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Abstract Relativistic Runaway Electrons Avalanches (RREAs) development depends on the applied electric field and the environment's air density. This dependency controls the RREA exponential growth length scale. The RREA development affects the bremsstrahlung excess occurring due to the passage of charged particles through the thundercloud's electric fields, the gamma‐ray glow. We used Monte Carlo simulations to develop an empirical model showing the RREA behavior in a realistic atmospheric density profile. The new formulation shows how the density variation modulates the electron population under electric field strengths near the RREA electric field threshold. The model limits the initial RREA altitude range as a function of the electric field strength. The new model is valid between ∼0.6 and ∼18 km, covering the relevant heights to investigate the generation of ground‐detected gamma‐ray glows.

Abstract Gamma‐ray glows are observational evidence of relativistic electron acceleration due to the electric field in thunderclouds. However, it is yet to be understood whether such relativistic electrons contribute to the initiation of lightning discharges. To tackle this question, we started the citizen science “Thundercloud Project,” where we map radiation measurements of glows from winter thunderclouds along Japan's sea coast area. We developed and deployed 58 compact gamma‐ray monitors at the end of 2021. On 30 December 2021, five monitors simultaneously detected a glow with its radiation distribution horizontally extending for 2 km. The glow terminated coinciding with a lightning flash at 04:08:34 JST, which was recorded by the two radio‐band lightning mapping systems, FALMA and DALMA. The initial discharges during the preliminary breakdown started above the glow, that is, in vicinity of the electron acceleration site. This result provides one example of possible connections between electron acceleration and lightning initiation.

We present a new CO observation toward the Type Ia supernova remnant 3C 397 using the Nobeyama 45 m radio telescope at an unprecedented angular resolution of ∼18″. We newly found that the CO cloud at V _LSR = 55.7–62.2 km s ^−1 (60 km s ^−1 cloud) shows a good spatial correspondence with the radio continuum shell. We also found an expanding gas motion of the 60 km s ^−1 cloud with an expansion velocity of ∼3 km s ^−1 , which is thought to be formed by the pre- and/or postsupernova feedback. By considering the positions of Galactic spiral arms and the X-ray/H i absorption studies, we concluded that 3C 397 is physically associated with the 60 km s ^−1 cloud rather than the previously known CO cloud at V _LSR ∼ 30 km s ^−1 . Given that the previously measured preshock density is ∼2–5 cm ^−3 , the expanding motion of the 60 km s ^−1 cloud was likely formed by the presupernova feedback known as optically thick wind. The scenario is consistent with the fact that 3C 397 exploded inside a wind-blown bubble as a single degenerate system.

In this study, NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared as a thermophilic agent for magnetic thermotherapy. To improve biocompatibility, the particles were coated with polyethylene glycol, which is hydrophilic and nontoxic; X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that the particle size could be controlled to 3, 6, 9, and 17 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed PEG modification to the particles. Biocompatibility with cells were improved by coating with PEG of high molecular weight. The heat-generating effect of the particles was investigated by measuring the magnetic susceptibility and temperature rise in an AC magnetic field. Furthermore, a device using a zero-voltage switching circuit was developed to generate heat. Finally, in vitro experiments using human breast cancer cells were successfully performed to confirm the onset of the hyperthermia effect.

In 2015, the Gamma-Ray Observation of Winter Thunderstorms (GROWTH) collaboration launched a mapping observation campaign for high-energy atmospheric phenomena related to thunderstorms and lightning discharges. This campaign has developed a detection network of gamma rays with up to 10 radiation monitors installed in the cities of Kanazawa and Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, where low-charge-center winter thunderstorms frequently occur. During four winter seasons from October 2016 to April 2020, a total of 70 gamma-ray glows, i.e., minute-lasting bursts of gamma rays originating from thunderclouds, were detected. Their average duration is 58.9 s. Among the detected events, 77% were observed at night. The gamma-ray glows can be classified into temporally symmetric, temporally asymmetric, and lightning-terminated types based on their count-rate histories. An averaged energy spectrum of the gamma-ray glows is well fitted with a power-law function with an exponential cutoff, whose photon index, cutoff energy, and flux are 0.613±0.009 MeV, 4.68±0.04 MeV, and (1.013±0.003)×10^{−5} erg cm^{−2}s^{−1} (0.2–20.0 MeV), respectively. The present paper provides a catalog of gamma-ray glows and their statistical analysis detected during winter thunderstorms in the Kanazawa and Komatsu areas.

When discrepancies between planned and actual movements arise due to environmental changes, humans adjust movement parameters to achieve task goals. While motor adaptation has been extensively studied, the mechanisms involved in redundant movement parameters remain unclear. Split-belt treadmill adaptation, where each belt moves at a different speed, is an example of this phenomenon. Such adaptation initially induces gait asymmetry, which diminishes over time. Previous studies have postulated step length asymmetry as the target function; however, recent evidence challenges this assumption, leaving the target function undefined. This study investigates the target function by analyzing step parameter asymmetry using the goal-equivalent manifold and generalization predictability. The goal-equivalent manifold assesses whether adaptation is close to optimal in minimizing step parameter asymmetry, while generalization predictability reflects adaptation effects across different contexts, indicating potential target functions. We propose that step velocity asymmetry, rather than step length asymmetry, serves as the target function in split-belt treadmill adaptation. This framework facilitates the prediction and interpretation of both the learning process and the transfer of learning effects from trained to untrained conditions. In addition, it explains the overadaptation of step length asymmetry and the achievement of energy-efficient gait after adaptation. Therefore, we propose that step velocity asymmetry is the primary target function in split-belt treadmill adaptation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Motor execution which results in the generation of sounds attenuates the cortical response to these self-generated sounds. This attenuation has been explained as a result of motor relevant processing. The current study shows that corresponding somatosensory inputs can also change the auditory processing of a self-generated sound. We recorded auditory event-related potentials (ERP) in response to self-generated sounds and assessed how the amount of auditory attenuation changed according to the somatosensory inputs. The sound stimuli were generated by a finger movement that pressed on a virtual object, which was produced by a haptic robotic device. Somatosensory inputs were modulated by changing the stiffness of this virtual object (low and high) in an unpredictable manner. For comparison purposes, we carried out the same test with a computer keyboard, which is conventionally used to induce the auditory attenuation of self-generated sound. While N1 and P2 attenuations were clearly induced in the control condition with the keyboard as has been observed in previous studies, when using the robotic device the amplitude of N1 was found to vary according to the stiffness of the virtual object. The amplitude of N1 in the low stiffness condition was similar to that found using the keyboard for the same condition but not in the high stiffness condition. In addition, P2 attenuation did not differ between stiffness conditions. The waveforms of auditory ERP after 200 ms also differed according to the stiffness conditions. The estimated source of N1 attenuation was located in the right parietal area. These results suggest that somatosensory inputs during movement can modify the auditory processing of self-generated sound. The auditory processing of self-generated sound may represent self-referenced processing like an embodied process or an action-perception mechanism., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In Japan, the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act (MTSA) has been in effect since 2005, and a support system has been established for those found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRIs). Under this law, the reintegration of the subjects into society is underway. This paper summarizes the status of forensic outpatients during the seven years after its enactment. Information on forensic outpatients was obtained from 224 designated outpatient medical institutions under the law between 2005 and 2011, the period after the law's implementation. Information on demographic factors, psychiatric status, forensic background, clinical treatment history, and social service utilization was collected. Among the 690 outpatients, the most common diagnosis was F2 (Schizophrenia) (76.4 %), and the most common criminal offense was homicide/attempted homicide (28.8 %). Among the outpatients, 46.2 % developed problematic behavior during treatment, and suicidal behavior was observed in 6.0 % of the patients. Since problematic behaviors during treatment, including suicidal behavior, have been observed, it is necessary to expand support, including the development of proper relationships with patients and the early stages of treatment to promote the integration of forensic patients into society., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Organisms maintain circadian rhythms corresponding to approximately 24 h in the absence of external environmental cues, and they synchronize the phases of their autonomous circadian clocks to light-dark cycles, feeding timing, and other factors. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) occupies the top position of the hierarchy in the mammalian circadian system and functions as a photic-dependent oscillator, while the food-entrainable circadian oscillator (FEO) entrains the clocks of the digestive peripheral tissues and behaviors according to feeding timing. In mammals, neuropeptide Y (NPY) from the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) neurons projected onto the SCN plays an important role in entraining circadian rhythms to feeding conditions. However, the relationship between the FEO and SCN has been unclear under various feeding conditions. In this study, novel NPY::Venus transgenic (Tg) mice, which expressed the NPY fused to Venus fluorescent protein, were generated to investigate the secretion of NPY on the SCN from the IGL. NPY-containing secretory granules with Venus signals in the SCN slices of the Tg mice could be observed using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. We observed that the number of NPY secretory granules released on the SCNs increased during fasting, and these mice were valuable tools for further investigating the role of NPY secretion from the IGL to the SCN in mediating interactions between the FEO and the SCN.

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are widely used minimal cell models where essential biological features can be reproduced, isolated and studied. Although precise spatio-temporal distribution of membrane domains is a process of crucial importance in living cells, it is still highly challenging to generate anisotropic GUVs with domains at user-defined positions. Here we describe a novel and robust method to control the spatial position of lipid domains of liquid-ordered (Lo)/liquid-disordered (Ld) phase in giant unilamellar vesicles. Our strategy consists in confining Lo/Ld phase-separating GUVs in microfluidic channels to define free curved regions where the minority-phase domains localize and coalesce by decreasing the line energy through domain fusion. We show that this process is governed by the respective fraction of the two phases, and not by the chemical nature of the lipids involved. The spatial position and number of domains are controlled by the design of the confining microchannel and could result in polarized GUVs with a controllable number of poles. The developed method is versatile and user-friendly, while allowing multiple single-vesicle experiments in parallel., (© 2024 The Author(s). Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: Myxol, a monocyclic carotenoid with β- and ψ-end groups, has been identified in only a limited number of bacteria, such as flavobacteria and cyanobacteria. Despite its biological significance, the biosynthetic pathway of myxol is not well understood, and studies on its physiological functions and biological activities are limited because of its rarity. Methods: BLAST homology searches for carotenoid biosynthesis genes in the genome of Nonlabens were performed. The carotenogenesis-related genes in the genome of the marine flavobacteria Nonlabens spongiae were individually cloned and functionally characterized using a heterologous Escherichia coli expression system. Carotenoids from N. spongiae were identified using an LC-MS analysis. Results: We identified a gene cluster involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in the genome of N. spongiae . This cluster includes genes encoding phytoene synthase (CrtB), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), carotenoid 1,2-hydratase (CruF), carotenoid 3,4-desaturase (ψ-end group) (CrtD), carotenoid 2-hydroxylase (ψ-end group) (CrtA-OH), and carotene hydro-xylase (CrtZ). Based on the characteristics of these enzymes, the primary products were predicted to be myxol and/or zeaxanthin. A spectroscopic analysis confirmed that myxol was the primary carotenoid. Furthermore, a plasmid containing a reconstructed gene cluster and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (CrtE) located outside the cluster was introduced into E. coli . This system predominantly accumulated myxol, indicating that the reconstructed gene cluster enabled efficient myxol production in E. coli . Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential biotechnological applications of the carotenoid biosynthesis gene clusters for myxol production.

Interoception, the internal perception of bodily states such as heartbeat and hunger, plays a crucial role in shaping cognitive and emotional states. Since postural control affects cognitive and emotional processing, exploring postural effects on interoception could help uncover the neural mechanisms underlying its effects on cognition and emotion. In this study, we aimed to investigate how different postures affect interoception by using heartbeat-evoked potentials (HEPs), which reflect the cortical processing of cardiac signals. Two experiments were conducted; Experiment 1 involved 47 healthy male participants comparing sitting and standing postures, and Experiment 2 involved 24 healthy male participants comparing stable and unstable standing conditions. HEPs were analyzed using cluster-based permutation analysis to identify statistically significant spatiotemporal clusters. In Experiment 1, significant clusters were identified over central electrodes (Cz, C1, C2, FCz, and FC1) within the post-R-wave interval of 304-572 ms, revealing significantly lower HEP amplitudes during standing compared to sitting [W = 80, p < 0.001, r = 0.62]. In Experiment 2, HEP amplitudes were significantly lower during unstable standing compared to stable standing [t(20) = 2.9, p = 0.0099, d = 0.62]. Furthermore, we found no significant correlations between HEP changes and physiological changes such as cardiac activity and periodic and aperiodic brain activity. These findings suggest postural differences modulate interoceptive processing, with standing postures attenuating HEP amplitudes, probably because of a redistribution of attentional resources from interoceptive to somatosensory (proprioceptive) and vestibular processing, necessary for maintaining standing posture. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying posture-interoception interaction., (© 2025 The Author(s). European Journal of Neuroscience published by Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of a catheter system using a 3-Fr sheath with a steerable microcatheter through right upper limb artery access for superselective intra-arterial cisplatin infusion and concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) to treat right maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MS-SCC)., Material and Methods: We retrospectively studied 46 sessions in eight patients treated between November 2020 and February 2023 using the catheter system briefly described below. A 3-Fr sheath was inserted into the distal radial, conventional radial, or brachial arteries. A coaxial catheter system with a 2.9-Fr steerable microcatheter and a 1.9-Fr microcatheter was advanced into the brachiocephalic artery. The right common carotid artery was selected by bending the tip of the steerable microcatheter. Coil embolization and intra-arterial cisplatin infusion after selecting each external carotid artery branch were achieved using this catheter system., Results: Cisplatin infusion and coil embolization were successful in all sessions. Arterial occlusion at the sheath insertion sites was found in 29.4% (5/17) of the distal radial arteries and 33.3% (3/9) of the conventional radial arteries. No other major complications were observed during the procedure., Conclusion: Using a 3-Fr catheter system with a steerable microcatheter through right upper limb artery access is a feasible method for RADPLAT in treating right MS-SCC.

Background: The pathogenesis of sepsis is thought to be linked to a dysregulated immune response, particularly that involving neutrophils. We have developed a granulocyte adsorption column as a "decoy organ," which relocates the massive inflammation in organs in the body to a blood purification column. This study was conducted to assess the safety and experimental effectiveness of granulocyte monocyte adsorption apheresis-direct hemoperfusion (G1-DHP) in the treatment of patients with sepsis, using a prospective, multicenter design., Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with sepsis and with an APACHE II score ranging from 17 to 34. A total of five G1-DHP were performed within 3 days of patient enrollment. The primary endpoint was the change in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score from enrollment to 7 days, and the safety endpoints were adverse events and mortality at 28 days., Results: G1-DHP was performed on 82 patients. The median (interquartile range) SOFA score decreased from 10 (8-11) to 4 (3-7) after 7 days (n = 70; p < 0.01). Granulocytes, mainly neutrophils, were adsorbed, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly improved (p < 0.01). Notable improvements were observed in the SOFA scores for circulation and renal function. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score of the 77 patients evaluated for mortality was 27, and the 28-day mortality rate was 7.8%., Conclusions: This study confirmed that G1-DHP can be safely used as an adjunct to standard sepsis treatment regimens. Although further investigations are required, G1-DHP is a promising supplemental therapy for sepsis., Trial Registration: jRCT1080225183 (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier)., (© 2025 The Author(s). Artificial Organs published by International Center for Artificial Organ and Transplantation (ICAOT) and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Fatty infiltration (FI) and muscle atrophy (MA) in the rotator cuff muscles following rotator cuff tears (RCT) persist postrepair, increasing the risk of re-tears. Brown adipocyte-like "beige adipocytes" are expected to have a therapeutic effect on intramuscular FI and MA due to their lipolytic activity and the muscle regenerative effects of their secreted factors. However, whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) ameliorates the already advanced FI and MA remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify whether PTH promotes the expression of beige adipocytes and ameliorates advanced FI and MA following chronic RCT in rats., Methods: Supraspinatus muscles were harvested from rats with chronic RCT after 4 or 8 weeks of PTH treatment and compared to those in the control group or to those at the start of treatment. FI was assessed by Oil Red O staining, and the staining area was evaluated as a percentage of the muscle cross-sectional area. MA was evaluated by measuring muscle wet weight and cross-sectional area of muscle fiber. Beige adipocyte expression was evaluated by immunostaining for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) were separated from muscle-injured mice. We assessed whether PTH could diminish fat droplet accumulation by promoting the differentiation of FAPs into beige adipocytes., Results: After 4 weeks, PTH reduced the area fraction of FI in the rat supraspinatus muscle following chronic RCT compared with that at the beginning of treatment (P = .028). In addition, PTH increased wet muscle mass (P < .001), and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (P = .018) compared with measurements at the start of treatment. PTH administration promoted the expression of UCP1, a beige adipocyte marker, in the supraspinatus muscle (P = .019). PTH increased gene expression of beige adipocyte-related markers and suppressed fat droplet accumulation even after adipogenic differentiation of FAPs (P = .004) but did not reduce fat droplets that had already accumulated in in vitro experiments., Conclusions: PTH facilitated beige adipocyte expression and reversibly ameliorated muscle quality and atrophy following chronic RCT by hindering fat droplet accumulation and facilitating muscle regeneration. Therefore, PTH may be a medical treatment for FI and MA following RCT, leading to expanded rotator cuff repair indications., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) has a significantly higher revision rate than open repair, primarily due to type 2 endoleak (2EL). Although 2ELs are considered benign, late open conversion (LOC) due to the expansion of the aneurysm diameter of the 2EL is a concern in the mid- and long-term. In this study, we investigated the impact of embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) or lumbar artery (LA) at the time of the initial EVAR and its long-term outcomes., Methods: Between April 2008 and December 2021, 743 EVAR procedures for abdominal aortic aneurysms were performed at our institution. The patients were divided into 2 groups at the time of initial surgery, namely, 215 and 528 patients in the embolization (Group E) and nonembolization (Group N) groups, respectively. Branch embolization was performed in patients with an IMA diameter ≥3 mm and LA diameter ≥2 mm on preoperative computed tomography. Re-embolization with EL was performed in patients with a diameter enlargement ≥10 mm, and LOC was performed in patients with continued enlargement ≥15 mm after re-embolization. The mean follow-up period was 7.0 years., Results: The mean number of branch embolizations was 2.3 ± 1.1. Intraoperatively, the operative time, fluoroscopy time, irradiation dose, and contrast medium use were significantly higher in Group E than in Group N. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups regarding shrinkage (Group E versus Group N: 45.6% versus 37.3%; P = 0.03) and enlargement (Group E versus Group N: 9.3% vs. 19.5%; P < 0.001) of the aneurysm diameter by > 5 mm after EVAR. In the mid- and long-term, the avoidance rate of 2EL reintervention was significantly lower in Group E at 5 years (93.5% vs. 88.6%) and 10 years (87.5% vs. 76.4%; P = 0.04). LOC prevention was 5 years; Group E: 100% vs. 96.9% for Group N and 10 years; Group E: 98.8% vs. 92.5% for Group N, significantly lower in Group E (P = 0.02)., Conclusions: The impact of branch embolization at the time of the initial EVAR is believed to prevent enlargement of the aneurysmal sac and LOC. However, prolonged operation time, increased radiation exposure, and the use of contrast medium have been debated. To improve the long-term results of EVAR, embolisms of both the IMA and LA are required., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Several cases of pheochromocytoma presenting with hypertensive crises after anesthesia induction, possibly caused by rocuronium injection, have been reported. Rocuronium has two compositions: rocuronium bromide (RB) in sodium acetate hydrate/acetic acid buffer solution (acetic acid vehicle) and RB in glycine/hydrochloric acid buffer solution (hydrochloric acid vehicle). This study assessed the effect of rocuronium composition on the release of catecholamine from PC-12 rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells., Methods: PC-12 cells (3x10 5 cells) were cultured for 96 hours, then 1 mL of reagent was added for five minutes. First, the experiment used phosphate-buffered saline (PBS (-)), RB in PBS (-), an acetic acid vehicle, and RB in the acetic acid-based vehicle. Next, the experiment used an acetic acid vehicle and a hydrochloric acid vehicle. Then the experiment used an acetic acid vehicle and a mixed solution of 0.2 mL acetic acid vehicle + 0.8 mL normal saline (NS). Cell supernatants were collected and norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography., Results: Release of NE and DA was caused by acetic acid vehicle, not by RB in PBS (-). Hydrochloric acid vehicles similarly showed a significantly lower release of NE and DA than acetic vehicle acid (NE, P=0.002; DA, P=0.002). In addition, the acetic acid vehicle diluted 5-fold with NS showed a significantly lower release of NE and DA than the acetic acid vehicle alone (NE, P=0.005; DA, P=0.002)., Conclusions: The concentration of acetic acid in the buffer solution, not RB, caused the release of catecholamines from PC-12 cells., Competing Interests: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Itaya et al.)

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of vasa vasorum embolization for preventing continuous aneurysmal expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent vasa vasorum embolization between August 2018 and May 2022. Vasa vasorum embolization was attempted in cases of continuous aneurysmal expansion after EVAR, where the vasa vasorum was identified through catheter angiography. The vasa vasorum was accessed and embolized with a microcatheter. The outcomes of vasa vasorum embolization were evaluated based on technical success, defined as the successful completion of the embolization procedure, and clinical success, defined as the prevention of continuous aneurysmal expansion after the embolization. Results: Seven cases of endoleak with developed vasa vasorum were confirmed by catheter angiography. The mean age was 83.7 years, and the mean aneurysmal diameter was 60.6 mm. Technical success was achieved in 6 cases, while clinical success was not achieved in any of the cases. The mean observation period was 16.5 months, and the mean increase in aneurysmal diameter was 9.7 mm. Conclusions: Although the vasa vasorum embolization is a technically feasible procedure, it is not effective in preventing continuous aneurysmal expansion., (@ 2024 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Vascular Diseases.)

It is unclear whether the remnant stomach can be safely preserved, performing distal pancreatectomy in patients with a prior distal gastrectomy. A 74-year-old man was followed up after robotic distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor of the pancreatic tail. Subsequently, the tumor was diagnosed as a resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we performed laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Blood flow in the remnant stomach was confirmed by preoperative angiography using splenic artery occlusion test and intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. We safely preserved the remnant stomach and the postoperative course was uneventful.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

The relatively low strength of bioabsorbable screws is a critical clinical issue. A shallower thread depth will increase a screw's strength, but the pull-out strength of the screw will decrease proportionally with the thread depth. We sought to provide further clarification of the relationships between (i) the thread depth and the pull-out strength, and (ii) the minor diameter and the shearing and bending strengths in bioabsorbable screws made of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite particles and poly-L-lactide (u-HA/PLLA). Seven types (thread depth from 0.1-0.7 mm) of screws with a major diameter of 4.5 mm were manufactured. Each screw type's pull-out strength was investigated using simulated bone. A shearing test and three-point bending test were both used to measure the physical strength of the screws. We then analyzed the relationships between the mechanical findings and the thread depth. The relationship between the thread depth and the pull-out strength showed a positive biphasic linear correlation with a boundary at 0.4-mm thread depth. The relationships between the minor diameter and both the shearing and bending strengths showed positive linear correlations within the range of dimensions tested. Within the scope of this study, a 0.4-mm thread depth proved to be an appropriate value that provides sufficient pull-out strength and screw strength for u-HA/PLLA screws with a 4.5-mm major diameter., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: S. Imade, Y. Uchio, Shimane prefecture and Teijin Medical Technologies Co. own the design rights (JPS-1700438, 1700439, 1700440) for the new type of screw investigated in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

While electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) are well-established noninvasive methods in neuroscience and clinical medicine, they suffer from low spatial resolution. Electrophysiological source imaging (ESI) addresses this by noninvasively exploring the neuronal origins of M/EEG signals. Although subcortical structures are crucial to many brain functions and neuronal diseases, accurately localizing subcortical sources of M/EEG remains particularly challenging, and the feasibility is still a subject of debate. Traditional ESIs, which depend on explicitly defined regularization priors, have struggled to set optimal priors and accurately localize brain sources. To overcome this, we introduced a data-driven, deep learning-based ESI approach without the need for these priors. We proposed a four-layered convolutional neural network (4LCNN) designed to locate both subcortical and cortical sources underlying M/EEG signals. We also employed a sophisticated realistic head conductivity model using the state-of-the-art segmentation method of ten different head tissues from individual MRI data to generate realistic training data. This is the first attempt at deep learning-based ESI targeting subcortical regions. Our method showed excellent accuracy in source localization, particularly in subcortical areas compared to other methods. This was validated through M/EEG simulations, evoked responses, and invasive recordings. The potential for accurate source localization of the 4LCNNs demonstrated in this study suggests future contributions to various research endeavors such as the clinical diagnosis, understanding of the pathophysiology of various neuronal diseases, and basic brain functions., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts to disclose., (© 2024 Author(s).)

A simple method that improves the resolution of the phase measurement of differential phase-contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy for closed-type environmental cell applications was developed and tested using a model sample simulating environmental cell observations. Because the top and bottom membranes of an environmental cell are typically far apart, the images from these membranes are shifted widely by tilt-series acquisition, and averaging the images after alignment can effectively eliminate undesired signals from the membranes while improving the signal from the object of interest. It was demonstrated that a phase precision of 2π/100 rad is well achievable using the proposed method for the sample in an environmental cell., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site–for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Purpose: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) sometimes occurs in soft tissue (referred to as soft tissue lymphoma or soft tissue NHL), often mimicking soft tissue tumors. Despite some clinical indicators, accurate diagnosis of soft tissue NHL before biopsy remains challenging. We investigated the diagnostic value of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an initial tool to assess the likelihood of soft tissue NHL., Methods: We analyzed 36 cases of pathologically proven soft tissue NHL initially suspected as soft tissue tumors alongside 48 control cases of soft tissue sarcoma or carcinoma. Patient medical charts and MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed, focusing on assessing the diagnostic efficacy of soft tissue NHL., Results: The diagnostic accuracy of soft tissue NHL combining the appearance of homogeneity on MRI (T2-weighted and/or short-time inversion recovery [STIR] images) and sIL-2R value (≧ 904 U/mL) yielded a sensitivity of 78 % and 86 %, and specificity of 83 % and 88 %, respectively. Meeting one or both criteria increased the sensitivity to a maximum of 92 %, albeit with a specificity of 71 %. When both criteria were met, sensitivity and specificity were 72 % and 100 %, respectively., Conclusion: The integrated approach of combining MRI and sIL-2R demonstrated excellent efficacy in predicting the diagnosis of soft tissue NHL, which was initially referred to as soft tissue tumor., Competing Interests: None of the investigators has any conflict of interest of any kind whatsoever with the research and its outcome., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Professor P K Surendran Memorial Education Foundation.)

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and motor point stimulation (MPS) are noninvasive techniques used to induce muscle contraction, aiding motor function restoration in individuals with neurological disorders. Understanding sensory inputs from PNS and MPS is crucial for facilitating neuroplasticity and restoring impaired motor function. Although previous studies suggest that MPS could induce Ia-sensory inputs less than PNS, experimental evidence supporting this claim is insufficient. Here, we implemented a conditioning paradigm combining transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) with PNS or MPS to investigate their Ia-sensory inputs. This paradigm induces postactivation depression of spinal reflexes associated with transient decreases in neurotransmitter release from Ia-afferent terminals, allowing us to examine the Ia-sensory input amount from PNS and MPS based on the depression degree. We hypothesized that MPS would induce less postactivation depression than PNS. Thirteen individuals underwent MPS and PNS on the soleus muscle as conditioning stimuli, with tSCS applied to the skin between the spinous processes (L1-L2) as test stimuli. PNS- and MPS-conditioned spinal reflexes were recorded at five interstimulus intervals (ISIs) and four intensities. Results revealed that all PNS conditioning showed significant decreases in spinal reflex amplitudes, indicating postactivation depression. Furthermore, PNS conditioning exhibited greater depression for shorter ISIs and higher conditioning intensities. In contrast, MPS conditioning demonstrated intensity-dependent depression, but without all-conditioning depression and clear ISI dependency as seen in PNS conditioning. In addition, PNS induced significantly greater depression than MPS across most conditions. Our findings provide experimental evidence supporting the conclusion that MPS activates Ia-sensory nerves less than PNS. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and motor point stimulation (MPS) induce neuroplasticity, but differences in their effects on Ia-sensory inputs are unclear. We investigated their Ia-sensory inputs using a conditioning paradigm with spinal reflexes. Results showed that PNS conditioning significantly inhibited spinal reflexes than MPS conditioning, indicating greater postactivation depression due to Ia-sensory nerve activation. These findings provide experimental evidence that MPS activates Ia-sensory nerves to a lesser extent than PNS, enhancing our understanding of neuroplasticity.

Background: Glenoid bone deficiency can lead to early component loosening and implant failure during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Recently, the glenoid Vault Reconstruction System (Zimmer-Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA), a computer-aided design ot computer-assisted manufacturing system, was developed, with good clinical outcomes, including no radiographic loosening. This study examined the postoperative accuracy of glenoid component placement using this system at three different facilities., Methods: Nine patients undergoing rTSA with vault reconstruction system performed by three board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons at three different institutions between August 2020 and January 2023 were included. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography was performed, and glenoid inclination and version were measured using a postoperative three-dimensional evaluation system. Surgical time and intraoperative blood loss were also measured., Results: The range of errors of glenoid inclination and version were 3.5 ± 2.5° (0.4-8.3) and 3.2 ± 2.2° (0.4-6.7), respectively. In primary cases, the error ranges of both glenoid inclination and version were within 5° in six of seven cases (85.7%). In revision cases, both glenoid inclination and version were within 10°. The mean operative time was 131.4 ± 48.9 (80-206) min and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 161.1 ± 94.2 (30-300) ml; there were no intraoperative complications., Conclusion: In the present study, the placement position was good in primary and revision cases, making the placement of the glenoid component of the rTSA using vault reconstruction system in cases of glenoid bone deficiency highly reproducible., (© 2024 The Authors.)

In East Asia, high levels of atmospheric nitrogen are deposited onto land. This could elevate the nitrate levels in coastal waters via river runoff, even from areas where anthropogenic sources are minimal. It is important to identify NO 3 - sources in river water and the mechanisms involved in NO 3 , K - runoff. Yakushima Island, Japan, is a Natural World Heritage site featuring numerous watersheds with diverse topography and rivers. The area receives significant precipitation, with up to 10 000 mm in mountainous regions. Its proximity to coastal urban areas in China (∼800 km) leads to substantial atmospheric nitrogen wet and dry deposition in the island's forests. The study aimed to clarify regional water quality characteristics by conducting long-term monitoring of dissolved ion components (Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , F - , Cl - , NO 3 - , and SO 4 2 - ) in river waters, and to determine the effects of NO 3 - sources and watershed topography on NO 3 - behavior. Dissolved ion concentrations were obtained from a long-term monitoring (2011-2014) dataset. Cluster analysis classified runoff water from the central mountainous region into three groups: western region, other regions, and groundwater. The average NO 3 - concentration in the western region was 10.2 μmol L -1 , which was higher than the 6.24 μmol L -1 observed in the other regions. Stable isotope analysis in December 2018 showed that river water NO 3 - (1.39 μmol L -1 ) in the western region had a high proportion of atmospheric NO 3 - . Topographic analysis indicated that NO 3 - and atmospheric NO 3 - increased in smaller watersheds and steeper terrain. This study conclude that NO 3 - output is controlled by topography., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Plasma is a collection of active particles generated by dissociating molecules and ionizing atoms through applying high energy to a gas, such as high-sound heating or electrical shock. Recently, many reports have been published on the effectiveness of non-thermal atmospheric pressure gas discharge plasma (NTAPP) on living organisms. Furthermore, we have reported on the promotion of bone and tendon repair by NTAPP irradiation. We hypothesized that irradiation of NTAPP would promote the repair of the tendon-bone junction in a rotator cuff repair. This study investigated the effect of NTAPP irradiation on the healing process of the tendon-bone junction., Methods: Among 36 Japanese white rabbits, the infraspinatus tendon was detached from the humeral insertion site. A 3.2 mm bone tunnel was then created at the original insertion site of the infraspinatus muscle. The left shoulder was irradiated with NTAPP at a distance of 1 cm from the bone tunnel for 5 minutes (plasma-treated group), while the right shoulder was not irradiated (control group). The rabbits were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively, and 6 of each were used for histological evaluation. Mechanical tests were also performed on 6 specimens each at 4 and 8 weeks., Results: Histological evaluation showed that at 4 weeks, the histological tendon to bone maturing score was 6.8 ± 1.3 in the plasma-treated group and 4.8 ± 1.6 in the control group (P < .01); at 8 weeks it was 9.0 ± 1.0 in the plasma-treated group and 5.2 ± 1.1 in the control group (P < .01). Fibrocartilage formation and new bone formation were observed at both 4 and 8 weeks. In the mechanical test, the plasma-treated group had 75.0 ± 18.9 N in ultimate load to failure at 8 weeks. In the control group, it was 51.1 ± 7.9 N. (P = .04)., Conclusion: The repair of the rotator cuff at the tendon-bone junction was significantly improved at 4 and 8 weeks by irradiation with NTAPP., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate whether intraocular pressure (IOP)-related 24-h contact lens sensor (CLS) profile parameters can help predict glaucoma progression in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). CLS measurements (Triggerfish; SENSIMED, Etagnières, Switzerland) at baseline without medication were performed for 24 h in one eye, following diurnal IOP measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometry at 3-h intervals. Glaucoma progression during the follow-up period of ≥ 2 years was determined based on the Guided Progression Analysis of Humphrey visual fields and/or structural progression using fundus photographs. Among 79 patients (mean values: follow-up periods, 48.1 months; age, 51.5 years; baseline IOP, 14.0 mmHg; mean deviation, - 6.04 dB), 23 showed glaucoma progression. A smaller standard deviation of nocturnal ocular pulse amplitude in the CLS profile, a larger range of diurnal IOP at baseline, and the presence of optic disc hemorrhage (DH) during the study period were significant risk factors for glaucoma progression in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio, 0.30/mVeq, 1.23/mmHg, and 4.37/presence of DH; P = 0.016, 0.017, and 0.001, respectively). CLS measurements may be useful for assessing the risk of future glaucoma progression in patients with NTG, providing supplementary information to routine IOP measurements., (© 2024. The Author(s).)