Search

Background: The anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) is effective for reaching petroclival lesions, and it allows for complications such as impaired venous return and neuropathy to be resolved. However, there is still room for improvement regarding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Here, we aim to focus on describing specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative countermeasures for preventing CSF leakage when using the ATPA. Methods: Eleven patients treated using the ATPA, who were treated at our hospital from June 2019 to February 2023, were included in this descriptive study. Preoperatively, we performed a 3D simulation of the opened air cells. Then, we classified patterns of dural closure into three types based on intradural manipulation and whether it involved opened air cells or not. Intraoperatively, we performed a dural closure that included the use of more-watertight sutures (DuraGen®) and an endoscope. Furthermore, temporal bone air cell volume measurements were performed to confirm the correlation between the volume and factors related to CSF leakage. Results: No postoperative CSF leakage was observed in any patient. The temporal bone air cell volumes significantly corelated with the air cells of the petrous apex, the high-risk tract in the petrous apex, and postoperative fluid collection in mastoid air cells. Conclusions: We have described countermeasures for preventing CSF leakage when using the ATPA. Preoperative simulations and the use of multiple-layered dural reconstructions with endoscopes could be considered more reliable methods for preventing CSF leakage when using the ATPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytohormones are essential signalling molecules globally regulating many processes of plants, including their growth, development, and stress responses. The promotion of growth and the enhancement of stress resistance have to be balanced, especially under adverse conditions such as drought stress, because of limited resources. Plants cope with drought stress via various strategies, including the transcriptional regulation of stress-responsive genes and the adjustment of metabolism, and phytohormones play roles in these processes. Although abscisic acid (ABA) is an important signal under drought, less attention has been paid to other phytohormones. In this review, we summarize progress in the understanding of phytohormone-regulated primary metabolism under water-limited conditions, especially in Arabidopsis thaliana , and highlight recent findings concerning the amino acids associated with ABA metabolism and signalling. We also discuss how phytohormones function antagonistically and synergistically in order to balance growth and stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a space project, in "Stem Cells" by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), frozen mouse ES cells were stored on the International Space Station (ISS) in the Minus Eighty Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) for 1584 days. After taking these cells back to the ground, the cells were thawed and cultured, and their gene expressions were comprehensively analyzed using RNA sequencing in order to elucidate the early response of the cells to long-time exposure to space radiation consisting of various ionized particles. The comparisons of gene expression involved in double-stranded break (DSB) repair were examined. The expressions of most of the genes that were involved in homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) were not significantly changed between the ISS-stocked cells and ground-stocked control cells. However, the transcription of Trp53inp1 (tumor protein 53 induced nuclear protein-1), Cdkn1a (p21), and Mdm2 genes increased in ISS-stocked cells as well as Fe ion-irradiated cells compared to control cells. This suggests that accumulated DNA damage caused by space radiation exposure would activate these genes, which are involved in cell cycle arrest for repair and apoptosis in a p53-dependent or -independent manner, in order to prevent cells with damaged genomes from proliferating and forming tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While depression has been associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function, there is still controversy regarding the nature and extent of the dysfunction, such as in the debate about hypercortisolism vs. hypocortisolism. It may therefore be necessary to understand whether and how HPA axis function in depression is linked to mRNA expression of key genes regulating this system. We studied 163 depressed outpatients, most of whom were chronically ill, and 181 healthy controls. Blood mRNA expression levels of NR3C1 (including GRα , GRβ , and GR-P isoforms), FKBP4 , and FKBP5 were measured at baseline. HPA axis feedback sensitivity was measured by the dexamethasone (Dex)/corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test. The association between mRNA expression levels and HPA axis feedback sensitivity was examined. Compared to controls, patients showed significantly higher expression of GRα and lower expression of FKBP5 , and higher post-Dex cortisol levels, even after controlling for age and sex. FKBP5 expression was significantly positively correlated with cortisol levels in patients, while GRα expression was significantly negatively correlated with cortisol levels in controls. Most patients were taking psychotropic medications. The large number of correlation tests may have caused type I errors. The tripartite relationship between depression, mRNA expression of GR and FKBP5 , and HPA axis function suggests that the altered gene expression affects HPA axis dysregulation and, as a result, impacts the development and/or illness course of depressive disorder. The combination of increased GRα expression and decreased FKBP5 expression may serve as a biomarker for chronic depression. • We examined blood mRNA expression of GR isoforms and FKBP4 / FKBP5 in depression. • Compared to controls, patients showed higher GRα and lower FKBP5 expression levels. • Compared to controls, patients had higher post-dexamethasone cortisol levels. • The differential gene expression was linked to altered HPA axis feedback sensitivity. • Gene expression affects HPA axis function, thereby possibly impacting depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected approximately 800 million people since the start of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because of the high rate of mutagenesis in SARS-CoV-2, it is difficult to develop a sustainable approach for prevention and treatment. The Envelope (E) protein is highly conserved among human coronaviruses. Previous studies reported that SARS-CoV-1 E deficiency reduced viral propagation, suggesting that E inhibition might be an effective therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report inhibitory peptides against SARS-CoV-2 E protein named iPep-SARS2-E. Leveraging E-induced alterations in proton homeostasis and NFAT/AP-1 pathway in mammalian cells, we developed screening platforms to design and optimize the peptides that bind and inhibit E protein. Using Vero-E6 cells, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived branching lung organoid and mouse models with SARS-CoV-2, we found that iPep-SARS2-E significantly inhibits virus egress and reduces viral cytotoxicity and propagation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the peptide can be customizable for E protein of other human coronaviruses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The results indicate that E protein can be a potential therapeutic target for human coronaviruses. The envelope protein is highly conserved among human coronaviruses, suggesting it could be a good drug target. Here, the authors develop a platform for the identification and optimization of peptides targeting the coronavirus envelope, and show that iPep-SARS2-E inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung organoids and in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex consists of more than ten component proteins that form a large protein complex of >1 MDa. The catalytic proteins Smarca4 or Smarca2 work in concert with the component proteins to form a chromatin platform suitable for transcriptional regulation. However, the mechanism by which each component protein works synergistically with the catalytic proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we report on the function of Smarce1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex, through the phenotypic analysis of homozygous mutant embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Disruption of Smarce1 induced the dissociation of other complex components from the SWI/SNF complex. Histone binding to DNA was loosened in homozygous mutant ESCs, indicating that disruption of Smarce1 decreased nucleosome stability. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis suggested that there was an ectopic genomic distribution of the SWI/SNF complex upon disruption of Smarce1, accounting for the misregulation of chromatin conformations. Unstable nucleosomes remained during ESC differentiation, impairing the heterochromatin formation that is characteristic of the differentiation process. These results suggest that Smarce1 guides the SWI/SNF complex to the appropriate genomic regions to generate chromatin structures adequate for transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an unmet need for antifibrotic therapies to prevent the progression of liver cirrhosis. Previously, we conducted an exploratory trial to assess the safety and antifibrotic efficacy of PRI-724, a selective CBP/β-catenin inhibitor, in patients with liver cirrhosis. PRI-724 was well tolerated and exerted a potential antifibrotic effect. Here, we investigated whether the profiles of circulating microRNAs packaged in extracellular vesicles (EV-miRNAs) are associated with responses to liver fibrosis treatments. Eighteen patients who received PRI-724 for 12 weeks in a phase 1/2a study were classified as responders (n = 10) or non-responders (n = 8) based on changes in liver stiffness. Plasma samples were obtained before and after PRI-724 administration and the levels of EV-miRNAs were analyzed. Three miRNAs (miR-6510-5p, miR-6772-5p, and miR-4261) were identified as predictors of response or non-response to PRI-724, and the levels of three other miRNAs (miR-939-3p, miR-887-3p, and miR-7112-5p) correlated with the efficacy of treatment. Expression of miR-887-3p was detected in hepatocytes and was decreased significantly in liver tissue following PRI-724 treatment. In addition, transfection of a miR-887-3p mimic activated hepatic stellate cells. Thus, decreases in the miR-887-3p level in blood may reflect recovery from liver fibroses in patients with liver cirrhosis treated with PRI-724, although further validation studies are warranted to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Esophagectomy is the primary surgical treatment for esophageal cancer, although other treatment approaches are often incorporated, including preoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. The two major routes of esophageal reconstruction after esophagectomy are the anterior mediastinal (retrosternal, heterotopic) and posterior mediastinal (prevertebral, orthotopic) routes. However, which of these two routes of reconstruction is the most appropriate remains controversial. This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of anterior mediastinal reconstruction with those of posterior mediastinal reconstruction after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer. Methods: In January 2022, a literature search of the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify all published and unpublished randomized controlled trials, regardless of language. Eight studies were included for quantitative synthesis. Results: Postoperative death (9/129 and 4/125, risk ratio [RR]: 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–6.64) and incidence of anastomotic leak (24/208 and 26/208, RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.56–1.62) were not significantly different between the two mediastinal reconstructions. We could not perform a meta-analysis for quality of life, loss of body weight, or postoperative hospital stay due to data limitations. Conclusion: Overall, there was low-quality evidence to suggest that the outcomes of the anterior and posterior mediastinal routes of reconstruction are not significantly different in patients with esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify differences in caregiver burden related to toileting assistance, and examine the factors associated with the most burdensome aspects of providing toileting assistance. In 2019, a self-administered postal survey was conducted with 743 caregivers of older adults who received subsidies for continence products in Komatsu City, Japan. Both family caregivers and nursing home staff answered questions regarding older adults' urinary/fecal symptoms, toileting assistance, and perceived caregiver burden. Older adults living at home had less need for toileting assistance than those in nursing homes. However, family caregivers experienced more burden than nursing home staff. The most frequent physical burden associated with toileting assistance for family caregivers was urinary/fecal leakage from absorbent incontinence products. This burden was linked to family caregivers providing care at home, using a combination of urinary pads and diapers, and symptoms that caused burdens on caregivers including urinary/fecal incontinence, nocturia, and no desire to urinate. These results suggest that leakage caused by the inappropriate use of urinary pads combined with diapers is a source of caregiver burden. Continence care experts should provide guidance to family caregivers of older adults, particularly those who are underweight and frail, regarding the selection and fitting of absorbent incontinence products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the distribution and types of retinal hemorrhages (RHs) and other damages in eyes with abusive head trauma (AHT). This retrospective, consecutive case series of AHT and non-AHT conditions involved 54 children with AHT, 43 children with head bruises, and 49 children with blunt eye trauma, each of non-AHT supported by reliable witness accounts. RHs and other damage were evaluated using ophthalmoscopy and wide-field fundus photography. A variety of RH types and other damage were identified in the AHT group but not in the non-AHT group. RHs in AHT extended from the posterior pole to the far periphery in 77% of eyes and on/near the veins in 86% and arteries in 85%, most of which were in the far periphery. Retinoschisis, white-dot lesions, and retinal folds were seen even in the far periphery. RHs on/near the veins and arteries, retinoschisis, and retinal folds suggest a traumatic mechanism of the tractional force of the vitreous that is attached to the entire retinal surface. Identifying the distribution and arterio and venous origins of RHs is a key factor in determining the association with trauma. Thus, wide-field fundus photography is useful to record and evaluate the origin of the RHs and other retinal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) in the novel light-emitting diode endoscopic system for polyp detection has not been examined. We aimed to evaluate the noninferiority of the additional 30-second (Add-30-s) observation of the right-sided colon (cecum/ascending colon) with TXI compared with narrow band imaging (NBI) for detecting missed polyps. METHODS: We enrolled 381 patients ‡40 years old who underwent colonoscopy from September 2021 to June 2022 in3institutions and randomly assigned themto either the TXI orNBI groups.The right-sided colonwas first observed with white light imaging in both groups. Second, after reinsertion from hepatic flexure to the cecum, the right-sided colon was observed with Add-30-s observation of either TXI or NBI. The primary endpoint was to examine the noninferiority of TXI to NBI using themean number of adenomas and sessile serrated lesions per patient. The secondary ones were to examine adenoma detection rate, adenoma and sessile serrated lesions detection rates, and polyp detection rates in both groups. RESULTS: The TXI and NBI groups consisted of 177 and 181 patients, respectively, and the noninferiorities of the mean number of adenomas and sessile serrated lesions per patients in the second observation were significant (TXI 0.29 [51/177] vs NBI 0.30 [54/181], P < 0.01). The change in adenoma detection rate, adenoma and sessile serrated lesions detection rate, and polyp detection rate for the right-sided colon between the TXI andNBI groupswere not different (10.2%/10.5%[P50.81], 13.0%/12.7%[P50.71], and 15.3%/13.8% [P 5 0.71]), respectively. DISCUSSION: Regarding Add-30-s observation of the right-sided colon, TXI was noninferior to NBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of adult epidermal nevus syndrome (ENS) with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia treated successfully with burosumab, an anti-FGF23 antibody. Topics include the clinical presentation of ENS, the diagnostic challenges, and the efficacy of burosumab as a first-line therapy in improving hypophosphatemia, skeletal deformities, and intense pain associated with the condition.

In Japan, the aging of the population is rapidly accelerating, with an increase in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those undergoing dialysis. As a result, the number of individuals with cognitive impairment (CI) is rising, and addressing this issue has become an urgent problem. A notable feature of dementia in CKD patients is the high frequency of vascular dementia, making its prevention through the management of classical risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, etc., associated with atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Other effective measures, including the use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, addressing anemia, exercise therapy, and lifestyle improvements, have been reported. The incidence and progression of CI may also be influenced by the type of kidney replacement therapy, with reports suggesting that long-duration dialysis, low-temperature hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation can have a preferable effect on the preservation of cognitive function. In conclusion, patients with CKD are at a higher risk of developing CI, with brain atrophy being a contributing factor. Despite the identification of various preventive measures, the evidence substantiating their efficacy remains limited across all studies. Future expectations lie in large-scale randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated specific and characteristic findings of the surface layer of surgical resected disc specimens in human temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis cases by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Specimens were surgically removed from the TMJ of 5 cases (4 female patients: 5 cases) clinically osteoarthritis. Following findings were observed by TEM. Images were photographed on a JEM1400-Flash Electron microscope (JEOL, Japan) equipped with an EM-14661FLASH high-sensitivity digital complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor camera. Following findings were observed by TEM. The surface is covered with plump fibroblastic and histiocytoid cells. Collagen fiber bundles and collagenous matrix are exposed onto the eroded disc surface. Fibrinous dense material is observed on the eroded disc surface. Bundles of collagen fibers are densely observed. Collagen bundles are rich around capillary vessels. Synovial surface cells reveal features of activated macrophages with vacuole formation. Especially, plump fibroblastic and histiocytoid cells, and activated macrophages with vacuole, which were significant findings of the surface layer. These findings might have a significant effect on the regulation of synovial fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heliozoans are ambush protists that inhabit most limnetic systems. However, ecological information about planktonic heliozoans is still limited. In this study, we investigated seasonal changes in planktonic heliozoan abundance in the deep northern and shallow southern basins of Lake Biwa at pelagic stations between August 2020 and December 2021. We compared planktonic heliozoan abundance levels between the two basins and examined the relationship between heliozoan abundance and environmental variables. In both basins, high levels of planktonic heliozoan abundance were detected in autumn, winter and spring. In the south basin, there was a significant positive correlation between planktonic heliozoan abundance and chlorophyll a concentration as well as the abundance of the diatoms Aulacoseira granulata and Aulacoseira ambigua. These results suggest that planktonic heliozoans directly or indirectly consume diatoms and that heliozoan abundance is subjected to bottom-up control. Furthermore, planktonic heliozoan abundance in the south basin was higher than that in the north basin, possibly due to the presence of waterweeds, which can serve as habitat for heliozoans, and the redistribution of planktonic heliozoans through resuspension from lake bottom sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the association between the number of prescribed medications and falls among community‐dwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted a geriatric comprehensive health‐checkup on community‐dwelling adults aged 69–91 years who participated in the Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, and Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians study. The final analysis of this study included 1,076 participants with complete data. The participants were divided into four groups based on the number of medications at baseline: 0, 1, 2–4, and ≥5. At the 3‐year follow‐up, the participants were asked whether they had fallen in the past year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the number of medications taken and falls after adjusting for confounding factors. Results: The prevalence rates of falls were 10.5%, 18.2%, 18.3%, and 19.8% in the no‐medication, one‐medication, comedication, and polypharmacy groups, respectively. In the one‐medication prescription group, 59% of prescriptions were for fall‐risk‐increasing drugs (FRID). Multivariable analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of falls in the one‐medication group (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–3.54), co‐medication (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.09–3.29), and polypharmacy groups (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.09–3.45) than in the no‐medication group. Conclusions: The study showed that polypharmacy, as well as just taking one medication, can affect the occurrence of falls. This suggests that in addition to the number of medications and polypharmacy, the type of medication, such as FRID, affects the risk of falls. Therefore, pharmacotherapy should consider the risk of falls in older adults when prescribing medications. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 306–310. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus reported that evidence for the diagnosis of sarcopenia based on ultrasonography findings is lacking. The revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus stated that ultrasonography is reliable and valid for assessing muscle size in older adults. The present study aimed to determine the predictive accuracy of ultrasonography for sarcopenia in older adults in Japan. Methods: A total of 1229 participants aged 65–91 years were included in this cross‐sectional study. The thickness of the anterior compartment of the right thigh was assessed using B‐mode ultrasonography. The measurement position was at the midpoint of the thigh. In addition, the grip strength, gait speed, Five‐Time Sit‐to‐Stand Test, Short Physical Performance Battery score and skeletal muscle mass index were evaluated. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 algorithm. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (95% confidence intervals) and cutoff values for the thigh muscle thickness in sarcopenia were 0.901 (0.856–0.946) and 4.0 cm in men, respectively, and 0.923 (0.851–0.995) and 3.1 cm in women, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each subdomain of sarcopenia, such as grip strength and gait speed, ranged from 0.618 to 0.872. Conclusions: In the present study, the suggested cutoff mid‐thigh muscle thicknesses on ultrasonography for predicting sarcopenia were 4.0 cm in men and 3.1 cm in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 156–161. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for hypogonadism. The impact of hypogonadism on neurocognitive impairment and emotional distress in the non-cancer population has been shown; however, the relationship among the childhood cancer survivor population is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of hypogonadism to neurocognitive impairment and emotional distress among survivors. Design Cross-sectional study using retrospective cohort. Methods In total, 3628 survivors who completed standard neurocognitive tests (six domains: processing speed, memory, executive function, attention, academics, and global cognition) and self-reported emotional distress were included in our study. Participants were stratified by sex and gonadal status. Outcomes were compared between hypogonadal and eugonadal groups by multivariable analysis, adjusting for established predictors, and mediation analyses to determine the direct/indirect effects of hypogonadism on outcomes. Results The hypogonadal group exhibited a higher prevalence of neurocognitive impairment across domains, but no difference in emotional distress. Hypogonadal females exhibited higher relative risk (1.7, 95% CI, 1.2–2.5) for impaired visual processing speed, compared to eugonadal females after adjusting for cancer-related variables. In mediation models, hypogonadism had a significant direct (P <.01) and indirect (from P <.01) impact on impairment in visual processing speed among females. Males demonstrated direct (P =.03) and indirect (P =.04) impact of hypogonadism on motor processing speed. Conclusion Processing speed may be the most vulnerable neurocognitive domain associated with hypogonadism in survivors, while other domains were mainly impacted by cancer-related variables. Our findings support the need for further evaluation of the impact of sex hormone replacement therapy on neurocognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most canopy species in lowland tropical rain forests in Southeast Asia, represented by Dipterocarpaceae, undergo mast reproduction synchronously at community level during a general flowering event. Such events occur at irregular intervals of 2–10 years. Some species do not necessarily participate in every synchronous mast reproduction, however. This may be due to a lack of carbohydrate resources in the trees for masting. We tested the hypothesis that interspecific differences in the time required to store assimilates in trees for seed production are due to the frequency of masting and/or seed size in each species. We examined the relationship between reproductive frequency and the carbon accumulation period necessary for seed production, and between the seed size and the period, using radiocarbon analysis in 18 dipterocarp canopy species. The mean carbon accumulation period was 0.84 years before seed maturation in all species studied. The carbon accumulation period did not have any significant correlation with reproductive frequency or seed size, both of which varied widely across the species studied. Our results show that for seed production, dipterocarp masting species do not use carbon assimilates stored for a period between the masting years, but instead use recent photosynthates produced primarily in a masting year, regardless of the masting interval or seed size of each species. These findings suggest that storage of carbohydrate resources is not a limiting factor in the masting of dipterocarps, and that accumulation and allocation of other resources is important as a precondition for participation in general flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of patients with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV) and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) presenting with clinical symptoms in the extremities. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on short tau inversion recovery MRI findings, with a focus on intramuscular vessels displaying abnormal perivascular signals, in 22 and eight patients with AAV and PAN, respectively. The number per unit area (4 cm2) and diameter of abnormal vessels on muscle MRI were compared between patients with AAV and those with PAN. Cut‐off values, clinical sensitivity, and specificity for these indices were calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curves to distinguish between AAV and PAN, and the relationship between the indices and clinical findings in AAV was analyzed. Results: The number of abnormal vessels per unit area was significantly higher in AAV compared to PAN (p <.05). Additionally, the diameter of the abnormal vessels was significantly higher in PAN than in AAV (p <.05). The presence of >6.44 abnormal vessels per unit area or ≤3.61 mm diameter of abnormal vessels was able to predict AAV (sensitivity, 0.955; specificity, 0.625). AAV patients with peripheral neuropathy exhibited a significantly higher number of abnormal vessels per unit area than those without peripheral neuropathy (p <.05). Conclusions: Muscle MRI can detect small‐ to medium‐vessel vasculitis and be a valuable tool for distinguishing between patients with AAV and PAN experiencing clinical symptoms in the extremities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observations by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered unexpectedly abundant luminous galaxies at high redshift, posing possibly a severe challenge to popular galaxy formation models. We study early structure formation in a cosmological model with a blue, tilted power spectrum (BTPS) given by P (k) ∝ k m s with m s > 1 at small length scales. We run a set of cosmological N -body simulations and derive the abundance of dark matter halos and galaxies under simplified assumptions on star formation efficiency. The enhanced small-scale power allows rapid nonlinear structure formation at z > 7, and galaxies with stellar mass exceeding 1010 M ⊙ can be formed by z = 9. Because of frequent mergers, the structure of galaxies and galaxy groups appears clumpy. The BTPS model reproduces the observed stellar mass density at z = 7–9, and thus eases the claimed tension between galaxy formation theory and recent JWST observations. The large-scale structure of the present-day Universe is largely unaffected by the modification of the small-scale power spectrum. We conduct a systematic study by varying the slope of the small-scale power spectrum to derive constraints on the BTPS model from a set of observations of high-redshift galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the feasibility of cylindrical costal osteochondral graft transplantation as a novel regenerative treatment in growth arrest. The medial portion of the proximal tibial growth plate of 6-week-old male New Zealand White rabbits was resected to establish an experimental model of partial growth plate injury. The rabbits were divided into four groups: no-treatment, bone wax transplantation, costal chondral graft, and costal osteochondral graft groups. Radiographic and micro-computed tomography scan results were analyzed to evaluate angular deformity of the tibia and bony bridge formation at the injury site. In addition, repair of the injured growth plate cartilage was assessed histologically at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Radiographic examination revealed that bone wax transplantation continuously decreased the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) while the costal chondral graft implantation reduced the decrease of MPTA at 12 weeks postoperatively. The costal osteochondral graft implantation recovered the MPTA, close to the normal. Histologically, the costal osteochondral grafts retained the MPTA in the injured site compared to costal chondral grafts. Additionally, hypertrophic chondrocytes were observed at the graft site in the costal osteochondral graft group at 12 weeks, suggesting that endochondral ossification may occur at the graft site similar to normal ossification. The fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of osteochondral grafts transplanted from male to female rabbits indicated that they were replaced by cells of host origin. The costal osteochondral graft can achieve regeneration without bony bridge formation in partial growth plate injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edwardsiellosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases in fish, sometimes causing extensive economic losses in the aquaculture industry. Our previous studies demonstrated that the Cu,Zn-SOD (sod1) activity has significantly increased in Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus , hepatopancreas infected by causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis Edwardsiella tarda NUF251. In this study, NUF251 stimulated intracellular superoxide radical production in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells, which was reduced by N -acetylcysteine. This result suggests that NUF251 infection causes oxidative stress. To evaluate the regulatory mechanism of Jf sod1 at transcriptional levels under oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection, we cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence (1124 bp) of the 5′-flanking region of the Jf sod1 gene. The sequence analysis demonstrated that the binding sites for the transcription factors C/EBPα and NF-IL6 involved in the transcriptional regulation of the mammalian sod1 gene existed. We constructed a luciferase reporter system with the 5′-flanking region (−1124/−1) of the Jf sod1 gene, and a highly increased transcriptional activity of the region was observed in NUF251 - infected RAW264.7 cells. Further studies using several mutants indicated that deletion of the recognition region of NF-IL6 (−272/−132) resulted in a significant decrease in the transcriptional activity of the Jf sod1 gene in NUF251-infected RAW264.7 cells. In particular, the binding site (−202/−194) for NF-IL6 might play a major role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of the 5′-flanking region of the Jf sod1 gene in response to oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection. These results could be provided a new insight to understand the pathogenic mechanism of causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis. [Display omitted] • NUF251 infection caused oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells. • 5′-flanking region of Jf sod1 gene was firstly sequenced and found some cis -elements. • Causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis infection upregulated transcription of Jf sod1. • NF-IL6 might play a role in activation of Jf sod1 transcription by NUF251 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic testing is key in modern healthcare, particularly for monogenic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia. This Tohoku Medical Megabank Project study explored the impact of first-degree relatives' dyslipidemia history on individual responses to familial hypercholesterolemia genomic results. Involving 214 participants and using Japan's 3.5KJPN genome reference panel, the study assessed preferences and intentions regarding familial hypercholesterolemia genetic testing results. The data revealed a significant inclination among participants with a family history of dyslipidemia to share their genetic test results, with more than 80% of participants intending to share positive results with their partners and children and 98.1% acknowledging the usefulness of positive results for personal health management. The study underscores the importance of family health history in genetic-testing perceptions, highlighting the need for family-centered approaches in genetic counseling and healthcare. Notable study limitations include the regional scope and reliance on questionnaire data. The study results emphasize the association between family health history and genetic-testing attitudes and decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical large scale pitch-controlled wind turbines idle their rotors during storm conditions. The design loads of wind turbines are calculated by aeroelastic simulations under various conditions. These include grid loss and failures, which can increase rotor speed and excite the first-mode of the tower bending. In this study, the influences of self-excitation by the idling rotor on the ultimate loads in storm conditions were investigated. Aeroelastic simulations were conducted for a three-bladed 5 MW upwind turbine as an example, under steady and extreme turbulent wind conditions according to the international design standard IEC61400-1 ed.4. As a result, we confirmed that yaw misalignment increases the idling rotor speed and 6P, second order harmonics of blade passing frequency, excites the first-mode tower bending, which can generate a large load on the tower. Pitch stick can increase the rotor speed but not as noticeably as yaw error. Although no clear provisions exist in wind turbine design standards or guidelines for the self-excited vibration during wind turbine idling, these results indicate that conditions must be set that consider self-excited vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncemented acetabular shell primary stability is essential for optimal clinical outcomes. Push-out testing, rotation testing, and lever-out testing are major evaluation methods of primary stability between the shell and bone. However, these test methods do not consider shell loads during daily activity and shell installation angle. This study proposes a novel evaluation method of acetabular shell primary stability considering load during level walking and acetabular installation angles such as inclination and anteversion. To achieve this, a novel primary stability test apparatus was designed with a shell position of 40° acetabular inclination and 20° anteversion. The vertical load, corresponding to walking load, was set to 3 kN according to ISO 14242–1, which is the wear test standard for artificial hip joints. The vertical load was applied by an air cylinder controlled by a pressure-type electro-pneumatic proportional valve, with the vertical load value monitored by a load cell. Torque was measured when angular displacement was applied in the direction of extension during the application of vertical load. For comparison, we also measured torque using the traditional lever-out test. The novel primary stability test yielded significantly higher primary stabilities; 5.4 times greater than the lever-out test results. The novel primary stability test failure mode was more similar to the clinical failure than the traditional lever-out test. It is suggested that this novel primary stability test method, applying physiological walking loads and extension motions to the acetabular shell, better reflects in vivo primary stability than the traditional lever-out test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormalities in visual exploration affect the daily lives of patients with schizophrenia. For example, scanpath length during free-viewing is shorter in schizophrenia. However, its origin and its relevance to symptoms are unknown. Here we investigate the possibility that abnormalities in eye movements result from abnormalities in visual or visuo-cognitive processing. More specifically, we examined whether such abnormalities reflect visual salience in schizophrenia. Eye movements of 82 patients and 252 healthy individuals viewing natural and/or complex images were examined using saliency maps for static images to determine the contributions of low-level visual features to salience-guided eye movements. The results showed that the mean value for orientation salience at the gazes of the participants with schizophrenia were higher than that of the healthy control subjects. Further analyses revealed that orientation salience defined by the L + M channel of the DKL color space is specifically affected in schizophrenia, suggesting abnormalities in the magnocellular visual pathway. By looking into the computational stages of the visual salience, we found that the difference between schizophrenia and healthy control emerges at the earlier stage, suggesting functional decline in early visual processing. These results suggest that visual salience is affected in schizophrenia, thereby expanding the concept of the aberrant salience hypothesis of psychosis to the visual domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analogy between the brain and deep neural networks (DNNs) has sparked interest in neuroscience. Although DNNs have limitations, they remain valuable for modeling specific brain characteristics. This study used Skye's Oblique Grating illusion to assess DNNs' relevance to brain neural networks. We collected data on human perceptual responses to a series of visual illusions. This data was then used to assess how DNN responses to these illusions paralleled or differed from human behavior. We performed two analyses:(1) We trained DNNs to perform horizontal vs. non-horizontal classification on images with bars tilted different degrees (non-illusory images) and tested them on images with horizontal bars with different illusory strengths measured by human behavior (illusory images), finding that DNNs showed human-like illusions; (2) We performed representational similarity analysis to assess whether illusory representation existed in different layers within DNNs, finding that DNNs showed illusion-like responses to illusory images. The representational similarity between real tilted images and illusory images was calculated, which showed the highest values in the early layers and decreased layer-by-layer. Our findings suggest that DNNs could serve as potential models for explaining the mechanism of visual illusions in human brain, particularly those that may originate in early visual areas like the primary visual cortex (V1). While promising, further research is necessary to understand the nuanced differences between DNNs and human visual pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric escape is crucial to understanding the evolution of planets in and out of the solar system and to interpreting atmospheric observations. While hydrodynamic escape simulations have been actively developed incorporating detailed processes such as UV heating, chemical reactions, and radiative cooling, the radiative cooling by molecules has been treated as emission from selected lines or rotational/vibrational bands to reduce its numerical cost. However, ad hoc selections of radiative lines would risk estimating inaccurate cooling rates because important lines or wavelengths for atmospheric cooling depend on emitting conditions such as temperature and optical thickness. In this study, we apply the correlated-k distribution (CKD) method to cooling rate calculations for H2-dominant transonic atmospheres containing H2O or CO as radiative species, to investigate its numerical performance and the importance of considering all lines of the molecules. Our simulations demonstrate that the sum of weak lines, which provides only 1% of the line emission energy in total at optically thin conditions, can become the primary source of radiative cooling in optically thick regions, especially for H2O-containing atmospheres. Also, in our hydrodynamic simulations, the CKD method with a wavelength resolution of 1000 is found to be effective, allowing the calculation of escape rate and temperature profiles with acceptable numerical cost. Our results show the importance of treating all radiative lines and the usefulness of the CKD method in hydrodynamic escape simulations. It is particularly practical for heavy-element-enriched atmospheres considered in small exoplanets, including super-Earths, without any prior selections for effective lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will be devoted to the study of weighted (deformed) free Poisson random variables from the viewpoint of orthogonal polynomials and statistics of non-crossing partitions. A family of weighted (deformed) free Poisson random variables will be defined in a sense by the sum of weighted (deformed) free creation, annihilation, scalar, and intermediate operators with certain parameters on a weighted (deformed) free Fock space together with the vacuum expectation. We shall provide a combinatorial moment formula of non-commutative Poisson random variables. This formula gives us a very nice combinatorial interpretation to two parameters of weights. One can see that the deformation treated in this paper interpolates free and boolean Poisson random variables, their distributions and moments, and yields some conditionally free Poisson distribution by taking limit of the parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (bmp-2) has a high potential to induce bone tissue formation in skeletal muscles. We developed a bone induction system in skeletal muscles using the bmp-2 gene through in vivo electroporation. Natural bone tissues with skeletal muscles can be considered potential candidates for biomaterials. However, our previous system using plate-type electrodes did not achieve a 100% success rate in inducing bone tissues in skeletal muscles. In this study, we aimed to enhance the efficiency of bone tissue formation in skeletal muscles by using a non-viral bmp-2 gene expression plasmid vector (pCAGGS-bmp-2) and needle-type electrodes. Methods: We injected the bmp-2 gene with pCAGGS-bmp-2 into the skeletal muscles of rats' legs and immediately placed needle-type electrodes there. Skeletal tissues were then observed on the 21st day after gene transfer using soft X-ray and histological analyses. Results: The use of needle-type electrodes resulted in a 100% success rate in inducing bone tissues in skeletal muscles. In contrast, the plate-type electrodes only exhibited a 33% success rate. Thus, needle-type electrodes can be more efficient and reliable for transferring the bmp-2 gene to skeletal muscles, making them potential biomaterials for repairing bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) is an endangered animal. While information on this species' reproductive physiology is essential for its conservation, endocrinological studies are limited. Monitoring fluctuations in fecal sex steroid hormones is known to be a useful means of understanding reproductive physiological states such as pregnancy and estrus. In this study, we measured the concentrations of sex steroid hormone metabolites excreted in the feces of female golden takins and used the long-term fluctuations to determine their endocrine ovarian activity. This study indicates that the monitoring of fecal sex steroid hormone concentrations can be used to understand estrus and pregnancy and predict delivery. This study investigates the non-invasive monitoring of the endocrine ovarian activities of captive female golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) based on long-term fecal sex steroid hormone metabolite dynamics. Fecal progesterone (P4) metabolite dynamics were monitored in nine females for 0.5–15 years between 2004 and 2022. Fecal estradiol-17β (E2) and estrone (E1) metabolites were measured during certain estrous cycles, and fecal E1 metabolite concentrations were measured during all gestation periods. The breeding season of the captive animals was mainly between May and December, and they were polyestrous animals whose breeding season begins during the long-day period. The onset of the breeding season occurred slightly earlier as age increased. The mean age (±SD) at puberty based on fecal P4 metabolite dynamics was 4.1 ± 2.9 years. The first conception ages ranged from 2.3–10.2 years. The mean estrous cycle period (±SEM) was 25.4 ± 1.1 days, and mounting and mating occurred in periods of low fecal P4 metabolite levels during the breeding season. The mean gestation period (±SD) from the estimated mating date to the calving date was 253.9 ± 5.7 days, and the fecal P4 metabolite distribution during pregnancy was bimodal. Fecal estrone metabolite levels gradually increased 21 weeks before delivery, peaked during the week of delivery, and then markedly decreased in the first week after delivery. Estrus resumed in the first April–August period after delivery (mean ± SD; 103.5 ± 40.9 days) or in May of the year after delivery (421.0 ± 16.5 days). This study revealed that the estrous cycle and pregnancy of female golden takins can be determined by fecal progesterone metabolite dynamics and that fecal estrone metabolite dynamics increases toward parturition and are useful for predicting the date of delivery. This endocrinological information is important for planned breeding efforts for the golden takins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoresponsive microgels functionalized with enantiomeric Δ- or Λ-[Ru(bpy)3]2+ showed tunable chiroptical properties upon swelling and shrinking. The tuning is triggered by a modulation of the local mobility of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ upon addition of fructose, controlling interactions and distances between [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and phenylboronic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Activation of CGRP-positive (+) sensory neurons is crucial for tumor growth. • However, how CGRP (+) sensory neurons are activated requires elucidation. • TRPV1 contributes to activation of CGRP (+) sensory neurons as well as cancer pain. • TRPV1 can be a target for new treatments for cancer pain and cancer development. Activation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive sensory neurons in the tumor microenvironment has been shown to be involved in tumor growth. However, how CGRP-positive sensory neurons are activated requires elucidation. In this study, we focused on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and examined the contribution of TRPV1 to tumor growth and cancer pain in a mouse cancer model in which Lewis lung carcinoma was subcutaneously inoculated in the left plantar region. Tumor inoculation gradually increased the volumes of the hind paws of wild type (WT) mice over time, but those of both αCGRP knockout mice and TRPV1 knockout mice were significantly smaller than those of WT mice after tumor inoculation. Both TRPV1 and CGRP are therefore suggested to be involved in tumor growth. In an immunohistochemical study, the percentage of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (p-CREB)-positive profiles in CGRP-positive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in WT mice was significantly increased after tumor inoculation. The percentage of p-CREB-positive profiles in CGRP-positive DRG neurons in TRPV1 knockout mice was also increased after tumor inoculation, but was significantly lower than that in WT mice, indicating the contribution of TRPV1 to activation of CGRP-positive DRG neurons. Cancer pain in TRPV1 knockout mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. In conclusion, TRPV1 is involved in both tumor growth and cancer pain, potentially leading to a novel strategy for the treatment of cancer pain and cancer development. Cancer pain is also suggested to facilitate tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital heart disease. Therefore, optimal indications for surgery in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) complicated by AAOCA remain uncertain. Case presentation: We report the case of a 57-year-old male patient who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and aortic root enlargement using a Y-incision procedure for severe AS with an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery (AAORCA). Since preoperative single-photon emission computed tomography revealed no ischaemic lesions, an aortic root enlargement with a Y-incision was performed to prevent the potential compression of the prosthetic valve on the AAOCA and prosthesis-patient mismatch. Conclusions: Preoperative evaluation of the coronary anatomy and myocardial ischaemia using advanced imaging modalities and aortic root enlargement with the Y-incision procedure is an effective strategy for preventing ischaemic complications in cases of severe AS with AAORCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The removal of low- and medium-molecular-weight proteins has been improved with online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) and hemodialysis using high-flux membranes; however, the outcomes of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis treatment are still worse than in the general population. α1-Microglobulin (α1-m), with a molecular weight of 33,000 Da, may contribute to dialysis-related disorders and mortality. However, the removal is insufficient even with current OL-HDF using the polysulfone (PS) membrane, which is common in Japan. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membranes can remove medium- to high-molecular-weight proteins by adsorption. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of removing medium- to high-molecular-weight proteins, such as α1-m and β2-microglobulin (β2-m), through post-dilution OL-HDF with PMMA (Post-PMMA). The assessment was conducted in comparison to pre-dilution OL-HDF with PS (Pre-PS), using an open-label, single-arm study. Methods: Seven patients with ESKD on Pre-PS underwent Post-PMMA with replacement volume of 30 mL/min (low flow) and 50 mL/min (high flow). Clearance and removal rates of α1-m, β2-m, small molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and albumin were measured at 60 and 240 min of treatment. Results: Clearance rates of α1-m at 60 min were −2.8 ± 5.2 mL/min with Pre-PS, −0.4 ± 2.6 mL/min with Post-PMMA (low), and 0.6 ± 3.4 mL/min with Post-PMMA (high). The removal rate of α1-m was higher in Post-PMMA than that in Pre-HDF-PS (Post-PMMA [high] 17.7 ± 5.9%, Post-PMMA [low] 15.0 ± 5.6%, and Pre-PS 4.1 ± 5.5%). Adsorption clearance of β2-m was increased with Post-PMMA. Albumin leakage in Post-PMMA was not higher than that in Pre-PS. Conclusion: The removal rate of α1-m with Post-PMMA was higher than that with Pre-PS. The PMMA membrane adsorbed β2-m, suggesting the removal effect of medium- to high-molecular-weight proteins by the adsorption method. Since Post-PMMA effectively removes α1-m without excessive albumin leakage, it will be useful for patients with ESKD, especially those with a poor nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the Journal of Clinical Medicine discussing the importance of rigorous and sustained research in the neurorehabilitation of neurological movement disorders. The editorial highlights a special issue that includes various studies on movement disorders caused by conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinocerebellar degeneration. The studies cover a range of topics, including the effectiveness of different interventions and assessments, the impact of technology on rehabilitation, and the subjective experiences of patients. The editorial also emphasizes the need for further research, including large-scale clinical trials, long-term follow-up studies, comparative effectiveness research, and the development of core outcome sets and guidelines. Overall, the editorial underscores the progress made in neurorehabilitation and the avenues for future exploration in the field. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The pathophysiology and symptoms underlying Meniere's disease (MD) manifest as endolymphatic hydrops (EH), potentially impacting acoustic power absorbance in vestibular EH. The longitudinal effects of middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) and conservative therapies for EH by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and on acoustic power absorbance on wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) were evaluated, and their changes were compared with clinical symptoms. Methods: Eleven patients with definite MD or delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH), resistant to conservative therapies and who continued MEPT for 1 year, were included. Vertigo scores, hearing levels, acoustic power absorbance on WAI, and degrees of EH on 3‐T MRI were evaluated and compared before and after the treatments. Results: One year after the start of MEPT, all cases showed symptomatic improvement in vertigo score; however, the degrees of EH showed no improvements except in one case. In the affected ears with EH, their absorbances on WAI improved, particularly at 1580–1905 or 2400–2953 Hz (p <.05). Conclusion: Alleviation of vestibular symptoms with the therapy of MD was not necessarily associated with improved EH. Vestibular symptoms could be related to the change in the impedance of inner ear pressure, which was proven by the normalization of acoustic power absorbance. Assessments of acoustic power absorbance may provide useful information for physiological conditions and causative factors of vertigo in ears with EH. Level of evidence: 4 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human norovirus (HuNoV) causes gastroenteritis, a disease with no effective therapy or vaccine, and does not grow well in culture. Murine norovirus (MNV) easily replicates in cell cultures and small animals and has often been used as a model to elucidate the structural and functional characteristics of HuNoV. An MNV plasmid-based reverse genetics system was developed to produce the modified recombinant virus. In this study, we attempted to construct the recombinant virus by integrating a foreign gene into MNV ORF3, which encodes the minor structural protein VP2. Deletion of VP2 expression abolished infectious particles from MNV cDNA clones, and supplying exogenous VP2 to the cells rescued the infectivity of cDNA clones without VP2 expression. In addition, the coding sequence of C-terminal ORF3 was essential for cDNA clones compensated with VP2 to produce infectious particles. Furthermore, the recombinant virus with exogenous reporter genes in place of the dispensable region of ORF3 was propagated when VP2 was constitutively supplied. Our findings indicate that foreign genes can be transduced into the norovirus ORF3 region when VP2 is supplied and that successive propagation of modified recombinant norovirus could lead to the development of norovirus-based vaccines or therapeutics. IMPORTANCE In this study, we revealed that some of the coding regions of ORF3 could be replaced by a foreign gene and infectious virus could be produced when VP2 was supplied. Propagation of this virus depended on VP2 being supplied in trans, indicating that this virus could infect only once. Our findings help to elucidate the functions of VP2 in the virus lifecycle and to develop other caliciviral vectors for recombinant attenuated live enteric virus vaccines or therapeutics tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel curve called the α - curve , which is specified by a variable shape parameter α and can be applied in curve reconstruction involving curve fairing, fitting, and segmentation. In contrast to classical log-aesthetic curves in which α is constant, this study contributes a novel formulation of α that varies monotonically within a specified segment. By introducing the variable α , the logarithmic curvature graph (LCG) becomes piecewise linear and parabolic, or any other function if necessary. Consequently, in comparison to conventional log-aesthetic curves that have limited field usage based on their rigidity, α -curves have various LCGs and flexible representations, thereby opening up many practical applications. Experimental results and comparative studies on curves created by CAD experts in the automotive industry demonstrate the theoretical and practical validity of α -curves. [Display omitted] • α -Curves are proposed by extending the mathematical framework of log-aesthetic curves • An α -curve is specified by a variable shape parameter • α -Curves have various log-curvature graphs (LCG) and flexible representations • α -Curves are applied to a new fairing, avoiding conventional issues of side effects [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the association of spousal support and marital satisfaction with the subjective well-being of fathers and mothers using a mediation analysis. Data were gathered from 360 fathers and 338 mothers (aged 25–50 years). Subjective well-being was measured as an outcome using the Japanese version of the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index. Marital satisfaction was measured as a mediating variable using the Japanese version of the Marital Relationship Satisfaction Scale. Spousal social support (including instrumental, emotional, and appraisal support) was measured as an independent variable using four-point scales. Control variables were the father's and mother's ages, number of children, age of the youngest child, children going to nursery school or kindergarten, use of childcare services, self-evaluated low economic status, and weekday working hours. Among fathers, instrumental and emotional support had significant direct and indirect effects, with the latter mediated by the impact of marital satisfaction on subjective well-being; appraisal support had only significant indirect effects. Among mothers, instrumental support had significant direct and indirect effects; emotional and appraisal support had only significant indirect effects. Our findings indicate that social support from spouses has protective direct and indirect effects on subjective well-being among parents and suggest the need for mutual support between spouses to facilitate effective co-parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leading cause of death for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive muscle disease, is heart failure. Prostaglandin (PG) D2, a physiologically active fatty acid, is synthesized from the precursor PGH2 by hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS). Using a DMD animal model (mdx mice), we previously found that HPGDS expression is increased not only in injured muscle but also in the heart. Moreover, HPGDS inhibitors can slow the progression of muscle injury and cardiomyopathy. However, the location of HPGDS in the heart is still unknown. Thus, this study investigated HPGDS expression in autopsy myocardial samples from DMD patients. We confirmed the presence of fibrosis, a characteristic phenotype of DMD, in the autopsy myocardial sections. Additionally, HPGDS was expressed in mast cells, pericytes, and myeloid cells of the myocardial specimens but not in the myocardium. Compared with the non-DMD group, the DMD group showed increased HPGDS expression in mast cells and pericytes. Our findings confirm the possibility of using HPGDS inhibitor therapy to suppress PGD2 production to treat skeletal muscle disorders and cardiomyopathy. It thus provides significant insights for developing therapeutic drugs for DMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostaglandins are bioactive compounds, and the activation of their receptors affects the expression of clock genes. However, the prostaglandin F receptor (Ptgfr) has no known relationship with biological rhythms. Here, we first measured the locomotor period lengths of Ptgfr-KO (B6.129-Ptgfrtm1Sna) mice and found that they were longer under constant dark conditions (DD) than those of wild-type (C57BL/6J) mice. We then investigated the clock gene patterns within the suprachiasmatic nucleus in Ptgfr-KO mice under DD and observed a decrease in the expression of the clock gene cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), which is related to the circadian cycle. Moreover, the expression of Cry1, Cry2, and Period2 (Per2) mRNA were significantly altered in the mouse liver in Ptgfr-KO mice under DD. In the wild-type mouse, the plasma prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels showed a circadian rhythm under a 12 h cycle of light–dark conditions. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that the addition of PTGFR agonists altered the amplitude of Per2::luc activity, and this alteration differed with the timing of the agonist addition. These results lead us to hypothesize that the plasma rhythm of PGF2α is important for driving clock genes, thus suggesting the involvement of PGF2α- and Ptgfr-targeting drugs in the biological clock cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posterior expansion of the utricular endolymphatic space (ES) is a finding occasionally observed, and often occurs in bilateral ears. The clinical significance of posterior expansion of the utricular ES is not clear. To investigate the clinical significance of posterior expansion of the utricular ES detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Among 957 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI to investigate the presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH), clinical findings in cases with posterior expansion of the utricular ES were evaluated and the significance of their existence is considered. Posterior expansion of the utricular ES was detected in 30 ears from 20 cases (7 males, 13 females; mean age 48.7 years). The ears with posterior expansion had a significantly lower incidence of vestibular EH than those without, and this tendency was more prominent in cases in bilateral ears. Some cases with posterior expansion had vestibular symptoms and were diagnosed with Ménière's disease, although EH was not detected in their vestibules. Posterior expansion of the utricular ES was associated with Ménière's disease without vestibular EH. Posterior expansion of the utricular ES might not be associated with the formation of EH but may occur independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between children's parent-reported physical activity levels and weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and youth in Ontario Canada. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in parents of children 5–17 years living in Ontario from May to July 2021. Parents recalled their child's physical activity and weight change during the year prior to their completion of the survey. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for the association between physical activity and weight gain or loss, adjusted for child age and gender, parent ethnicity, current housing type, method of school delivery, and financial stability. Overall, 86.8% of children did not obtain 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day and 75.4% of parents were somewhat or very concerned about their child's physical activity levels. For all physical activity exposures (outdoor play, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), lower physical activity was consistently associated with increased odds of weight gain or loss. For example, the adjusted OR for the association between 0–1 days of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity versus 6–7 days and child weight gain was 5.81 (95% CI 4.47, 7.56). Parent concern about their child's physical activity was also strongly associated with child weight gain (OR 7.29; 95% CI 5.94, 8.94). No differences were observed between boys and girls. This study concludes that a high proportion of children in Ontario had low physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and that low physical activity was strongly associated with parent reports of both weight gain and loss among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cancer-associated ischemic stroke tends to extend over multiple vascular territories and develops under poor general conditions. Owing to the rarity of such cases and poor prognoses, no comprehensive studies on mechanical thrombectomy for cancer-associated ischemic stroke have been reported in Japan. The present study investigated the radiological and clinical characteristics of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with cancer-associated ischemic stroke at our institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 108 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for large cerebral artery occlusion between January 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022, at our institution. The characteristics of mechanical thrombectomy in the cancer-associated ischemic stroke group were compared with those in the control group. Results: Of the 108 patients (112 procedures), seven patients (eight procedures) with clinically diagnosed cancerassociated ischemic stroke underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Of the eight procedures, six were performed during hospitalization. In contrast, only 10 of 104 procedures were performed in the control group. The in-hospital onset rate was higher in the cancer-associated ischemic stroke group (75.0%) compared to that in the controls (9.6%); p <0.001. The puncture-to-reperfusion time was significantly longer in the cancer-associated ischemic stroke group in comparison to that in the controls with a median interquartile range of 69 minutes (60.0-82.0 minutes) and 59.5 minutes (44.5-69.3 minutes), respectively (p <0.01). However, the rates of successful recanalization defined as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction =2b were not significantly different between the cancer-associated ischemic stroke group and controls with values of 62.5% and 79.8%, respectively (p = 0.250). Of the eight cases in the cancer-associated ischemic stroke group, only one (12.5%) had a good outcome on a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at discharge, in contrast to 23 of the 104 (23.1%) cases in the controls (p = 0.523). Histopathological examination of six retrieved thrombi in the cancerassociated stroke group using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that only one case showed an erythrocytedominant thrombus while five displayed a fibrinoplatelet-dominant component. Conversely, 65 of 92 retrieved thrombi in the control group were erythrocyte dominant. Cancer was pathologically diagnosed in four of seven patients, all of which were adenocarcinomas. Conclusion: Cancer-associated ischemic stroke tends to occur during hospitalization. Coagulation disorders associated with cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, may be related to the formation of thrombi with fibrinoplatelet-dominant components, leading to ischemic stroke. The procedural time for mechanical thrombectomy in cancer-associated ischemic stroke tends to be longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-based amorphous powder cores of Fe–Si–B–Cr–C magnetic powder and phenolic binder were fabricated, and the effects of annealing and compaction pressure on the soft magnetic properties and core loss were investigated. The formation of Fe–B and α-Fe (Si) phases was confirmed at the annealing temperature above 773 K. The density gradually increased from 5.3 to 5.5 g/cm3 as annealing temperature increased, resulting in the saturation magnetization 4πMs increased to 1.0 T at 773 K. The effect of compaction pressure was studied by using samples annealed at 723 K. Both the density and 4πMs enhanced with compaction pressure from 980 to 1960 MPa. The real part of permeability µ' remained constant for the frequency up to 2 MHz. The initial value of µ' increased from 25 to 38 with compaction pressure. Consequently, at Bm of 50 mT and frequency of 100 kHz, the considerably low core loss of 67 kW/m3 was obtained. The low core loss and moderately high permeability of Fe–Si–B–Cr–C amorphous powder core across a wide frequency range indicate its potential for application in high frequency electronic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IOWN Global Forum has proposed an information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, called data-centric infrastructure (DCI), that leverages the high-speed and low-latency features of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network All-Photonics Network (IOWN APN). This article describes the DCI on the basis of the Data-Centric Infrastructure Functional Architecture version 2.0 released by the forum in March 2023 and explains the advantages of the DCI in tackling challenges in scalability, performance, and power consumption that confront current ICT infrastructures. It is hoped that this article will help readers deepen their understanding of the DCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), has advanced with the application of biologics or Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi); however, some patients still need surgery. We assessed time trends of surgery and biologics or JAKi variety in Japan. Methods: Patients hospitalized due to IBD were analyzed using Diagnosis Procedure Combination data between 2015 and 2019. Longitudinal trend analysis was performed for demographics, and interrupted time‐series analysis was performed to examine the association between surgery rates and an increase in the types of biologics or JAKi. Results: Totally, 37 867 cases with UC and 35 493 cases with CD were analyzed. Over 5 years, the surgery rate decreased in both UC and CD. The proportion of biologics and JAKi usage increased in UC and stabilized in CD. Between decreasing surgery and expanding treatment options of biologic or JAKi, interrupted time‐series analysis results showed no significant correlation (level change in UC, −1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.11 to −0.16, P = 0.0235; slope change in UC, −0.05, 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.16, P = 0.6372; level change in CD, −0.55, 95% CI: −1.82 to 0.71, P = 0.3815; slope change in CD, −0.22, 95% CI: −0.63 to 0.19, P = 0.2892). Conclusions: In Japan, from 2015 to 2019, the use of biologics or JAKi increased for UC and slightly decreased for CD, while the number of surgeries decreased in both. Our findings suggest that more widespread use of biologics or JAKi therapy could reduce surgeries in patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicopper-substituted polyoxovanadate [Cu2V16O44(NO3)]5− (Cu2V16) was synthesized through the reaction of [Cu2V8O24]4− and [V4O12]4− in the presence of nitrate salt. From single crystal X-ray analysis, Cu2V16 exhibited the same helical structure as that of nitrate-incorporated polyoxovanadate, [V18O46(NO3)]5− (V18). Both complexes had the same framework with the same guest anion and are considered to be substituted isomers for each other by replacing two Cu2+ ions and two [VO]2+ ions. The incorporated nitrate showed short and long N–O bond lengths (1.14, 1.26 and 1.30 Å) as in the case of V18 (1.09, 1.16 and 1.28 Å). Reflecting the inequivalent bond lengths of the nitrate, the IR spectrum of V18 shows split peaks at 1359 and 1342 cm−1. But the Cu2V16 spectrum showed a single peak due to the presence of nitrate at 1353 cm−1. When the temperature was lowered, the nitrate peak in Cu2V16 was split into two positions at 1354 and 1345 cm−1 when the temperature reached −140 °C. These results indicate that the nitrate incorporated in Cu2V16 rotates relatively easily in the Cu2V16 cavity at room temperature compared to V18. In addition, the oxidation of 1-phenyl ethanol to acetophenone with Cu2V16 smoothly proceeded in comparison with V18. By taking advantage of the same framework in both catalysts, we can deduce the position of potential active sites in the oxidation reaction. We have concluded that the most active site is not on the peripheral of the vanadate framework, but it is reasonable to suggest that the active site is on the substituted copper atoms rather than the polyoxovanadate framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]