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Background and Purpose The management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to distal medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) remains uncertain, particularly in comparing the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) plus mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus IVT alone. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy in DMVO patients treated with either MT-IVT or IVT alone. Methods This multinational study analyzed data from 37 centers across North America, Asia, and Europe. Patients with AIS due to DMVO were included, with data collected from September 2017 to July 2023. The primary outcome was functional independence, with secondary outcomes including mortality and safety measures such as types of intracerebral hemorrhage. Results The study involved 1,057 patients before matching, and 640 patients post-matching. Functional outcomes at 90 days showed no significant difference between groups in achieving good functional recovery (modified Rankin Scale 0–1 and 0–2), with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81 to 1.79; P=0.35) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.51; P>0.99), respectively. Mortality rates at 90 days were similar between the two groups (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.29; P=0.30). The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was comparable, but any type of intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher in the MT-IVT group (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.63; P

The purpose of this study is to identify SMEs' understanding of decarbonization management and identify stakeholders who have an impact on the CEO who plays a decisive role in carbon strategy. In this study, a structural equation model was constructed and empirically tested to evaluate associations between CEOs and pre-selected stakeholders. For the data, 41 valid responses were used from a survey targeting small and medium-sized enterprises in Nagasaki Prefecture. As a result of analysis, it was confirmed that decarbonization management had not penetrated other than in the initial stage in the SMEs in Nagasaki prefecture. The top manager's willingness is the main factor determining the companies’ level of carbon management. It is noteworthy that there is growing interest in carbon offsetting using local natural-based credits, which some companies are using to achieve carbon neutrality. This study suggests policy implications for SMEs to improve and promote interest in carbon management.

Background Acute ischemic stroke arising from medium vessel occlusions (MeVO) poses substantial challenges in treatment and management. This study aims to elucidate the outcomes and factors contributing to achieving excellent recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] 2c–3) versus successful recanalization (mTICI 2b) in patients with MeVO stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods We conducted a multinational study analyzing data from the MAD‐MT (Multicenter Analysis of Distal Medium Vessel Occlusions: Effect of Mechanical Thrombectomy) registry, encompassing 37 centers across North America, Asia, and Europe, collected between September 2017 and July 2023. The study included acute ischemic stroke patients with MeVO treated with MT, with or without intravenous thrombolysis, who achieved mTICI 2b–3 post‐MT. Results Among 1463 patients with successful recanalization (mTICI 2b–3), 523 achieved mTICI 2b recanalization, and 940 achieved mTICI 2c–3. Distal occlusions exhibited higher odds of excellent recanalization compared with proximal MeVO vessel occlusions (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.17–2.15; P = 0.003). Cardioembolic stroke pathogenesis was associated with a higher likelihood of excellent recanalization (1.67; 95% CI, 1.07–2.59; P = 0.018). Patients achieving mTICI 2c–3 recanalization demonstrated lower initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, significant improvements in postprocedural National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale shift, and a higher percentage of favorable 90‐day outcomes compared with those with mTICI 2b. However, no significant difference in 90‐day mortality rates was observed. Conclusion This study underscores that among patients with MeVO stroke with successful recanalization (mTICI 2b–3) there is higher likelihood of achieving excellent recanalization (mTICI 2c–3) in distal occlusions and cardioembolic pathogenesis. mTICI 2c–3 scores post‐MT correlate with improved clinical outcomes compared with mTICI 2b, affirming the superiority of excellent recanalization over successful recanalization in patients with MeVO stroke. Further prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted for validation.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pemafibrate in a murine model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: Forty-two, 19-week-old, male, C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: a Control group (n = 14), a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) group (n = 14), and a DSS + PEM group (n = 14). All mice were given a standard rodent diet for the first week, followed by a choline-deficient, high-fat diet (CDHF) for the next 12 weeks. The 22nd day after the animals arrived was taken as Day 1 of the experiment. The Control group continued the CDHF diet and MilliQ water. The DSS group continued the CDHF diet, but starting on Day 1, the group received 0.8 % DSS to drink for 7 consecutive days, followed by MilliQ water for 10 days; this was taken as one course, and it was repeated on the same schedule until autopsy. The DSS + PEM group received the CDHF diet with PEM 0.1 mg/kg/day. Their drinking water was the same as that of the DSS group. On Seven animals from each group were autopsied on each of Day 50 and Day 120, and histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, as well as quantitative RNA and cytokine measurements, of autopsied mice were performed. Results: Pemafibrate improved hepatic steatosis (decreased steatosis area), improved liver inflammation enhanced by DSS (decreased aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase), improved hepatic fibrosis promoted by DSS (decreased fibrotic areas and a marker of fibrosis), inhibited tumorigenesis, and decreased intestinal inflammation in the NASH model mice. Conclusions: In a murine model of NASH, mixing PEM 0.1 mg/kg/day into the diet inhibited disease progression and tumor formation.

This study investigated corporate preferences for forest carbon credit offsets. The preferences were elicited through a choice experiment by administering a questionnaire to determine the price of credit, location of forest sequestration project offset, social development on local employment, preservation of ecosystem services, and unit of sustainable development goals (SDGs). We also examined stated preferences for credit offset and the willingness to pay. The analysis employed multinomial logit and random parameter logit (RPL) models to account for heterogeneity in preferences. The results showed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) held a neutral stance regarding offsetting their emissions and were categorized as being in the early stages of engagement with carbon offsetting. As SMEs can decide whether to purchase credit, we assessed their preferences for the type of credit-based forest carbon sequestration. SMEs had a significant preference for the location of the project, SDGs, and credit price when deciding to purchase credit based on the RPL model estimates. They were willing to pay JPY 6,191 (approximately USD 41) for the location of a project to be local rather than overseas, JPY 933 for a higher number of unit SDGs, and JPY 131 for an increase in the number of jobs. These results suggest that SMEs prefer purchasing local credit generated within their prefecture as a carbon offset alternative.

Abstract Supratentorial veins are divided into superficial and deep venous systems. Most superficial veins drain into the superior sagittal sinus, cavernous sinus, transverse sinus, and inferior sagittal sinuses. Most deep veins drain into the internal cerebral vein, and some drain into the basal vein of Rosenthal, which head toward the great cerebral vein of Galen. The functional anatomy of the supratentorial cerebral veins can be explained by dividing them into (1) veins on the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere, (2) the basal vein of Rosenthal system, and (3) the internal cerebral vein system. Many anastomotic channels exist between the superficial venous systems, veins at the base of the brain, and transcerebral veins. To understand and prevent adverse neurointerventional effects, in this study, we review the cerebral venous anatomy from the viewpoint of venous collaterals.

Abstract The infratentorial veins are densely packed in a smaller space compared to the supratentorial veins and have many variations, such as disconnections and anastomoses. Knowledge of the functional venous anatomy of the posterior fossa is becoming increasingly important in neurointerventional procedures. The basic brainstem veins are longitudinal and transverse veins. The venous drainage of the brainstem and cerebellum follows 3 paths: superior (Galenic), anterior (petrosal), and posterior (torcular). Knowledge of the basic venous anatomy of the brainstem and cerebellum is essential for understanding the routes and patterns of venous drainage under pathological conditions, particularly in arteriovenous shunts. This review describes posterior fossa venous development and the functional venous anatomy of the posterior fossa, mainly the veins of the brainstem, cerebellum, and the emissary veins.

Introduction: Multiple programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry assays performed using different antibodies including DAKO 22C3, DAKO 28-8, and Ventana SP142 PD-L1—predictive markers for response to various immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC—have been approved in several countries. The differences in multiple PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assay results in predicting the therapeutic response to combined chemoimmunotherapy in patients with NSCLC remain unclear. Methods: In this multicenter prospective observational study, we monitored 70 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy at 10 institutions in Japan. The expression of PD-L1 in pretreatment tumors was evaluated using the 22C3, 28-8, and SP142 assays in all patients. Results: The PD-L1 level in tumor cells determined using the 22C3 assay was the highest among the three assays performed with different antibodies. According to the 22C3 assay results, the PD-L1 tumor proportion score greater than or equal to 50% group had a significantly longer progression-free survival period than the PD-L1 tumor proportion score less than 50% group. Nevertheless, the other assays did not reveal remarkable differences in the objective response rate or progression-free survival. Conclusions: In our study, PD-L1 expression determined using the 22C3 assay was more correlated with the therapeutic response of patients with NSCLC treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy than that determined using the 28-8 and SP142 assays. Therefore, the 22C3 assay may be useful for clinical decision-making for patients with NSCLC treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy. Trial registration number: UMIN 000043958.

Abstract Background To investigate whether speech recognition software for generating interview transcripts can provide more specific and precise feedback for evaluating medical interviews. Methods The effects of the two feedback methods on student performance in medical interviews were compared using a prospective observational trial. Seventy-nine medical students in a clinical clerkship were assigned to receive either speech-recognition feedback (n = 39; SRS feedback group) or voice-recording feedback (n = 40; IC recorder feedback group). All students’ medical interviewing skills during mock patient encounters were assessed twice, first using a mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) and then a checklist. Medical students then made the most appropriate diagnoses based on medical interviews. The diagnostic accuracy, mini-CEX, and checklist scores of the two groups were compared. Results According to the study results, the mean diagnostic accuracy rate (SRS feedback group:1st mock 51.3%, 2nd mock 89.7%; IC recorder feedback group, 57.5%–67.5%; F(1, 77) = 4.0; p = 0.049), mini-CEX scores for overall clinical competence (SRS feedback group: 1st mock 5.2 ± 1.1, 2nd mock 7.4 ± 0.9; IC recorder feedback group: 1st mock 5.6 ± 1.4, 2nd mock 6.1 ± 1.2; F(1, 77) = 35.7; p

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic progressive liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NASH is increasing year by year. However, the etiology and progression of NASH, along with the processes leading to carcinogenesis, remain poorly understood. A range of animal models are used in research, but investigators have been unable to establish a model that results in tumorigenesis from a stable disease state. The present study aimed to create a stable, low-mortality model of NASH using abdominal ultrasonography (US) to assess NASH stage and diagnose liver tumors. Methods: Thirty-four 19-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a choline-deficient, high-fat (CDHF) diet. Twenty animals were given seven courses of 0.8 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days followed by 10 days of MilliQ water (CDHF+DSS group). The remaining 14 animals drank only MilliQ water (CDHF group). All animals were weighed weekly and US was performed on Days 35 and 120. After necropsy, samples were taken for biochemical analysis and histopathological evaluation. Results: The CDHF+DSS group had significantly lower body weight on Days 35 and 120, and significantly higher liver/body weight (%) on Day 35 compared to the CDHF group. US on Days 35 and 120 revealed significantly shorter long intestine and higher colonic histological score in the CDHF+DSS group compared to the CDHF group. IL-1β and IL-6 levels in the large intestinal tissue were significantly higher in the CDHF+DSS group. Conclusions: A stable, low-mortality model of NASH was created with a CDHF diet and intermittent 0.8 % DSS. Abdominal US can assess the degree of fatty degeneration and evaluate liver tumorigenesis without necropsy. This assessment procedure will reduce the number of mice killed unnecessarily during experiments, thereby contributing to animal welfare.

Background Although endovascular parent artery occlusion (PAO) of the intracranial artery is a well‐established treatment option, the long‐term stability of cerebral blood flow remains a concern. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent PAO. Methods The patients who underwent endovascular PAO of their internal carotid or vertebral artery (VA) between April 2011 and March 2022 were included in this observational study. Information about patient characteristics, details of the endovascular treatment, and clinical and radiological follow‐up were collected. Results The study included a total of 104 cases (average age, 52.9±12.6 years old; men, 73 [70.2%] cases; 95 [91.3%] VA PAO cases) from 8 centers. Most cases were performed in an emergency condition, such as ruptured VA dissecting aneurysm (73 cases [70.2%]). PAO was successful in all cases. Early stroke (within 30 days) occurred in 33 (31.7%) cases (31 cases in VA PAO and 2 cases in internal carotid PAO) with ischemic stroke (29 cases) comprising the largest group. Clinical follow‐up over 1 month was available in 85 cases. During an average follow‐up period of 45.8±25.8 months, 1 case of VA PAO experienced a stroke without functional deterioration. Imaging follow‐up was performed in 75 cases. Recanalization of the occluded VA was observed in 2 cases. The remaining image change was contralateral VA stenosis after VA PAO. The incidence of clinical and radiological events was 1.2% and 1.1% per patient‐year, respectively. Conclusion Once the patients surpass the acute phase after PAO, their mid‐ to long‐term course was stable. The risk of late stroke or de novo aneurysm formation was lower than expected in the literature, and the direct comparison to novel reconstructive techniques is warranted in future studies. Clinical Trial Registration information: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.html, trial ID: UMIN000045160.

Background For acute proximal intracranial artery occlusions, contact aspiration may be more effective than stent‐retriever for first‐line reperfusion therapy. Due to the lack of data regarding medium vessel occlusion thrombectomy, we evaluated outcomes according to first‐line technique in a large, multicenter registry. Methods Imaging, procedural, and clinical outcomes of patients with acute proximal medium vessel occlusions (M2, A1, or P1) or distal medium vessel occlusions (M3, A2, P2, or further) treated at 37 sites in 10 countries were analyzed according to first‐line endovascular technique (stent‐retriever versus aspiration). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity‐score matching were used to estimate the odds of the primary outcome, expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b–3 (“successful recanalization”), as well as secondary outcomes (first‐pass effect, expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c‐3, intracerebral hemorrhage, and 90‐day modified Rankin scale, 90‐day mortality) between treatment groups. Results Of the 440 included patients (44.5% stent‐retriever versus 55.5% aspiration), those treated with stent‐retriever had lower baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scale scores (median 8 versus 9; P

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a novel, minimally invasive treatment. The indications and treatment practices for MMAE are variable and remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate a strategy involving sequential MMAE after burr hole surgery for treating recurrent CSDH. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from consecutive patients who had undergone MMAE using liquid embolic agents within approximately 2 weeks after burr hole surgery for recurrent CSDH from September 2020 to March 2022. We analyzed patient characteristics, procedural details, CSDH recurrence after MMAE, surgical rescue, and complications. Six of the nine patients who underwent MMAE for CSDH recurrence were male, and the median age was 85 (range, 70-94) years. Five of the nine patients were being administered antithrombotic agents. The median duration between the burr hole surgery and MMAE procedure was 10 (range, 3-25) days. Anterior and posterior convexity branches were targeted for embolization using low-concentration N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), and the abnormal vascular networks with a cotton wool appearance disappeared after embolization in all cases. The NBCA distribution was observed by high-resolution computed tomography during the procedure; in three of nine cases, the NBCA penetrated not only the MMA but also the inner membrane. No recurrence, surgical rescue, or complications were observed in any patient during the median follow-up period of 3 months. As a minimally invasive treatment for recurrent CSDH, sequential MMAE after burr hole surgery may be a safe and effective option for preventing recurrence.

Two main vascular routes supply the brain, internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and vertebral arteries. The external carotid artery (ECA) mainly supplies the skin, muscle, and skull; thus, neurointerventionalists should be aware of ECA‐ICA, ECA‐vertebral artery, and extracranial–intracranial anastomoses. These anastomoses are not newly formed but are arteries that are remnants of developmental processes. During development, the ICA has anastomoses with the original ECA at the first and second pharyngeal arches, and carotid‐basilar anastomoses exist between the ICA and vertebral artery/basilar artery. Advances in neurointerventional technology are increasingly expanding the indications for transarterial embolization in the ECA territory. To avoid embolic complications to the brain and cranial nerve palsy, knowledge and understanding of such extracranial–intracranial anastomosis are crucial for neurointerventionalists interested in neurovascular diseases. The arterial contributions to these anastomoses are mainly the branches of the maxillary artery, ascending pharyngeal artery (extracranial), ophthalmic artery, and branches of the ICA (intracranial). Knowledge of the embryological processes is essential for understanding the routes and patterns of these anastomoses. This review discusses ECA development, the ICA segmental concept and functional anatomy of the extracranial‐intracranial anastomoses in the orbit, cavernous sinus, petrosal bone, and posterior fossa from an embryological point of view.

Introduction: Lung adenocarcinoma with negative TTF-1 expression is believed to be a poor prognostic factor for certain systemic treatments. Nevertheless, the impact of TTF-1 expression on combined chemoimmunotherapy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between tumor TTF-1 expression and the efficacy of combined chemoimmunotherapy in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study included 58 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy across 10 institutions in Japan. The expression of TTF-1 in pretreatment tumors was determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: The objective response rate of combined chemoimmunotherapy was significantly higher in TTF-1–positive groups than in TTF-1–negative groups (p = 0.02). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were significantly longer in TTF-1–positive groups than in TTF-1–negative groups (10.9 versus 5.0 mo; p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that TTF-1 expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor for PFS. Moreover, TTF-1 expression in patients with lung adenocarcinoma is significantly associated with programmed death-ligand 1 expression (p = 0.003). The TTF-1–positive group with programmed death-ligand 1 tumor proportion score greater than or equal to 50% had a significantly longer PFS than the other groups (p = 0.02). Conclusions: TTF-1 positivity is associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with combined chemoimmunotherapy.

Abstract Regardless of treatment, the clinical progression of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), particularly in terms of hearing, swallowing, and gait, tend to worsen throughout the patients’ lives. We performed a retrospective analysis of functional outcomes in Japanese NF2 patients to predict their functional prognosis. We analyzed genotype–phenotype correlation based on genetic data from a cohort of 57 patients with a mean follow-up of 14.5 ± 6.0 years. Their functional outcomes, including hearing, swallowing, and ambulation, were reviewed. Performing a targeted deep sequencing, germline NF2 mutations were identified in 28 patients (49.1%), and mosaic NF2 was identified in 20 patients (20, 35.0%). The functional preservation period and outcome differed significantly depending on clinical/genetic factors. Among these factors, “Truncating”, “Mosaic”, and “Age of symptom onset ≥ 25” had the most significant effects on functional disability. By applying a combination of an NF2 mutation type/location, and age of symptom onset, we classified different degrees of functional preservation and progression, schwannoma growth rate and total interventions per year per patient. The prediction of detailed functional outcomes in NF2 patients can plan better strategies for life-long disease management and social integration.

The basic patterns of the cerebral arteries development are highly conserved across vertebrates. Historical and recent studies based on human embryos, comparative anatomy, and cerebral angiographies allowed us to better understand the embryological development of the cerebral arteries. The knowledge and understanding of such embryological development are important for neurointerventionalists interested in neurovascular diseases, especially stroke, because we may encounter unexpected anatomical variants in neuroendovascular practice. Understanding the embryological processes is essential in understanding cerebral arterial anatomy. This review discusses the development of the aortic arch, great brachiocephalic vessels to the cerebral arteries, and their anatomical variations, with an embryological point of view.

A better understanding of Ecosystem Services (ES) contributes to sustainable use while conserving the ecosystems mainly in resource-rich developing regions. This paper explores multilevel stakeholder perceptions on the most important ES provided by Aberdare Forest Ecosystem (AFE). The importance rank matrix model was employed to establish the ES preferences of 15 selected key organisations involved in AFE co-management. A two-way ANOVA inferential analysis was used to compare the differences in ES type importance. The results revealed statistically significant differences between provisioning, regulating and cultural ES. Regulating ES were identified as the most important compared to provisioning and cultural ES; a gradual stakeholder preference shift from forest tangible goods. Water, wildlife habitat, flood regulation, carbon intake and climate regulation were identified as the most important ES by all the stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to understand the gradual changes in ES preferences by various stakeholders involved in the co-management of natural resources. This knowledge could be important to the decision-makers in sustainable co-management planning for natural resources and to enhance sustainable utiliation of ES.

Since the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, ecosystem science domain has made tremendous progress in the study of ecosystem services, but debates on neglected cultural ecosystem services (CES) have persisted. A recent approach established by the Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) identifies and advocates incorporation of the CES through the role of local knowledge across other ecosystem services. However, approaches and tools that enable engagement of CES are limited. In this study, we examine how cultural contexts influence the appreciation of different CES, by identifying the behavioural aspects and the indigenous knowledge that has evolved on the basis of Social Network Analysis (SNA). SNA measures the network of relations between people and groups developed traditionally for a long time and their relational values with natural resources and ecosystem services. Through a comprehensive literature review of scholarly research published in Scopus data base, this study explicitly illustrates the interrelationship between SNA and CES. Keywords associated with SNA and cultural ecosystem services including forests, fisheries and agriculture (farming) were used. It was found that various aspects of social network uphold relational values of cultural importance and enhance resilience in groups amidst the social changes and times as societies progress. For instance, in the case of homophily, actors who are attracted to one another chose to interact in their defined network (e.g. fishing network) forming a strong social capital. Consequently, they shared similar beliefs and values that were eventually handed to the next generation of the network which shaped their heritage and identity. Social learning networks in various communities were also found to play a key role in information exchange and knowledge sharing among members compared to information from foreign technical experts. To fully integrate CES into sustainable decision making, this review suggests incorporation of the analysis of social networks formed in different cultural contexts globally.

Abstract The forearm rolling test, rapidly rotating each forearm around the other, is a useful neurological physical examination test for the identification of slight muscle weakness in the unilateral upper limb.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the number of patients with acute stroke seeking medical emergency care since the declaration of the state of emergency in the COVID-19 pandemic in the Tokyo metropolitan area of Japan.Methods: In this combined retrospective and prospective multicenter survey, data on the numbers of hospital admissions due to acute ischemic stroke, of large vessel occlusion (LVO) cases, and of reperfusion therapies performed from February to July 2020, restrictions of the medical care system, and comprehensive stroke center (CSC) scale scores were collected in 19 stroke centers in Tokyo.Results: In the survey period, 3,456 patients were admitted with acute stroke. There was a decrease in the number of admissions (−22%), LVO (−22%), thrombolysis (−6%), and thrombectomy (−23%) during the state of emergency, but the ratio of thrombectomy to LVO cases was not different. The acceptance of acute stroke cases by emergency transport and emergent operations in the central eastern area of Tokyo, was also significantly decreased to

Pollinators are being threatened globally by urbanisation and agricultural intensification, driven by a growing human population. Understanding these impacts on landscapes and pollinators is critical to ensuring a robust pollination system. Remote sensing data on land use attributes have previously linked honeybee nutrition to land use in the Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). Here, we instead focus on the less commonly studied Apis cerana japonica—the Japanese Honeybee. Our study presents preliminary data comparing forage (honey and pollen) with land use across a rural-urban gradient from 22 sites in Kyushu, southern Japan. Honey samples were collected from hives between June 2018 and August 2019. Pollen were collected and biotyped from hives in urban and rural locations (n = 4). Previous studies of honey show substantial variation in monosaccharide content. Our analysis of A. cerana japonica honey found very little variation in glucose and fructose (which accounted for 97% of monosaccharides), despite substantial differences in surrounding forage composition. As expected, we observed temporal variation in pollen foraged by A. cerana japonica, likely dependent on flowering phenology. These preliminary results suggest that the forage and nutrition of A. cerana japonica may not be negatively affected by urban land use. This highlights the need for further comparative studies between A. cerana japonica and A. mellifera as it could suggest a resilience in pollinators foraging in their native range.

We present two cases of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) treated with Nivolumab. A 57‐year‐old man presented with a 3.5‐cm mass in the left lower lobe. Left lower lobectomy and lymph node dissection were performed. Histological diagnosis was stage IIIA (pT2bN2M0) PPC. The tumour relapsed two months later and he was treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel, but his condition became progressive and nonresponsive after one cycle. We used nivolumab as second line. Repeat chest X‐ray showed impressive reduction of relapse lesions seven days after the start of nivolumab therapy. Our second case is a 50‐year‐old man who presented with a 3.7‐cm mass in the right lower lobe and submucosal tumour in the colon. Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (EBUS‐TBNA) and colon biopsy yield the diagnosis of PPC and metastatic colon cancer. He was treated with cisplatin plus pemetrexed. His disease proved resistant and we used nivolumab as second line. He showed partial response following four cycles.

Background The long-term evolution of preferences for nature is crucial to conservation projects, given their targeted long-term horizons. Neglecting to account for this evolution could lead to undesirable human–nature relationships. This study compares the willingness to pay (WTP) for three coastal conservation projects in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, at two distant time points (1998 and 2015), and tests for temporal transferability. It also compares protest responses that are often overlooked in WTP practices, regardless of their utility for conservation projects. Methods Given the lack of a unanimous protocol for protest response analyses and their use in estimating WTP, we propose a comprehensive analytic framework that integrates the two. Results We show that, while preferences for coastal ecosystem services were overall stable and temporarily transferable, the preferences for certain aspects of conservation projects considerably changed. Discussion This suggests the need to reconsider the projects’ scheme, not the ecosystem services themselves, along with the clarification of beneficiaries and those responsible for past destruction. We conclude by suggesting further studies with a focus on regions experiencing significant social-ecological changes, such as developing countries, by exploiting the rich asset of existing valuations. This could contribute to the database for more temporal-sensitive ecosystem service valuations utilized for benefit transfers.

A tight upper bound of the size of the antidictionary of a binary string is presented. And it is shown that the size of the antidictionary of a binary sting is always smaller than or equal to that of its dictionary. Moreover, an algorithm to reconstruct its dictionary from its antidictionary is given.

Consumer behavior has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the extent to which the traditional Attention, Interest, Search, Action, and Share (AISAS) consumer behavior model has been affected by the pandemic is underexplored. Simultaneously, food safety issues urgently require stronger protection due to the increasing demand for consumer health. This study aims to determine how the adoption of food traceability systems (FTS) influences consumer behavior and proposes a new interpretation of the AISAS model. Our findings confirm the validity of our model and provide theoretical support for the relationship between "trust" and "trace" in consumer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]