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Evaluates the role of bcl 10 gene rearrangement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Japan. Frequency of bcl 10 rearrangement in extranodals; Survival rate of patients with bcl 10 rearrangement; Effect of bcl 10-induced enhanced apoptosis on patients.

Cytotoxic cells include natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic alpha beta and gamma delta T lymphocytes (CTLs). These cells express cytotoxic molecules of T-cell restricted intracellular antigen (TIA-1), and activated cytotoxic molecules of perforin, granzyme B, and FasL. Recent studies suggest that most extranodal T-cell lymphomas are derived from CTLs, and that NK cell lymphomas are extranodal. However, only a few nodal NK and cytotoxic lymphomas have been described so far. We present here the clinicopathological features of seven cases of nodal cytotoxic T and NK cell lymphomas. The study excluded anaplastic large-cell lymphomas expressing cytotoxic molecules. The neoplastic cells of all cases contained activated cytotoxic molecules of TIA-1, granzyme B, Fas ligand, and/or perforin. Phenotypically and genotypically, four cases showed alpha beta T cell type [CD2+, CD3+, T-cell receptor (TCR)-delta-1-, beta F1+, and TCR gene rearrangement], two cases showed gamma delta cell type [CD2+, CD3+, T-cell receptor (TCR) delta-1+, beta F1-, and TCR gene rearrangement], and one case showed NK cell type [CD2+, CD3-, CD56+, T-cell receptor (TCR) delta-1-, beta F1-, and TCR gene germline]. Using Southern blot analysis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sequences were detected in six cases, and monoclonal terminal repeat proliferation was confirmed. In addition, in situ hybridization (ISH) studies for EBV showed EBV infection in almost all neoplastic cells. Clinically, all patients presented with peripheral lymphadenopathy in high clinical stages and showed an aggressive course. Hepatosplenomegaly was detected in six cases. During the course of the disease, bone marrow and extranodal invasion were noted in five cases. The nodal type showed an aggressive clinical course in all cases but one, as did the extranodal type. The nodal type varied in phenotype, but was closely associated with EBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) cells usually exhibit a CD4+ (helper/inducer) phenotype (CD4+/8-/56-), and only a minority of tumours express the CD8 (cytotoxic/suppressor) or CD56 (natural killer [NK]-associated) antigens. TIA-1 is a cytotoxic granule-associated protein expressed in NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Granzyme B, perforin and Fas ligand (FasL) are also expressed in activated CTLs and NK cells. To clarify the cytotoxic potential of ATLL cells, immunohistochemistry was performed in CD8+ and/or CD56+ ATLL cells, using anti-TIA-1, anti-granzyme B, anti-perforin and anti-FasL antibodies. We studied nine cases of CD8+ and/or CD56+ ATLL, all of which exhibited monoclonal integration of human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) proviral DNA. Four cases exhibited a CD8+/CD56- phenotype, four others had a CD8-/CD56+ phenotype, and one was CD8+/CD56+. All but one case also expressed the surface antigens CD3, TCR alpha beta, and CD4. Expression of granzyme B and TIA-1 were demonstrated in three and two cases, respectively, but none expressed perforin or FasL. In the control study, 10 cases with typical CD3+/4+/8-/56- ATLL demonstrated no expression of those cytotoxic-associated proteins. Our findings suggest that CD8 and/or CD56 positivity probably confer(s) no cytotoxic function on ATLL cells, and it is possible that CD8 and CD56 may be simply aberrant surface markers in ATLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives　This study aimed to develop scales for evaluating the level of implementation of community practices and explore the perception of public health nurses in municipalities regarding their community practices.Methods　Draft scales were developed based on a literature review and interviews with municipal public health nurses. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted with municipal public health nurses across Japan in response to these draft scales. Respondents were recruited based on the municipality population size. Questionnaires were distributed to 2,074 individuals from 52 municipalities ensuring representation from diverse municipalities. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the number of factors, while confirmatory factor analysis was performed to determine the factor structure. The reliability of the scales was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and their validity was tested by examining correlations with existing scales, namely the Moral Competence Scale for Public Health Nurses and the Professional Identity Scale for Public Health Nurses, and years of experience as a public health nurse.Results　A total of 721 (34.8%) valid respondents were included in the analysis. Three scales, methods of community practices (three factors, nine items), perceptions of public health nurses toward community residents through community practices (three factors, 10 items), and organizational environment supporting community practices (two factors, 11 items) were developed as indicators of the implementation of public health nurses' community practices. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the three scales were 0.896, 0.913, and 0.868, respectively. As hypothesized, each subfactor exhibited a positive correlation with the existing scales. However, certain subfactors did not demonstrate any correlation with years of experience.Conclusion　The three scales developed in this study were individually examined for reliability and validity. These scales can be used independently or in combination, allowing public health nurses to select the most suitable scale(s) based on their objective.　A notable contribution of this study is the establishment of concrete indicators for evaluating community practices, addressing the previously vague nature of this evaluation. By incorporating the scale items into daily health practices, we anticipate that these indicators can be employed to evaluate community practices at the organizational and individual levels.

Cervical cancer is prevalent among women, with a reported 604,127 cases in 2020 worldwide. The incidence of cervical cancer has been mitigated in most high-income countries by promoting the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. However, in Japan, cervical cancer is still a leading cause of mortality and the most prevalent cancer among women aged between 15 and 39. This can be attributed to the 7-year suspension of HPV vaccination recommendations by the Japanese government. A decline in vaccination coverage followed this suspension, caused by a small number of reported adverse events, resulting in a steep decline in vaccination coverage from over 70% to less than 1%. However, there have been indications of a change in trend in Japan. In 2020, a group of volunteer doctors initiated awareness-raising activities through social networking services and other platforms, and the target population that received at least one dose of the vaccine in 2020 increased to 15.9%. Additionally, in July 2020, the Japanese government approved the updated 9-valent HPV vaccine and resumed recommendations in November 2021. As a result, 30.1% of those eligible for routine HPV vaccination received at least one dose of the vaccine from April to September, 2022. However, the HPV vaccine coverage in Japan is still far from the 90% recommended by the World Health Organization, and continued communication and education on the vaccines benefits are necessary to achieve optimal coverage., Competing Interests: Dr. Tanimoto reported personal fees from Medical Network Systems Inc. and Bionics co. ltd., outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported., (2023, National Center for Global Health and Medicine.)

Objectives　The purpose of this study was to define the terminology used in community health activities by systematically establishing agreement among public health nurses and related professionals, to aid them in effectively cooperating with other professionals.Methods　We extracted the major terms described in "Guidelines for Public Health Nurses' Activities in the Region," which was issued by the Director of Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; and conducted 2 iterations on the proposed definition of the terms using the Delphi method. The survey targeted 800 stakeholders from the following 4 professions: public health nurses in managerial positions in local governments, clerical staff in local governments, public health nursing professors at educational institutions, and social welfare council staff. Respondents indicated their degree of agreement with the definition of the terms using a 4-point Likert scale. We tallied the answers indicating "I agree" or "Mostly agree." A 70% term agreement was considered "conformed." A free text box for each proposed definition was also available so that respondents could share their opinions and offer alternatives.Results　The first survey received 231 responses. The conformity of their definitions ranged from 83.9%-96.9% (mean=91.5%). Although all definitions exceeded the consensus level, we examined their adequacy with reference to the definitions and opinions from the free text. Various opinions were obtained from those engaged in each occupation. The second round included 117 consenting stakeholders from the first survey, yielding 90 responses. Their degree of conformity ranged from 86.7%-98.9% (mean=94.6%). Therefore, we determined the definitions had reached a robust agreement. We revised the definitions of some terms with reference to the opinions from the free texts and finalized the definitions. Finally, we defined 23 terms-such as region, community diagnosis, and policy.Conclusion　All terms had a conformity of more than 85%, thus bringing into alignment those community health terms that had varying interpretations among related occupations earlier. By including the opinions of those from the related occupations who collaborate with public health nurses, the definitions of these terms could be established and shared. These definitions can be used in public health nursing practice, education, service, and research-among those in involved these related occupations.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the standard method used for quantification of norovirus in oysters in Japan for the provisional adaptation of the method as an alternative to ISO 15216-1:2017, to conduct a Japan baseline survey of norovirus in oysters. For this purpose, the method provided by the Japan Committee for Standardization of Virus Detection in Food was subjected to an interlaboratory study to determine the performance characteristics of the standard method used in Japan. As a result, the theoretical limit of quantification for norovirus GI and GII in oysters by the standard method used in Japan was expected to be 1.92 and 1.85 log 10 copies/g, respectively. The repeatability standard deviations (S r ) were 0.26 and 0.30 log 10 copies/g for GI and GII, respectively, and the reproducibility standard deviations (S R ) were 0.47 and 0.44 log 10 copies/g for GI and GII, respectively. Through the interlaboratory study, we specified several critical points to obtain scientifically reliable results by using the standard method used in Japan. Especially, necessity for application of using process control virus was the most crucial point that needed to be improved. In addition, there are many participating laboratories that could not handle dilution of standard and quantify or detect the viruses in the test samples. To ensure scientifically reliable test result, capacity building of laboratories and implementation of proficiency testing should be considered for future tasks in combination with an application of process control materials in the method. On the assumption that the problems revealed in this study will be solved, the standard method used in Japan would be suitable for use in Japan baseline survey of norovirus in oysters, which will contribute to the international action against norovirus in oysters, led by the EU.

Objective: This study identified the radiological content required for PHNs and public health nursing students based on PHNs' experiences caring for people affected by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident., Design: We used qualitative research, interviews, and content analysis., Sample: Participants were eight PHNs employed by local governments in Fukushima and neighboring prefectures., Results: Six content themes regarding the nuclear disaster were identified: (a) basic knowledge about radiation, (b) public health nursing activities in emergency exposure situations, (c) management in emergency exposure situations, (d) consultation to support residents affected by the nuclear disaster, (e) activities in the existing exposure situations, and (f) disaster preparedness in the planned exposure situations. Necessary content shifted depending on the phase of the nuclear disaster recovery., Conclusions: The use of the experiences of PHNs after the nuclear power plant accident to inform PHNs and public health nursing students will enable PHNs to respond appropriately and support people without difficulties. Comprehensive radiation content is needed to address the range of situations caused by nuclear disaster., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Previous studies on etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have shown strong contribution of hereditary factors. On the basis the heterogeneity in ASD symptoms, it is highly possible that each independent domain of ASD symptom is linked to a different set of genetic risk factors. However, few empirical investigations have been carried out to examine this hypothesis., Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in estrogen receptor genes, which several previous studies have identified as potential risk factors of ASD, and the severity of each independent aspect of ASD symptom within an Asian clinical sample., Method and Procedures: We investigated the association between severities of four ASD symptoms (Social Communication, Social Interaction, Stereotypies and Sensory Abnormalities, and Emotional Regulation) measured by childhood autism rating scale and SNPs in genes of estrogen receptor 1 and 2, ESR1 rs11155819 and ESR2 rs1152582, in 96 Japanese individuals with ASD., Outcomes and Results: The analysis revealed that severities in the impairment of social interaction and emotional regulation were linked to SNPs in ESR1 rs11155819 and ESR2 rs1152582, respectively. The effect of genotype was not observed for the other aspects of ASD symptoms., Conclusions and Implications: These findings support our contention that the severity of each ASD symptom domain is determined by a distinct set of genetic risk factors., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The contamination of oysters with human norovirus (HuNoV) poses a human health risk, as oysters are often consumed raw. In this study, the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on a wide variety of HuNoVs naturally present in aqua-cultured Japanese oysters was determined through a polymerase chain reaction-based method with enzymatic pretreatment, to distinguish between infectious HuNoV. Among five batches, genogroup I. genotype 1 (GI.1), GI.2, GI.3, and GI.8 HuNoV were detected from only one oyster not treated with HPP in the fifth batch, while genogroup II. genotype 1 to 4 (GII.1 to 4), GII.6, GII.8., GII.9, GII.13, GII.16, GII.17, and GII.22 HuNoV were detected from oysters not treated with HPP in all tested batches as determined by next-generation sequencing analysis. Neither GI nor GII HuNoV was detected in the oysters of any of the batches after HPP treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effect of HPP on a wide variety of HuNoVs naturally present in aqua-cultured oysters.

Background: Delirium is known to be a poor prognostic factor in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of delirium on admission of ADHF patients, and to establish a scoring formula to identify patients at high risk for delirium., Methods and Results: We recorded the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) score in 120 ADHF patients during their stay in the coronary care unit (CCU). Patients with a highest ICDSC score of 4 or more were diagnosed with delirium. We examined independent candidate predictors of delirium using multivariate logistic regression analysis and developed the following scoring formula, the delirium prediction score (DPS), using independent predictors of delirium and their regression coefficients: DPS=inferior vena cava diameter+C-reactive protein (and additionally +10 for patients with a history of cerebral infarction). Receiver operating curve analysis indicated that evaluation using this scoring system at the time of admission was able to predict delirium with high accuracy (C-statistic: 0.885). In addition, the calculated scores had significantly positive correlations with duration of CCU stay and overall length of hospital stay., Conclusions: We established a novel scoring system to predict on admission the likelihood of development of delirium in ADHF patients; this system also predicts prolongation of intensive care and hospital stay., (Copyright © 2017 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives This study aimed to validate the function of community activities for mothers and examine the constructions of these functions. The relationships between these functions and the antecedent factors of mothers and community activity forms were investigated as well.Method Several items were selected, in accordance with a conceptual framework determined by a preliminary investigation, to measure the function of community activities, mothers' antecedent factors, and community activity forms. The target group was mothers of infants living in metropolitan areas who participated in community activities. The validity and reliability of the Community Activity Function Evaluation Scale for Mothers (CAFES), which includes five subscales, were examined by confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's reliability coefficient. Covariance structure analysis was also carried out. The construction of the five subscales was examined, and the relationships between the five functions, mothers' antecedent factors, and community activity forms were validated.Results Of the 405 responses (36.8% response rate), 379 (93.5%) were eligible for analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the goodness of fit and reliability of the five subscales model. The five functions were correlated, per covariance structure analysis (CFI=0.858, RMSEA=0.060). Multiple regression analysis validated the relationships between the activity functions and mothers' antecedent factors and activity forms.Conclusion The community activities measured by CAFES worked mutually and were interrelated. The five activity functions showed relationships with mothers' antecedent factors (participation>10 times) and activity forms (mothers participate in half-day activities as administrators). Further studies are required in diverse community groups to refine CAFES for generalized use.

Exposure to environmental chemicals, such as dioxin, is known to have adverse effects on the homeostasis of gonadal steroids, thereby potentially altering the sexual differentiation of the brain to express autistic traits. Dioxin-like chemicals act on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), polymorphisms, and mutations of AhR -related gene may exert pathological influences on sexual differentiation of the brain, causing autistic traits. To ascertain the relationship between AhR -related gene polymorphisms and autism susceptibility, we identified genotypes of them in patients and controls and determined whether there are different gene and genotype distributions between both groups. In addition, to clarify the relationships between the polymorphisms and the severity of autism, we compared the two genotypes of AhR -related genes (rs2066853, rs2228099) with the severity of autistic symptoms. Although no statistically significant difference was found between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and control individuals for the genotypic distribution of any of the polymorphisms studied herein, a significant difference in the total score of severity was observed in rs2228099 polymorphism, suggesting that the polymorphism modifies the severity of ASD symptoms but not ASD susceptibility. Moreover, we found that a significant difference in the social communication score of severity was observed. These results suggest that the rs2228099 polymorphism is possibly associated with the severity of social communication impairment among the diverse ASD symptoms.

Purpose: Beta-defensins (BDs) and dendritic cells (DC) have been described as major effectors on host antimicrobial innate immunities. In the present study, the ability of DC to produce BDs was explored using DC from normal mice and full-thickness (FT)-burned mice., Methods: DCs were isolated from spleens of mice, and 1 × 10(6) cells/ml of them were cultured with LPS or SAC. Culture fluids harvested 24 h after cultivation were assayed for BD1 and BD3 and antibacterial activity (colony-counting, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Also, DCs were tested for BD mRNAs by RT-PCR., Results: Sixty-five percent of the bacterial killing activity was shown by the culture fluids of splenic DC from normal mice, while only 15 % killing activity was shown by the culture fluids of splenic DC from FT-burned mice. X-irradiated NOD SCID IL-2rγ(null) mice inoculated with splenic DC from FT-burned mice showed increased susceptibility to P. aeruginosa infection compared to those from normal mice. Mice splenic DC expressed BD1 mRNA constitutively and expressed BD3 mRNA after stimulation. These BDs were produced by mice splenic DC. As compared with DC from normal mice, DC from FT-burned mice produced decreased amounts of BD1 and BD3 in their culture fluids., Conclusions: These results indicate that (1) DC from spleens of mice have an ability to produce BDs, and (2) the production of BDs by DC is influenced strongly by thermally injured stress. Since FT-burned mice are susceptible to P. aeruginosa infection, BDs produced by DC may play an important role on the host's antibacterial resistance.

Rice koji is considered a readily accessible functional food that may have health-promoting effects. We investigated whether white, yellow, and red koji have the anti-obesity effect in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), which is a model for obesity. Mice were fed HFD containing 10% (w/w) of rice koji powder or steamed rice for 4 weeks. Weight gain, epididymal white adipose tissue, and total adipose tissue weight were significantly lower in all rice koji groups than in the HFD-rice group after 4 weeks. Feed efficiency was significantly reduced in the yellow koji group. Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the white and red koji groups with HOMA-R and leptin levels being reduced in the white koji group. White and red koji increased glucose uptake and GLUT4 protein expression in L6 myotube cells. These results showed that all rice koji have the anti-obesity or anti-diabetes effects although the mechanisms may differ depending on the type of rice koji consumed.

Introduction: The number and proportion of elderly persons in the general population have been increasing. Inevitably, the incidence of colorectal carcinoma has also increased. Although substantial evidence indicates that surgery is well tolerated in patients 80 years or older, studies in nonagenarians are not well documented., Methods: Consecutive nonagenarians and octogenarians who underwent elective laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) from September 2009 through October 2011 were studied. Data on medical history, ASA score, details of operations, and postoperative events were collected., Results: LAC was performed in nine nonagenarians and seven octogenarians. There were no complications related to laparoscopy. No patient required conversion from LAC to an open procedure or died postoperatively. Peristalsis was confirmed and oral intake was initiated on postoperative days 2.6 and 2.7, respectively., Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery is considered an extremely useful treatment for very old patients because it has a low risk of postoperative complications, even in the presence of pre-existing diseases. We conclude that LAC may be indicated in nonagenarians., (© 2014 Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background: Heatstroke is a life-threatening illness and causes high mortality due to multiple organ injuries. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial anticoagulant cofactor that plays an important role in the regulation of intravascular coagulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of TM on the inflammatory process, liver function, coagulation status, and mortality in experimental heatstroke., Methods: Male C3H/HeN (8-10 weeks) mice were randomly assigned to the TM-treated group (TG-Pre) or nontreated heatstroke group (HS). In group TG-Pre, mice were treated with recombinant soluble TM (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) before heat exposure. In some experiments, recombinant soluble TM was administrated during heat exposure (TG-Delay). Heatstroke was induced by exposure to ambient temperature of 38°C for 4 hours. After heat exposure, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and plasma high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), liver function, plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations, and immunohistochemical and histopathological characteristics of the livers were determined. The coagulation status, plasma protein C levels, and thrombin-antithrombin complex levels were also measured., Results: In group HS, plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations increased after heat exposure. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations increased after heat exposure. In group HS livers, strong and extensive immunostaining for HMGB1 was observed. In addition, there was extensive hepatocellular necrosis and collapse of nuclei observed. In group HS, plasma protein C levels were suppressed and plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex levels increased. In group TG-Pre, plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations were suppressed after heat exposure compared with group HS. Liver injury, coagulopathy, and mortality also improved in group TG-Pre. Furthermore, recombinant soluble TM treatment decreased mortality even with delayed treatment., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that recombinant soluble TM suppressed plasma cytokines and HMGB1 concentrations after heat exposure. Recombinant soluble TM also improved liver injury and coagulopathy. Recombinant soluble TM treatment improved mortality even with delayed treatment. Recombinant soluble TM may be a beneficial treatment for heatstroke patients.

Background: It has been demonstrated that proinflammatory mediators increase in patients with sepsis, trauma, and burns. These mediators are associated with the development of septic shock and organ dysfunction. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective agonist of the α2-adrenergic receptors, is used in intensive care units for sedation. However, it still remains unclear whether DEX administration has any effects on the production of proinflammatory mediators. In this study, we investigated the effects of DEX on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and high-mobility group box 1 protein in human whole blood., Methods: Human whole blood was cultured with LPS for up to 24 hours, and LPS-induced proinflammatory mediator production was measured. Next, we tested the effect of DEX on whole blood proinflammatory mediator production. Human whole blood was cultured with LPS and various concentrations of DEX for 12 hours. Then, we investigated the influence of yohimbine, an antagonist of the α2-adrenergic receptors, on the effects of DEX. The effect of DEX on necrosis factor κB (NFκB) activation was also investigated., Results: DEX suppressed tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, IL-8, and high-mobility group box 1 protein production in human whole blood. The suppressing effects of DEX on proinflammatory mediator production were reversed by yohimbine. The results suggested that the mechanism for the suppressive effects of DEX on proinflammatory mediator production is meditated via α2-adrenergic receptors. These effects of DEX also include an inhibitory effect on NFκB activation., Conclusion: We demonstrate the suppressing effect of DEX on inflammatory mediator production in human whole blood after LPS stimulation. The mechanism for the suppressive effect of DEX on proinflammatory mediator production may be through the α2-adrenergic receptors and NFκB inhibition.