critical care centers across Japan.<br> PATIENTS: All brain-dead organ donors from participating institutions who had at least one organ procured and transplanted between July 17, 2010, and December 31, 2023. Hospitals were categorized as highly active (≥ 14 donations) or moderately active (≤ 13 donations) during the study period.<br> INTERVENTIONS: None.<br> MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Institutional donation practices were compared, including donor management strategies, use of vasopressors and corticosteroids, time intervals in the donation process, and frequency of multidisciplinary team meetings. A total of 204 donors were included; the median age was 47 years (interquartile range, 37–56), and 92 (45.1%) were female. Donor characteristics were similar between groups. Vasopressin was used in nearly all donors, though dosing protocols varied. Corticosteroid use was significantly higher in highly active hospitals compared with moderately active ones (58.3% vs. 38.0%; p = 0.004). Time from admission to coordinator notification was similar; however, time to family consent (median, 8 vs. 5 d; p < 0.001) and time to organ procurement (median, 12 vs. 9 d; p = 0.006) were longer in highly active hospitals. These hospitals also conducted more multidisciplinary meetings during donor management (median, 2 vs. 0; p < 0.001).<br> CONCLUSIONS: Highly active hospitals demonstrated more intensive donor management practices, longer timeframes for key donation steps, and greater multidisciplinary engagement. Standardization of donation practices may enhance efficiency and support broader dissemination of effective institutional strategies to improve brain-dead organ donation rates in Japan. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2590-0285 30 2026 Extracellular matrix remodeling in calcific aortic valve disease: Localized enrichment of type III collagen and LTBP-4 100194 EN Reiko Kemmochi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Haruko Miyazaki Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Taga Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix Naoki Takahashi Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University Takafumi Watanabe Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University Kentaro Ikemura Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Takako Sasaki Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University Kazunori Mizuno Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix Satoshi Hirohata Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Mitsuaki Matsumoto Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Toshitaka Oohashi Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0378-3820 288 2026 Hydrogen-lean two-stage upgrading of highly acidic palm acid oil via decoupled acid reduction and deoxygenation 108478 EN Hirofumi Noge Graduate school of education, Okayama university Chiyu Nakano Department of comprehensive technical solutions, Okayama University Yoshie Ueno Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Home Economics, Kyoto Women's University Wira Jazair Yahya Institute for Sustainable Transport HICoE, University Teknologi Malaysia Hasannuddin Abd Kadir Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sachi Masunaga Department of comprehensive technical solutions, Okayama University Upgrading highly acidic waste lipids into liquid hydrocarbons under limited hydrogen availability remains challenging due to catalyst deactivation, excessive cracking, and poor process stability. Palm acid oil (PAO), characterized by extremely high free fatty acid content, represents a particularly demanding feedstock. This study proposes a hydrogen-lean two-stage upgrading strategy that decouples acid value (AV) reduction from hydrocarbon formation through staged reactor operation. In the first stage, batch pretreatment under low hydrogen pressure (initial 0.1 MPa) enabled rapid apparent AV reduction. However, increasing temperature promoted thermally driven degradation, highlighting intrinsic limitations of single-stage severity intensification. Methanol-assisted pretreatment further decreased AV mainly through esterification and formation of oxygenated intermediates. In the second stage, hydrogen-free fixed-bed upgrading over oxide-based catalysts exhibited a distinct operating window near 365 °C, where stable condensed liquid recoveries of 50–60 wt% were obtained. Deoxygenation proceeded predominantly via decarbonylation/decarboxylation pathways. Among the catalysts investigated, ZrO₂–Co showed superior stability and lower residual AV. Overall, reactor staging enabled AV reductions exceeding 90% within 1.5–2 h while maintaining stable liquid recovery, demonstrating an effective upgrading strategy for highly acidic waste lipids under hydrogen-lean conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2352-4928 51 2026 Optical spectroscopic evaluation on the acquisition of optimal sonication temperature for efficient liquid phase exfoliation of molybdenum disulfide 114910 EN Fatimah Az-Zahra Saravanan binti Abdullah School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Wengnam Lee Foundation Center, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Patrik Öhberg Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Boontong Goh Low Dimensional Materials Research Center, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya Wuyi Chong Photonics Research Center, University of Malaya Harith Ahmad Photonics Research Center, University of Malaya Yasuhiko Hayashi Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takeshi Nishikawa Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yuenkiat Yap Foundation Center, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia This work investigates how the sonication temperature affects the liquid phase exfoliation of MoS₂ using optical and morphological approach in attempt to acquire an optimal temperature for such process at ambient room conditions. In an ultrasonic bath, exfoliation was carried out at six different temperatures. UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and SEM characterizations reveal that moderate room temperature range yield excellent results producing well-dispersed flakes with strong excitonic properties with mild oxidation. Higher temperatures cause substantial oxidation, deterioration and restacking while lower temperatures led to insufficient exfoliation and fragmented morphologies because of insufficient cavitation energy. The findings highlight the importance of temperature control in producing high quality nanosheets for scalable applications. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2730-7182 26 1 2026 Revised taxonomy reveals sustained introgression and secondary contact in ancient lake ricefishes 46 EN Yuki Yashima Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus Andy B. Nofrianto Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus Handung Nuryadi Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus Ryo Kakioka Department of Applied Aquabiology, National Fisheries University Hirozumi Kobayashi The Natural History Museum and Institute Satoshi Ansai Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University Ixchel F. Mandagi Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Sam Ratulangi University Kawilarang W. A. Masengi Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Sam Ratulangi University Sjamsu A. Lawelle Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Halu Oleo University Atsushi J. Nagano Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University Junko Kusumi Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University Kazunori Yamahira Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus Background Biotic diversification in ancient lakes is shaped by complex geological histories and genetic exchange among populations. The Malili Lake system on Sulawesi Island represents a classic natural laboratory for studying freshwater fish evolution and harbors multiple endemic Oryzias species that diversified under repeated hydrological reorganizations. Previous genomic analyses inferred that two sympatric species in Lake Towuti (O. profundicola and O. loxolepis) experienced a single ancient introgression event from a “ghost lineage” derived from O. marmoratus inhabiting another lake. However, recent taxonomic re-evaluation has revealed the presence of an extant O. marmoratus population within Lake Towuti itself. This finding suggests that the putative ghost lineage may in fact represent a living population co-occurring in the lake, calling for a re-examination of the introgression history and speciation mode in Lake Towuti.<br> Results By incorporating newly generated ddRAD-seq data from the true O. marmoratus in Lake Towuti, we reanalyzed phylogenetic relationships and population genetic structure among Malili Lake Oryzias. Previously reported major phylogenetic relationships and inter-lake introgression patterns were largely reproduced. In contrast, TreeMix and f4-statistic analyses revealed that introgression signals previously attributed to a “ghost lineage” into O. profundicola and O. loxolepis instead originated from the extant O. marmoratus population coexisting within Lake Towuti. Demographic model comparisons explicitly incorporating within-lake gene flow further supported a scenario in which O. profundicola and O. loxolepis diverged in allopatry, subsequently came into secondary contact within Lake Towuti, and later experienced additional gene flow following secondary contact with O. marmoratus that entered the lake.<br> Conclusion Our results demonstrate that introgression from the O. marmoratus lineage into O. profundicola and O. loxolepis was not a single ancient event, but rather a more sustained process. This finding highlights the critical importance of taxonomic resolution for accurately inferring introgression and divergence history. Comparative studies across other ancient lakes on Sulawesi will be valuable for understanding how the timing and nature of gene flow from third lineages influence patterns of population divergence and the strength of reproductive isolation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Acta Medica Okayama 2169-3536 14 2026 Programmable Clock Distribution Using Switching Matrices for Field Programmable Gate Arrays 52641 52653 EN Ayumu Ogura Okayama University Minoru Watanabe Okayama University Nobuya Watanabe Okayama University Every digital systems using very large scale integration require clock distributions, for which a dedicated clock tree or a mesh clock is frequently used. Field programmable gate arrays have numerous general-purpose programmable wires based on switching matrices to connect the outputs and inputs of look-up tables and input–output ports. However, field programmable gate arrays never use numerous general-purpose programmable wires for their clock distributions to satisfy the clock skew margin similarly to very large scale integrations. Field programmable gate arrays also use dedicated clock trees, although their programmability is not high. Currently, field programmable gate arrays can support multiple dedicated clock routing or multiple clock trees. Unfortunately, the number of clock trees is fixed. They remain limited to a small number. Even if an application requires many clock distributions, such a clock distribution cannot be supported in current field programmable gate arrays. This paper therefore presents a proposal of a more flexible clock distribution method based on wiring channels and switching matrices. The method uses general-purpose programmable wires. In addition, to resolve clock skew increase difficulties, we have introduced a new flip-flop with a two-phase clock signal. This paper presents simulation results obtained using the proposed clock distribution method on an originally designed field programmable gate array. In addition, experimentally obtained results indicate that the proposed clock distribution method can function correctly on a Cyclone V field programmable gate array. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Acta Medica Okayama 0918-6158 49 3 2026 Bortezomib Induces Apoptosis via Upregulation of Abhd4 in Peripheral Nerve Cells 496 502 EN Yusuke Konishi Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Tomohiro Omura Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Takeshi Ijichi Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Hiroki Nishiguchi Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Ryunosuke Hayakawa Education and Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Kobe Pharmaceutical University Yumi Kitahiro Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Kotaro Itohara Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Kazuhiro Yamamoto Department of Integrated Clinical and Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ikuko Yano Department of Pharmacy, Kobe University Hospital Bortezomib, a first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, is widely used to treat multiple myeloma and other hematological malignancies. Despite its therapeutic efficacy, bortezomib causes peripheral neuropathy (PN) in approximately 20–30% of patients, often leading to dose reduction or discontinuation. Preventive or therapeutic approaches to bortezomib-induced PN are currently unavailable, as its precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we compared the effects of bortezomib and the second-generation proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib on peripheral nerve cells to identify candidate molecules involved in PN development. Transcriptome profiling of differentiated F11 cells, a hybridoma of a rat embryonic dorsal root ganglion and mouse neuroblastoma cell line N18TG2, revealed that bortezomib selectively upregulated α/β-hydrolase containing domain 4 (Abhd4), whereas carfilzomib did not. This finding was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, which demonstrated consistent increases in Abhd4 mRNA and protein levels following bortezomib treatment. Functional analysis further revealed that Abhd4 overexpression promoted early apoptosis, suggesting a mechanistic link between bortezomib-induced Abhd4 elevation and neuronal vulnerability. Therefore, these results suggest that Abhd4 represents a candidate molecular signature associated with bortezomib-induced PN. Although further in vivo validation is needed, these findings warrant further investigation of Abhd4 as a potential contributor to bortezomib-induced PN. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1347-9032 117 4 2026 Roles of TIF1β in Leukemic Stem Cell Through SETDB1-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms 896 903 EN Mariko Morii Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Sho Kubota Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Goro Sashida Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation in Leukemogenesis, International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University TIF1β/TRIM28/KAP1 has been recognized as a scaffold protein that partners with KRAB-ZFPs and heterochromatin complexes to enforce gene silencing. In embryonic and pluripotent stem cells, it maintains self-renewal by silencing endogenous retroelements through the establishment of heterochromatin. While these canonical functions have been extensively examined in embryonic stem (ES) cells, accumulating evidence also highlights its diverse contributions to cancer biology. We herein focused on the oncogenic role of TIF1β in leukemic progression, contrasting this with its physiological roles in hematopoietic stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and immune regulation, thereby providing a comparative perspective on H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1-dependent and -independent mechanisms. TIF1β-mediated epigenetic plasticity was recently shown to establish a leukemic chromatin environment for promoting oncogenic transcriptional programs while repressing lineage-differentiation regulators, which drives leukemic progression in a context-dependent manner. This review summarizes the dual role of TIF1β as a chromatin modulator, functioning both as a canonical transcriptional co-repressor and as a context-dependent co-activator, and also discusses how these modalities cooperate to sustain leukemic stem cell programs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

International Institute of Anticancer Research Acta Medica Okayama 0250-7005 46 1 2025 Impact of Polymeric Formula on Outcomes in Robotic Pancreatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial 407 414 EN KOSEI TAKAGI Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences TOMOKAZU FUJI Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences KAZUYA YASUI Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences MOTOHIKO YAMADA Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences TAKEYOSHI NISHIYAMA Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences YASUO NAGAI Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences MASASHI HASHIMOTO Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences TOSHIHARU MITSUHASHI Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital TOSHIYOSHI FUJIWARA Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background/Aim: Evidence regarding the benefits of nutritional therapy after robotic pancreatectomy is limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a polymeric formula (PF) on preventing body weight loss (BWL) following robotic pancreatectomy.<br> Patients and Methods: This single-center, open-label, randomized trial was conducted to assign 46 patients undergoing robotic pancreatectomy in a 1:1 ratio to either the PF (ISOCAL Clear) or control group. The primary endpoint was the percentage of BWL on postoperative days 14 and 28. The secondary endpoints were postoperative outcomes.<br> Results: Of the 52 eligible patients between December 2023 and November 2024, 46 were analyzed using intention-to-treat principles: 23 in the ISOCAL group and 23 in the control group. The %BWL was significantly lower in the ISOCAL group compared with that in the control group on postoperative days 14 (4.8±3.5% vs. 6.6±3.2%, p=0.02) and 28 (6.4±3.0% vs. 8.4±3.5%, p=0.047). Postoperative outcomes, including major complications (p=0.55) and hospital stay (p=0.83), did not differ significantly between the groups.<br> Conclusion: This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of administering PF to patients undergoing robotic pancreatectomy. The results showed the beneficial effects of PF on mitigating BWL without compromising short-term outcomes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1341-8076 52 5 2026 Survey to Document the Adverse Reactions After Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Japanese Female Youth at a University e70314 EN Chigusa Higuchi Educational and Research Management Field, Health Management Department, Okayama University Chikako Ogawa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Yoshiaki Iwasaki 1Educational and Research Management Field, Health Management Department, Okayama University Hideharu Hagiya Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Hisashi Masuyama Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Aim: Concerns about possible adverse events remain a critical barrier in implementing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among Japanese youth. This study aimed to understand the time course of adverse events experienced by HPV vaccine recipients.<br> Methods: An online questionnaire survey was given to students, faculty, and staff aged 18–26 years, at Okayama University Hospital, who received the HPV vaccine. The survey gathered information on the number of HPV vaccine doses received, prevaccination health conditions, adverse reactions within 2 h and between 2 h and 7 days postvaccination, menstrual irregularities after vaccination, reasons for getting vaccinated, feelings before and after vaccination, and factors providing reassurance during vaccination. Prevalence of symptoms was expressed as numbers and percentages, and analyses were performed using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests.<br> Results: Responses were obtained from 299 participants, yielding a 75% response rate. Approximately 60% participants reported local pain, 30% swelling, and 4% fever. Most symptoms resolved on the vaccination day itself or the following day, although some persisted for 3–7 days. Over 80% participants rated their pain between 0 and 3 on numerical rating scale of 0–10. While 60% experienced anxiety before vaccination, 90% reported no anxiety afterward.<br> Conclusions: Our study presents one of the first comprehensive accounts of post-HPV vaccination adverse events and their time course, and underpins the importance of disseminating detailed information about vaccine-associated adverse reactions to encourage greater vaccine uptake. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1615-4150 368 12 2026 Synthesis of Aromatic Aldehydes by C─H Formylation of Aromatics with Silyl Formates Prepared from CO2 and Hydrosilanes e70571 EN Natsumi Nitta Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Kei Hirokawa Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University So Saibara Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Bikash Dev Nath Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Kazuto Takaishi Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tadashi Ema Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Despite the recent remarkable progress in CO2 fixation reactions, the methods for the synthesis of aldehydes from CO2 are quite limited partly because of the lability of the resulting formyl group and difficulty in the controlled deoxygenative CO2 conversions leading to C─H and C─C bond formation. Here, we have developed the direct C─H formylation of electron-rich aromatics using silyl formates, prepared from CO2 and hydrosilanes, in the presence of BCl3 or BBr3. This is the first report on the direct C─H formylation of aromatics with silyl formates. Useful compounds including a biologically active compound and octaethylporphyrin were synthesized by fixing one to four CO2 molecules in a stepwise manner. DFT calculations have been done to elucidate the reaction mechanism including a dual role of BBr3 in the activation of silyl formate, HCO2SiMe2Ph, and electrophilic aromatic substitution. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1201-9712 166 2026 eConsult in infectious diseases: A narrative review 108524 EN Hideharu Hagiya Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Shinnosuke Fukushima Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Hidemasa Akazawa Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Kenta Nakamoto Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Kohei Oguni Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Objectives: Asynchronous electronic consultation, eConsult, is increasingly applied in infectious diseases (ID) management to improve access to specialty care and reduce unnecessary referrals. We aimed to integrate published studies to provide a comparative perspective and propose future directions for ID eConsult.<br> Methods: To synthesize relevant findings and present a comprehensive overview of ID eConsult, we searched in MEDLINE database and identified 11 studies between 2017 and 2025 on ID eConsult programs. Structured data were extracted on study characteristics, mode of consultation, and outcomes.<br> Results: Nine studies on outpatient ID eConsult demonstrated faster turnaround times, high rates of avoidance of in-person referrals (24-87%), improved antimicrobial optimization, and high provider satisfaction. Two studies on inpatient ID eConsult reported reductions in mortality, readmission rates, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use.<br> Conclusions: Given its affordability and scalability, the ID eConsult model is particularly advantageous in resource-limited environments. Collectively, ID eConsult may replace traditional telephone or face-to-face consultations, reducing the need for informal curbside discussions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1432-0851 75 4 2026 Immunological effects of amivantamab in EGFR or MET-expressing non-small cell lung cancer 121 EN Ryo Yoshichika Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Fumiaki Mukohara Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kotaro Yamada Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Joji Nagasaki Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroko Watanabe Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Youki Ueda Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ken Suzawa Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University Kazuhiko Shien Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University Takamasa Ishino Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yosuke Togashi Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations represent one of the most frequent oncogenic driver in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Amivantamab, a bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET), has demonstrated clinical benefit in EGFR-mutant NSCLC through dual blockade, but its immunological role in human clinical specimens, especially tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), has not been directly evaluated.<br> Methods We analyzed surgically resected tumor samples from 40 patients with NSCLC to investigate immune responses and their associations with EGFR and MET expression. TILs were characterized by flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). To assess the immunomodulatory potential of amivantamab, fresh tumor digests containing live tumor cells and TILs were cultured ex vivo with CD3 and CD28 stimulation in the absence or presence of amivantamab, followed by FCM. EGFR and MET expression were also evaluated by IHC.<br> Results EGFR mutations and high EGFR protein expression were associated with a trend toward reduced CD8⁺ T-cell and dendritic cell (DC) infiltration. In ex vivo TIL assays, exposure to amivantamab significantly activated CD8⁺ T cells, such as programmed cell death-1 expression and cytokine production, and promoted DC maturation. These effects were most pronounced in tumors with high EGFR or MET protein expression rather than EGFR mutations.<br> Conclusions This study provides the first direct evidence from ex vivo fresh TIL assays using human NSCLC clinical specimens that amivantamab can activate immune responses. EGFR and MET expression may serve as potential biomarkers for amivantamab-induced immune responses. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1347-9032 117 5 2026 TGF-β Inhibitor Potentiates Osimertinib-Induced Anti-Tumor Immunity in Egfr-Mutant Lung Cancer 1260 1272 EN Tadahiro Kuribayashi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Nishimura Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sachi Okawa Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masataka Taoka Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shunta Mori Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takaaki Tanaka Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoka Nishimura Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayako Morita Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naofumi Hara Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kiichiro Ninomiya Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Go Makimoto Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kammei Rai Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Eiki Ichihara Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Katsuyuki Hotta Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yosuke Togashi Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kadoaki Ohashi Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Immunotherapy for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains challenging. We previously found that EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors induced antitumor immunity but also triggered immunosuppressive cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), in Egfr-mutant lung cancer. Here, we investigate whether TGF-β inhibition potentiates osimertinib-induced antitumor immunity using a syngeneic mouse model of Egfr-mutated lung cancer, with cancer cells subcutaneously transplanted into wild-type C57BL/6J mice. We evaluated the antitumor effect of the combination therapy with osimertinib and either nintedanib (an indirect TGF-β inhibitor) or vactosertib (a specific TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor). Changes in the tumor microenvironment during treatment were assessed using immunohistochemical staining, western blot analysis, and flow cytometry. We found that TGF-β expression was upregulated in the tumor treated with osimertinib. Nintedanib monotherapy showed no significant antitumor effect, whereas osimertinib combined with nintedanib significantly potentiates the antitumor effect compared with osimertinib monotherapy in vivo. Crucially, no additive effect of nintedanib on osimertinib monotherapy was observed in vitro. Combination therapy with osimertinib and nintedanib significantly increased effector T cells (CD8+CD44+CD62L−) and Granzyme B+ areas and decreased CD206+ cells, while significantly decreasing TGF-β and SMAD2/3 expression. Similar effects were observed with vactosertib but not with a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor. In conclusion, combination therapy with osimertinib and TGF-β inhibitors potentiates osimertinib-induced antitumor immunity. These findings highlight a novel therapeutic strategy for EGFR-mutated NSCLC and warrant further clinical investigation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1865-1380 19 1 2026 Pseudoaneurysm of the thoracoacromial artery associated with habitual shoulder dislocation: a case report 139 EN Honoka Wada Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Aya Hamasaki Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Soichiro Okamoto Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shunki Yamamoto Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tsuyoshi Nojima Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tetsuya Yumoto Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background Shoulder dislocation is one of the most common joint dislocations encountered in emergency departments, but vascular complications are rare and often underrecognized. Pseudoaneurysms of the thoracoacromial artery, a branch of the axillary artery, are extremely uncommon and may present with subtle symptoms, delaying diagnosis.<br> Case presentation An 82-year-old woman with a history of habitual anterior shoulder dislocation presented with a 10-day history of progressive pain and swelling in the left shoulder. She was on edoxaban for atrial fibrillation. Examination revealed localized tenderness and swelling without neurological deficits. Computed tomography angiography showed a 30 × 35 × 35 mm pseudoaneurysm arising from the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery. Endovascular embolization was performed using a proximal oxidized regenerated cellulose sheet placement followed by injection of N-butyl cyanoacrylate and Lipiodol due to the risk of coil migration into the joint space. The procedure achieved complete exclusion of the lesion. At three-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with preserved left upper limb function. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated the pseudoaneurysm remains excluded.<br> Conclusion Although rare, pseudoaneurysms of the thoracoacromial artery can occur after repeated shoulder dislocation and reduction, especially in elderly patients on anticoagulation therapy. Early recognition through imaging and prompt endovascular intervention can prevent serious vascular and neurological complications. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-2407 26 1 2026 High-risk soft-tissue sarcomas in elderly patients: does perioperative radiotherapy improve local control and prognosis? 329 EN Tomohiro Fujiwara Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Centre for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Yutaka Nezu Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yokohama City University Takashi Tajima Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine Shinji Miwa Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University Toshio Kojima Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine Shuichi Fujiwara Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Akira Kawai Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Centre Hospital Kazuhiro Tanaka Department of Advanced Medical Sciences, Oita University Faculty of Medicine Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Aims Accumulating evidence suggests that advanced age is associated with poor local control and prognosis in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs), highlighting the need to optimise treatment for this age group. However, real-world data on treatment details and outcomes in elderly patients are limited. This study aimed to clarify the role of perioperative radiotherapy (RT) for treating high-risk STSs in elderly patients.<br> Methods Patients aged ≥ 70 years who underwent surgery for localised, high-grade, deep-seated non-small round cell STSs measuring ≥ 5 cm were included in the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Registry in Japan. Patients with small-round cell STSs or myxoid liposarcomas, or those who received perioperative chemotherapy or intraoperative RT, were excluded.<br> Results Among the 1,214 patients who met the criteria, 47 (4%), 219 (18%), and 2 (0.2%) received neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and both neoadjuvant and adjuvant RT, respectively. The 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 72.7% and 64.7%, respectively. Tumour size ≥ 10 cm, intralesional margin, and local recurrence were associated with poorer DSS; however, perioperative RT did not affect DSS. The 5- and 10-year cumulative probabilities of local recurrence (LR) were 14.6% and 19.5%, respectively. Trunk wall tumours, dedifferentiated liposarcomas, marginal margins, and intralesional margins were associated with a higher probability of LR. Adjuvant RT was associated with a reduced LR probability in patients with intralesional (p = 0.005) or marginal margins (p = 0.044); however, no such benefit was observed in patients with wide margins, who constituted the majority of the cohort, resulting in no significant association between perioperative RT and LR in overall analyses. In the propensity score-matched cohort, no significant differences in DSS or cumulative probability of LR were observed between patients with and without perioperative RT.<br> Conclusion Adjuvant RT was associated with reduced LR rates in elderly patients with high-risk STSs who had intralesional or marginal margins. However, because most patients achieved wide margins and no benefit of perioperative RT was observed in this group, RT was not associated with reduced LR or improved survival in the overall or propensity score–matched analyses. Prospective trials are warranted to define the role of perioperative RT in elderly patients with high-risk STSs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-2458 26 1 2026 Community health worker-supported oral health promotion in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of roles, interventions, and outcomes 1612 EN Junko Yasuoka Division of Global Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke’s International University Shunsuke Okada Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Yohei Takeshita Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background Oral diseases are among the most prevalent conditions worldwide and disproportionately affect populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The shortage and maldistribution of the oral health workforce have widened inequalities in prevention and treatment. Task-sharing through community health workers (CHWs) has been promoted as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for extending services to underserved populations; however, evidence on their roles in oral health promotion in LMICs remains fragmented. This scoping review mapped evidence on CHW-supported oral health promotion and identified common roles, interventions, and system-level challenges.<br> Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar, using keywords and MeSH terms related to “community health workers,” “oral health,” and LMICs, based on the EPOC LMIC filter of the World Bank’s classifications. No publication date restrictions were applied, and gray literature was included. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data were charted on CHW characteristics, roles, target populations, oral conditions addressed, and implementation challenges, and synthesized narratively. This protocol was registered on Open Science Forum (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NZPHA).<br> Results Thirty-two studies from 11 LMICs were included, approximately half from India. The evidence mapped a wide range of CHW roles and interventions, most commonly focusing on oral cancer screening, followed by dental caries prevention and periodontal care. CHWs were involved in home visits, education, screening, basic treatment, and referrals. Some programs integrate mobile health (mHealth) tools for remote diagnosis. System-level challenges were variably reported across settings, including inadequate infrastructure, fragmented referral systems, limited supervision, and constrained career development opportunities for CHWs.<br> Conclusions This scoping review highlights the contributions of CHWs to oral health promotion in LMICs, while underscoring health system and workforce constraints. The available evidence is largely descriptive, suggesting the need for strengthened training, supervision, referral linkages, and career development to support CHWs’ integration into oral health services. Family-centered and Continuum of Care approaches warrant further exploration to inform equitable and sustainable oral health within primary health care systems. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2227-7390 14 12 2026 Toward Convergence in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning: Best-Response Space Shrinking as a Sufficient Condition 2134 EN Natchanon Manatphaiboon Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Akito Monden Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Zeynep Yücel Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’Foscari University of Venice We study convergence in multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) through the lens of sufficient conditions, using a single-point-of-failure analysis applied to multi-agent policy iteration integrated with linear programming (MAPI-LP), where results are proven for pure coordination games, and extension to broader settings is conjectured. We identify two sufficient conditions for convergence to Markov Perfect Equilibrium (MPE). The first is stability in best-response space that emerges from value monotonicity. The second, monotonic best-response space shrinking (MBRSS), is a novel condition requiring that each agent’s best-response space contracts monotonically across iterations until it collapses to a stable space. Furthermore, we show that MBRSS does not necessarily imply monotonic improvement in this setting. However, value monotonicity and stability in best-response space imply each other when a complementary condition is applied. Building on this hierarchical relationship, we propose conjectures on sufficient condition relationships in both serial and parallel MARL. In addition, we propose conjectures on generalized MBRSS to arbitrary finite repeated games and validation of stability in best-response space. We further discuss connections between MBRSS and existing related frameworks, and outline directions toward a taxonomy of sufficient conditions for MARL convergence. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1422-0067 27 2 2026 Possible Involvement of Hypothalamic Dysfunction in Long COVID Patients Characterized by Delayed Response to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone 832 EN Yuki Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiaki Soejima Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuhiro Nakano Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Atsuhito Suyama Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryosuke Takase Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kohei Oguni Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yohei Masuda Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Omura Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasue Sakurada Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yui Matsuda Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Hasegawa Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Honda Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuki Tokumasu Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keigo Ueda Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Long COVID (LC) may involve endocrine dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To examine hypothalamic–pituitary responses in patients with LC, we conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients with refractory LC referred to our University Hospital who underwent anterior pituitary stimulation tests. Between February 2021 and November 2025, 1251 patients with long COVID were evaluated, of whom 207 (19%) had relatively low random ACTH or cortisol levels. Ultimately, 16 underwent anterior pituitary stimulation tests and were included. All tests were performed in an inpatient setting without exogenous steroids. Fifteen patients (six women, mean age 35.6 years) underwent corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) tests. All patients had mild acute COVID-19, eight had ≥2 vaccinations, and the mean interval from infection was 343 days. Frequent symptoms included fatigue (100%), insomnia (66.7%), headache (60.0%), anorexia/nausea (40.0%), and brain fog (40.0%). Mean early-morning cortisol and 24 h urinary free cortisol were 7.5 μg/dL and 41.0 μg/day, respectively. MRI showed an empty sella in one case. Peak hormonal responses were preserved (ΔACTH 247%, ΔTSH 918%, ΔPRL 820%, ΔFSH 187%, ΔLH 1150%); however, peaks were delayed beyond 60 min in ACTH (13%), LH (33%), and FSH (87%). Notably, significantly delayed elevations remained at 120 min in the responses of TSH (4.1-fold), PRL (1.8-fold), LH (9.3-fold), and FSH (2.8-fold), suggesting possible hypothalamic involvement, particularly in the gonadotropin responses. Additionally, serum IGF-I was lowered (−0.70 SD), while GH response (mean peak 35.5 ng/mL) was preserved by growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)-2 stimulation. Low-dose hydrocortisone and testosterone were initiated for three patients. Although direct viral effects and secondary suppression have been proposed, our findings may suggest that, at least in part, the observed response characteristics are consistent with functional secondary hypothalamic dysfunction rather than irreversible primary injury. These findings highlight the need for objective endocrine evaluation before initiating hormone replacements. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Acta Medica Okayama 2767-9764 6 4 2026 Constitutive EGFR Activation Induced by PTPRR Downregulation Confers Resistance to KRAS Inhibitors 728 741 EN Hiroaki Kanemura Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Toshiyuki Takehara Division of Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Osamu Maenishi Department of Pathology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Shuta Tomida Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Natsumi Iwawaki Division of Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Kei Kunimasa Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute Tomohiro Nakayama Department of Medical Oncology, Kishiwada City Hospital Satomi Watanabe Department of Medical Oncology, Kishiwada City Hospital Shinichiro Suzuki Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Kazuko Sakai Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Koichi Azuma Division of Respirology, Neurology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine Keita Kudo Department of Medical Oncology, National Hospital Organization Osaka Minami Medical Center Kazuto Nishio Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Kazuhiko Nakagawa Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Hidetoshi Hayashi Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Takeshi Teramura Division of Cell Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Advanced Clinical Medicine, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine Kimio Yonesaka Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine KRASG12C inhibitors, such as sotorasib, show clinical efficacy for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) positive for the G12C mutations of KRAS, but primary and acquired resistance to these drugs remains a clinical problem. In this study, we show that the development of resistance to sotorasib in KRASG12C-positive NSCLC cells was mediated by constitutive activation of EGFR resulting from downregulation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R (PTPRR). PTPRR has been identified as a physiologic regulator of ERK signaling in several cancer types. In our study, PTPRR was demonstrated to bind directly to EGFR, facilitating its dephosphorylation on tyrosine residues. Resumption of PTPRR expression in the resistant cells attenuated EGFR phosphorylation and restored sotorasib sensitivity. PTPRR downregulation was associated with gene promoter hypermethylation in the sotorasib-resistant cells and NSCLC tissue samples. Furthermore, low PTPRR expression in tumor specimens was associated with shorter progression-free and overall survival for patients with NSCLC treated with sotorasib. In contrast to sotorasib, high PTPRR expression was associated with a poor response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, suggesting that PTPRR may broadly regulate EGFR dependence in NSCLC. Finally, dual blockade of KRASG12C and EGFR showed a substantial antitumor effect in a xenograft model of sotorasib-resistant NSCLC. This approach is therefore a rational therapeutic strategy for KRASG12C-positive NSCLC, especially for tumors showing PTPRR downregulation.<br> Significance: The current study shows that downregulation of PTPRR induces EGFR activation and resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors in NSCLC, suggesting dual KRAS-EGFR blockade as a rational therapy. PTPRR may help identify patient subgroups that would benefit from the addition of EGFR inhibitors to KRASG12C-targeted therapies. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japan Society of Applied Physics Acta Medica Okayama 2758-2450 12 2026 Quest for the non-perturbative magnetic field effects in the 1000-Tesla magnetic field region 011001 EN Yasuhiro H. Matsuda ISSP, Univ. of Tokyo Kento Yamamura ISSP, Univ. of Tokyo Yuto Ishii ISSP, Univ. of Tokyo Akihiko Ikeda ISSP, Univ. of Tokyo Hironobu Sawabe ISSP, Univ. of Tokyo Hayato Nakahara GNST, Okayama University Yuji Muraoka RIIS, Okayama University The low-temperature insulator phase is found to be completely suppressed by ultrahigh magnetic fields of 500 T and transformed to the metallic phase in a V1-xWxO2 (x = 0.06) thin film, which has a slightly lower metal-insulator transition temperature (TMI) than that of the film reported in the previous ultrahigh magnetic field experiment [1,2]. It is also found that the insulator phase is more robust against a magnetic field for a highly W-doped film (x = 0.12), suggesting a different origin of the insulator phases between x = 0.06 and 0.12. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2214-1804 51 2026 Highly sensitive detection of cancer cells using a voltage-tuned terahertz chemical microscope 100972 EN Xue Ding Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Yuto Ohmi Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Jin Wang Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Hirofumi Inoue Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Toshihiko Kiwa Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Terahertz chemical microscopy (TCM) is a promising label-free technique for detecting biochemical interactions by monitoring changes in terahertz (THz) wave emission from semiconductor sensing plates. However, quantitative biological detection has been hindered by large plate-to-plate variations originating from uncontrolled depletion-layer electric fields formed during fabrication. These variations shift the response curve of THz amplitude and reduce reproducibility and sensitivity. Here, we introduce a voltage-tuned sensing plate that allows direct control of the depletion-layer electric field by applying a bias voltage to the Si layer of the sensing plate. This enables deliberate adjustment of surface potential and alignment of the THz response curve to the region of highest gain. Using lung adenocarcinoma cells (PC9) captured via AE1/AE3 antibodies targeting specific cell-surface antigens, we demonstrate that voltage tuning enhances detection sensitivity by up to 50-fold and restores linearity between THz amplitude and the logarithm of cell concentration, even in plates with negligible response at 0 V. These findings establish voltage control as a simple, universally applicable strategy to stabilize TCM performance, reduce fabrication-induced variability, and improve analytical sensitivity for biosensing and materials-analysis applications. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Company of Biologists Acta Medica Okayama 0022-0949 229 2 2026 Insulin-like peptide has antagonistic pleiotropic effects on male combat traits and survival traits in an armed beetle jeb251318 EN Takumi Kato Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Chiho Yoshimine Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University Haruna Fujioka Graduate School of Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Masako Katsuki Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University Kensuke Okada Graduate School of Environmental, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yasukazu Okada Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University The expression of sexually selected traits, such as exaggerated weapons and ornaments, often entails trade-offs against life-history traits. While phenotypic trade-offs are well documented, the underlying molecular physiological mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the potential role of an insulin-like peptide, ILP2, in mediating the trade-off between sexually selected combat traits and survival traits in the broad-horned flour beetle, Gnatocerus cornutus. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown (KD) of ILP2 during larval stages resulted in a reduction in the development of mandibular horns and overall body size. Interestingly, ILP2 KD males had increased lipid storage and enhanced starvation tolerance, indicating a shift in resource allocation from sexually selected traits to survival traits. Behaviorally, ILP2 KD males showed decreased locomotor activity and reduced aggression, leading to lower combat success. These findings suggest that ILP2 functions as a key mediator in the allocation of resources between combat and survival traits, highlighting its pleiotropic effects on morphology, metabolism and behavior. Our study provides novel insights into the molecular physiological mechanisms underlying life-history trade-offs associated with sexually selected traits. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science (PLoS) Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 21 3 2026 Early administration of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors improves survival and cardiac remodeling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction e0339600 EN Yuka Kono Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Kunihiro Sonoda Collage of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University Kazuo Ohtake School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Josai University Akinobu Ota Collage of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University Shusei Yamamoto Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Hinako Nakayama Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Taketo Fukuoka Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Kawai Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Haruka Tago Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Nobuhisa Watanabe Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Ikumi Sato Academic Field of Health Science, Okayama University Satoshi Hirohata Academic Field of Health Science, Okayama University Kazuya Kitamori Collage of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University Shogo Watanabe Academic Field of Health Science, Okayama University Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major cardiovascular disease that accounts for 50% of all cases of heart failure. Patients with HFpEF have limited therapeutic options because of the complex pathogenesis of this disease. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) levels and increased renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity may be associated with HFpEF pathogenesis. However, whether soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators and RAS inhibitors protect against HFpEF remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of RAS inhibitors captopril (Cap) and/or sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) and sGC stimulator vericiguat (Ver) on HFpEF progression. HFpEF was induced in 8-week-old male Wistar rats through intake of L-arginine methyl ester and a high-fat diet. Results showed that the survival rate after 8 weeks of treatment was 100% in the normal diet (Cont group), Cap, and Sac/Val groups, whereas it was approximately 20% in the HFpEF and Ver groups. No significant differences in the left ventricular systolic function were found. In addition, histochemistry revealed that myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis obviously increased in the HFpEF group but not in the Cap and Sac/Val groups compared with the Cont group. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis showed that the expression of genes related to inflammatory response, hypertrophy, and extracellular matrix–receptor interaction increased in the HFpEF group and decreased in the Cap and Sac/Val groups. In conclusion, early administration of Cap or Sac/Val may reduce the risk of developing HFpEF by inhibiting the RAS pathway rather than the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Frontiers Media SA Acta Medica Okayama 2673-253X 8 2026 Development of a generative AI agent for family support in implementing family-based treatment for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa 1759690 EN Mana Hanzawa Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Joe Hasei Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Support Technology Development, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ayumi Okada Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Chie Tanaka Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Yoshie Shigeyasu Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Chikako Fujii Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Makiko Horiuchi Clinical Psychology Section, Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Akiko Sugihara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Koichi Takeuchi Life Natural Science and Technology, Graduate School of Environmental, Okayama University Ryuichi Nakahara Department of Musculoskeletal Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hideki Katayama Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Okayama University Hospital Yasushi Takahashi NEC Corporation Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hirokazu Tsukahara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Medical Center for Children Introduction: Family-based treatment (FBT) is a first-line psychotherapy for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, families must understand the principles of FBT, provide meal support, and manage their children's pathological behaviors. Difficulties occur outside clinic hours when it is impossible to consult professionals. This “support gap” increases caregivers’ psychological distress and threatens their treatment continuity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first domain-specific generative artificial intelligence (AI) agent designed to provide situation-specific, FBT-concordant advice and psychological support.<br> Methods: The system integrates three components: (1) an FBT-specific knowledge base constructed from treatment manuals, family guides, guideline-compliant resources, and a clinical Q&A corpus; (2) a multistage natural language processing pipeline using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), with intent and sentiment analyses; and (3) safety guardrails that prohibit unsolicited numerical goals or direct hospitalization recommendations and standardized escalation to clinicians. When strong negative emotions are detected, empowerment messages are dynamically incorporated to maintain caregivers’ confidence. Six clinicians with expertise with pediatric mental health authored queries that simulated common FBT-related concerns and evaluated each response for clinical appropriateness and safety, and classified problems as information insufficiency, not FBT concordant, or escalation insufficiency.<br> Results: Of the 477 queries, 57.0% were FBT-related, 24.5% were general AN, 16.5% were parental psychological distress, and 1.8% were related to other topics. The clinically appropriate response rate was 91.6% (437/477), including 92.3% for FBT-related questions, 88.0% for general knowledge, 93.7% for psychological distress, and 100.0% for other questions. Clinically inappropriate responses (8.4%) were mainly attributable to information insufficiency; not FBT concordant (1.8% of FBT-related responses) and escalation insufficiency (0.6% of all dialogs) rarely occurred.<br> Discussion: In this expert review, the safety-gated RAG system predominantly generated FBT-concordant responses that provided meal-level guidance and empathic empowerment-oriented support to families. By proceduralizing complex FBT concepts and presenting multiple response options for pathological behaviors, the system translates FBT principles into practical guidance supporting refeeding adherence, preserving family self-efficacy, and suggesting that domain-specific AI may help bridge structural limitations in FBT. Usability studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine their impact on caregiver burden, self-efficacy, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Acta Medica Okayama 1477-9226 2026 Unraveling the structural features of Dion–Jacobson-type layered perovskite-related material HCa2Nb3O10·1.5H2O EN Zihao Zhang Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Jun Kano Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shu Morita Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability (IMaSS), Nagoya University Hiromu Shimokawa Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Minoru Osada Department of Materials Chemistry and Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability (IMaSS), Nagoya University Hydrated layered oxides are widely encountered, yet the presence of disordered interlayer water often complicates crystal structure determination from laboratory X-ray diffraction. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Dion–Jacobson-type layered perovskite-related material HCa2Nb3O10·1.5H2O, solved from synchrotron X-ray diffraction data by combining direct methods in reciprocal space, Le Bail whole-pattern fitting, and Rietveld refinement. The hydrate crystallizes in a tetragonal structure with space group P42212 (a = 7.7070(5) Å, c = 32.4870(3) Å). Incorporation of partially occupied interlayer water-oxygen sites on the (110) plane at z = 0 and 1/2 successfully reproduces the low-angle 00l reflections while preserving the Ca2Nb3O10 framework. The resulting crystallographic model explicitly resolves the arrangement of interlayer water molecules and provides a robust structural foundation for band-structure calculations as well as for the rational design of hydration-controlled intercalation, exfoliation, and composite materials based on layered perovskite-related materials. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1880-6546 76 2 2026 Pharmaceutical agents targeting KATP channel modulate sweet taste sensitivity in mice 100082 EN Chika Sawai Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kuanyu Wang Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kengo Horie Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshihiro Mitoh Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hirotaka Ueda Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroshi Kamioka Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Ryusuke Yoshida Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Sweet detection involves at least two mechanisms: a G-protein coupled sweet taste receptor (Tas1r2/Tas1r3) and glucose transporters. As in pancreatic β-cells, glucose transport may lead to closure of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. Since expression of KATP channels in sweet taste cells has been reported, modulation of KATP channel activity would affect sweet taste sensitivity. Here, we examined the effect of glibenclamide (a KATP channel closer) and diazoxide (an opener) on mouse taste behavior. Glibenclamide selectively reduced taste sensitivity to glucose without affecting responses to sucrose or sucralose compared to insulin, suggesting selective impairment of the transporter-dependent pathway. In contrast, diazoxide broadly suppressed responses to all tested sweeteners, indicating a generalized effect on sweet detection. Neither drug altered responses to non-sweet taste. These findings suggest that pharmacological modulation of KATP channel differently influences sweet taste; closers reduce glucose sensitivity whereas openers attenuate response to multiple sweeteners. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0168-1702 370 2026 Toward in planta studies of persistent fungal viruses in a model plant 199761 EN Paul Telengech Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Francesco Favaretto Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hiroaki Ichikawa Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Kazuyuki Maruyama Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Kiwamu Hyodo Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hideki Kondo Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Nobuhiro Suzuki Agrivirology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University A model plant, Nicotiana benthamiana, was examined as a host for persistent fungal viruses capable of crossing organismal kingdoms. Protoplasts of N. benthamiana were transfected with a mixture of virions of a betapartitivirus, Rosellinia necatrix partitivirus 18 (RnPV18), and an alphapartitivirus, RnPV19, and were then subjected to plantlet regeneration. Primary RT-PCR-based screening showed that nearly 100% of the resulting calli tested positive for RnPV18, whereas approximately 90% were positive for RnPV19. However, secondary screening performed at a later stage of tissue culture revealed that only 6% of the calli retained RnPV19, whereas approximately 33% retained RnPV18. These results suggest that the calli were chimeric, consisting of virus-infected and virus-free sectors, and that the partitiviruses were progressively lost during callus maintenance. It is also possible that these fungal partitiviruses were unable to fully adapt to, or counteract, host defense responses sufficiently to establish stable infection. We succeeded in obtaining RnPV18-positive calli and suspension cultures that maintained the virus at detectable levels, as shown by northern blotting, after prolonged subculture for at least 9 months. High-throughput small RNA analyses revealed both similarities and differences in virus-derived small RNA profiles among protoplasts, calli, and suspension cultures. Viral genome analyses further revealed developmental stage-specific and stage-independent substitutions compared with the RnPV18 genomic sequence maintained in the original fungal host. Interestingly, a C-to-U mutation in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase-encoding region of RnPV18 was detected much more frequently in a particular line, designated B21, than in another stably RnPV18-infected line, P8, irrespective of whether the virus was maintained in suspension cultures or calli. This may explain why virus accumulation in B21 calli and suspension cultures was much lower than that in P8 cell cultures, as RNA-seq analyses showed 159 K counts per million for P8 versus 44 K counts per million for B21. Taken together, this study provides a platform for investigating partitiviruses and other ubiquitous persistent viruses, which are generally difficult to inoculate experimentally. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Microbiology Society Acta Medica Okayama 0022-1317 107 6 2026 ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Rhabdoviridae 2026 002255 EN Peter J. Walker University of Queensland Nicolas Bejerman Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones and Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) Kim R. Blasdell CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Humberto Debat Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones and Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) Ralf G. Dietzgen University of Queensland Anthony R. Fooks Animal and Plant Health Agency Addlestone Juliana Freitas-Astúa Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation Kyle Garver Fisheries & Oceans Canada Hideki Kondo Okayama University Pedro Luis Ramos-González Instituto Biológico Mang Shi Sun Yat Sen University Robert B. Tesh University of Texas Medical Branch Noël Tordo Gamal Abdel Nasser University Nikos Vasilakis University of Texas Medical Branch Anna E. Whitfield North Carolina State University The family Rhabdoviridae comprises viruses with unsegmented, bi-segmented or tri-segmented negative-sense (−) RNA genomes of 10–16 kb. Virions are typically enveloped, with bullet-shaped or bacilliform morphology, but can also be non-enveloped filaments. Rhabdoviruses infect plants or animals, including vertebrates or invertebrates such as arthropods, which can serve as single hosts or act as biological vectors for transmission to animals or plants. Rhabdoviruses include important pathogens of humans, livestock, fish or agricultural crops. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Rhabdoviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/rhabdoviridae. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0010-7999 181 7 2026 Electrical conductivity of geikielite (MgTiO3) at lunar mantle conditions: the role of metastable defect states and thermal history 55 EN Takashi Yoshino Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Daisuke Yamazaki Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University The electrical conductivity of geikielite (MgTiO3), the Mg endmember of the ilmenite group, was investigated at mantle pressures of 2 and 4.3 GPa and temperatures up to 1850 K using a Kawai-type multi-anvil apparatus. Electrical conductivity increases by more than seven orders of magnitude between 800 and 1700 K and exhibits two distinct conduction regimes separated by a transition at ~ 1500–1700 K. The high-temperature regime is characterized by large activation enthalpies (ΔH ≈ 1.8–2.3 eV), whereas the low-temperature regime shows much lower values (ΔH ≈ 0.19–0.31 eV). Stepwise annealing experiments reveal a pronounced thermal-history dependence: repeated heating to progressively higher maximum temperatures (Tmax) produces metastable conductivity states, enhancing low-temperature conductivity by up to six orders of magnitude and systematically reducing activation enthalpy. This behavior indicates activation and freezing-in of defect-related charge carriers. Negative activation volumes further support a hopping-type conduction mechanism. Although Ti³⁺ was not directly detected, the combination of reducing experimental conditions, Al³⁺ impurities (~ 0.35 wt% Al₂O₃), low activation energies, and strong thermal memory is most consistent with small-polaron hopping involving Ti³⁺–Ti⁴⁺ pairs. At lunar core–mantle boundary temperatures, geikielite reaches conductivities of 10¹–10² S/m, exceeding those of olivine and overlapping estimates for the lunar low-velocity zone. Our results demonstrate that solid-state Ti-rich oxides can produce high electrical conductivity without partial melting, providing new constraints on the thermochemical evolution and electromagnetic structure of the lunar interior. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Castledown Publishers Acta Medica Okayama 2982-3749 2 1 2026 AI-assisted writing feedback in EFL: Tracking student performance and reflections 103382 EN Junko Otoshi Okayama University Naomi Fujishima Kawasaki Medical School This study explores how AI-assisted writing feedback supports English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' writing development and feedback literacy in a Japanese university. Twenty-one first-year students completed nine Write & Improve (W&I) tasks, progressing from descriptive to argumentative essays. Each task was revised following W&I feedback, and students were asked to write a short reflective log. An explanatory mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative analyses of writing performance and linguistic features with qualitative coding of students' reflections. Findings showed measurable gains in both higher- and lower-level groups, with particularly notable improvement among lower-level students in complexity, fluency, and sophistication. While the higher group consistently outperformed the lower group in Term 1, this gap narrowed in Term 2. Reflection logs provided important insights into feedback literacy: students initially valued W&I for surface-level corrections but later expressed frustration as tasks became more complex and scores plateaued. This tendency was especially evident among lower-level students, reflecting both the affordances and limitations of automated feedback. The study concludes that AI-assisted tools can foster writing development and emerging feedback literacy, but sustained progress requires teacher mediation. Integrating Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) into ecological feedback environments - combining AI, teacher, and student reflection - offers a promising approach for sustainable L2 writing instruction. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Acta Medica Okayama 1463-9076 2026 Phase behaviour of liquid CO2 with an impurity of water: influence of CO2 hydrate EN Hideki Tanaka Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Masakazu Matsumoto Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Takuma Yagasaki Division of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University Munetaka Takeuchi Engineering Advancement Association of Japan Yoshihito Mori Ochanomizu University Takumi Kono Engineering Advancement Association of Japan The solubility of water in liquid CO2 coexisting with CO2 hydrate or liquid water is evaluated in order to investigate the thermodynamic conditions to avoid the formation of CO2 hydrate in the transportation processes of liquid CO2. To this end, theoretical calculations have been carried out to obtain the chemical potentials of water and CO2 in all the phases involved in their coexistence. The solubility of water in liquid CO2 coexisting with liquid water decreases with decreasing temperature over a wide range of temperature and pressure, except for in the vicinity of the critical point of CO2. The decrease in the solubility is further enhanced by the formation of hydrate. We estimate the Gibbs energy of hydrate formation, which is an important property for sequestration of CO2, for cases where the temperature or pressure of water-saturated liquid CO2 decreases. We also estimate the amount of water precipitated as hydrate during these processes, which has a direct bearing on flow assurance in CO2 transportation. The present study will contribute to the development of a low-energy, safe CO2 transport network aiming at achieving large-scale carbon neutrality. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 18 6 2026 Pathway Enrichment Analysis of Whole-Exome Sequencing Data from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Enucleated Eyes with Retinoblastoma and Choroidal Malignant Melanoma e110548 EN Toshihiko Matsuo Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Takehiro Tanaka Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ennishi Medical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Akira Saito Genomic Statistics, Stagen Co. Ltd. Mitsuhiro Amemiya Genomic Statistics, Stagen Co. Ltd. Shigeo Kamitsuji Genomic Statistics, Stagen Co. Ltd. Objectives: Intraocular tumors are extremely rare, small in size, and difficult to approach by biopsy. In the era of cancer genome analysis, we designed a pilot study to perform whole-exome sequencing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded enucleated eyes of retinoblastoma and choroidal malignant melanoma as two major intraocular malignancies.<br> Methodology: Genomic DNA was isolated from intraocular tumor areas of 105 paraffin sections with a 5 μm thickness of seven enucleated eyes with retinoblastoma and seven eyes with choroidal malignant melanoma. One of 7 samples of retinoblastoma and another of seven samples of choroidal malignant melanoma were excluded from the study since the sequencing output and depth of reads were lower compared with the other samples. The sequencing data after quality control were aligned to the reference genome sequence (hg38, GRCh38 Assembly, Genome Reference Consortium Human Build 38), and the mapped reads were processed to improve data quality. Somatic mutations (single nucleotide variants, insertions and deletions, and multiple nucleotide variants) in each sample were extracted after excluding variants reported in a Panel of Normals (PON) from the 1000 Genomes Project. Additional selection criteria included a mutation depth of ≥5 reads and either no registration in or an allele frequency of less than 5% in the Tohoku Medical Megabank of Japan (ToMMo 60KJPN-SNV/INDEL Allele Frequency Panel).<br> Results: Candidate genes with somatic mutations were selected by three criteria: genes with the same mutation shared by two samples or more, recurrently mutated genes three times or over, and genes of driver candidates identified in combining several different driver mutation-detecting programs by Integrative OncoGenomics (IntOGen). Using candidate genes detected by any of the three criteria as input, enrichment analyses identified 28 pathways in Gene Ontology (GO) and 2 pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for retinoblastoma, while 385 pathways in GO, 12 in KEGG, 2 in the Hallmark gene set of the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB), and 47 in Reactome were identified for choroidal malignant melanoma. The enrichment maps showed three major pathways differently in retinoblastoma and choroidal malignant melanoma: one with dynein in retinoblastoma and another with MET in choroidal malignant melanoma.<br> Conclusions: Although there were limitations related to the small amounts of DNA available from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded small-sized tissues and the absence of matched normal control tissue, whole-exome sequencing provided clues to somatic mutations that were enriched in specific pathways and differed between retinoblastoma and choroidal malignant melanoma. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0924-4247 408 2026 A flexible PVDF-based galloping flow sensor 117978 EN Mitsuki Kurose Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takefumi Kanda Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yuya Sato Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shuichi Wakimoto Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Daisuke Yamaguchi Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shinji Hiejima Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takeji Ueda Hydro-VENUS Co., Ltd., Okayama University Effective monitoring of low flow velocities in small rivers and irrigation channels is hindered by the power requirements and maintenance costs of existing technologies. This study proposes a novel flexible piezoelectric polymer flow sensor utilizing galloping vibration to detect flow velocity in the low range (≤ 0.1 m/s). The sensor features a flexible cantilever structure composed of a silicone rubber beam embedded with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film and a tip pillar. Unlike conventional devices based on flow-induced vibration, the use of low-stiffness materials enables the induction of self-excited vibration even under weak fluid forces. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis has been conducted to optimize the tip shape; a D-shaped semicylinder is selected over a cylinder and a square prism because the geometry maximizes the lift force per unit mass, ensuring efficient energy conversion. To predict sensor behavior, a coupled mechanical-fluid-electrical model was developed. Specifically, the model accounts for the static deflection angle caused by fluid drag. Water channel experiments demonstrated that sensors with beam thicknesses under 4 mm successfully generated stable periodic outputs at 0.1 m/s, a regime previously difficult for galloping-based devices. Conversely, thicker beam which has a thickness of 8 mm achieved higher outputs at higher velocities but failed to actuate at low speeds. Furthermore, the study showed a vibration suppression phenomenon in flexible beams at high flow velocities due to excessive static deflection, which was accurately reproduced by the analytical model. These findings establish structural stiffness as the critical design parameter for optimizing the operable velocity range of flow sensors. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hrvatski Sumarski Institut (Croatian Forest Research) Acta Medica Okayama 1849-0891 17 1 2026 Understory Vegetation Structure in Remnant Natural Forests and Acacia Plantations on Coastal Sand Dunes in North Central Vietnam 26007 EN Tuan Quoc Doan Okayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology Tetsuya K. Matsumoto Ibaraki University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering Tai Tien Dinh Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations (HUSTA) Hung Thai Le Hue University, University of Agriculture and Forestry Tuan Ngoc Anh Ho Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations (HUSTA) Naoko H. Miki Okayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology Hoang Thai Dac Ho Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations (HUSTA) Muneto Hirobe Okayama University, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology In the coastal sand dune forests of North Central Vietnam, vegetation has been seriously damaged by war and overexploitation. To recover ecosystem functions, including sand stabilisation under harsh environments, exotic species like Acacia spp. have been planted as a monoculture. However, the long-term sustainability of this practice remains unclear. To assess the long-term effectiveness of revegetation with Acacia spp., this study aims to understand the differences and similarities in ecological characteristics of remnant natural forests and Acacia plantations on the coastal sand dune of North Central Vietnam by comparing understory vegetation structure and environmental conditions. We investigated the understory vegetation (height < 130 cm) in a total of 54 quadrants (1 m × 1 m), including nine natural forests and nine Acacia plantations. We compared diversity indices by mixed ANOVA and examined the differences in the understory vegetation structure between the two forest types through PERMANOVA. We also determined some abiotic environmental factors (e.g. light and soil water availability, and soil pH). We identified 951 individuals, with 792 found in natural forests and 159 in plantations. The species found in natural forests were well-distributed among Liana phanerophytes (Lp), Microphanerophytes (Mi), Mega-Mesophanerophytes (MM), and Cryptophytes (Cr). In contrast, species found in plantations were predominantly Cr, Hemicryptophytes (Hm), and MM. All diversity indices were significantly higher in natural forests (P < 0.05), and the NMDS analysis confirmed significant differences in the understory vegetation structure between natural forests and plantations. Only soil pH was significantly lower in natural forests (P < 0.05), while none of the environmental factors had a statistically significant impact on the variations in understory vegetation structure. Our results indicate that succession by native tree species does not seem to occur naturally in Acacia plantations. Hence, to restore and sustainably develop coastal sand dune forests in North Central Vietnam, it is essential to establish a scientifically based strategy for managing and protecting the remaining natural remnant forest areas. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1865-1569 30 1 2026 Three-dimensional virtual planning reduces operative time in orthognathic surgery: a procedure-specific retrospective study incorporating additive manufacturing 94 EN Yuki Kunisada Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Norie Yoshioka Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Akiyoshi Nishiyama Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masanori Masui Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koichi Kadoya Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroaki Takakura Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kyoichi Obata Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kisho Ono Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koki Umemori Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Soichiro Ibaragi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Purpose Three-dimensional virtual surgical planning (3D-VSP) is increasingly used in orthognathic surgery; however, procedure-specific evidence regarding its real-world impact on operative efficiency and intraoperative blood loss remains limited. This study evaluated the association between 3D-VSP implementation and operative time, and intraoperative blood loss across different orthognathic procedures.<br> Methods This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent orthognathic surgery at a single academic institution before (2019–2020) and after (2023–2024) the full implementation of 3D-VSP integrated with in-house additive manufacturing (n = 344). Procedure-specific multivariable linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, and surgeon experience.<br> Results After 3D-VSP implementation, operative time was reduced by approximately 36 min in sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), 50 min in Le Fort I (LF1) combined with SSRO, and 42 min in segmental LF1 combined with SSRO, representing a 15–20% reduction in total operative time. No meaningful reduction was observed in intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO)-based procedures. A statistically significant, but modest, reduction in intraoperative blood loss was observed only in SSRO. The time-saving effect was independent of surgeon experience.<br> Conclusion The clinical benefit of 3D-VSP in orthognathic surgery is procedure-dependent and most evident in geometrically complex SSRO-based operations. These findings support the targeted implementation of digital planning and additive manufacturing workflows to improve operative efficiency in routine practice. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1432-0584 105 5 2026 HLA-matched versus haploidentical donor transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide: a study on behalf of the donor/source working group of the Japanese society for transplantation and cellular therapy 255 EN Yosuke Nakaya Department of Hematology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine Hirohisa Nakamae Department of Hematology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine Junichi Sugita Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital Junya Kanda Department of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Yuta Hasegawa Department of Hematology, Hokkaido University Hospital Tetsuya Eto Department of Hematology, Hamanomachi Hospital Takahiro Fukuda Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Center Hospital Naoki Kurita Department of Hematology, University of Tsukuba Hospital Nobuhiro Hiramoto Department of Hematology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital Koji Nagafuji Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University HospitalDepartment of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital Shuichi Ota Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital Noboru Asada Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Toshihiko Ando Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University Toshiro Kawakita Department of Hematology, NHO Kumamoto Medical Center Takashi Akasaka Department of Hematology, Tenri Hospital Yasuo Mori Hematology, Oncology & Cardiovascular medicine, Kyushu University Hospital Tomohiko Kamimura Department of Hematology, Harasanshin Hospital Makoto Onizuka Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine Yoshiko Atsuta Japanese Data Center for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Hideki Nakasone Division of Hematology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is now being increasingly applied to HLA-matched donor (MD) transplantation. Prior studies in Western countries have demonstrated that allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) employing PTCy yields better outcomes with HLA-matched donors (MDs) than with haploidentical donors (HIDs). However, the effect of HLA mismatch may differ among racial groups. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with hematological malignancies who underwent their first allo-HCT with PTCy from MDs or HIDs registered to the Japanese registry database between 2013 and 2021. Among 63 (related, n = 33; unrelated, n = 30) and 1261 patients who received MD and HID allo-HCT with PTCy, 50 (related, n = 30; unrelated, n = 20) and 100 patients were assigned to MD and HID groups by 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM). The results showed that MD recipients had better neutrophil recovery (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.10; P = 0.031) and lower risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05–0.81; P = 0.024) than HID recipients. Multivariable analyses in the entire cohort before PSM confirmed these findings. Fatal infection was the primary cause of NRM in the HID group. This study is the first to demonstrate that, within a homogeneous Asian cohort, MD may have an advantage over HID in PTCy-based allo-HCT in facilitating neutrophil engraftment and reducing the risk of NRM. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6447 2026 1 2026 A Case of Peripheral Odontogenic Myxofibroma Arising in the Palatal Gingiva of the Maxillary Second Premolar Region: A Case Report EN Masanori Masui Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , Faculty of Medicine , Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Hirokazu Yutori Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Ai Fujimura Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Soichiro Ibaragi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , Faculty of Medicine , Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Odontogenic myxofibroma (OMF) is a rare benign mesenchymal odontogenic tumor characterized by myxoid stroma with a prominent fibrous component. Although it usually arises intraosseously within the jaws, the peripheral variant, peripheral odontogenic myxofibroma (POMF), which occurs in extraosseous soft tissues, is uncommon and may be clinically misdiagnosed as a reactive gingival lesion. We report a case of POMF in a 68-year-old man who was referred for evaluation of a painless, slowly enlarging swelling of the palatal gingiva in the left maxillary second premolar region, which had initially been diagnosed as chronic periodontitis at a local clinic. An intraoral examination revealed an elastic, firm mass with partial erythema on the palatal marginal gingiva. Panoramic radiography showed mild generalized horizontal bone loss without lesion-specific changes, and computed tomography revealed no bone resorption associated with the lesion. Exfoliative cytology was negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy. The lesion was excised with a 5-mm clinical margin, including periosteum, and superficial peripheral ostectomy of the adjacent cortical bone was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a myxoid stroma rich in mucinous matrix and collagen fibers, containing sparsely distributed spindle-shaped cells and scattered nests of odontogenic epithelium. Alcian blue staining revealed diffuse positivity, supporting the diagnosis of POMF. No recurrence was observed during a 2-year follow-up period. This case highlights a diagnostic pitfall in the tooth-bearing gingiva and underscores the importance of histopathological confirmation of persistent gingival masses. When imaging shows no apparent bone involvement, and clinical suspicion of malignancy is low, complete excision with an adequate soft-tissue margin and selective, limited bone removal may achieve local control while preserving the adjacent teeth; long-term follow-up remains advisable. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science (PLoS) Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 21 6 2026 A multicenter, randomized, parallel-group confirmatory study protocol to evaluate the efficacy of Soft Protector CPC, a novel oral mucosal protectant, in preventing oral mucositis and alleviating pain in patients with breast cancer e0350803 EN Kazuhiro Omori Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kohei Furukawa Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shikoku Cancer Center Masatoshi Usubuchi Department of Dentistry, Miyagi Cancer Center Tomofumi Hamada Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Sagara Hospital Tadahiko Shien Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Michihiro Yoshida Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yuki Nakatsuka Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Katsuyuki Hotta Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Soichiro Ibaragi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shogo Takashiba Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Oral mucositis is a frequent and debilitating adverse event observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Current management strategies are limited in duration, require frequent application, and fail to address the mechanical irritation from teeth. A novel device, Soft Protector CPC, was developed to overcome these limitations. This multicenter, randomized, two-arm, open-label, confirmatory trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Soft Protector CPC in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A total of 154 participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either oral care with Soft Protector CPC or oral care alone. The primary endpoint will be oral mucositis as assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v3.0 during the comparative treatment period. The secondary endpoints will include CTCAE v3.0 during the continuous treatment period, oral mucositis, pain (CTCAE v5.0), quality of life (Patient Reported Outcomes-CTCAE version 1.0 [PRO-CTCAE v1.0], the 15-item oral health questionnaire of the European Organization For Research And Treatment Of Cancer [EORTC QLQ-OH15], and the pain Numeric Rating Scale), onset and site of mucositis, completion of chemotherapy, use of rescue medications, technical feasibility, and patient preference. The safety endpoints will include adverse events, device malfunction, and laboratory tests. This trial is expected to establish the clinical utility of the Soft Protector CPC for the prevention and management of oral mucositis, with the potential to improve the patients’ quality of life and adherence to cancer therapy. This study was approved by the Clinical Research Review Board and registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs062250005, on April 18, 2025. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Informa UK Limited Acta Medica Okayama 1098-6065 2026 Proposing an alternative direction for the development of research: a complementary perspective on Schoenfeld’s approach to generality 1 12 EN Yusuke Uegatani Hiroshima University High School Ippo Ishibashi Faculty of Education, Okayama University The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical framework that suggests directions for future research. While Schoenfeld’s three-axis heuristic framework is well known for this purpose, it primarily points toward increasing generality. Drawing on prior studies on the generalizability of empirical findings in educational research, this paper argues that an alternative research path is possible. Building on the distinction between prevalence and scope, it proposes two types of generality: the generality of a phenomenon within a specified scope and the generality of a theory. Correspondingly, it identifies two directions for research development: delimitation of the scope and generalization of a theory. Finally, the paper argues that research development based on this framework can be understood as progressive in the Lakatosian sense. While Schoenfeld’s framework suggests directions for individual studies, this framework guides competing research programmes by enabling both to progress through scope delimitation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2041-1723 17 1 2026 Photooxidative Copper(II) Catalysis for Promoting anti-Markovnikov Hydration of Alkenes 3003 EN Naoki Oku Division of Applied Chemistry, Okayama University Keito Fuke Division of Applied Chemistry, Okayama University Rikako Masui Division of Applied Chemistry, Okayama University Ken Yamazaki Division of Applied Chemistry, Okayama University Yasunori Matsui Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University Hiroshi Ikeda Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University Tomoya Miura Division of Applied Chemistry, Okayama University Photoredox catalysis enables the generation of radical intermediates under mild conditions, yet photoredox catalysts have heavily relied on precious transition metal complexes. Therefore, the development of photocatalysts based on earth-abundant metals is increasingly demanded. Here, we report a highly photooxidative capability of a heteroleptic copper(II) complex for promoting anti-Markovnikov hydration of alkenes. The copper(II) complex containing bathophenanthroline and 3,4-dimethoxybenzenethiolate ligands is generated in situ from copper(II) chloride dihydrate. Upon visible-light irradiation, the copper(II) complex is photoexcited and exhibits an excited-state lifetime sufficiently long to oxidize various alkenes, including aliphatic substrates. Consequently, anti-Markovnikov hydration can be achieved under mild conditions, and the late-stage functionalization of natural products and pharmaceutical derivatives is also feasible. The developed catalytic system can be extended for photooxidative reactions of alkenes, such as intramolecular cyclization reactions and anti-Markovnikov addition of nucleophiles other than water. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1860-1871 2026 Effects of Juniperus sabina coverage on plant community structure in semiarid areas of China EN Long Qin Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Ayaka Yamabayashi Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Tetsuya K. Matsumoto Faculty of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Guosheng Zhang College of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University Norikazu Yamanaka Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University Muneto Hirobe Faculty of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Naoko H. Miki Faculty of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Plant interactions are one of the fundamental processes shaping the structure and function of plant communities and help create species diversity. Species diversity affects the current functioning of ecosystems and their resistance and resilience to future climate change. In harsh environments such as drylands, positive plant–plant interactions are important in promoting species diversity. Juniperus sabina is an evergreen shrub that is native to the semiarid areas of northern China. Because J. sabina can modify some harsh environmental conditions in its role as a nurse plant, it is expected to facilitate species diversity, although it may exhibit allelopathic inhibition. Previous research has only examined effects of J. sabina coverage onα-diversity in a single-year, and its effects on the β-diversity of the plant community structure in the local ecosystem are still unclear. We compared environmental conditions and plant species composition inside and outside of 11 J. sabina patches to evaluate the effects of its coverage on the species diversity of the understory community structure through modifying microhabitat conditions. Water and nutrient conditions were higher inside the patches, whereas light conditions were higher outside. More perennial herbs and C3 plants were found inside and more annual herbs and C4 plants were found outside. There were different trends in α-diversity each year, while β-diversity was consistently greater inside the patches. This research suggests that the coverage of J. sabina can drive different community structures by providing heterogeneous environmental conditions, and would increase plant species diversity in the local ecosystem. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 1999-4907 17 5 2026 Photosynthetic Response of Larix gmelinii var. japonica Saplings After Exogenous Glutathione Foliar Application 530 EN Resa Sri Rahayu Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Wataru Ishizuka Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization Ayu Narita Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization Rie Miyata Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization Naoko H. Miki Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Hirokazu Kon Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization Yuko Miyazaki Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Sapling survival and growth depend on photosynthetic assimilates. Therefore, improving physiological performance during early stages may enhance subsequent performance and nursery production. This study evaluated whether exogenous oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reported to enhance photosynthesis, improves the photosynthetic, physiological, and growth-related traits of Larix gmelinii var. japonica saplings. Sixteen saplings were assigned to four treatments: GSSG, 5-aminolevulinic acid, Hyponex, and a water control. Photosynthetic, nitrogen-related, and growth traits were measured before treatment and at 3, 6, 13, and 31 days after treatment, and biomass was assessed after three months. The GSSG treatment showed no difference in the net CO2 assimilation rate (Amax) compared with the control, but exhibited a significantly earlier peak at 6 days than the other treatments. This response was supported by the stability of GSSG-treated saplings against photoinhibition (Fv/Fm) and a tendency toward greater resilience to midday light stress (ΦPSII). Enhanced photosynthetic performance was associated with reduced carbon and nitrogen fluctuations and was accompanied by numerically greater root and stem biomass in the 2024 terminal shoots. Although fertilization effects were generally weak and transient, GSSG elicited notable responses, suggesting that the immediate enhancement of photosynthesis underlies its impact. However, its antioxidant properties under stressful conditions warrant further investigation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0902-0063 40 6 2026 Risk Factors for Waiting List Mortality in Lung Transplant Candidates With Post‐Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Non‐Infectious Pulmonary Complications e70582 EN Hisao Higo Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Satoru Senoo Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Satoko Makimoto Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital Tomohiro Nagano Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital Takumi Kondo Department of Hematology, Okayama University Hospital Haruchika Yamamoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shin Tanaka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaroh Miyoshi Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiichiro Sugimoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yosuke Togashi Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Background: Late-onset non-infectious pulmonary complications (LONIPCs) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are a known indication for need of lung transplantation. This study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of patients with LONIPCs after HSCT who were registered for lung transplantation and reveal the risk factors for waiting list mortality.<br> Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients with LONIPCs after allogeneic HSCT who were referred to Okayama University Hospital and registered in the Japan Organ Transplant Network for deceased-donor lung transplantation between 2005 and 2023. Pediatric patients aged <18 years at the time of registration were excluded.<br> Results: Thirty-four patients were included in this study. Notably, two distinct phenotypic groups were identified: One with a bronchiolitis obliterans pattern on high-resolution computed tomography and a mixed ventilatory defect, and the other with a pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis pattern and a restrictive ventilatory defect. The median waiting duration for a deceased-donor lung transplant was 662 days, and 16 patients died during the waiting period. The cumulative incidence of waiting list mortality was 20.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.9%–35.6%) at 1 year and 46.1% (95% CI, 27.8%–62.7%) at 3 years. A history of pneumothorax, greater dyspnea on exertion, and higher serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels were associated with an increased risk of waiting list mortality.<br> Conclusion: In patients with LONIPCs after HSCT, a history of pneumothorax may be a marker of a poor prognosis and could serve as a criterion for referral of lung transplantation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 0094-8276 53 10 2026 Spin Transition of Fe3+ in δ-(Al,Fe)OOH and Implication for Mid-Lower Mantle Seismic Heterogeneities e2025GL121007 EN Chaoshuai Zhao State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, University of Science and Technology of China Zhu Mao State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, University of Science and Technology of China Xinyue Zhang State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, University of Science and Technology of China Yingxin Yu State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, University of Science and Technology of China Ningyu Sun State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, University of Science and Technology of China Jianbo Zhang Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research Yuzhu Wang Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences Takayuki Ishii Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University δ-(Al,Fe)OOH is an important water carrier and plays a critical role on Earth's deep water cycle. Lattice parameters of δ-(Al0.89Fe0.11)OOH were measured by synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction at simultaneously high temperature and pressure up to 65 GPa and 800 K in diamond anvil cells. The results reveal that the spin crossover increases from 30 to 37 GPa at 300 K to 36–48 GPa at 700 K. Moreover, at the spin crossover, the KT and VΦ of δ-(Al0.89Fe0.11)OOH occur significant elastic softening, with maximum reductions of 50% on KT and 29% on VΦ at 33 GPa and 300 K to 37% on KT and 23% on VΦ at 41 GPa and 700 K. The anomalous elastic properties of δ-(Al,Fe)OOH at the spin crossover enhance our understanding of local seismic observations anomalies and help identify potential water-rich regions in the mid-lower mantle. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 0094-8276 53 2 2026 Davemaoite Elasticity Reveals Slab‐Induced Heterogeneity in the Mantle Transition Zone e2025GL118147 EN Yingxin Yu State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Xinyue Zhang State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Dongzhou Zhang GeoSoilEnviroCARS, University of Chicago Luo Li State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Zhu Mao State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Ningyu Sun State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Denglei Wang State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Jing Li State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Chaoshuai Zhao State Key Laboratory of Precision Geodesy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Cheng Qian State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences Yingzhan Wei State Key Laboratory of High Pressure and Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University Xinyang Li State Key Laboratory of High Pressure and Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University Yuzhu Wang Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences Takayuki Ishii Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University The observed 2%–7% low-shear velocity (VS) anomalies near the subducted slab at the bottom mantle transition zone (MTZ) indicate strong lateral heterogeneity, which is commonly attributed to subducted oceanic crust. However, davemaoite, a major constituent of the subducted oceanic crust, has been poorly constrained in its elasticity, hindering accurate velocity modeling and obscuring the origin of these low-velocity features. Here we report single-crystal elasticity of Ti-bearing davemaoite with the composition of Ca(Si0.57Ti0.43)O3 under high pressure-temperature and found that Ti incorporation significantly reduces velocities and alters the pressure dependence of the shear modulus. Further velocity modeling demonstrated that subducted crusts with varying Ti content have seismic signatures of 1.7(2)–6.8(5)% low-VS at the bottom MTZ, consistent with the observed low-VS structure in the region. These findings highlight the role of slab-derived chemical heterogeneity in generating mantle seismic anomalies and provide new experimental constraints on the structure and dynamics of the deep Earth. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Frontiers Media SA Acta Medica Okayama 1664-042X 17 2026 Bee larvae ameliorate andropause-like symptoms via a hormone-independent, antioxidant mechanism 1850114 EN Takashi Ito Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Nobuaki Okumura Institute for Bee Products & Health Science, Yamada Bee Company, Inc. Takumi Oti Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Hirotaka Sakamoto Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), also known as the male menopause, is characterized by a decline in sexual function as well as various physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety. Although bee larvae have historically been utilized as a traditional food and medicine, their efficacy and physiological mechanisms of action against male menopausal symptoms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of bee larvae (BL) on sexual and anxiety-like behaviors using two rodent models of the male menopause: aged rats and castrated mice. In the aged rat model (64 weeks old), dietary BL supplementation for 4 weeks significantly attenuated the age-associated decline in ejaculation frequency compared to controls, while no significant effects were observed on mount or intromission frequencies. Notably, plasma analysis revealed no significant differences in testosterone or dihydrotestosterone levels between the BL and control groups. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we evaluated sexual function using a castrated mouse model. While BL supplementation did not affect sexual behavior in intact mice, post-castration BL treatment significantly shortened intromission latency without altering mount frequency. In the elevated plus maze test, BL significantly alleviated castration-induced anxiety-like behaviors and improved exploratory activity. Furthermore, in vitro assays demonstrated that the BL extract exerts potent protective effects against oxidative stress, a pathological factor contributing to both erectile dysfunction and anxiety. These results suggest that BL improves erectile function and anxiety via hormone-independent mechanisms, potentially by mitigating oxidative stress in vascular and neural tissues. Thus, bee larvae represent a promising functional food for ameliorating the multi-faceted physical and psychological symptoms associated with male menopause. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 2169-9313 130 8 2025 Linking the Spin Transition of Ferric Iron in δ‐(Al,Fe)OOH to Water Storage in the Lower Mantle e2025JB031715 EN Johannes Buchen Bayerisches Geoinstitut, Universität Bayreuth Olivia S. Pardo Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Vasilije V. Dobrosavljevic Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Wolfgang Sturhahn Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Takayuki Ishii Now at Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Stella Chariton GSECARS, The University of Chicago Eran Greenberg GSECARS, The University of Chicago Thomas S. Toellner Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory Jennifer M. Jackson Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology As the most massive geochemical reservoir, the lower mantle affects the Earth's budget of volatile elements, including hydrogen or H2O. The properties of minerals in the lower mantle are further affected by changes in the electronic configurations of iron cations, that is, by spin transitions. The feedback between spin transitions and potential storage of H2O in solid hydrous phases in the lower mantle, however, remains unexplored. By combining high-pressure nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering and high-pressure high-temperature X-ray diffraction experiments, we constrained the thermal equation of state of δ-(Al,Fe)OOH, a member of the phase H solid solution. Based on the derived thermal equation of state of δ-(Al,Fe)OOH and the underlying thermodynamic model, we calculate the excess Gibbs free energy that arises from the spin transition of ferric iron in this compound and evaluate the effect on phase equilibria. The results of our analysis show that the spin transition of ferric iron in phase H may significantly reduce the thermodynamic activity and hence the concentration of H2O in a coexisting hydrous melt. As a consequence, nominally anhydrous minerals of the lower mantle may become dehydrated in the presence of phase H. Our analysis further suggests that, under certain conditions, the spin transition may expand the thermal stability of Fe3+-bearing phase H and create a geochemical link between the storage of H2O in phase H and ferric iron in the lower mantle. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0892-0362 115 2026 Long-term neurological and neurocognitive deficits in adults prenatally exposed to methylmercury: Minamata disease 107590 EN Takashi Yorifuji Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuka Yamamura Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Itsuka Nagano Non-Profit Organization Hamachidori Mariko Yasuda Clinical Psychology Center, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital Teruko Morooka Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Yoko Kado Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Kansai University 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0020-7128 70 3 2026 Immediate and delayed effects of thermal stress on fever-associated seizures in children: A time-stratified case-crossover study in Japan 86 EN Naomi Matsumoto Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuka Yamamura Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kensuke Uraguchi Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takafumi Obara Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takashi Yorifuji Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University This study aimed to examine the non-linear and delayed effects of thermal stress, measured by the hourly Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), on the risk of pediatric fever-associated seizures (FAS). We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study in Okayama, Japan (May 2015–March 2023), analyzing 3,201 ambulance-attended FAS cases in children younger than 7 years. Using a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) with a 144-h lag, we estimated the association between UTCI and FAS. The analysis revealed a bimodal exposure–response relationship. Moderate Cold Stress (10th percentile, –1.6 °C) was associated with a significant cumulative odds ratio (OR) of 2.22 (95% CI: 1.22–4.06). Risk also increased at the upper range of No Thermal Stress (24.2 °C; cumulative OR 2.74, 95% CI: 1.63–4.63), extending into Moderate Heat Stress (28.7 °C; cumulative OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.33–3.84). These effects were primarily delayed to 72–96 h for Moderate Cold and reached a peak around 100 h for Moderate Heat. Strong Heat Stress showed immediate but non-significant risk patterns. These findings suggest that infection-mediated pathways likely drive the observed bimodal risk pattern, demonstrate the utility of high-resolution bioclimatic indices, and can inform the development of temperature-specific public health alerts. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 An alternative approach based on skin electrical impedance to determine transepidermal water loss for skin barrier function assessments EN Osamu UEHARA No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of the Brush/Biopsy Rapid On-Site Evaluation (B-ROSE) in Cases of Bile Duct Stricture: A Prospective, Pilot Study EN Nao HATTORI Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Clinical significance on switching CDK4/6 inhibitors among 13,284 patients with metastatic breast cancer EN Takuya NISHINA Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Induction of IL-9-producing CD8+ T cells by ascochlorin derivatives EN Natsumi IMANO Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Repetitive Fasting-Refeeding Enhances Metformin-Induced CXCR6⁺ CD8⁺T Cell Tumor Infiltration via VCAM-1 Upregulation on Normalized Vasculature During Refeeding EN WEIYANG ZHAO Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Treatment strategy for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer: Focus on postoperative hypothyroidism following lobectomy EN Akifumi KARIYA Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Inhibitory Effects of Vandetanib on Catecholamine Synthesis in Rat Pheochromocytoma PC12 Cells EN Yoshihiko ITO Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Effect of mechanical stretching stimulation on maturation of human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes co-cultured with human gingival fibroblasts EN MENGXUE WANG Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Precise stratification of prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients based on pre- and postoperative genomic information EN Kokichi MIYAMOTO Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Energy Price Shocks and Macroeconomic and Financial Dynamics : Evidence from Gas and Oil Markets EN PENG CHEN Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Impact of pre-reconstruction filtering with butterworth filter on 111In-pentetreotide SPECT image quality and quantitative accuracy: A phantom study EN Daisuke HASEGAWA Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Effect of Dietary Sodium Nitrite Supplementation on Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats EN Ran SHANG Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Study on the mechanisms regulating bovine oviductal tonus during peri-ovulatory period EN Sayaka KUBOTA Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Translational research on neural mechanisms of male sexual function and antioxidant intervention in mammals EN Takashi ITO Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Studies on Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Highly-Functionalized Phenacenes and Helicenes EN Keito NOSE Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Study on Multisensory Interactions of Executive Functions in Working Memory EN YUXI LUO Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Study on thylakoid membrane homeostasis: Proteins interacting with VIPP1 involved in membrane remodeling EN Di Li Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 A Business-to-Business Collaboration System That Promotes Data Utilization While Encrypting Information on the Blockchain EN Hiroaki NASU Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama university No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Investigation on bacterial capture and antibacterial properties of acid-treated Ti surface EN Haruyuki AOYAGI Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Periodontitis in a Mouse Model EN YIXUAN ZHANG Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Effects of miR-128-3p on Renal Inflammation in a Rat Periodontitis Model EN MOHAMMAD NURHAMIM Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Assessment of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy on Three Dimensional Model of Patient-Derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Oral Cancer EN Izumi HARA Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 2026 Effect of Oral Peritumoral Tissue on Infiltration and Differentiation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma EN TIANYAN PIAO Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japan Surgical Society Acta Medica Okayama 2198-7793 12 1 2026 Tailored Management of Anomalous Systemic Arterial Supply to the Basal Segment of the Lung: A Case Report and Literature Review cr.26-0288 EN Shunsuke Mori Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken Suzawa Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Tomita Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruchika Yamamoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumi Nakajima Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shin Tanaka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hidejiro Torigoe Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuhiko Shien Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaroh Miyoshi Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mikio Okazaki Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiichiro Sugimoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takao Hiraki Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences INTRODUCTION: Parenchyma-preserving strategies for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the lung have gained increasing attention. However, pulmonary infarction of the preserved lung has been reported, and clear criteria for selecting the optimal treatment have yet to be established. We report 2 cases in which detailed preoperative imaging informed tailored management―right posterior basal segmentectomy in 1 patient and endovascular embolization of the aberrant artery in the other―both without postoperative complications. A review of the relevant literature is also provided, with an emphasis on potential selection criteria.<br> CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 20-year-old asymptomatic woman was referred after an abnormal screening chest radiograph. CT demonstrated an aberrant artery arising from the abdominal aorta supplying the right posterior basal segment (S10) with a large intravascular thrombus. The pulmonary artery showed hypoplasia limited to A10, while the other branches were normal, and no parenchymal congestion was identified. Following resection of the aberrant artery, robot-assisted right S10 segmentectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on POD 6. Case 2: A 27-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed on CT for an unrelated indication. An aberrant artery arising from the descending thoracic aorta supplied the left basal segment. Pulmonary arterial branches were preserved, with only minimal congestion in S9-10. Angiography revealed no evidence of an arteriovenous fistula. As surgical lung resection was considered unnecessary, coil embolization of the aberrant artery was performed. No complications occurred, and the patient was discharged on day 3 after the procedure.<br> CONCLUSIONS: In patients with anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the lung, when pulmonary arterial branches are preserved and background parenchymal congestion is minimal, parenchyma-sparing approaches should be considered. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Informa UK Limited Acta Medica Okayama 1751-2433 2026 Treatment strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with adult congenital heart diseases EN Satoshi Akagi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shingo Kasahara Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Ejiri Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazufumi Nakamura Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shinsuke Yuasa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Introduction<br> The number of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is gradually increasing worldwide due to advances in surgical techniques and pharmacological therapies. ACHD can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and treatment strategies for PAH associated with ACHD have also evolved.<br> <br> Areas covered<br> Several PAH-targeted drugs including endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, and prostacyclin analogs are available for treatment of PAH. In this review, we summarized the current evidence regarding the use of PAH-targeted drugs in patients with PAH associated with ACHD. We also propose a ‘treat and repair’ strategy, which involves initial medical treatment to improve PAH followed by surgical or interventional repair of the systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. A PubMed literature search was conducted from 2000 to 2025.<br> <br> Expert opinion<br> In cases of PAH associated with a systemic-to-pulmonary cardiac shunt, advanced PAH-targeted drugs can improve hemodynamics, and reduce the risk of cardiac defect repair and further improvement in PAH. The treat and repair strategy represents a promising therapeutic approach for PAH patients associated with systemic-to-pulmonary shunts. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMJ Acta Medica Okayama 2053-3624 13 1 2026 Predictive value of simple echocardiographic parameters for screening pulmonary hypertension under the revised definition: a study for general hospitals e004185 EN Yoshitake Fukuda Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoshi Akagi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoshi Taya Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaro Ejiri Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoichi Takaya Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshihiro Dohi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kure Kyosai Hospital Shinsuke Yuasa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background The current guideline recommends a peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) ≥2.9 m/s on echocardiography for pulmonary hypertension (PH) screening; however, this threshold was based on the previous PH definition (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mm Hg) and derived largely from PH referral centres.<br> Methods We retrospectively analysed 755 patients who underwent both transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterisation at two general hospitals. The discrimination of peak TRV and estimated right atrial pressure (eRAP), derived from inferior vena cava diameter and respiratory variation, for screening for PH was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Optimal cut-off values were determined with the Youden Index.<br> Results The c-statistic for peak TRV in detecting PH was 0.82 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.85). An optimal cut-off of 2.7 m/s provided higher sensitivity (72%) than the conventional 2.9 m/s threshold (60%) while maintaining high specificity (82%). In 681 patients with available TRV and eRAP data, adding eRAP improved discrimination compared with TRV alone (c-statistic 0.83 vs 0.80; net reclassification improvement=0.14, p=0.002). eRAP ≥5 mm Hg was associated with a higher risk of PH, and the combination of elevated TRV and eRAP yielded the strongest association.<br> Conclusion For screening under the revised PH definition, a peak TRV of 2.7 m/s is suggested as the optimal cut-off. Although TRV alone showed good discriminative performance, combining it with eRAP further improved diagnostic accuracy using simple echocardiographic measures. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 0094-8276 53 2026 Discovery of Repeating Shallow Moonquakes in the Apollo Lunar Seismic Data e2026GL122541 EN Keisuke Onodera Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Shallow moonquakes have been considered unique due to their large magnitudes and affinities with intraplate earthquakes. However, the small number of detections (<80 events) has prevented detailed characterization. In this study, I identified a pair of repeating shallow moonquakes by analyzing a recently updated moonquake data set. Relative-phase assessment revealed that these events exhibit a consistent fault-slip direction despite their occurrence at opposite tidal phases. This differs from what was observed for repeating deep moonquakes, which are closely related to tides, implying that tidal stress does not dominantly control fault-slip initiation of the repeating shallow moonquakes. Also, the identified repeating shallow moonquakes exhibit a similar relationship between seismic moment and the spatial scale of the slip area to earthquakes. This may indicate that earthquake-like fault physics operates on the Moon, albeit with a different driving mechanism than on Earth. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

SAGE Publications Acta Medica Okayama 1756-2848 19 2026 Second-look endoscopy does not reduce delayed bleeding after endoscopic papillectomy: a multicenter propensity score-matched analysis EN Yuki Fujii Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Kazuyuki Matsumoto Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Toru Ueki Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama City Hospital Hitomi Himei Department of Gastroenterology, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Ichiro Sakakihara Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Eijiro Ueta Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, NHO Fukuyama Medical Center Ryo Harada Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital Taiji Ogawa Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Takeshi Tomoda Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital Hironari Kato Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Ryosuke Sato Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Akihiro Matsumi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Kazuya Miyamoto Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke Uchida Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Shigeru Horiguchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Koichiro Tsutsumi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Background: Delayed bleeding is a frequent and serious complication after endoscopic papillectomy (EP). Second-look endoscopy (SLE) is often scheduled on the following day for wound assessment and prophylactic hemostasis, but its clinical value remains unclear.<br> Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of SLE in preventing delayed bleeding after EP.<br> Design: This study was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study.<br> Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 132 consecutive patients who underwent EP at nine high-volume centers between 2003 and 2024 (SLE group, n = 73; non-SLE group, n = 59). Propensity score matching was performed to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was delayed bleeding, and secondary outcomes were risk factors, the impact of prophylactic hemostasis during SLE, and hospital stay.<br> Results: After matching, 43 patients were included in each group. The incidence of delayed bleeding did not differ between the SLE and non-SLE groups (14% vs 9%, p = 0.50). Multivariate analysis identified a lack of preventive clipping closure as the only independent risk factor (odds ratio 15, 95% confidence interval 1.3–177, p = 0.030). Prophylactic hemostasis during SLE did not reduce bleeding but was associated with prolonged hospitalization (13 vs 9 days, p = 0.012).<br> Conclusion: Routine SLE after EP does not reduce delayed bleeding. Moreover, prophylactic hemostasis in asymptomatic patients may unnecessarily prolong hospitalization. Hemostasis should be reserved for patients who develop clinical signs of bleeding. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Fuji Technology Press Ltd. Acta Medica Okayama 1883-8014 30 3 2026 A Verification of Relationship Between Multiplicatively Weighted Voronoi Diagram and Huff Model: A Case Study on Order Assignment in E-Commerce 921 930 EN Takaki Kawamoto Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takashi Hasuike Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Waseda University This study examines the relationship between a multiplicatively weighted (MW-) Voronoi diagram and the Huff model. A mathematical comparison demonstrates that the models are structurally equivalent when the Huff model is deterministic and the distance decay parameter λ takes a specific value. This theoretical finding was empirically validated using real-world e-commerce order assignment data. The experiments demonstrate the distinct strengths of each model. The Huff model enables the flexible balancing of competing objectives through parameter adjustment, whereas the MW-Voronoi diagram provides geometric clarity in the interpretation of territories. We conclude that the selection of the two models should be guided by the problem objectives, depending on whether probabilistic flexibility or deterministic spatial partitioning is required. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 1574-6968 373 2026 Intercellular signal transduction within the mother cell compartment during Bacillus subtilis sporulation fnag055 EN Nobuki Kuwabara Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University Masato Anzue Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University Shin-ichi Miyoshi Research Center for Intestinal Health Science, Okayama University Tsutomu Sato Department of Frontier Bioscience, Hosei University Daisuke Imamura Research Center for Intestinal Health Science, Okayama University Intercellular signaling contributes to the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. The mother cell transcription factor σE is initially produced as an inactive precursor protein pro-σE and activated by the processing enzyme SpoIIGA in response to the forespore-produced putative signaling molecule SpoIIR. However, the mechanism underlying the SpoIIR-mediated signal transduction remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that the spoIIR-positive, spoIIGA-deleted strain was able to induce SpoIIGA-dependent pro-σE processing in co-cultured spoIIR-deleted, spoIIGA-positive strains. This signaling was dependent on SpoIIR expression and did not involve DNA transfer. Extracellular materials including secreted proteins and membrane vesicles were unlikely to be involved in this signaling pathway. Interestingly, cessation of co-incubation shaking enhanced the signaling, while the addition of membrane-solubilizing detergent abolished it. In addition, SpoIIR signaling did not necessitate release from the forespore membrane or extracellular translocation. A SpoIIR variant lacking the putative signal peptide-like hydrophobic domain produced solely in the mother cell compartment was still able to activate pro-σE. Overall, the study findings suggested that the forespore-produced SpoIIR is neither secreted nor externally translocated. Instead, SpoIIR appeared to be transferred into the mother cell compartment and interacts with the SpoIIGA cytoplasmic domain to trigger pro-σE processing. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Acta Medica Okayama 2637-6105 8 9 2026 Ion-Conductive Vitrimers Based on Backbone-Type Triazolium Poly(Ionic Liquid)s: Counterion-Dependent Dynamics and Backbone Flexibility 6225 6235 EN Hikari Tsunekawa Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Atsushi Matsumoto Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui Yuya Iida Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Tsutomu Ono Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Takaichi Watanabe Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University To simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity and recyclability, vitrimers were prepared using backbone-type triazolium poly(ionic liquid)s (TPILs) that integrate ionic transport and dynamic network rearrangement via trans-N-alkylation. TPIL elastomers bearing I–, BF4–, PF6–, and TFSI– counteranions were synthesized from “clickable” ionic liquid monomers, and their glass transition temperature (Tg), ionic conductivity, and vitrimeric dynamics were compared. Only the I–-based network exhibited stress relaxation at 170 °C, indicating that nucleophilic anions are important for bond exchange. However, a trade-off was observed between ionic transport and dynamic network rearrangement. We overcome this trade-off by mixing anions. Mixed-anion TPIL elastomers using I– and TFSI– exhibited lower Tg and higher ionic conductivity than I–-based elastomer, while still maintaining vitrimer-like relaxation. Rheological analysis revealed a decoupling between segment relaxation and bond exchange dynamics in vitrimer-like elastomers. The design combining flexible polymer backbones and mixed-anion engineering can create recyclable, highly conductive polymer electrolyte networks. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy Acta Medica Okayama 1882-4072 20 1 2026 Current Status of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An International Perspective Including Japan ra.2025-0153 EN Masato Kawakami Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Sugiu Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masafumi Hiramatsu Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Haruma Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryu Kimura Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuta Soutome Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Juntaro Fujita Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuichi Hirata Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fukiko Baba Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shota Tanaka Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is gaining global prevalence as a minimally invasive treatment aimed at serving as an adjunct to or method of avoiding surgery; however, its optimal positioning remains unclear. This study outlines the current status of MMAE in Japan, Germany, and the United States based on nationwide survey reports, recently published consensus guidelines, and meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM; EMBOLISE, STEM, and MAGIC-MT) and examines its efficacy and limitations. Real-world clinical data from Japan, Germany, and the United States indicate that MMAE is primarily used as an adjunctive therapy following surgery for older and high-risk or recurrent cases, or as a stand-alone therapy in selected cases to safely reduce the risk of recurrence and reoperation. While a multidisciplinary consensus statement takes a cautious stance that limits MMAE to recurrent or inoperable cases such as those at high risk associated with interrupting antithrombotic medication, the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology guidelines published after the RCTs strongly recommend the concurrent use of MMAE with standard therapy in de novo cases. Meta-analyses integrating the 3 NEJM trials and other RCTs showed that MMAE suppressed recurrence and reoperation versus standard treatment, with particularly pronounced effects in the nonsurgical (conservative treatment) group; however, the additive effect was limited in the surgical adjunct group. No improvement in functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score) was observed. Cost-effectiveness analyses suggest that, while MMAE reduces reoperations, routine implementation for all cases is difficult to justify economically because of high procedural costs, indicating the need to narrow the indication to populations at high risk of recurrence. In conclusion, although MMAE is an effective treatment option, the current evidence does not support its uniform introduction in all patients with CSDH. Thus, it is necessary to individualize and adapt the indications for specific patient subgroups, such as those at high risk of recurrence or those for whom surgery is difficult. Finally, we propose a pragmatic treatment strategy for MMAE stratified by disease stage (de novo vs. recurrent) and clinical severity to guide the individualized selection of adjunctive and stand-alone embolization. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Acta Medica Okayama 1078-0432 2026 Incidence of B-cell Malignancies in Patients with Lung Cancer Receiving PD-1 Blockade Therapy EN Toshifumi Ninomiya Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Caiyang Fang Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hirofumi Hamano Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama University Teruya Morinaga Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Wenhao Zhou Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toshihiro Koyama Department of Pharmaceutical Data Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Sakura Miki Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Li Zhu Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yusuke Naoi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Ennishi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomoya Katsuta Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital Kadoaki Ohashi Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama University Shin Morizane Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomoka Ohki-Ikeda Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama University Tatsuya Nishi Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Youki Ueda Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takamasa Ishino Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Isamu Okamoto Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Yoshito Zamami Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama University Joji Nagasaki Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yosuke Togashi Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Purpose: Many patients with various cancer types have received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) worldwide since their approval, and novel unexpected complications from their long-term use are apparent. We identified some cases of B-cell lymphoma occurring during PD-1 blockade therapy as such unexpected complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of hematologic malignancies in patients with lung cancer receiving PD-1 blockade therapy and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the progression of these malignancies.<br> Experimental Design: We performed IHC staining on the clinical samples from patients with B-cell lymphoma that developed during PD-1 blockade therapy and analyzed large-scale real-world datasets. We further investigated the underlying mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo experiments.<br> Results: A higher incidence of B-cell malignancies has been observed in patients with lung cancer treated with PD-1 blockade therapies based on large-scale real-world data analyses (n = 15,670). The identified lymphomas had a large amount of CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cell infiltration. In addition, PD-1 blockade activated PD-1+ TFH cells, which promoted lymphoma proliferation via the IL4/IL4R, IL21/IL21R, and CD40L/CD40 axes. Notably, the lymphomas exhibited high expression of IL4R, IL21R, and CD40.<br> Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for careful monitoring and consideration of the potential B-cell malignancy complications in clinical settings in which ICIs are used. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2575-6265 7 2 2026 Exogenous Glutathione and Nitric Oxide Improve Waterlogging Stress Tolerance in Maize e70136 EN Prodipto Bishnu Angon Applied Plant Biology and Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University Md. Tahjib‐Ul‐Arif Applied Plant Biology and Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University Md. Sarwar Jahan Applied Plant Biology and Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University Md. Mahadi Hasan Basic and Applied Scientific Research Centre, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Yoshiyuki Murata Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major grain crops worldwide that is particularly vulnerable to waterlogging (WL) stress. Glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) are known to protect plants from a variety of abiotic stresses; however, their potential for improving WL tolerance in maize remains unexplored. The present study examined the impact of exogenously applied GSH and NO on maize plants exposed to WL-stress. Our findings revealed that GSH + NO-treated waterlogged maize plants grew better and produced more biomass than only WL-stressed plants. The improved performance of GSH + NO-sprayed WL-stressed maize seedlings was supported by the increased root dry and fresh weight, shoot length, shoot dry and fresh weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content. Exogenous GSH and NO treatments significantly enhanced the amounts of leaf proline, leaf soluble sugars, and total protein in maize seedlings, suggesting adaptive metabolic reprogramming under stress. The increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in maize leaves and roots revealed that WL caused significant oxidative damage. Exogenous GSH, NO individually, and combinedly significantly decreased total H2O2 and MDA contents in both leaves and roots. Exogenous GSH and NO reduced oxidative stress by increasing peroxidase activity, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin content in maize leaf and root tissues. Our findings emphasize the possible relevance of GSH and NO, simultaneously and individually, in enhancing adaptive mechanisms in maize seedlings for reducing WL-induced damage. Although the GSH + NO-mediated approach shows promise for mitigating WL-stress in maize under controlled conditions, further field-based investigations are required to validate its practical applicability. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMJ Acta Medica Okayama 2044-6055 16 3 2026 Protocol for an open-label, randomised, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sotatercept add-on therapy compared with pulmonary vasodilator-based standard of care for pulmonary vasodilator-resistant pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with unrepaired congenital shunts (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect or patent ductus arteriosus), including Eisenmenger syndrome: the SuMILE trial e113430 EN Keimei Yoshida Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Kazuya Hosokawa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Takahiro Hiraide Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine Satoshi Akagi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kentaro Ejiri Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yu Taniguchi Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe University Hospital Shiro Adachi Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Hospital Takumi Inami Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine Naohiko Nakanishi Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Masaharu Kataoka The Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Taijyu Satoh Department of Medical Science and Innovation, SiRIUS Institute of Medical Research, Tohoku University Shunsuke Tatebe Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Toshiro Shinke Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Showa Medical University Hospital Hideshi Tomita Periatric Heart Disease and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, Showa Medical University Hospital Yusuke Akazawa Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine Takashi Higaki Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Therapeutic and Developmental Education, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine Koshiro Tagawa Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kyushu University Hospital Ayako Ishikita Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Soshun Asakawa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Kohtaro Abe Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University Introduction Eisenmenger syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to unrepaired congenital shunts, including atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), remain life-threatening conditions despite advances in congenital heart disease (CHD) care. In this population, vasodilator-based therapies effective in other forms of PAH have shown limited benefit, and no disease-modifying treatment has been established. Sotatercept, an activin-signalling inhibitor, improved exercise capacity and haemodynamics in phase 2/3 PAH trials; however, patients with unrepaired CHD, including Eisenmenger syndrome, were excluded. The efficacy and safety of sotatercept in this population remain unknown.<br> Methods and analysis The SuMILE trial is a prospective, exploratory, multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled trial conducted at 11 Japanese tertiary centres. 36 adults with vasodilator-resistant PAH due to unrepaired ASD, VSD or PDA, including Eisenmenger syndrome, will be randomised 2:1 to sotatercept add-on therapy plus vasodilator-based PAH therapy versus vasodilator-based PAH therapy alone. Sotatercept will be administered subcutaneously every 3 weeks in accordance with label-approved dose-modification rules for haemoglobin and platelet changes. The primary endpoint is the change in 6-min walk distance from baseline to week 24. Key clinical events will be independently adjudicated. Secondary endpoints include all-cause mortality or lung transplantation; pulmonary hypertension-related hospitalisation or initiation of parenteral prostacyclin and changes in WHO functional class, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and emPHasis-10. Exploratory endpoints include genotype, right heart catheterisation and cardiac MRI parameters. The primary analysis will use ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline 6-min walk distance and randomisation stratum in the intention-to-treat population.<br> Ethics and dissemination The protocol has been reviewed and approved by the certified central review board (Kyushu University Hospital Clinical Ethics Review Board) and participating institutions. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and trial registries.<br> Trial registration number Japan Registry of Clinical Trials no. 1071250069; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07356778. Protocol version and date: V.1.3; 23 October 2025 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0003-6862 2026 Effect of caffeine on life-history traits on the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) EN Shine Shane Naing Okayama University (Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology) Teruhisa Matsuura Okayama University (Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology) Takahisa Miyatake Okayama University (Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology) Nowadays, addressing insect pest infestation effectively requires environmentally sound and sustainable pest control methods that minimize environmental pollution. Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine), a plant-derived secondary metabolite, has insecticidal, hormonal and antifeedant properties, making it a promising and more sustainable alternative for pest management. In this study, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a serious stored pest, was used to investigate the effects of different caffeine concentrations on life-history traits. We applied two delivery methods: 1) oral exposure through a caffeine–sucrose solution for adults, and 2) dietary incorporation of caffeine powder mixed with wheat flour and brewer’s yeast for adults and their larvae. To evaluate the effect of caffeine on life-history traits, adult longevity, pupation rate, larval period, pupal weight, adult body size and food consumption were examined. Results revealed higher caffeine concentrations (> 1%) significantly reduced longevity, delayed pupation, decreased pupal number, pupal weight and adult body size in both males and females. Lower caffeine concentration (0.01%) increased pupal number but resulted in lower offspring quality, such as smaller pupal weight and adult size. The results show that caffeine has negative effects on life-history traits of T. castaneum, suggesting its potential use as a natural pesticide in caffeine-based sustainable pest-management programs and integrated pest management (IPM). No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0168-1702 367 2026 Mycoviruses diversity in the black kōji mold, Aspergillus luchuensis (section Nigri) isolated from liquor-production environments in Japan 199724 EN Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Misaki Nanaji Graduate School of Tokyo Kasei University Hitomi Sugahara Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Miki Fujita Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Ida Bagus Andika Northwest A&F University Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Fujimori Fumihiro Graduate School of Tokyo Kasei University Some fungal species in the genus Aspergillus are economically important due to their role in the production of liquors and various foods; however, their viromes, which may affect their performance, remain unexplored. Therefore, this study examined the viromes of nine strains of Aspergillus luchuensis (section Nigri), the black kōji mold used in the production of shochu (a traditional Japanese liquor) in Japan. It identified virus-like sequences related to alterna-, partiti-, curvula, botourmia-, narna-like, and umbra-like viruses. Some sequences appear to represent new variants (e.g., alterna- and gammapartitiviruses), while many others correspond to novel viral species within established or proposed mycoviral families. All A. luchuensis strains harbored multiple virus infections, with 2 to 7 viruses per strain. Three alternavirus strains with four-segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes were confirmed, along with minor variants co-present with the predominant strains. Notably, a gammapartitivirus appears to have two additional dsRNA genome segments, along with two satellite-like short dsRNA segments in some fungal isolates. Furthermore, at least five short RNAs (0.48–1.31 kb) were identified, three of which are possibly satellite-like RNAs associated with novel single-stranded RNA viruses (botourmia- and umbra-like viruses). These findings reveal the great diversity of mycoviruses in A. luchuensis populations and lay the foundation for further investigation into their impact on fungal phenotypes and liquor production. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0012-821X 687 2026 Phase diagram of Fe-C-S ternary system under planetary core conditions 120087 EN Bin Zhao Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Jintao Zhu Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Daniele Antonangeli Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC Guillaume Morard Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC Qi Chen Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, University of Chicago Takashi Yoshino Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University High-pressure, high-temperature experiments were conducted to investigate melting relations and phase assemblages in the Fe-C-S ternary system at 5 and 15 GPa, covering a temperature range of 1300–1900 K, conditions directly relevant to the Moon’s and Mercury’s cores. At 1300 K, the system is primarily governed by Fe-S eutectic melting, exhibiting notable complexity in the carbon-rich and sulfur-poor regions. With increasing temperature, the phase diagram simplifies: at 5 GPa and 1700 K, the Fe-Fe₃C-FeS system features three regions (Fe+L, C + L, and L). Similar phase assemblages are observed at 15 GPa, with Fe7C3 and diamond replacing Fe3C and graphite, respectively. Extensive Fe+L, C + L, and L regions are observed at 1900 K.<br> For a Moon’s core composed of a Fe-C-S alloy, nearly pure Fe is the only viable inner core phase above 1700 K. Below this temperature, both Fe and Fe₃C are potential solid inner core phases, depending on carbon content; a two-phase solid inner core is also theoretically possible. The inferred compositions of the outer core suggest densities of 6200–7300 kg/m³, with tighter constraints for models featuring an Fe₃C core.<br> At Mercury-relevant pressures, either Fe or Fe₇C₃ may form the solid inner core, again depending on carbon content. If the inner core is nearly pure Fe, the liquid outer core density ranges from 7300 to 7900 kg/m³. In both scenarios, a “snow” regime is plausible, though with distinct settling times. The ternary phase diagram indicates that Mercury is likely to develop a structurally layered inner core during secular cooling.<br> No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Acta Medica Okayama 2574-0970 9 14 2026 Reversible Droplet Bridging and Tunable Viscoelasticity in Emulsions Using Biocompatible PLA-b-PEO-b-PLA Telechelic Block Copolymers: Implications for Injectable Emulsion Gels 6176 6185 EN Hinako Nakayama Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Atsushi Matsumoto Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui Yuya Iida Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Tsutomu Ono Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Takaichi Watanabe Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Telechelic polymers are known to form reversible networks through end-group association; however, their application as structuring agents in emulsion-based soft materials remains underexplored. Herein, we systematically investigate the biocompatible amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(d,l-lactic acid)-block-poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(d,l-lactic acid)(PLA-b-PEO-b-PLA) as a rheology modifier in toluene-in-water model emulsions. Owing to the selective adsorption of PLA end blocks at the oil–water interface and the solvation of the PEO midblock in the aqueous phase, this polymer is expected to form reversible droplet-bridging networks. During the process, the polymer concentration, molecular weight of the mid and end blocks, and the dispersed phase volume fraction were adjusted, and the factors governing network formation were elucidated using oscillatory rheology and stress-relaxation measurements. The results show that anchoring of the PLA end blocks and PEO-mediated bridging predominantly control the strength and dynamic reversibility of the network. Step-strain experiments further reveal that the droplet-bridging interactions can be disrupted under large deformation and partially recover when small-strain conditions are restored, confirming the presence of reversible physical associations. These findings establish a molecular design strategy for biodegradable telechelic copolymers as effective and reprocessable structuring agents in emulsion gels. The shear-responsive, tunable, and reversible nature of the droplet-bridging network makes this material platform particularly suitable for injectable emulsion gels for advanced soft matter and biomedical engineering applications. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 0094-8276 53 9 2026 Apollo 17 Lunar Surface Gravimeter as a Seismometer: Relocating Shallow‐Moonquake Sources and Implications for Source Mechanism e2025GL121619 EN Keisuke Onodera Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Taichi Kawamura Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Université Paris Cité Among the reported seismic events on the Moon, shallow moonquakes are known for their unique features, such as high-frequency energy excitation, similarity to intraplate earthquakes, and the largest energy release of all reported moonquakes. Despite these interesting features, a small number of samples (<80 events) and sparse seismic network observations prevented us from gaining an in-depth understanding of shallow moonquakes. In this study, by using the Apollo 17 gravimeter as a pseudo-seismometer, we extend the Apollo lunar seismic network and located a few shallow moonquakes more accurately. In addition, comparing the located shallow-moonquake epicenters with surface/subsurface geological features indicates that at least one event may be better explained by deep-seated faults within the crust. Along with a previous demonstration of low-frequency moonquakes, our analysis of high-frequency events shows that the Apollo 17 gravimeter can serve as a seismometer over a broader frequency range than previously considered. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0935-9648 2026 Turning Unpredictable Biomolecule Adsorption to Controlled Corona Formation: Focus on Carbon Nanomaterials e23328 EN Yajuan Zou Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Yalei Hu CNRS, Immunology Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry University of Strasbourg ISIS Jie Yu Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University Naoki Komatsu Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University Yuta Nishina Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Alberto Bianco Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University With unique optical and physicochemical properties, carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including carbon nanotubes, graphene-related materials, nanodiamonds, and carbon dots, are extensively explored as platforms for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, in biofluids, CNMs spontaneously adsorb biomolecules to form an unpredictable corona, obstructing the implementation of their designed functions. In this review, we summarize how the intrinsic and acquired properties of CNMs affect protein corona formation, and the consequent biological and toxicological outcomes, as well as strategies to reshape the composition and structural organization of adsorbed proteins. This comprehensive knowledge will provide insights into developing CNMs with tailored corona and requested functions in cancer nanomedicine, advancing their translations into clinics. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1868-6974 2026 Feasibility of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling for Biliary Tract Cancer Using Transpapillary Biopsy Samples: A Prospective Study EN Kazuya Miyamoto Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Kazuyuki Matsumoto Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Toshiaki Ohara Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Masayoshi Fujisawa Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Hirohumi Inoue Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Ryosuke Sato Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Akihiro Matsumi Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Yuki Fujii Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke Uchida Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Background: Patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) often have actionable mutations, and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) plays an important role. However, the feasibility of CGP using transpapillary biopsy (TPB) samples remains unclear.<br> Methods: Thirty patients with suspected BTC based on radiographic imaging were enrolled. Pre-analytical criteria for CGP suitability were based on the OncoGuide NCC Oncopanel System (NCCOP) and FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx). Each patient underwent six biopsies using an endoscopic introducer: five biopsy samples were preserved as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples and one as a fresh frozen (FF) sample. DNA quality indicators were compared between the two groups.<br> Results: Malignancy was confirmed in 29 patients, and one had a benign biliary stricture. Suitability rate was 31% (9/29) for NCCOP and 3.4% (1/29) for F1CDx. Compared to FFPE samples, FF samples demonstrated significantly higher DNA concentration [ng/μL, interquartile range (IQR)], [0.34 (0.16–0.95) vs. 37.8 (11.6–67.6), p < 0.001] and DNA integrity number (IQR) [7.1 (6.8–7.3) vs. 8.9 (8.3–9), p = 0.021].<br> Conclusions: Introducer-assisted multipass TPB may increase the rate of obtaining adequate CGP specimens, but its suitability remains limited and strongly panel dependent. Since FF samples have better DNA quality, establishing a system detailing their use is desirable.<br> Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: UMIN 000049826 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 1525-2027 27 5 2026 Chemical Geodynamics of Granitoid Magmatism During a Pacific‐Philippine Sea Plate Transition in Southwest Japan e2026GC012945 EN Nghiem V. Dao The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Tsegereda A. Yemer The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Tulibako T. Mwaisuba The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Chie Sakaguchi The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Hiroshi Kitagawa The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Katsura Kobayashi The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Teruyoshi Imaoka Division of Earth Science, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University Eizo Nakamura The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University at Misasa Granitoid magmatism along the western Pacific margin records interactions between subduction dynamics and crust–mantle processes; however, the links between plate reorganization and magma-source evolution remain debated. Here we integrate U–Pb zircon geochronology with Pb–Sr–Nd–Hf isotope systematics to investigate Cretaceous–Paleogene granitoids in Southwest Japan. Zircon U–Pb ages define two discrete magmatic episodes at 110–60 Ma and 45–30 Ma, separated by a magmatic hiatus of ∼10–15 Myr. These granitoid groups exhibit distinct isotopic signatures, indicating derivation from isotopically distinct magma sources linked to the paleo-Pacific (Izanagi) plate and the Philippine Sea plate, respectively. Isotope-based mass-balance modeling indicates higher sediment contributions to the older granitoids, with decreasing sediment input both landward and through time. The magmatic lull at ca. 52–40 Ma coincides with an abrupt isotopic shift and is interpreted to reflect plate reorganization, during which subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate was replaced by a transform or highly oblique plate boundary associated with the northward migration of the proto–Philippine Sea plate. Independent constraints from convergence rates, sediment flux, and accretionary complex development support this interpretation. These results demonstrate that granitoid magmatism in Southwest Japan was fundamentally controlled by temporal changes in subducted lithosphere and sediment flux driven by plate reorganization, highlighting the sensitivity of arc magmatism to transient tectonic regimes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0953-8194 38 4 2026 Type III CD38 is present in the membrane of neurosecretory vesicles and has a cytosol-facing catalytic domain in primate oxytocin neurons e70187 EN Tatsuki Miyamoto Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Akari Matsushima Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University Akito Otubo Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Chihong Song Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences Kazuyoshi Murata Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences Takumi Oti Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Hirotaka Sakamoto Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University CD38, an ADP-ribosyl cyclase that generates cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), is essential for Ca2+-dependent oxytocin release. However, its subcellular localisation and membrane topology within oxytocin neurones have remained unclear. We investigated the distribution and orientation of CD38 in oxytocin-producing neurones of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) using immunoelectron microscopy combined with biochemical isolation of neurosecretory vesicles (NSVs). CD38 immunoreactivity was selectively detected on oxytocin-containing NSVs in axon terminals in the posterior pituitary and dendrites of the supraoptic nucleus, whereas vasopressin vesicles and the plasma membrane lacked detectable labelling. Cryo-electron microscopy confirmed the structural integrity of purified NSV fractions, and Western blotting verified the presence of CD38 protein within these fractions. Permeabilisation-dependent immunogold labelling further demonstrated that the NSV membrane localisation of CD38 and that the N-terminal region of CD38 is oriented toward the vesicle lumen, consistent with a type III membrane topology in which the catalytic domain faces the cytosol. This arrangement positions the active site near cytosolic NAD+, enabling localised cADPR production adjacent to Ca2+-mobilising channels that support regulated exocytosis. These findings identify, in primate oxytocin neurones, a previously unrecognised, vesicle-associated pool of CD38 with a cytosol-facing catalytic domain and provide a structural framework for understanding how intracellular type III CD38 contributes to neuropeptide release. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2051-3380 14 3 2026 An Atypical Surgical Case of Lung Cancer With Unilateral Absence of the Pulmonary Artery, With Only the Superior Branch Remaining e70554 EN Kazuhiro Okada Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Shin Tanaka Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Tsuyoshi Ryuko Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Yasuaki Tomioka Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Kazuhiko Shien Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Ken Suzawa Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Kentaroh Miyoshi Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Mikio Okazaki Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Seiichiro Sugimoto Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Shinichi Toyooka Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital A 69-year-old woman was referred to our department for an abnormal shadow on chest radiography. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a solid nodule in the right lower lobe and defects in the branches of the middle and lower lobes of the pulmonary artery (PA). Furthermore, collateral circulation had developed via the right internal thoracic, bronchial, intercostal, inferior phrenic, and subdiaphragmatic arteries. The solid nodule was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma by CT-guided biopsy. The day before surgery, embolization was performed using interventional radiology (IVR) to mitigate the risk of bleeding during thoracotomy, resulting in minimal intraoperative bleeding during the subsequent right middle and lower lobectomies with lymph node dissection (ND2a-1). UAPA is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis. The presence of recurrent infections, extensive intrathoracic adhesions, and developed collateral circulation may pose challenges during surgical procedures. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Physical Society (APS) Acta Medica Okayama 3070-2240 1 2026 Cryogenic buffer gas beam source with in situ ablation target replacement 000016 EN Zhen Han Department of Physics, University of Chicago Zack Lasner Department of Physics, Harvard University Collin Diver Center for Fundamental Physics, Northwestern University Peiran Hu Department of Physics, University of Chicago Takahiko Masuda Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Xing Wu Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University Ayami Hiramoto Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Maya Watts Center for Fundamental Physics, Northwestern University Satoshi Uetake Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Koji Yoshimura Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Xing Fan Department of Physics, Harvard University Gerald Gabrielse Center for Fundamental Physics, Northwestern University John M. Doyle Department of Physics, Harvard University David DeMille Department of Physics, University of Chicago The design and performance of a cryogenic buffer gas beam source with a load-lock system is presented. The third generation of advanced cold molecule electric dipole moment search (ACME III) uses this source to produce a beam of cold, slow thorium monoxide (ThO) molecules. A feature of the apparatus is the capability of replacing the ablation targets without interrupting the vacuum or cryogenic conditions, thus increasing the average signal in the eEDM search. The beam source produces 1.3×1011 ground-state ThO molecules per pulse on average, with rotational temperature of 4.8K, molecular beam solid angle of 0.31sr, and forward velocity of 200ms−1, parameters that are consistent with the performance of a traditional source (without a load lock) requiring time-consuming thermal cycles for target replacement. Long-term yield improvement of ∼40% is achieved when the load-lock system is employed to replace targets every two weeks. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0969-0239 2026 Counterion condensation, ion pairing and scattering properties of carboxymethyl cellulose with mono- and di-valent ions EN Elmira Abbasi GharehTapeh Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University Takaichi Watanabe Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University Ferenc Horkay Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health Can Hou Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University Carlos G. Lopez Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University Max Hohenschutz Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University We study the scattering and conductometric properties of a semiflexible polyelectrolyte, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), with monovalent and divalent counterions in aqueous media without added salts. The scattering patterns for the magnesium salts of CMC display a broad shoulder instead of the scattering peak observed for the monovalent salts. This suggests weaker electrostatic repulsion between chains and a consequent loss of local order. The result is consistent with conductivity measurements, which reveal that the effective charge of the backbone for MgCMC is approximately half that of NaCMC. The decrease in charge density agrees with Oosawa–Manning condensation, which expects the charge density to be inversely proportional to the counterion valence. Alkali metal counterions show large differences in ion-pair formation but only a weak effect in counterion condensation. We suggest that paired ions are a subset of condensed ions. A review of different methods to evaluate counterion condensation, including potentiometry, osmometry and viscosity-based methods is presented. Qualitative agreement between these methods is found and possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 138 1 2026 令和６年度岡山医学会賞　がん研究奨励賞（林原賞・山田賞） 7 9 EN Fumiaki Mukohara Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 138 1 2026 令和６年度岡山医学会賞　脳神経研究奨励賞（新見賞） 1 3 EN Kakeru Hosomoto Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) Acta Medica Okayama 2169-9097 131 2026 Lateral Variations in Lunar Crustal Thickness Inferred From Apollo Seismic and GRAIL Gravity Data e2025JE009453 EN Xiang Zhang Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS Taichi Kawamura Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS Mélanie Drilleau Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS Philippe Lognonné Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS Samuel Henri Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS Zongbo Xu Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS Keisuke Onodera Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Thomas Bodin Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)–CSIC The internal structure of the Moon is key to understanding its formation, evolution, and bulk composition. In particular, determining the structure of the crust–mantle interface (Moho), including its lateral variations, is of significant importance, but current knowledge is still insufficient to fully constrain it. To address this, we used seismic wave arrivals from impact events, which yield constraints on the crust at both the impact sites and the Apollo stations, to invert for local crustal thickness. Based on a series of assumed crust and mantle density models, we compared Moho depths inferred from global gravity recovery and interior laboratory gravity data with those from seismic observations. Although the gravity‐derived results broadly capture the overall Moho relief, local discrepancies remain, with differences reaching up to 10 km in the vicinity of the Apollo 17 Saturn IVB impact site. These results may reflect regional geological anomalies and highlight the importance of incorporating multiple seismically constrained crustal thickness estimates as anchors in gravity inversions. Using seven seismic anchor points and assuming an upper mantle velocity of Vp = 7.68 km/ s, an upper mantle density of 3,280 kg/m3, and a crustal density of 2,693 kg/m3, we obtain an average lunar crustal thickness of 43.6 ± 1.9 km. The findings also provide valuable guidance for future global 3D modeling of the Moon. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 0918-9440 2026 CDPKs as Ca2+ signaling decoders in guard cell signaling EN Izumi C. Mori Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Stomatal movements are essential for balancing photosynthetic carbon dioxide uptake with water conservation and defense against pathogens. These processes are controlled by complex signaling networks in guard cells, in which calcium ions (Ca2+) act as a ubiquitous second messenger. Although stimulus-specific Ca2+ signatures have been well documented, how these signals are decoded into distinct physiological responses remains a central question in plant biology. Increasing evidence highlights calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) as key signal decoders in guard cell signaling. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of how CDPKs perceive and translate Ca2+ fluctuations into stomatal responses. We focus on the roles of CDPKs in signaling pathways triggered by diverse stimuli, including phytohormones such as abscisic acid ABA, jasmonates, and salicylic acid, as well as biotic cues such as microbe- or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/PAMPs) and pathogen infection. We also discuss how gaseous signals and metabolic cues are integrated into CDPK-mediated pathways. In addition to their established role as downstream decoders of Ca2+ signals, emerging studies suggest that CDPKs can act upstream of Ca2+ oscillations and may also function through Ca2+-independent mechanisms. Together, these findings highlight the context-dependent and integrative roles of CDPKs in regulating stomatal behavior, contributing to plant fitness under fluctuating environmental conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

John Wiley & Sons Ltd Acta Medica Okayama 1362-1017 31 3 2026 Early sedation intensity and psychological outcomes in critically ill adults e70500 EN Mikiko Iwatani Okayama University Hospital; Graduate School of Health Sciences, Doctoral Program, Okayama University Michiko Morimoto Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Background: Long-term psychological impairment is a major concern for intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Early deep sedation during mechanical ventilation has been associated with poor short-term outcomes and mortality after ICU discharge; however, its relationship with psychological outcomes remains unclear.<br> Aim: To investigate sedation intensity during the first 24 h of mechanical ventilation and its association with psychological impairment 3 months after ICU discharge.<br> Study Design: This retrospective ancillary analysis of a single-centre cohort study was conducted in two general ICUs at a university hospital in Japan. Eligible patients stayed in the ICU for more than 48 h and received mechanical ventilation for more than 8 h. Sedation intensity was quantified using the Sedation Index (SI) and Agitation Index (AI) derived from Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores during the first 24 h. Psychological impairment 3 months post-ICU discharge was assessed based on symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. Associations were examined using hierarchical logistic regression.<br> Results: Among 130 participants, the median age was 64 years, and the median ventilation duration was 14 h. The median SI was 3.0; 47% had SI > 3, and 8.5% had AI > 0. Sedation intensity showed no significant association with psychological impairment (SI: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.87, 90% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–1.33, p = 0.59; AI: adjusted OR 0.21, 90% CI 0.01–3.08, p = 0.34). However, any agitation during the ICU stay was associated with psychological outcomes (adjusted OR 2.61, 90% CI 1.16–5.88, p = 0.05).<br> Conclusions: This study did not identify a statistically significant association between early sedation intensity and psychological impairment 3 months after ICU discharge.<br> Relevance to Clinical Practice: Critical care nurses should carefully titrate sedation from the initiation of mechanical ventilation to avoid unnecessary deep sedation, considering sedation intensity over time, while actively assessing agitation and its underlying causes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society for Medical and Biological Engineering Acta Medica Okayama 2187-5219 15 2026 Automatic Detection of Turning Over in Bed with Protection of Privacy Using Four Low-resolution Thermal Sensors to Support Nursing Care 265 271 EN Jyun-Jhe Chou Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taiwan University Kammei Rai Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Go Makimoto Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mizuki Morita Department of Biomedical Informatics, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chi-Sheng Shih Graduate Institute of Networking and Multimedia, National Taiwan University Turning over in bed, especially turning over at night, is a vital human unconscious behavior. Clinically, this movement disperses pressure between the body and bed, thus preventing bedsores. Several devices, such as acceleration and pressure sensors, can count turning overs automatically; however, they often require installation on the patients or in the bed. The simplest and noninvasive method to count turning overs is to record and count on video images, but this method cannot protect privacy. Images obtained using thermal sensors have been used to protect privacy; however, there are no reports of counting turning overs automatically using low-resolution sensors. We developed a novel device equipped with four low-resolution thermal sensors, with each sensor recording only an 8×8-pixel thermal image. The original data can protect patient privacy because the resolution is only ~28.8×28.8 cm per body, which is the lowest resolution compared to previous reports using thermal images. Using four sensors simultaneously enables us to collect sufficient data for automatic identification. We first used the bilinear interpolation method employed in a previous report to count turning overs; however, the results were unsatisfactory because turning overs produced extremely subtle changes in the original data compared with postural changes such as falls. After several attempts, we finally developed a unique identification program that interleaved all data from four sensors and then identified turning overs using residual neural network-18. Using the new system, the accuracy, recall, and precision of counting turning overs in bed improved to approximately 90% with an acceptable computation load in an experiment conducted on volunteers. This study demonstrated the feasibility of our device to count turning overs in clinical settings by the new identification program using four 8×8-pixel thermal images per frame, which have sufficiently low resolution to protect patient privacy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 16 2026 Sex-related differences in blood concentrations and emergence profiles following total intravenous anesthesia with remimazolam and remifentanil 13650 EN Riko Sato Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hitoshi Higuchi Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital Yukiko Nishioka Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Okayama University Hospital Saki Miyake Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Miyawaki Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Remimazolam is a novel, short-acting benzodiazepine, which is characterized by rapid onset and quick recovery. The clinical efficacy and metabolism of many intravenous anesthetics are known to be influenced by sex; however, the effects of sex on the anesthetic efficacy and metabolism of remimazolam remain unclear. This prospective observational study examined sex-related differences in pharmacokinetics and emergence profiles after total intravenous anesthesia was induced with remimazolam and remifentanil in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. Thirty-five American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status 1 adults (19 females, 16 males), aged 18–49 years, received standardized dosing based on their actual body weights. Serum remimazolam concentrations were measured at the end of administration and immediately before extubation using high-performance liquid chromatography. Although the emergence time did not differ significantly between the sexes, the mean emergence time of the females was approximately 80 s shorter. Serum remimazolam concentrations were significantly lower in females at both measurement time points (p < 0.001). This may suggest that remimazolam is metabolized more rapidly in women. Although these sex-related pharmacokinetic differences did not affect the time to awakening under combined remimazolam and remifentanil anesthesia, clinicians should be aware of potential sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of remimazolam. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2948-216X 3 1 2026 Compact potential sensor for spacecraft based on a silicon photonic waveguide 10 EN Kosei Otsuka Department of Physics and Electronics, Osaka Metropolitan University Wataru Takahama Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Rikuto Hojo Department of Space Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology Takeki Higashiguchi Department of Physics and Electronics, Osaka Metropolitan University Kazuya Kikunaga Sensing Technology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Tomofumi Mogami Electrostatic Engineering DEPT, Kasuga Denki INC Kazuhiro Toyoda Department of Space Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology Yasushi Takahashi Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Satellites charge up due to incoming electrons and ions, resulting in an electrical potential difference (ΔV) between the satellite and outer space. This can cause electrostatic discharge (ESD) events, damaging electronic devices. To reduce failures due to ESD, sensors monitoring the ΔV can be helpful. Due to spacecraft’s restrictions, the sensors should be as small as possible. While small potential sensors in terrestrial applications are often based on electrical conduction in semiconductors, such sensors are not suitable for space application due to a weak resistance to cosmic radiation and ESD. Here, we report a compact sensor based on another sensing method: the utilization of light absorption in a silicon photonic waveguide. We performed experiments in a vacuum chamber simulating the space plasma environment to demonstrate that the light attenuation in the waveguide depends on the ΔV. Our results further indicate that our sensor exhibits a high resistance to ESD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2589-0042 29 5 2026 Wnt3-mediated fibrosis and carcinogenesis of lung squamous cell carcinoma in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 115667 EN Atsushi Matsuoka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuhiko Shien Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shuta Tomida Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Masayoshi Ohki Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hidejiro Torigoe Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuya Hisamatsu Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryota Fujiwara Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kosei Ishimura Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shunsuke Mori Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryunosuke Fujii Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Asuka Mimata Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuhiro Okada Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Yoshichika Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mao Yoshikawa Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuma Fukumoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruchika Yamamoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumi Nakajima Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shin Tanaka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken Suzawa Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kentaroh Miyoshi Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mikio Okazaki Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiichiro Sugimoto Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hirofumi Inoue Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke Ennishi Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) increases the risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), yet its molecular pathogenesis remains unclear. We conducted multi-omics analysis, including single-cell RNA sequencing and digital spatial profiling, on LUSC specimens from seven patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). In UIP lung tissue, metaplastic basal cells arising from the transdifferentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells were increased. LUSC tumors arising within UIP exhibited molecular profiles and trajectory dynamics suggesting derivation from these metaplastic basal cells. Both UIP-affected tissue and associated tumors showed activation of Wnt signaling, particularly WNT3 expression. Additionally, enrichment of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-linked antioxidant response was observed in LUSC within UIP. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling restored the sensitivity of these stress-adapted cancer cell lines to oxidative damage. These findings suggest that LUSC within UIP originates from AT2-derived metaplastic basal cells and involves aberrant Wnt3 activation, linking fibrosis to carcinogenesis and highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Korean Association of Anatomists Acta Medica Okayama 2093-3665 2026 Clinical anatomy of the superior labial branch of infraorbital nerve EN Hiroaki Takakura Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Airi Tanai Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yuki Kunisada Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shogo Kikuta Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine Norio Kitagawa Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Soichiro Ibaragi Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Mi-Sun Hur Department of Anatomy, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine Rizwan Aslam Department of Otolaryngology, Tulane University School of Medicine R. Shane Tubbs Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine Joe Iwanaga Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University School of Medicine The infraorbital nerve (ION), a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve, provides sensory innervation to the midface via its terminal divisions. Among these, the superior labial branch (SLb) supplies the upper lip and adjacent mucosa, regions frequently involved in oral, maxillofacial, and cosmetic procedures. Despite its clinical importance, the anatomy of the SLb has received relatively limited attention compared with other ION branches. This review synthesizes current evidence on the SLb’s course, branching patterns, innervation, morphometry, and variations, with emphasis on its relevance to surgical practice. Anatomical studies demonstrate that the SLb is the largest terminal division of the ION, often exhibiting medial and lateral subdivisions that anastomose with neighboring nerves. Its distribution predominantly follows a vertical orientation, supplying both cutaneous and mucosal structures of the upper lip. Variability in origin, branching, and accessory foramina underscores the need for careful surgical planning. Injury to the SLb is a recognized complication of Le Fort I osteotomy, midfacial trauma, and periapical procedures, potentially leading to long-term sensory disturbances. A comprehensive understanding of the SLb enhances intraoperative nerve preservation and may reduce postoperative morbidity, highlighting its significance for clinicians operating in the midfacial region. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2399-3642 9 1 2026 Structural study of monomeric and dimeric photosystem I-LHCI supercomplexes from a bryophyte 146 EN Pi-Cheng Tsai Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, Okayama University Romain La Rocca Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, Okayama University Hiroyasu Motose Department of Biology, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Jian-Ren Shen Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, Okayama University Fusamichi Akita Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Advanced Research Field, Okayama University Photosystem I (PSI) is one of the two photosystems conserved from cyanobacteria to vascular plants, and associates with multiple light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) that capture and transfer solar energy. Liverworts such as Marchantia polymorpha occupy an early evolutionary position among land plants and faced major challenges during terrestrial adaptation, including desiccation, strong light, and UV radiation. We reveal the cryo-electron microscopic structures of PSI-LHCI monomer and homodimer from the liverwort M. polymorpha at resolutions of 1.94 and 2.52 Å, respectively. The high-resolution map allows identification of the cofactors of the monomer and reveal differences between the liverwort and moss, another clade of bryophytes. The PSI-LHCI monomer-monomer is stabilized by PsaG and PsaH interactions on the stromal side, which causes the bending and twisting of the homodimer. PsaM interacts with PsaB tightly, indicating a key role of PsaM in mediating the dimerization. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Oxford University Press (OUP) Acta Medica Okayama 0449-3060 67 2 2026 Development of Linear Interpolation System for SMK Model Parameters Evaluated from Cellular-Scale Simulation (LISMEC) and its application to BNCT dosimetry 170 181 EN Takafumi Shigehira Particle Radiation Oncology Research Center, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University Tubasa Watanabe Particle Radiation Oncology Research Center, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University Minoru Suzuki Particle Radiation Oncology Research Center, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University Yuho Hirata Research Group for Radiation Transport Analysis, Nuclear Science and Engineering Center , Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) Tatsuhiko Ogawa Research Group for Radiation Transport Analysis, Nuclear Science and Engineering Center , Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) Atsushi Fujimura Department of Cellular Physiology, Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinori Sakurai Particle Radiation Oncology Research Center, Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University Tatsuhiko Sato Research Group for Radiation Transport Analysis, Nuclear Science and Engineering Center , Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) utilizes high linear energy transfer (LET) α-particles and 7Li ions generated through the 10B(n, α)7Li reaction. Precise dosimetry is essential for maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing normal tissue adverse events, considering the microscopic distribution of 10B and cellular structures. Recently, the photon isoeffective dose (DisoE) has been proposed as a more appropriate metric for BNCT treatment planning and can be evaluated using the stochastic microdosimetric kinetic (SMK) model. However, clinical implementation of the SMK model remains challenging due to the difficulty of evaluating its input parameters, which requires computationally intensive radiation transport simulations at the cellular scale. To address this issue, we developed LISMEC (Linear Interpolation System for Stochastic Microdosimetric Kinetic model parameters Evaluated from Cellular-scale simulation), a rapid estimation framework based on precomputed cellular-scale PHITS (Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System) simulations covering various cell geometries and boron distributions. By applying a linear interpolation algorithm, LISMEC enables the retrieval of SMK model parameters without the need for computationally intensive cellular-scale simulations. The utility of LISMEC, in conjunction with PHITS, was demonstrated through simulations of various irradiation scenarios in reactor-based BNCT. The results showed that DisoE values ranged from 7.4 to 32.7 Gy, even under a fixed macroscopic 10B concentration of 60 ppm. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating a microscopic distribution of 10B and cellular structures into BNCT treatment planning. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0341-8162 269 2026 Aeolian dust provenance across the Eurasian Asian steppe from grain-size dependent quartz δ18O in surface soils 110109 EN Geer Teni Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba Ryoji Tanaka The Pheasant Memorial Laboratory for Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University Maki Asano Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba Kenji Tamura Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba Aeolian dust from the Eurasian interior significantly impacts climate, ecosystems, and soil formation, but the role of the Eurasian steppe as a dust source remains uncertain. We present grain-size-sorted quartz δ18O values in topsoil at 24 sites across the Eurasian steppe, from Ukraine and Kazakhstan to Xinjiang, Mongolia, and Inner Mongolia. Quartz fractions were separated from four fine soil classes (<2, 2–10, 10–20, 20–50 μm) at all sites, with additional coarse classes (50–200, 200–500, 500–2000 μm) at lithologically distinct locations. Coarse quartz grains in the Mongolian–Inner Mongolian Highlands show a relatively low and narrow δ18O range (7.6–9.0‰) over plutonic bedrocks and more variable higher values (8.9–17.8‰) over sedimentary bedrocks, indicating dependence on local lithology. In contrast, fine quartz grains (2–50 μm) exhibit a δ18O trend independent of bedrock lithology, indicating the values of regionally homogenized dust components. The δ18O values of the finest quartz fractions, exhibiting the highest at each site, decreased from the Western Steppe Plain (19.0 ± 0.8‰) through the Central Upland Steppe (18.0 ± 0.7‰) to the Mongolian–Inner Mongolian Highlands (13.8 ± 1.0‰), reflecting the distal dust input. Comparison with published quartz δ18O values for Mongolian and Northern China deserts and East Asian soils suggests that variable mixtures of these steppe end-members with Gobi and northern Chinese desert sources, along different atmospheric pathways of the East Asian winter monsoon, mid-latitude westerlies, and subtropical jets, can explain the aerosol-sized quartz in Japan and Korea. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0924-090X 114 8 2026 Basin boundary metamorphoses due to changes in accessible boundary orbits in passive dynamic walking 595 EN Kota Okamoto Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University Nozomi Akashi Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University Ippei Obayashi nterdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama University Hiroshi Kokubu Department of Mathematics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University James A. Yorke Departments of Mathematics and Physics, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland Shinya Aoi Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, The University of Osaka Passive dynamic walking is a mechanical system that walks down a shallow slope without any input or control, and is a useful tool for understanding the dynamic properties of walking. This system has a wide variety of periodic solutions through bifurcations depending on the slope angle, resulting in chaotic attractors and fractal basin boundaries. In addition, basin boundary metamorphoses occur at certain slope angles, where the boundaries of the basin of attraction change abruptly, but the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains largely unclear. A well-known dynamical system, the Hénon map, exhibits similar properties, and its basin boundary metamorphoses have been explained in terms of changes in accessible boundary orbits caused by intersections of manifolds associated with bifurcating solutions. Inspired by this framework, we propose a hypothesis for the mechanism of basin boundary metamorphoses in passive dynamic walking by introducing the concept of accessible boundary orbits and verify it numerically. Our results provide new insights into the governing dynamics of walking and contribute to a deeper understanding of nonlinear phenomena in locomotion systems. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2589-0042 29 4 2026 Human iPSC cardiomyocyte patch transplantation modifies extracellular matrix and fibroblast behavior after myocardial infarction 115341 EN Kosuke Torigata Cuorips Inc. Ryohei Matsuura Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Laboratory for Cell Polarity and Organogenesis Fumiya Nagatomo Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Moe Thiha Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Takao Hikita Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Hiroko Iseoka Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Hiromitsu Takagi Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Uichi Koshimizu Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. Hiroki Sakakima Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Satoshi Izumi Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Asuka Hatano Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Thomas Braun MaxPlanck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling Yoshiki Sawa Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Shigeru Miyagawa Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Masanori Nakayama Department of Pathophysiology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Myocardial infarction (MI) followed by chronic heart failure is the main cause of mortality of heart diseases. Although reparative cell transplantation therapies with pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) represent a promising therapeutic strategy, molecular mechanisms of the therapy remain elusive. Here, we show that transplantation of the human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CM patch onto the damaged heart after MI increases the ratio of collagen type I against collagen type III to modulate alignment of the collagen fibers at the infarcted zone. As a result, tissue elasticity of the heart is improved, and fibrosis at the remote zone is reduced. Mechanistically, we find that hiPSC-derived CM patches secrete TGF-β1, directly inducing collagen type I production in fibroblasts but not collagen type III. Our results suggest the direct effect of the transplanted CM patch on the cardiac fibroblasts to improve elasticity of the damaged heart, resulting in functional recovery after MI. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Ceramic Society of Japan Acta Medica Okayama 1348-6535 134 4 2026 Cation distribution and diffusion-path topologies of A-site-deficient perovskite LixLa(1−x)/3NbO3 225 231 EN Naoto Kitamura Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science Yizhong Tang Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science Koji Kimura Department of Physical Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology Ippei Obayashi Center for Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Data Science, Okayama University Yohei Onodera Center for Basic Research on Materials, National Institute for Materials Science Ken Nakashima Faculty of Materials for Energy, Shimane University Chiaki Ishibashi Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science Yasushi Idemoto Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science Koichi Hayashi Department of Physical Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology LixLa(1−x)/3NbO3 with an A-site-deficient perovskite structure was investigated with a focus on the relationship between its atomic configuration and Li+ diffusion properties. To this end, total scattering (diffraction) measurements were performed, and then reverse Monte Carlo modeling using the data was employed to construct the atomic configuration. The results suggest that the partial occupancy of La in the La-poor layer facilitate Li+ diffusion across the layer owing to the volume contraction. Furthermore, topological analyses conducted via persistent homology using the constructed atomic configuration indicate that a large fourfold ring formed by Nb and O is one of the reasons for superior Li+ diffusion in LixLa(1−x)/3NbO3. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 16 1 2026 Explainable analysis of the complex maze magnetic domain structure through extension of the Landau free energy model by adding an entropy feature 12889 EN K. Masuzawa Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science A. L. Foggiatto Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science S. Kunii Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science R. Nagaoka Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science M. Taniwaki Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science T. Yamazaki Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science C. Mitsumata Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science I. Obayashi Interdisciplinary Education and Research Field, Okayama University Y. Hiraoka Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University M. Kotsugi Department of Material Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science Maze magnetic domains exhibit complex, temperature-dependent behavior that impacts energy loss in soft magnets, yet their magnetization reversal mechanisms remain poorly understood due to current model limitations. To address this gap, we develop an entropy-extended Landau free energy model that incorporates thermal effects into the analysis of magnetic domain. We employ a data-driven pipeline combining persistent homology, energy decomposition, and principal component analysis to construct an interpretable model that quantifies structure–property relationships and enables causal analysis of magnetic pattern formation. Using this approach, we trace entropy increases to their origins in initial domain configurations and quantify energy transfer among entropic, demagnetization, and exchange contributions. We also find that domain wall lengthening tracks increasing structural complexity, yielding previously inaccessible insights into magnetization reversal mechanism and enabling automated visualization. Our entropy-augmented model provides an explainable framework to decipher magnetization processes and guide the design of magnetic materials to reduce energy loss. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Society for Microbiology Acta Medica Okayama 2379-5042 10 5 2025 Sodium butyrate inhibits the expression of virulence factors in Vibrio cholerae by targeting ToxT protein e00824-24 EN Sushmita Kundu Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Suman Das Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Priyanka Maitra Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Prolay Halder Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Hemanta Koley Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Asish K. Mukhopadhyay Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Shin-ichi Miyoshi Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shanta Dutta Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Nabendu Sekhar Chatterjee Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Sushmita Bhattacharya Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (Formerly ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) Cholera, a diarrheal disease caused by the gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae, remains a global health threat in developing countries due to its high transmissibility and increased antibiotic resistance. There is a pressing need for alternative strategies, with an emphasis on anti-virulent approaches to alter the outcome of bacterial infections, given the increase in antimicrobial-resistant strains. V. cholerae causes cholera by secreting virulence factors in the intestinal epithelial cells. These virulence factors facilitate bacterial colonization and cholera toxin production during infection. Here, we demonstrate that sodium butyrate (SB), a small molecule, had no effect on bacterial viability but was effective in suppressing the virulence attributes of V. cholerae. The production of cholera toxin (CT) was significantly reduced in a standard V. cholerae El Tor strain and two clinical isolates when grown in the presence of SB. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels further revealed that SB reduced the expression of the ToxT-dependent virulence genes like tcpA and ctxAB. DNA-protein interaction assays, conducted at cellular (ChIP) and in vitro conditions (EMSA), indicated that SB weakens the binding between ToxT and its downstream promoter DNA, likely by blocking DNA binding. Furthermore, the anti-virulence efficacy of SB was confirmed in animal models. These findings suggest that SB could be developed as an anti-virulence agent against V. cholerae, serving as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics or as an adjunctive therapy to combat cholera. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1353-8020 145 2026 Real-world evaluation of Armstrong's criteria in corticobasal degeneration: Phenotypic overlap and diagnostic challenges 108229 EN Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background: Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a four-repeat tauopathy with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Armstrong's criteria involve a two-step diagnostic approach: first, classifying patients into five clinical phenotypes―probable/possible corticobasal syndrome (CBS), frontal behavioral-spatial syndrome (FBS), non-fluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (naPPA), and progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome (PSPS); second, determining whether they meet the clinical research criteria for probable CBD (cr-CBD) or the clinical criteria for possible CBD (p-CBD), which are distinct from the initial CBS classifications.<br> Objective: To investigate how real-world patients with suspected CBD fulfill Armstrong's clinical phenotypes and diagnostic criteria, and to compare clinical and imaging features between the Alzheimer's disease (AD) group and the non-AD group defined by CSF amyloid biomarkers.<br> Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 137 patients undergoing differential diagnosis for CBS, frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, or PSPS. Of these, 78 met the criteria for cr-CBD (n = 36) or p-CBD (n = 42). CSF was examined in 32 patients, and based on the CSF Aβ42/40 ratio, patients were classified into an AD-group (AD-CBS; n = 6) and a non-AD group (n = 26).<br> Results: Among patients classified as cr-CBD or p-CBD, 79% fulfilled two or more clinical phenotypes, with FBS and PSPS most commonly. Compared with the AD group, the non-AD group showed more parkinsonian features and frontal hypoperfusion on [123I]-IMP SPECT.<br> Conclusion: Armstrong's criteria captured a spectrum of overlapping clinical features. While helpful in clinical phenotyping, further validation with biomarkers is essential to distinguish CBD from AD and related disorders. Prospective studies with pathological confirmation are warranted. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0022-510X 481 2026 The utility of Gold Coast criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 125733 EN Emi Nomura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Morihara Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yosuke Osakada Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Taijun Yunoki Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mami Takemoto Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toru Yamashita Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Ishiura Department of Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease. Current diagnostic criteria, including the revised El Escorial (rEE) and Awaji (AW) criteria, have limitations in sensitivity. The Gold Coast (GC) criteria were proposed to simplify diagnosis and improve early detection, but their real-world performance remains unclear.<br> Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 260 patients suspected of ALS who were admitted to our department between 2013 and 2022. The GC, AW, and rEE criteria were applied to data from initial hospitalization. Final diagnoses were based on follow-up data, and sensitivity/specificity were compared using McNemar's test.<br> Results: The GC criteria showed equivalent sensitivity (91.6 %), but higher specificity (75.9 %) compared to all combined AW and rEE categories. GC sensitivity was significantly higher than that of AW/rEE definite/probable categories. False negatives of GC criteria were often due to insufficient LMN signs, particularly in bulbar-onset cases. Subgroup analysis showed consistent trends.<br> Conclusion: The GC criteria demonstrated high sensitivity and moderate specificity, supporting their clinical utility in early ALS diagnosis. However, variability in clinical presentation and retrospective limitations suggest the need for further prospective validation. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 1366-5545 211 2026 Lease or sale: When a durable goods monopolist can choose supply chain openness 104882 EN Hiroshi Kitamura Faculty of Economics, Kyoto Sangyo University Noriaki Matsushima Osaka School of International Public Policy, University of Osaka Misato Sato Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University We construct a two-period model of supply chain openness in a durable goods market with two marketing modes: leasing and selling. For a given marketing mode, at the beginning of the first period, an incumbent supplier and the downstream monopolist choose one of two trading modes: (i) a two-period exclusive supply chain, or (ii) an open supply chain, allowing the downstream monopolist to trade with an efficient supplier in the second period. We show that in the selling mode, the exclusive supply chain can arise if the incumbent supplier is highly efficient. In contrast, under the leasing mode, the exclusive supply chain never arises; instead, the open supply chain is always selected. Furthermore, when the downstream monopolist is allowed to endogenously choose the marketing mode before the first period, it opts for the selling mode if the incumbent supplier is relatively inefficient; otherwise, it selects the leasing mode. Regardless of the chosen marketing mode, the open supply chain always arises on the equilibrium path, implying that the recent advancement of ICT to enhance leasing may discourage the adoption of exclusive supply chains. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 Revisiting Adrenal Crisis Triggered by Influenza Infection: Lessons from Two Fatal Cases 153 157 EN Yoshiyuki Ueda Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tetsuya Yumoto Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takashi Hongo Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takafumi Obara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tsuyoshi Nojima Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kohei Tsukahara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kosei Hasegawa Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Natsuko Futagawa Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Case Report 10.18926/AMO/70458 Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening endocrine emergency that can progress within hours despite a prior diagnosis and maintenance therapy. We describe a fatal influenza-triggered adrenal crisis in two patients: a child with panhypopituitarism and an adult with prior pituitary surgery, both presenting in cardiac arrest. Despite resuscitation and intravenous hydrocortisone, a fatal hypoxic-ischemic injury or multiorgan failure occurred. These cases highlight the fulminant course of an adrenal crisis and underscore the importance of early recognition, clinician awareness, prompt parenteral hydrocortisone administration, and reinforcement of education for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to improve preparedness and prevent avoidable deaths. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 Impact of Proteinuria on Postoperative Complications Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery 131 139 EN Shunsuke Nakata Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Fumiaki Takatsu Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Yoshihiro Mikuriya Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Tomokazu Kakishita Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Shinji Hato Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Koji Ohta Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Takaya Kobatake Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Original Article 10.18926/AMO/70455 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Siegel RL, Torre LA and Jemal A: Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA cancer J clin (2018) 68: 394-424. Sukumar S, Roghmann F, Trinh VQ, Sammon JD, Gervais MK, Tan HJ, Ravi P, Kim SP, Hu JC, Karakiewicz PI, Noldus J, Sun M, Menon M and Trinh QD: National trends in hospital-acquired preventable adverse events after major cancer surgery in the USA. BMJ Open (2013) 3. 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Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 Mini-open Corpectomy and Posterior Spinal Fixation with Single-Position Surgery in Lateral Decubitus Position for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Collapse in Elderly Patients 119 129 EN Hisanori Ikuma Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Tomohiko Hirose Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Keisuke Kawasaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Kazutoshi Otsuka Otsuka Orthopedic Clinic Original Article 10.18926/AMO/70454 We evaluated the clinical outcomes and limitations of anterior and posterior combined surgery with a mini-open corpectomy applying an expandable cage (Xcore®) and percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) fixation using single-position surgery in the lateral decubitus position in patients aged > 75 years with thoracolumbar vertebral collapse. The cases of 30 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure and had ≥ 1-year follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. The mean operative time was 78.8 min and the estimated blood loss was 115.7 ml per level. The complications included adjacent junctional failure (n=9, 30%), deep venous thrombosis (n=3, 10%), delirium (n=3, 10%), pleural injury (n=2, 6%), screw backout (n=1, 3%) kidney injury (n=1, 3%), chylothorax (n=1, 3%), and wound dehiscence (n=1, 3%). Seven cases (23.3%) required reoperation. Local kyphosis showed significant improvement (p<0.05) that was maintained at the final follow-up. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire and a visual analogue scale indicated significant improvement in all categories at the final follow-up (p<0.05). The use of mini-open corpectomy and posterior fixation with SPAPS can thus provide reliable radiological correction and good postoperative clinical outcomes even in patients aged > 75 years. However, a limitation of this procedure is the rate of reoperation (23.3%) for osteoporosis-related adjacent segment fracture and screw backout. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Oishi Y, Nakamura E, Murase M, Doi K, Takeuchi Y, Hamawaki J and Sakai A: Lower lumbar osteoporotic vertebral fractures with neurological symptoms might have two different pathogeneses according to early magnetic resonance images. Acta Neurochir (2019) 161: 2211-2222. Tamai K, Terai H, Suzuki A and Nakamura H: Risk factors for proximal junctional fracture following fusion surgery for osteoporotic vertebral collapse with delayed neurological deficits: A retrospective cohort study of 403 patients. Spine Surg Relat Res (2018) 19: 171-177. Smith JS, Shaffrey CI, Ames CP and Lenke LG: Treatment of adult thoracolumbar spinal deformity: past, present, and future. J Neurosurg Spine (2019) 30: 551-678. 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Ohba T, Ohba H, Oda K, Tanaka N and Haro H: Surgical Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Direct Lateral Corpectomy with Percutaneous Pedicle Screws for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Collapse with Neurologic Deficits in the Thoracolumbar Spine Compared with Those After Posterior Spinal Fusion with Vertebroplasty. Spine (phila Pa 1976) (2021) 15: 1271-1278. Fukuda K, Katoh H, Takahashi Y, Kitamura K and Ikeda D: Minimally invasive anteroposterior combined surgery using lateral lumbar interbody fusion without corpectomy for treatment of lumbar spinal canal stenosis associated with osteoporotic vertebral collapse. J Neurosurg Spine (2021) 35: 154-162. Ohba T, Oba H, Oda K, Tanaka N and Haro H: Surgical outcomes after minimally invasive direct lateral corpectomy with percutaneous pedicle screws for osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral collapse with neurologic deficits in the thoracolumbar spine compared with those after posterior spinal fusion with vertebroplasty. 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Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 A Mixed-Methods Study on Changes in Interprofessional Education Attitudes and Fundamental Competencies: A Pre–Post Analysis of Clinical Training in Dietetic Students 109 117 EN Mika Sonoi Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life Sciences, Notre Dame Seishin University Norihiro Sonoi Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Yoko Koyama Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life Sciences, Notre Dame Seishin University Original Article 10.18926/AMO/70453 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Abu-Rish E, Kim S, Choe L, Varpio L, Malik E, White AA, Craddick K, Blondon K, Robins L, Nagasawa P and Thigpen A: Current trends in interprofessional education of health sciences students: A literature review. J Interprof Care (2012) 26: 444-451. Haresaku S, Naito T, Aoki H, Miyoshi M, Monji M, Umezaki Y, Miyazono M, Egashira R and Chishaki A: Development of interprofessional education programmes in nursing care and oral healthcare for dental and nursing students. BMC Med Educ (2024) 24: 381. 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Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 Consistent Clinical Outcomes of Anteroinferior Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Midshaft Clavicle Fractures Across AO/OTA Fracture Types 99 107 EN Nguyen Trung Thanh Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Nakamichi Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasunori Shimamura Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kousei Hospital Taichi Saito Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takeshi Ishihara Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoki Furutani Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hisakazu Shitozawa Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoyuki Noda Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/70452 Although the performance of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) via the anteroinferior approach is increasingly adopted for midshaft clavicle fractures, the influence of fracture morphology on clinical outcomes under a standardized protocol is unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 54 patients who underwent anteroinferior MIPO for an acute midshaft clavicle fracture (AO/OTA types B1, B2, B3) performed by a single surgeon across three affiliated institutions (2009-2022). We evaluated the clinical outcomes, i.e., the surgical time, incision length, radiographic union, reduction accuracy, range of motion, pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), and complications and compared them among the three AO/OTA subtypes. The mean incision length (3.4 cm) and surgical time (71-79 min) were similar among the groups (both p>0.2). All fractures achieved radiographic union at a mean of 3.5 months. Postoperative alignment and clavicular length were maintained (length reduction −1.0±2.2 mm [B1], −0.5±2.0 mm [B2], −0.6±1.8 mm [B3]; p=0.825; angulation −0.8±3.4°, −1.1±3.1°, −0.3±3.3°; p=0.888). At 3 months, shoulder elevation and abduction were 169°-175° (p=0.079) and 164°-175° (p=0.324). Pain was minimal (100-mm VAS: ≤1 mm; p=0.782). One plate-fatigue failure occurred; no supraclavicular-nerve symptoms were recorded. Anteroinferior MIPO yielded consistent outcomes across AO/OTA types, with excellent union rates, functional recovery, and few complications, indicating that this technique is safe and reproducible for the surgical management of midshaft clavicle fractures. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Robinson CM: Fractures of the clavicle in the adult. Epidemiology and classification. J Bone Joint Surg Br (1998) 80: 476-484. Postacchini F, Gumina S, De Santis P and Albo F: Epidemiology of clavicle fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg (2002) 11: 452-456. Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society: Nonoperative treatment compared with plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. A multicenter, randomized clinical trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am (2007) 89: 1-10. 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Sohn HS, Shin SJ and Kim BY: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using anterior-inferior plating of clavicular midshaft fractures. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg (2012) 132: 239-244. Sohn HS, Shon MS, Lee KH and Song SJ: Clinical comparison of two different plating methods in minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for clavicular midshaft fractures: A randomized controlled trial. Injury (2015) 46: 2230-2238. Jirangkul P, Kosiyatrakul A and Lorsuwannarat N: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: An indirect reduction using joystick technique. J Orthop Sci (2023) 28: 1365-1372. Ok S, Yoon SM and Choi S: Intuitive and Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Comminuted Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures: Fixation with an Anterior Mini Plate and Superior Locking Compression Plate. J Clin Med (2025) 14. Zhang Y, Xu J, Zhang C and Sun Y: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for midshaft clavicular fractures using superior anatomic plating. J Shoulder Elbow Surg (2016) 25: e7-12. Kundangar RS, Mohanty SP and Bhat NS: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in AO/OTA type B displaced clavicle fractures. Musculoskelet Surg (2019) 103: 191-197. Amaral FMD, Malavolta EA, Silva F, Altoé LS, Nunes CV and Pécora JR: MINIMALLY INVASIVE OSTEOSYNTHESIS FOR CLAVICULAR FRACTURE WITH LOCKED PLATE. Acta Ortop Bras (2023) 31: e263742. Meinberg EG, Agel J, Roberts CS, Karam MD and Kellam JF: Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium-2018. J Orthop Trauma (2018) 32 Suppl 1: S1-s170. Lee GB, Kim H, Jeon IH and Koh KH: Long-term outcomes of initially conservatively treated midshaft clavicle fractures. Clin Shoulder Elb (2021) 24: 9-14. Zhao B, Zhao W, Assan I and Bi R: Conoid tubercle angle: attention should be paid to supraclavicular plate fixation. J Orthop Surg Res (2022) 17: 105. Meeuwis MA, Pull Ter Gunne AF, Verhofstad MH and van der Heijden FH: Construct failure after open reduction and plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Injury (2017) 48: 715-719. Zhuang Y, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Zhang J, Jiang G and Wu J: Management of comminuted mid-shaft clavicular fractures: Comparison between dual-plate fixation treatment and single-plate fixation. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) (2020) 28: 2309499020915797. Thorsmark AH, Muhareb Udby P, Ban I and Frich LH: Bone shortening of clavicular fractures: comparison of measurement methods. BMC Musculoskelet Disord (2017) 18: 537. Ribas GGO, Dau L, Gonçalves FF, Oliveira MHS, Marques NSH and Souza GAL: Measurement of Clavicular Symmetry in Healthy Subjects Using Tomographic Database of Public Hospitals. Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo) (2023) 58: e617-e624. Zhang X, Tan J, Li N, Kelsang B, Han X, Cao R, Zhang Y and Jiang X: Measurement of clavicular symmetry: A hint for midshaft clavicle fracture management. 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Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 Effects of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment on Bacterial and Clinical Parameters in Down Syndrome Patients Based on 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing 85 97 EN Takahiko Shiba Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Mitsuhito Takamori Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Sayaka Katagiri Department of Oral Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Ryota Kobayashi Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Aki Kawauchi Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Yujin Ohsugi Department of Oral Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Peiya Lin Department of Oral Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Daisuke Ekuni Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiko Egusa The center for Special Needs Dentistry, Medical Development Field, Okayama University Takanori Iwata Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Shigeru Maeda Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo Original Article 10.18926/AMO/70451 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 80 2 2026 Involvement of ADAM12 in TGF-β1-Induced Proliferation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts 75 83 EN Deting Lin Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masahiro Horita Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medical Development Field, Okayama University Masahito Watanabe Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Muscat Orthopaedic Clinic Joe Hasei Medical Information and Assistive Technology Development, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takashi Ohtsuki Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University Noriaki Otsuka Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chinatsu Ichikawa Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Noriyuki Shimizu Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shuichi Naniwa Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshifumi Ozaki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keiichiro Nishida Division of Chronic Pain Medicine and Division of Comprehensive Rheumatology, Locomotive Pain Center, Faculty of Medical Development Field, Okayama University Original Article 10.18926/AMO/70450 A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) is known to be involved in chondrocyte proliferation and is upregulated in the synovial tissue of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the underlying mechanisms of ADAM12 on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial cell proliferation remain unknown. Here, we investigated the role of ADAM12 in the proliferation of RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). The expression and localization of ADAM12 in RA synovial tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry and compared with OA and healthy control (HC) synovial tissues. The effect of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β1, and PDGF-BB) on ADAM12 expression in RASFs from RA patients was examined by real-time RT-PCR. The effect of ADAM12 knock-down by ADAM12 siRNA and ADAM12 overexpression on cell proliferation of RASFs were examined by WST-1 assay. ADAM12 was identified predominantly in RA synovial tissue rather than OA and HC synovial tissues. Stimulation with TGF-β1 upregulated the expression of ADAM12 and cell proliferation of RASFs. ADAM12 siRNA suppressed TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation of RASFs, while ADAM12 overexpression promoted the cell proliferation of RASFs. These findings demonstrate that ADAM12 may have a key role in TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in patients with RA. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. Scott DL, Wolfe F and Huizinga TW: Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet (2010) 24: 1094-1108. Scherer HU, Haupl T and Burmester GR: The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis. J Autoimmun (2020) 110: 102400. Cheon H, Yu SJ, Yoo DH, Chae IJ, Song GG and Sohn J: Increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinase-1 by TGF-beta1 in synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis and normal individuals. Clin Exp Immunol (2002) 127: 547-552. Rosengren S, Corr M and Boyle DL: Platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor beta synergistically potentiate inflammatory mediator synthesis by fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Arthritis Res Ther (2010) 12: R65. 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Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0168-1702 367 2026 Virome of the fungi associated with mushroom dry bubble disease 199714 EN Lóránt Hatvani Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sakae Hisano Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hideki Kondo Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Hitomi Sugahara Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Paul Telengech Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sabitree Shahi Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sarah Remi Ibiang Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Sándor Kocsubé Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged Tünde Kartali Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged David A. Fitzpatrick Genome Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University Helen Grogan Teagasc Food Research Center, Horticulture Development Department Nobuhiro Suzuki Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Dry bubble disease, attributed to the filamentous fungus Lecanicillium fungicola (Cordycipitaceae) results in huge yield losses in mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation worldwide. The possibilities for controlling the disease using commercial fungicides are highly limited, and therefore, there is an increasing demand for novel, alternative means of pest management. Our research objective was the comprehensive examination of viruses in the causal agents of dry bubble disease, which may open up an avenue for its virocontrol in the future. Out of 57 fungal isolates obtained from dry bubble-affected A. bisporus crops in various countries, 47 (82%) were confirmed by ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequence analysis as L. fungicola. In addition, different members of the genera Akanthomyces and Simplicillium (7 and 3 isolates, respectively), yet unknown to cause dry bubble symptoms, have also been detected. Cellulose column chromatography revealed the presence of double-stranded (ds) RNA in seven L. fungicola and three Akanthomyces sp. isolates, suggesting viral infection. The ten dsRNA-positive and eight randomly selected dsRNA-negative fungal strains were subjected to rRNA-depletion high-throughput RNA-sequencing analysis. The presence of seven new viruses representing four new species in the established families, Partitiviridae, Polymycoviridae, Botourmiaviridae and the narna-like virus group, and three previously established/proposed species in the families Chrysoviridae and “Mycovirgaviridae” were confirmed. The impact of the detected and identified viruses on their host fungi, and their potential applicability for virocontrol purposes will be examined in the future. This study provides the first detailed report on viruses of mushroom pathogenic fungi. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2212-5345 64 3 2026 Short- and long-term outcomes of anti-thymocyte globulin-based regimen for acute antibody-mediated rejection after lung transplantation 101428 EN Kentaroh Miyoshi Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Shinji Otani Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Seiichiro Sugimoto Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Shin Tanaka Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Mikio Okazaki Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Shinichi Toyooka Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital 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.<br> 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.<br> 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%).<br> 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2079-6447 5 2 2026 Solution-Processable Near-Infrared-Absorbing Dye: Thiophene-Substituted N-Phenylphenothiazine Radical Cations for Stable Thin Films 14 EN Masafumi Yano Faculty of Chemistry, Material and Bioengineering, Kansai University Kengo Sakai Faculty of Chemistry, Material and Bioengineering, Kansai University Minami Ueda Faculty of Chemistry, Material and Bioengineering, Kansai University Koichi Mitsudo Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yukiyasu Kashiwagi Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology We report a π-extended N-phenylphenothiazine dye bearing thiophene substituents, designed to address the practical compromise between long-wavelength near-infrared (NIR) absorption and the isolability of a stable radical cation state. The target compound was synthesized via Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling and exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents. Cyclic voltammetry in dichloromethane showed a reversible one-electron oxidation at E0 = 0.19 V vs. Fc/Fc+. Chemical oxidation afforded the corresponding radical cation, which showed an intense NIR absorption maximum at 910 nm. DFT calculations support thiophene-induced narrowing of the HOMO–SOMO gap and predict a pronounced bathochromic shift of the main absorption band. The radical cation was isolated as a stable PF6− salt and readily processed into spin-coated films, which retained strong NIR absorption and remained stable for months under ambient conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Acta Medica Okayama 0278-0046 73 4 2026 Transverse- and Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Machine With C-Type SMC Stator: A Solution for Ultra-Flat Applications 5942 5953 EN Ren Tsunata Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Masatsugu Takemoto Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Jun Imai Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tatsuya Saito Sumitomo Electric Sintered Alloy Ltd. Tomoyuki Ueno Sumitomo Electric Sintered Alloy Ltd. This article proposes a novel transverse- and axial-flux permanent magnet machine (T-AFPM) using a C-type stator core for reducing system size via an ultra-flat shape. With an axial length of only 19.7 mm, this ultra-flat shape contributes markedly to reducing system size in industrial applications such as water pumps. In general, AFPMs are suitable for a flat shape because of their high torque density with a short axial length. However, it is difficult to use conventional AFPMs to achieve an ultra-flat shape because of structural problems and insufficient performance. By contrast, the proposed T-AFPM achieves a highly manufacturable structure, high efficiency, and the required output power despite its extremely short axial length. Herein, the T-AFPM is compared with conventional AFPMs with various configurations by means of three-dimensional finite-element analysis, and experiments on a T-AFPM prototype are reported. From the simulation and experimental results, the proposed T-AFPM shows high efficiency (IE5 class), the required output power, and suitable structural properties for an ultra-flat shape. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1347-9032 2026 ROWVA: A Structure-Based Metric for Predicting the Pathogenicity of Protein Variants Using Alphafold2 EN Taiki Furutani Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Yuka Okusha Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroki Nagami Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroko Hanafusa Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shuta Tomida Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Ryusuke Sawada Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuyuki Hosono Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiro Nakatochi Public Health Informatics Unit, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine 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. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1467-7644 2026 Rice EMF3 Alleles Adjust Flower Opening Time to Enhance the Seed Setting Rate Under High Temperature Stress EN Takuma Ishizaki Tropical Agriculture Research Front, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) Yoichi Hashida Faculty of Agriculture, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare Hideyuki Hirabayashi Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Kazuhiro Sasaki Biological Resources and Post-Harvest Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) Hiroki Tokunaga Tropical Agriculture Research Front, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) Eliza Vie M. Simon‐Ada Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Division, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Masataka Wakayama Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University Toshiyuki Takai Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Division, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Hiroki Saito Tropical Agriculture Research Front, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) Atsushi J. Nagano Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University Hitoshi Sakakibara Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University Mikiko Kojima RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Yumiko Takebayashi RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Sung‐Ryul Kim Rice Breeding Innovations Department, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Ryo Matsushima Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University Michael J. Thomson Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Division International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Metro Manila Philippines Kazuhiko Sugimoto Institute of Crop Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Ken‐Ichiro Hibara 18Graduate School of Agricultural Regional Vitalization, Kibi International University Tsutomu Ishimaru Biological Resources and Post-Harvest Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) To safeguard global food security against rapid population growth and a warming world, the effective genetic improvement of cereals is imperative. Flower opening time (FOT) critically affects the seed setting rate. In this study, we identified a gene, EARLY-MORNING FLOWERING 3 (EMF3), in which single-nucleotide substitutions strongly modulate FOT in rice in a semi-dominant manner, resulting in wide variation in FOT from earlier to later FOT than the wild-type. EMF3 knock-out mutants showed significantly reduced FOT synchrony and disrupted anther dehiscence, leading to fertilisation failure. EMF3 encodes a plasma membrane-localised polypeptide of 723 amino acids with an armadillo repeat fold and four transmembrane segments. Furthermore, EMF3 is specifically expressed in the anthers starting from nighttime on the day of flowering, with substantial impacts on the transcriptomes of both anther and lodicule, which suggested an exclusive role of EMF3 in flowering events. Modifying EMF3 alleles of O. sativa enabled the adjustment of FOT among Oryza species and subspecies, potentially facilitating cross-fertilisation by overcoming one of the major challenges of inter-specific hybridisation to exploit heterosis. Introducing the EMF3 alleles with the earlier FOT into popular rice cultivars resulted in flowering at an earlier time of day when the temperature was cooler, efficiently increasing seed setting rate under heat stress. This discovery unveils the novel mechanism of anther control of flower opening time through the EMF3 gene, while also enabling the use of EMF3 alleles in breeding strategies for efficient fertilisation for increasing hybrid rice seed production and mitigating future heat-stress damage at flowering. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Physical Society (APS) Acta Medica Okayama 2469-9926 113 4 2026 Analytical and numerical studies of periodic superradiance 043713 EN Hideaki Hara Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Yuki Miyamoto Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Junseok Han Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Riku Omoto Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Yasutaka Imai Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Akihiro Yoshimi Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Koji Yoshimura Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Motohiko Yoshimura Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University Noboru Sasao Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University We conduct a theoretical study to understand the periodic superradiance observed in an Er:YSO crystal. First, we construct a model based on the Maxwell-Bloch equations for a reduced level system, a pair of superradiance states, and a population reservoir state. Analysis of the eigenvalues of the linearized differential equations shows that periodic superradiance can be realized only for certain parameters. We also derive two-variable equations consisting of the coherence and population difference between the two superradiance states, which contain the essential feature of the periodic superradiance. The two-variable equations clarify the mathematical structure of this periodic phenomenon and give analytical forms of the period, pulse duration, and number of emitted photons. Our model successfully reproduces the periodic behavior, but the actual experimental parameters are found to be outside the parameter region for the periodic superradiance. This result implies that some other mechanism(s) is (are) required. As one example, assuming that the field decay rate varies with the electric field, the periodic superradiance can be reproduced even under the actual experimental conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 1434-193X 2026 Informatics‐Driven and Automated Optimization in Flow Electrochemical Synthesis e202501237 EN Eisuke Sato Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Akine Tani Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Tomohiro Nakahama Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Koichi Mitsudo Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Seiji Suga Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Electrochemical synthesis has emerged as a powerful platform for environmentally sustainable chemical transformations. When integrated with flow chemistry, electrosynthetic processes exhibit enhanced scalability, making them suitable for industrial applications. Recently, the integration of electrochemical flow systems with informatics techniques has accelerated the optimization of reaction conditions. Data-driven strategies facilitate rapid exploration of multidimensional parameter spaces, enabling identification of optimal reaction conditions with high efficiency. These advances have enabled the development of automated optimization systems. This review highlights recent progress in combining electrosynthesis, flow chemistry, and computational tools, focusing on representative examples that illustrate efficient optimization protocols and autonomous reaction development. By showcasing these developments, we discuss how the integration of these technologies is driving innovation in electrochemical synthesis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0016-6480 380 2026 Constitutive activation of MC1R in the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) and its potential role in black plumage 114924 EN Saya Nakano Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yuichi Tashiro Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Hibiki Fukuchi Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Sayaka Aizawa Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Sakae Takeuchi Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Melanin-based plumage coloration in birds is largely regulated by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a G protein–coupled receptor that promotes eumelanin synthesis via cAMP signaling. In domestic chickens, constitutively activating mutations such as the MC1R^E (E92K) allele cause melanistic phenotypes, demonstrating that persistent MC1R activation can drive generalized darkening. However, to our knowledge, no experimental study has directly demonstrated constitutive MC1R activation in wild birds exhibiting uniformly black plumage. We investigated the sequence and signaling properties of MC1R from the Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), a species with strongly eumelanin-dominant plumage. Crow MC1R exhibited elevated basal cAMP signaling and minimal responsiveness to α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in both stable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells and transient CRE-luciferase assays in HEK293T cells, demonstrating ligand-independent activation comparable to that observed in the melanizing chicken MC1R^E (E92K) allele. Comparative sequence analysis identified multiple substitutions conserved across Corvus species. Among these, E12K and E18K were functionally evaluated based on prior associations with melanism in other birds. Although E12K modestly increased basal signaling in chicken MC1R, E18K alone or in combination with E12K did not reproduce crow-level constitutive activity, and reciprocal substitutions in crow MC1R failed to abolish ligand-independent activation. These findings demonstrate that crow MC1R possesses constitutive activity and suggest that this phenotype reflects lineage-specific modifications rather than a single activating substitution. Our results provide experimental evidence that constitutive MC1R activation is a plausible molecular mechanism that may contribute to the black plumage in the Large-billed Crow, although a direct causal relationship remains to be established. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 0017-9310 264 2026 Improving thermal stability of a microcavity emitter for utilization under atmospheric environment 128798 EN Kazuma Isobe Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Shota Morishige Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Taiyo Sato Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Yutaka Yamada Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Akihiko Horibe Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University With the development of micro-fabrication technology, various metamaterials with controlled emission spectra have been proposed as thermal emitters. However, general metamaterials have a risk of deformations and degradation at high temperatures in atmospheric conditions, which is inconvenient for use as a thermal emitter. In this study, we propose a concept to enhance the thermal durability of microcavity-type metamaterials. Although typical microcavities are entirely composed of metal to excite the resonance of electromagnetic waves, we assessed the feasibility of a microcavity consisting of silicon with minimal metal coatings. While usual metals are oxidized at high temperatures, gold is rarely oxidized due to its chemical stability. However, the gold layer deposited on the Si substrate has the potential to melt below 400 °C due to the formation of an Au-Si eutectic alloy, which has a much lower melting point than pure gold. Therefore, we focused on the gold-tungsten bilayer as a suitable metal coating for the silicon microcavity, thereby preventing oxidation and melting that would otherwise influence the emission spectra of the thermal emitter. The numerical analysis ensured that the proposed microcavity exhibited electromagnetic resonance, similar to that of a microcavity entirely composed of metal, unless the metal coating was too thin. The fabricated microcavity with the gold-tungsten coating also exhibited a thermal emission within a limited wavelength range, due to the microcavity resonance. Moreover, the heating experiment revealed that the microcavity with a gold-tungsten coating maintained its emissivity even when heated to 400 °C, which is higher than the oxidation point of tungsten and the melting point of the Au-Si eutectic alloy. Consequently, the gold-tungsten coating would be a reasonable approach to improve the stability of the microcavity-type metamaterial at high temperatures under oxidative conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Astronomical Society Acta Medica Okayama 0067-0049 283 2 2026 The Simons Observatory: Detector Polarization Angle Calibration Using a Sparse Wire Grid with Initial Datasets of the Small-aperture Telescopes 78 EN Hironobu Nakata Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Shunsuke Adachi Okayama University, Department of Physics Kyohei Yamada Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Michael Randall Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Yutaro Kasai Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Kam Arnold Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Bryce Bixler Department of Physics, University of California San Diego Yuji Chinone QUP (WPI), KEK Kevin T. Crowley Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Nadia Dachlythra Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca Samuel Day-Weiss Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Nicholas Galitzki Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin Serena Giardiello School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University Bradley R. Johnson University of Virginia, Department of Astronomy Brian Keating Department of Physics, University of California San Diego Brian J. Koopman Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University Akito Kusaka Kavli IPMU (WPI), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo Jack Lashner Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University Federico Nati Department of Physics, University of Milano-Bicocca Lyman Page Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Daichi Sasaki Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo Yoshinori Sueno Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics, Jadwin Hall, Princeton University Junya Suzuki Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Osamu Tajima Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University Tran Tsan Physics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Improved measurements of B-modes in the cosmic microwave background can be obtained through accurate calibration of the orientation of detector antennas as projected onto the sky. Miscalibration of the detector polarization angle leads to a leakage of E-modes into B-modes, which can bias the detection of the latter. To achieve a σ(r) of 0.003, the Simons Observatory small-aperture telescopes are required to calibrate the global polarization angle on the sky with an accuracy ≲0.°1. We demonstrate a fully remote-controllable calibration system using a “sparse wire grid,” which injects a rotatable linear polarized signal across the telescope’s focal plane. This calibration system is installed and operational on one of the small-aperture telescopes at its observing site at the Parque Astronómico in the Atacama desert in Chile. We developed a pipeline for the detector polarization angle calibration, and demonstrate it using initial data for 93 and 145 GHz frequency bands. The observed distribution of detector polarization angles is in agreement with the instrument design. Statistical uncertainties for the relatively calibrated polarization angles are 0.°02 and 0.°03 at 93 and 145 GHz, respectively. Systematic uncertainty was evaluated to be 0.°08 at the hardware development and fabrication stage. Their sum in quadrature is less than 0.°1. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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

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

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

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

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2073-4360 18 7 2026 Effect of Universal Adhesives on Resin Cement–Fiber Post–Core Materials 810 EN Masao Irie Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiro Okada Department of Dental Biomaterials, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University Yukinori Maruo Department of Prosthodontics, Okayama University Kenraro Akiyama Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kumiko Yoshihara Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Akimasa Tsujimoto Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University Takuya Matsumoto Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University This study evaluated eleven resin cements used as core build-up materials by examining the following properties: (a) push-out force between root dentin and the fiber post; (b) pull-out force between the fiber post and the core build-up material; (c) shear bond strength of the resin cement to root dentin; (d) flexural strength of the resin cement; and (e) flexural modulus of elasticity of the resin cement. The purpose of this investigation was to clarify the relationships between recently available universal adhesives, core build-up materials, resin cements, and fiber posts. All experiments were performed at two evaluation periods: after 1 day of water storage (Base) and after 20,000 thermocycles (TC 20k). For the push-out test, simulated post spaces were prepared in single-rooted human premolars. The specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis into 2 mm-thick slices and then subjected to push-out testing to assess the bond strength of the dentin–resin cement–fiber post complex. No significant differences in bonding performance were found between Base and TC 20k. These findings suggest that universal adhesives used for pretreatment of multiple substrates in fiber post cementation can provide not only strong but also durable adhesion over time. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

岡山大学法学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 PFOS・PFOA 等の残留性有機汚染物質による水質汚染に関する一考察 ― 取引上の義務の視点から― 438 410 EN H. Tsuji No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学法学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 迅速裁判条項に関する判例法理の展開と現状 706 657 EN K. Harada No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学法学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 公職選挙法251条（当選人本人の選挙犯罪）による当選無効の結果に関する一考察 ― 最三小判令和５年12月12日民集77巻９号2229頁を契機として― 726 707 EN S. Fukushige No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学法学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0386-3050 75 3-4 2026 Ｆ・マイケルマンの後期ロールズ解釈について ―その共和主義的含意の検討 371 407 EN H. Omori No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 特別支援教育への哲学的思考導入についての予備的考察 持続・生成変化・回折の考え方に基づく方法的枠組みの試案 237 251 EN Yo HAMADA Okayama Prefectural Okayama Seto Special Needs School Miyuki TAKANO Hyogo University of Teacher Education Satoru SATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70372 　本稿は，現代の特別支援教育の課題から，特別支援教育実践に哲学的思考を導入するための理論的・方法的検討を行うものである。まず，理論基盤として，ベルクソンの「記憶理論」，ドゥルーズ＆ガタリの「生成変化の哲学」，Baradの「回折的方法論」，Blomの「回折的エスノグラフィー」について概説した。そして，理論基盤を基に方法的枠組みとして，「物質−言説的実践」，「持続」，「生成変化」の三つの視点を教育実践を読み解くための相互補完的な分析視点として採用することを提案した。これらの視点は，ポスト質的研究として，出来事を関係的・過程的に捉えることを可能にするものである。今後の課題として，三つのレンズ間の理論的整理，回折的方法論と回折的エスノグラフィーの差異化，および複数の実践エピソードを接続して描くための分析手法の精緻化が挙げられた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 大学院共通科目『リーダーシップとSDGs』の教育モデル構築と成果分析 理論学習・ピアレビュー・省察活動によるリーダーシップ教育の新展開 221 235 EN Mamoru ISHIDA Faculty of General Education and Global Studies, Okayama University Shinichi OTSUNE Graduate student, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University Takuya NAKAZAWA Graduate student, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70371 　岡山大学大学院では、博士課程人材のリーダーシップ育成に向け、共通科目『リーダーシップとSDGs』を設計・実践している。本科目はSDGsに貢献するリーダー育成に主眼を置き、理論学習・ピアレビュー・省察・グループディスカッション等の手法を組み合わせ、学生同士の学び合い・自己成長の促進を目的としている。本稿では、学部・研究科ごとに学習成果を分析し、理論に基づく省察的学びと協働的な批評活動がリーダーシップ理解や成長に有用であることを明らかにした。本研究は、学術的理論と実践的活動を織り交ぜたモデル構築と、その継続的改善の意義を示している。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 知的障害高等特別支援学校における SWPBS 第１層支援 ―キャンペーン方式の導入とその効果― 205 219 EN Hideaki TOKIMITSU Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Course), Okayama University Yoshio MIYAZAKI Faculty of Education, Okayama University Madoka KOYAMA Kurashiki Kotoura Special Needs Seni or High School, Okayama Prefecture 10.18926/CTED/70370 　本研究は，軽度知的障害のある後期中等教育段階の公立知的障害高等特別支援学校において，SWPBS 第1層支援としてキャンペーン方式の支援を実施し，その効果検証を行った。方法としては，Ｘ学年生徒24名に対して挨拶行動の促進を狙ったキャンペーンを実施し，目標行動の生起数についてABフォローアップデザインを用いて検討した。また，Ｘ学年教員6名に対し，社会的妥当性を評価するアンケートを実施した。その結果，キャンペーンの介入直後に目標行動の生起数および目標行動に従事した生徒の割合の増加が見られ，キャンペーン終了後もベースラインと比較した増加が一定期間確認された。また，一定程度の社会的妥当性も確認できた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 町づくりを考える実践事例の検討 ―総合的な学習の時間を通じた中学生の意識変化に着目して― 191 203 EN Akemi KAMADA Anan City Anan First Junior High School Kazuaki KAJII Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70369 　本研究は，中学校総合的な学習の時間における町づくりにおいて，他者との協働や相互作用を通じて町づくりを構想し，実践の結果生じた学習者の変化からその効果を明らかにすることを目的としている。また，対話的な学びで重視される他者との相互作用を，中学校の実践に落とし込み，そのあり方についても検討する。本実践のねらいは，多様な視点から町の将来の姿やあり方を人との関わりについて読み解き，持続可能な町のあり方について自分事に引き寄せて考えることで，町に対する意識の変化を促すことにある。実践の結果，学習者の町に対する見方や考え方の意識変化が引き起こされ，町づくりの持つ地域課題について自分事に引き寄せて思考することができた。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 「生命の尊さ」の自作教材を活用した小学校道徳科授業の実践と課題 181 190 EN Shinji YOSHIKAWA Tsurajimakita Elementary School Tsuguyuki IZUMI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70368 　本研究では，内容項目「生命の尊さ」に関する自作教材を開発し，授業を実施することによって，子どもが「生命の尊さ」を自分との関わりで深く考えることができるかについて検証した。成果として，自作教材の活用によって子どもが教材の登場人物に共感し，「生命の尊さ」の道徳的価値を自分との関わりで深く考える様子が確認できた。一方，課題として，自作教材へ込めた思いの強さから，子どもが授業者の意図を組みながら発言する姿が見られ，意図せず子どもの発言を方向付けた可能性が示された。最後に，子ども中心の授業の実現に向けて，実践と省察の往還の必要性について議論した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 立憲主義に対する認識の改善を目指した高等学校公民科の授業開発研究 ―米国公民教育センター開発『我ら合衆国人民』を手がかりにして― 167 180 EN Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education, Okayama University Ayuha MIYAMOTO Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70367 　本研究は、憲法理解の基本としての立憲主義に対する認識形成を目標とする、高等学校公民科で実践可能な授業の開発を目指したものである。従来の日本の社会科教育においては、憲法理解は日本国憲法の基本原則である国民主権、基本的人権の尊重、平和主義の理解を基本としていたが、近年、そもそも憲法とは何かを理解させるために、立憲主義の概念が注目されるようになり、教科書にも記述されている。本研究は、そのような立憲主義という概念について生徒に適切に理解させることを目指した授業の提案をしようとするものである。授業計画作成にあたっては、米国の公民教育センターが開発し、長年活用されている『我ら合衆国人民（原題 We the People）』を参照し、その一部を活用し、米国の歴史的背景に基づいて作られた教材を、日本の文脈にそって改変した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 刑法の意義を捉えさせる社会科における法教育実践の方法 ―模擬裁判を取り入れた中学校社会科の授業開発を通して― 153 165 EN Ayuha MIYAMOTO Graduate School of Human ities and So cial Sciences, Okayama University Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70366 　本研究は、刑法の理解に焦点をあて、模擬裁判を取り入れた中学校社会科の授業開発を行なおうとするものである。日本の社会科における法教育は、従来から憲法学習が中心となっており、その他の法律について学ぶ機会は非常に少ない。そのような現状を踏まえて、近年、民法や刑法などを取り上げた法教育の授業開発が行われるようになった。その一方で、裁判員制度導入以降、模擬裁判を取り入れた社会科授業の開発・実践がよく見られるようになっており、刑事事件が社会科授業で取り上げられることも珍しくはなくなった。しかし、そのような授業を担当する教員に、刑法等に関する知識が十分ではなく、模擬裁判の内容と実際の裁判が乖離しているという課題もある。本研究では、従来の模擬裁判を取り入れた授業の特質と課題を検討したうえで、刑法の意義を捉えさせる中学校社会科の授業開発を目指す。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 初任保育教諭の語りに見る園児の在園時間の違いによる実践上の課題 139 152 EN Kazuya HASUI Faculty of Health and Welfare， Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare Mika KATAYAMA Faculty of Education, Graduate School of Science, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70365 　本論では，幼保連携型認定こども園の特徴である園児の在園時間の違いに焦点を当て，初任保育教諭への面接調査により実践上の課題と対応について検討した。その結果，保育教諭が８つの課題を認識していることが明らかになった。また，『幼保連携型認定こども園教育・保育要領』に記述されている「遊びの連続性を保障する保育の展開」に関する課題に加えて，記述されていない「多様な在園時間や生活形態を考慮した園児理解」に関する新たな課題が見出された。認定区分による在園時間の違いは園生活における時間的スケジュールや場所，集団の違いを余儀なくされる。そのため，保育教諭が設定するねらいに基づいた園生活で何を共通経験とすべき内容として設定し，何を経験差として活かし，どのような保育を実践するか明確にすべく，これまで認定こども園で積み重ねられてきた好実践例を集積・整理し，指標を明示することが今後の課題である。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 吹奏楽活動の地域展開における市民吹奏楽団の関わりに関する研究 ―市民吹奏楽団は地域展開の担い手になり得るか― 123 137 EN Kunihiko MAKINO Center for Teacher Education and Development、Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70364 　吹奏楽活動の地域展開（以下、地域展開）において、指導者や活動場所の不足は喫緊の課題である。本研究は、地域展開が進む中で、市民吹奏楽団が地域の子ども達の吹奏楽活動を支える担い手となり得るかを調査・検討した。岡山県内の市民吹奏楽団20 団体への聞き取り調査とテキストマイニング分析の結果、地域展開への意識には差がみられ、積極的な団体では子ども達の演奏指導や合同での活動を肯定的に捉える傾向が確認された。一方で、指導技術や時間的制約、責任負担への不安が障壁となっている可能性が示唆された。また、市民吹奏楽団が抱える活動場所や財政的な課題に対して公立学校施設の活用がその解決に寄与し得る可能性が示唆された。一方で、公立学校の施設開放については、実際の制度運用において自治体間の格差が存在することが明らかとなった。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 日韓の音楽文化交流を通した中学校音楽科におけるグローバル・シティズンシップ教育の構想 ―APCEIUでのインターンシップにおける調査の成果に基づいて― 107 121 EN Hikari KONISHI Graduate School of Education Toshinori KUWABARA Faculty of Education Yumi KONISHI Graduate School of Education 10.18926/CTED/70363 　本論文は、中学校音楽科において、日本と韓国の音楽文化を取り上げて、互いの文化の違いや共通性を捉えさせたうえで相互理解を促進する、グルーバル・シティズンシップ教育（以下、GCED と表記）プログラムを構想しようとするものである。プログラムの構想の際には、筆者である小西が、韓国のソウルのAPCEIU（アジア太平洋国際理解教育センター）で行なった約一か月間のインターンシップの間の実地調査で把握した、韓国で展開されているGCED の方法を参考にした。開発プログラムでは、日韓両国の打楽器を取り上げて、その比較から互いの文化の違いを捉えさせたうえで、違いを受け入れながら、それぞれの国の音楽文化の根底にある歴史的背景に気づかせたうえで、文化の多様性や両国の文化の固有の価値に対する理解を深めることを目指した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 地域社会とグローバルをつなぐ和楽器音楽次世代育成の実践研究（３） 小中学生の質問紙調査に見る「異文化間能力」育成の可能性 91 105 EN Rinko HAYAKAWA Okayama University Yuko BEPPU Kurashiki City College Miho YAMAJI Part-time Lecturer at Okayama University Yoko HANAKUSA Research Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Noriko TAKESHITA Biwako-Gakuin University Hiromi TAKASU Okayama University Keiko MIYOSHI Research Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Naoko SHIMIZU Doctoral Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Chihiro TOSA Yamaha Corporation Ai NAKAMURA Doctoral Student at the Joint Graduate School in Science of School Education Hyogo University of Teacher Education Aki HIGUCHI Okayama Prefectural School for the Deaf 10.18926/CTED/70362 　本研究は，「おかやま国際和楽器学生フェスティバル」の実践における，異文化間能力育成の可能性について，参加した小中学生の質問紙調査結果から検討した。<br> 　その結果，１）体験を通して形成された新たな認識により，和楽器音楽文化と自己との関係性を再認識・再構築し，和楽器音楽文化への積極的な関与を示す価値づけ・意味づけが行われ，内在化が促されたこと，２）越境文化としての和楽器音楽文化に対して，開放的・尊重的態度を示していたが，自己の文化的アイデンティティを意識する契機となったこと，３）和楽器音楽の共有を通して生じた共感の上に，相互理解や協働関係が構築されていたこと，４）「文化の共有の可能性についての認識」が形成されるなど，フェスティバルでの経験が，文化観の形成に影響を与える契機となっていたこと，が明らかになった。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 ドイツ付近の夏の気候とシューベルトの歌曲《春に》 異質な他者との出会いを促す大学での学際的授業の報告 75 89 EN Kuranoshin KATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University Isao NAGAOKA Faculty of Education, Okayama University Haruko KATO Faculty of Education, Gufu Shotoku Gakuen University (Former affiliation) 10.18926/CTED/70361 　「異質な他者」への出会いを促す授業例の更なる蓄積のため，ドイツ付近の「夏」の気候と季節感に注目した教科横断的な授業を大学で実践した。授業では，ドイツ付近の気候と季節サイクルの中での「夏」の特徴を把握すると共に，シューベルトの歌曲《春に》を鑑賞した。《春に》の3 番の「夏の間じゅう，ずっと」という歌詞で歌われている情景や情感が，ドイツ付近と日本付近を想定した場合にどう違い得るか，に関する受講生の記述を分析した。その結果，日本の夏の高温多湿な環境からは原詩の情感そのものが成立し難いと感じた学生もいるなど，本実践は，自分たちの「当たり前」とは異なる気候や季節感にも目を向ける機会になり得たといえる。一方，日本とはかなり違う気候背景の中でシューベルトが思い描いたであろう情景・心情に授業で深く迫るための，音楽表現自体への踏み込み方についても，今後検討する必要性が示唆された。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 中学生を対象としたサッカー試合中の身体活動量に関する研究 〜ポジションと身体・体力特性に着目して〜 61 73 EN Takaaki NATSUMEDA Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Minoru ADACHI Okayama University Graduate School of Education 10.18926/CTED/70360 　中学生34人を対象とし，身体・体力特性とサッカー試合中の身体活動量について，ポジションに着目して比較・検討した．その結果，身体・体力特性についてはポジション間に有意な差は認められなかった．歩数ではポジション間で有意差が認められ，ライトサイドバックが少なく，センターミッドフィルダーが高かった．強度別身体活動量時間の割合ではポジション間で有意差が認められ，ライトサイドバックが低く，センターミッドフィルダーが高かった．以上のことから，本研究の対象中学生ではポジション間で身体・体力特性には有意差が認められないが，サッカー試合中の身体活動量ではポジション間で差が生じることが示唆された． No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 小学生の学校生活における身体活動量と体力に関する研究 45 59 EN Jin YASUNOBE Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Kensaku SASAYAMA Faculty of Education, Mie University Minoru ADACHI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70359 　本研究の目的は，小学校6年生の学校生活における活動場面別の身体活動量を加速度計を用いて客観的に測定し，その体力との関係を検討することである．対象は小学校児童85名(男子41名，女子44名)とし，休み時間，体育授業，学校生活全体における歩数と強度別活動時間を評価した．その結果，男女ともに体力上位群は休み時間において歩数とMVPAが多い傾向が示され，特に男子は中休み，女子は昼休みおよび体育授業で有意差が認められた．各活動場面のMVPA が占める割合は休み時間11.3％，体育授業15.7％であり，諸外国と比較して少なく，国際的推奨値にも届かなかった．本研究は，小学校における身体活動量の基礎データを提示するとともに，学校生活，特に休み時間や体育授業における身体活動機会の充実が必要であることを示唆した． No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 凸レンズの像の左右理解に関する混乱の要因分析 教科書分析と教員アンケートによる探究的な学びへの提案 31 44 EN Kunihiko TANIMOTO Faculty of Education, Okayama University Yoshihiko INADA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70358 　本研究は、中学校理科の凸レンズ学習で生徒が像の向きに抱く混乱に着目した。その要因を、光源・スクリーン・観察場所といった実験条件が十分に意識されてこなかった点にあると考察し、学習指導要領と教科書の変遷分析、および現職教員へのアンケート調査を実施した。その結果、教科書の記述は観察場所を指定する方向へ変化しているものの、現場教員の指導法にはばらつきがあり、生徒の混乱を招く一因となっていることを明らかにした。これらの課題解決のため、観察視点を自然に固定できる3D プリンタ製教材を開発し、教員研修でその有効性を検討した。本教材は生徒の直感的理解を促し、探究的な学びを引き出す上で有効であることが示唆された。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 説明的文章の指導における「内省」を促す批判的読み ―高等学校１年生を対象として― 15 29 EN Yumi SAISHO Graduate School of Education (Professional Degree Corse), Okayama University Masafumi IKEDA Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70357 　批判的読みは，現代では欠かせない能力であり，学習指導要領にも明記されている。近年，批判的読みの指導に関する研究がなされているものの，内容的な価値の検討や社会的な文脈のなかで捉えることが希薄だとする指摘や，「反省性」という観点に着目した批判的読みを求める声もある。そこで，本稿では，文章そのものを批判的に読むだけでなく，自身の持っている考えをも批判的に捉える（内省する）ことを促す授業を開発した。その手立てとして，複数の社会認識が存在する二つの教材の読み比べたうえで，対立する立場からの意見交換を行うことや，教材に対する評価の記述，その記述（自己の読み）を学習者自身が評価するといった活動を取り入れた。学習者の記述の分析からは，意識的な内省に至らなかった学習者も見受けられたものの，約６割の学習者の記述には変容が見られ，用いた手立ては効果があったと推測できることを指摘した。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学教育推進機構 教師教育開発センター Acta Medica Okayama 2186-1323 16 2026 外国人幼児の就学支援における保育士の工夫と実践的課題 1 13 EN Yiwen CHEN The Joint Graduate School (Ph.D. Program) in Science of School Education, Hyogo University of Teacher, Hyogo University of Teacher Education Kazuki YANAGISAWA Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Xinyu REN Graduate School of Education, Okayama University Munehisa YOSHITOSHI Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/CTED/70356 　本研究は，外国人幼児が就学期に直面する困難に対応するため，保育士が行っている具体的な保育実践における支援の工夫と課題を明らかにすることを目的とした。外国人幼児の支援経験を有する保育士2 名に半構造化インタビューを行い，SCAT を用いた質的分析により，幼児および保護者への支援内容を整理した。その結果，言語面では視覚的支援ややさしい日本語を活用し，文化面では家庭文化と日本の園文化の調整が行われていた。発達支援においては，非認知的スキルの育成や医療機関との連携の必要性が指摘された。保護者支援では，参加型の関わりや丁寧な説明が実践されていたが，制度情報の提供や行政との連携には課題が残された。これらの結果を踏まえ，今後は保育士の個別的努力に依存しないためにも，多文化背景をもつ家庭への支援を制度的に支える地域連携体制の整備や，情報提供の標準化，日本語教育資源との接続を図る実践的仕組みの構築が求められる。 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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

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

一般社団法人粉体粉末冶金協会 Acta Medica Okayama 0532-8799 73 3 2026 熱間静水圧加圧法を用いたイットリア安定化ジルコニア緻密層の低温形成 55 59 EN Kyohei MANABE Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. Mitsuaki ECHIGO Osaka Gas Co. Ltd. Akira KISHIMOTO Institute of Academic and Research, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University The sintering conditions using hot isostatic press (HIP) of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were investigated to obtain a dense YSZ layer at low sintering temperature such as 1000°C for an electrolyte of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell. It was found that a dense YSZ pellet with relative density of 93% could be obtained under a sintering condition of 1000°C-10 hours with HIP in 195 MPa. On the other hand, in X-ray diffraction analysis of the dense YSZ pellet, peaks of the monoclinic phase were slightly detected in addition to peaks of the cubic phase. From energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, a small amount of boron was detected in the dense YSZ pellet. It is considered that the YSZ crystalline phase transformation of cubic to monoclinic phase was occurred by the boron diffusion from the diffusion barrier coating of metal foil capsule used for the HIP. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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

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

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

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

岡山大学大学院ヘルスシステム統合科学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 わが国のアドバンス・ケア・プランニングにおける地域住民への動機づけと評価についてのナラティブ・レビュー 39 47 EN Takako HASUI Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing Naoko NAKAYAMA Kanagawa University of Human Services 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70329 No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院ヘルスシステム統合科学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 Shared Decision Making における患者参加の諸相と課題の考察 17 25 EN Miho YOSHIDA Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70327 This paper traces the historical development of decision-making models in healthcare while exploring the meaning and practical significance of “patient participation” within the shared decision-making (SDM) framework. SDM is a recommended approach to clinical decision-making that emphasizes mutual information sharing and deliberation between physicians and patients. Traditional models often assume that patients can clearly articulate their values, preferences, and treatment goals. However, in actual clinical settings, particularly in cases of serious illness or life-threatening situations, patients frequently face emotional distress and psychological burdens, which can hinder their active participation in decision-making and the expression of their preferences. Based on SDM theory and practice reports, this study argues that SDM should not be viewed merely as a process that promotes patient choice. Even when patients choose not to actively participate and ultimately delegate decisions to healthcare providers or family members, such a choice can represent autonomous decision-making if it arises through meaningful communication and mutual understanding. This perspective calls for a more comprehensive and flexible interpretation of patient participation in SDM practice. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学大学院ヘルスシステム統合科学研究科 Acta Medica Okayama 2436-3227 6 2026 介護技術論試論―高齢者介護を事例として― 7 16 EN Yasuyuki YOSHIBA Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University 10.18926/interdisciplinary/70326 In the first part of this paper, it was confirmed that the term “kaigo” (nursing care) was coined and its meaning defined during discussions on enacting social welfare legislation accompanying societal aging, as the care aspect was being “differentiated” from the “family’s health and welfare functions.” The paper also examined how the term “kaigo gijutsu”(nursing care technique) has been defined and used. In the latter part, based on the author’s own definition of “kaigo gijutsu”(nursing care technology), an attempt was made to analyze examples of technology utilization in nursing care settings, focusing on papers published in specialized welfare and nursing care technology journals. Through this preliminary study, it was shown that the author’s definition of “nursing care technology” clearly distinguishes between the means for care activities―such as welfare equipment―and the care recipients and caregivers who make use of them, and that this definition is useful for grasping the essence of challenges in nursing care settings. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

岡山大学理学部地球科学科 Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 2018年7月5日〜7日の西日本豪雨における広域降水特性 33 44 EN Kuranoshin KATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University Kengo MATSUMOTO Okayama Gakugeikan High School Kazuo OTANI TV Setouchi Broadcasting Co., LTD. 10.18926/ESR/70297 　Large-scale rainfall characteristics at the heavy rainfall event around the western Japan for 5–7 July 2018 were analyzed with use of the 10-mimute precipitation data at the surface meteorological observation stations of the Japan Meteorological Agency, and so on. In this case, the area with 3 days total precipitation of near or more than 300 mm was distributed widely from northern Kyushu to Shiga and Fukui Prefectures. As in the many heavy rainfall events around Kyushu District in the mature stage of the Baiu season, contribution of the intense rainfall with more than 4 mm/10-minute (24 mm/h) attained about one third of the areal mean total precipitation. However, it is noted that the "not so intense rain" with less than 2 mm/10-minute (12 mm/h) also contributed to about one third of the huge total precipitation in the wide area. In short, this case could be characterized by the mixture of the western Japan type heavy rainfall event and the eastern Japan type one. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山大学理学部地球科学科 Acta Medica Okayama 1340-7414 32 1 2026 10分間降水量から大雨の特徴の多様性を捉える大学での授業の試み（防災気象リテラシー育成へ向けて） 21 31 EN Kuranoshin KATO Faculty of Education, Okayama University 10.18926/ESR/70296 　In the disaster prevention education on the heavy rainfall around Japan, it is also important to promote the meteorological literacy on the seasonal and regional differences of their rainfall characteristics such as the convective rain or stratiform rain, together with their total amount of precipitation and their occurrence frequency. As the first step toward the above purpose, the present study made a lesson practice for the university students by utilizing the 10-minute precipitation data for the four heavy rainfall events, in which the types of the heavy rainfall (although all the cases examined in the lesson are relating to the deep convective clouds) are rather different from each other, such as the differences of the rainfall intensity at the peak time, short-period variation of the rainfall intensity and the persistency of the rainfall including the "not so intense rainfall". The reports by the students seem to perceive the different features among these events briefly, but the students' attention to how long the intense rainfall with short-period variation or "not so intense rainfall" lasted was not so sufficient. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.