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Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is one of the causes of femoral fractures and is prevented by the administration of bisphosphonates. Individual morphologies are considered to increase the risk of atypical fractures associated with long‐term administration. To evaluate cortical bone morphology quantitatively, we established a method to measure the distance from the center point of a cross‐section to the external and internal borders based on CT images. Using this method, 44 sides of a female femoral skeleton specimen were examined and areas of protrusion and thickening in the medial anterior and lateral posterior regions just below the lesser trochanter were identified. These positions strongly correlated with the anteversion angle, suggesting the involvement of the distribution of the load received from body weight defined by the angle. The finite element method was used to examine the relationships between the positions of these areas with compressive and tensile stress distribution areas in the one‐legged standing condition. The medial anterior region and lateral posterior region protruded and thickened in response to compressive and tensile stress, respectively. In addition, a hierarchical relationship was observed between the anteversion angle, tensile stress distribution, protrusion, and thickening in femurs with thinning of cortical bone, indicating that morphogenesis occurs adaptively to loading. The present results demonstrate the usefulness of this method in considering the formation mechanism and function of the femoral diaphysis and suggest that bone remodeling is necessary to maintain adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to estimate the forces applied to several types of artificial nipples using a four‐node model that simulates the tongue movements of infants during sucking. A tongue movement simulator was developed using data previously collected from a population of more than 100 infants. We showed that different artificial nipples result in different output forces when the same force is applied at a given position in the four‐node model. We also showed that the force output varied with slight changes in the position of a given artificial nipple. Furthermore, the analysis of force in 62 cases as a function of the position of the bottle (different lengths, heights, and angles) using multiple regression suggested a relationship between force and bottle position. The findings of this study confirm the importance of estimating the force quantitatively. Further research in this direction can contribute to identify selection criteria and assess the insertion position of artificial nipples. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to replicate a previous finding of the association between personal values in adolescence and health/mental well‐being in adulthood among workers, in a large community sample, with an additional focus on eudemonic well‐being. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in urban and suburban cities of Japan. Subjective health status, eudemonic well‐being (meaning in life), and life satisfaction in adulthood were measured in 2010; 11 types of personal values and commitment to values in adolescence were assessed with the retrospective recall in 2017. A total of 2,413 adults were included in the multiple linear regression analyses. None of the personal values were related to life satisfaction unlike the previous study. Consistent results were that commitment to values was positively associated with life satisfaction, and the value of graduating from school was positively associated with subjective health status. Personal values related to openness to change and self‐enhancement were positively associated with meaning in life in adulthood. This study did not fully replicate previous findings, but added the eudemonic perspective of mental well‐being to the previous study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct conversion of CO2 in the presence of O2 to value‐added chemicals is a potentially important cost‐effective solar‐driven CO2 reduction technology. The present work demonstrates the solar‐powered conversion of CO2 to CO with greater than 10 % efficiency using a Mn complex cathode and an Fe−Ni anode in a single‐compartment reactor without an ion exchange membrane in conjunction with a Si solar cell. Reactors separated by ion exchange membranes are typically used to prevent any effects of oxygen generated by the counter electrode. However, the present Mn complex catalyst maintained its activity even in the presence of 15 % O2. Operando surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy established that the present Mn catalyst preferentially reacted with CO2 without adsorbing O2. This unique characteristic enabled solar‐driven CO2 reduction using a single‐compartment reactor. In contrast, catalytic metals such as Ag tend to lose activity in such systems as a consequence of reaction with oxygen produced at the anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single hollow particles are used in various fields, particularly in thermal insulation materials, owing to their low thermal conductivity attributed to encapsulated air properties. “The self‐assembling phase separated polymer (SaPSeP) method” is an original hollowing method that is proposed by this laboratory 25 years ago. Most hollow particles prepared by the SaPSeP method have carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen polymer shells, which lack sufficient heat resistance. In this study, hollow particles with a silicone shell, which is highly heat‐resistant, are prepared using the SaPSeP method using a trimer of 3‐methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane (MPDS). The MPDS trimer (3MPDS) is synthesized through the sol–gel reaction of MPDS with a basic aqueous solution. Additionally, hollow particles are prepared using a new silicone oligomer composed of MPDS and dimethoxymethylvinylsilane (DMVS). Both hollow particles prepared from 3MPDS and from a new silicone oligomer composed of MPDS and DMVS showed high heat resistance. They maintained their hollow structure even when exposed to temperatures up to 900 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a statistical analysis of the frequency spectra of vertical velocity W based on data collected by the VHF middle and upper atmosphere (MU) radar from 2.025 to 19.875 km altitude during several days per month over 36 years (1987–2022). We analyzed the mean spectral slopes SW ${S}_{W}$ in the band [0.5–6 hr], which is in the core of the period range for internal gravity waves at the MU radar latitude (∼36° N). First, we tested the performance of several spectral estimators when data are missing to minimize estimation bias on SW ${S}_{W}$ and variance. Second, we analyzed the properties of SW ${S}_{W}$. We found a dependence on radar echo power aspect ratio and power imbalance between oblique beams maybe due to contaminations of W $W$ measurements by the horizontal wind U $U$. After corrections, we found that: (a) SW ${S}_{W}$ in the troposphere (N2<2×10−4rad2s−2) ${N}^{2}< 2\times {10}^{-4}\,{\text{rad}}^{2}{\mathrm{s}}^{-2})$ is almost seasonally invariant (∼−0.8) despite the strong variability of U $U$ and (b) SW ${S}_{W}$ is highly variable in the stratosphere (N2>2×10−4rad2s−2) ${N}^{2} > 2\,{\times 10}^{-4}\,{\text{rad}}^{2}{\mathrm{s}}^{-2})$ from ∼0 to −1.2 and shows a clear exponential dependence on U $U$ at least up to 70ms−1 $70\,\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. An empirical expression of the apparent frequency spectra in the stratosphere is ∼ωαlnU−Umin $\mathit{\sim }{\omega }^{\alpha \,\mathrm{ln}\,\left(U-{U}_{\min }\right)}$ with, for example, α∼−0.27 $\alpha \,\mathit{\sim }-0.27$ and Umin∼3.5ms−1 ${U}_{\min }\mathit{\sim }3.5\,\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. From numerical simulations, we show that Doppler shift effects cannot explain the dependence on U $U$. Therefore, the variation of SW ${S}_{W}$ with U $U$ may represent a real change in the shape of the intrinsic frequency spectrum, which is not considered in the theoretical models. Plain Language Summary: Frequency power spectral densities (or frequency spectra) of vertical air velocity W can provide information about the properties of internal gravity waves in the atmosphere. In the present work, they are estimated from time series of W collected from the VHF middle and upper atmosphere (MU) radar in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. For the first time, we quantify several possible processing and instrumental biases that may affect the estimates of the slope and variance of the frequency spectra in the range [0.5–6] hours. In light of these results, we analyzed the monthly variability in the spectral slopes. We found a small seasonal variability in the troposphere (∼−0.8) despite a strong variability of the horizontal wind speed U. In contrast, the spectral slope shows a strong dependence on U in the stratosphere. This dependence is qualitatively, but not quantitatively, consistent with the expected effects of Doppler shifting (which produces an apparent frequency for a fixed observer). Further studies are needed to explain the difference with the theoretical models of gravity waves. Key Points: Frequency spectra of vertical velocity show very distinct features in the troposphere and stratosphereThe characteristics of the frequency spectra of W are not consistent with the existing gravity wave theories [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global positioning system (GPS) data are commonly used for location‐based services such as traffic flow prediction. However, such data contain considerable sensitive information and thus, they must be anonymized before being published. In this study, we investigate trajectory anonymization. Previous methods have limitations in that they cannot be applied for different load network sparseness and cannot preserve the trajectory information. Thus, we propose a DNN‐based method that can anonymize trajectories with different load network sparseness and also preserve the trajectory information. Specifically, the trajectories are projected to the latent space using the pre‐trained encoder‐decoder model, and the latent variables are generalized. Furthermore, to reduce the information loss, we propose a segment‐aware trajectory modeling and study the effectiveness of assuming the normal distribution to the latent space. The experimental results using real GPS data show the effectiveness of the proposed method, presenting the improvement in the data reservation rate by approximately 3% and reducing the reconstruction error by approximately 31%. © 2024 The Author(s). IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co‐existing chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can exert complex effects on hepatic metabolism, requiring mechanistic study. CHB participants were assessed for MASLD and the impact of hepatic steatosis/metabolic syndrome (MetS) on novel viral and immunological markers. In this prospective, cohort study, untreated CHB subjects were assessed for liver disease by non‐invasive tests (i.e. FibroScan, controlled attenuation parameter, CAP). Subjects were tested for cytokines and IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay to HBV Surface (S) and Core (C) proteins. Standard HBV serological, exploratory biomarkers and deep sequencing of HBV S and C genes were performed. In 53 subjects (median age 45 years [SD = 10.6], 35% F, 56% Asian, 20% Black, 3% White), 94% (50) HBeAg negative, 63% genotype B/C, mean HBV DNA 3.2 log10 IU/mL (SD = 1.8), quantitative HBsAg 2.9 log10 IU/mL (SD = 1.2) and HBV pgRNA 2.1 log10 copies/mL (SD = 1.3). In enrolled subjects, the mean ALT was 41.9 U/L (SD = 24.0), FibroScan was 5.7 kPa (SD = 1.9) and CAP was 306.4 dB/m (SD = 49.0). The mean BMI was 28.2 kg/m2 (SD = 4.2), 20% (11/53) had diabetes, 35% (19/53) dyslipidaemia and 24% (13/53) hypertension. Subjects with MetS and steatosis showed lower HBV markers (p <.01), higher HBV S diversity (p =.02) and greater frequency of HBV variants associated with host‐anti‐viral immune escape. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and HBV‐specific cellular responses were higher in participants with hepatic steatosis. In CHB, MASLD/hepatic steatosis was associated with HBV variants and systemic immune responses potentially impacting liver disease progression despite low‐level viraemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of robotic surgery (RS) for gastric cancer (GC) has been rapidly increasing. However, the utility of RS for advanced GC (AGC), especially T3 or more AGC, is unclear. Methods: Ninety patients who underwent curative upfront minimally invasive surgery (MIS) (D2 lymph node dissection) for fStage II or III GC were enrolled in this study. Among these patients, 68 underwent MIS for T3 or more AGC. Thirty‐six patients underwent RS, and 32 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery (LS). The short‐term and long‐term surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: In the T3 or more AGC cohort, there were no significant intergroup differences in the operative time or blood loss volume. The number of retrieved lymph nodes tended to be higher in the RS than LS group (38.5 vs. 33.0, p =.11). The drain amylase content on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in the RS than LS group (243.5 vs. 521.0 IU/L, p <.01). The morbidity rate (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥2) was similar between the groups. There were no significant differences between the LS and RS groups in the 3‐year overall survival rate (80.7% vs. 74.5%, respectively; p =.95) or 3‐year disease‐free survival rate (75.0% vs. 69.7%, respectively; p =.95). Conclusions: RS for primary T3 or more AGC was safe and contributed to similar short‐term and long‐term outcomes compared with LS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to assess consumers' knowledge, perception, and practical understanding of food labels. A validated, structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. Data were collected from 1238 respondents covering all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh using a nonrandomized convenience sampling method. Linear regression analyses were conducted to establish the relationship between demographic attributes and respondents' practical understanding of food labels. The majority of participants (52.5%) actively read food labels when purchasing a product for the first time. Food labels are regarded as "very important" by 56.2% of respondents and "important" by 35.7% of respondents. Label information is prioritized to highlight the importance of clear production and expiration dates (70%), followed by nutritional composition (56.7%) and source of raw material (52.5%). Despite this, over half of the participants demonstrated a limited practical understanding of the nutritional components on labels. The results of our linear regression analysis suggest that individuals within the age range of 18–28, belonging to Muslim communities, residing in the Dhaka and Khulna divisions, being higher educated, possessing a good understanding of nutrition, and being acquainted with the food safety agency of Bangladesh tend to exhibit a greater degree of practical knowledge regarding food labeling when compared to their counterparts. The study emphasizes the importance of clearer label information, particularly for nutritional value, and calls for targeted educational programs to improve consumer understanding of food labels, with a focus on older age groups and expanded educational efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 27‐year‐old nulliparous woman presented with a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and abdominal pain. A left ovarian tumor, uterus didelphys, left renal agenesis, and left vaginal atresia were observed on imaging. The ovarian tumor was presumed to have caused the abdominal pain, and an abdominal left adnexectomy was performed. After 3 months, she reported severe lower abdominal pain during menstruation. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed uterine enlargement. After 17 days, the patient presented with abdominal pain and fever. She was diagnosed with peritonitis due to infection and left uterine hematometra. Because she did not improve with antibiotic treatment, left laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed. Subsequently, she did not experience the lower abdominal pain. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment based on the morphology of the reproductive tract and symptoms must be considered in patients with Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome. Treatment must permit the outflow of menstrual blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Adverse childhood experiences are potentially traumatic events with long‐lasting effects on the health and well‐being of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is important to clarify which types of long‐lasting autism‐related symptoms are influenced by childhood experiences to design future intervention studies. However, few studies have examined the association between childhood experiences and autistic symptoms in large samples of adults with ASD and individuals with typical development (TD). In this study, we evaluate the effects of adverse childhood experiences on multiple ASD phenotypes among both individuals with ASD and those with TD. Method: We combined questionnaire evaluations; Childhood Abuse and Trauma Scale, the Japanese version of the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient, Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Japanese version of the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised, and the Japanese version of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. Results: Individuals with ASD and those with TD (n = 205 and 104, respectively) were included. There were significant correlations between the extent of adverse childhood experiences and severity of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and hypersensitivity in both participants with ASD and those with TD. By contrast, ASD core symptoms showed no significant correlation with adverse childhood experiences in either group. These results remained consistent after adjusting for age, sex, and the estimated intelligence quotient. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for a detailed disentanglement of ASD‐related core and peripheral symptoms of adverse childhood experiences, which may help to appropriately set outcomes for future early interventions for the childhood experiences of individuals with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV‐1) is a neurotropic RNA virus that has been linked to fatal BoDV‐1 encephalitis (BVE) in humans. Ferroptosis represents a newly recognized kind of programmed cell death that marked by iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Various viral infections are closely related to ferroptosis. However, the link between BoDV‐1 infection and ferroptosis, as well as its role in BVE pathogenesis, remains inadequately understood. Herein, we used primary rat cortical neurons, human microglial HMC3 cells, and Sprague‒Dawley rats as models. BoDV‐1 infection induced ferroptosis, as ferroptosis characteristics were detected (iron overload, reactive oxygen species buildup, decreased antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage). Analysis via qRT‐PCR and Western blot demonstrated that BoDV‐1‐induced ferroptosis was mediated through Nrf2/HO‐1/SLC7a11/GPX4 antioxidant pathway suppression. Nrf2 downregulation was due to BoDV‐1 infection promoting Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation. Following BoDV‐1‐induced ferroptosis, the PTGS2/PGE2 signaling pathway was activated, and various intracellular lipid peroxidation products and damage‐associated molecular patterns were released, contributing to BVE occurrence and progression. More importantly, inhibiting ferroptosis or the ubiquitin‒proteasome system effectively alleviated BVE. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the interaction between BoDV‐1 infection and ferroptosis and reveal BoDV‐1‐induced ferroptosis as an underlying pathogenic mechanism of BVE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to clarify the association between preoperative periodontitis and postoperative systemic inflammation in patients with gastric cancer. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 140 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery at Hiroshima University Hospital between May 2019 and May 2022. Periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) scores were determined to assess periodontitis severity using modified Nesse's methods. Propensity score matching was used to compare patients with high and low PISA scores (> or < the median PISA score of 92.4, respectively). Propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model, based on 17 clinical parameters: age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, clinical stage, surgical procedure, surgical approach, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery duration, blood loss during surgery, remaining teeth, and denture use. Results: Thirty‐seven patients were propensity‐score‐matched. Participants with high PISA scores had a higher incidence of surgical site infection (10.5%) than those with low PISA scores (5.3%). Moreover, participants with high PISA scores had significantly higher C‐reactive protein levels on postoperative days 1 than those with low PISA scores. Conclusion: Preoperative periodontitis may determine the level of postoperative systemic inflammation in patients with gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impulsivity has been proposed to have an impact on glycemic dysregulation. However, it remains uncertain whether an unfavorable glycemic status could also contribute to an increase in impulsivity levels. This study aims to analyze associations of baseline and time‐varying glycemic status with 3‐year time‐varying impulsivity in older adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease. A 3‐year prospective cohort design was conducted within the PREDIMED‐Plus‐Cognition substudy. The total population includes 487 participants (mean age = 65.2 years; female = 50.5%) with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and type 2 diabetes control were evaluated. Impulsivity was measured using the Impulsive Behavior Scale questionnaire and various cognitive measurements. Impulsivity z‐scores were generated to obtain Global, Trait, and Behavioral Impulsivity domains. Linear mixed models were used to study the longitudinal associations across baseline, 1‐year, and 3‐year follow‐up visits. HOMA‐IR was not significantly related to impulsivity. Participants with higher HbA1c levels, type 2 diabetes, and poor control of diabetes showed positive associations with the Global Impulsivity domain over time, and those with higher HbA1c levels were further related to increases in the Trait and Behavioral Impulsivity domains over the follow‐up visits. These results suggest a potential positive feedback loop between impulsivity and glycemic‐related dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we test for a bubble in a model with a random explosive autoregressive coefficient. We consider two local alternatives and find that versions of recursive stochastic unit root tests are more powerful when facing a randomly explosive process than the recursive right‐tailed ADF tests, whereas the latter performs better in a model with a non‐stochastic coefficient. We then propose the union of rejections strategy using the recursive right‐tailed ADF and stochastic unit root tests. We examine the finite sample properties of the proposed tests using Monte Carlo simulations and observe that the test based on the union of rejections strategy is the second‐best, and its power is close to the best one in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increasing secondary use of data, recommender systems using anonymized data are in demand. However, implementing a recommender system requires complicated data processing and programming, and the relationship between anonymization level and recommendation quality has not been investigated. Therefore, this study proposes a framework that facilitates the development of recommender systems. Additionally, a method is proposed for quantitatively evaluating recommendation quality when the anonymization level is varied. The proposed method promotes data utilization by recommender systems and determination of compensation for providing data based on anonymization level. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The underwater acoustic sensor network is a fundamental source for ocean exploration. The potential applications of underwater acoustic sensor network (UASN) include seismic imaging, disaster prevention, mine reconnaissance, pollution monitoring, exploration of natural resources, and military surveillance. To acquire accurate results, implementing all applications of underwater sensor networks requires an adequate network connection and communication technology. The precise placement of underwater sensor nodes needs to be identified in order to achieve effective communication. To accomplish the requirement, the paper presents an efficient localization algorithm to compensate the stratification effect based on an improved underwater salp swarm optimization technique (LAS‐IUSSOT). To compute the location of sensor nodes with high accuracy, the nodes are initially randomly deployed in three‐dimensional underwater acoustic sensor network (3D‐UASN). After that, the hybridization of centroid‐based localization and the ray theory technique is used, and then, the degree of coplanarity is analyzed among the underwater sensor nodes. Then, the computation of the location of unknown nodes is performed using improved underwater salp swarm optimization technique (IUSSOT) to obtain the optimized location and compensate the impact of the stratification. The comparison of the simulation results of the existing algorithm and the proposed algorithm is performed. The LAS‐IUSSOT achieves 40.46% and 28.00% accuracy in terms of localization of underwater sensor nodes for both the sparse and dense regions in 3D‐UASN. The LAS‐IUSSOT achieves 49.39% and 62.57% accuracy in terms of ranging of underwater sensor nodes for both the sparse and dense regions in 3D‐UASN. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithm in terms of localization and ranging accuracy in both sparse and dense regions in 3D‐UASN, root mean square error (RMSE), normalized localization error (NLE), computation time, and convergence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This review synthesized the evidence from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of meal replacements (MRs) as part of a weight loss intervention with conventional food‐based weight loss diets on cardiometabolic risk in individuals with pre‐diabetes and features of metabolic syndrome. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched through January 16, 2024. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference [95% confidence intervals]. The overall certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Ten trials (n = 1254) met the eligibility criteria. MRs led to greater reductions in body weight (−1.38 kg [−1.81, −0.95]), body mass index (BMI, −0.56 kg/m2 [−0.78, −0.34]), waist circumference (−1.17 cm [−1.93, −0.41]), HbA1c (−0.11% [−0.22, 0.00]), LDL‐c (−0.18 mmol/L [−0.28, −0.08]), non‐HDL‐c (−0.17 mmol/L [−0.33, −0.01]), and systolic blood pressure (−2.22 mmHg [−4.20, −0.23]). The overall certainty of the evidence was low to moderate owing to imprecision and/or inconsistency. The available evidence suggests that incorporating MRs into a weight loss intervention leads to small important reductions in body weight, BMI, LDL‐c, non‐HDL‐c, and systolic blood pressure, and trivial reductions in waist circumference and HbA1c, beyond that seen with conventional food‐based weight loss diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although various difficulty scoring systems have been proposed for laparoscopic liver resection (LLR), details remain uncertain regarding distance between the tumor and vessels as a factor of difficulty. We aimed to examine the risk factors for conversion to open hepatectomy in LLR, including distance between tumor and vessels. Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2022, 118 patients who underwent LLR were retrospectively enrolled and their perioperative characteristics were evaluated. Results: A total of 10 cases (8.5%) were converted to open hepatectomy during LLR. The conversion group had lower platelet count, shorter distance between the tumor and a medium vessel (defined as diameter of 5–10 mm), and greater tumor depth compared with the pure LLR group. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis identified 10 mm as the optimal cutoff value of tumor proximity to a medium vessel (sensitivity, 80.0%, specificity, 78.7%, AUC 0.817) for predicting conversion. In multivariate analysis, lower platelet count (p =.028) and tumor proximity within 10 mm to a medium vessel (p =.001) were independent risk factors for conversion in LLR. Conclusions: Our study suggests tumor proximity within 10 mm to a medium vessel and lower platelet count as predictors of unfavorable intraoperative conversion in LLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is beneficial for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the clinical benefit of BPA for the patients with CTEPD without PH remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long‐term outcomes of BPA in patients with CTEPD without PH. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 84 CTEPD patients with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) < 25 mmHg and 39 CTEPD patients with mPAP ≤ 20 mmHg (without PH). Among the 39 patients with CTEPD without PH, 14 underwent BPA (BPA‐treated group), and the remaining 25 received no treatment (untreated group). In the patients with CTEPD without PH, BPA led to improvements in symptoms, pulmonary vascular resistance (3.6 ± 1.6 to 2.6 ± 1.1 Wood units, p < 0.001), peak oxygen consumption (16.1 ± 4.0 to 18.8 ± 4.3 mL/kg/min, p = 0.033), minute ventilation versus carbon dioxide production slope (41.4 ± 12.2 to 35.1 ± 6.7, p = 0.026), and mPAP/cardiac output slope (7.0 ± 2.6 to 4.4 ± 2.0 mmHg/L/min, p = 0.004) and facilitated the discontinuation of home oxygenation therapy, with no serious complications. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant difference in all‐cause mortality between the untreated and BPA‐treated groups. BPA may be a safe treatment option for the patients with CTEPD without PH that can alleviate symptoms, improve exercise capacity, and facilitate weaning from home oxygen therapy. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Federated Learning (FL) is a distributed machine learning paradigm that enables multiple data holders to collaborate on building machine learning models while preserving the privacy of their data. FL can be categorized as horizontal or vertical, depending on the distribution characteristics of the data. Specifically, horizontal FL uses data partitioned in the sample space, whereas vertical FL uses data partitioned in the feature space. Traditional vertical FL methods aim to facilitate collaboration among clients to infer a single global target. However, these methods may be impractical because each client often has a unique target to be inferred. In this paper, we propose a novel vertical FL method, called personalized vertical federated learning (pvFed), which addresses this limitation by allowing each client to perform inferences specific to their individual task. To the best of our knowledge, no existing method currently addresses this limitation. The objective of pvFed is to construct a global model that generates a representation vector to support client inference. The global model, constructed using distillation and dimensionality reduction, takes a sample ID common to all clients as input and outputs a sample‐specific representation vector. Clients utilize the intermediate representation of their own model and the representation vectors output by the global model for inference. Because these vectors are not dependent on client‐specific tasks, clients can repurpose them for any additional tasks. Our experiments, conducted on two distinct data types—image and tabular data sets, under a vertical partitioning where each client had its own specific task, demonstrated the efficacy of vectors generated by the global model in pvFed for client inference. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia, poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal well‐being. Exosomes released by the placenta play a crucial role in intercellular communication and are recognized as potential carriers of essential information for placental development. These exosomes transport a payload of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that mirror the placental microenvironment. This review delves into the functional roles of placental exosomes and its contents shedding light on their involvement in vascular regulation and immune modulation in normal pregnancy. Discernible changes are reported in the composition and quantity of placental exosome contents in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia. The exosomes from preeclamptic mothers affect vascularization and fetal kidney development. The discussion also explores the implications of utilizing placental exosomes as biomarkers and the prospects of translating these findings into clinical applications. In conclusion, placental exosomes hold promise as a valuable avenue for deciphering the complexities of preeclampsia, providing crucial diagnostic and prognostic insights. As the field progresses, a more profound comprehension of the distinct molecular signatures carried by placental exosomes may open doors to innovative strategies for managing and offering personalized care to pregnancies affected by preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) Data Portal is a data repository bringing together a wide range of cohorts. Neurodegenerative dementias are a group of diseases with highly heterogeneous pathology and an overlapping genetic component that is poorly understood. The DPUK collection of independent cohorts can facilitate research in neurodegeneration by combining their genetic and phenotypic data. METHODS: For genetic data processing, pipelines were generated to perform quality control analysis, genetic imputation, and polygenic risk score (PRS) derivation with six genome‐wide association studies of neurodegenerative diseases. Pipelines were applied to five cohorts. DISCUSSION: The data processing pipelines, research‐ready imputed genetic data, and PRS scores are now available on the DPUK platform and can be accessed upon request though the DPUK application process. Harmonizing genome‐wide data for multiple datasets increases scientific opportunity and allows the wider research community to access and process data at scale and pace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sustainability takes center stage in business strategies, firms lagging behind their peers on environmental initiatives are strongly motivated to bridge the gap. Analyzing the U.S. sectors primarily responsible for CO2 emissions, we show that environmentally lagging firms increase the efforts to reduce emissions and adopt eco‐friendly materials in the subsequent year. Interestingly, this phenomenon becomes significantly more pronounced among companies exposed to higher levels of consumer interest as measured by Google search volumes. Our finding suggests that lagging firms under greater public scrutiny recognize the need to address their sustainability deficiencies to maintain competitiveness and corporate reputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: ACE2, known as a host receptor involved with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, binds to viral spike proteins for host cell entry. However, details regarding its induction and function in oral mucosal cells remain unknown. Materials and Methods: We examined ACE2 expression and its induction by transfected mimic nucleotides and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in oral keratinocytes (RT7) and fibroblasts (GT1). Subsequently, the effects of viral spike S1 protein via ACE2 on CXCL10 expression induced by pro‐inflammatory cytokines in both cells were examined. Results: ACE2 was constitutively expressed in RT7 and GT1. Transfected Poly(I:C) and Poly(dA:dT) increased ACE2 expression in those cells, while knockdown of RIG‐I decreased ACE2 expression induced by those transfected ds nucleotides. IFN‐γ and TNF‐α enhanced transfected ds nucleotides‐induced ACE2 expression in RT7 but not GT1. S1 protein alone did not affect CXCL10 expression in either cell type, whereas it enhanced IFN‐β‐induced CXCL10 in both, while immune responses of IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐induced CXCL10 enhanced by S1 protein were different between RT7 and GT1. Finally, knockdown of ACE2 decreased cytokines and S1 protein mediated‐CXCL10 levels in both cells. Conclusions: ACE2 in oral mucosal cells may contribute to development of infection and inflammation in cooperation with pro‐inflammatory cytokines following SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In smart communities, data are aggregated, and various services are provided based on it. When considering the optimization of service delivery through cooperative processing between the edge and the cloud in smart communities, it is essential to realize network transparent edge services due to the constraints of not touching end devices in order to improve user convenience and additional cost reduction. Moreover, considering the minimization of service provision and service delivery latency at the edge, it is desirable to use field‐programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which have lower power consumption, lower latency, and higher throughput than conventional processors. Additionally, to advance towards even lower latency, the distribution of processing load is important, and service migration is necessary for this purpose. Service migration is generally used to increase service availability, and even for edge services, service migration is important because the distribution of processing and the location where the service should be provided changes over time due to user mobility. When considering network transparency, service migration should be performed on the communication path between the end device and the cloud. Furthermore, to enhance service transparency, it is essential to maintain communication consistency for continuous service provision and minimize service downtime. Therefore, this study proposes a migration mechanism with FPGAs to satisfy these requirements. As an example of a real application, we target a network‐transparent data anonymization application to protect the privacy of data providers and evaluate the proposed architecture based on the reality of latency and other factors. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunological testing to detect neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is important in measles (MV) infection control. Currently, the plaque reduction neutralization test is the only credible method for measuring actual virus NAbs; however, its feasibility is hampered by drawbacks, such as long turnaround times, low throughput, and the need for laboratory biosafety equipment. To solve these problems, we developed a simple and rapid MV‐NAb detection system using lentivirus‐based virus‐like particles incorporated with the NanoLuc fragment peptide HiBiT comprising the MV fusion protein and hemagglutinin on their exterior surface. Overall, this simple, safe, and rapid method could be used to detect MV NAbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sunitinib, a targeted cancer drug, inhibits tyrosine kinases receptors and is widely used as first‐line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients undergoing chemotherapy with sunitinib frequently have oral mucosal complications, such as oral stomatitis, though cytotoxic effects of the drug on oral keratinocytes remain unknown. Methods: The effects of sunitinib on immortalized oral keratinocytes, RT7 cells, in regard to cell injury and apoptosis, as well as apoptosis‐mediated signaling pathways were investigated. Results: Sunitinib treatment caused a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in RT7 cells and primary oral keratinocytes. Additionally, the drug induced apoptosis‐related events, such as DNA fragmentation, decreased anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein expression, and induction of cleaved PARP and caspase 3/9 in RT7 cells. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not of ERK or JNK, was increased. On the contrary, constitutive phosphorylated STAT3 was decreased by sunitinib treatment, which was recovered by exposure to SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Finally, SB203580 was found to reduce sunitinib‐induced cell injury and apoptosis. Conclusion: The present results indicate that sunitinib promotes cell injury and apoptosis in oral keratinocytes via p38 activation and STAT3 downregulation. Sunitinib‐mediated oral complications may be associated with cytotoxic effects of the drug on oral keratinocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron sand around Mt. Aburayama (Fukuoka, Japan), where various ancient iron‐making sites are located, was investigated to establish a research infrastructure for identification of the raw material used in the archeological iron artifacts excavated from this area. Iron sand samples were magnetically collected from the rivers flowing in this area and nearby outcrop soil. The samples were qualitatively analyzed using Mössbauer spectroscopy and x‐ray diffractometry to identify the minerals present inside them. Additionally, the elemental concentrations in these samples were determined using x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. The iron sand samples were characterized by comparing them with those from other Japanese regions using scatter diagrams developed based on the elemental concentrations in the samples. The scatter diagrams showed clear distinctions between the iron sand samples from the Mt. Aburayama area and other Japanese regions. These diagrams may enable us to clarify the relationship between the iron sand and archeological iron artifacts found in the vicinity of Mt. Aburayama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The albumin‐indocyanine green evaluation (ALICE) score is a useful predictor of post‐hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF); however, its usefulness in combination with future liver remnant (FLR), measured by 3‐D volumetry, has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ALICE of the FLR (ALICE‐FLR) score and severe PHLF. Methods: The clinical data of 215 patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma without portal vein embolization at two institutes between January 2010 and December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. PHLF occurrence and severity were determined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery's definition. Grades B and C PHLF were defined as severe PHLF. The ALICE‐FLR, ALICE scores, and indocyanine green clearance of FLR (ICGK‐FLR) were evaluated for severe PHLF prediction. Results: Severe PHLF was observed in 40 patients (18.6%). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the ALICE‐FLR, ALICE scores, ICGK‐FLR, and FLR were 0.76, 0.64, 0.73, and 0.69, respectively. The AUC of the ALICE‐FLR score was significantly higher than that of the ALICE score. The ALICE‐FLR score was identified as an independent predictor of severe PHLF (the odds ratio for every 0.01 increment in the ALICE‐FLR score was 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.070–1.453; p = 0.004). Among patients with severe PHLF, the ALICE‐FLR score was significantly higher in the grade C than in the grade B PHLF group. Conclusion: The combination of liver function models, including indocyanine green, albumin, and FLR is considered compatible for predicting severe PHLF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defects in propionyl‐CoA (P‐CoA) catabolism; of note, liver neoplasms rarely occur as a long‐term complication of the disorder. Herein, we report the case of a patient with MMA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who was successfully treated with a living‐donor liver transplant (LDLT) following prior kidney transplantation. Case Report: A 25‐year‐old male patient with MMA underwent LDLT with a left lobe graft because of metabolic instability and liver neoplasms. He had presented with chronic symptoms of MMA, which had been diagnosed by genetic testing. Additionally, he had undergone living‐donor kidney transplantation with his father as the donor due to end‐stage kidney disease 6 years before the LDLT. He had an episode of metabolic decompensation triggered by coronavirus disease in 2019. Imaging studies revealed an intrahepatic neoplasm in the right hepatic lobe. Due to concerns about metabolic decompensation after hepatectomy, LDLT was performed using a left lobe graft obtained from the patient's mother. Pathological findings were consistent with the characteristics of well‐to‐moderately differentiated HCC. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 48 days after the LDLT without any complications. At the 9‐month follow‐up, the patient's condition was satisfactory, with sufficient liver graft function and without metabolic decompensation. Conclusion: This case indicates that although HCC is a rare complication in patients with MMA, clinicians should be aware of hepatic malignancies during long‐term follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate data on the high‐temperature thermophysical properties, which are density, surface tension, and viscosity, are indispensable for performing high‐precision casting simulations of Ni‐based superalloys. Viscosity is the most important thermophysical property for thermofluidic analysis. However, measuring the viscosity of an alloy, which is lower than that of molten glass, is difficult, and experimental viscosity data are limited. Herein, the density of Ni‐based superalloys is measured using the maximum bubble pressure (MBP) method to determine viscosity. The viscosity is evaluated using the oscillating crucible method. The surface tension is simultaneously measured using the MBP method. In these results, the average density values [kg m−3] of Alloy 65, Alloy 718, Alloy WA, and Alloy 720 are 7.52 × 103, 7.43 × 103, 7.82 × 103, and 7.52 × 103, respectively. The average surface tension values [N m−1] of Alloy 65, Alloy 718, Alloy WA, and Alloy 720 are 1.55, 1.54, 1.47, and 1.51, respectively. The fitting equations of the molten Ni‐based superalloys are as follows. 1) Alloy 65: ln(η [mPa s])=6569×(1θ [K])−1.844$$ \mathrm{ln}(\eta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{mPa}&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;\text{s}])=6569\times \left(\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$\theta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{K}]$}\right.\right)-1.844$$; 2) Alloy WA: ln(η [mPa s])=6097×(1θ [K])−1.621$$ \mathrm{ln}(\eta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{mPa}&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;\text{s}])=6097\times \left(\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$\theta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{K}]$}\right.\right)-1.621$$; 3) Alloy 720: ln(η [mPa s])=6179×(1θ [K])−1.700$$ \mathrm{ln}(\eta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{mPa}&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;\text{s}])=6179\times \left(\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$\theta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{K}]$}\right.\right)-1.700$$; 4) Alloy 718: ln(η [mPa s])=6344×(1θ [K])−1.724$$ \mathrm{ln}(\eta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{mPa}&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;\text{s}])=6344\times \left(\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$\theta &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;[\text{K}]$}\right.\right)-1.724$$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rauch–Steindl syndrome (RAUST) is a very rare genetic syndrome caused by a pathogenic variant in NSD2 on chromosome 4p16.3. Although NSD2 was previously thought to be the major gene in Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), a contiguous gene syndrome of chromosome 4p16.3 deletion, RAUST has been found to present different facial and clinical features from WHS. In this study, we report the details of two newly diagnosed individuals with RAUST in order to better understand the molecular and clinical features of RAUST. Methods: Whole‐genome sequencing was performed on two individuals with psychomotor delay and growth failure. Detailed clinical evaluation of growth parameters, craniofacial features, electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and developmental assessment were performed. Results: Both individuals had de novo truncating variants in NSD2. One had a novel variant (c.2470C>T, p.Arg824*), and the other had a recurrent variant (c.4028del, p.Pro1343Glnfs*49). Both exhibited characteristic RAUST facial features, growth failure, and mild psychomotor delay. A novel finding of RAUST was seen in individual 2, a Chiari malformation type 1, and both showed delayed bone age. They lacked common WHS features such as congenital heart defects, cleft lip/palate, and seizures (EEG with abnormal findings). Conclusion: We present a novel variant and clinical presentations of RAUST, expand the molecular and clinical diversity of RAUST, and improve our understanding of this rare syndrome, which is distinct from WHS. Further researches are needed on more RAUST cases and on functional analysis of NSD2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) signalling is one of the critical pathways in fibroblast activation, and several drugs targeting the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway in heart failure with cardiac fibrosis are being tested in clinical trials. Some caveolins and cavins, which are components of caveolae on the plasma membrane, are known for their association with the regulation of TGF‐β signalling. Cavin‐2 is particularly abundant in fibroblasts; however, the detailed association between Cavin‐2 and cardiac fibrosis is still unclear. We tried to clarify the involvement and role of Cavin‐2 in fibroblasts and cardiac fibrosis. Methods and results: To clarify the role of Cavin‐2 in cardiac fibrosis, we performed transverse aortic constriction (TAC) operations on four types of mice: wild‐type (WT), Cavin‐2 null (Cavin‐2 KO), Cavin‐2flox/flox, and activated fibroblast‐specific Cavin‐2 conditional knockout (Postn‐Cre/Cavin‐2flox/flox, Cavin‐2 cKO) mice. We collected mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from WT and Cavin‐2 KO mice and investigated the effect of Cavin‐2 in fibroblast trans‐differentiation into myofibroblasts and associated TGF‐β signalling. Four weeks after TAC, cardiac fibrotic areas in both the Cavin‐2 KO and the Cavin‐2 cKO mice were significantly decreased compared with each control group (WT 8.04 ± 1.58% vs. Cavin‐2 KO 0.40 ± 0.03%, P < 0.01; Cavin‐2flox/flox, 7.19 ± 0.50% vs. Cavin‐2 cKO 0.88 ± 0.44%, P < 0.01). Fibrosis‐associated mRNA expression (Col1a1, Ctgf, and Col3) was significantly attenuated in the Cavin‐2 KO mice after TAC. α1 type I collagen deposition and non‐vascular αSMA‐positive cells (WT 43.5 ± 2.4% vs. Cavin‐2 KO 25.4 ± 3.2%, P < 0.01) were reduced in the heart of the Cavin‐2 cKO mice after TAC operation. The levels of αSMA protein (0.36‐fold, P < 0.05) and fibrosis‐associated mRNA expression (Col1a1, 0.69‐fold, P < 0.01; Ctgf, 0.27‐fold, P < 0.01; Col3, 0.60‐fold, P < 0.01) were decreased in the Cavin‐2 KO MEFs compared with the WT MEFs. On the other hand, αSMA protein levels were higher in the Cavin‐2 overexpressed MEFs compared with the control MEFs (2.40‐fold, P < 0.01). TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2 phosphorylation was attenuated in the Cavin‐2 KO MEFs compared with WT MEFs (0.60‐fold, P < 0.01). Heat shock protein 90 protein levels were significantly reduced in the Cavin‐2 KO MEFs compared with the WT MEFs (0.69‐fold, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Cavin‐2 loss suppressed fibroblast trans‐differentiation into myofibroblasts through the TGF‐β/Smad signalling. The loss of Cavin‐2 in cardiac fibroblasts suppresses cardiac fibrosis and may maintain cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is characterized by growth impairment, psychomotor delay, congenital heart disease, and distinctive facial features. KMT2D and KDM6A have been identified as the causative genes of KS. Craniosynostosis (CS) has been reported in individuals with KS; however, its prevalence and clinical implications remain unclear. In this retrospective study, we investigated the occurrence of CS in individuals with genetically diagnosed KS and examined its clinical significance. Among 42 individuals with genetically diagnosed KS, 21 (50%) exhibited CS, with 10 individuals requiring cranioplasty. No significant differences were observed based on sex, causative gene, and molecular consequence among individuals with KS who exhibited CS. Both individuals who underwent evaluation with three‐dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) and those who required surgery tended to exhibit cranial dysmorphology. Notably, in several individuals, CS was diagnosed before KS, suggesting that CS could be one of the clinical features by which clinicians can diagnose KS. This study highlights that CS is one of the noteworthy complications in KS, emphasizing the importance of monitoring cranial deformities in the health management of individuals with KS. The findings suggest that in individuals where CS is a concern, conducting 3DCT evaluations for CS and digital impressions are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of exercise intolerance and persistent fatigue which can follow an infection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus ("long COVID") is not fully understood. Cases were recruited from a long COVID clinic (N = 32; 44 ± 12 years; 10 (31%) men), and age‐/sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) (N = 19; 40 ± 13 years; 6 (32%) men) from University College London staff and students. We assessed exercise performance, lung and cardiac function, vascular health, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Key outcome measures for each physiological system were compared between groups using potential outcome means (95% confidence intervals) adjusted for potential confounders. Long COVID participant outcomes were compared to normative values. When compared to HC, cases exhibited reduced oxygen uptake efficiency slope (1847 (1679, 2016) vs. 2176 (1978, 2373) mL/min, p = 0.002) and anaerobic threshold (13.2 (12.2, 14.3) vs. 15.6 (14.4, 17.2) mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), and lower oxidative capacity, measured using near infrared spectroscopy (τ: 38.7 (31.9, 45.6) vs. 24.6 (19.1, 30.1) s, p = 0.001). In cases, ANS measures fell below normal limits in 39%. Long COVID is associated with reduced measures of exercise performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in the absence of evidence of microvascular dysfunction, suggesting mitochondrial pathology. There was evidence of attendant ANS dysregulation in a significant proportion. These multisystem factors might contribute to impaired exercise tolerance in long COVID sufferers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local‐to‐unity and moderate‐deviations specifications have been popular alternatives to unit root modeling. This article considers another kind of departures from a unit root, of the form cvt/Tβ, where vt is random and β determines the distance from a unit root. We classify the stochastic departures into two types: local and moderate. This classification task is completed by investigating the asymptotic behavior of unit root tests that assume the stochastic unit root (STUR) processes as the alternative hypothesis. The stochastic local‐to‐unity model arises when β=3/4; in this case, the test statistics have limiting distributions different from those under the unit root null, and their asymptotic powers are greater than size. Moderate deviations emerge when 1/2≤β<3/4, in which case the test statistics diverge. We also propose new tests for a unit root against an STUR, whose construction is based on the limit theory developed in this article. To evaluate the performance of these new tests, we derive the limiting Gaussian power envelope under the local alternative from an approximate model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Minimally invasive surgeries for endometrial cancer are increasing worldwide. In Japan, some articles have examined surgical outcomes, but only a few have addressed oncological outcomes. This study aims to compare robot surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and laparotomy in terms of surgical and oncological outcomes within a low‐risk group for endometrial cancer recurrence. Methods: This study included patients with endometrial cancer deemed to be at low risk of recurrence and who underwent surgery between January 2011 and December 2020. We studied 99 patients who underwent robot surgery, 85 patients who underwent laparotomy, and 77 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared retrospectively for these groups of patients. Results: The median follow‐up period was 47, 61, and 60 months in the laparotomy, laparoscopy, and robotic groups, respectively. The three groups had similar perioperative and pathological data. No significant differences in overall survival and disease‐free survival were observed among the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses conducted on the overall study population for disease‐free survival and overall survival showed that the surgical approach did not have any influence. Minimally invasive surgery groups had longer operating times compared to the laparotomy group, but they had significantly less blood loss. The number of resected pelvic lymph nodes was similar, and the complication rate was not significant. Conclusions: Robot‐assisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery were found to be less invasive and showed similar oncologic outcomes compared to laparotomy surgery for endometrial cancer in patients with a low risk of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence for a role of common infections in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases is conflicting, and the extent to which pathogen exposure associates with subclinical imaging markers of these diseases is unclear. We aimed to investigate associations between a panel of serological measures characterising exposure to common pathogens – selected based on their relevance to public health – and brain volume, hippocampal volume, and white matter lesions in two population‐based cohorts in the UK. Method: Serology and imaging data were available for 1371 participants across two studies: the UK Biobank (N = 935, mean age(SD)[years] = 55.3(7.7) at serology; 63.8(7.7) at imaging) and the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development [N = 436, mean age(SD) [years] = 63.3(1.1) years at serology; 70.7(0.7) years at imaging). Serology measures included a) serostatuses of 17 pathogens, b) total proportion of 17 pathogens exposed to, and c) total proportion of 11 neurotropic pathogens exposed to (Table 1). Associations between serology measures and outcomes (brain volume, hippocampal volume, and white matter lesion volume) were tested using linear regression. Regression models included adjustments for total intracranial volume and clinic information (basic models), and age, sex, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic position and lifestyle factors (Figure 1). Findings across cohorts were meta‐analysed using random‐effects models. The present study will be expanded to include an additional cohort (Southall and Brent Revisited,N≤1200) to add more precision for identifying associations. Result: Seropositivity to seven pathogens associated with an outcome in basic models, and four in fully‐adjusted models: seropositivity to JC virus was associated with smaller brain volumes, Epstein‐Barr virus with larger brain volumes, Merkel cell virus with larger hippocampal volumes and fewer white matter lesions, and C.trachomatis with fewer white matter lesions (Figure 2). Neurotropic pathogen burden scores associated with smaller hippocampal volumes in basic models, but no associations were seen for either pathogen burden score in fully‐adjusted models. Conclusion: We found some evidence of both positive and negative associations between common infections and imaging markers of subclinical cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration, with no evidence of relationships with pathogen burden. This work highlights key relationships for further investigation, which may reveal novel pathways associated with brain structure and cerebrovascular pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]