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The pH of coastal seawater varies based on several local forcings, such as water circulation, terrestrial inputs, and biological processes, and these forcings are changing along with global climate change. Understanding the mechanism of pH variation in each coastal area is thus important for a realistic future projection that considers changes in these forcings. From 2020 to 2021, we performed parallel year-round observations of pH and related ocean parameters at five stations around the Japanese coast (Miyako Bay, Shizugawa Bay, Kashiwazaki Coast, Hinase Archipelago, and Ohno Strait) to understand the characteristics of short-term pH variations and their forcings. Annual variability (∼ 1 standard deviation) of pH and aragonite saturation state (Ωar) were 0.05–0.09 and 0.25–0.29, respectively, for three areas with low anthropogenic pressures (Miyako Bay, Kashiwazaki Coast, and Shizugawa Bay), while it increased to 0.16–0.21 and 0.52–0.58, respectively, in two areas with medium anthropogenic pressures (Hinase Archipelago and Ohno Strait in Seto Inland Sea). Statistical assessment of temporal variability at various timescales revealed that most of the annual variabilities in both pH and Ωar were derived by short-term variation at a timescale of <10 d, rather than seasonal-scale variation. Our analyses further illustrated that most of the short-term pH variation was caused by biological processes, while both thermodynamic and biological processes equally contributed to the temporal variation in Ωar. The observed results showed that short-term acidification with Ωar < 1.5 occurred occasionally in Miyako and Shizugawa bays, while it occurred frequently in the Hinase Archipelago and Ohno Strait. Most of such short-term acidified events were related to short-term low-salinity events. Our analyses showed that the amplitude of short-term pH variation was linearly correlated with that of short-term salinity variation, and its regression coefficient at the time of high freshwater input was positively correlated with the nutrient concentration of the main river that flows into the coastal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (Fg complex) are the primary pathogens that cause Fusarium head blight in wheat and barley. Fg complex members grow poorly on Fusarium oxysporum-selective media, such as Komada and Fo-G2, that have also been used for the isolation of other Fusarium species. Therefore, Komada medium was modified as FG medium for the isolation of Fg complex members. However, the production of pentachloronitrobenzene that is the most effective component of FG medium is discontinued and new media is required for the selective isolation of Fg complex members. In addition, the rapid diagnosis of isolated fungi is useful for the disease control. Novel tools have been developed for isolating and characterizing Fg complex members. FG21, a semi-selective medium for isolating Fg complex members, was developed using potato dextrose agar. Furthermore, a dipstick DNA chromatography assay was developed both to identify Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto and Fusarium asiaticum in the Fg complex and their trichothecene mycotoxin types. The easier isolation and characterization of Fg complex members in Japan was attained by the combined use of FG21 medium and the dipstick DNA chromatography assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the safety of triptan use during pregnancy in a Japanese population, we descriptively analyzed the data on pregnancy and fetal outcomes from 128 pregnant women using triptans for migraine treatment at two Japanese facilities that provided counseling on drug exposure in pregnancy between 2001 and 2017. The risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm birth were similar to those reported in the demographic statistics in Japan. The incidence proportion of malformation was also within the baseline risk range. Accumulated data suggest that exposure to triptans during pregnancy does not clearly increase the risk of negative pregnancy and fetal outcomes. This finding can help reduce anxiety in pregnant women with migraines who are taking triptans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Normal non-pathogenic flora can harm the host by acting as a reservoir of resistance determinants that are potentially transferable to human pathogens. This study aimed to assess the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the Bacteroides fragilis group (BFG) isolated from healthy individuals in Vietnam and Japan in order to elucidate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in human flora in the two economically and geographically different countries. Materials and Methods: BFG was isolated from fecal samples of 80 healthy individuals in Vietnam (n=51) and Japan (n=29). Isolated strains were identified using MALDI-TOF MS, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 18 antibiotics was determined using the agar dilution method. Additionally, 20 antimicrobial resistance genes were detected using standard PCR. Results: A total of 139 BFG strains belonging to 11 BFG species were isolated from the two countries, with diversity in the prevalence of each species. B. fragilis was not the predominant species. Isolations from Vietnam and Japan showed some similarities in terms of MIC50 values, MIC90 values, and the percentage of resistant strains. However, isolations from Vietnam showed significantly higher resistance to piperacillin, cefmetazole, clindamycin, tetracycline, and minocycline. ErmB, tet 36, tetM, nim, catA, and qnrA were not found in either country. CepA was more common in B. fragilis than in non-fragilis Bacteroides. In contrast, cfiA, ermG, mefA, msrSA, tetX, tetX1, bexA, qnrB, and qnrS were found only in non-fragilis Bacteroides. There were differences in the prevalence of ermG, linA, mefA, msrSA, and qnrS between isolates from Vietnam and Japan. Conclusion: This study is the first report on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in the BFG isolated from healthy individuals in Vietnam and Japan. Compared to isolations from Japan, isolations from Vietnam showed significantly higher resistance to antimicrobial agents. The distribution of various antibiotic resistance genes also differed between the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racemic RS‐4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanol (rhododendrol; trade name: Rhododenol [RD]), which is used in topical skin‐lightening cosmetics, was unexpectedly reported in Japan to induce leukoderma or vitiligo called RD‐induced leukoderma (RIL) after repeated application. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated chemical‐induced vitiligo pathogenesis on a genome‐wide scale. Here, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for 147 cases and 112 controls. CDH13, encoding a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein called T‐cadherin (T‐cad), was identified as the strongest RIL susceptibility gene. RD sensitivity was remarkably increased by T‐cad knockdown in cultured normal human melanocytes. Furthermore, we confirmed tyrosinase upregulation and downregulation of the anti‐apoptotic molecules (BCL‐2 and BCL‐XL), suggesting that T‐cad is associated with RD via tyrosinase or apoptotic pathway regulation. Finally, monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone sensitivity also tended to increase with T‐cad knockdown, suggesting that the T‐cad could be a candidate susceptibility gene for RIL and other chemical‐induced vitiligo forms. This is the first GWAS for chemical‐induced vitiligo, and it could be a useful model for studying the disease's genetic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key missions of the International Federation of Pigment Cell Societies (IFPCS) are to provide interaction between members of the sister societies (Asian Society for Pigment Cell Research (ASPCR), European Society for Pigment Cell Research (ESPCR), Japanese Society for Pigment Cell Research (JSPCR), and Pan-American Society for Pigment Cell Research (PASPCR)), and to disseminate cutting-edge research by hosting the International Pigment Cell Conference (IPCC) and support of the Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research Journal. The IPCC is held every three years, bringing together pigment cell and melanoma biologists, clinicians, and students from around the world. We are grateful to Dr. Setaluri and the Associate Editors of PCMR for their gracious support in bringing you a taste of some of the talks that would have been presented and an opportunity to combine our IFPCS missions to support the IPCC and PCMR. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Aerosol samples in the urban atmosphere of Kumamoto (32°48′N, 134°45′E) in southwestern Japan were collected onto aluminum foil strips. Parts of the samples were heated to 550 °C in pure helium gas, and oxygen (2%)–helium (98%) mixture gas. Particles in unheated and heated parts were characterized individually by their morphology and elemental composition using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. There were mainly two types of soot-containing particles according to the morphology: chain-like and sub-round. Chain-like particles were likely young soot particles because such particles in heated specimens showed similar morphology to those in unheated specimen. In contrast, the sub-round particles were composed of volatile species encapsulated with soot. The heating caused partial evaporation of such particles, and the soot inclusions could be identified only after the heating. The volatile species frequently contained sulfur compounds, but sulfur was not detected in the residues, suggesting that the volatile species were mainly produced on soot particles in the atmosphere. The sub-round soot-containing particles were approximately 3 times larger in diameter than the inclusions. These results suggest that soot particles could be substantially modified in size and composition by volatile species in the urban atmosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Eight spindle-shaped bacteria were isolated from clinical samples in Japan and investigated for their taxonomic position. Phylogenetic trees (based on 16S rRNA, rpoB , zinc protease, and gyrB gene sequence comparisons) showed distinct clustering of eight strains with the type strain of Fusobacterium nucleatum and its closely related species. In silico whole genome comparison analysis based on average nucleotide index based on BLAST (ANIb) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) data between our clinical isolates (PAGU 1795, PAGU 1796T, and PAGU 1797) and the type strain of the closely related species showed values of less than 92.4% and 49.5%, respectively. On the basis of its phylogenetic and genomic distinctiveness together with differential phenotypic properties and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) characteristic signal patterns, we propose Fusobacterium watanabei sp. nov., with the type strain PAGU 1796T (= GTC 21791T = CCUG 74246T). • The isolate was shown to represent a new species, proposed as Fusobacterium watanabeii sp. nov. • Strains of F. watanabeii were isolated from various human clinical samples; ascites fluid, Pleural effusion, and Pus. • The usefulness of MALDI-TOF-MS was reconfirmed for the identification of Fusobacterium nucleatum and the related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by depigmented patches on the skin that majorly impact patients' quality of life. Although its etiology involves genetic and environmental factors, the role of microorganisms as environmental factors in vitiligo pathology remains under-researched., Objectives: Our study explored the presence of characteristic bacterial and fungal flora in vitiligo-affected skin and investigated their potential roles in vitiligo pathogenesis., Methods: We sequenced bacterial 16S rRNA and the fungal ITS1 region from skin swabs collected at frequently affected sites, namely the forehead and back, of patients with vitiligo. We analyzed bacterial and fungal flora in lesional and non-lesional areas of patients with vitiligo compared with corresponding sites in age- and sex-matched healthy subjects., Results: Our findings revealed elevated α-diversity in both bacterial and fungal flora within vitiligo lesions compared with healthy controls. Notably, bacterial flora exhibited a distinctive composition in patients with vitiligo, and the proportional representation of Enterococcus was inversely correlated with the degree of vitiligo progression. Gammaproteobacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp. were more abundant in vitiligo patients, with notable Staphylococcus spp. prevalence during the stable phase on the forehead. Conversely, the proportion of Malassezia sympodialis was lower and that of Malassezia globosa was higher in the progressive phase on the back of vitiligo patients., Conclusion: Our study identified some characteristic bacterial and fungal groups associated with vitiligo activity and prognosis, highlighting the potential roles of microorganisms in pathogenesis and offering insights into personalized disease-management approaches., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between milk and dairy product intakes, intestinal bacteria, and respiratory infections in children of elementary school age and older in Japan., Methods: We conducted cross-sectional surveys each year from 2013 to 2015 for grades 2, 5, and 8 students of an elementary and junior high school (n = 1020). Exclusion owing to ineligibility regarding data on dietary intake, respiratory infections, and intestinal bacteria led to 922 participants for the analyses. Dietary intake was assessed with a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Respiratory infections occurring ≥ 4 episodes over the past year were determined based on the caregivers' reports. Intestinal bacteria (species and counts) were analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs., Results: The odds of ≥ 4 respiratory infection episodes decreased with higher milk intake after adjusting for potential confounders, and the ORs (95% CIs) for the second and third tertile categories, compared with the first tertile category, were 0.91 (0.58-1.42) and 0.48 (0.29-0.77), respectively (P for trend = 0.001). A decreasing trend in the ORs for lactic acid drink intake was observed only in those with a low count of intestinal Faecalibacterium prausnitzii., Conclusions: We found that higher milk intake was inversely associated with respiratory infections in children older than preschool age. Higher lactic acid drink intake could be inversely associated only in children with a low F. prausnitzii count in the intestine., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Michiyo Yamakawa reports financial support was provided by Japan Dairy Association. Chisato Nagata reports financial support was provided by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) provide renal protection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to elucidate the renal effects of long-term use of six types of SGLT2is in Japanese patients with T2DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: The Kanagawa Physicians Association maintains a registry of patients who visit their 31 clinics. We retrieved clinical data of patients with T2DM and CKD who were prescribed with SGLT2is for >1 year. Results: A total of 763 patients with a median treatment duration of 33 months were included. The logarithmic value of urine albumin-creatinine ratio (LNACR) decreased significantly from 1.60 ± 0.65 to 1.51 ± 0.67. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the LNACR at the initiation of treatment, change in (Δ) diastolic blood pressure, and Δ hemoglobin A1c were independently correlated with ΔLNACR ( P  < 0.001). The decrease in the LNACR was significantly smaller in the patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [mL/(min ·1.73 m 2 )] of <60 ( P  < 0.05). The eGFR decreased from 77.4 ± 22.3 to 72.7 ± 22.5 mL/(min ·1.73 m 2 ) ( P  < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the LNACR at the initiation of treatment, Δbody weight at the previous survey, ΔeGFR at the previous survey, and the eGFR at the initiation of treatment correlated independently with ΔeGFR during the maintenance period ( P  < 0.001). Greater changes in the eGFR during the maintenance period were observed in the patients with macroalbuminuria or eGFR of <60 ( P  < 0.01). Conclusions: The study confirmed that the long-term use of six types of SGLT2i improved the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), although the eGFR gradually decreased during the treatment. The change in the ACR was significantly smaller in the patients with eGFR of <60 mL/(min ·1.73 m 2 ) than in those with eGFR of >60 mL/(min ·1.73 m 2 ). However, this was a retrospective observational study; further studies are needed to formulate final conclusions.

Albinism, which is commonly inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, is characterized by a reduction or absence of melanin in the eyes, skin, and hair. To date, more than 20 causal genes for albinism have been identified; thus, the accurate diagnosis of albinism requires next-generation sequencing (NGS). In this study, we analyzed 46 patients who tested negative for oculocutaneous albinism (OCA)1-4 and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS)1 based on conventional analysis, in addition to 28 new Japanese patients, using NGS-based targeted resequencing. We identified a genetic background for albinism in 18 of the 46 patients (39%), who were previously tested negative according to the conventional analysis. In addition, we unveiled a genetic predisposition toward albinism in 23 of the 28 new patients (82%). We identified six patients with rare subtypes of albinism, including HPS3, HPS4, and HPS6, and found 12 novel pathological mutations in albinism-related genes. Furthermore, most patients who were not diagnosed with albinism by the NGS analysis showed mild manifestations of albinism without apparent eye symptoms and harbored only one heterozygous mutation, occasionally in combination with skin-color associated gene variants., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Coronary artery spasm plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various ischemic heart diseases or serious arrhythmia. The aim of this study is to look for functional foods which have physiologically active substances preventing 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-related vasospastic diseases including peri- and postoperative ischemic complications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from ocean resources in Japanese coastal waters. First, we evaluated the effect of water-soluble ocean resource extracts on the response to 5-HT in HEK293 cells which have forcibly expressed cyan fluorescent protein-fused 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2A-CFP). Among 5 different water-soluble extracts of ocean resources, the crude water-soluble jack-knife prawn extract (WJPE) significantly reduced maximal Ca(2+) influx induced by 0.1 μM 5-HT in a concentration-dependent manner. The Crude WJPE significantly inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, 5-HT-induced constriction of human saphenous vein. 5-HT released from activated platelets plays a crucial roles in the constriction of coronary artery. Next the WJPE was purified for applying the experiment of 5-HT-induced human platelet aggregation. The purified WJPE significantly inhibited 5-HT-induced human platelet aggregation also in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on our findings, jack-knife prawn could be one of a functional food with health-promoting benefits for most people with vasospastic diseases including patients who have gone CABG.

Background: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) type 3 caused by mutations of the TYRP1 gene is an autosomal recessive disorder of pigmentation characterized by reduced biosynthesis of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eye. The clinical phenotype has been reported as mild in Caucasian OCA3 patients., Objective: We had the opportunity to examine a Japanese girl with OCA3 and investigated activity of TYRP1 protein derived from the mutant allele detected in the patient., Methods: Mutation search for OCA responsible genes was done. A mutant allele with a missense mutation was analyzed using melanocyte cultures (b cells) established from a mouse model of OCA3., Results: Compound heterozygous mutations, p.C30R and p.367fsX384, were detected in the Japanese girl. Then we revealed that the missense mutation, p.C30R, was functionally incapable of melanin synthesis with in vitro experiments., Conclusion: This is the first report of the occurrence of OCA3 in Japanese population., (Copyright © 2011 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to build a ceftriaxone population pharmacokinetic model for Japanese paediatric patients and to examine the dosing regimen of ceftriaxone based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis., Methods: The population pharmacokinetic analysis using NONMEM was based on published serum concentrations of ceftriaxone. A Monte Carlo simulation was examined to evaluate the time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (TAM) in 20 and 60 mg/kg body weight dose regimen using the population pharmacokinetic parameters., Key Findings: The time course of the serum concentration of ceftriaxone in paediatric patients was fitted to a two-compartment model and body weight was incorporated to pharmacokinetic parameters as the covariate. Based on the percent TAM estimated from the final population pharmacokinetic model and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftriaxone in 2004, we have predicted that the once daily administration of 20 mg/kg ceftriaxone would be effective on various infecting organisms., Conclusions: A population pharmacokinetic model of ceftriaxone was built for Japanese paediatric patients based on the available data. The estimated PK/PD result confirmed the appropriateness of once daily dose of 20 mg/kg. In some patients for whom no efficacy was observed at 20 mg/kg, an increase to 60 mg/kg may be required., (© 2010 The Authors. JPP © 2010 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

Objective: By using a population pharmacokinetic analysis method, we predicted the efficacy of Ceftriaxone (CTRX) based on the pharmacokinetics of CTRX in Japanese adults and the sensitivity of infective organisms to CTRX in 2004. In addition, we clarified the difference in efficacy between once-a-day administration and twice-a-day administration., Methods: The population pharmacokinetic analysis was based on the serum concentrations of CTRX already published by NONMEM. The possible effect of body weight and age on the pharmacokinetics of CTRX was examined using a model which incorporated the change of a specific protein-binding ratio of CTRX. A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted based on the population pharmacokinetic parameters obtained by this analysis, and thereby the time above MIC (TAM) was determined from the MIC values of CTRX administered once at 0.5, 1, and 2 g and twice at 1 g. The efficacy ratio was predicted from the TAM thus obtained., Results: Because the time course of serum concentration of CTRX in adult subjects was fitted to a 2-compartment model and both body weight and age were not incorporated as the covariate, the dosing method by which a fixed amount of CTRX is administered to patients has been thought to be adequate. Based on the efficacy ratio estimated from the MIC of CTRX, we have predicted that the once-a-day administration of CTRX even at 0.5g is effective on various infecting organisms.

Although the presence of racial differences in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas has been suggested, fully analyzed data concerning such tumors in Japanese women have not been reported. A total of 21 vulvar squamous cell carcinomas of Japanese women who lived in north-east Japan, were studied with respect to histological subtype, HPV, p53 and p16(INK4a). The majority of tumors consisted of keratinizing and non-keratinizing types (16/21, 76%), all of which were negative for HPV. The remaining five tumors of basaloid, warty or verrucous types were positive for HPV. HPV-negative tumors showed a trend of greater accumulation of gene abnormalities, including p53 gene mutation, than HPV-positive ones. p16(INK4a) overexpression was shown to not always be a marker for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in Japanese women with activated high-risk HPV.

Three mycobacterium strains isolated from clinical specimens in Japan were provisionally assigned to the genus Mycobacterium based on their phenotypical characteristics. These isolates were further investigated to determine their specific taxonomic statuses. Mycolic acid analysis and 16S rRNA gene, rpoB, and hsp65 sequence data for the isolates showed that they are most similar to M. terrae complex. DNA-DNA hybridization studies indicated that the three strains were of two species and were distinguishable from M. terrae, M. nonchromogenicum, and M. hiberniae. Therefore, these strains represent two novel species within the genus Mycobacterium. However, one potential new species should have been considered as M. arupense with the 16S rRNA gene and hsp65 sequences similarities of 99.8% and 100% respectively; it was isolated from human specimens in the United States and was proposed in June 2006 as a new species. This report describes the first isolation of M. arupense in Japan, suggesting that the organism is clinically relevant. In addition, we propose the novel species designation Mycobacterium kumamotonense sp. nov. The type strain is CST 7247(T) (=GTC 2729(T), =JCM 13453(T), =CCUG 51961(T)).

To investigate whether the biological toxicity of aquatic hypercapnia is due to the direct effects of CO2 or to the effects of acidification of seawater by CO2, the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was subjected to seawater equilibrated with a gas mixture of air containing 5% CO2 (pH 6.18) or seawater acidified to the same pH with 1 N H2SO4. All the fish died within 72 h in the CO2 exposure group, whereas no mortality occurred in the acid group. Acid-base parameters as well as plasma ion concentrations were severely perturbed in the CO2 exposure group, whereas they were minimally affected in the acid group. These results clearly demonstrate that the mortality in the CO2 group is a direct result of the elevated levels of dissolved CO2 and not to the effects of the reduced water pH.