start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=719 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240304 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Impact of Phenological Gaps on Leaf Characteristics and Foliage Dynamics of an Understory Dwarf Bamboo, Sasa kurilensis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Phenological gaps exert a significant influence on the growth of dwarf bamboos. However, how dwarf bamboos respond to and exploit these phenological gaps remain enigmatic. The light environment, soil nutrients, leaf morphology, maximum photosynthetic rate, foliage dynamics, and branching characteristics of Sasa kurilensis were examined under the canopies of Fagus crenata and Magnolia obovata. The goal was to elucidate the adaptive responses of S. kurilensis to phenological gaps in the forest understory. The findings suggest that phenological gaps under an M. obovata canopy augment the available biomass of S. kurilensis, enhancing leaf area, leaf thickness, and carbon content per unit area. However, these gaps do not appreciably influence the maximum photosynthetic rate, total leaf number, leaf lifespan, branch number, and average branch length. These findings underscore the significant impact of annually recurring phenological gaps on various aspects of S. kurilensis growth, such as its aboveground biomass, leaf morphology, and leaf biochemical characteristics. It appears that leaf morphology is a pivotal trait in the response of S. kurilensis to phenological gaps. Given the potential ubiquity of the influence of phenological gaps on dwarf bamboos across most deciduous broadleaf forests, this canopy phenomenon should not be overlooked. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WuChongyang en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Chongyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaRyota en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Ryota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiyoshiKyohei en-aut-sei=Fujiyoshi en-aut-mei=Kyohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkajiYasuaki en-aut-sei=Akaji en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirobeMuneto en-aut-sei=Hirobe en-aut-mei=Muneto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikiNaoko en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Naoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiJuan en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Juan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoKeiji en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=GaoJian en-aut-sei=Gao en-aut-mei=Jian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Beijing for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology/International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Beijing for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology/International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Beijing for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology/International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration kn-affil= en-keyword=bamboo kn-keyword=bamboo en-keyword=sasa kn-keyword=sasa en-keyword=beech forest kn-keyword=beech forest en-keyword=phenological gap kn-keyword=phenological gap en-keyword=canopy kn-keyword=canopy en-keyword=understory plant kn-keyword=understory plant en-keyword=plant morphology kn-keyword=plant morphology en-keyword=plastically kn-keyword=plastically en-keyword=leaf phenology kn-keyword=leaf phenology END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=1161 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Enhancement of Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality Anchor Precision through VSLAM and Google Street View en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality (LAR) applications require precise positioning for seamless integrations of virtual content into immersive experiences. However, common solutions in outdoor LAR applications rely on traditional smartphone sensor fusion methods, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and compasses, which often lack the accuracy needed for precise AR content alignments. In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach to enhance LAR anchor precision in outdoor environments. We leveraged Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) technology, in combination with innovative cloud-based methodologies, and harnessed the extensive visual reference database of Google Street View (GSV), to address the accuracy limitation problems. For the evaluation, 10 Point of Interest (POI) locations were used as anchor point coordinates in the experiments. We compared the accuracies between our approach and the common sensor fusion LAR solution comprehensively involving accuracy benchmarking and running load performance testing. The results demonstrate substantial enhancements in overall positioning accuracies compared to conventional GPS-based approaches for aligning AR anchor content in the real world. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BrataKomang Candra en-aut-sei=Brata en-aut-mei=Komang Candra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FajriantiEvianita Dewi en-aut-sei=Fajrianti en-aut-mei=Evianita Dewi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=location-based kn-keyword=location-based en-keyword=augmented reality kn-keyword=augmented reality en-keyword=SLAM kn-keyword=SLAM en-keyword=cloud-based matching kn-keyword=cloud-based matching en-keyword=Android kn-keyword=Android END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=4 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=274 end-page=296 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230403 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Study of the Active Access-Point Configuration Algorithm under Channel Bonding to Dual IEEE 802.11n and 11ac Interfaces in an Elastic WLAN System for IoT Applications en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Currently, Internet of Things (IoT) has become common in various applications, including smart factories, smart cities, and smart homes. In them, wireless local-area networks (WLANs) are widely used due to their high-speed data transfer, flexible coverage ranges, and low costs. To enhance the performance, the WLAN configuration should be optimized in dense WLAN environments where multiple access points (APs) and hosts exist. Previously, we have studied the active AP configuration algorithm for dual interfaces using IEEE802.11n and 11ac protocols at each AP under non-channel bonding (non-CB). In this paper, we study the algorithm considering the channel bonding (CB) to enhance its capacity by bonding two channels together. To improve the throughput estimation accuracy of the algorithm, the reduction factor is introduced at contending hosts for the same AP. For evaluations, we conducted extensive experiments using the WIMENT simulator and the testbed system using Raspberry Pi 4B APs. The results show that the estimated throughput is well matched with the measured one, and the proposal achieves the higher throughput with a smaller number of active APs than the previous configurations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RoySujan Chandra en-aut-sei=Roy en-aut-mei=Sujan Chandra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=RahmanMd. Mahbubur en-aut-sei=Rahman en-aut-mei=Md. Mahbubur kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WuBin en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Bin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaoWen-Chung en-aut-sei=Kao en-aut-mei=Wen-Chung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=Internet of Things kn-keyword=Internet of Things en-keyword=WLAN kn-keyword=WLAN en-keyword=access-points configuration kn-keyword=access-points configuration en-keyword=dual interface kn-keyword=dual interface en-keyword=channel bonding kn-keyword=channel bonding en-keyword=WIMNET kn-keyword=WIMNET en-keyword=Raspberry Pi 4B kn-keyword=Raspberry Pi 4B en-keyword=IEEE802.11n kn-keyword=IEEE802.11n en-keyword=11ac kn-keyword=11ac END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=889 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristics of Functional Hyperthermia Detected in an Outpatient Clinic for Fever of Unknown Origin en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Functional hyperthermia (FH) is characterized by hyperthermia resulting from sympathetic hyperactivity rather than inflammation, and it is frequently overlooked by medical practitioners due to the absence of abnormalities in a medical examination. Although FH is an important differential diagnosis for fever of unknown origin (FUO), the literature on FUO cases in Japan lacks information on FH. In this study, we aimed to uncover the population of FH patients hidden in FUO cases. Methods: An outpatient clinic for FUO was established at Okayama University Hospital, and 132 patients were examined during the period from May 2019 to February 2022. Results: A diagnosis of FH was made in 31.1% of the FUO cases, and FH predominantly affected individuals in their third and fourth decades of life with a higher incidence in females (68.3%). The frequency of a history of psychiatric illness was higher in patients with FH than in patients with other febrile illnesses. Although the C-reactive protein (CRP) is generally negative in FH cases, some obese patients, with a body mass index >= 25 had slightly elevated levels of CRP but were diagnosed with FH. Conclusions: The results showed the importance of identifying FH when encountering patients with FUO without any organic etiology. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkaKosuke en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=C-reactive protein (CRP) kn-keyword=C-reactive protein (CRP) en-keyword=fever of unknown origin (FUO) kn-keyword=fever of unknown origin (FUO) en-keyword=functional hyperthermia (FH) kn-keyword=functional hyperthermia (FH) en-keyword=psychiatric disorder kn-keyword=psychiatric disorder en-keyword=psychogenic fever kn-keyword=psychogenic fever END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=7031 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231110 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Epidemiology and Reporting Characteristics of Systematic Reviews in Orthopedic Journals: A Meta-Epidemiological Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Systematic reviews (SRs) with complete reporting or rigorous methods can lead to less biased recommendations and decisions. A comprehensive analysis of the epidemiological and reporting characteristics of SRs in orthopedics is lacking. We evaluated 360 SRs, including 165 and 195 published in orthopedic journals in 2012 and 2022. According to the established reporting guidelines, we examined these SRs for key epidemiological characteristics, including focus areas, type of meta-analysis (MA), and reporting characteristics. Most SRs (71%) were therapy-related, with a significant proportion originating from authors in the USA, UK, and China. Pairwise MA was performed on half of the SRs. The proportion of protocol registrations improved by 2022 but remained low (33%). Despite a formal declaration of adherence to the reporting guidelines (68%), they were often not used and reported enough. Only 10% of the studies used full search strategies, including trial registries. Publication bias assessments, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were not even planned. The risk of bias assessment improved in 2022; however, the certainty of the evidence remained largely unassessed (8%). The use and reporting of standard methods in orthopedic SRs have remained suboptimal. Thus, authors, peer reviewers, journal editors, and readers should criticize the results more. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaitoShunsuke en-aut-sei=Taito en-aut-mei=Shunsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiuraTakanori en-aut-sei=Miura en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AriieTakashi en-aut-sei=Ariie en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomitaYosuke en-aut-sei=Tomita en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OgiharaHirofumi en-aut-sei=Ogihara en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiratsuchiDaijo en-aut-sei=Shiratsuchi en-aut-mei=Daijo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujimotoYasushi en-aut-sei=Tsujimoto en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Care, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kagoshima University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Scientific Research WorkS Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= en-keyword=meta-analysis kn-keyword=meta-analysis en-keyword=systemic reviews kn-keyword=systemic reviews en-keyword=reporting guidelines kn-keyword=reporting guidelines en-keyword=PRISMA kn-keyword=PRISMA en-keyword=full search strategy kn-keyword=full search strategy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1443 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Inhibitory Effect of a Tankyrase Inhibitor on Mechanical Stress-Induced Protease Expression in Human Articular Chondrocytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We investigated the effects of a Tankyrase (TNKS-1/2) inhibitor on mechanical stress-induced gene expression in human chondrocytes and examined TNKS-1/2 expression in human osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage. Cells were seeded onto stretch chambers and incubated with or without a TNKS-1/2 inhibitor (XAV939) for 12 h. Uni-axial cyclic tensile strain (CTS) (0.5 Hz, 8% elongation, 30 min) was applied and the gene expression of type II collagen a1 chain (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), SRY-box9 (SOX9), TNKS-1/2, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5 (ADAMTS-5), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were examined by real-time PCR. The expression of ADAMTS-5, MMP-13, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and β-catenin were examined by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. The concentration of IL-1β in the supernatant was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNKS-1/2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in human OA cartilage obtained at the total knee arthroplasty. TNKS-1/2 expression was increased after CTS. The expression of anabolic factors were decreased by CTS, however, these declines were abrogated by XAV939. XAV939 suppressed the CTS-induced expression of catabolic factors, the release of IL-1β, as well as the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and β-catenin. TNKS-1/2 expression increased in mild and moderate OA cartilage. Our results demonstrated that XAV939 suppressed mechanical stress-induced expression of catabolic proteases by the inhibition of NF-κB and activation of β-catenin, indicating that TNKS-1/2 expression might be associated with OA pathogenesis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HottaYoshifumi en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Yoshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaAki en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Aki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NasuYoshihisa en-aut-sei=Nasu en-aut-mei=Yoshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaniwaShuichi en-aut-sei=Naniwa en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaChinatsu en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Chinatsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=LinDeting en-aut-sei=Lin en-aut-mei=Deting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomohiro en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Locomotive Pain Center, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=osteoarthritis kn-keyword=osteoarthritis en-keyword=chondrocyte kn-keyword=chondrocyte en-keyword=mechanical stress kn-keyword=mechanical stress en-keyword=tankyrases kn-keyword=tankyrases en-keyword=XAV939 kn-keyword=XAV939 en-keyword=SOX9 kn-keyword=SOX9 en-keyword=ADAMTS-5 kn-keyword=ADAMTS-5 en-keyword=MMP-13 kn-keyword=MMP-13 en-keyword=IL-1β kn-keyword=IL-1β en-keyword=NF-κB kn-keyword=NF-κB en-keyword=β-catenin kn-keyword=β-catenin END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1585 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240127 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mutual Effects of Orexin and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins on Catecholamine Regulation Using Adrenomedullary Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Orexins are neuronal peptides that play a prominent role in sleep behavior and feeding behavior in the central nervous system, though their receptors also exist in peripheral organs, including the adrenal gland. In this study, the effects of orexins on catecholamine synthesis in the rat adrenomedullary cell line PC12 were investigated by focusing on their interaction with the adrenomedullary bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4. Orexin A treatment reduced the mRNA levels of key enzymes for catecholamine synthesis, including tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanie decarboxylase (Ddc) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (Dbh), in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, treatment with BMP-4 suppressed the expression of Th and Ddc but enhanced that of Dbh with or without co-treatment with orexin A. Of note, orexin A augmented BMP-receptor signaling detected by the phosphorylation of Smad1/5/9 through the suppression of inhibitory Smad6/7 and the upregulation of BMP type-II receptor (BMPRII). Furthermore, treatment with BMP-4 upregulated the mRNA levels of OX1R in PC12 cells. Collectively, the results indicate that orexin and BMP-4 suppress adrenomedullary catecholamine synthesis by mutually upregulating the pathway of each other in adrenomedullary cells. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNahoko en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) kn-keyword=bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) en-keyword=orexin kn-keyword=orexin en-keyword=catecholamine and adrenal kn-keyword=catecholamine and adrenal END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=25 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=987 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240112 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Therapy for Ischemic Heart Disease in Animal Model: A Meta-Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Ischemic heart disease (IHD) poses a significant challenge in cardiovascular health, with current treatments showing limited success. Induced pluripotent derived-cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) therapy within regenerative medicine offers potential for IHD patients, although its clinical impacts remain uncertain. This study utilizes meta-analysis to assess iPSC-CM outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety in IHD animal model studies. A meta-analysis encompassing PUBMED, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases, from inception until October 2023, investigated iPSC therapy effects on cardiac function and safety outcomes. Among 51 eligible studies involving 1012 animals, despite substantial heterogeneity, the iPSC-CM transplantation improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by 8.23% (95% CI, 7.15 to 9.32%; p < 0.001) compared to control groups. Additionally, cell-based treatment reduced the left ventricle fibrosis area and showed a tendency to reduce left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). No significant differences emerged in mortality and arrhythmia risk between iPSC-CM treatment and control groups. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates iPSC-CM therapy's promise as a safe and beneficial intervention for enhancing heart function in IHD. However, due to observed heterogeneity, the efficacy of this treatment must be further explored through large randomized controlled trials based on rigorous research design. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=VoQuan Duy en-aut-sei=Vo en-aut-mei=Quan Duy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoYukihiro en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Yukihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuasaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Yuasa en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=induced pluripotent stem cell kn-keyword=induced pluripotent stem cell en-keyword=ischemic heart disease kn-keyword=ischemic heart disease en-keyword=outcomes kn-keyword=outcomes en-keyword=safety kn-keyword=safety en-keyword=meta-analysis kn-keyword=meta-analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=281 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240116 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A System for Monitoring Animals Based on Behavioral Information and Internal State Information en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Managing the risk of injury or illness is an important consideration when keeping pets. This risk can be minimized if pets are monitored on a regular basis, but this can be difficult and time-consuming. However, because only the external behavior of the animal can be observed and the internal condition cannot be assessed, the animal’s state can easily be misjudged. Additionally, although some systems use heartbeat measurement to determine a state of tension, or use rest to assess the internal state, because an increase in heart rate can also occur as a result of exercise, it is desirable to use this measurement in combination with behavioral information. In the current study, we proposed a monitoring system for animals using video image analysis. The proposed system first extracts features related to behavioral information and the animal’s internal state via mask R-CNN using video images taken from the top of the cage. These features are used to detect typical daily activities and anomalous activities. This method produces an alert when the hamster behaves in an unusual way. In our experiment, the daily behavior of a hamster was measured and analyzed using the proposed system. The results showed that the features of the hamster’s behavior were successfully detected. When loud sounds were presented from outside the cage, the system was able to discriminate between the behavioral and internal changes of the hamster. In future research, we plan to improve the accuracy of the measurement of small movements and develop a more accurate system. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShibanokiTaro en-aut-sei=Shibanoki en-aut-mei=Taro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamazakiYuugo en-aut-sei=Yamazaki en-aut-mei=Yuugo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TonookaHideyuki en-aut-sei=Tonooka en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Intelligent Mechanical Systems, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Major in Computer and Information Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Major in Computer and Information Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University kn-affil= en-keyword=monitoring system kn-keyword=monitoring system en-keyword=image processing kn-keyword=image processing en-keyword=mask R-CNN kn-keyword=mask R-CNN en-keyword=anomaly detection kn-keyword=anomaly detection en-keyword=one-class SVM kn-keyword=one-class SVM en-keyword=rodents kn-keyword=rodents END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=548 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Ultrathin Platinum Film Hydrogen Sensors with a Twin-T Type Notch Filter Circuit en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In recent years, hydrogen energy has garnered attention as a potential solution for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, concerns regarding the inherent risk of hydrogen gas leakage and potential explosions have necessitated the development of advanced sensors. Within our research group, we have innovated an ultrathin platinum (Pt) film hydrogen sensor that gauges resistance changes in Pt thin films when exposed to hydrogen gas. Notably, the sensitivity of each sensor is contingent upon the thickness of the Pt film. To address the challenge of detecting hydrogen using multiple sensors, we integrated the ultrathin Pt film as a resistance element within a twin-T type notch filter. This filter exhibits a distinctive reduction in output signals at a specific frequency. The frequency properties of the notch filter dynamically alter with changes in the resistance of the Pt film induced by hydrogen exposure. Consequently, the ultrathin Pt film hydrogen sensor monitors output signal variations around the notch frequency, responding to shifts in frequency properties. This innovative approach enables the electrical control of sensor sensitivity by adjusting the operating frequency in proximity to the notch frequency. Additionally, the simultaneous detection of hydrogen by multiple sensors was successfully achieved by interconnecting sensors with distinct notch frequencies in series. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WakabayashiShoki en-aut-sei=Wakabayashi en-aut-mei=Shoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhYuki en-aut-sei=Oh en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaHaruhito en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Haruhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangJin en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiwaToshihiko en-aut-sei=Kiwa en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hydrogen sensor kn-keyword=hydrogen sensor en-keyword=ultrathin film kn-keyword=ultrathin film en-keyword=twin-T kn-keyword=twin-T en-keyword=notch filter kn-keyword=notch filter en-keyword=platinum kn-keyword=platinum END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=370 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240205 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Morphometric Analysis of the Eye by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MGST2-Gene-Deficient Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Strabismus, a neuro-ophthalmological condition characterized by misalignment of the eyes, is a common ophthalmic disorder affecting both children and adults. In our previous study, we identified the microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 (MGST2) gene as one of the potential candidates for comitant strabismus susceptibility in a Japanese population. The MGST2 gene belongs to the membrane-associated protein involved in the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators, and it is also found in the protection against oxidative stress by decreasing the reactivity of oxidized lipids. To look for the roles of the MGST2 gene in the development, eye alignment, and overall morphology of the eye as the possible background of strabismus, MGST2 gene knockout (KO) mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing with guide RNAs targeting the MGST2 exon 2. The ocular morphology of the KO mice was analyzed through high-resolution images obtained by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine for small animals. The morphometric analyses showed that the height, width, and volume of the eyeballs in MGST2 KO homozygous mice were significantly greater than those of wild-type mice, indicating that the eyes of MGST2 KO homozygous mice were significantly enlarged. There were no significant differences in the axis length and axis angle. These morphological changes may potentially contribute to the development of a subgroup of strabismus. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Chaomulige en-aut-sei=Chaomulige en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyajiMary en-aut-sei=Miyaji en-aut-mei=Mary kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HosoyaOsamu en-aut-sei=Hosoya en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaMasashi en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiRyosuke en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriiTakuro en-aut-sei=Horii en-aut-mei=Takuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HatadaIzuho en-aut-sei=Hatada en-aut-mei=Izuho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil= Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Biofunctional Imaging Analysis, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University kn-affil= en-keyword=comitant strabismus kn-keyword=comitant strabismus en-keyword=MGST2 gene kn-keyword=MGST2 gene en-keyword=mouse models kn-keyword=mouse models en-keyword=genetics kn-keyword=genetics en-keyword=CRISPR/Cas9 kn-keyword=CRISPR/Cas9 en-keyword=PCR kn-keyword=PCR en-keyword=MRI kn-keyword=MRI en-keyword=eye morphology kn-keyword=eye morphology en-keyword=neuro-ophthalmology kn-keyword=neuro-ophthalmology END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=118 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2024 dt-pub=20240106 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hydrogen in Transplantation: Potential Applications and Therapeutic Implications en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Hydrogen gas, renowned for its antioxidant properties, has emerged as a novel therapeutic agent with applications across various medical domains, positioning it as a potential adjunct therapy in transplantation. Beyond its antioxidative properties, hydrogen also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways. Furthermore, hydrogen's capacity to activate cytoprotective pathways bolsters cellular resilience against stressors. In recent decades, significant advancements have been made in the critical medical procedure of transplantation. However, persistent challenges such as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and graft rejection continue to hinder transplant success rates. This comprehensive review explores the potential applications and therapeutic implications of hydrogen in transplantation, shedding light on its role in mitigating IRI, improving graft survival, and modulating immune responses. Through a meticulous analysis encompassing both preclinical and clinical studies, we aim to provide valuable insights into the promising utility of hydrogen as a complementary therapy in transplantation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ObaraTakafumi en-aut-sei=Obara en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NojimaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirayamaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Hirayama en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HongoTakashi en-aut-sei=Hongo en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=AgetaKohei en-aut-sei=Ageta en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=AokageToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Aokage en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HisamuraMasaki en-aut-sei=Hisamura en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Yumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaoAtsunori en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Atsunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hydrogen kn-keyword=hydrogen en-keyword=organ transplantation kn-keyword=organ transplantation en-keyword=ischemia reperfusion kn-keyword=ischemia reperfusion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=14128 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230915 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Advanced Techniques Using In Vivo Electroporation to Study the Molecular Mechanisms of Cerebral Development Disorders en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The mammalian cerebral cortex undergoes a strictly regulated developmental process. Detailed in situ visualizations, imaging of these dynamic processes, and in vivo functional gene studies significantly enhance our understanding of brain development and related disorders. This review introduces basic techniques and recent advancements in in vivo electroporation for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral diseases. In utero electroporation (IUE) is extensively used to visualize and modify these processes, including the forced expression of pathological mutants in human diseases; thus, this method can be used to establish animal disease models. The advent of advanced techniques, such as genome editing, including de novo knockout, knock-in, epigenetic editing, and spatiotemporal gene regulation, has further expanded our list of investigative tools. These tools include the iON expression switch for the precise control of timing and copy numbers of exogenous genes and TEMPO for investigating the temporal effects of genes. We also introduce the iGONAD method, an improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery approach, as a novel genome-editing technique that has accelerated brain development exploration. These advanced in vivo electroporation methods are expected to provide valuable insights into pathological conditions associated with human brain disorders. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YangChen en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Chen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShitamukaiAtsunori en-aut-sei=Shitamukai en-aut-mei=Atsunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangShucai en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Shucai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaguchiAyano en-aut-sei=Kawaguchi en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=in vivo electroporation kn-keyword=in vivo electroporation en-keyword=in utero electroporation kn-keyword=in utero electroporation en-keyword=genome editing kn-keyword=genome editing en-keyword=IUE kn-keyword=IUE en-keyword=iON kn-keyword=iON en-keyword=TEMPO kn-keyword=TEMPO en-keyword=iGONAD kn-keyword=iGONAD END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=5 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=2772 end-page=2784 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231212 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Indolyl 1,2-Propanediol Alkaloid, 1-(1H-Indol-3-yloxy)propan-2-ol en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The first total synthesis of the proposed structure of unprecedented indolyl derivative bearing 1,2-propanediol moiety is described. Isomerization of 3-alkoxyindolines through indolenium intermediates was the key step in the total synthesis. H-1, C-13-NMR, IR, and HRMS spectra of the synthetic compound drastically differed to those of the originally reported structure, which suggests the natural product requires revision. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KimataMomoko en-aut-sei=Kimata en-aut-mei=Momoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=1-(1H-indol-3-yloxy)propan-2-ol kn-keyword=1-(1H-indol-3-yloxy)propan-2-ol en-keyword=indole alkaloid kn-keyword=indole alkaloid en-keyword=isomerization kn-keyword=isomerization en-keyword=silver kn-keyword=silver en-keyword=umpolung kn-keyword=umpolung END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=3619 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231207 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristic Mean Kurtosis Values in Simple Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging of Dentigerous Cysts en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We evaluated the usefulness of simple diffusion kurtosis (SD) imaging, which was developed to generate diffusion kurtosis images simultaneously with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map for 27 cystic disease lesions in the head and neck region. The mean kurtosis (MK) and ADC values were calculated for the cystic space. The MK values were dentigerous cyst (DC): 0.74, odontogenic keratocyst (OKC): 0.86, ranula (R): 0.13, and mucous cyst (M): 0, and the ADC values were DC: 1364 × 10−6 mm2/s, OKC: 925 × 10−6 mm2/s, R: 2718 × 10−6 mm2/s, and M: 2686 × 10−6 mm2/s. The MK values of DC and OKC were significantly higher than those of R and M, whereas their ADC values were significantly lower. One reason for the characteristic signal values in diffusion-weighted images of DC may be related to content components such as fibrous tissue and exudate cells. When imaging cystic disease in the head and neck region using SD imaging, the maximum b-value setting at the time of imaging should be limited to approximately 1200 s/mm2 for accurate MK value calculation. This study is the first to show that the MK values of DC are characteristically higher than those of other cysts. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FukumuraYuka en-aut-sei=Fukumura en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaSuzuka en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Suzuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYoshihide en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yoshihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamitsuYuki en-aut-sei=Nakamitsu en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=Al-HammadWlla en-aut-sei=Al-Hammad en-aut-mei=Wlla kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamizakiRyo en-aut-sei=Kamizaki en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuYudai en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Yudai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OitaMasataka en-aut-sei=Oita en-aut-mei=Masataka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiantoIrfan en-aut-sei=Sugianto en-aut-mei=Irfan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=BarhamMajd en-aut-sei=Barham en-aut-mei=Majd kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TekikiNouha en-aut-sei=Tekiki en-aut-mei=Nouha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamaruddinNurul en-aut-sei=Kamaruddin en-aut-mei=Nurul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=YanagiYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Yanagi en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsaumiJunichi en-aut-sei=Asaumi en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=dentigerous cyst kn-keyword=dentigerous cyst en-keyword=mean kurtosis kn-keyword=mean kurtosis en-keyword=simple diffusion kurtosis imaging kn-keyword=simple diffusion kurtosis imaging en-keyword=head and neck kn-keyword=head and neck en-keyword=magnetic resonance imaging kn-keyword=magnetic resonance imaging en-keyword=apparent diffusion coefficient value kn-keyword=apparent diffusion coefficient value en-keyword=diffusion kurtosis imaging kn-keyword=diffusion kurtosis imaging END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=424 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231114 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Development of Hexagonal Pyramid-Shaped Flexible Actuator with Anisotropic Stiffness for Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Device en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Rehabilitation devices for passive exercise have been actively researched and developed in accordance with Japan's aging society. A previous study proposed and tested an extension-type flexible pneumatic actuator (EFPA) with reinforced stiffness that could achieve passive exercise in patients. In addition, a rehabilitation device for shoulder joints with an embedded controller and small valves was proposed and tested. Joints such as the shoulder and scapula were subjected to passive exercise utilizing the tested device. However, it is difficult for patients with contractions to perform the same exercise because the reinforced EFPA can buckle. Here, to realize an EFPA with a higher stiffness, a flexible actuator in the shape of a hexagonal pyramid is proposed and tested. The hexagonal pyramid shape of a flexible actuator has a high stiffness in the direction of motion and flexibility in other directions; hereafter, this characteristic is called anisotropic stiffness. The characteristics of the hexagonal pyramid shape of the EFPA are described and compared with those of a previously reinforced EFPA. An analytical model was proposed to predict and design the shape of the hexagonal pyramid EFPA. The validity of the model is also described. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimookaSo en-aut-sei=Shimooka en-aut-mei=So kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HimuroHiroki en-aut-sei=Himuro en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GofukuAkio en-aut-sei=Gofuku en-aut-mei=Akio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hexagonal pyramid shape of flexible actuator kn-keyword=hexagonal pyramid shape of flexible actuator en-keyword=anisotropic stiffness kn-keyword=anisotropic stiffness en-keyword=extension-type flexible pneumatic actuator kn-keyword=extension-type flexible pneumatic actuator en-keyword=analytical model of shape kn-keyword=analytical model of shape END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=7187 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation after Open Surgical Release for Trigger Finger: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: It is not clear whether rehabilitation after surgery for trigger finger is effective. The aim of this study was to reveal its effectiveness for trigger finger. Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled trial that included patients who underwent operations for trigger fingers. The patients in the rehabilitation group had postoperative occupational therapy (OT) for 3 months, while the patients in the control group were not referred for rehabilitation but received advice for a range of motion exercises. We evaluated the severity of trigger finger, Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand (DASH) score, pain-visual analogue scale (VAS), grip strength, whether they gained a full range of motion (ROM), and complications before and after surgery. Results: Finally, 29 and 28 patients were included in the control and rehabilitation groups, respectively. At final follow-up, the DASH score, grip strength, and ROM were significantly improved in the rehabilitation group compared to that preoperatively. At final follow-up, pain was significantly improved in both groups from that preoperatively. There were no significant differences in the results, including the DASH score, grip strength, ROM and pain-VAS between the control and rehabilitation groups at the final follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed that there is a significant difference in the DASH score of patients doing housework or light work and those with a duration of symptoms >12 months between the control and rehabilitation groups at the final follow-up. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SaitoTaichi en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Taichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamichiRyo en-aut-sei=Nakamichi en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=hand surgery kn-keyword=hand surgery en-keyword=rehabilitation kn-keyword=rehabilitation en-keyword=open surgical release kn-keyword=open surgical release en-keyword=trigger finger kn-keyword=trigger finger END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=1706 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Roles of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Endogenous Virus-Like Elements in Cancer Development and Innate Immunity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections in the host genome. Although mutations and silencing mechanisms impair their original role in viral replication, HERVs are believed to play roles in various biological processes. Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) are non-LTR retrotransposons that have a lifecycle resembling that of retroviruses. Although LINE expression is typically silenced in somatic cells, it also contributes to various biological processes. The aberrant expression of HERVs and LINEs is closely associated with the development of cancer and/or immunological diseases, suggesting that they are integrated into various pathways related to the diseases. HERVs/LINEs control gene expression depending on the context as promoter/enhancer elements. Some RNAs and proteins derived from HERVs/LINEs have oncogenic potential, whereas others stimulate innate immunity. Non-retroviral endogenous viral elements (nrEVEs) are a novel type of virus-like element in the genome. nrEVEs may also be involved in host immunity. This article provides a current understanding of how these elements impact cellular physiology in cancer development and innate immunity, and provides perspectives for future studies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KatohHirokazu en-aut-sei=Katoh en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=HERVs kn-keyword=HERVs en-keyword=LINEs kn-keyword=LINEs en-keyword=cancer kn-keyword=cancer en-keyword=innate immunity kn-keyword=innate immunity en-keyword=promoter kn-keyword=promoter en-keyword=enhancer kn-keyword=enhancer en-keyword=interferon signaling kn-keyword=interferon signaling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=1481 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231201 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Random Mutational Analysis Targeting Residue K155 within the Transmembrane β-Hairpin of the Mosquitocidal Mpp46Ab Toxin en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Mpp46Ab is a mosquito-larvicidal pore-forming toxin derived from Bacillus thuringiensis TK-E6. Pore formation is believed to be a central mode of Mpp46Ab action, and the cation selectivity of the channel pores, in particular, is closely related to its mosquito-larvicidal activity. In the present study, we constructed a mutant library in which residue K155 within the transmembrane β-hairpin was randomly replaced with other amino acid residues. Upon mutagenesis and following primary screening using Culex pipiens mosquito larvae, we obtained 15 mutants in addition to the wild-type toxin. Bioassays using purified proteins revealed that two mutants, K155E and K155I, exhibited toxicity significantly higher than that of the wild-type toxin. Although increased cation selectivity was previously reported for K155E channel pores, we demonstrated in the present study that the cation selectivity of K155I channel pores was also significantly increased. Considering the characteristics of the amino acids, the charge of residue 155 may not directly affect the cation selectivity of Mpp46Ab channel pores. Replacement of K155 with glutamic acid or isoleucine may induce a similar conformational change in the region associated with the ion selectivity of the Mpp46Ab channel pores. Mutagenesis targeting the transmembrane β-hairpin may be an effective strategy for enhancing the ion permeability of the channel pores and the resulting mosquito-larvicidal activity of Mpp46Ab. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyazakiMidoka en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Midoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsakuraMami en-aut-sei=Asakura en-aut-mei=Mami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeToru en-aut-sei=Ide en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayakawaTohru en-aut-sei=Hayakawa en-aut-mei=Tohru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=mosquito-larvicidal toxin kn-keyword=mosquito-larvicidal toxin en-keyword=Bacillus thuringiensis TK-E6 kn-keyword=Bacillus thuringiensis TK-E6 en-keyword=Culex pipiens mosquito larvae kn-keyword=Culex pipiens mosquito larvae en-keyword=site-directed mutagenesis kn-keyword=site-directed mutagenesis en-keyword=electrophysiologic analysis kn-keyword=electrophysiologic analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=5873 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Diagnosis and Treatment Approach for Oligo-Recurrent and Oligo-Progressive Renal Cell Carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=One-third of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) without metastases develop metastatic disease after extirpative surgery for the primary tumors. The majority of metastatic RCC cases, along with treated primary lesions, involve limited lesions termed “oligo-recurrent” disease. The role of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT), including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and metastasectomy, in the treatment of oligo-recurrent RCC has evolved. Although the surgical resection of all lesions alone can have a curative intent, SBRT is a valuable treatment option, especially for patients concurrently receiving systemic therapy. Contemporary immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination therapies remain central to the management of metastatic RCC. However, one objective of MDT is to delay the initiation of systemic therapies, thereby sparing patients from potentially unnecessary burdens. Undertaking MDT for cases showing progression under systemic therapies, known as “oligo-progression”, can be complex in considering the treatment approach. Its efficacy may be diminished compared to patients with stable disease. SBRT combined with ICI can be a promising treatment for these cases because radiation therapy has been shown to affect the tumor microenvironment and areas beyond the irradiated sites. This may enhance the efficacy of ICIs, although their efficacy has only been demonstrated in clinical trials. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=BekkuKensuke en-aut-sei=Bekku en-aut-mei=Kensuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaTatsushi en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SekitoTakanori en-aut-sei=Sekito en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshinagaKasumi en-aut-sei=Yoshinaga en-aut-mei=Kasumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaYuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamanoiTomoaki en-aut-sei=Yamanoi en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TominagaYusuke en-aut-sei=Tominaga en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SadahiraTakuya en-aut-sei=Sadahira en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakehiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraShingo en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=EdamuraKohei en-aut-sei=Edamura en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiTomoko en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiMotoo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Motoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=NiibeYuzuru en-aut-sei=Niibe en-aut-mei=Yuzuru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Kurume University kn-affil= en-keyword=renal cell carcinoma kn-keyword=renal cell carcinoma en-keyword=oligo-metastasis kn-keyword=oligo-metastasis en-keyword=oligo-recurrence kn-keyword=oligo-recurrence en-keyword=oligo-progression kn-keyword=oligo-progression en-keyword=metastasectomy kn-keyword=metastasectomy en-keyword=stereotactic body radiation therapy kn-keyword=stereotactic body radiation therapy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=17294 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Positive Regulation of S-Adenosylmethionine on Chondrocytic Differentiation via Stimulation of Polyamine Production and the Gene Expression of Chondrogenic Differentiation Factors en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is considered to be a useful therapeutic agent for degenerative cartilage diseases, although its mechanism is not clear. We previously found that polyamines stimulate the expression of differentiated phenotype of chondrocytes. We also found that the cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) played a huge role in the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that polyamines and CCN2 could be involved in the chondroprotective action of SAM. In this study, we initially found that exogenous SAM enhanced proteoglycan production but not cell proliferation in human chondrocyte-like cell line-2/8 (HCS-2/8) cells. Moreover, SAM enhanced gene expression of cartilage-specific matrix (aggrecan and type II collagen), Sry-Box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), CCN2, and chondroitin sulfate biosynthetic enzymes. The blockade of the methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) enzyme catalyzing intracellular SAM biosynthesis restrained the effect of SAM on chondrocytes. The polyamine level in chondrocytes was higher in SAM-treated culture than control culture. Additionally, Alcian blue staining and RT-qPCR indicated that the effects of SAM on the production and gene expression of aggrecan were reduced by the inhibition of polyamine synthesis. These results suggest that the stimulation of polyamine synthesis and gene expression of chondrogenic differentiation factors, such as CCN2, account for the mechanism underlying the action of SAM on chondrocytes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HoangLoc Dinh en-aut-sei=Hoang en-aut-mei=Loc Dinh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AoyamaEriko en-aut-sei=Aoyama en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiasaMiki en-aut-sei=Hiasa en-aut-mei=Miki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoteHiroshi en-aut-sei=Omote en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubokiTakuo en-aut-sei=Kuboki en-aut-mei=Takuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakigawaMasaharu en-aut-sei=Takigawa en-aut-mei=Masaharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (ARCOCS), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (ARCOCS), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (ARCOCS), Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=S-adenosylmethionine kn-keyword=S-adenosylmethionine en-keyword=chondrocyte differentiation kn-keyword=chondrocyte differentiation en-keyword=CCN2 kn-keyword=CCN2 en-keyword=polyamine kn-keyword=polyamine en-keyword=ODC kn-keyword=ODC en-keyword=gene expression kn-keyword=gene expression END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=2893 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230909 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Acute Kidney Injury en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome where a rapid decrease in kidney function and/or urine output is observed, which may result in the imbalance of water, electrolytes and acid base. It is associated with poor prognosis and prolonged hospitalization. Therefore, an early diagnosis and treatment to avoid the severe AKI stage are important. While several biomarkers, such as urinary L-FABP and NGAL, can be clinically useful, there is still no gold standard for the early detection of AKI and there are limited therapeutic options against AKI. miRNAs are non-coding and single-stranded RNAs that silence their target genes in the post-transcriptional process and are involved in a wide range of biological processes. Recent accumulated evidence has revealed that miRNAs may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AKI. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge about miRNAs as promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for AKI, as well as the challenges in their clinical use. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanohHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Nakanoh en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraShinji en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=microRNA kn-keyword=microRNA en-keyword=acute kidney injury kn-keyword=acute kidney injury en-keyword=biomarker kn-keyword=biomarker en-keyword=mesenchymal stem cell kn-keyword=mesenchymal stem cell END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=1661 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231030 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristics of Persistent Symptoms Manifested after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: An Observational Retrospective Study in a Specialized Clinic for Vaccination-Related Adverse Events en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Although many adverse reactions after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported, there have been few comprehensive studies on persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with various persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed for patients who visited a specialized clinic established at Okayama University Hospital to evaluate adverse events after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during the period from April 2021 to March 2023. Results: Descriptive analysis was performed for 121 of 127 patients who visited the clinic during the study period, and separate analysis was performed for the other 6 patients who had serious complications, who required treatment with prednisolone, and who had persistent symptoms. The median [interquartile range] age of the patients was 48 years [31-64 years], and the patients included 44 males (36.4%) and 77 females (63.6%). The most frequent symptoms were sensory impairment (34 patients, 28.1%), general fatigue (30 patients, 24.8%), fever/low-grade fever (21 patients, 17.4%), and headache (21 patients, 17.4%). Serious complications included myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), sarcoidosis, aseptic meningitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs), tendon adhesions, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: Although causal relationships were not determined, 15 persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were characterized. All of the symptoms had onset from 12 hours to one week after vaccination, with 10 symptoms persisting for 6 months or longer. The most frequent symptom was sensory impairment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Fujita-YamashitaManami en-aut-sei=Fujita-Yamashita en-aut-mei=Manami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=adverse events kn-keyword=adverse events en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 vaccination kn-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 vaccination en-keyword=mRNA vaccine kn-keyword=mRNA vaccine END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=1562 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231024 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Novel Iron Chelators, Super-Polyphenols, Show Antimicrobial Effects against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dental caries are an oral infectious disease that can affect human health both orally and systemically. It remains an urgent issue to establish a novel antibacterial method to prevent oral infection for a healthy life expectancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of novel iron chelators, super-polyphenols (SPs), on the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, in vitro. SPs were developed to reduce the side effects of iron chelation therapy and were either water-soluble or insoluble depending on their isoforms. We found that SP6 and SP10 inhibited bacterial growth equivalent to povidone-iodine, and viability tests indicated that their effects were bacteriostatic. These results suggest that SP6 and SP10 have the potential to control oral bacterial infections such as Streptococcus mutans. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Shinoda-ItoYuki en-aut-sei=Shinoda-Ito en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoTakashi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasaaki en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaAtsushi en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoMasahiro en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Periodontics & Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=antimicrobial kn-keyword=antimicrobial en-keyword=iron chelator kn-keyword=iron chelator en-keyword=oral infection kn-keyword=oral infection en-keyword=Streptococcus mutans kn-keyword=Streptococcus mutans en-keyword=super-polyphenols kn-keyword=super-polyphenols END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=15450 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231022 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Roles of Oxidative Injury and Nitric Oxide System Derangements in Kawasaki Disease Pathogenesis: A Systematic Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitis that occurs mostly in children younger than five years. KD involves multiple intricately connected inflammatory reactions activated by a cytokine cascade. Despite therapeutic advances, coronary artery damage may develop in some patients, who will be at risk of clinical cardiovascular events and even sudden death. The etiology of KD remains unclear; however, it may involve both genetic and environmental factors leading to aberrant inflammatory responses. Given the young age of onset, prenatal or perinatal exposure may be etiologically relevant. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a post-infectious hyper-inflammatory disorder associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has features that overlap with those of KD. Available evidence indicates that vascular endothelial dysfunction is a critical step in the sequence of events leading to the development of cardiovascular lesions in KD. Oxidative stress and the dysregulation of the nitric oxide (NO) system contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory responses related to this disease. This review provides current evidence and concepts highlighting the adverse effects of oxidative injury and NO system derangements on the initiation and progression of KD and potential therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular pathologies in affected children. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsugeMitsuru en-aut-sei=Tsuge en-aut-mei=Mitsuru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UdaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Uda en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EitokuTakahiro en-aut-sei=Eitoku en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoNaomi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Naomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=biomarker kn-keyword=biomarker en-keyword=coronary artery lesions kn-keyword=coronary artery lesions en-keyword=Kawasaki disease kn-keyword=Kawasaki disease en-keyword=multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children kn-keyword=multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children en-keyword=nitric oxide kn-keyword=nitric oxide en-keyword=nitrosative stress kn-keyword=nitrosative stress en-keyword=oxidative stress kn-keyword=oxidative stress en-keyword=systemic inflammation kn-keyword=systemic inflammation en-keyword=vascular endothelial dysfunction kn-keyword=vascular endothelial dysfunction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=4190 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231023 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Fabrication of a Fish-Bone-Inspired Inorganic-Organic Composite Membrane en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Biological materials have properties like great strength and flexibility that are not present in synthetic materials. Using the ribs of crucian carp as a reference, we investigated the mechanisms behind the high mechanical properties of this rib bone, and found highly oriented layers of calcium phosphate (CaP) and collagen fibers. To fabricate a fish-rib-bone-mimicking membrane with similar structure and mechanical properties, this study involves (1) the rapid synthesis of plate-like CaP crystals, (2) the layering of CaP-gelatin hydrogels by gradual drying, and (3) controlling the shape of composite membranes using porous gypsum molds. Finally, as a result of optimizing the compositional ratio of CaP filler and gelatin hydrogel, a CaP filler content of 40% provided the optimal mechanical properties of toughness and stiffness similar to fish bone. Due to the rigidity, flexibility, and ease of shape control of the composite membrane materials, this membrane could be applied as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JiaoYuyang en-aut-sei=Jiao en-aut-mei=Yuyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NutanBhingaradiya en-aut-sei=Nutan en-aut-mei=Bhingaradiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaokaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Nagaoka en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=BikharudinAhmad en-aut-sei=Bikharudin en-aut-mei=Ahmad kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MusaRanda en-aut-sei=Musa en-aut-mei=Randa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoTakuya en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=fish bone kn-keyword=fish bone en-keyword=lamellar structure kn-keyword=lamellar structure en-keyword=self-assembly kn-keyword=self-assembly en-keyword=guided bone regeneration kn-keyword=guided bone regeneration END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1566 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231016 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Numerical Analysis of Various Heat Countermeasures: Effects on Energy Consumption and Indoor Thermal Comfort in Densely Built Wooden House Area en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Densely built areas with poor thermal insulation suffer from high thermal environmental risks and generally consume high energy in summer. Determining the relationship between density and energy consumption is necessary, particularly when implementing urban heat island (UHI) countermeasures. This study evaluated the effects of density and UHI countermeasures on the energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort of a detached house in a typical densely built wooden house area in Yokohama City, Japan. Three densities and six countermeasures were considered. Annual hourly simulations based on the SCIENCE-Vent thermal environment simulation model yielded the following results: in densely built wooden house areas, the energy consumption and thermal discomfort increased with density. The green roof yielded the largest energy savings in the cooling and heating seasons, demonstrating the highest annual energy savings with 5.7%. Density had little impact on rooftop countermeasures, but the effect of the high-reflectance walls increased with density, and the reduction in annual energy consumption (air conditioning and lighting) is 2.6%, 3.0%, 3.6% in 37%, 47%, and 59% density cases, respectively. The impact of thermal countermeasures on indoor thermal comfort varied according to the thermal control mechanism. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=LiuShanshan en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Shanshan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LevinsonRonnen en-aut-sei=Levinson en-aut-mei=Ronnen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NarumiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Narumi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Architecture and Building Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Heat Island Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=urban heat island kn-keyword=urban heat island en-keyword=densely built area kn-keyword=densely built area en-keyword=energy saving kn-keyword=energy saving en-keyword=indoor thermal comfort kn-keyword=indoor thermal comfort en-keyword=heat countermeasure kn-keyword=heat countermeasure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=11308 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231014 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evolutionary-Game-Theory-Based Epidemiological Model for Prediction of Infections with Application to Demand Forecasting in Pharmaceutical Inventory Management Problems en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Pharmaceuticals play a critical role in the eradication of infectious diseases. Effective pharmaceutical inventory management is important for controlling epidemics since medical resources such as pharmaceuticals, medical staff, and hospitals are limited. In this study, a novel epidemiological model is proposed to evaluate the resource requirements for pharmaceuticals and is applied to analyze different pharmaceutical inventory management strategies. We formulate the relationship between the number of infected individuals and the risk of infection to account for virus mutation. Evolutionary game theory is integrated into an epidemiological model to represent human behavioral choices. The proposed model can be developed to forecast the demand for pharmaceuticals and analyze how human behavior affects the demand of pharmaceuticals. This study found that making people aware of the risk of disease has a positive impact on both reducing the number of infections and managing the pharmaceutical inventory. The main contribution of this study is to enhance areas of research in pharmaceutical inventory management. This study revealed that the correct recognition of the risk of disease leads to appropriate pharmaceutical management. There are a few studies on the application of infectious disease models to inventory control problems. This study provides clues toward proper pharmaceutical management. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishihataYu en-aut-sei=Nishihata en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuZiang en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Ziang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiTatsushi en-aut-sei=Nishi en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=inventory management kn-keyword=inventory management en-keyword=SEIR model kn-keyword=SEIR model en-keyword=evolutionary game theory kn-keyword=evolutionary game theory END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=2773 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20231013 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Targeting Neurogenesis in Seeking Novel Treatments for Ischemic Stroke en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The interruption of cerebral blood flow leads to ischemic cell death and results in ischemic stroke. Although ischemic stroke is one of the most important causes of long-term disability and mortality, limited treatments are available for functional recovery. Therefore, extensive research has been conducted to identify novel treatments. Neurogenesis is regarded as a fundamental mechanism of neural plasticity. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting neurogenesis are thought to be promising. Basic research has found that therapeutic intervention including cell therapy, rehabilitation, and pharmacotherapy increased neurogenesis and was accompanied by functional recovery after ischemic stroke. In this review, we consolidated the current knowledge of the relationship between neurogenesis and treatment for ischemic stroke. It revealed that many treatments for ischemic stroke, including clinical and preclinical ones, have enhanced brain repair and functional recovery post-stroke along with neurogenesis. However, the intricate mechanisms of neurogenesis and its impact on stroke recovery remain areas of extensive research, with numerous factors and pathways involved. Understanding neurogenesis will lead to more effective stroke treatments, benefiting not only stroke patients but also those with other neurological disorders. Further research is essential to bridge the gap between preclinical discoveries and clinical implementation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NagaseTakayuki en-aut-sei=Nagase en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinKyohei en-aut-sei=Kin en-aut-mei=Kyohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuharaTakao en-aut-sei=Yasuhara en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Neurological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=neurogenesis kn-keyword=neurogenesis en-keyword=ischemic stroke kn-keyword=ischemic stroke en-keyword=cell therapy kn-keyword=cell therapy en-keyword=rehabilitations kn-keyword=rehabilitations END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=3038 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230925 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Role of Semaphorin 3A in Kidney Development and Diseases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Kidney diseases are worldwide public health problems affecting millions of people. However, there are still limited therapeutic options against kidney diseases. Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) is a secreted and membrane-associated protein, which regulates diverse functions, including immune regulation, cell survival, migration and angiogenesis, thus involving in the several pathogeneses of diseases, including eyes and neurons, as well as kidneys. SEMA3A is expressed in podocytes and tubular cells in the normal adult kidney, and recent evidence has revealed that excess SEMA3A expression and the subsequent signaling pathway aggravate kidney injury in a variety of kidney diseases, including nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease. In addition, several reports have demonstrated that the inhibition of SEMA3A ameliorated kidney injury via a reduction in cell apoptosis, fibrosis and inflammation; thus, SEMA3A may be a potential therapeutic target for kidney diseases. In this review article, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the role of SEMA3A in kidney pathophysiology and their potential use in kidney diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SangYizhen en-aut-sei=Sang en-aut-mei=Yizhen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanohHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Nakanoh en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraShinji en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=semaphorin 3A kn-keyword=semaphorin 3A en-keyword=neuropilin-1 kn-keyword=neuropilin-1 en-keyword=podocyte kn-keyword=podocyte en-keyword=diabetic nephropathy kn-keyword=diabetic nephropathy en-keyword=acute kidney injury kn-keyword=acute kidney injury en-keyword=chronic kidney injury kn-keyword=chronic kidney injury en-keyword=lupus nephritis kn-keyword=lupus nephritis en-keyword=fibrosis kn-keyword=fibrosis en-keyword=apoptosis kn-keyword=apoptosis en-keyword=inflammation kn-keyword=inflammation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=13296 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230905 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Relationship between the Evaluation of Public Transport Services and Travel-Based CO2 Emissions from Private Transport Modes in Regional and Metropolitan Areas in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Promoting public transport use is expected to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. Using Okayama City and Central Tokyo as representative case studies of regional and metropolitan areas in Japan, this study examines the impact of the evaluation of the 'hard' and 'soft' attributes of rail and bus services on the overall evaluation. This study then explores the relationship between the overall evaluation and usage frequency of rail and bus services, as well as the relationship between the usage frequency and travel-based CO2 emissions from private transport modes. Furthermore, this study investigates whether the emissions cause differences in the evaluation of the 'hard' and 'soft' attributes of public transport services. The findings suggest prioritising an improvement in 'hard' rather than 'soft' attributes in order to reduce emissions through the use of public transport in regional areas. However, in metropolitan areas, no relationship was found between the evaluation of public transport services and emissions, presumably because of the lower ownership rate of private cars that residents can use freely and the markedly higher level of rail and bus services. This study provides a methodological reference for analysing the potential to reduce travel-based emissions from private transport modes by enhancing public transport service contents. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=PradhanShreyas en-aut-sei=Pradhan en-aut-mei=Shreyas kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UjiharaTakehito en-aut-sei=Ujihara en-aut-mei=Takehito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HashimotoSeiji en-aut-sei=Hashimoto en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=CO2 emissions kn-keyword=CO2 emissions en-keyword=public transport kn-keyword=public transport en-keyword=evaluation kn-keyword=evaluation en-keyword='hard' and 'soft' attributes kn-keyword='hard' and 'soft' attributes en-keyword=usage frequency kn-keyword=usage frequency en-keyword=private transport modes kn-keyword=private transport modes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=13692 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230905 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Germinal Origin of Salivary and Lacrimal Glands and the Contributions of Neural Crest Cell-Derived Epithelium to Tissue Regeneration en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The vertebrate body comprises four distinct cell populations: cells derived from (1) ectoderm, (2) mesoderm, (3) endoderm, and (4) neural crest cells, often referred to as the fourth germ layer. Neural crest cells arise when the neural plate edges fuse to form a neural tube, which eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. To date, the embryonic origin of exocrine glands located in the head and neck remains under debate. In this study, transgenic TRiCK mice were used to investigate the germinal origin of the salivary and lacrimal glands. TRiCK mice express fluorescent proteins under the regulatory control of Sox1, T/Brachyury, and Sox17 gene expressions. These genes are representative marker genes for neuroectoderm (Sox1), mesoderm (T), and endoderm (Sox17). Using this approach, the cellular lineages of the salivary and lacrimal glands were examined. We demonstrate that the salivary and lacrimal glands contain cells derived from all three germ layers. Notably, a subset of Sox1-driven fluorescent cells differentiated into epithelial cells, implying their neural crest origin. Also, these Sox1-driven fluorescent cells expressed high levels of stem cell markers. These cells were particularly pronounced in duct ligation and wound damage models, suggesting the involvement of neural crest-derived epithelial cells in regenerative processes following tissue injury. This study provides compelling evidence clarifying the germinal origin of exocrine glands and the contribution of neural crest-derived cells within the glandular epithelium to the regenerative response following tissue damage. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Ono-MinagiHitomi en-aut-sei=Ono-Minagi en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NohnoTsutomu en-aut-sei=Nohno en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SerizawaTakashi en-aut-sei=Serizawa en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UsamiYu en-aut-sei=Usami en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkanoHideyuki en-aut-sei=Okano en-aut-mei=Hideyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhuchiHideyo en-aut-sei=Ohuchi en-aut-mei=Hideyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation for Orofacial Disorders, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=salivary and lacrimal glands kn-keyword=salivary and lacrimal glands en-keyword=development kn-keyword=development en-keyword=three germ layers kn-keyword=three germ layers en-keyword=neural crest kn-keyword=neural crest END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=6367 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230713 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Interface Setup Optimization Method Using a Throughput Estimation Model for Concurrently Communicating Access Points in a Wireless Local Area Network en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The IEEE 802.11 wireless local-area network (WLAN) has been deployed around the globe as a major Internet access medium due to its low cost and high flexibility and capacity. Unfortunately, dense wireless networks can suffer from poor performance due to high levels of radio interference resulting from adjoining access points (APs). To address this problem, we studied the AP transmission power optimization method, which selects the maximum or minimum power supplied to each AP so that the average signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) among the concurrently communicating APs is maximized.However, this method requires measurements of receiving signal strength (RSS) under all the possible combinations of powers. It may need intolerable loads and time as the number of APs increases. It also only considers the use of channel bonding (CB), although non-CB sometimes achieves higher performance under high levels of interference. In this paper, we present an AP interface setup optimization method using the throughput estimation model for concurrently communicating APs. The proposed method selects CB or non-CB in addition to the maximum or minimum power for each AP. This model approach avoids expensive costs of RSS measurements under a number of combinations. To estimate the RSS at an AP from another AP or a host, the model needs the distance and the obstacles between them, such as walls. Then, by calculating the estimated RSS with the model and calculating the SIR from them, the AP interface setups for a lot of APs in a large-scale wireless network can be optimized on a computer in a very short time. For evaluation, we conducted extensive experiments using Raspberry Pi for APs and Linux PCs for hosts under 12 network topologies in three buildings at Okayama University, Japan, and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Bangladesh. The results confirm that the proposed method selects the best AP interface setup with the highest total throughput in any topology. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkhterFatema en-aut-sei=Akhter en-aut-mei=Fatema kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HtetEi Ei en-aut-sei=Htet en-aut-mei=Ei Ei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WuBin en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Bin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KongDezheng en-aut-sei=Kong en-aut-mei=Dezheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FangShihao en-aut-sei=Fang en-aut-mei=Shihao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=wireless local area network kn-keyword=wireless local area network en-keyword=signal-to-interference ratio kn-keyword=signal-to-interference ratio en-keyword=interface setup optimization kn-keyword=interface setup optimization en-keyword=throughput estimation model kn-keyword=throughput estimation model en-keyword=channel bonding kn-keyword=channel bonding END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=16 article-no= start-page=5174 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230809 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Switching to Dupilumab from Other Biologics without a Treatment Interval in Patients with Severe Asthma: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Dupilumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin4 and interleukin-13 signals. Several large clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with severe asthma. However, few studies have examined a switch to dupilumab from other biologics. Methods: This retrospective, multi-center observational study was conducted by the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group. Consecutive patients with severe asthma who were switched to dupilumab from other biologics without a treatment interval between May 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled. Patients with a treatment interval of more than twice the standard dosing interval for the previous biologic prior to dupilumab administration were excluded. Results: The median patient age of the 27 patients enrolled in this study was 57 years (IQR, 45-68 years). Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS)/chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) was confirmed in 23 patients. Previous biologics consisted of omalizumab (n = 3), mepolizumab (n = 3), and benralizumab (n = 21). Dupilumab significantly improved FEV1 (median improvement: +145 mL) and the asthma control test score (median improvement: +2). The overall response rate in patients receiving dupilumab for asthma as determined using the Global Evaluations of Treatment Effectiveness (GETE) was 77.8%. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the GETE-improved group vs. the non-GETE-improved group. ECRS/CRSwNP improved in 20 of the 23 patients (87.0%). Overall, 8 of the 27 patients (29.6%) developed transient hypereosinophilia (>1500/ mu L), but all were asymptomatic and able to continue dupilumab therapy. Conclusions: Dupilumab was highly effective for the treatment of severe asthma and ECRS/CRSwNP, even in patients switched from other biologics without a treatment interval. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HigoHisao en-aut-sei=Higo en-aut-mei=Hisao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaHirohisa en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Hirohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakawaYukako en-aut-sei=Arakawa en-aut-mei=Yukako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItanoJunko en-aut-sei=Itano en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiAkihiko en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Akihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SenooSatoru en-aut-sei=Senoo en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraGoro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Goro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanimotoYasushi en-aut-sei=Tanimoto en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyakeKohei en-aut-sei=Miyake en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsutaTomoya en-aut-sei=Katsuta en-aut-mei=Tomoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaMikio en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiuraKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Kiura en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaharaNobuaki en-aut-sei=Miyahara en-aut-mei=Nobuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group (ORDSG) en-aut-sei=Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group (ORDSG) en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Himeji Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Onomichi Municipal Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil= kn-affil= en-keyword=dupilumab kn-keyword=dupilumab en-keyword=severe asthma kn-keyword=severe asthma en-keyword=treatment interval kn-keyword=treatment interval en-keyword=eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis kn-keyword=eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1368 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230729 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Microstructural Control and Alloy Design for Improving the Resistance to Delayed Fracture of Ultrahigh-Strength Automotive Steel Sheets en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The demand for higher-strength automotive steel sheets has increased significantly for lightweight and safe body concepts. However, the increment of the steel strength is often limited by the potential occurrence of delayed fracture. This paper discusses proper microstructure control and alloy design to improve the resistance against the delayed fracture of ultrahigh-strength automotive steel sheets in order to increase the usable upper limit of their strength and provides basic data serving as a practical guide for solving the problem of delayed fracture in ultrahigh-strength automotive steel sheets. It is confirmed that grain refinement, the appropriate dual-phase structure of martensite with ferrite or retained austenite, and surface decarburization, increase the resistance to delayed fracture. In terms of alloy design, the effects of Nb, Mo, and B on the delayed fracture resistance of hot-stamped steels have been investigated. The results suggest that there are other reasons for Nb to improve delayed fracture resistance in addition to grain refinement and the ability to trap hydrogen by its precipitates, as has been conventionally believed. Regarding Mo, it was clearly demonstrated that the segregation of this element at the grain boundary plays a main role in improving the delayed fracture resistance. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SenumaTakehide en-aut-sei=Senuma en-aut-mei=Takehide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkayasuMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MohrbacherHardy en-aut-sei=Mohrbacher en-aut-mei=Hardy kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=NiobelCon BV kn-affil= en-keyword=delayed fracture kn-keyword=delayed fracture en-keyword=hydrogen embrittlement kn-keyword=hydrogen embrittlement en-keyword=high-strength steel kn-keyword=high-strength steel en-keyword=automotive steel sheets kn-keyword=automotive steel sheets en-keyword=microstructural control kn-keyword=microstructural control en-keyword=alloy design kn-keyword=alloy design END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=16 article-no= start-page=12559 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230808 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Interaction of Orexin and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Steroidogenesis by Human Adrenocortical Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Orexins are neuropeptides that play important roles in sleep-wake regulation and food intake in the central nervous system, but their receptors are also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the endocrine system. In the present study, we investigated the functions of orexin in adrenal steroidogenesis using human adrenocortical H295R cells by focusing on its interaction with adrenocortical bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) that induce adrenocortical steroidogenesis. Treatment with orexin A increased the mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes including StAR, CYP11B2, CYP17, and HSD3B1, and these effects of orexin A were further enhanced in the presence of forskolin. Interestingly, orexin A treatment suppressed the BMP-receptor signaling detected by Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation and Id-1 expression through upregulation of inhibitory Smad7. Orexin A also suppressed endogenous BMP-6 expression but increased the expression of the type-II receptor of ActRII in H295R cells. Moreover, treatment with BMP-6 downregulated the mRNA level of OX1R, but not that of OX2R, expressed in H295R cells. In conclusion, the results indicate that both orexin and BMP-6 accelerate adrenocortical steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical cells; both pathways mutually inhibit each other, thereby leading to a fine-tuning of adrenocortical steroidogenesis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNahoko en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiokaRan en-aut-sei=Nishioka en-aut-mei=Ran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaMako en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Mako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) kn-keyword=bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) en-keyword=orexin kn-keyword=orexin en-keyword=steroidogenesis and adrenal kn-keyword=steroidogenesis and adrenal END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=7412 end-page=7424 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230804 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mean Heart Dose Prediction Using Parameters of Single-Slice Computed Tomography and Body Mass Index: Machine Learning Approach for Radiotherapy of Left-Sided Breast Cancer of Asian Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) is an excellent technique to reduce the incidental radiation received by the heart during radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer. However, DIBH is costly and time-consuming for patients and radiotherapy staff. In Asian countries, the use of DIBH is restricted due to the limited number of patients with a high mean heart dose (MHD) and the shortage of radiotherapy personnel and equipment compared to that in the USA. This study aimed to develop, evaluate, and compare the performance of ten machine learning algorithms for predicting MHD using a patient's body mass index and single-slice CT parameters to identify patients who may not require DIBH. Machine learning models were built and tested using a dataset containing 207 patients with left-sided breast cancer who were treated with field-in-field radiotherapy with free breathing. The average MHD was 251 cGy. Stratified repeated four-fold cross-validation was used to build models using 165 training data. The models were compared internally using their average performance metrics: F2 score, AUC, recall, accuracy, Cohen's kappa, and Matthews correlation coefficient. The final performance evaluation for each model was further externally analyzed using 42 unseen test data. The performance of each model was evaluated as a binary classifier by setting the cut-off value of MHD & GE; 300 cGy. The deep neural network (DNN) achieved the highest F2 score (78.9%). Most models successfully classified all patients with high MHD as true positive. This study indicates that the ten models, especially the DNN, might have the potential to identify patients who may not require DIBH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Al-HammadWlla E. en-aut-sei=Al-Hammad en-aut-mei=Wlla E. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamizakiRyo en-aut-sei=Kamizaki en-aut-mei=Ryo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TekikiNouha en-aut-sei=Tekiki en-aut-mei=Nouha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshizakaHinata en-aut-sei=Ishizaka en-aut-mei=Hinata kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoKohei en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OitaMasataka en-aut-sei=Oita en-aut-mei=Masataka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeYoshinori en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Yoshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=BarhamMajd en-aut-sei=Barham en-aut-mei=Majd kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiantoIrfan en-aut-sei=Sugianto en-aut-mei=Irfan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuYudai en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Yudai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamitsuYuki en-aut-sei=Nakamitsu en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsaumiJunichi en-aut-sei=Asaumi en-aut-mei=Junichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Radiological Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer en-keyword=radiotherapy kn-keyword=radiotherapy en-keyword=heart dose kn-keyword=heart dose en-keyword=machine learning kn-keyword=machine learning en-keyword=deep neural network kn-keyword=deep neural network en-keyword=deep inspiration breath-hold technique kn-keyword=deep inspiration breath-hold technique en-keyword=computed tomography kn-keyword=computed tomography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=3786 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230726 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in Head and Neck Cancer Mortality from 1999 to 2019 in Japan: An Observational Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary The number of cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) and related deaths has recently increased worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have examined crude or age-adjusted HNC mortality rates in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the trends in crude and age-adjusted mortality rates for HNC per million individuals in Japan from 1999 to 2019. In Japan, the number of HNC-related deaths increased 1.48-fold. Age-adjusted mortality rates for HNC were four times higher in men than in women, and the rates for both men and women decreased over the 21-year period. This study clarifies the changes in age-adjusted mortality rates of HNC in Japan over time and will aid in developing targeted screening and prevention programs for HNC. Globally, the numbers of head and neck cancer (HNC) cases and related deaths have recently increased. In Japan, few studies have examined crude or age-adjusted HNC mortality rates. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the trends in crude and age-adjusted mortality rates for HNC per million individuals in Japan from 1999 to 2019. Data on HNC-associated deaths were extracted from the national death certificate database using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (n = 156,742). HNC mortality trends were analysed using joinpoint regression models to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Among men, no significant change was observed in the age-adjusted death rate trend from 1999 to 2014; however, a marked decrease was observed from 2014 to 2019. No changing point was observed in women. Age-adjusted mortality rates continuously decreased over the 21-year period, with an AAPC of -0.7% in men and -0.6% in women. In conclusion, the overall trend in age-adjusted rates of HNC-associated deaths decreased, particularly among men, in the past 5 years. These results will contribute to the formulation of medical policies to develop targeted screening and prevention programmes for HNC in Japan and determine the direction of treatment strategies. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HigashionnaTsukasa en-aut-sei=Higashionna en-aut-mei=Tsukasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKeisaku en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Keisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruoAkinari en-aut-sei=Maruo en-aut-mei=Akinari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NiimuraTakahiro en-aut-sei=Niimura en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanElizabeth en-aut-sei=Tan en-aut-mei=Elizabeth kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=VuQuynh Thi en-aut-sei=Vu en-aut-mei=Quynh Thi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawabataTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Kawabata en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UshioSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ushio en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamanoHirofumi en-aut-sei=Hamano en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KajizonoMakoto en-aut-sei=Kajizono en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshizawaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Ishizawa en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=HinotsuShiro en-aut-sei=Hinotsu en-aut-mei=Shiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanoMitsunobu R. en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Mitsunobu R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoyamaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Koyama en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School, Centro Escolar University Manila kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Pharmacy, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Kitakyushu City Yahata Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Biostatistics and Data Management, Sapporo Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=head and neck cancer kn-keyword=head and neck cancer en-keyword=mortality kn-keyword=mortality en-keyword=joinpoint regression kn-keyword=joinpoint regression en-keyword=trend analysis kn-keyword=trend analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=5677 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230728 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Features and Evolution of Global Energy Trade Patterns from the Perspective of Complex Networks en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=As an integral part of economic trade, energy trade is crucial to international dynamics and national interests. In this study, an international energy trade network is constructed by abstracting countries as nodes and representing energy trade relations as edges. A variety of indicators are designed in terms of networks, nodes, bilaterals, and communities to analyze the temporal and spatial evolution of the global energy trade network from 2001 to 2020. The results indicate that network density and strength have been steadily increasing since the beginning of the 21st century. It is observed that the position of the United States as the core of the international energy market is being impacted by emerging developing countries, thus affecting the existing trade balance based on topological analysis. The weighted analysis of bilateral relations demonstrates that emerging countries such as China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are pursuing closer cooperation. The community analysis reveals that an increasing number of countries possess strong energy trade capabilities, resulting in a corresponding increase in energy trade volumes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=CongYingnan en-aut-sei=Cong en-aut-mei=Yingnan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HouYufei en-aut-sei=Hou en-aut-mei=Yufei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=JiangJiaming en-aut-sei=Jiang en-aut-mei=Jiaming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenShuangzi en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Shuangzi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=CaiXiaojing en-aut-sei=Cai en-aut-mei=Xiaojing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Business School, China University of Political Science and Law kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Business School, China University of Political Science and Law kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Data Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=School of Economics, Hebei University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=energy trade kn-keyword=energy trade en-keyword=complex networks kn-keyword=complex networks en-keyword=topology kn-keyword=topology en-keyword=evolutionary properties kn-keyword=evolutionary properties END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=5028 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230731 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Evidence for Hypoxia-Induced Shift in ATP Production from Glycolysis to Mitochondrial Respiration in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The metabolic state of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is not well understood. In this study, we examined the balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in non-PAH-PASMCs and PAH-PASMCs under normoxia and hypoxia. Methods: We investigated the enzymes involved in glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, and studied the two major energy-yielding pathways (glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration) by measuring extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) using the Seahorse extracellular flux technology. Results: Under both normoxia and hypoxia, the mRNA and protein levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase were increased in PAH-PASMCs compared with non-PAH-PASMCs. The mRNA and protein levels of lactate dehydrogenase, as well as the intracellular lactate concentration, were also increased in PAH-PASMCs compared with non-PAH-PASMCs under normoxia. However, these were not significantly increased in PAH-PASMCs compared with non-PAH-PASMCs under hypoxia. Under normoxia, ATP production was significantly lower in PAH-PASMCs (59 ± 5 pmol/min) than in non-PAH-PASMCs (70 ± 10 pmol/min). On the other hand, ATP production was significantly higher in PAH-PASMCs (31 ± 5 pmol/min) than in non-PAH-PASMCs (14 ± 3 pmol/min) under hypoxia. Conclusions: There is an underlying change in the metabolic strategy to generate ATP production under the challenge of hypoxia. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkagiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoMegumi en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UdonoHeiichiro en-aut-sei=Udono en-aut-mei=Heiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaMikako en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Mikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoYukihiro en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Yukihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaMasashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=glycolysis kn-keyword=glycolysis en-keyword=mitochondrial respiration kn-keyword=mitochondrial respiration en-keyword=pulmonary arterial hypertension kn-keyword=pulmonary arterial hypertension en-keyword=pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells kn-keyword=pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells en-keyword=Seahorse technology kn-keyword=Seahorse technology en-keyword=hypoxia kn-keyword=hypoxia en-keyword=ATP production kn-keyword=ATP production END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=359 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230624 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=INSUS: Indoor Navigation System Using Unity and Smartphone for User Ambulation Assistance en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Currently, outdoor navigation systems have widely been used around the world on smartphones. They rely on GPS (Global Positioning System). However, indoor navigation systems are still under development due to the complex structure of indoor environments, including multiple floors, many rooms, steps, and elevators. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of the Indoor Navigation System using Unity and Smartphone (INSUS). INSUS shows the arrow of the moving direction on the camera view based on a smartphone's augmented reality (AR) technology. To trace the user location, it utilizes the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique with a gyroscope and a camera in a smartphone to track users' movements inside a building after initializing the current location by the QR code. Unity is introduced to obtain the 3D information of the target indoor environment for Visual SLAM. The data are stored in the IoT application server called SEMAR for visualizations. We implement a prototype system of INSUS inside buildings in two universities. We found that scanning QR codes with the smartphone perpendicular in angle between 60 degrees and 100 degrees achieves the highest QR code detection accuracy. We also found that the phone's tilt angles influence the navigation success rate, with 90 degrees to 100 degrees tilt angles giving better navigation success compared to lower tilt angles. INSUS also proved to be a robust navigation system, evidenced by near identical navigation success rate results in navigation scenarios with or without disturbance. Furthermore, based on the questionnaire responses from the respondents, it was generally found that INSUS received positive feedback and there is support to improve the system. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FajriantiEvianita Dewi en-aut-sei=Fajrianti en-aut-mei=Evianita Dewi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukaridhotoSritrusta en-aut-sei=Sukaridhoto en-aut-mei=Sritrusta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DezhengKong en-aut-sei=Dezheng en-aut-mei=Kong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShihaoFang en-aut-sei=Shihao en-aut-mei=Fang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=Surya Pradhana Anak Agung en-aut-sei=Surya Pradhana en-aut-mei= Anak Agung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Informatic and Computer, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Indonesian Institute of Business and Technology (INSTIKI) kn-affil= en-keyword=indoor navigation system kn-keyword=indoor navigation system en-keyword=INSUS kn-keyword=INSUS en-keyword=unity kn-keyword=unity en-keyword=QR code kn-keyword=QR code en-keyword=smartphone kn-keyword=smartphone en-keyword=SEMAR kn-keyword=SEMAR END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=11768 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230721 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Development of Hydrophobic Cell-Penetrating Stapled Peptides as Drug Carriers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are widely used for the intracellular delivery of a variety of cargo molecules, including small molecules, peptides, nucleic acids, and proteins. Many cationic and amphiphilic CPPs have been developed; however, there have been few reports regarding hydrophobic CPPs. Herein, we have developed stapled hydrophobic CPPs based on the hydrophobic CPP, TP10, by introducing an aliphatic carbon side chain on the hydrophobic face of TP10. This side chain maintained the hydrophobicity of TP10 and enhanced the helicity and cell penetrating efficiency. We evaluated the preferred secondary structures, and the ability to deliver 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF) as a model small molecule and plasmid DNA (pDNA) as a model nucleotide. The stapled peptide F-3 with CF, in which the stapling structure was introduced at Gly residues, formed a stable & alpha;-helical structure and the highest cell-membrane permeability via an endocytosis process. Meanwhile, peptide F-4 demonstrated remarkable stability when forming a complex with pDNA, making it the optimal choice for the efficient intracellular delivery of pDNA. The results showed that stapled hydrophobic CPPs were able to deliver small molecules and pDNA into cells, and that different stapling positions in hydrophobic CPPs can control the efficiency of the cargo delivery. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HorikoshiKanako en-aut-sei=Horikoshi en-aut-mei=Kanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujitaMinami en-aut-sei=Fujita en-aut-mei=Minami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiranoMotoharu en-aut-sei=Hirano en-aut-mei=Motoharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoMaho en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokooHidetomo en-aut-sei=Yokoo en-aut-mei=Hidetomo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=DemizuYosuke en-aut-sei=Demizu en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cell-penetrating peptide kn-keyword=cell-penetrating peptide en-keyword=stapled peptide kn-keyword=stapled peptide en-keyword=hydrophobic peptide kn-keyword=hydrophobic peptide en-keyword=helical structure kn-keyword=helical structure en-keyword=plasmid DNA delivery kn-keyword=plasmid DNA delivery END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=3665 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230718 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Image-Guided Ablation Therapies for Extrahepatic Metastases from Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary Although systemic therapies are a common treatment for patients with extrahepatic metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), local ablative therapies, such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation, can be used in select patients who have metastases to the lung, bone, and other sites with curative or palliative intent. This review summarizes the currently available evidence on image-guided thermal ablation therapies for extrahepatic metastases from HCC. The most common sites of extrahepatic metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the lungs, intra-abdominal lymph nodes, bones, and adrenal glands, in that order. Although systemic therapies are a common treatment for patients with extrahepatic metastases, local ablative therapies for the extrahepatic metastatic lesions can be performed in selected patients. In this article, the literature on image-guided thermal ablation for metastasis to each organ was reviewed to summarize the current evidence. Radiofrequency ablation was the most commonly evaluated technique, and microwave ablation, cryoablation, and percutaneous ethanol injection were also utilized. The local control rate of thermal ablation therapy was relatively favorable, at approximately 70-90% in various organs. The survival outcomes varied among the studies, and several studies reported that the absence of viable intrahepatic lesions was associated with improved survival rates. Since only retrospective data from relatively small studies has been available thus far, more robust studies with prospective designs and larger cohorts are desired to prove the usefulness of thermal ablation for extrahepatic metastases from HCC. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UmakoshiNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Umakoshi en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuiYusuke en-aut-sei=Matsui en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomitaKoji en-aut-sei=Tomita en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UkaMayu en-aut-sei=Uka en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawabataTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kawabata en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=IguchiToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iguchi en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirakiTakao en-aut-sei=Hiraki en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Radiological Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Science kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hepatocellular carcinoma kn-keyword=hepatocellular carcinoma en-keyword=extrahepatic metastases kn-keyword=extrahepatic metastases en-keyword=ablation therapy kn-keyword=ablation therapy en-keyword=radiofrequency ablation kn-keyword=radiofrequency ablation en-keyword=microwave ablation kn-keyword=microwave ablation en-keyword=cryoablation kn-keyword=cryoablation en-keyword=percutaneous ethanol injection kn-keyword=percutaneous ethanol injection END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=45 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=5263 end-page=5275 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230621 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Update in Molecular Aspects and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Gastritis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of autoimmune gastritis, particularly its molecular aspects. The most noteworthy recent advancement lies in the identification of several candidate genes implicated in the pathogenesis of pernicious anemia through genome-wide association studies. These genes include PTPN22, PNPT1, HLA-DQB1, and IL2RA. Recent studies have also directed attention towards other genes such as ATP4A, ATP4B, AIRE, SLC26A7, SLC26A9, and BACH2 polymorphism. In-depth investigations have been conducted on lymphocytes and cytokines, including T helper 17 cells, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17E, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-19, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-15, transforming growth factor-β1, IL-13, and diminished levels of IL-27. Animal studies have explored the involvement of roseolovirus and H. pylori in relation to the onset of the disease and the process of carcinogenesis, respectively. Recent studies have comprehensively examined the involvement of autoantibodies, serum pepsinogen, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis. The current focus lies on individuals demonstrating atypical presentations of the disease, including those diagnosed in childhood, those yielding negative results for autoantibodies, and those lacking the typical endoscopic characteristics of mucosal atrophy. Here, we discuss the recent developments in this field, focusing on genetic predisposition, epigenetic modifications, lymphocytes, cytokines, oxidative stress, infectious agents, proteins, microRNAs, autoantibodies, serum pepsinogen, gastrin, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and microscopic findings, and the risk of gastric neoplasm. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IwamuroMasaya en-aut-sei=Iwamuro en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaMotoyuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Motoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=autoimmune gastritis kn-keyword=autoimmune gastritis en-keyword=esophagogastroduodenoscopy kn-keyword=esophagogastroduodenoscopy en-keyword=genetic predisposition kn-keyword=genetic predisposition en-keyword=lymphocyte kn-keyword=lymphocyte en-keyword=oxidative stress kn-keyword=oxidative stress END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1438 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230718 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Combined Effect of Salicylic Acid and Proline Mitigates Drought Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) through the Modulation of Physiological Attributes and Antioxidant Enzymes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Salicylic acid (SA) and proline exhibit protective effects against a wide range of stresses. However, the combined impact of SA and proline on rice under drought stress is still unknown. Therefore, we investigated the protective roles of SA and/or proline in conferring drought tolerance in rice. There were eight treatments comprising the control (T1; 95-100% FC), 1.5 mM SA (T2), 2 mM proline (T3), 0.75 mM SA + 1 mM proline (T4), 45-50% FC (T5, drought stress), T5 + 1.5 mM SA (T6), T5 + 2 mM proline (T7), and T5 + 0.75 mM SA + 1 mM proline (T8), and two rice varieties: BRRI dhan66 and BRRI dhan75. Drought stress significantly decreased the plant growth, biomass, yield attributes, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids content), relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), soluble sugar and starch content, and uptake of N, P and K+ in roots and shoots. Drought-induced oxidative stress in the form of increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and lipid peroxidation (MDA) was observed. The combined application of SA (0.75 mM) + proline (1 mM) was found to be more effective than the single application of either for drought stress mitigation in rice. A combined dose of SA + proline alleviated oxidative stress through boosting antioxidant enzymatic activity in contrast to their separate application. The application of SA + proline also enhanced proline, soluble sugar and starch content, which resulted in the amelioration of osmotic stress. Consequently, the combined application of SA and proline significantly increased the gas exchange characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, RWC, MSI, nutrient uptake, plant growth, biomass and yield of rice. Therefore, the combined application of SA and proline alleviated the detrimental impacts of drought stress more pronouncedly than their separate application did by increasing osmoprotectants, improving nutrient transport, up-regulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibiting oxidative stress. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UrmiTahmina Akter en-aut-sei=Urmi en-aut-mei=Tahmina Akter kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IslamMd. Moshiul en-aut-sei=Islam en-aut-mei=Md. Moshiul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZumurKamrun Naher en-aut-sei=Zumur en-aut-mei=Kamrun Naher kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbedinMd. Anwarul en-aut-sei=Abedin en-aut-mei=Md. Anwarul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaqueM. Moynul en-aut-sei=Haque en-aut-mei=M. Moynul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SiddiquiManzer H. en-aut-sei=Siddiqui en-aut-mei=Manzer H. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoqueMd. Anamul en-aut-sei=Hoque en-aut-mei=Md. Anamul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University kn-affil= en-keyword=rice kn-keyword=rice en-keyword=drought stress kn-keyword=drought stress en-keyword=osmolytes kn-keyword=osmolytes en-keyword=reactive oxygen species kn-keyword=reactive oxygen species en-keyword=lipid peroxidation kn-keyword=lipid peroxidation en-keyword=antioxidant kn-keyword=antioxidant END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=2738 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230723 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Low-Oxygen Responses of Cut Carnation Flowers Associated with Modified Atmosphere Packaging en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Gaseous factors affect post-harvest physiological processes in horticultural crops, including ornamental flowers. However, the molecular responses of cut flowers to the low-oxygen conditions associated with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) have not yet been elucidated. Here, we show that storage of cut carnation flowers in a sealed polypropylene bag decreased the oxygen concentration in the bag to 3-5% and slowed flower opening. The vase life of carnation flowers after storage for seven days under MAP conditions was comparable to that without storage and was improved by the application of a commercial-quality preservative. The adenylate energy charge (AEC) was maintained at high levels in petals from florets stored under MAP conditions. This was accompanied by the upregulation of four hypoxia-related genes, among which the HYPOXIA-RESPONSIVE ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR and PHYTOGLOBIN genes (DcERF19 and DcPGB1) were newly identified. These results suggest that hypoxia-responsive genes contribute to the maintenance of the energy status in carnation flowers stored under MAP conditions, making this gas-controlling technique potentially effective for maintaining cut flower quality without cooling. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakayamaMisaki en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Misaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaNao en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Nao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuraiAi en-aut-sei=Murai en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeyamaSayaka en-aut-sei=Ueyama en-aut-mei=Sayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaTaro en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Taro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=carnation kn-keyword=carnation en-keyword=modified atmosphere packaging kn-keyword=modified atmosphere packaging en-keyword=adenylate energy charge kn-keyword=adenylate energy charge en-keyword=hypoxia-responsive genes kn-keyword=hypoxia-responsive genes en-keyword=AP2/ERF superfamily kn-keyword=AP2/ERF superfamily END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=4737 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230718 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Utility of Serum Ferritin for Predicting Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: The most common symptom of post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is fatigue, and it potentially leads to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, a specific prognosticator is lacking. We aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of patients who developed ME/CFS after COVID-19. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, patients who visited Okayama University Hospital for long COVID between February 2021 and March 2022 were investigated. Results: Of the 234 patients, 139 (59.4%) had fatigue symptoms. Fifty patients with fatigue symptoms (21.4%) met the criteria for ME/CFS (ME/CFS group), while the other 89 patients did not (non-ME/CFS group); 95 patients had no fatigue complaints (no-fatigue group). Although the patients’ backgrounds were not significantly different between the three groups, the ME/CFS group presented the highest scores on the self-rating symptom scales, including the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), EuroQol, and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Furthermore, serum ferritin levels, which were correlated with FAS and SDS scores, were significantly higher in the ME/CFS group (193.0 μg/L, interquartile range (IQR): 58.8–353.8) than in the non-ME/CFS group (98.2 μg/L, 40.4–251.5) and no-fatigue group (86.7 μg/L, 37.5–209.0), and a high serum ferritin level was prominent in female patients. Endocrine workup further showed that the ME/CFS group had higher thyrotropin levels but lower growth hormone levels in serum and that insulin-like growth factor-I levels were inversely correlated with ferritin levels (R = −0.328, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum ferritin level is a possible predictor of the development of ME/CFS related to long COVID, especially in female patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoYukichika en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Yukichika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=ferritin kn-keyword=ferritin en-keyword=insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) kn-keyword=insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) kn-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=2941 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230628 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Adrenomedullin Enhances Mouse Gustatory Nerve Responses to Sugars via T1R-Independent Sweet Taste Pathway en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=On the tongue, the T1R-independent pathway (comprising glucose transporters, including sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) and the K-ATP channel) detects only sugars, whereas the T1R-dependent (T1R2/T1R3) pathway can broadly sense various sweeteners. Cephalic-phase insulin release, a rapid release of insulin induced by sensory signals in the head after food-related stimuli, reportedly depends on the T1R-independent pathway, and the competitive sweet taste modulators leptin and endocannabinoids may function on these two different sweet taste pathways independently, suggesting independent roles of two oral sugar-detecting pathways in food intake. Here, we examined the effect of adrenomedullin (ADM), a multifunctional regulatory peptide, on sugar sensing in mice since it affects the expression of SGLT1 in rat enterocytes. We found that ADM receptor components were expressed in T1R3-positive taste cells. Analyses of chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses revealed that ADM enhanced responses to sugars but not to artificial sweeteners and other tastants. Moreover, ADM increased the apical uptake of a fluorescent D-glucose derivative into taste cells and SGLT1 mRNA expression in taste buds. These results suggest that the T1R-independent sweet taste pathway in mouse taste cells is a peripheral target of ADM, and the specific enhancement of gustatory nerve responses to sugars by ADM may contribute to caloric sensing and food intake. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IwataShusuke en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Shusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakaiShingo en-aut-sei=Takai en-aut-mei=Shingo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanematsuKeisuke en-aut-sei=Sanematsu en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShigemuraNoriatsu en-aut-sei=Shigemura en-aut-mei=Noriatsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NinomiyaYuzo en-aut-sei=Ninomiya en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Section of Oral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=taste kn-keyword=taste en-keyword=sweet taste kn-keyword=sweet taste en-keyword=taste receptor family 1 members 2 and 3 kn-keyword=taste receptor family 1 members 2 and 3 en-keyword=sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 kn-keyword=sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 en-keyword=adrenomedullin kn-keyword=adrenomedullin en-keyword=caloric sensing kn-keyword=caloric sensing END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=992 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230624 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Audiovisual n-Back Training Alters the Neural Processes of Working Memory and Audiovisual Integration: Evidence of Changes in ERPs en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=(1) Background: This study investigates whether audiovisual n-back training leads to training effects on working memory and transfer effects on perceptual processing. (2) Methods: Before and after training, the participants were tested using the audiovisual n-back task (1-, 2-, or 3-back), to detect training effects, and the audiovisual discrimination task, to detect transfer effects. (3) Results: For the training effect, the behavioral results show that training leads to greater accuracy and faster response times. Stronger training gains in accuracy and response time using 3- and 2-back tasks, compared to 1-back, were observed in the training group. Event-related potentials (ERPs) data revealed an enhancement of P300 in the frontal and central regions across all working memory levels after training. Training also led to the enhancement of N200 in the central region in the 3-back condition. For the transfer effect, greater audiovisual integration in the frontal and central regions during the post-test rather than pre-test was observed at an early stage (80-120 ms) in the training group. (4) Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that audiovisual n-back training enhances neural processes underlying a working memory and demonstrate a positive influence of higher cognitive functions on lower cognitive functions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GuoAo en-aut-sei=Guo en-aut-mei=Ao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangWeiping en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Weiping kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangXiangfu en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Xiangfu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LinJinfei en-aut-sei=Lin en-aut-mei=Jinfei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiZimo en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Zimo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=RenYanna en-aut-sei=Ren en-aut-mei=Yanna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangJiajia en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Jiajia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=WuJinglong en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Jinglong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Hubei University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Hubei University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Hubei University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Management, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=audiovisual n-back kn-keyword=audiovisual n-back en-keyword=training kn-keyword=training en-keyword=audiovisual integration kn-keyword=audiovisual integration en-keyword=ERPs kn-keyword=ERPs en-keyword=training effect kn-keyword=training effect en-keyword=transfer effect kn-keyword=transfer effect END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=117 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230609 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=White Box Watermarking for Convolution Layers in Fine-Tuning Model Using the Constant Weight Code en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Deep neural network (DNN) watermarking is a potential approach for protecting the intellectual property rights of DNN models. Similar to classical watermarking techniques for multimedia content, the requirements for DNN watermarking include capacity, robustness, transparency, and other factors. Studies have focused on robustness against retraining and fine-tuning. However, less important neurons in the DNN model may be pruned. Moreover, although the encoding approach renders DNN watermarking robust against pruning attacks, the watermark is assumed to be embedded only into the fully connected layer in the fine-tuning model. In this study, we extended the method such that the model can be applied to any convolution layer of the DNN model and designed a watermark detector based on a statistical analysis of the extracted weight parameters to evaluate whether the model is watermarked. Using a nonfungible token mitigates the overwriting of the watermark and enables checking when the DNN model with the watermark was created. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiTatsuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MalikAsad en-aut-sei=Malik en-aut-mei=Asad kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Computer Science, Aligarh Muslim University kn-affil= en-keyword=DNN watermark kn-keyword=DNN watermark en-keyword=fine-tuning model kn-keyword=fine-tuning model en-keyword=constant weight code kn-keyword=constant weight code en-keyword=detection kn-keyword=detection en-keyword=non-fungible token kn-keyword=non-fungible token END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=6893 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230607 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Hydrothermal Preparation of Faceted Vesicles Made of Span 40 and Tween 40 and Their Characterization en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Span 40 (sorbitan monooleate)/Tween 40 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) system gives faceted vesicles with angular surfaces, rather than spherical vesicles. Herein, a continuous and facile preparation method, based on the subcritical water-assisted emulsification and solvent diffusion, was presented to yield faceted vesicles with two major and minor axes (Type A) and vesicles closer to a polyhedron (Type B). Type A, rather than Type B, vesicles were likely to be formed. From the measurements concerning & zeta;-potential, membrane fluidity, and the polarization environment of the membranes, faceted vesicles could be obtained at 0.25 wt% of the surfactant concentration. The phase-separated behavior of Span 40 and Tween 40 within vesicle membranes could explain the structural feature of faceted vesicles and calcein leakage behavior. The significant advantage is that Type A vesicles would be utilized as alternative drug carriers for others with low encapsulation efficiency, although the present technical limitations cause difficulty in the selective formation of Type A and B vesicles and the selection of adequate solvent to accelerate the solvent diffusion step. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimanouchiToshinori en-aut-sei=Shimanouchi en-aut-mei=Toshinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomoriYui en-aut-sei=Komori en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToramotoKazuki en-aut-sei=Toramoto en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiKeita en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuharaKazuma en-aut-sei=Yasuhara en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=JungHo-Sup en-aut-sei=Jung en-aut-mei=Ho-Sup kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraYukitaka en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Yukitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Environmental Chemistry and Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Environmental Chemistry and Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Environmental Chemistry and Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=National Institute of Technology, Nara College kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Seoul National University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Environmental Chemistry and Materials, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=vesicles kn-keyword=vesicles en-keyword=subcritical water kn-keyword=subcritical water en-keyword=emulsification kn-keyword=emulsification en-keyword=solvent diffusion kn-keyword=solvent diffusion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=312 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230529 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=An Edge Device Framework in SEMAR IoT Application Server Platform en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become widely used at various places and for various applications. To facilitate this trend, we have developed the IoT application server platform called SEMAR (Smart Environmental Monitoring and Analytical in Real-Time), which offers standard features for collecting, displaying, and analyzing sensor data. An edge device is usually installed to connect sensors with the server, where the interface configuration, the data processing, the communication protocol, and the transmission interval need to be defined by the user. In this paper, we proposed an edge device framework for SEMAR to remotely optimize the edge device utilization with three phases. In the initialization phase, it automatically downloads the configuration file to the device through HTTP communications. In the service phase, it converts data from various sensors into the standard data format and sends it to the server periodically. In the update phase, it remotely updates the configuration through MQTT communications. For evaluations, we applied the proposal to the fingerprint-based indoor localization system (FILS15.4) and the data logging system. The results confirm the effectiveness in utilizing SEMAR to develop IoT application systems. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoSho en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HusnaRadhiatul en-aut-sei=Husna en-aut-mei=Radhiatul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkayasuMitsuhiro en-aut-sei=Okayasu en-aut-mei=Mitsuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimazuJunya en-aut-sei=Shimazu en-aut-mei=Junya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukaridhotoSritrusta en-aut-sei=Sukaridhoto en-aut-mei=Sritrusta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Informatic and Computer, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya kn-affil= en-keyword=Internet of Things kn-keyword=Internet of Things en-keyword=edge device kn-keyword=edge device en-keyword=framework kn-keyword=framework en-keyword=application server platform kn-keyword=application server platform en-keyword=SEMAR kn-keyword=SEMAR END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=300 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230523 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Web-Based Docker Image Assistant Generation Tool for User-PC Computing System en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Currently, we are developing the user-PC computing (UPC) system based on the master-worker model as a scalable, low-cost, and high-performance computing platform. To run various application programs on personal computers (PCs) with different environments for workers, it adopts Docker technology to bundle every necessary software as one image file. Unfortunately, the Docker file/image are manually generated through multiple steps by a user, which can be the bottleneck. In this paper, we present a web-based Docker image assistant generation (DIAG) tool in the UPC system to assist or reduce these process steps. It adopts Angular JavaScript for offering user interfaces, PHP Laravel for handling logic using RestAPI, MySQL database for storing data, and Shell scripting for speedily running the whole program. In addition, the worker-side code modification function is implemented so that a user can modify the source code of the running job and update the Docker image at a worker to speed up them. For evaluations, we collected 30 Docker files and 10 OpenFOAM jobs through reverse processing from Docker images in Github and generated the Docker images using the tool. Moreover, we modified source codes for network simulations and generated the Docker images in a worker five times. The results confirmed the validity of the proposal. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AungLynn Htet en-aut-sei=Aung en-aut-mei=Lynn Htet kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AungSoe Thandar en-aut-sei=Aung en-aut-mei=Soe Thandar kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhouXudong en-aut-sei=Zhou en-aut-mei=Xudong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=XiangXu en-aut-sei=Xiang en-aut-mei=Xu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaoWen-Chung en-aut-sei=Kao en-aut-mei=Wen-Chung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=Docker kn-keyword=Docker en-keyword=automatic generation kn-keyword=automatic generation en-keyword=Angular kn-keyword=Angular en-keyword=Laravel kn-keyword=Laravel en-keyword=MySQL kn-keyword=MySQL en-keyword=Shell scripting kn-keyword=Shell scripting en-keyword=image update kn-keyword=image update en-keyword=UPC system kn-keyword=UPC system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1194 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230503 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Modulatory Effects of A1 Milk, A2 Milk, Soy, and Egg Proteins on Gut Microbiota and Fermentation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Milk can be divided into A1 and A2 types according to fi-casein variants, and there is a debate about whether A1 milk consumption exacerbates gut environments. This study examined the cecum microbiota and fermentation in mice fed A1 casein, A2 casein, mixed casein (commercial casein), soy protein isolate, and egg white. The cecum acetic acid concentration was higher, and the relative abundances of Muribaculaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae were greater in mice fed A1 versus A2 casein. The other parameters of cecum fermentation and microbiota composition were similar among the mice fed A1, A2, and mixed caseins. The differences were more distinctive among the three caseins, soy, and egg feedings. Chao 1 and Shannon indices of the cecum microbiota were lowered in egg white-fed mice, and the microbiota of mice fed milk, soy, and egg proteins were separately grouped by principal coordinate analysis. Mice fed the three caseins were characterized by a high abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Clostridiaceae, those fed soy were characterized by Corynebacteriaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Ruminococcaceae, and those fed egg white were characterized by Eggerthellaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae. Thus, although several differences can arise between A1 and A2 caseins in terms of their modulatory effects on gut environments, the differences between milk, soy, and egg proteins can be more distinctive and are worth further consideration. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Nuomin en-aut-sei=Nuomin en-aut-mei= kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=BaekRiyang en-aut-sei=Baek en-aut-mei=Riyang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaTakeshi en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name= NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei= Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=A1 milk kn-keyword=A1 milk en-keyword=A2 milk kn-keyword=A2 milk en-keyword=casein kn-keyword=casein en-keyword=egg kn-keyword=egg en-keyword=gut microbiota kn-keyword=gut microbiota en-keyword=mice kn-keyword=mice en-keyword=protein kn-keyword=protein en-keyword=soy kn-keyword=soy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=2971 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230530 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Conventional Cancer Therapies Can Accelerate Malignant Potential of Cancer Cells by Activating Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Esophageal Cancer Models en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors, and the outcome remains poor. One contributing factor is the presence of tumors that are less responsive or have increased malignancy when treated with conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Focusing on conventional cancer therapies, we investigated how CAFs acquire therapeutic resistance and how they affect tumor malignancy. In this study, low-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy-induced normal fibroblasts showed enhanced activation of CAFs markers, fibroblast activation protein, and α-smooth muscle actin, indicating the acquisition of malignancy in fibroblasts. Furthermore, CAFs activated by radiotherapy induce phenotypic changes in cancer cells, increasing their proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. In in vivo peritoneal dissemination models, the total number of tumor nodules in the abdominal cavity was significantly increased in the co-inoculation group of cancer cells and resistant fibroblasts compared to that in the co-inoculation group of cancer cells and normal fibroblasts. In conclusion, we demonstrated that conventional cancer therapy causes anti-therapeutic effects via the activation of fibroblasts, resulting in CAFs. It is important to select or combine modalities of esophageal cancer treatment, recognizing that inappropriate radiotherapy and chemotherapy can lead to resistance in CAF-rich tumors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KomotoSatoshi en-aut-sei=Komoto en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NomaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Noma en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatoTakuya en-aut-sei=Kato en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiTeruki en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Teruki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiwakiNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Nishiwaki en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NarusakaToru en-aut-sei=Narusaka en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoHiroaki en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuraYuki en-aut-sei=Katsura en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KashimaHajime en-aut-sei=Kashima en-aut-mei=Hajime kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuchiSatoru en-aut-sei=Kikuchi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TazawaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tazawa en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer-associated fibroblast kn-keyword=cancer-associated fibroblast en-keyword=chemotherapy kn-keyword=chemotherapy en-keyword=radiotherapy kn-keyword=radiotherapy en-keyword=esophageal cancer kn-keyword=esophageal cancer en-keyword=tumor microenvironment kn-keyword=tumor microenvironment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=3533 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230518 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Manifestation of Headache Affecting Quality of Life in Long COVID Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: The present study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of long COVID patients with headaches. Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was performed for long COVID outpatients who visited our hospital from 12 February 2021 to 30 November 2022. Results: A total of 482 long COVID patients, after excluding 6, were divided into two groups: the Headache group of patients with complaints of headache (113 patients: 23.4%) and the remaining Headache-free group. Patients in the Headache group were younger (median age: 37 years) than patients in the Headache-free group (42 years), while the ratio of females (56%) in the Headache group was nearly the same as that in the Headache-free group (54%). The proportion of patients in the Headache group who were infected in the Omicron-dominant phase (61%) was larger than the proportions of patients infected in the Delta (24%) and preceding (15%) phases, and that trend was significantly different from the trend in the Headache-free group. The duration before the first visit for long COVID was shorter in the Headache group (71 days) than in the Headache-free group (84 days). The proportions of patients in the Headache group with comorbid symptoms, including general fatigue (76.1%), insomnia (36.3%), dizziness (16.8%), fever (9.7%), and chest pain (5.3%) were larger than the proportions of patients in the Headache-free group, whereas blood biochemical data were not significantly different between the two groups. Interestingly, patients in the Headache group had significant deteriorations of scores indicating depression and scores for quality of life and general fatigue. In multivariate analysis, headache, insomnia, dizziness, lethargy, and numbness were shown to be involved in the quality of life (QOL) of long COVID patients. Conclusions: The manifestation of headaches related to long COVID was found to have a significant impact on social and psychological activities. Alleviation of headaches should be a priority for the effective treatment of long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujitaKana en-aut-sei=Fujita en-aut-mei=Kana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObikaMikako en-aut-sei=Obika en-aut-mei=Mikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 aftercare clinic (CAC) kn-keyword=COVID-19 aftercare clinic (CAC) en-keyword=headache kn-keyword=headache en-keyword=quality of life (QOL) kn-keyword=quality of life (QOL) en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=post COVID-19 condition (PCC) kn-keyword=post COVID-19 condition (PCC) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=811 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230517 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Semantic Bimodal Presentation Differentially Slows Working Memory Retrieval en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Although evidence has shown that working memory (WM) can be differentially affected by the multisensory congruency of different visual and auditory stimuli, it remains unclear whether different multisensory congruency about concrete and abstract words could impact further WM retrieval. By manipulating the attention focus toward different matching conditions of visual and auditory word characteristics in a 2-back paradigm, the present study revealed that for the characteristically incongruent condition under the auditory retrieval condition, the response to abstract words was faster than that to concrete words, indicating that auditory abstract words are not affected by visual representation, while auditory concrete words are. Alternatively, for concrete words under the visual retrieval condition, WM retrieval was faster in the characteristically incongruent condition than in the characteristically congruent condition, indicating that visual representation formed by auditory concrete words may interfere with WM retrieval of visual concrete words. The present findings demonstrated that concrete words in multisensory conditions may be too aggressively encoded with other visual representations, which would inadvertently slow WM retrieval. However, abstract words seem to suppress interference better, showing better WM performance than concrete words in the multisensory condition. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ChengJia en-aut-sei=Cheng en-aut-mei=Jia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiJingjing en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Jingjing kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangAijun en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Aijun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhangMing en-aut-sei=Zhang en-aut-mei=Ming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Psychology, Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=multisensory congruency kn-keyword=multisensory congruency en-keyword=bimodal n-back kn-keyword=bimodal n-back en-keyword=concrete words kn-keyword=concrete words en-keyword=abstract words kn-keyword=abstract words en-keyword=working memory kn-keyword=working memory en-keyword=modal representations kn-keyword=modal representations END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=193 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230426 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Diagnostic Performance of Cardiac Computed Tomography for Detecting Patent Foramen Ovale: Evaluation Using Transesophageal Echocardiography and Catheterization as Reference Standards en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with various diseases such as cryptogenic stroke, migraine, and platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for PFO detection. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and who underwent catheter ablation with pre-procedural cardiac CT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were enrolled in this study. The presence of PFO was defined as (1) the confirmation of PFO using TEE and/or (2) the catheter crossing the interatrial septum (IAS) into the left atrium during ablation. CT findings indicative of PFO included (1) the presence of a channel-like appearance (CLA) on the IAS and (2) a CLA with a contrast jet flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. The diagnostic performance of both a CLA alone and a CLA with a jet flow was evaluated for PFO detection. Results: Altogether, 151 patients were analyzed in the study (mean age, 68 years; men, 62%). Twenty-nine patients (19%) had PFO confirmed by TEE and/or catheterization. The diagnostic performance of a CLA alone was as follows: sensitivity, 72.4%; specificity, 79.5%; positive predictive value (PPV), 45.7%; negative predictive value (NPV), 92.4%. The diagnostic performance of a CLA with a jet flow was as follows: sensitivity, 65.5%; specificity, 98.4%; PPV, 90.5%; NPV, 92.3%. The diagnostic performance of a CLA with a jet flow was statistically superior to that of a CLA alone (p = 0.045), and the C-statistics were 0.76 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusion: A CLA with a contrast jet flow in cardiac CT has a high PPV for PFO detection, and its diagnostic performance is superior to that of a CLA alone. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MikiTakashi en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakagawaKoji en-aut-sei=Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaKeishi en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Keishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MizunoTomofumi en-aut-sei=Mizuno en-aut-mei=Tomofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaRie en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjiriKentaro en-aut-sei=Ejiri en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawadaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kawada en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakayaYoichi en-aut-sei=Takaya en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyamotoMasakazu en-aut-sei=Miyamoto en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiTeiji en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Teiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil= Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=patent foramen ovale kn-keyword=patent foramen ovale en-keyword=cardiac computed tomography kn-keyword=cardiac computed tomography en-keyword=transesophageal echocardiography kn-keyword=transesophageal echocardiography en-keyword=catheterization kn-keyword=catheterization en-keyword=channel-like appearance kn-keyword=channel-like appearance en-keyword=channel-like appearance with contrast jet flow kn-keyword=channel-like appearance with contrast jet flow END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1495 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230427 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-Term Antibacterial Efficacy of Cetylpyridinium Chloride-Montmorillonite Containing PMMA Resin Cement en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Despite being able to adhesively restore teeth, adhesives and cement do not possess any anticariogenic protection potential, by which caries recurrence may still occur and reduce the clinical lifetime of adhesive restorations. Several antibacterial agents have been incorporated into dental adhesives and cement to render them anticariogenic. Due to an additional therapeutic effect, such materials are classified as 'dental combination products' with more strict market regulations. We incorporated cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), often used for oral hygiene applications, into montmorillonite (CPC-Mont), the latter to serve as a carrier for controlled CPC release. CPC-Mont incorporated into tissue conditioner has been approved by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PmontMDA) in Japan. To produce a clinically effective dental cement with the antibacterial potential to prevent secondary caries, we incorporated CPC-Mont into PMMA resin cement. We measured the flexural strength, shear bond strength onto dentin, CPC release, and the biofilm-inhibition potential of the experimental CPC-Mont-containing PMMA cement. An 8 and 10 wt% CPC-Mont concentration revealed the antibacterial potential without reducing the mechanical properties of the PMMA cement. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YoshiharaKumiko en-aut-sei=Yoshihara en-aut-mei=Kumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaokaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Nagaoka en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakitaYoji en-aut-sei=Makita en-aut-mei=Yoji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=Van MeerbeekBart en-aut-sei=Van Meerbeek en-aut-mei=Bart kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology & Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Science, Okayama University Dental School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Health and Medical Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Health Sciences, BIOMAT & UZ Leuven (University Hospitals Leuven), Dentistry, KU Leuven (University of Leuven) kn-affil= en-keyword=biofilm kn-keyword=biofilm en-keyword=cetylpyridinium chloride kn-keyword=cetylpyridinium chloride en-keyword=montmorillonite kn-keyword=montmorillonite en-keyword=PMMA resin cement kn-keyword=PMMA resin cement en-keyword=antibacterial agents kn-keyword=antibacterial agents en-keyword=dentin kn-keyword=dentin en-keyword=bond strength kn-keyword=bond strength END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=7395 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230429 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Integrating Perspectives from Education for Sustainable Development to Foster Plant Awareness among Trainee Science Teachers: A Mixed Methods Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This mixed-method study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an intervention unit that integrates perspectives from Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to foster plant awareness, within the context of botanical lessons for trainee science teachers. Third-year undergraduate students (n = 91) studying to become lower secondary school (grade 7-9) science teachers from a public university in East Java, Indonesia, participated in this study. Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire, reflective journal entries, and focus group interviews. The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the participants' attention and attitude towards plants, relative interest in plants, and self-efficacy in teaching plant-related topics. The triangulation of the analysis results from the reflective journals and focus group interviews demonstrated that through transformative learning, the participants' experiences, perceptions, and learning evolved throughout the intervention unit, leading to their more comprehensive understanding of plant-related issues and their connection to broader sustainability concerns. These findings imply that the integration of ESD perspectives into botanical education positively affects plant awareness. Future research could further investigate the long-term impact of integrating ESD perspectives on teacher training programs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Fiel'ardhKhalifatulloh en-aut-sei=Fiel'ardh en-aut-mei=Khalifatulloh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FardhaniIndra en-aut-sei=Fardhani en-aut-mei=Indra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiHiroki en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Malang kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=education for sustainable development kn-keyword=education for sustainable development en-keyword=transformative learning kn-keyword=transformative learning en-keyword=botanical education kn-keyword=botanical education en-keyword=science teacher education kn-keyword=science teacher education en-keyword=plant awareness kn-keyword=plant awareness en-keyword=mixed-method study kn-keyword=mixed-method study en-keyword=Indonesia kn-keyword=Indonesia END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=350 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220211 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between Overall Survival and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Spinal Bone Metastases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between overall survival (OS) and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with skeletal-related events. In this study, 265 patients whose clinical parameters were available before radiotherapy were investigated. Methods: Age, sex, ADL, pain, the primary site, spinal level of bone metastases, spinal instability, treatment strategy, including chemotherapy or palliative treatment, and OS were investigated. ADL patients with a Barthel index of >= 90 were classified as the high ADL group, while those with a score < 90 were classified as the low ADL group. For OS, patients surviving >= 160 days were classified as the non-poor prognosis group, and those who survived <160 days were classified as the poor prognosis group. Results: Age, sex, ADL, pain, the primary site, and treatment strategy for OS were different between the two groups (p < 0.1). Logistic regression analysis revealed that ADL, the primary site, and treatment strategy were significant predictors of OS (p < 0.05). High ADL, breast cancer, and chemotherapy had a positive effect on OS. Conclusions: It is suggested that improvements may be obtained by performing rehabilitation interventions to maintain and improve ADL, by constructing a system for monitoring spinal bone metastases with images before ADL decreases, and by performing interventions such as changes in treatment methods such as RT or surgery at appropriate times. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkezakiYoshiteru en-aut-sei=Akezaki en-aut-mei=Yoshiteru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuuchiMasato en-aut-sei=Kikuuchi en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiharaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaYoshimi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Yoshimi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaHaruyoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Haruyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaMasanori en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Physical Therapy, Kochi Professional University of Rehabilitation kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=spinal bone metastases kn-keyword=spinal bone metastases en-keyword=radiotherapy kn-keyword=radiotherapy en-keyword=chemotherapy kn-keyword=chemotherapy en-keyword=activities of daily living kn-keyword=activities of daily living en-keyword=overall survival kn-keyword=overall survival END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1416 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230414 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Deep Active Learning for Automatic Mitotic Cell Detection on HEp-2 Specimen Medical Images en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Identifying Human Epithelial Type 2 (HEp-2) mitotic cells is a crucial procedure in anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) testing, which is the standard protocol for detecting connective tissue diseases (CTD). Due to the low throughput and labor-subjectivity of the ANAs' manual screening test, there is a need to develop a reliable HEp-2 computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system. The automatic detection of mitotic cells from the microscopic HEp-2 specimen images is an essential step to support the diagnosis process and enhance the throughput of this test. This work proposes a deep active learning (DAL) approach to overcoming the cell labeling challenge. Moreover, deep learning detectors are tailored to automatically identify the mitotic cells directly in the entire microscopic HEp-2 specimen images, avoiding the segmentation step. The proposed framework is validated using the I3A Task-2 dataset over 5-fold cross-validation trials. Using the YOLO predictor, promising mitotic cell prediction results are achieved with an average of 90.011% recall, 88.307% precision, and 81.531% mAP. Whereas, average scores of 86.986% recall, 85.282% precision, and 78.506% mAP are obtained using the Faster R-CNN predictor. Employing the DAL method over four labeling rounds effectively enhances the accuracy of the data annotation, and hence, improves the prediction performance. The proposed framework could be practically applicable to support medical personnel in making rapid and accurate decisions about the mitotic cells' existence. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AnaamAsaad en-aut-sei=Anaam en-aut-mei=Asaad kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Al-antariMugahed A. en-aut-sei=Al-antari en-aut-mei=Mugahed A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HussainJamil en-aut-sei=Hussain en-aut-mei=Jamil kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=Abdel SameeNagwan en-aut-sei=Abdel Samee en-aut-mei=Nagwan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AlabdulhafithMaali en-aut-sei=Alabdulhafith en-aut-mei=Maali kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GofukuAkio en-aut-sei=Gofuku en-aut-mei=Akio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Artificial Intelligence, College of Software & Convergence Technology, Daeyang AI Center, Sejong University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Data Science, College of Software & Convergence Technology, Daeyang AI Center, Sejong University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=medical HEp-2 specimen images kn-keyword=medical HEp-2 specimen images en-keyword=HEp-2 mitotic cell detection kn-keyword=HEp-2 mitotic cell detection en-keyword=deep active learning (DAL) kn-keyword=deep active learning (DAL) en-keyword=automatic data annotation kn-keyword=automatic data annotation en-keyword=computer-aided detection (CAD) kn-keyword=computer-aided detection (CAD) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=222 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impoverishment Persistence in Hydropower Dam-Induced Resettled Communities: A Sociological Investigation on Livelihood and Food Security in Vietnam en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The widespread development of hydropower dams has led to involuntary displacement, which has become a significant global issue. In Vietnam, around 70,000 households were displaced in 2020, causing uncertainty and social disruption. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of resettlement on the livelihood and food security of displaced households, explore the underlying challenges and causes of these effects, and recommend policy implications for sustainable livelihood development and poverty alleviation. This study conducted a decade-long sociological examination of three displaced communities in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Our research reveals that resettled households are unable to regain their former standard of living due to the loss of cultivated land and restricted access to public property, which exacerbates food insecurity. Unemployment, illiteracy, and low income further perpetuate poverty. These findings highlight the deficiencies in current policies and planning approaches and call for implementing socially responsible resettlement processes guided by principles of equity. Addressing the inequalities arising from displacement and enabling affected communities to participate in growth is economically justified and morally imperative. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TyPham Huu en-aut-sei=Ty en-aut-mei=Pham Huu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LauraBaas en-aut-sei=Laura en-aut-mei=Baas kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PhuongTran Thi en-aut-sei=Phuong en-aut-mei=Tran Thi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanNguyen Quang en-aut-sei=Tan en-aut-mei=Nguyen Quang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Land Resources and Agricultural Environment, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=MAEX Platform, Mayor of Karnebeeklaan kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Land Resources and Agricultural Environment, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=food insecurity kn-keyword=food insecurity en-keyword=hydropower dams kn-keyword=hydropower dams en-keyword=impoverishment kn-keyword=impoverishment en-keyword=poverty kn-keyword=poverty en-keyword=livelihoods kn-keyword=livelihoods END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=7394 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230417 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) Positively Regulates Adipogenic Differentiation in C3H10T1/2 Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Neuropilin 1 (NRP1), a non-tyrosine kinase receptor for several ligands, is highly expressed in many kinds of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but its function is poorly understood. In this study, we explored the roles of full-length NRP1 and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-modifiable NRP1 in adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells. The expression of full-length NRP1 and GAG-modifiable NRP1 increased during adipogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells. NRP1 knockdown repressed adipogenesis while decreasing the levels of Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Moreover, the scaffold protein JIP4 was involved in adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells by interacting with NRP1. Furthermore, overexpression of non-GAG-modifiable NRP1 mutant (S612A) greatly promoted adipogenic differentiation, accompanied by upregulation of the phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2. Taken together, these results indicate that NRP1 is a key regulator that promotes adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells by interacting with JIP4 and activating the Akt and ERK1/2 pathway. Non-GAG-modifiable NRP1 mutant (S612A) accelerates the process of adipogenic differentiation, suggesting that GAG glycosylation is a negative post-translational modification of NRP1 in adipogenic differentiation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YuYaqiong en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Yaqiong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=Uchida-FukuharaYoko en-aut-sei=Uchida-Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WengYao en-aut-sei=Weng en-aut-mei=Yao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HeYuhan en-aut-sei=He en-aut-mei=Yuhan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkegameMika en-aut-sei=Ikegame en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangZiyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Ziyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKaya en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraHirohiko en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Hirohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=QiuLihong en-aut-sei=Qiu en-aut-mei=Lihong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthodontics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Healthcare Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases kn-affil= en-keyword=neuropilin 1 kn-keyword=neuropilin 1 en-keyword=adipogenic differentiation kn-keyword=adipogenic differentiation en-keyword=mesenchymal stem cells kn-keyword=mesenchymal stem cells END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=894 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230406 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Multifunctional Metallothioneins as a Target for Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor symptoms based on a loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and by non-motor symptoms which precede motor symptoms. Neurodegeneration accompanied by an accumulation of alpha-synuclein is thought to propagate from the enteric nervous system to the central nervous system. The pathogenesis in sporadic PD remains unknown. However, many reports indicate various etiological factors, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, alpha-synuclein toxicity and mitochondrial impairment, drive neurodegeneration. Exposure to heavy metals contributes to these etiopathogenesis and increases the risk of developing PD. Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich metal-binding proteins; MTs chelate metals and inhibit metal-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, MTs possess antioxidative properties by scavenging free radicals and exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of microglial activation. Furthermore, MTs recently received attention as a potential target for attenuating metal-induced alpha-synuclein aggregation. In this article, we summarize MTs expression in the central and enteric nervous system, and review protective functions of MTs against etiopathogenesis in PD. We also discuss neuroprotective strategies for the prevention of central dopaminergic and enteric neurodegeneration by targeting MTs. This review highlights multifunctional MTs as a target for the development of disease-modifying drugs for PD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyazakiIkuko en-aut-sei=Miyazaki en-aut-mei=Ikuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsanumaMasato en-aut-sei=Asanuma en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Neurobiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=metallothionein kn-keyword=metallothionein en-keyword=Parkinson's disease kn-keyword=Parkinson's disease en-keyword=neuroprotection kn-keyword=neuroprotection en-keyword=antioxidant kn-keyword=antioxidant en-keyword=metal kn-keyword=metal en-keyword=synuclein kn-keyword=synuclein en-keyword=astrocyte kn-keyword=astrocyte en-keyword=enteric glial cell kn-keyword=enteric glial cell END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=942 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230410 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of Borna Disease Virus Infection on the Transcriptome of Differentiated Neuronal Cells and Its Modulation by Antiviral Treatment en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Borna disease virus (BoDV-1) is a highly neurotropic RNA virus that causes neurobehavioral disturbances such as abnormal social activities and memory impairment. Although impairments in the neural circuits caused by BoDV-1 infection induce these disturbances, the molecular basis remains unclear. Furthermore, it is unknown whether anti-BoDV-1 treatments can attenuate BoDV-1-mediated transcriptomic changes in neuronal cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of BoDV-1 infection on neuronal differentiation and the transcriptome of differentiated neuronal cells using persistently BoDV-1-infected cells. Although BoDV-1 infection did not have a detectable effect on intracellular neuronal differentiation processes, differentiated neuronal cells exhibited transcriptomic changes in differentiation-related genes. Some of these transcriptomic changes, such as the decrease in the expression of apoptosis-related genes, were recovered by anti-BoDV-1 treatment, while alterations in the expression of other genes remained after treatment. We further demonstrated that a decrease in cell viability induced by differentiation processes in BoDV-1-infected cells can be relieved with anti-BoDV-1 treatment. This study provides fundamental information regarding transcriptomic changes after BoDV-1 infection and the treatment in neuronal cells. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TengDa en-aut-sei=Teng en-aut-mei=Da kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeiji en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Virology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=antiviral kn-keyword=antiviral en-keyword=Borna disease virus kn-keyword=Borna disease virus en-keyword=neuronal cells kn-keyword=neuronal cells en-keyword=gene expression kn-keyword=gene expression en-keyword=differentiation kn-keyword=differentiation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=582 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230326 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Effect of Medical Cooperation in the CKD Patients: 10-Year Multicenter Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Introduction: While chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most important contributors to mortality from non-communicable diseases, the number of nephrologists is limited worldwide. Medical cooperation is a system of cooperation between primary care physicians and nephrological institutions, consisting of nephrologists and multidisciplinary care teams. Although it has been reported that multidisciplinary care teams contribute to the prevention of worsening renal functions and cardiovascular events, there are few studies on the effect of a medical cooperation system. Methods: We aimed to evaluate the effect of medical cooperation on all-cause mortality and renal prognosis in patients with CKD. One hundred and sixty-eight patients who visited the one hundred and sixty-three clinics and seven general hospitals of Okayama city were recruited between December 2009 and September 2016, and one hundred twenty-three patients were classified into a medical cooperation group. The outcome was defined as the incidence of all-cause mortality, or renal composite outcome (end-stage renal disease or 50% eGFR decline). We evaluated the effects on renal composite outcome and pre-ESRD mortality while incorporating the competing risk for the alternate outcome into a Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model. Results: The medical cooperation group had more patients with glomerulonephritis (35.0% vs. 2.2%) and less nephrosclerosis (35.0% vs. 64.5%) than the primary care group. Throughout the follow-up period of 5.59 +/- 2.78 years, 23 participants (13.7%) died, 41 participants (24.4%) reached 50% decline in eGFR, and 37 participants (22.0%) developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD). All-cause mortality was significantly reduced by medical cooperation (sHR 0.297, 95% CI 0.105-0.835, p = 0.021). However, there was a significant association between medical cooperation and CKD progression (sHR 3.069, 95% CI 1.225-7.687, p = 0.017). Conclusion: We evaluated mortality and ESRD using a CKD cohort with a long-term observation period and concluded that medical cooperation might be expected to influence the quality of medical care in the patients with CKD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaeshimaYohei en-aut-sei=Maeshima en-aut-mei=Yohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkuyamaYuka en-aut-sei=Okuyama en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtakaNozomu en-aut-sei=Otaka en-aut-mei=Nozomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UjikeHaruyo en-aut-sei=Ujike en-aut-mei=Haruyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaKeiko en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiHidemi en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Hidemi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaMasashi en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorinagaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morinaga en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinomuraMasaru en-aut-sei=Kinomura en-aut-mei=Masaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraShinji en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtaKosuke en-aut-sei=Ota en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiramatsuMakoto en-aut-sei=Hiramatsu en-aut-mei=Makoto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=OshiroYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Oshiro en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriokaShigeru en-aut-sei=Morioka en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakiueKeiichi en-aut-sei=Takiue en-aut-mei=Keiichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=21 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=22 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaMasaki en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=23 ORCID= en-aut-name=GamouNaoyuki en-aut-sei=Gamou en-aut-mei=Naoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=24 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirataHiroshi en-aut-sei=Hirata en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=25 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoRyosuke en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=26 ORCID= en-aut-name=MakinoHirofumi en-aut-sei=Makino en-aut-mei=Hirofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=27 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=28 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Okayama Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=21 en-affil=Okayama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=22 en-affil=Shigei Medical Research Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=23 en-affil=Shigei Medical Research Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=24 en-affil=Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=25 en-affil=Akebono Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=26 en-affil=Sato Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=27 en-affil=Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=28 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=chronic kidney disease (CKD) kn-keyword=chronic kidney disease (CKD) en-keyword=medical cooperation kn-keyword=medical cooperation en-keyword=patient care team kn-keyword=patient care team en-keyword=OCKD-NET kn-keyword=OCKD-NET END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=488 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230419 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Recent Advances in Apical Periodontitis Treatment: A Narrative Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory response caused by pulp infection. It induces bone resorption in the apical and periapical regions of the tooth. The most conservative approach to treat this condition is nonsurgical endodontic treatment. However, clinical failure has been reported with this approach; thus, alternative procedures are required. This review highlights recent literature regarding advanced approaches for the treatment of apical periodontitis. Various therapies, including biological medications, antioxidants, specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, and stem cell therapy, have been tested to increase the success rate of treatment for apical periodontitis. Some of these approaches remain in the in vivo phase of research, while others have just entered the translational research phase to validate clinical application. However, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that occur during development of the immunoinflammatory reaction in apical periodontitis remains unclear. The aim of this review was to summarize advanced approaches for the treatment of apical periodontitis. Further research can confirm the potential of these alternative nonsurgical endodontic treatment approaches. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AriasZulema en-aut-sei=Arias en-aut-mei=Zulema kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NizamiMohammed Zahedul Islam en-aut-sei=Nizami en-aut-mei=Mohammed Zahedul Islam kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenXiaoting en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Xiaoting kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChaiXinyi en-aut-sei=Chai en-aut-mei=Xinyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=XuBin en-aut-sei=Xu en-aut-mei=Bin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuangCanyan en-aut-sei=Kuang en-aut-mei=Canyan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=apical periodontitis kn-keyword=apical periodontitis en-keyword=contemporary approaches kn-keyword=contemporary approaches en-keyword=nonsurgical endodontic treatment kn-keyword=nonsurgical endodontic treatment en-keyword=immune inflammatory disease kn-keyword=immune inflammatory disease en-keyword=alternative treatments kn-keyword=alternative treatments END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=2623 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230331 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Nutrients Associated with Sleep Bruxism en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The purpose of the present research was to identify nutrients related to sleep bruxism and to establish a hypothesis regarding the relationship between sleep bruxism and nutrients. Methods: We recruited 143 Japanese university students in 2021 and assigned them to sleep bruxism (n = 58) and non-sleep bruxism groups (n = 85), using an identical single-channel wearable electromyography device. To investigate nutrient intakes, participants answered a food frequency questionnaire based on food groups. We assessed differences in nutrient intakes between the sleep bruxism and non-sleep bruxism groups. Results: Logistic regression modeling showed that sleep bruxism tended to be associated with dietary fiber (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.00; p = 0.059). In addition, a subgroup analysis selecting students in the top and bottom quartiles of dietary fiber intake showed that students with sleep bruxism had a significantly lower dietary fiber intake (10.4 +/- 4.6 g) than those without sleep bruxism (13.4 +/- 6.1 g; p = 0.022). Conclusion: The present research showed that dietary fiber intake may be related to sleep bruxism. Therefore, we hypothesized that dietary fiber would improve sleep bruxism in young adults. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ToyamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Toyama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaDaiki en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaNanami en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Nanami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaMiho en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Miho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomiyamaMomoe en-aut-sei=Komiyama en-aut-mei=Momoe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagahamaTakahiko en-aut-sei=Nagahama en-aut-mei=Takahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Notre Dame Seishin University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Notre Dame Seishin University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Foods and Human Nutrition, Notre Dame Seishin University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=sleep bruxism kn-keyword=sleep bruxism en-keyword=dietary fiber kn-keyword=dietary fiber en-keyword=electromyography kn-keyword=electromyography en-keyword=young adult kn-keyword=young adult en-keyword=biostatistics kn-keyword=biostatistics en-keyword=nutrition assessment kn-keyword=nutrition assessment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=5 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=452 end-page=462 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230303 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Aluminum-Catalyzed Cross Selective C3-N1′ Coupling Reactions of N-Methoxyindoles with Indoles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=C3–N1′ bond formation of bisindoles has been a great challenge due to the intrinsic reactivity of indoles as both C3 and N1-nucleophilic character. Herein, we demonstrate an C3–N1′ cross-coupling reaction of indoles using N-methoxyindoles as N-electrophilic indole reagents in the presence of Lewis acid. The bisindoles generated in this transformation are latent C3-nucleophile, allowing them to be used as strategic intermediates in sequential C3–N1′–C3′–N1″ triindole formations. The potential synthetic usefulness of this sequential transformation was highlighted upon application to the construction of C3–N1 looped polyindoles. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokushigeKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tokushige en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashiroToshiki en-aut-sei=Yamashiro en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraoSeiya en-aut-sei=Hirao en-aut-mei=Seiya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AbeTakumi en-aut-sei=Abe en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=1′H-1,3′-biindole kn-keyword=1′H-1,3′-biindole en-keyword=N-electrophilic kn-keyword=N-electrophilic en-keyword=N-methoxyindoles kn-keyword=N-methoxyindoles en-keyword=bisindoles kn-keyword=bisindoles en-keyword=aluminum kn-keyword=aluminum en-keyword=cross-coupling kn-keyword=cross-coupling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=314 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230303 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Fungal Metabolite (+)-Terrein Abrogates Inflammatory Bone Resorption via the Suppression of TNF-α Production in a Ligature-Induced Periodontitis Mouse Model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Current periodontal treatment focuses on the mechanical removal of the source of infection, such as bacteria and their products, and there is no approach to control the host inflammatory response that leads to tissue destruction. In order to control periodontal inflammation, we have previously reported the optimization of (+)-terrein synthesis methods and the inhibitory effect of (+)-terrein on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. However, the pharmacological effect of (+)-terrein in vivo in the periodontitis model is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of synthetic (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption using a ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model. Synthetic (+)-terrein (30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally twice a week to the mouse periodontitis model. The control group was treated with phosphate buffer. One to two weeks after the induction of periodontitis, the periodontal tissues were harvested for radiological evaluation (micro-CT), histological evaluation (HE staining and TRAP staining), and the evaluation of inflammatory cytokine production in the periodontal tissues and serum (quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, ELISA). The synthetic (+)-terrein-treated group suppressed alveolar bone resorption and the number of osteoclasts in the periodontal tissues compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, synthetic (+)-terrein significantly suppressed both mRNA expression of TNF-α in the periodontal tissues and the serum concentration of TNF-α (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that synthetic (+)-terrein abrogates alveolar bone resorption via the suppression of TNF-α production and osteoclast differentiation in vivo. Therefore, we could expect potential clinical effects when using (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption, including periodontitis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakoHidefumi en-aut-sei=Sako en-aut-mei=Hidefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmoriKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Omori en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaMasaaki en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MandaiHiroki en-aut-sei=Mandai en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdeguchiHidetaka en-aut-sei=Ideguchi en-aut-mei=Hidetaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=Yoshimura-NakagawaSaki en-aut-sei=Yoshimura-Nakagawa en-aut-mei=Saki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaidaKyosuke en-aut-sei=Sakaida en-aut-mei=Kyosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=Nagata-KameiChiaki en-aut-sei=Nagata-Kamei en-aut-mei=Chiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiHiroya en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Hiroya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshiiSatoki en-aut-sei=Ishii en-aut-mei=Satoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoMitsuaki en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Mitsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=IbaragiSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ibaragi en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoTadashi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Tadashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaSeiji en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakashibaShogo en-aut-sei=Takashiba en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gifu University of Medical Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Biopathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=synthetic (+)-terrein kn-keyword=synthetic (+)-terrein en-keyword=periodontitis kn-keyword=periodontitis en-keyword= TNF-α kn-keyword= TNF-α END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=226 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230316 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Monitoring the Milk Composition, Milk Microbiota, and Blood Metabolites of Jersey Cows throughout a Lactation Period en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to determine how milk composition, milk microbiota, and blood metabolites may change during the lactation period in Jersey cows. Milk and jugular blood samples were collected from eight healthy cows every other month from the beginning to the end of their lactation period. Samples of airborne dust were also collected to determine whether the cowshed microbiota could affect milk microbiota. Milk yield peaked in the first two months and gradually decreased as the lactation period progressed. Milk fat, protein, and solids-not-fat contents were low in the first month, and then increased during the middle and late lactation periods. In the first month, plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), haptoglobin (Hp), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were elevated, and high abundances of Burkholderiaceae and Oxalobacteraceae were observed in milk and airborne dust microbiota. The finding that contamination of the environmental microbiota in milk was coupled with elevated plasma NEFA, Hp, and AST levels indicated that impaired metabolic function during the early lactation period may increase the invasion of opportunistic bacteria. This study can affirm the importance of feeding and cowshed management and should provide a helpful addition to improving Jersey cow farming. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GathinjiPeter Kiiru en-aut-sei=Gathinji en-aut-mei=Peter Kiiru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YousofiZabiallah en-aut-sei=Yousofi en-aut-mei=Zabiallah kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkadaKarin en-aut-sei=Akada en-aut-mei=Karin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WaliAjmal en-aut-sei=Wali en-aut-mei=Ajmal kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishinoNaoki en-aut-sei=Nishino en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Animal Products Research Group, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Research Organization kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=airborne dust kn-keyword=airborne dust en-keyword=blood metabolites kn-keyword=blood metabolites en-keyword=Jersey cows kn-keyword=Jersey cows en-keyword=microbiota kn-keyword=microbiota en-keyword=milk kn-keyword=milk END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=398 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230301 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Pioneer Use of Antimalarial Transdermal Combination Therapy in Rodent Malaria Model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We have previously reported 1,2,6,7-tetraoxaspiro [7.11]nonadecane (N-89) as a promising antimalarial compound. In this study, we evaluated the effect of transdermal therapy (tdt) of N-89 in combination (tdct) with other antimalarials as an application for children. We prepared ointment formulas containing N-89 plus another antimalarial drug, specifically, mefloquine, pyrimethamine, or chloroquine. In a 4-day suppressive test, the ED50 values for N-89 alone or combined with either mefloquine, pyrimethamine, or chloroquine were 18, 3, 0.1, and 3 mg/kg, respectively. Interaction assays revealed that N-89 combination therapy showed a synergistic effect with mefloquine and pyrimethamine, but chloroquine provoked an antagonistic effect. Antimalarial activity and cure effect were compared for single-drug application and combination therapy. Low doses of tdct N-89 (35 mg/kg) combined with mefloquine (4 mg/kg) or pyrimethamine (1 mg/kg) gave an antimalarial effect but not a cure effect. In contrast, with high doses of N-89 (60 mg/kg) combined with mefloquine (8 mg/kg) or pyrimethamine (1 mg/kg), parasites disappeared on day 4 of treatment, and mice were completely cured without any parasite recurrence. Our results indicated that transdermal N-89 with mefloquine and pyrimethamine provides a promising antimalarial form for application to children. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AlyNagwa S. M. en-aut-sei=Aly en-aut-mei=Nagwa S. M. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumoriHiroaki en-aut-sei=Matsumori en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DinhThi Quyen en-aut-sei=Dinh en-aut-mei=Thi Quyen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoAkira en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiShin-Ichi en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Shin-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChangKyung-Soo en-aut-sei=Chang en-aut-mei=Kyung-Soo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YuHak Sun en-aut-sei=Yu en-aut-mei=Hak Sun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=CaoDuc Tuan en-aut-sei=Cao en-aut-mei=Duc Tuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimHye-Sook en-aut-sei=Kim en-aut-mei=Hye-Sook kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of International Infectious Disease Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of International Infectious Disease Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of International Infectious Disease Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of International Infectious Disease Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Sanitary Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Pusan kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of International Infectious Disease Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=transdermal N-89 kn-keyword=transdermal N-89 en-keyword=mefloquine kn-keyword=mefloquine en-keyword=pyrimethamine kn-keyword=pyrimethamine en-keyword=antimalarials kn-keyword=antimalarials en-keyword=combination kn-keyword=combination en-keyword=in vivo kn-keyword=in vivo END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=1150 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230308 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Taste Responses and Ingestive Behaviors to Ingredients of Fermented Milk in Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Fermented milk is consumed worldwide because of its nutritious and healthful qualities. Although it is somewhat sour, causing some to dislike it, few studies have examined taste aspects of its ingredients. Wild-type mice and T1R3-GFP-KO mice lacking sweet/umami receptors were tested with various taste components (sucrose, galactose, lactose, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, l- and d-lactic acid) using 48 h two-bottle tests and short-term lick tests. d-lactic acid levels were measured after the ingestion of d- or; l-lactic acid or water to evaluate d-lactic acidosis. In wild-type mice, for the sweet ingredients the number of licks increased in a concentration-dependent manner, but avoidance was observed at higher concentrations in 48 h two-bottle tests; the sour ingredients d- and l-lactic acid showed concentration-dependent decreases in preference in both short- and long-term tests. In 48 h two-bottle tests comparing d- and l-lactic acid, wild-type but not T1R3-GFP-KO mice showed higher drinking rates for l-lactic acid. d-lactic acidosis did not occur and thus did not contribute to this preference. These results suggest that intake in short-term lick tests varied by preference for each ingredient, whereas intake variation in long-term lick tests reflects postingestive effects. l-lactic acid may have some palatable taste in addition to sour taste. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamaseYuko en-aut-sei=Yamase en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuangHai en-aut-sei=Huang en-aut-mei=Hai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitohYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Mitoh en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EgusaMasahiko en-aut-sei=Egusa en-aut-mei=Masahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyawakiTakuya en-aut-sei=Miyawaki en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyusuke en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=postingestive effects kn-keyword=postingestive effects en-keyword=galactose kn-keyword=galactose en-keyword=lactose kn-keyword=lactose en-keyword=oligosaccharides kn-keyword=oligosaccharides en-keyword=lactic acid kn-keyword=lactic acid END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=5168 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230308 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Stress-Inducible SCAND Factors Suppress the Stress Response and Are Biomarkers for Enhanced Prognosis in Cancers en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The cell stress response is an essential system present in every cell for responding and adapting to environmental stimulations. A major program for stress response is the heat shock factor (HSF)-heat shock protein (HSP) system that maintains proteostasis in cells and promotes cancer progression. However, less is known about how the cell stress response is regulated by alternative transcription factors. Here, we show that the SCAN domain (SCAND)-containing transcription factors (SCAN-TFs) are involved in repressing the stress response in cancer. SCAND1 and SCAND2 are SCAND-only proteins that can hetero-oligomerize with SCAN-zinc finger transcription factors, such as MZF1(ZSCAN6), for accessing DNA and transcriptionally co-repressing target genes. We found that heat stress induced the expression of SCAND1, SCAND2, and MZF1 bound to HSP90 gene promoter regions in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, heat stress switched the transcript variants' expression from long noncoding RNA (lncRNA-SCAND2P) to protein-coding mRNA of SCAND2, potentially by regulating alternative splicing. High expression of HSP90AA1 correlated with poorer prognoses in several cancer types, although SCAND1 and MZF1 blocked the heat shock responsiveness of HSP90AA1 in prostate cancer cells. Consistent with this, gene expression of SCAND2, SCAND1, and MZF1 was negatively correlated with HSP90 gene expression in prostate adenocarcinoma. By searching databases of patient-derived tumor samples, we found that MZF1 and SCAND2 RNA were more highly expressed in normal tissues than in tumor tissues in several cancer types. Of note, high RNA expression of SCAND2, SCAND1, and MZF1 correlated with enhanced prognoses of pancreatic cancer and head and neck cancers. Additionally, high expression of SCAND2 RNA was correlated with better prognoses of lung adenocarcinoma and sarcoma. These data suggest that the stress-inducible SCAN-TFs can function as a feedback system, suppressing excessive stress response and inhibiting cancers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShetaMona en-aut-sei=Sheta en-aut-mei=Mona kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKunihiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kunihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanemotoHideka en-aut-sei=Kanemoto en-aut-mei=Hideka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=CalderwoodStuart K. en-aut-sei=Calderwood en-aut-mei=Stuart K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=EguchiTakanori en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cell stress response kn-keyword=cell stress response en-keyword=heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) kn-keyword=heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) en-keyword=SCAN domain (SCAND)-containing proteins kn-keyword=SCAN domain (SCAND)-containing proteins en-keyword=MZF1 kn-keyword=MZF1 en-keyword=ZSCAN6 kn-keyword=ZSCAN6 en-keyword=heat shock factor (HSF) kn-keyword=heat shock factor (HSF) en-keyword=long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) kn-keyword=long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) en-keyword=co-expression correlation kn-keyword=co-expression correlation en-keyword=Kaplan-Meier plot kn-keyword=Kaplan-Meier plot en-keyword=cancer patient prognosis kn-keyword=cancer patient prognosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=1393 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230207 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Novel Artificial Scaffold for Bone Marrow Regeneration: Honeycomb Tricalcium Phosphate en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bone marrow is complex structure containing heterogenetic cells, making it difficult to regenerate using artificial scaffolds. In a previous study, we succeeded in developing honeycomb tricalcium phosphate (TCP), which is a cylindrical scaffold with a honeycomb arrangement of straight pores, and we demonstrated that TCP with 300 and 500 mu m pore diameters (300TCP and 500TCP) induced bone marrow structure within the pores. In this study, we examined the optimal scaffold structure for bone marrow with homeostatic bone metabolism using honeycomb TCP. 300TCP and 500TCP were transplanted into rat muscle, and bone marrow formation was histologically assessed. Immunohistochemistry for CD45, CD34, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), c-kit single staining, Runx2/N-cadherin, and c-kit/Tie-2 double staining was performed. The area of bone marrow structure, which includes CD45(+) round-shaped hematopoietic cells and CD34(+) sinusoidal vessels, was larger in 300TCP than in 500TCP. Additionally, Runx2(+) osteoblasts and c-kit(+) hematopoietic stem cells were observed on the surface of bone tissue formed within TCP. Among Runx2(+) osteoblasts, spindle-shaped N-cadherin(+) cells existed in association with c-kit(+)Tie-2(+) hematopoietic stem cells on the bone tissue formed within TCP, which formed a hematopoietic stem cell niche similar to as in vivo. Therefore, honeycomb TCP with 300 mu m pore diameters may be an artificial scaffold with an optimal geometric structure as a scaffold for bone marrow formation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=InadaYasunori en-aut-sei=Inada en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujigiwaHidetsugu en-aut-sei=Tsujigiwa en-aut-mei=Hidetsugu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShanQiusheng en-aut-sei=Shan en-aut-mei=Qiusheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=PiaoTianyan en-aut-sei=Piao en-aut-mei=Tianyan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChangAnqi en-aut-sei=Chang en-aut-mei=Anqi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Okayama University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=honeycomb TCP kn-keyword=honeycomb TCP en-keyword=bone marrow formation kn-keyword=bone marrow formation en-keyword=scaffold kn-keyword=scaffold en-keyword=hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) kn-keyword=hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) en-keyword=N-cadherin-positive spindle-shaped osteoblasts (SNO cells) kn-keyword=N-cadherin-positive spindle-shaped osteoblasts (SNO cells) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=522 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230306 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics Contributing to Flomoxef Sensitivity in Clinical Isolates of ESBL-Producing E. coli Strains from Urinary Tract Infections en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We carried out a molecular biological analysis of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli strains and their sensitivity to flomoxef (FMOX). Sequence type (ST) analysis by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and classification of ESBL genotypes by multiplex PCR were performed on ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from urine samples collected from patients treated at our institution between 2008 and 2018. These sequences were compared with results for antimicrobial drug susceptibility determined using a micro-liquid dilution method. We also analyzed cases treated with FMOX at our institution to examine its clinical efficacy. Of the 911 E. coli strains identified, 158 (17.3%) were ESBL-producing. Of these, 67.7% (107/158) were strain ST-131 in ST analysis. Nearly all (154/158; 97.5%) were CTX-M genotypes, with M-14 and M-27 predominating. The isolated strains were sensitive to FMOX in drug susceptibility tests. Among the patient samples, 33 cases received FMOX, and of these, 5 had ESBL-producing E. coli. Among these five cases, three received FMOX for surgical prophylaxis as urinary carriers of ESBL-producing E. coli, and postoperative infections were prevented in all three patients. The other two patients received FMOX treatment for urinary tract infections. FMOX treatment was successful for one, and the other was switched to carbapenem. Our results suggest that FMOX has efficacy for perioperative prophylactic administration in urologic surgery involving carriers of ESBL-producing bacteria and for therapeutic administration for urinary tract infections. Use of FMOX avoids over-reliance on carbapenems or beta-lactamase inhibitors and thus is an effective antimicrobial countermeasure. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakaedaKazuma en-aut-sei=Sakaeda en-aut-mei=Kazuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SadahiraTakuya en-aut-sei=Sadahira en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaYuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataTakehiro en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeMasami en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Masami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaKoichiro en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ArakiMotoo en-aut-sei=Araki en-aut-mei=Motoo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Koichiro Wada Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Shimane University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=antimicrobial resistance kn-keyword=antimicrobial resistance en-keyword=Escherichia coli kn-keyword=Escherichia coli en-keyword=urinary tract infections kn-keyword=urinary tract infections en-keyword=flomoxef kn-keyword=flomoxef en-keyword=ST131 kn-keyword=ST131 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=690 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Rationalizing the Binding Modes of PET Radiotracers Targeting the Norepinephrine Transporter en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Purpose: A new PET radiotracer F-18-AF78 showing great potential for clinical application has been reported recently. It belongs to a new generation of phenethylguanidine-based norepinephrine transporter (NET)-targeting radiotracers. Although many efforts have been made to develop NET inhibitors as antidepressants, systemic investigations of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of NET-targeting radiotracers have rarely been performed. Methods: Without changing the phenethylguanidine pharmacophore and 3-fluoropropyl moiety that is crucial for easy labeling, six new analogs of F-18-AF78 with different meta-substituents on the benzene-ring were synthesized and evaluated in a competitive cellular uptake assay and in in vivo animal experiments in rats. Computational modeling of these tracers was established to quantitatively rationalize the interaction between the radiotracers and NET. Results: Using non-radiolabeled reference compounds, a competitive cellular uptake assay showed a decrease in NET-transporting affinity from meta-fluorine to iodine (0.42 and 6.51 mu M, respectively), with meta-OH being the least active (22.67 mu M). Furthermore, in vivo animal studies with radioisotopes showed that heart-to-blood ratios agreed with the cellular experiments, with AF78(F) exhibiting the highest cardiac uptake. This result correlates positively with the electronegativity rather than the atomic radius of the meta-substituent. Computational modeling studies revealed a crucial influence of halogen substituents on the radiotracer-NET interaction, whereby a T-shaped pi-pi stacking interaction between the benzene-ring of the tracer and the amino acid residues surrounding the NET binding site made major contributions to the different affinities, in accordance with the pharmacological data. Conclusion: The SARs were characterized by in vitro and in vivo evaluation, and computational modeling quantitatively rationalized the interaction between radiotracers and the NET binding site. These findings pave the way for further evaluation in different species and underline the potential of AF78(F) for clinical application, e.g., cardiac innervation imaging or molecular imaging of neuroendocrine tumors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TutovAnna en-aut-sei=Tutov en-aut-mei=Anna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenXinyu en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Xinyu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WernerRudolf A. en-aut-sei=Werner en-aut-mei=Rudolf A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuehligSaskia en-aut-sei=Muehlig en-aut-mei=Saskia kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZimmermannThomas en-aut-sei=Zimmermann en-aut-mei=Thomas kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NoseNaoko en-aut-sei=Nose en-aut-mei=Naoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoshinoKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Koshino en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=LapaConstantin en-aut-sei=Lapa en-aut-mei=Constantin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=DeckerMichael en-aut-sei=Decker en-aut-mei=Michael kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiTakahiro en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nuclear Medicine and Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Systems and Informatics, Hokkaido Information University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=positron emission tomography kn-keyword=positron emission tomography en-keyword=norepinephrine transporter kn-keyword=norepinephrine transporter en-keyword=sympathetic nervous system kn-keyword=sympathetic nervous system en-keyword=structure-activity relationships kn-keyword=structure-activity relationships en-keyword=T-shaped π–π stacking kn-keyword=T-shaped π–π stacking END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2062 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230306 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Symptomatic Characteristics of Hypozincemia Detected in Long COVID Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of hypozincemia in long COVID patients. Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective observational study for outpatients who visited the long COVID clinic established in a university hospital during the period from 15 February 2021 to 28 February 2022. Characteristics of patients with a serum zinc concentration lower than 70 mu g/dL (10.7 mu mol/L) were compared with characteristics of patients with normozincemia. Results: In a total of 194 patients with long COVID after excluding 32 patients, hypozincemia was detected in 43 patients (22.2%) including 16 male patients (37.2%) and 27 female patients (62.8%). Among various parameters including the background characteristics of the patients and medical histories, the patients with hypozincemia were significantly older than the patients with normozincemia (median age: 50 vs. 39 years). A significant negative correlation was found between serum zinc concentrations and age in male patients (R = -0.39; p < 0.01) but not in female patients. In addition, there was no significant correlation between serum zinc levels and inflammatory markers. General fatigue was the most frequent symptom in both male patients with hypozincemia (9 out of 16: 56.3%) and female patients with hypozincemia (8 out of 27: 29.6%). Patients with severe hypozincemia (serum zinc level lower than 60 mu g/dL) had major complaints of dysosmia and dysgeusia, which were more frequent complaints than general fatigue. Conclusions: The most frequent symptom in long COVID patients with hypozincemia was general fatigue. Serum zinc levels should be measured in long COVID patients with general fatigue, particularly in male patients. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObikaMikako en-aut-sei=Obika en-aut-mei=Mikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=dysgeusia kn-keyword=dysgeusia en-keyword=dysosmia kn-keyword=dysosmia en-keyword=fatigue kn-keyword=fatigue en-keyword=hypozincemia kn-keyword=hypozincemia en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2221 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230224 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Technology Trend Analysis of Japanese Green Vehicle Powertrains Technology Using Patent Citation Data en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=As automobiles are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the technological shift towards vehicle powertrain systems is an attempt to lower problems such as emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Patent data are the most reliable measure of business performance for applied research and development activities when investigating knowledge domains or technology evolution. This is the first study on Japanese patent citation data of the green vehicle powertrains technology industry, using the social network analysis method, which emphasizes centrality estimates and community detection. This study not only elucidates the knowledge by visualizing flow patterns but also provides a precious and congregative method for verifying important patents under the International Patent Classification system and grasping the trend of the new technology industry. This study detects leading companies, not only in terms of the number of patents but also the importance of the patents. The empirical result shows that the International Patent Classification (IPC) class that starts with "B60K", which includes hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV), is more likely to be the technology trend in the green vehicle powertrains industry. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JiangJiaming en-aut-sei=Jiang en-aut-mei=Jiaming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhaoYu en-aut-sei=Zhao en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Center for Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Data Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Management, Department of Management, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= en-keyword=patents kn-keyword=patents en-keyword=green innovation kn-keyword=green innovation en-keyword=social network analysis kn-keyword=social network analysis en-keyword=carbon reduction kn-keyword=carbon reduction en-keyword=transportation management kn-keyword=transportation management END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1128 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230223 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Shear Bond Strength of Resin Luting Materials to Lithium Disilicate Ceramic: Correlation between Flexural Strength and Modulus of Elasticity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigates the effect of the curing mode (dual-cure vs. self-cure) of resin cements (four self-adhesive and seven conventional cements) on their flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity, alongside their shear bond strength to lithium disilicate ceramics (LDS). The study aims to determine the relationship between the bond strength and LDS, and the flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity of resin cements. Twelve conventional or adhesive and self-adhesive resin cements were tested. The manufacturer's recommended pretreating agents were used where indicated. The shear bond strengths to LDS and the flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity of the cement were measured immediately after setting, after one day of storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C, and after 20,000 thermocycles (TC 20k). The relationship between the bond strength to LDS, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of elasticity of resin cements was investigated using a multiple linear regression analysis. For all resin cements, the shear bond strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of elasticity were lowest immediately after setting. A clear and significant difference between dual-curing and self-curing modes was observed in all resin cements immediately after setting, except for ResiCem EX. Regardless of the difference of the core-mode condition of all resin cements, flexural strengths were correlated with the LDS surface upon shear bond strengths (R-2 = 0.24, n = 69, p < 0.001) and the flexural modulus of elasticity was correlated with them (R-2 = 0.14, n = 69, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the shear bond strength was 17.877 + 0.166, the flexural strength was 0.643, and the flexural modulus was (R-2 = 0.51, n = 69, p < 0.001). The flexural strength or flexural modulus of elasticity may be used to predict the bond strength of resin cements to LDS. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IrieMasao en-aut-sei=Irie en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaMasahiro en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruoYukinori en-aut-sei=Maruo en-aut-mei=Yukinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishigawaGoro en-aut-sei=Nishigawa en-aut-mei=Goro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoTakuya en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Prosthodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Prosthodontics, Division of Dentistry, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= en-keyword=shear bond strength kn-keyword=shear bond strength en-keyword=flexural strength kn-keyword=flexural strength en-keyword=flexural modulus of elasticity kn-keyword=flexural modulus of elasticity en-keyword=resin luting materials kn-keyword=resin luting materials en-keyword=durability kn-keyword=durability en-keyword=dual-cure vs kn-keyword=dual-cure vs en-keyword=self-cure kn-keyword=self-cure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2023 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230303 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Serum sCD40L and IL-31 in Association with Early Phase of IgA Nephropathy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a major cause of chronic glomerulonephritis worldwide. T cell dysregulation has been reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of IgAN. Methods We measured a broad range of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines in the serum of IgAN patients. We searched for significant cytokines, which were associated with clinical parameters and histological scores in IgAN patients. Results: Among 15 cytokines, the levels of soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and IL-31 were higher in IgAN patients and were significantly associated with a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a lower urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR), and milder tubulointerstitial lesions (i.e., the early phase of IgAN). Multivariate analysis revealed that serum sCD40L was an independent determinant of a lower UPCR after adjustment for age, eGFR, and mean blood pressure (MBP). CD40, a receptor of sCD40L, has been reported to be upregulated on mesangial cells in IgAN. The sCD40L/CD40 interaction may directly induce inflammation in mesangial areas and may therefore be involved in the development of IgAN. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the significance of serum sCD40L and IL-31 in the early phase of IgAN. Serum sCD40L may be a marker of the beginning of inflammation in IgAN. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaKeiko en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorinagaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morinaga en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitagawaMasashi en-aut-sei=Kitagawa en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanoYuzuki en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Yuzuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiseKoki en-aut-sei=Mise en-aut-mei=Koki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanabeKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Tanabe en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=IgA nephropathy kn-keyword=IgA nephropathy en-keyword=cytokines kn-keyword=cytokines en-keyword=sCD40L kn-keyword=sCD40L en-keyword=IL-31 kn-keyword=IL-31 en-keyword=proteinuria kn-keyword=proteinuria en-keyword=inflammation kn-keyword=inflammation en-keyword=interstitial fibrosis kn-keyword=interstitial fibrosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1971 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230302 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Role of the Pfannenstiel Incision in Robotic Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Studies remain limited on the role of the Pfannenstiel incision in minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, especially robotic surgery. The role of various extraction sites in robotic HPB surgery should be understood. Herein, we describe the surgical techniques, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of the Pfannenstiel incision in robotic pancreatic surgery. Seventy patients underwent robotic pancreatectomy at our institution between September 2020 and October 2022. The Pfannenstiel incision was used for specimen retrieval in 55 patients. Advantages of the Pfannenstiel incision include less pain, cosmetic benefits, and a lower incidence of complications. Moreover, the specimen could be removed using the robotic system docked. However, all complex reconstructions should be performed intra-abdominally during robotic pancreatoduodenectomies. The incidence of mortality and postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B) was 0% and 9.1%, respectively. During the median follow-up (11.2 months) after surgery, complications at the Pfannenstiel incision site included surgical site infection (n = 1, 1.8%) and incisional hernia (n = 1, 1.8%). The Pfannenstiel incision can be a useful option for specimen retrieval in minimally invasive HPB surgery, according to the surgeon's preferences and the patient's condition. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaYuzo en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraJiro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Jiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataNanako en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Nanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagiTakahito en-aut-sei=Yagi en-aut-mei=Takahito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=robotic surgery kn-keyword=robotic surgery en-keyword=minimally invasive surgery kn-keyword=minimally invasive surgery en-keyword=hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery kn-keyword=hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery en-keyword=Pfannenstiel incision kn-keyword=Pfannenstiel incision END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=4996 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230305 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=SPRED2: A Novel Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Stemness in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The downregulation of SPRED2, a negative regulator of the ERK1/2 pathway, was previously detected in human cancers; however, the biological consequence remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of SPRED2 loss on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell function. Human HCC cell lines, expressing various levels of SPRED2 and SPRED2 knockdown, increased ERK1/2 activation. SPRED2-knockout (KO)-HepG2 cells displayed an elongated spindle shape with increased cell migration/invasion and cadherin switching, with features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). SPRED2-KO cells demonstrated a higher ability to form spheres and colonies, expressed higher levels of stemness markers and were more resistant to cisplatin. Interestingly, SPRED2-KO cells also expressed higher levels of the stem cell surface markers CD44 and CD90. When CD44(+)CD90(+) and CD44(-)CD90(-) populations from WT cells were analyzed, a lower level of SPRED2 and higher levels of stem cell markers were detected in CD44(+)CD90(+) cells. Further, endogenous SPRED2 expression decreased when WT cells were cultured in 3D, but was restored in 2D culture. Finally, the levels of SPRED2 in clinical HCC tissues were significantly lower than those in adjacent non-HCC tissues and were negatively associated with progression-free survival. Thus, the downregulation of SPRED2 in HCC promotes EMT and stemness through the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, and leads to more malignant phenotypes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=GaoTong en-aut-sei=Gao en-aut-mei=Tong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YangXu en-aut-sei=Yang en-aut-mei=Xu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangTianyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Tianyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomonobuNahoko en-aut-sei=Tomonobu en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimuraTeizo en-aut-sei=Yoshimura en-aut-mei=Teizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer stem cells kn-keyword=cancer stem cells en-keyword=epithelial-mesenchymal transition kn-keyword=epithelial-mesenchymal transition en-keyword=ERK1/2-MAPK kn-keyword=ERK1/2-MAPK en-keyword=tumorigenesis kn-keyword=tumorigenesis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=261 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230129 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in Long COVID Symptoms in Japanese Teenage Patients en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Since the start of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), not only adults but also many children have suffered from it. However, the clinical characteristics of long COVID in children remain unclear. Methods: In this retrospective observational study conducted in a single facility, we reviewed the medical records of all long COVID patients who visited Okayama University Hospital from February 2021 to October 2022, and we compared the clinical characteristics of long COVID in teenagers (11 to 18 years of age) with those in adults. Results: Data for 452 long COVID patients including 54 teenagers (11.9%) were analyzed. Fatigue was the most frequent symptom in teenagers (55.6% of the patients) and also in adults. On the other hand, the percentage of teenagers who complained of headache, which was the second most frequent complaint, was significantly higher than the percentage of adults (35.2% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.05). A comparison of the frequencies of symptoms depending on the viral variant showed that fatigue and headache were predominant symptoms in the Omicron variant phase. Of the 50 teenagers who were enrolled in schools, 28 (56.0%) could not attend school due to long COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms as reasons for absence from school were fatigue (85.7% of the patients), headache (42.9%), and insomnia (32.1%). Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the symptoms of fatigue and headache in teenagers with long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiKanako en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Kanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaHitomi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Delta variant kn-keyword=Delta variant en-keyword=schoolchildren kn-keyword=schoolchildren en-keyword=teenagers kn-keyword=teenagers en-keyword=Omicron variant kn-keyword=Omicron variant en-keyword=post-COVID-19 condition kn-keyword=post-COVID-19 condition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=59 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=395 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230217 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Effect of Postinduction Blood Glucose on Intraoperative Hypothermia en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objectives: Hypothermia frequently occurs in patients undergoing surgery and is associated with adverse complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the postinduction blood glucose and occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 334 patients aged >= 20 years who had undergone elective laparoscopic surgery. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia. Stratified analysis revealed differences between patients with and without diabetes. Results: Hypothermia occurred in 200 (59.9%) patients. In multivariate analysis, out-of-range postinduction glucose was independently associated with hypothermia (>150 mg/dL: odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval (1.02, 4.61), p = 0.045; <110 mg/dL: odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval (1.15, 3.55), p = 0.015), whereas preoperative HbA1c >6% was not significantly associated with hypothermia (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval (0.56, 1.84), p = 0.961). Considering only patients with diabetes, the incidence of hypothermia was lower (p = 0.002), the duration of hypothermia was shorter (p = 0.007), and the minimum temperature was higher (p = 0.006) in those with a postinduction glucose level of 110-150 mg/dL. Conclusions: The postinduction glucose level is independently associated with intraoperative hypothermia. Out-of-range postinduction glucose appeared to have an impact on the development of hypothermia in patients with diabetes, especially those with a postinduction glucose level <110 mg/dL. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShenZhangtian en-aut-sei=Shen en-aut-mei=Zhangtian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaKosuke en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Kosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimatsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morimatsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=blood glucose kn-keyword=blood glucose en-keyword=hemoglobin A1c kn-keyword=hemoglobin A1c en-keyword=hypothermia kn-keyword=hypothermia en-keyword=thermoregulation kn-keyword=thermoregulation en-keyword=laparoscopy kn-keyword=laparoscopy en-keyword=type 2 diabetes kn-keyword=type 2 diabetes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=669 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between Urinary Creatinine Excretion and Hypothyroidism in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=While hypothyroidism increases serum creatinine (Cr) levels, it is uncertain whether the elevation is mediated via a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or the reflection of enhanced Cr production from the muscles or both. In the present study, we explored an association between urinary Cr excretion rate (CER) and hypothyroidism. A total of 553 patients with chronic kidney disease were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the association between hypothyroidism and urinary CER. The mean urinary CER was 1.01 +/- 0.38 g/day and 121 patients (22%) had hypothyroidism. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed explanatory variables with urinary CER, including age, sex, body mass index, 24 h Cr clearance (24hrCcr), and albumin while hypothyroidism was not considered an independent explanatory variable. In addition, scatter plot analysis with regression fit line representing the association between estimated GFR calculated using s-Cr (eGFRcre) and 24hrCcr revealed that eGFRcre and 24hrCcr had strong correlations with each other in hypothyroid patients as well as euthyroid patients. Collectively, hypothyroidism was not considered an independent explanatory variable for urinary CER in the present study and eGFRcre is a useful marker to evaluate kidney function regardless of the presence of hypothyroidism. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Matsuoka-UchiyamaNatsumi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka-Uchiyama en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiKensaku en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Kensaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiHidemi en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Hidemi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitamuraShinji en-aut-sei=Kitamura en-aut-mei=Shinji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=InagakiKenichi en-aut-sei=Inagaki en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=hypothyroidism kn-keyword=hypothyroidism en-keyword=kidney function kn-keyword=kidney function en-keyword=urinary creatinine excretion kn-keyword=urinary creatinine excretion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1288 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202202 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Reconditioning of Diamond Coated Tools and Its Impact on Cutting Performance for CFRP Laminates en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In recent years, CVD diamond-coated tungsten carbide (WC-Co) tools have been widely utilized due to their benefits in the machining of non-ferrous alloys and polymer composite materials, especially carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs). The reconditioning of such coated tools is economically attractive due to their high cost and short tool life. The decoating of the remaining diamond film from the used tools and the subsequent surface preparation by wet chemical pretreatment are essential steps for new CVD diamond film formation. Previously, it was shown that reactive ion beam etching (RIBE) could effectively remove CVD diamond films. However, some degree of WC-Co tool substrate damage is expected due to the high ion energy in RIBE and the chemical activity in wet etching. This study addresses the effects of RIBE decoating and surface pretreatment steps on WC-Co tools with a complex shape in terms of the ion-induced surface damage, geometry alteration, and adhesion of a subsequently re-applied CVD diamond film. Moreover, the cutting performance of the tools subjected to the RIBE decoating and repeated film deposition was studied via CFRP cutting tests. It has been shown that the RIBE decoated and recoated tools had a high level of cutting performance comparable to the new tools. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SoldatovAlexander en-aut-sei=Soldatov en-aut-mei=Alexander kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=RemnevAlexey en-aut-sei=Remnev en-aut-mei=Alexey kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaAkira en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=ITAC Ltd., Group of ShinMaywa Industries kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cutting tool reconditioning kn-keyword=cutting tool reconditioning en-keyword=decoating kn-keyword=decoating en-keyword=CVD diamond film kn-keyword=CVD diamond film en-keyword=CFRP kn-keyword=CFRP en-keyword=flank wear kn-keyword=flank wear en-keyword=delamination kn-keyword=delamination END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1925 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230118 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Are Non-Invasive Modalities for the Assessment of Atherosclerosis Useful for Heart Failure Predictions? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Heart failure (HF) is becoming an increasingly common issue worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, making its prevention an important clinical goal. The criteria evaluated using non-invasive modalities such as coronary artery calcification, the ankle-brachial index, and carotid intima-media thickness have been proven to be effective in determining the relative risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Notably, risk assessments using these modalities have been proven to be superior to the traditional risk predictors of cardiovascular disease. However, the ability to assess HF risk has not yet been well-established. In this review, we describe the clinical significance of such non-invasive modalities of atherosclerosis assessments and examine their ability to assess HF risk. The predictive value could be influenced by the left ventricular ejection fraction. Specifically, when the ejection fraction is reduced, its predictive value increases because this condition is potentially a result of coronary artery disease. In contrast, using these measures to predict HF with a preserved ejection fraction may be difficult because it is a heterogeneous condition. To overcome this issue, further research, especially on HF with a preserved ejection fraction, is required. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OsawaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Osawa en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=heart failure kn-keyword=heart failure en-keyword=coronary artery calcification kn-keyword=coronary artery calcification en-keyword=ankle-brachial index kn-keyword=ankle-brachial index en-keyword=carotid intima-media thickness kn-keyword=carotid intima-media thickness en-keyword=cardio-ankle vascular index kn-keyword=cardio-ankle vascular index END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=724 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230124 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Fibrotic Barriers to Nanomedicine in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat. Novel treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve the survival rate, which is approximately 10% five years after diagnosis. The use of nanomedicines, which are formulated within a characteristic size range that favors its specific delivery to the diseased tissue, is being actively explored in cancer treatment. However, fibrosis (the abnormal accumulation of a cell type called fibroblasts and the fibrous protein network that they create) is characteristically seen in pancreatic cancer and hinders the delivery of nanomedicines into cancerous tissue. The decreased efficiency of delivery limits the therapeutic effects of nanomedicine in pancreatic cancer. We call this the "fibrotic barrier" to nanomedicine. To overcome the fibrotic barrier, we could target the fibrotic process and/or optimize the nanomedicine design. In this review, we give a detailed overview of strategies to overcome the fibrotic barriers in pancreatic cancer and highlight key gaps in our understanding. Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its dismal prognosis. The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect theory posits that nanomedicines (therapeutics in the size range of approximately 10-200 nm) selectively accumulate in tumors. Nanomedicine has thus been suggested to be the "magic bullet"-both effective and safe-to treat pancreatic cancer. However, the densely fibrotic tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer impedes nanomedicine delivery. The EPR effect is thus insufficient to achieve a significant therapeutic effect. Intratumoral fibrosis is chiefly driven by aberrantly activated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix (ECM) components secreted. Fibroblast and ECM abnormalities offer various potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we detail the diverse strategies being tested to overcome the fibrotic barriers to nanomedicine in pancreatic cancer. Strategies that target the fibrotic tissue/process are discussed first, which are followed by strategies to optimize nanomedicine design. We provide an overview of how a deeper understanding, increasingly at single-cell resolution, of fibroblast biology is revealing the complex role of the fibrotic stroma in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and consider the therapeutic implications. Finally, we discuss critical gaps in our understanding and how we might better formulate strategies to successfully overcome the fibrotic barriers in pancreatic cancer. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaHiroyoshi Y. en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hiroyoshi Y. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakazawaTakuya en-aut-sei=Nakazawa en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EnomotoAtsushi en-aut-sei=Enomoto en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasamuneAtsushi en-aut-sei=Masamune en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanoMitsunobu R. en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Mitsunobu R. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=pancreatic cancer kn-keyword=pancreatic cancer en-keyword=tumor microenvironment kn-keyword=tumor microenvironment en-keyword=nanomedicine kn-keyword=nanomedicine en-keyword=fibrosis kn-keyword=fibrosis en-keyword=extracellular matrix kn-keyword=extracellular matrix en-keyword=fibroblast kn-keyword=fibroblast END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=454 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230131 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Pursuit of the "Inside" of the Amyloid Hypothesis-Is C99 a Promising Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Aducanumab, co-developed by Eisai (Japan) and Biogen (U.S.), has received Food and Drug Administration approval for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, its successor antibody, lecanemab, has been approved. These antibodies target the aggregated form of the small peptide, amyloid-beta (A beta), which accumulates in the patient brain. The "amyloid hypothesis " based therapy that places the aggregation and toxicity of A beta at the center of the etiology is about to be realized. However, the effects of immunotherapy are still limited, suggesting the need to reconsider this hypothesis. A beta is produced from a type-I transmembrane protein, A beta precursor protein (APP). One of the APP metabolites, the 99-amino acids C-terminal fragment (C99, also called beta CTF), is a direct precursor of A beta and accumulates in the AD patient's brain to demonstrate toxicity independent of A beta. Conventional drug discovery strategies have focused on A beta toxicity on the "outside " of the neuron, but C99 accumulation might explain the toxicity on the "inside " of the neuron, which was overlooked in the hypothesis. Furthermore, the common region of C99 and A beta is a promising target for multifunctional AD drugs. This review aimed to outline the nature, metabolism, and impact of C99 on AD pathogenesis and discuss whether it could be a therapeutic target complementing the amyloid hypothesis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakasugiNobumasa en-aut-sei=Takasugi en-aut-mei=Nobumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomaiMasato en-aut-sei=Komai en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaneshiroNanaka en-aut-sei=Kaneshiro en-aut-mei=Nanaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaAtsuya en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Atsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamikuboYuji en-aut-sei=Kamikubo en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Uehara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer's disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer's disease en-keyword=amyloid-beta kn-keyword=amyloid-beta en-keyword=amyloid beta precursor protein kn-keyword=amyloid beta precursor protein en-keyword=BACE1 kn-keyword=BACE1 en-keyword=C99 kn-keyword=C99 en-keyword=endolysosome kn-keyword=endolysosome en-keyword=autolysosome kn-keyword=autolysosome en-keyword=vesicular trafficking kn-keyword=vesicular trafficking END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=748 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230201 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between Cardiovascular Disease and Liver Disease, from a Clinically Pragmatic Perspective as a Cardiologist en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases are closely related. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has the same risk factors as those for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and may also be a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on its own. Heart failure causes liver fibrosis, and liver fibrosis results in worsened cardiac preload and congestion. Although some previous reports regard the association between cardiovascular diseases and liver disease, the management strategy for liver disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases is not still established. This review summarized the association between cardiovascular diseases and liver disease. In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the degree of liver fibrosis progresses with worsening cardiovascular prognosis. In patients with heart failure, liver fibrosis could be a prognostic marker. Liver stiffness assessed with shear wave elastography, the fibrosis-4 index, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score is associated with both liver fibrosis in patients with liver diseases and worse prognosis in patients with heart failure. With the current population ageing, the importance of management for cardiovascular diseases and liver disease has been increasing. However, whether management and interventions for liver disease improve the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases has not been fully understood. Future investigations are needed. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakashimaMitsutaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Mitsutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiharaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Nishihara en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaKeishi en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Keishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaRie en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakayaYoichi en-aut-sei=Takaya en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TohNorihisa en-aut-sei=Toh en-aut-mei=Norihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiTeiji en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Teiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=liver disease kn-keyword=liver disease en-keyword=heart failure kn-keyword=heart failure en-keyword=atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease kn-keyword=atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease en-keyword=non-alcoholic fatty liver disease kn-keyword=non-alcoholic fatty liver disease END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=84 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221227 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Formation of a Stable Co-Amorphous System for a Brick Dust Molecule by Utilizing Sodium Taurocholate with High Glass Transition Temperature en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Brick dust molecules are usually poorly soluble in water and lipoidal components, making it difficult to formulate them in dosage forms that provide efficient pharmacological effects. A co-amorphous system is an effective strategy to resolve these issues. However, their glass transition temperatures (Tg) are relatively lower than those of polymeric amorphous solid dispersions, suggesting the instability of the co-amorphous system. This study aimed to formulate a stable co-amorphous system for brick dust molecules by utilizing sodium taurocholate (NaTC) with a higher Tg. A novel neuropeptide Y-5 receptor antagonist (AntiY(5)R) and NaTC with Tg of 155 degrees C were used as the brick dust model and coformer, respectively. Ball milling formed a co-amorphous system for AntiY(5)R and NaTC (AntiY(5)R-NaTC) at various molar ratios. Deviation from the theoretical Tg value and peak shifts in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated intermolecular interactions between AntiY(5)R and NaTC. AntiY(5)R-NaTC at equal molar ratios resulting in an 8.5-fold increase in AntiY(5)R solubility over its crystalline form. The co-amorphous system remained amorphous for 1 month at 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C. These results suggest that the co-amorphous system formed by utilizing NaTC as a coformer could stably maintain the amorphous state and enhance the solubility of brick dust molecules. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AikawaShohei en-aut-sei=Aikawa en-aut-mei=Shohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaHironori en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Hironori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaMasato en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HigakiKazutaka en-aut-sei=Higaki en-aut-mei=Kazutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Formulation Research Department, Formulation R&D Laboratory, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Bioanalytical, Analysis and Evaluation Laboratory, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=amorphous kn-keyword=amorphous en-keyword=co-amorphous kn-keyword=co-amorphous en-keyword=crystallization kn-keyword=crystallization en-keyword=sodium taurocholate kn-keyword=sodium taurocholate en-keyword=glass transition temperature kn-keyword=glass transition temperature en-keyword=intermolecular interaction kn-keyword=intermolecular interaction en-keyword=dissolution testing kn-keyword=dissolution testing END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=2926 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230202 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Expression of Acetabular Labral Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Nerve Growth Factor Is Directly Associated with Hip Osteoarthritis Pain: Investigation by Immunohistochemical Staining en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The acetabular labrum enhances hip joint stability and plays a key role in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Labral nerve endings contribute to hip OA pain. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are associated with pain. Consequently, we analysed VEGF and NGF expression levels in the labrum and their roles in OA. Labra obtained from OA patients were stained immunohistochemically, and labral cells were cultured and subjected to a reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyse VEGF and NGF mRNA expression. VEGF and NGF expression were compared in each region of the labrum. Correlations between VEGF and NGF expression and age, body mass index, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, Harris Hip Score, the visual analogue scale (VAS), and Krenn score were analysed, and the RT-PCR confirmed the findings. VEGF and NGF expression were high on the labral articular side, negatively correlated with the Krenn score, and positively correlated with the VAS in early OA. VEGF and NGF mRNA expression increased significantly in patients with severe pain and decreased significantly in severely degenerated labra. In early OA, VEGF and NGF expression in the acetabular labrum was associated with the occurrence of hip pain; therefore, these factors could be effective targets for pain management. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SatoYoshihiro en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yoshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawamuraYoshi en-aut-sei=Kawamura en-aut-mei=Yoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaAki en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Aki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Intelligent Orthopaedic System, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medical Materials for Musculoskeletal Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=hip osteoarthritis (OA) kn-keyword=hip osteoarthritis (OA) en-keyword=acetabular labrum kn-keyword=acetabular labrum en-keyword=vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) kn-keyword=vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) en-keyword=nerve growth factor (NGF) kn-keyword=nerve growth factor (NGF) en-keyword=immunochemical staining kn-keyword=immunochemical staining END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1879 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230131 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Flexible Route Planning for Multiple Mobile Robots by Combining Q-Learning and Graph Search Algorithm en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The use of multiple mobile robots has grown significantly over the past few years in logistics, manufacturing and public services. Conflict-free route planning is one of the major research challenges for such mobile robots. Optimization methods such as graph search algorithms are used extensively to solve route planning problems. Those methods can assure the quality of solutions, however, they are not flexible to deal with unexpected situations. In this article, we propose a flexible route planning method that combines the reinforcement learning algorithm and a graph search algorithm for conflict-free route planning problems for multiple robots. In the proposed method, Q-learning, a reinforcement algorithm, is applied to avoid collisions using off-line learning with a limited state space to reduce the total learning time. Each vehicle independently finds the shortest route using the A* algorithm, and Q-learning is used to avoid collisions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined by comparing it with conventional methods in terms of computation time and the quality of solutions. Computational results show that for dynamic transportation problems, the proposed method can generate the solutions with approximately 10% of the computation time compared to the conventional Q-learning approach. We found that the required computation time is linearly increased with respect to the number of vehicles and nodes in the problems. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KawabeTomoya en-aut-sei=Kawabe en-aut-mei=Tomoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiTatsushi en-aut-sei=Nishi en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuZiang en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Ziang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Automated Guided Vehicles kn-keyword=Automated Guided Vehicles en-keyword=route planning kn-keyword=route planning en-keyword=Q-learning kn-keyword=Q-learning en-keyword=reinforcement learning kn-keyword=reinforcement learning en-keyword=transportation kn-keyword=transportation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=3 article-no= start-page=1921 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=202302 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Microcalcification and Tc-99m-Pyrophosphate Uptake without Increased Bone Metabolism in Cardiac Tissue from Patients with Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is characterized by high Tc-99m-labeled bone tracer uptake in the heart. However, the mechanism of bone tracer uptake into the heart remains controversial. Since bone tracer uptake into metastatic bone tumors is thought to be associated with increased bone metabolism, we examined Tc-99m-pyrophosphate (PYP) scintigraphy findings, endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) tissue findings, and the expression of bone metabolism-related genes in the EMB tissues in patients with ATTR-CA, amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA), and noncardiac amyloidosis (non-CA) in this study. The uptake of Tc-99m-PYP in the heart was significantly higher in the ATTR-CA patients than in the AL-CA and non-CA patients. A higher percentage of ATTR-CA EMB tissue showed von Kossa-positive microparticles: ATTR-CA, 62%; AL-CA, 33%; and non-CA, 0%. Calcified microparticles were identified using transmission electron microscopy. However, none of the osteogenic marker genes, osteoclastic marker genes, or phosphate/pyrophosphate-related genes were upregulated in the EMB samples from ATTR-CA patients compared to those from AL-CA and non-CA patients. These results suggest that active calcification-promoting mechanisms are not involved in the microcalcification observed in the heart in ATTR-CA. The mechanisms explaining bone tracer uptake in the heart, which is stronger than that in the ribs, require further investigation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MoriAtsushi en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Atsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoYukihiro en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Yukihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IidaToshihiro en-aut-sei=Iida en-aut-mei=Toshihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaMasashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniyamaMakiko en-aut-sei=Taniyama en-aut-mei=Makiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Tamano Division, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=ATTR kn-keyword=ATTR en-keyword=Tc-99m-labeled bone scintigraphy kn-keyword=Tc-99m-labeled bone scintigraphy en-keyword=calcified microparticle kn-keyword=calcified microparticle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=16 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=45 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230109 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Three Diverse Applications of General-Purpose Parameter Optimization Algorithm en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Parameters often take key roles in determining the accuracy of algorithms, logics, and models for practical applications. Previously, we have proposed a general-purpose parameter optimization algorithm, and studied its applications in various practical problems. This algorithm optimizes the parameter values by repeating small changes of them based on a local search method with hill-climbing capabilities. In this paper, we present three diverse applications of this algorithm to show the versatility and effectiveness. The first application is the fingerprint-based indoor localization system using IEEE802.15.4 devices called FILS15.4 that can detect the location of a user in an indoor environment. It is shown that the number of fingerprints for each detection point, the fingerprint values, and the detection interval are optimized together, and the average detection accuracy exceeds 99%. The second application is the human face contour approximation model that is described by a combination of half circles, line segments, and a quadratic curve. It is shown that the simple functions can well approximate the face contour of various persons by optimizing the center coordinates, radii, and coefficients. The third application is the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation to estimate temperature changes in a room. It is shown that the thermal conductivity is optimized to make the average temperature difference between the estimated and measured 0.22 ℃. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HuoYuanzhi en-aut-sei=Huo en-aut-mei=Yuanzhi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=PuspitaningayuPradini en-aut-sei=Puspitaningayu en-aut-mei=Pradini kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamazakiKazushi en-aut-sei=Hamazaki en-aut-mei=Kazushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhaoYihan en-aut-sei=Zhao en-aut-mei=Yihan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shonan Institute of Technology kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shonan Institute of Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=parameter optimization kn-keyword=parameter optimization en-keyword=application kn-keyword=application en-keyword=indoor localization kn-keyword=indoor localization en-keyword=face contour model kn-keyword=face contour model en-keyword=computational fluid dynamics kn-keyword=computational fluid dynamics END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=20 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=1579 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Differences in Stress Perception of Medical Students Depending on In-Person Communication and Online Communication during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Japanese Cross-Sectional Survey en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Excessive psychological stress in medical students affects their mental health and causes problems such as burnout and depression. Furthermore, changes in the learning environment to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a psychological effect on medical students. However, the relationships between medical students' perceived stress and different methods of communication, including in-person and online communication, remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in stress perception of medical students depending on in-person communication and online communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted from September to October in 2020. All of the students of Okayama University School of Medicine were asked to participate in a questionnaire survey. The explanatory variables were the frequency and length of communications with others (by in-person or online communication), empathy, and lifestyle. The main outcome measure was perceived stress. Subgroup analysis was conducted for students who preferred to be by themselves and students who preferred to study together and interact with other people. Univariate analysis and multivariate multiple regression analysis were conducted. Gender and grade, which have been shown to be associated with stress in previous studies, were used as covariates for multiple regression analysis. Results: Valid responses to the questionnaire survey were received from 211 (29.4%) of the 717 students. There was no significant association between perceived stress and online communication, but the number of people with which students had in-person communication (1-2 people compared to 0 as a control, regression coefficient [B] = -4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]; -7.8, -1.1, more than 10 people, B = -12, 95% CI: -18, -5.8) and the length of communication (more than 120 min, B = -4.5, 95% CI: -8.1, -0.92) were associated with a reduction in perceived stress. In subgroup analysis, the number of people with in-person communication and the length of communication had significant associations with stress reduction even in the group of students who had a preference for being by themselves. Conclusion: In-person communications rather than online communications were associated with a lower level of perceived stress. In subgroup analysis, this trend was statistically significant in the group of students who had a preference for being by themselves. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakamotoYoko en-aut-sei=Sakamoto en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObikaMikako en-aut-sei=Obika en-aut-mei=Mikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaHitomi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=medical student kn-keyword=medical student en-keyword=medical education kn-keyword=medical education en-keyword=in-person communication kn-keyword=in-person communication en-keyword=online communication kn-keyword=online communication en-keyword=stress perception kn-keyword=stress perception END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=110 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230110 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Extracellular Vesicles: New Classification and Tumor Immunosuppression en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles that carry bioactive molecules and deliver them to recipient cells. Classical EVs are exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. This review classifies classical and additional EV types, including autophagic EVs, matrix vesicles, and stressed EVs. Of note, matrix vesicles are key components interacting with extracellular matrices (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment. We also review how EVs are involved in the communication between cancer cells and tumor-associated cells (TAC), leading to establishing immunosuppressive and chemoresistant microenvironments. These include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), blood endothelial cells (BEC), lymph endothelial cells (LEC), and immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN), dendritic cells, natural killer cells, killer T cells, and immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Exosomal long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA, circular RNA, piRNA, mRNA, and proteins are crucial in communication between cancer cells and TACs for establishing cold tumors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles carrying various types of molecules. These EV cargoes are often used as pathophysiological biomarkers and delivered to recipient cells whose fates are often altered in local and distant tissues. Classical EVs are exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, while recent studies discovered autophagic EVs, stressed EVs, and matrix vesicles. Here, we classify classical and new EVs and non-EV nanoparticles. We also review EVs-mediated intercellular communication between cancer cells and various types of tumor-associated cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and immune cells. Of note, cancer EVs play crucial roles in immunosuppression, immune evasion, and immunotherapy resistance. Thus, cancer EVs change hot tumors into cold ones. Moreover, cancer EVs affect nonimmune cells to promote cellular transformation, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemoresistance, tumor matrix production, destruction of biological barriers, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and metastatic niche formation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShetaMona en-aut-sei=Sheta en-aut-mei=Mona kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TahaEman A. en-aut-sei=Taha en-aut-mei=Eman A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=LuYanyin en-aut-sei=Lu en-aut-mei=Yanyin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=EguchiTakanori en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=extracellular vesicle kn-keyword=extracellular vesicle en-keyword=exosome kn-keyword=exosome en-keyword=autophagy kn-keyword=autophagy en-keyword=amphisome kn-keyword=amphisome en-keyword=matrix vesicle kn-keyword=matrix vesicle en-keyword=cellular communication kn-keyword=cellular communication en-keyword=tumor microenvironment kn-keyword=tumor microenvironment en-keyword=immunosuppression kn-keyword=immunosuppression en-keyword=immune evasion kn-keyword=immune evasion en-keyword=therapy resistance kn-keyword=therapy resistance END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=53 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221227 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Reliability of the Garden Alignment Index and Valgus Tilt Measurement for Nondisplaced Femoral Neck Fractures en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anteroposterior (AP) alignment assessment for nondisplaced femoral neck fractures is important for determining the treatment strategy and predicting postoperative outcomes. AP alignment is generally measured using the Garden alignment index (GAI). However, its reliability remains unknown. We compared the reliability of GAI and a new AP alignment measurement (valgus tilt measurement [VTM]) using preoperative AP radiographs of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures. The study was designed as an intra- and inter-rater reliability analysis. The raters were four trauma surgeons who assessed 50 images twice. The main outcome was the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To calculate intra- and inter-rater reliability, we used a mixed-effects model considering rater, patient, and time. The overall ICC (95% CI) of GAI and VTM for intra-rater reliability was 0.92 (0.89-0.94) and 0.86 (0.82-0.89), respectively. The overall ICC of GAI and VTM for inter-rater reliability was 0.92 (0.89-0.95), and 0.85 (0.81-0.88), respectively. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of GAI was higher in patients aged <80 years than in patients aged >= 80 years. Our results showed that GAI is a more reliable measurement method than VTM, although both are reliable. Variations in patient age should be considered in GAI measurements. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamakawaYasuaki en-aut-sei=Yamakawa en-aut-mei=Yasuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomitaYosuke en-aut-sei=Tomita en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkudaRyuichiro en-aut-sei=Okuda en-aut-mei=Ryuichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasadaYasutaka en-aut-sei=Masada en-aut-mei=Yasutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShiroshitaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Shiroshita en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Care, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kochi Health Sciences Center kn-affil= en-keyword=femoral neck fracture kn-keyword=femoral neck fracture en-keyword=intracapsular hip fracture kn-keyword=intracapsular hip fracture en-keyword=Garden alignment index kn-keyword=Garden alignment index en-keyword=posterior tilt kn-keyword=posterior tilt en-keyword=inter-rater reliability kn-keyword=inter-rater reliability en-keyword=intra-rater reliability kn-keyword=intra-rater reliability en-keyword=intraclass correlation coefficients kn-keyword=intraclass correlation coefficients END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=30 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=673 end-page=680 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230104 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristics of Postoperative Patients with Breast Cancer Aged 65 Years and Older en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objective: This study aimed to compare postoperative patients with breast cancer aged >= 65 years with those aged <65 years and clarify the characteristics of postoperative patients with breast cancer aged >= 65. Methods: In total, 376 patients in whom we were able to evaluate survey items one month after surgery were included in the study. Comorbidity, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension, shoulder range of motion (ROM), upper-limb function, and psychological problems, was evaluated. Results: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly higher in patients aged >= 65 years (the elderly group) than in those aged <65 years (the non-elderly group) (p < 0.05). Preoperative shoulder flexion ROM was significantly restricted in the elderly group compared with the non-elderly group (p < 0.05). Preoperative shoulder abduction ROM was significantly restricted in the elderly group compared with the non-elderly group (p < 0.05). At one month after surgery, upper-limb function was more impaired in the non-elderly group than in the elderly group (p < 0.05). In both groups, both ROM and upper-limb function were significantly impaired one month after surgery compared with before surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative patients with breast cancer aged >= 65 years should be careful about risk management and intervention during rehabilitation. Preoperative evaluation of shoulder ROM should be performed because patients aged >= 65 years have limited ROM before surgery. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkezakiYoshiteru en-aut-sei=Akezaki en-aut-mei=Yoshiteru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KikuuchiMasato en-aut-sei=Kikuuchi en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TominagaRitsuko en-aut-sei=Tominaga en-aut-mei=Ritsuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurokawaHideaki en-aut-sei=Kurokawa en-aut-mei=Hideaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoMasaki en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AogiKenjiro en-aut-sei=Aogi en-aut-mei=Kenjiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhsumiShozo en-aut-sei=Ohsumi en-aut-mei=Shozo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiharaShinsuke en-aut-sei=Sugihara en-aut-mei=Shinsuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Physical Therapy, Kochi Professional University of Rehabilitation kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Breast Oncology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Breast Oncology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center kn-affil= en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer en-keyword=elderly kn-keyword=elderly en-keyword=comorbidity kn-keyword=comorbidity en-keyword=upper-limb function kn-keyword=upper-limb function en-keyword=rehabilitation kn-keyword=rehabilitation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=212 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230114 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Longitudinal Measurement of Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Levels in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Pilot Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) has been reported to inhibit signaling leading to the release of high mobility group box 1 protein, a damage-associated molecular pattern. The present study aimed to determine the longitudinal change in HRG levels in extremely preterm infants and assess whether complications such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were associated with differences in HRG levels. In this multicenter, prospective, observational study, we measured serum HRG levels every 2 weeks from birth to 8 weeks of age. Serum HRG was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We included 19 extremely preterm infants in the study and 74 samples were analyzed. The median gestational age was 26.0 weeks, and the median birth weight was 858 g. Serum HRG levels showed a significant upward trend after birth (p < 0.001); median HRG concentrations at birth and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age were 1.07, 1.11, 2.86, 6.05, and 7.49 mu g/mL, respectively. Onset of BPD was not associated with differences in serum HRG levels. Further, the serum HRG levels increased significantly after birth in extremely preterm infants. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MorimotoDaisaku en-aut-sei=Morimoto en-aut-mei=Daisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WashioYosuke en-aut-sei=Washio en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamaiKei en-aut-sei=Tamai en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoTakeshi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Takeshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraTomoka en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeHirokazu en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukushimaYu en-aut-sei=Fukushima en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimotoJunko en-aut-sei=Yoshimoto en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KageyamaMisao en-aut-sei=Kageyama en-aut-mei=Misao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=BabaKenji en-aut-sei=Baba en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Division of Neonatology, Okayama Medical Center, National Hospital Organization kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=extremely preterm infants kn-keyword=extremely preterm infants en-keyword=histidine-rich glycoprotein kn-keyword=histidine-rich glycoprotein en-keyword=high mobility group box 1 kn-keyword=high mobility group box 1 en-keyword=bronchopulmonary dysplasia kn-keyword=bronchopulmonary dysplasia en-keyword=longitudinal measurement kn-keyword=longitudinal measurement en-keyword=mixed-effects model kn-keyword=mixed-effects model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=732 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230116 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Surgical Techniques of Gastrojejunostomy in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Robot-Sewn versus Stapled Gastrojejunostomy Anastomosis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a major complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Several efforts have been made to decrease the incidence of DGE. However, the optimal anastomotic method for gastro/duodenojejunostomy (GJ) remains debatable. Moreover, few studies have reported the impact of GJ surgical techniques on outcomes following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes of robot-sewn and stapled GJ anastomoses in RPD. Methods: Forty patients who underwent RPD at the Okayama University Hospital between September 2020 and October 2022 were included. The outcomes between robot-sewn and stapled anastomoses were compared. Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] operative and GJ time were 428 (63.5) and 34.0 (15.0) minutes, respectively. Postoperative outcomes included an overall incidence of DGE of 15.0%, and the mean postoperative hospital stays were 11.6 (5.3) days in length. The stapled group (n = 21) had significantly shorter GJ time than the robot-sewn group (n = 19) (22.7 min versus 46.5 min, p < 0.001). Moreover, stapled GJ cases were significantly associated with a lower incidence of DGE (0% versus 21%, p = 0.01). Although not significant, the stapled group tended to have shorter postoperative hospital stays (9.9 days versus 13.5 days, p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that stapled GJ anastomosis might decrease anastomotic GJ time and incidence of DGE after RPD. Surgeons should select a suitable method for GJ anastomosis based on their experiences with RPD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaYuzo en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraJiro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Jiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataNanako en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Nanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagiTakahito en-aut-sei=Yagi en-aut-mei=Takahito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=pancreatoduodenectomy kn-keyword=pancreatoduodenectomy en-keyword=robotic surgery kn-keyword=robotic surgery en-keyword=gastrojejunostomy kn-keyword=gastrojejunostomy en-keyword=delayed gastric emptying kn-keyword=delayed gastric emptying END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=468 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230112 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Highly Metastatic Subpopulation of TNBC Cells Has Limited Iron Metabolism and Is a Target of Iron Chelators en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary Excess iron is known to be a risk factor of carcinogenesis. Although iron chelators show anti-cancer effects, they have not been used successfully to treat cancer patients. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a disease with poor prognosis without effective treatments. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possibility of iron chelators as a therapy for TNBC. Deferasirox (DFX), an iron chelator, suppressed the growth of 4T1 murine TNBC cell line cells in vitro and in vivo lung metastatic model. We found that highly metastatic TNBC cells have limited iron metabolism and can be more effectively targeted by iron chelators. Excess iron is known to be a risk factor of carcinogenesis. Although iron chelators show anti-cancer effects, they have not been used successfully to treat cancer patients. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a disease with poor prognosis without effective treatments. Thus, we aimed to evaluate a possibility of iron chelators as a therapy for TNBC. Deferasirox (DFX), an iron chelator, suppressed the growth of 4T1 murine TNBC cell line cells in vitro and in vivo. Lung metastasis was further significantly reduced, leading to the hypothesis that iron metabolism between metastatic and non-metastatic cells may be different. An analysis of existing database demonstrated that the expression of iron-uptake genes was significantly suppressed in TNBC cells that metastasized to lymph nodes or lungs compared to those in primary tumors. A highly metastatic clone of the murine 4T1 TNBC cells (4T1-HM) did not proliferate well under iron-rich or iron-depleted conditions by iron chelators compared to a low-metastatic clone (4T1-LM). Bulk RNA-seq analysis of RNA from 4T1-HM and 4T1-LM cells suggested that the PI3K-AKT pathway might be responsible for this difference. Indeed, DFX suppressed the proliferation via the AKT-mTOR pathway in 4T1-HM and the human MDA-MB-231 cells, a human mesenchymal-like TNBC cell line. DFX also suppressed the growth of 4T1-HM tumors in comparison to 4T1-LM tumors, and reduced lung metastases after surgical resection of primary 4T1 tumors. These results indicated, for the first time, that highly metastatic TNBC cells have limited iron metabolism, and they can be more effectively targeted by iron chelators. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangYuze en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Yuze kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenYuehua en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Yuehua kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaYusuke en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiChunning en-aut-sei=Li en-aut-mei=Chunning kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaMasayoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Masayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshimuraTeizo en-aut-sei=Yoshimura en-aut-mei=Teizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=triple-negative breast cancer kn-keyword=triple-negative breast cancer en-keyword=iron metabolism kn-keyword=iron metabolism en-keyword=iron chelator kn-keyword=iron chelator en-keyword=phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase kn-keyword=phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase en-keyword=heterogeneity kn-keyword=heterogeneity en-keyword=metastasis kn-keyword=metastasis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=822 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230103 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cycloartenyl Ferulate Is the Predominant Compound in Brown Rice Conferring Cytoprotective Potential against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Since brown rice extract is a rich source of biologically active compounds, the present study is aimed to quantify the major compounds in brown rice and to compare their cytoprotective potential against oxidative stress. The content of the main hydrophobic compounds in brown rice followed the order of cycloartenyl ferulate (CAF) (89.00 +/- 8.07 nmol/g) >> alpha-tocopherol (alpha T) (19.73 +/- 2.28 nmol/g) > gamma-tocotrienol (gamma T3) (18.24 +/- 1.41 nmol/g) > alpha-tocotrienol (alpha T3) (16.02 +/- 1.29 nmol/g) > gamma-tocopherol (gamma T) (3.81 +/- 0.40 nmol/g). However, the percent contribution of CAF to the radical scavenging activity of one gram of whole brown rice was similar to those of alpha T, alpha T3, and gamma T3 because of its weaker antioxidant activity. The CAF pretreatment displayed a significant cytoprotective effect on the hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity from 10 mu M, which is lower than the minimal concentrations of alpha T and gamma T required for a significant protection. CAF also enhanced the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation coincided with the enhancement of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA level. An HO-1 inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP), significantly impaired the cytoprotection of CAF. The cytoprotective potential of CAF is attributable to its cycloartenyl moiety besides the ferulyl moiety. These results suggested that CAF is the predominant cytoprotector in brown rice against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WuHongyan en-aut-sei=Wu en-aut-mei=Hongyan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=GuoYingnan en-aut-sei=Guo en-aut-mei=Yingnan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoRiho en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Riho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MunemasaShintaro en-aut-sei=Munemasa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataYoshiyuki en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Yoshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cycloartenyl ferulate kn-keyword=cycloartenyl ferulate en-keyword=antioxidative effect kn-keyword=antioxidative effect en-keyword=cytoprotective potential kn-keyword=cytoprotective potential en-keyword=heme oxygenase-1 kn-keyword=heme oxygenase-1 en-keyword=nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 kn-keyword=nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=497 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221228 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Interspecific Variability in Growth Characteristics and Phytoremediation of Cu by Free-Floating Azolla Macrophytes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The phytoremediation potential of aquatic plants, particularly for Cu, is scarcely reported in the pertinent literature. In this regard, differential growth behavior and phytoaccumulation ability of three free-floating Azolla species (A. japonica, A. pinnata, and A. hybrid) were evaluated in a climatically controlled (a temperature of 25/20 degrees C, light/dark 16/8 h, a light intensity of 60 mu mol m(-2) s(-1), and a relative humidity of 65%) microcosm study. Azolla plants were exposed to solutions having three Cu concentrations (0, 3, and 6 mg L-1) under two incubation periods (4 and 8 days). Different Cu treatments significantly reduced Azolla biomass during both incubation periods and A. pinnata was the most sensitive species. Azolla plants grown in aqueous solutions showed substantial variations in Cu removal capacity. Higher bioconcentration values displayed by Azolla plants indicated that these plants can be deployed as potential plants for Cu removal from Cu contaminated water. Nevertheless, the plants exposed to higher Cu concentrations displayed color changes and root detachment due to Cu phytotoxic effects which may also ultimately lead to plant death. Significant correlations between Cu removed from the aqueous solutions and Cu contents of plant biomass indicated that Cu phytoremediation by Azolla plants was due to the phytoaccumulation mechanism because the removed Cu from aqueous solutions was accumulated in plant biomass. Introduced Azolla species, i.e., A. hybrid, displayed comparable Cu removal efficiency with naturally grown Azolla species, i.e., A. japonica and A. pinnata. Tested Azolla species proved to be suitable candidates to remediate Cu contaminated water and can be deployed for phytoremediation. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AkhtarMuhammad Shahbaz en-aut-sei=Akhtar en-aut-mei=Muhammad Shahbaz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AslamSohaib en-aut-sei=Aslam en-aut-mei=Sohaib kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DittaAllah en-aut-sei=Ditta en-aut-mei=Allah kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AlbalawiBedur Faleh A. en-aut-sei=Albalawi en-aut-mei=Bedur Faleh A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkiYoko en-aut-sei=Oki en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Environmental Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biology, University of Tabuk kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Environmental Management Engineering, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Environmental Management Engineering, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Azolla biomass kn-keyword=Azolla biomass en-keyword=bioconcentration factor kn-keyword=bioconcentration factor en-keyword=Cu removal efficiency kn-keyword=Cu removal efficiency en-keyword=Cu toxicity kn-keyword=Cu toxicity en-keyword=translocation factor kn-keyword=translocation factor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=380 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221229 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Thickness Measurement at High Lift-Off for Underwater Corroded Iron-Steel Structures Using a Magnetic Sensor Probe en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Infrastructure facilities that were built approximately half a century ago have rapidly aged. Steel sheet piles, the inspection object in this study, are severely corroded, resulting in cave-in damages at wharfs. To solve such a problem, non-destructive inspection techniques are required. We previously demonstrated plate thickness measurement using extremely low-frequency eddy current testing. However, when the steel sheet piles are located in water, shellfish adhere to their surface, causing a lift-off of several tens of millimeters. Therefore, this large lift-off hinders the thickness measurement owing to fluctuations of magnetic signals. In this study, sensor probes with different coil diameters were prototyped and the optimum size for measuring steel sheet piles at high lift-off was investigated. Using the probes, the magnetic field was applied with a lift-off range from 0 to 80 mm, and the intensity and phase of the detected magnetic field were analyzed. Subsequently, by increasing the probe diameter, a good sensitivity was obtained for the thickness estimation with a lift-off of up to 60 mm. Moreover, these probes were used to measure the thickness of actual steel sheet piles, and measurements were successfully obtained at a high lift-off. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AdachiShoya en-aut-sei=Adachi en-aut-mei=Shoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Hayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawakamiTaisei en-aut-sei=Kawakami en-aut-mei=Taisei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoYuto en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Yuto kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangJin en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiKenji en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiwaToshihiko en-aut-sei=Kiwa en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshikawaToshiyuki en-aut-sei=Ishikawa en-aut-mei=Toshiyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukadaKeiji en-aut-sei=Tsukada en-aut-mei=Keiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Civil, Environmental and Applied System Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Engineering, Kansai University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=eddy current testing kn-keyword=eddy current testing en-keyword=high lift-off thickness measurement kn-keyword=high lift-off thickness measurement en-keyword=magnetic sensor kn-keyword=magnetic sensor en-keyword=corrosion kn-keyword=corrosion en-keyword=underwater steel structure kn-keyword=underwater steel structure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=1 article-no= start-page=755 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2023 dt-pub=20230101 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Metformin and Its Immune-Mediated Effects in Various Diseases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Metformin has been a long-standing prescribed drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its beneficial effects on virus infection, autoimmune diseases, aging and cancers are also recognized. Metformin modulates the differentiation and activation of various immune-mediated cells such as CD4+ and CD+8 T cells. The activation of adenosine 5 '-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway may be involved in this process. Recent studies using Extracellular Flux Analyzer demonstrated that metformin alters the activities of glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), lipid oxidation, and glutaminolysis, which tightly link to the modulation of cytokine production in CD4+ and CD+8 T cells in various disease states, such as virus infection, autoimmune diseases, aging and cancers. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NojimaIchiro en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=CD8 T cells kn-keyword=CD8 T cells en-keyword=AMPK kn-keyword=AMPK en-keyword=mTORC kn-keyword=mTORC en-keyword=OXPHOS kn-keyword=OXPHOS en-keyword=autoimmune disease kn-keyword=autoimmune disease en-keyword=aging kn-keyword=aging en-keyword=cancer kn-keyword=cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=2495 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221216 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Helicobacter pylori and Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria Coculture on Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Helicobacter pylori infection is an important risk factor for developing gastric cancer. However, only a few H. pylori-infected people develop gastric cancer. Thus, other risk factors aside from H. pylori infection may be involved in gastric cancer development. This study aimed to investigate whether the nitrate-reducing bacteria isolated from patients with atrophic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection are risk factors for developing atrophic gastritis and gastric neoplasia. Nitrate-reducing bacteria were isolated from patients with atrophic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection. Among the isolated bacteria, Actinomyces oris, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Rothia dentocariosa, and Rothia mucilaginosa were used in the subsequent experiments. Cytokine inducibility was evaluated in monocytic cells, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and cell cycle were assessed in the gastric epithelial cells. The cytotoxicities and neutrophil-inducing abilities of the Actinomyces and Rothia species were enhanced when cocultured with H. pylori. Th1/Th2-related cytokines were also expressed, but their expression levels differed depending on the bacterial species. Moreover, H. pylori and Actinomyces activated MAPK (ERK and p38) and affected cell cycle progression. Some nitrate-reducing bacteria cocultured with H. pylori may promote inflammation and atrophy by inducing cytokine production. In addition, the MAPK activation and cell cycle progression caused by these bacteria can contribute to gastric cancer development. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OjimaHinako en-aut-sei=Ojima en-aut-mei=Hinako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuraokaSakiko en-aut-sei=Kuraoka en-aut-mei=Sakiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkanoueShyoutarou en-aut-sei=Okanoue en-aut-mei=Shyoutarou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=GotohKazuyoshi en-aut-sei=Gotoh en-aut-mei=Kazuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsushitaOsamu en-aut-sei=Matsushita en-aut-mei=Osamu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeAkari en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Akari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokotaKenji en-aut-sei=Yokota en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Himeji Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Health Care and Rehabilitation, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Bacteriology, Academic Field of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Helicobacter pylori kn-keyword=Helicobacter pylori en-keyword=nitrate-reducing bacteria kn-keyword=nitrate-reducing bacteria en-keyword=IL-8 kn-keyword=IL-8 en-keyword=TNF-alpha kn-keyword=TNF-alpha en-keyword=cell cycle kn-keyword=cell cycle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=7332 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characteristics of Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Long COVID: A Retrospective Observational Study in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and endocrinological features of sleep disturbance in patients with long COVID. Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective observational study for patients who visited the COVID-19 aftercare outpatient clinic (CAC) established in Okayama University Hospital in Japan during the period from 15 February 2021 to 29 July 2022. The long COVID patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of sleep disturbance, and the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Results: Out of 363 patients with long COVID, after excluding 6 patients, 60 patients (16.5%) (55% males, median age of 38 years) complaining of sleep disturbance were compared with 303 patients (83.5%) (43% males, median age of 40 years) without sleep-related symptoms. Although there were no significant differences in clinical backgrounds and severities of COVID-19 between the two groups by the multivariate analysis, the percentage of long COVID patients with sleep disturbance was significantly increased among patients infected in the Omicron-dominant phase. In addition, the prevalence rate of sleep disturbance in patients when infected in the Omicron phase (24.8%) was two-times higher than that in patients infected in the Delta phase (12.8%). Of note, the percentages of patients with sleep disturbance who also complained of general fatigue, headache, concentration loss, anxiety, low-grade fever, and brain fog symptoms were higher than the percentages of patients without sleep disturbance who had the same complaints. Among the types of sleep disturbance, the percentage of patients who complained of loss of sleep induction (75%) was much higher than the percentage of patients with early-awakening sleep disturbance (6.7%), and many of the patients with mid-awakening types of insomnia had brain fog symptoms. Endocrine examinations revealed that long COVID patients with sleep disturbance had significantly higher levels of plasma adrenocorticotropin and lower levels of serum growth hormone, suggesting the presence of hypothalamic-pituitary stress. Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbance has been increasing in long COVID patients infected in the Omicron phase with a certain clinical and endocrine trend. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OmuraDaisuke en-aut-sei=Omura en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiKanako en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Kanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaHitomi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=insomnia kn-keyword=insomnia en-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis kn-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis en-keyword=chronic fatigue kn-keyword=chronic fatigue en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=Omicron variant kn-keyword=Omicron variant en-keyword=post COVID-19 condition kn-keyword=post COVID-19 condition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=471 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221211 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Proposal of Printed Table Digitization Algorithm with Image Processing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, digital transformation (DX) is the key concept to change and improve the operations in governments, companies, and schools. Therefore, any data should be digitized for processing by computers. Unfortunately, a lot of data and information are printed and handled on paper, although they may originally come from digital sources. Data on paper can be digitized using an optical character recognition (OCR) software. However, if the paper contains a table, it becomes difficult because of the separated characters by rows and columns there. It is necessary to solve the research question of "how to convert a printed table on paper into an Excel table while keeping the relationships between the cells?" In this paper, we propose a printed table digitization algorithm using image processing techniques and OCR software for it. First, the target paper is scanned into an image file. Second, each table is divided into a collection of cells where the topology information is obtained. Third, the characters in each cell are digitized by OCR software. Finally, the digitalized data are arranged in an Excel file using the topology information. We implement the algorithm on Python using OpenCV for the image processing library and Tesseract for the OCR software. For evaluations, we applied the proposal to 19 scanned and 17 screenshotted table images. The results show that for any image, the Excel file is generated with the correct structure, and some characters are misrecognized by OCR software. The improvement will be in future works. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShiChenrui en-aut-sei=Shi en-aut-mei=Chenrui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuoYuanzhi en-aut-sei=Huo en-aut-mei=Yuanzhi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MentariMustika en-aut-sei=Mentari en-aut-mei=Mustika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugaKohei en-aut-sei=Suga en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToshidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Toshida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Information and Communication Systems, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Information Technology, State Polytechnic of Malang kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Astrolab kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Astrolab kn-affil= en-keyword=digitization kn-keyword=digitization en-keyword=printed table kn-keyword=printed table en-keyword=OCR kn-keyword=OCR en-keyword=Python kn-keyword=Python en-keyword=OpenCV kn-keyword=OpenCV en-keyword=Tesseract kn-keyword=Tesseract END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=3993 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221210 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=SCAND1 Reverses Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Migration en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible cellular program that transiently places epithelial (E) cells into pseudo-mesenchymal (M) cell states. The malignant progression and resistance of many carcinomas depend on EMT activation, partial EMT, or hybrid E/M status in neoplastic cells. EMT is activated by tumor microenvironmental TGF beta signal and EMT-inducing transcription factors, such as ZEB1/2, in tumor cells. However, reverse EMT factors are less studied. We demonstrate that prostate epithelial transcription factor SCAND1 can reverse the cancer cell mesenchymal and hybrid E/M phenotypes to a more epithelial, less invasive status and inhibit their proliferation and migration in DU-145 prostate cancer cells. SCAND1 is a SCAN domain-containing protein and hetero-oligomerizes with SCAN-zinc finger transcription factors, such as MZF1, for accessing DNA and the transcriptional co-repression of target genes. We found that SCAND1 expression correlated with maintaining epithelial features, whereas the loss of SCAND1 was associated with mesenchymal phenotypes of tumor cells. SCAND1 and MZF1 were mutually inducible and coordinately included in chromatin with hetero-chromatin protein HP1 gamma. The overexpression of SCAND1 reversed hybrid E/M status into an epithelial phenotype with E-cadherin and beta-catenin relocation. Consistently, the co-expression analysis in TCGA PanCancer Atlas revealed that SCAND1 and MZF1 expression was negatively correlated with EMT driver genes, including CTNNB1, ZEB1, ZEB2 and TGFBRs, in prostate adenocarcinoma specimens. In addition, SCAND1 overexpression suppressed tumor cell proliferation by reducing the MAP3K-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Of note, in a mouse tumor xenograft model, SCAND1 overexpression significantly reduced Ki-67(+) and Vimentin(+) tumor cells and inhibited migration and lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed high expression of SCAND1 and MZF1 to correlate with better prognoses in pancreatic cancer and head and neck cancers, although with poorer prognosis in kidney cancer. Overall, these data suggest that SCAND1 induces expression and coordinated heterochromatin-binding of MZF1 to reverse the hybrid E/M status into an epithelial phenotype and, inhibits tumor cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis, potentially by repressing the gene expression of EMT drivers and the MAP3K-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EguchiTakanori en-aut-sei=Eguchi en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=CsizmadiaEva en-aut-sei=Csizmadia en-aut-mei=Eva kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShetaMona en-aut-sei=Sheta en-aut-mei=Mona kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaKunihiro en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Kunihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=PrinceThomas L. en-aut-sei=Prince en-aut-mei=Thomas L. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=WegielBarbara en-aut-sei=Wegiel en-aut-mei=Barbara kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=CalderwoodStuart K. en-aut-sei=Calderwood en-aut-mei=Stuart K. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Ranok Therapeutics kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School kn-affil= en-keyword=epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) kn-keyword=epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) en-keyword=hybrid E/M kn-keyword=hybrid E/M en-keyword=partial EMT kn-keyword=partial EMT en-keyword=SCAND1 kn-keyword=SCAND1 en-keyword=MZF1 kn-keyword=MZF1 en-keyword=SCAN zinc finger transcription factors kn-keyword=SCAN zinc finger transcription factors en-keyword=gene expression kn-keyword=gene expression en-keyword=cancer prognosis kn-keyword=cancer prognosis en-keyword=collective migration kn-keyword=collective migration en-keyword=metastasis kn-keyword=metastasis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=15412 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221206 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Alterations in UPR Signaling by Methylmercury Trigger Neuronal Cell Death in the Mouse Brain en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental toxicant, induces neuronal cell death and injures specific areas of the brain. MeHg is known to induce oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway has a dual nature in that it regulates and protects cells from an overload of improperly folded proteins in the ER, whereas excessively stressed cells are eliminated by apoptosis. Oxidative stress/ER stress induced by methylmercury exposure may tilt the UPR toward apoptosis, but there is little in vivo evidence of a direct link to actual neuronal cell death. Here, by using the ER stress-activated indicator (ERAI) system, we investigated the time course signaling alterations of UPR in vivo in the most affected areas, the somatosensory cortex and striatum. In the ERAI-Venus transgenic mice exposed to MeHg (30 or 50 ppm in drinking water), the ERAI signal, which indicates the activation of the cytoprotective pathway of the UPR, was only transiently enhanced, whereas the apoptotic pathway of the UPR was persistently enhanced. Furthermore, detailed analysis following the time course showed that MeHg-induced apoptosis is strongly associated with alterations in UPR signaling. Our results suggest that UPR modulation could be a therapeutic target for treating neuropathy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NomuraRyosuke en-aut-sei=Nomura en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakasugiNobumasa en-aut-sei=Takasugi en-aut-mei=Nobumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiraokaHideki en-aut-sei=Hiraoka en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IijimaYuta en-aut-sei=Iijima en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwawakiTakao en-aut-sei=Iwawaki en-aut-mei=Takao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KumagaiYoshito en-aut-sei=Kumagai en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraMasatake en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Masatake kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UeharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Uehara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=methylmercury kn-keyword=methylmercury en-keyword=neuronal cell death kn-keyword=neuronal cell death en-keyword=endoplasmic reticulum stress kn-keyword=endoplasmic reticulum stress en-keyword=unfolded protein response kn-keyword=unfolded protein response en-keyword=ERAI system kn-keyword=ERAI system END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=45 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221029 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Involvement of a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Gene BHLHE40 in Specification of Chicken Retinal Pigment Epithelium en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The first event of differentiation and morphogenesis in the optic vesicle (OV) is specification of the neural retina (NR) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), separating the inner and outer layers of the optic cup, respectively. Here, we focus on a basic helix-loop-helix gene, BHLHE40, which has been shown to be expressed by the developing RPE in mice and zebrafish. Firstly, we examined the expression pattern of BHLHE40 in the developing chicken eye primordia by in situ hybridization. Secondly, BHLHE40 overexpression was performed with in ovo electroporation and its effects on optic cup morphology and expression of NR and RPE marker genes were examined. Thirdly, we examined the expression pattern of BHLHE40 in LHX1-overexpressed optic cup. BHLHE40 expression emerged in a subset of cells of the OV at Hamburger and Hamilton stage 14 and became confined to the outer layer of the OV and the ciliary marginal zone of the retina by stage 17. BHLHE40 overexpression in the prospective NR resulted in ectopic induction of OTX2 and repression of VSX2. Conversely, BHLHE40 was repressed in the second NR after LHX1 overexpression. These results suggest that emergence of BHLHE40 expression in the OV is involved in initial RPE specification and that BHLHE40 plays a role in separation of the early OV domains by maintaining OTX2 expression and antagonizing an NR developmental program. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KinuhataToshiki en-aut-sei=Kinuhata en-aut-mei=Toshiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoKeita en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Keita kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=BandoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Bando en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitoTaro en-aut-sei=Mito en-aut-mei=Taro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyaishiSatoru en-aut-sei=Miyaishi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NohnoTsutomu en-aut-sei=Nohno en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhuchiHideyo en-aut-sei=Ohuchi en-aut-mei=Hideyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Legal Medicine, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=basic helix-loop-helix e40 kn-keyword=basic helix-loop-helix e40 en-keyword=BHLHE40 kn-keyword=BHLHE40 en-keyword=LIM homeobox 1 kn-keyword=LIM homeobox 1 en-keyword=LHX1 kn-keyword=LHX1 en-keyword=chicken kn-keyword=chicken en-keyword=optic vesicle kn-keyword=optic vesicle en-keyword=retinal pigment epithelium kn-keyword=retinal pigment epithelium en-keyword=RPE kn-keyword=RPE en-keyword=neural retina kn-keyword=neural retina END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=24 article-no= start-page=6184 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221214 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Effect of Pleural Effusion on Prognosis in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Immunochemotherapy: A Retrospective Observational Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary Minimal data exists on pleural effusion (PE) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing combined ICI and chemotherapy. We retrospectively investigated how PE affects survival outcomes in patients with NSCLC undergoing this combined therapy. We identified 478 patients who underwent combined ICI therapy and chemotherapy; 357 patients did not have PE, and 121 patients did have PE. Patients with PE had significantly shorter progression-free survival and overall survival than those without PE. In addition, bevacizumab-containing regimens did not improve the survival outcomes for patients with PE. In conclusion, PE was associated with poor outcomes among patients with NSCLC undergoing combined ICI therapy and chemotherapy. Objectives: Combined immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and chemotherapy has become the standard treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pleural effusion (PE) is associated with poor outcomes among patients with NSCLC undergoing chemotherapy. However, minimal data exists on PE for patients undergoing combined ICI and chemotherapy. Therefore, we investigated how PE affects survival outcomes in patients with NSCLC undergoing this combined therapy. Methods: We identified patients with advanced NSCLC undergoing chemotherapy and ICI therapy from the Okayama Lung Cancer Study Group-Immune Chemotherapy Database (OLCSG-ICD) between December 2018 and December 2020; the OLCSG-ICD includes the clinical data of patients with advanced NSCLC from 13 institutions. Then, we analyzed the treatment outcomes based on the presence of PE. Results: We identified 478 patients who underwent combined ICI therapy and chemotherapy; 357 patients did not have PE, and 121 patients did have PE. Patients with PE had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without PE (median PFS: 6.2 months versus 9.1 months; p < 0.001; median OS: 16.4 months versus 27.7 months; p < 0.001). The negative effect of PE differed based on the patient's programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression status; with the effect being more evident in patients with high PD-L1 expression. In addition, PFS and OS did not differ between patients who did and did not undergo bevacizumab treatment; thus, bevacizumab-containing regimens did not improve the survival outcomes for patients with PE. Conclusion: PE is associated with poor outcomes among patients with NSCLC undergoing combined ICI therapy and chemotherapy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishimuraTomoka en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Tomoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchiharaEiki en-aut-sei=Ichihara en-aut-mei=Eiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoyamaToshihide en-aut-sei=Yokoyama en-aut-mei=Toshihide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueKoji en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TamuraTomoki en-aut-sei=Tamura en-aut-mei=Tomoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoKen en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaNaohiro en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Naohiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanoHirohisa en-aut-sei=Kano en-aut-mei=Hirohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishinoDaizo en-aut-sei=Kishino en-aut-mei=Daizo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHaruyuki en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Haruyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueMasaaki en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiNobuaki en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Nobuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimotoNobukazu en-aut-sei=Fujimoto en-aut-mei=Nobukazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaHirohisa en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Hirohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoChihiro en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Chihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=HottaKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Hotta en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaedaYoshinobu en-aut-sei=Maeda en-aut-mei=Yoshinobu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiuraKatsuyuki en-aut-sei=Kiura en-aut-mei=Katsuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ohara Healthcare Foundation, Kurashiki Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, NHO Iwakuni Clinical Center kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Chest Surgery, Shimonoseki City Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 4, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=pleural effusion kn-keyword=pleural effusion en-keyword=non-small cell carcinoma kn-keyword=non-small cell carcinoma en-keyword=immune checkpoint inhibitors kn-keyword=immune checkpoint inhibitors END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=15311 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221204 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Elevated Expression of CCN3 in Articular Cartilage Induces Osteoarthritis in Hip Joints Irrespective of Age and Weight Bearing en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs not only in the knee but also in peripheral joints throughout the whole body. Previously, we have shown that the expression of cellular communication network factor 3 (CCN3), a matricellular protein, increases with age in knee articular cartilage, and the misexpression of CCN3 in cartilage induces senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, indicating that CCN3 promotes cartilage senescence. Here, we investigated the correlation between CCN3 expression and OA degenerative changes, principally in human femoral head cartilage. Human femoral heads obtained from patients who received total hip arthroplasty were categorized into OA and femoral neck fracture (normal) groups without significant age differences. Gene expression analysis of RNA obtained from femoral head cartilage revealed that CCN3 and MMP-13 expression in the non-weight-bearing part was significantly higher in the OA group than in the normal group, whereas the weight-bearing OA parts and normal cartilage showed no significant differences in the expression of these genes. The expression of COL10A1, however, was significantly higher in weight-bearing OA parts compared with normal weight-bearing parts, and was also higher in weight-bearing parts compared with non-weight-bearing parts in the OA group. In contrast, OA primary chondrocytes from weight-bearing parts showed higher expression of CCN3, p16, ADAMTS4, and IL-1 beta than chondrocytes from the corresponding normal group, and higher ADAMTS4 and IL-1 beta in the non-weight-bearing part compared with the corresponding normal group. Acan expression was significantly lower in the non-weight-bearing group in OA primary chondrocytes than in the corresponding normal chondrocytes. The expression level of CCN3 did not show significant differences between the weight-bearing part and non-weight-bearing part in both OA and normal primary chondrocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed accumulated CCN3 and aggrecan neoepitope staining in both the weight-bearing part and non-weight-bearing part in the OA group compared with the normal group. The CCN3 expression level in cartilage had a positive correlation with the Mankin score. X-ray analysis of cartilage-specific CCN3 overexpression mice (Tg) revealed deformation of the femoral and humeral head in the early stage, and immunohistochemical analysis showed accumulated aggrecan neoepitope staining as well as CCN3 staining and the roughening of the joint surface in Tg femoral and humeral heads. Primary chondrocytes from the Tg femoral head showed enhanced expression of Ccn3, Adamts5, p16, Il-6, and Tnf alpha, and decreased expression of Col2a1 and -an. These findings indicate a correlation between OA degenerative changes and the expression of CCN3, irrespective of age and mechanical loading. Furthermore, the Mankin score indicates that the expression level of Ccn3 correlates with the progression of OA. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HiroseKazuki en-aut-sei=Hirose en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuwaharaMiho en-aut-sei=Kuwahara en-aut-mei=Miho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakataEiji en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomonori en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazuki en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaigaKenta en-aut-sei=Saiga en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakigawaMasaharu en-aut-sei=Takigawa en-aut-mei=Masaharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriTakako en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Takako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=hip osteoarthritis kn-keyword=hip osteoarthritis en-keyword=cartilage kn-keyword=cartilage en-keyword=cellular communication network factor 3 (CCN3) kn-keyword=cellular communication network factor 3 (CCN3) en-keyword=senescence-associatedsecretory phenotype (SASP) kn-keyword=senescence-associatedsecretory phenotype (SASP) en-keyword=p16 kn-keyword=p16 en-keyword=ADAMTA4/5 kn-keyword=ADAMTA4/5 en-keyword=IL-6 kn-keyword=IL-6 en-keyword=TNFa kn-keyword=TNFa en-keyword=aging kn-keyword=aging en-keyword=Mankinscore kn-keyword=Mankinscore en-keyword=weight-bearing kn-keyword=weight-bearing en-keyword=non-weight-bearing kn-keyword=non-weight-bearing END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=23 article-no= start-page=7112 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221130 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Surgical Strategies to Dissect around the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The concept of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach has been widely accepted in pancreatoduodenectomy. However, few studies have reported surgical approaches to the SMA in robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). Herein, we present our surgical strategies to dissect around the SMA in RPD. Among the various approaches, our standard protocol for RPD included the right approach to the SMA, which can result in complete tumor resection in most cases. In patients with malignant diseases requiring lymphadenectomy around the SMA, we developed a novel approach by combining the left and right approaches in RPD. Using this approach, circumferential dissection around the SMA can be achieved through both the left and right sides. This approach can also be helpful in patients with obesity or intra-abdominal adhesions. The present study summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of both the approaches during RPD. To perform RPD safely, surgeons should understand the different surgical approaches and select the best approach or a combination of different approaches, depending on demographic, anatomical, and oncological factors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmedaYuzo en-aut-sei=Umeda en-aut-mei=Yuzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaRyuichi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Ryuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiTomokazu en-aut-sei=Fuji en-aut-mei=Tomokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YasuiKazuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Kazuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KimuraJiro en-aut-sei=Kimura en-aut-mei=Jiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=HataNanako en-aut-sei=Hata en-aut-mei=Nanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MishimaKento en-aut-sei=Mishima en-aut-mei=Kento kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YagiTakahito en-aut-sei=Yagi en-aut-mei=Takahito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraToshiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Toshiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=robotic surgery kn-keyword=robotic surgery en-keyword=pancreatoduodenectomy kn-keyword=pancreatoduodenectomy en-keyword=surgical approach kn-keyword=surgical approach en-keyword=superior mesenteric artery kn-keyword=superior mesenteric artery en-keyword=pancreatic cancer kn-keyword=pancreatic cancer END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=9016 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202211 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Realization of Crowded Pipes Climbing Locomotion of Snake Robot Using Hybrid Force-Position Control Method en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The movement capabilities of snake robots allow them to be applied in a variety of applications. We realized a snake robot climbing in crowded pipes. In this paper, we implement a sinusoidal curve control method that allows the snake robot to move faster. The control method is composed of a hybrid force-position controller that allows the snake robot to move more stably. We conducted experiments to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method is stable and effective compared to the previous control method that we had implemented in the snake robot. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangYongdong en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Yongdong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamegawaTetsushi en-aut-sei=Kamegawa en-aut-mei=Tetsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=snake robot kn-keyword=snake robot en-keyword=crowded pipes kn-keyword=crowded pipes en-keyword=hybrid force-position control kn-keyword=hybrid force-position control en-keyword=sinusoidal curve kn-keyword=sinusoidal curve END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=8823 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221115 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Throughput Request Satisfaction Method for Concurrently Communicating Multiple Hosts in Wireless Local Area Network en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, the IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) has been widely used for Internet access services around the world. Then, the unfairness or insufficiency in meeting the throughput request can appear among concurrently communicating hosts with the same access point (AP), which should be solved by sacrificing advantageous hosts. Previously, we studied the fairness control method by adopting packet transmission delay at the AP. However, it suffers from slow convergence and may not satisfy different throughput requests among hosts. In this paper, we propose a throughput request satisfaction method for providing fair or different throughput requests when multiple hosts are concurrently communicating with a single AP. To meet the throughput request, the method (1) measures the single and concurrent throughput for each host, (2) calculates the channel occupying time from them, (3) derives the target throughput to achieve the given throughput request, and (4) controls the traffic by applying traffic shaping at the AP. For evaluations, we implemented the proposal in the WLAN testbed system with one Raspberry Pi AP and up to five hosts, and conducted extensive experiments in five scenarios with different throughput requests. The results confirmed the effectiveness of our proposal. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=RahmanMd Mahbubur en-aut-sei=Rahman en-aut-mei=Md Mahbubur kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MuneneKwenga Ismael en-aut-sei=Munene en-aut-mei=Kwenga Ismael kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=RoySujan Chandra en-aut-sei=Roy en-aut-mei=Sujan Chandra kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GuloMelki Mario en-aut-sei=Gulo en-aut-mei=Melki Mario kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaoWen-Chung en-aut-sei=Kao en-aut-mei=Wen-Chung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Informatics and Computer Engineering, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=Raspberry Pi kn-keyword=Raspberry Pi en-keyword=WLAN kn-keyword=WLAN en-keyword=traffic shaping kn-keyword=traffic shaping en-keyword=access point kn-keyword=access point en-keyword=fairness kn-keyword=fairness en-keyword=throughput request kn-keyword=throughput request END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=22 article-no= start-page=3686 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221120 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Natural Cross-Kingdom Spread of Apple Scar Skin Viroid from Apple Trees to Fungi en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Viroids are the smallest known infectious agents that are thought to only infect plants. Here, we reveal that several species of plant pathogenic fungi that were isolated from apple trees infected with apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd) carried ASSVd naturally. This finding indicates the spread of viroids to fungi under natural conditions and further suggests the possible existence of mycoviroids in nature. A total of 117 fungal isolates were isolated from ASSVd-infected apple trees, with the majority (85.5%) being an ascomycete Alternaria alternata and the remaining isolates being other plant-pathogenic or -endophytic fungi. Out of the examined samples, viroids were detected in 81 isolates (69.2%) including A. alternata as well as other fungal species. The phenotypic comparison of ASSVd-free specimens developed by single-spore isolation and ASSVd-infected fungal isogenic lines showed that ASSVd affected the growth and pathogenicity of certain fungal species. ASSVd confers hypovirulence on ascomycete Epicoccum nigrum. The mycobiome analysis of apple tree-associated fungi showed that ASSVd infection did not generally affect the diversity and structure of fungal communities but specifically increased the abundance of Alternaria species. Taken together, these data reveal the occurrence of the natural spread of viroids to plants; additionally, as an integral component of the ecosystem, viroids may affect the abundance of certain fungal species in plants. Moreover, this study provides further evidence that viroid infection could induce symptoms in certain filamentous fungi. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TianMengyuan en-aut-sei=Tian en-aut-mei=Mengyuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WeiShuang en-aut-sei=Wei en-aut-mei=Shuang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=BianRuiling en-aut-sei=Bian en-aut-mei=Ruiling kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LuoJingxian en-aut-sei=Luo en-aut-mei=Jingxian kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KhanHaris Ahmed en-aut-sei=Khan en-aut-mei=Haris Ahmed kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaiHuanhuan en-aut-sei=Tai en-aut-mei=Huanhuan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HadidiAhmed en-aut-sei=Hadidi en-aut-mei=Ahmed kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndikaIda Bagus en-aut-sei=Andika en-aut-mei=Ida Bagus kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunLiying en-aut-sei=Sun en-aut-mei=Liying kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Viroid kn-keyword=Viroid en-keyword=filamentous fungi kn-keyword=filamentous fungi en-keyword=cross-infection kn-keyword=cross-infection en-keyword=hypovirulence kn-keyword=hypovirulence en-keyword=Mycobiome kn-keyword=Mycobiome END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=1529 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221026 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Beneficial Effect of Personalized Lifestyle Intervention in Chronic Kidney Disease Follow-Up Project for National Health Insurance Specific Health Checkup: A Five-Year Community-Based Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objectives: Mimasaka city is a relatively small city with a population of 28,381, and an aging rate (>= 65 years old) of 38.9%, where only one nephrology clinic is available. Since 2013, the city has conducted its own unique lifestyle intervention for the participants of the National Health Insurance specific medical health checkup, aiming to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity. Materials and Methods: The persons in National Health Insurance specific medical health checkup (40-74 years old) conducted in Mimasaka city in 2013, with eGFR less than 50 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or 50-90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) with urine dipstick protein 1+ or more, were registered for the CKD follow-up project, as high-risk subjects for advanced renal dysfunction. Municipal workers directly visited the subjects' homes to provide individual health guidance and encourage medical consultation. We aimed to examine the effect of home-visit intervention on the changes of renal function and related factors until 2017. Results: The number of the high-risk subjects who continuously received the health checkup until 2017 was 63, and only 23 (36.5%) visited a medical institution in the first year. The eGFR decreased by only 0.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/year, and the subjects with urinary protein 1+ or higher decreased significantly from 20 (31.7%) to 9 (14.3%) (p = 0.034) in the high-risk subjects. The changes in eGFR and urinary protein was almost in the same fashion regardless of their medical institution visits. Next, we examined the effects of various factors on Delta eGFR, the changes of eGFR from 2013 to 2017, by multivariate linear regression analysis. The effects of medical institution visit were not significant, and the degree of urinary protein (coefficient B: 4.503, beta: 0.705, p < 0.001), age (coefficient B: 4.753, beta: 0.341, p = 0.004), and smoking (coefficient B: 5.878, beta: 0.295, p = 0.031) had independent significant effects, indicating that they were the factors exacerbating the decrease in eGFR from the baseline. Conclusions: The personalized lifestyle intervention by home-visit in CKD follow-up project showed the possibility of beneficial effects on the deterioration of renal function. This may be an efficient method to change behavior in a small community with limited medical resources. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakeuchiHidemi en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Hidemi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatayamaKatsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Katayama en-aut-mei=Katsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=Matsuoka-UchiyamaNatsumi en-aut-sei=Matsuoka-Uchiyama en-aut-mei=Natsumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoShugo en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Shugo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnishiYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Onishi en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkuyamaYuka en-aut-sei=Okuyama en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmebayashiRyoko en-aut-sei=Umebayashi en-aut-mei=Ryoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyajiKodai en-aut-sei=Miyaji en-aut-mei=Kodai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaiAkiko en-aut-sei=Kai en-aut-mei=Akiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoIzumi en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Izumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniguchiKeiko en-aut-sei=Taniguchi en-aut-mei=Keiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamashitaFukiko en-aut-sei=Yamashita en-aut-mei=Fukiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=EmiTsutomu en-aut-sei=Emi en-aut-mei=Tsutomu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health Promotion, Mimasaka City Health Center kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health Promotion, Mimasaka City Health Center kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health Promotion, Mimasaka City Health Center kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health Promotion, Mimasaka City Health Center kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health Promotion, Mimasaka City Health Center kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health Promotion, Mimasaka City Health Center kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= en-keyword=chronic kidney disease kn-keyword=chronic kidney disease en-keyword=specific medical health check-up kn-keyword=specific medical health check-up en-keyword=home-visit type lifestyle intervention kn-keyword=home-visit type lifestyle intervention en-keyword=CKD exacerbation kn-keyword=CKD exacerbation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=21 article-no= start-page=13920 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221026 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Impact of Oral Health Behaviors, Health Belief Model, and Absolute Risk Aversion on the Willingness of Japanese University Students to Undergo Regular Dental Check-Ups: A Cross-Sectional Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Oral health behaviors, risk aversion, and the health belief model are associated with health behaviors. However, there have been few studies that investigated the association between these factors and the willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between the willingness of Japanese university students to undergo regular dental check-ups and oral health behaviors, the health belief model, and absolute risk aversion. An analysis was conducted with the cooperation of questionnaire respondents (n = 748) who underwent dental check-ups at Okayama University. The students answered questionnaires on oral health behaviors, the health belief model, absolute risk aversion, and willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups. The logistic regression analysis showed significant positive associations (p < 0.05) between oral health behaviors (use of the inter-dental brush and the dental floss) and the health belief model with the willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups. However, there was no significant association with absolute risk aversion (p > 0.05). These results suggest that willingness to undergo regular dental check-ups was associated with oral health behaviors and the health belief model, but not with absolute risk aversion. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SumitaIchiro en-aut-sei=Sumita en-aut-mei=Ichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Toyama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoiAya en-aut-sei=Yokoi en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaDaiki en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=Uchida-FukuharaYoko en-aut-sei=Uchida-Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaharaMomoko en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Momoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=oral health behaviors kn-keyword=oral health behaviors en-keyword=health belief model kn-keyword=health belief model en-keyword=absolute risk aversion kn-keyword=absolute risk aversion END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=2241 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221109 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Acute and Prolonged Effects of Dermal Suction on Joint Range of Motion and Passive Muscle Stiffness: A Preliminary Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to investigate the acute and prolonged effects of dermal suction on joint range of motion (ROM) and passive muscle stiffness. Eight-minute dermal suction was prescribed for the quadriceps femoris in 15 participants. Hip extension ROM, knee flexion ROM, and passive muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) were measured before and immediately, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 24 h, and 48 h after dermal suction. Passive muscle stiffness was measured using shear wave elastography. Hip extension ROM significantly increased immediately (p = 0.032), 60 min (p = 0.029), and 120 min (p = 0.031) after dermal suction compared with before dermal suction; however, it was not significantly different at 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after dermal suction (p > 0.05). Passive muscle stiffness of the RF and VL and knee flexion ROM did not significantly change at any measurement time compared with before dermal suction (p > 0.05). Our preliminary results suggest that dermal suction improves hip extension ROM immediately after dermal suction of the quadriceps femoris, followed by a return to the pre-prescription level 30 min after. However, the effect was prolonged for 120 min and disappeared before 24 h. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EnomotoShota en-aut-sei=Enomoto en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibutaniTomonari en-aut-sei=Shibutani en-aut-mei=Tomonari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkiharaYu en-aut-sei=Akihara en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamadaKazunori en-aut-sei=Yamada en-aut-mei=Kazunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OdaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute for Promotion of Education and Campus Life, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Sports Sciences, International Pacific University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Hyogo University of Teacher Education kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Community Child Studies, Niijima Gakuen Junior College kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Education, Hyogo University of Teacher Education kn-affil= en-keyword=elastography kn-keyword=elastography en-keyword=flexibility kn-keyword=flexibility en-keyword=rectus femoris kn-keyword=rectus femoris en-keyword=shear wave velocity kn-keyword=shear wave velocity en-keyword=range of motion kn-keyword=range of motion en-keyword=ultrasound kn-keyword=ultrasound en-keyword=vastus lateralis kn-keyword=vastus lateralis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=368 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221025 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index as an Arterial Stiffness Marker Improves the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events in Patients without Cardiovascular Diseases en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Several studies have reported that the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a non-invasive measurement of arterial stiffness, is associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events. We investigated whether adding CAVI to a risk score improves the prediction of cardiovascular events in the setting of primary prevention. This retrospective observational study included consecutive 554 outpatients with cardiovascular disease risk factors but without known cardiovascular disease (68 +/- 9 years, 64% men). The CAVI was measured using the VaSera vascular screening system. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, and coronary revascularization. During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, cardiovascular events occurred in 65 patients (11.7%). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that abnormal CAVI (>9.0) was significantly associated with the incidence of MACE (hazard ratio 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.27-4.18). The addition of CAVI to the Suita score, a conventional risk score for coronary heart disease in Japan, significantly improved the C statics from 0.642 to 0.713 (p = 0.04). In addition to a conventional risk score, CAVI improved the prediction of cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease risk factors but without known cardiovascular diseases. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkamotoYuko en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaKeishi en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Keishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakayaYoichi en-aut-sei=Takaya en-aut-mei=Yoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=arterial stiffness kn-keyword=arterial stiffness en-keyword=cardio-ankle vascular index kn-keyword=cardio-ankle vascular index en-keyword=cardiovascular events kn-keyword=cardiovascular events en-keyword=risk factors kn-keyword=risk factors END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=673 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221110 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Functional Blockage of S100A8/A9 Ameliorates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Lung en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=(1) Background: Lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury increases the mortality and morbidity of patients undergoing lung transplantation. The objective of this study was to identify the key initiator of lung IR injury and to evaluate pharmacological therapeutic approaches using a functional inhibitor against the identified molecule. (2) Methods: Using a mouse hilar clamp model, the combination of RNA sequencing and histological investigations revealed that neutrophil-derived S100A8/A9 plays a central role in inflammatory reactions during lung IR injury. Mice were assigned to sham and IR groups with or without the injection of anti-S100A8/A9 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb). (3) Results: Anti-S100A8/A9 mAb treatment significantly attenuated plasma S100A8/A9 levels compared with control IgG. As evaluated by oxygenation capacity and neutrophil infiltration, the antibody treatment dramatically ameliorated the IR injury. The gene expression levels of cytokines and chemokines induced by IR injury were significantly reduced by the neutralizing antibody. Furthermore, the antibody treatment significantly reduced TUNEL-positive cells, indicating the presence of apoptotic cells. (4) Conclusions: We identified S100A8/A9 as a novel therapeutic target against lung IR injury. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakataKentaro en-aut-sei=Nakata en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaueTomohisa en-aut-sei=Sakaue en-aut-mei=Tomohisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaRie en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomodaYuhei en-aut-sei=Komoda en-aut-mei=Yuhei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuDai en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Dai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHaruchika en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Haruchika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaShin en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Shin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiKentaroh en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Kentaroh kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OharaToshiaki en-aut-sei=Ohara en-aut-mei=Toshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaneMasaomi en-aut-sei=Yamane en-aut-mei=Masaomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsukawaAkihiro en-aut-sei=Matsukawa en-aut-mei=Akihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil= Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=ischemia reperfusion injury kn-keyword=ischemia reperfusion injury en-keyword= S100A8/A9 kn-keyword= S100A8/A9 en-keyword=lung transplantation kn-keyword=lung transplantation en-keyword=damage-associated molecule patterns kn-keyword=damage-associated molecule patterns END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=21 article-no= start-page=7564 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221028 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Does Multifunctional Acrylate's Addition to Methacrylate Improve Its Flexural Properties and Bond Ability to CAD/CAM PMMA Block? en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study investigated the effects of a multifunctional acrylate copolymer-Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate (TMPTA) and Di-pentaerythritol Polyacrylate (A-DPH)-on the mechanical properties of chemically polymerized acrylic resin and its bond strength to a CAD/CAM polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) disk. The methyl methacrylate (MMA) samples were doped with one of the following comonomers: TMPTA, A-DPH, or Trimethylolpropane Trimethacrylate (TMPTMA). The doping ratio ranged from 10 wt% to 50 wt% in 10 wt% increments. The flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM) of PMMA with and without comonomer doping, as well as the shear bond strength (SBS) between the comonomer-doped PMMA and CAD/CAM PMMA disk, were evaluated. The highest FS (93.2 +/- 4.2 MPa) was obtained when doped with 20 wt% of TMPTA. For TMPTMA, the FS decreased with the increase in the doping ratio. For SBS, TMPTA showed almost constant values (ranging from 7.0 to 8.2 MPa) regardless of the doping amount, and A-DPH peaked at 10 wt% doping (8.7 +/- 2.2 MPa). TMPTMA showed two peaks at 10 wt% (7.2 +/- 2.6 MPa) and 40 wt% (6.5 +/- 2.3 MPa). Regarding the failure mode, TMPTMA showed mostly adhesive failure between the CAD/CAM PMMA disk and acrylic resin while TMPTA and A-DPH showed an increased rate of cohesive or mixed failures. Acrylate's addition as a comonomer to PMMA provided improved mechanical properties and bond strength to the CAD/CAM PMMA disk. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MaruoYukinori en-aut-sei=Maruo en-aut-mei=Yukinori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiharaKumiko en-aut-sei=Yoshihara en-aut-mei=Kumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IrieMasao en-aut-sei=Irie en-aut-mei=Masao kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagaokaNoriyuki en-aut-sei=Nagaoka en-aut-mei=Noriyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsumotoTakuya en-aut-sei=Matsumoto en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinagiShogo en-aut-sei=Minagi en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Prosthodontics, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biomaterials, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Prosthodontics, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=acrylate kn-keyword=acrylate en-keyword=methacrylate kn-keyword=methacrylate en-keyword=CAD/CAM kn-keyword=CAD/CAM en-keyword=flexural strength kn-keyword=flexural strength en-keyword=shear bond strength kn-keyword=shear bond strength END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=2729 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221028 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=SOD3 Expression in Tumor Stroma Provides the Tumor Vessel Maturity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Tumor angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of solid tumor development. The progressive tumor cells produce the angiogenic factors and promote tumor angiogenesis. However, how the tumor stromal cells influence tumor vascularization is still unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) stromal cells on tumor vascularization. The tumor stromal cells were isolated from two OSCC patients with different subtypes: low invasive verrucous squamous carcinoma (VSCC) and highly invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and co-xenografted with the human OSCC cell line (HSC-2) on nude mice. In comparison, the CD34+ vessels in HSC-2+VSCC were larger than in HSC-2+SCC. Interestingly, the vessels in the HSC-2+VSCC expressed vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), indicating well-formed vascularization. Our microarray data revealed that the expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase, SOD3 mRNA is higher in VSCC stromal cells than in SCC stromal cells. Moreover, we observed that SOD3 colocalized with VE-cadherin on endothelial cells of low invasive stroma xenograft. These data suggested that SOD3 expression in stromal cells may potentially regulate tumor vascularization in OSCC. Thus, our study suggests the potential interest in SOD3-related vascular integrity for a better OSCC therapeutic strategy. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OoMay Wathone en-aut-sei=Oo en-aut-mei=May Wathone kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EainHtoo Shwe en-aut-sei=Eain en-aut-mei=Htoo Shwe kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SoeYamin en-aut-sei=Soe en-aut-mei=Yamin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SanouSho en-aut-sei=Sanou en-aut-mei=Sho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShanQiusheng en-aut-sei=Shan en-aut-mei=Qiusheng kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=InadaYasunori en-aut-sei=Inada en-aut-mei=Yasunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiMasae en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Masae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaYoko en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangZiyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Ziyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukegawaShintaro en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoMitsuaki en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Mitsuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=oral squamous cell carcinoma kn-keyword=oral squamous cell carcinoma en-keyword=tumor microenvironment kn-keyword=tumor microenvironment en-keyword=tumor stroma kn-keyword=tumor stroma en-keyword=tumor vascularization kn-keyword=tumor vascularization en-keyword=extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) kn-keyword=extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) en-keyword=vascular endothelial cadherin (Ve-cadherin) kn-keyword=vascular endothelial cadherin (Ve-cadherin) END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1393 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221005 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Transitional Changes in Fatigue-Related Symptoms Due to Long COVID: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objectives: Changes in post COVID-19 condition (PCC) characteristics caused by viral variants have yet to be clarified. We aimed to characterize the differences between clinical backgrounds and manifestations in long COVID patients who were infected with the Delta variant and those who were infected with the Omicron variants. Materials and Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective observational study for patients who visited our COVID-19 aftercare outpatient clinic (CAC) established in Okayama University Hospital (Japan) during the period from 15 February 2021 to 15 July 2022. We classified the onset of COVID-19 in the patients into three groups, the preceding, Delta-dominant, and Omicron-dominant periods, based on the prevalent periods of the variants in our prefecture. Results: In a total of 353 patients, after excluding 8 patients, 110, 130, and 113 patients were classified into the preceding, Delta-dominant, and Omicron-dominant periods, respectively. Patients infected in the Omicron-dominant period had significantly fewer hospitalizations, milder illnesses, more vaccinations and earlier visit to the CAC than did patients infected in the Delta-dominant period. Patients infected in the Omicron-dominant period had significantly lower frequencies of dysosmia (12% vs. 45%, ** p < 0.01), dysgeusia (14% vs. 40%, ** p < 0.01) and hair loss (7% vs. 28%, ** p < 0.01) but had higher frequencies of fatigue (65% vs. 50%, * p < 0.05), insomnia (26% vs. 13%, * p < 0.05) and cough (20% vs. 7%, ** p < 0.01) than did patients infected in the Delta-dominant period. Conclusions: The transitional changes in long COVID symptoms caused by the two variants were characterized. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiKanako en-aut-sei=Ochi en-aut-mei=Kanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaHitomi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=dysgeusia kn-keyword=dysgeusia en-keyword=dysosmia kn-keyword=dysosmia en-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome kn-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome en-keyword=Omicron variant kn-keyword=Omicron variant en-keyword=and post COVID-19 condition kn-keyword=and post COVID-19 condition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=1445 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221013 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Polypharmacy in Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The number of patients with Alzheimer's disease is increasing annually. Most of these patients are older adults with comorbid physical illnesses, which means that they are often treated with a combination of medications for the disease they have and those for Alzheimer's disease. Thus, older adults with Alzheimer's disease are potentially at risk for polypharmacy. In addition, the drug interactions between Alzheimer's disease medications and those for the treatment of physical illnesses may reduce their efficacy and increase side effects. This article reviews polypharmacy and drug interactions in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on psychotropic drugs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=EsumiSatoru en-aut-sei=Esumi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UshioSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ushio en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZamamiYoshito en-aut-sei=Zamami en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=Alzheimer's disease kn-keyword=Alzheimer's disease en-keyword=polypharmacy kn-keyword=polypharmacy en-keyword=drug interactions kn-keyword=drug interactions END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=2133 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221013 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Design and Robustness Evaluation of Valley Topological Elastic Wave Propagation in a Thin Plate with Phononic Structure en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Based on the concept of band topology in phonon dispersion, we designed a topological phononic crystal in a thin plate for developing an efficient elastic waveguide. Despite that various topological phononic structures have been actively proposed, a quantitative design strategy of the phononic band and its robustness assessment in an elastic regime are still missing, hampering the realization of topological acoustic devices. We adopted a snowflake-like structure for the crystal unit cell and determined the optimal structure that exhibited the topological phase transition of the planar phononic crystal by changing the unit cell structure. The bandgap width could be adjusted by varying the length of the snow-side branch, and a topological phase transition occurred in the unit cell structure with threefold rotational symmetry. Elastic waveguides based on edge modes appearing at interfaces between crystals with different band topologies were designed, and their transmission efficiencies were evaluated numerically and experimentally. The results demonstrate the robustness of the elastic wave propagation in thin plates. Moreover, we experimentally estimated the backscattering length, which measures the robustness of the topologically protected propagating states against structural inhomogeneities. The results quantitatively indicated that degradation of the immunization against the backscattering occurs predominantly at the corners in the waveguides, indicating that the edge mode observed is a relatively weak topological state. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KataokaMotoki en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Motoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaMasaaki en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Masaaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsurutaKenji en-aut-sei=Tsuruta en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=phononic crystal kn-keyword=phononic crystal en-keyword=topological acoustic kn-keyword=topological acoustic en-keyword=elastic waveguide kn-keyword=elastic waveguide en-keyword=backscattering length kn-keyword=backscattering length en-keyword=lamb wave kn-keyword=lamb wave END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=6788 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221011 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Selective Formation of Unsymmetric Multidentate Azine-Based Ligands in Nickel(II) Complexes en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A mixture of 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde, 4-formylimidazole (or 2-methyl-4-formylimidazole), and NiCl2 center dot 6H(2)O in a molar ratio of 2:2:1 was reacted with two equivalents of hydrazine monohydrate in methanol, followed by the addition of aqueous NH4PF6 solution, afforded a Ni-II complex with two unsymmetric azine-based ligands, [Ni(HLH)(2)](PF6)(2) (1) or [Ni(HLMe)(2)](PF6)(2) (2), in a high yield, where HLH denotes 2-pyridylmethylidenehydrazono-(4-imidazolyl)methane and HLMe is its 2-methyl-4-imidazolyl derivative. The spectroscopic measurements and elemental analysis confirmed the phase purity of the bulk products, and the single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed the molecular and crystal structures of the Ni-II complexes bearing an unsymmetric HLH or HLMe azines in a tridentate kappa(3) N, N', N" coordination mode. The HLH complex with a methanol solvent, 1 center dot MeOH, crystallizes in the orthorhombic non-centrosymmetric space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with Z = 4, affording conglomerate crystals, while the HLMe complex, 2 center dot H2O center dot Et2O, crystallizes in the monoclinic and centrosymmetric space group P2(1)/n with Z = 4. In the crystal of 2 center dot H2O center dot Et2O, there is intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction between the imidazole N-H and the neighboring uncoordinated azine-N atom, forming a one-dimensional polymeric structure, but there is no obvious magnetic interaction among the intra- and interchain paramagnetic Ni-II ions. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HayiborKennedy Mawunya en-aut-sei=Hayibor en-aut-mei=Kennedy Mawunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunatsukiYukinari en-aut-sei=Sunatsuki en-aut-mei=Yukinari kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiTakayoshi en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Takayoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Advanced Science Research Center, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=(pyridyl)(imidazolyl)azines kn-keyword=(pyridyl)(imidazolyl)azines en-keyword=aldazines kn-keyword=aldazines en-keyword=kryptoracemate kn-keyword=kryptoracemate en-keyword=crystal structure kn-keyword=crystal structure END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=329 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220928 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Association of Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio with High-Risk Coronary Plaque Characteristics Determined by CT Angiography and Its Risk of Coronary Heart Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is an independent risk index for cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the association between TG/HDL-C ratio and coronary plaque characteristics as seen on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and the corresponding increase in the likelihood of cardiovascular events. A total of 935 patients who underwent CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) were included. High-risk plaques (HRP) were defined based on three characteristics: positive remodeling, low-density plaques, and spotty calcification. Significant stenosis was defined as luminal narrowing of >70%. Patients with a higher TG/HDL-C ratio showed significantly greater prevalence of HRP and significant stenosis than patients with low TG/HDL-C ratios (p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that the TG/HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with the presence of HRP (p < 0.01) but not with significant coronary stenosis (p = 0.24). During the median follow-up period of 4.1 years, 26 cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death and acute coronary syndrome occurred. The highest TG/HDL-C tertile was associated with cardiovascular events, with the lowest TG/HDL-C tertile as the reference (hazard ratio, 3.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-13.50). A high TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with the presence of CCTA-verified HRP, which can lead to cardiovascular events in patients with suspected CAD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KoideYuji en-aut-sei=Koide en-aut-mei=Yuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiharaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Nishihara en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaMitsutaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Mitsutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaKeishi en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Keishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikiTakashi en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OsawaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Osawa en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School General Medicine Center kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=triglyceride kn-keyword=triglyceride en-keyword=high density lipoprotein kn-keyword=high density lipoprotein en-keyword=coronary artery disease kn-keyword=coronary artery disease en-keyword=computed tomography kn-keyword=computed tomography END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=3307 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221021 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Novel Self-Forming Nanosized DDS Particles for BNCT: Utilizing A Hydrophobic Boron Cluster and Its Molecular Glue Effect en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=BNCT is a non-invasive cancer therapy that allows for cancer cell death without harming adjacent cells. However, the application is limited, owing to the challenges of working with clinically approved boron (B) compounds and drug delivery systems (DDS). To address the issues, we developed self-forming nanoparticles consisting of a biodegradable polymer, namely, "AB-type Lactosome (AB-Lac)" loaded with B compounds. Three carborane isomers (o-, m-, and p-carborane) and three related alkylated derivatives, i.e., 1,2-dimethy-o-carborane (diC1-Carb), 1,2-dihexyl-o-carborane (diC6-Carb), and 1,2-didodecyl-o-carborane (diC12-Carb), were separately loaded. diC6-Carb was highly loaded with AB-Lac particles, and their stability indicated the "molecular glue" effect. The efficiency of in vitro B uptake of diC6-Carb for BNCT was confirmed at non-cytotoxic concentration in several cancer cell lines. In vivo/ex vivo biodistribution studies indicated that the AB-Lac particles were remarkably accumulated within 72 h post-injection in the tumor lesions of mice bearing syngeneic breast cancer (4T1) cells, but the maximum accumulation was reached at 12 h. In ex vivo B biodistribution, the ratios of tumor/normal tissue (T/N) and tumor/blood (T/Bl) of the diC6-Carb-loaded particles remained stably high up to 72 h. Therefore, we propose the diC6-Carb-loaded AB-Lac particles as a promising candidate medicine for BNCT. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FithroniAbdul Basith en-aut-sei=Fithroni en-aut-mei=Abdul Basith kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobayashiKazuko en-aut-sei=Kobayashi en-aut-mei=Kazuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UjiHirotaka en-aut-sei=Uji en-aut-mei=Hirotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=IshimotoManabu en-aut-sei=Ishimoto en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkehiMasaru en-aut-sei=Akehi en-aut-mei=Masaru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtsukiTakashi en-aut-sei=Ohtsuki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuuraEiji en-aut-sei=Matsuura en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Collaborative Research Center for OMIC, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Fukushima SiC Applied Engineering Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Collaborative Research Center for OMIC, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cell Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) kn-keyword=boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) en-keyword=biologically self-degradable amphipathic polymer (Lactosome) kn-keyword=biologically self-degradable amphipathic polymer (Lactosome) en-keyword=hydrophobic boron cluster kn-keyword=hydrophobic boron cluster en-keyword=carborane isomers or o-carborane alkylated derivatives kn-keyword=carborane isomers or o-carborane alkylated derivatives en-keyword=molecular glue effect kn-keyword=molecular glue effect END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=369 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221007 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Static Assignment Algorithm of Uniform Jobs to Workers in a User-PC Computing System Using Simultaneous Linear Equations en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Currently, the User-PC computingsystem (UPC) has been studied as a low-cost and high-performance distributed computing platform. It uses idling resources of personal computers (PCs) in a group. The job-worker assignment for minimizing makespan is critical to determine the performance of the UPC system. Some applications need to execute a lot of uniform jobs that use the identical program but with slightly different data, where they take the similar CPU time on a PC. Then, the total CPU time of a worker is almost linear to the number of assigned jobs. In this paper, we propose a static assignment algorithm of uniform jobs to workers in the UPC system, using simultaneous linear equations to find the lower bound on makespan, where every worker requires the same CPU time to complete the assigned jobs. For the evaluations of the proposal, we consider the uniform jobs in three applications. In OpenPose, the CNN-based keypoint estimation program runs with various images of human bodies. In OpenFOAM, the physics simulation program runs with various parameter sets. In code testing, two open-source programs run with various source codes from students for the Android programming learning assistance system (APLAS). Using the proposal, we assigned the jobs to six workers in the testbed UPC system and measured the CPU time. The results show that makespan was reduced by 10% on average, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposal. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ZhouXudong en-aut-sei=Zhou en-aut-mei=Xudong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HtetHein en-aut-sei=Htet en-aut-mei=Hein kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamoyedjiAriel en-aut-sei=Kamoyedji en-aut-mei=Ariel kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AnggrainiIrin Tri en-aut-sei=Anggraini en-aut-mei=Irin Tri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HuoYuanzhi en-aut-sei=Huo en-aut-mei=Yuanzhi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SyaifudinYan Watequlis en-aut-sei=Syaifudin en-aut-mei=Yan Watequlis kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Information Technology Department, State Polytechnic of Malang kn-affil= en-keyword=UPC kn-keyword=UPC en-keyword=distributed computing platform kn-keyword=distributed computing platform en-keyword=uniform job kn-keyword=uniform job en-keyword=static assignment kn-keyword=static assignment en-keyword=linear equations kn-keyword=linear equations END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=20 article-no= start-page=13580 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20221020 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Trends in Self-Rated Oral Health and Its Associations with Oral Health Status and Oral Health Behaviors in Japanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2011 to 2019 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Self-rated oral health (SROH) is a valid, comprehensive indicator of oral health status. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze how oral health behaviors and clinical oral status were associated with SROH and how they had changed over the course of nine years in Japanese university students. Data were obtained from 17,996 students who underwent oral examinations and completed self-questionnaires from 2011 to 2019. Oral status was assessed using the decayed and filled teeth scores, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), oral health behaviors, and related factors. SROH improved from 2011 to 2019. The logistic regression model showed that university students who were female and had a high daily frequency of tooth brushing, no BOP, no decayed teeth, no filled teeth, and a low OHI-S score and were significantly more likely to report very good, good, or fair SROH. An interaction effect was observed between survey year and regular dental check-ups (year x regular dental check-ups). The improvement trend in SROH might be associated with changes in oral health behaviors and oral health status. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakaharaMomoko en-aut-sei=Nakahara en-aut-mei=Momoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyamaNaoki en-aut-sei=Toyama en-aut-mei=Naoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiNoriko en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Noriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaruyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokoiAya en-aut-sei=Yokoi en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaDaiki en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SawadaNanami en-aut-sei=Sawada en-aut-mei=Nanami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaYukiho en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Yukiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=self-rated oral health kn-keyword=self-rated oral health en-keyword=oral health behaviors kn-keyword=oral health behaviors en-keyword=caries kn-keyword=caries en-keyword=gingivitis kn-keyword=gingivitis en-keyword=oral hygiene kn-keyword=oral hygiene en-keyword=oral health kn-keyword=oral health en-keyword=behavioral sciences kn-keyword=behavioral sciences END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=11035 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220920 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Immune State Conversion of the Mesenteric Lymph Node in a Mouse Breast Cancer Model en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Secondary lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and lymph nodes (LNs), contribute to breast cancer development and metastasis in both anti- and pro-tumoral directions. Although secondary lymphoid tissues have been extensively studied, very little is known about the immune conversion in mesenteric LNs (mLNs) during breast cancer development. Here, we demonstrate inflammatory immune conversion of mLNs in a metastatic 4T1 breast cancer model. Splenic T cells were significantly decreased and continuously suppressed IFN-gamma production during tumor development, while myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were dramatically enriched. However, T cell numbers in the mLN did not decrease, and the MDSCs only moderately increased. T cells in the mLN exhibited conversion from a pro-inflammatory state with high IFN-gamma expression to an anti-inflammatory state with high expression of IL-4 and IL-10 in early- to late-stages of breast cancer development. Interestingly, increased migration of CD103(+)CD11b(+) dendritic cells (DCs) into the mLN, along with increased (1 -> 3)-beta-D-glucan levels in serum, was observed even in late-stage breast cancer. This suggests that CD103(+)CD11b(+) DCs could prime cancer-reactive T cells. Together, the data indicate that the mLN is an important lymphoid tissue contributing to breast cancer development. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShigehiroTsukasa en-aut-sei=Shigehiro en-aut-mei=Tsukasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UenoMaho en-aut-sei=Ueno en-aut-mei=Maho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KijihiraMayumi en-aut-sei=Kijihira en-aut-mei=Mayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiRyotaro en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Ryotaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmemuraChiho en-aut-sei=Umemura en-aut-mei=Chiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TahaEman A. en-aut-sei=Taha en-aut-mei=Eman A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurosakaChisaki en-aut-sei=Kurosaka en-aut-mei=Chisaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsayamaMegumi en-aut-sei=Asayama en-aut-mei=Megumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiHiroshi en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatohAyano en-aut-sei=Satoh en-aut-mei=Ayano kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYoshimasa en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yoshimasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutamiJunichiro en-aut-sei=Futami en-aut-mei=Junichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=MasudaJunko en-aut-sei=Masuda en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Division of Medical Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=breast cancer cells kn-keyword=breast cancer cells en-keyword=dendritic cells kn-keyword=dendritic cells en-keyword=mesenteric lymph node kn-keyword=mesenteric lymph node en-keyword=myeloid-derived suppressor cells kn-keyword=myeloid-derived suppressor cells END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=12523 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220930 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effects of Yoga and Mindfulness Programs on Self-Compassion in Medical Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Intervention Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We aimed to determine whether a yoga and mindfulness program could alleviate burnout and other psychological and physical distress in HCWs, and how this might affect their empathy for patients. A weekly one-hour yoga and mindfulness program was conducted for three months in 2021. Participants were 18 consenting HCWs and, the final analysis included 13 participants. They responded to online questionnaires before and after the program. We measured salivary cortisol levels before and after the program on the first and last days. Self-measured pulse rates (PRs) were taken before and after each session, which decreased significantly in both cases (before, after the first program: 72, 65 bpm, p < 0.05; before, after the last program: 75, 66, p < 0.05), but salivary cortisol levels did not change. No significant changes were observed in Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Sense of Coherence, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Self-compassion Scale, or Jefferson Scale of Empathy. However, common humanity, a subscale of self-compassion, increased significantly (before the first program: 5.6, after the last program: 6.5, p < 0.05), and over-identification decreased significantly (7.9, 6.7, p < 0.01). Yoga and mindfulness programs may help improve the sense of common humanity and reduce over-identification in HCWs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MiyoshiTomoko en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IdaHiromi en-aut-sei=Ida en-aut-mei=Hiromi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkoSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ako en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=stress kn-keyword=stress en-keyword=burnout kn-keyword=burnout en-keyword=yoga kn-keyword=yoga en-keyword=mindfulness kn-keyword=mindfulness en-keyword=stress in healthcare workers kn-keyword=stress in healthcare workers en-keyword=self-compassion kn-keyword=self-compassion en-keyword=the COVID-19 pandemic kn-keyword=the COVID-19 pandemic END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=11025 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220920 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase Signal Transduction en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) is the activating kinase for multiple downstream kinases, including CaM-kinase I (CaMKI), CaM-kinase IV (CaMKIV), protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), and 5'AMP-kinase (AMPK), through the phosphorylation of their activation-loop Thr residues in response to increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, as CaMKK itself is a Ca2+/CaM-dependent enzyme. The CaMKK-mediated kinase cascade plays important roles in a number of Ca2+-dependent pathways, such as neuronal morphogenesis and plasticity, transcriptional activation, autophagy, and metabolic regulation, as well as in pathophysiological pathways, including cancer progression, metabolic syndrome, and mental disorders. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism underlying CaMKK-mediated signal transduction in normal and pathophysiological conditions. We summarize the current knowledge of the structural, functional, and physiological properties of the regulatory kinase, CaMKK, and the development and application of its pharmacological inhibitors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokumitsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Tokumitsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakagamiHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Sakagami en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Applied Cell Biology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=CaMKK kn-keyword=CaMKK en-keyword=CaM-kinase cascade kn-keyword=CaM-kinase cascade en-keyword=Ca2+ signaling kn-keyword=Ca2+ signaling en-keyword=phosphorylation kn-keyword=phosphorylation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=5589 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220923 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of Different KDIGO Criteria on Clinical Outcomes for Early Identification of Acute Kidney Injury after Non-Cardiac Surgery en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines are currently used in acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis and include both serum creatinine (SCR) and urine output (UO) criteria. Currently, many AKI-related studies have inconsistently defined AKI, which possibly affects the comparison of their results. Therefore, we hypothesized that the different criteria in the KDIGO guidelines vary in measuring the incidence of AKI and its association with clinical outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed that data of patients admitted to the intensive care unit after non-cardiac surgery in 2019. Three different criteria used to define AKI were included: UOmean, mean UO < 0.5 mL/kg/h over time; UOcont, hourly UO < 0.5 mL/kg/h over time; or SCR, KDIGO guidelines SCR criteria. A total of 777 patients were included, and the incidence of UOmean-AKI was 33.1%, the incidence of UOcont-AKI was 7.9%, and the incidence of SCR-AKI was 2.0%. There were differences in the length of ICU stay and hospital stay between AKI and non-AKI patients under different criteria. We found differences in the incidence and clinical outcomes of AKI after non-cardiac surgery when using different KDIGO criteria. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FuJingwen en-aut-sei=Fu en-aut-mei=Jingwen kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KosakaJunko en-aut-sei=Kosaka en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MorimatsuHiroshi en-aut-sei=Morimatsu en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=acute kidney injury kn-keyword=acute kidney injury en-keyword=KDIGO definition kn-keyword=KDIGO definition en-keyword=serum creatine kn-keyword=serum creatine en-keyword=urine output kn-keyword=urine output en-keyword=early identification kn-keyword=early identification END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=2970 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220923 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Treatment of Marmoset Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Humanized Anti-HMGB1 mAb en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is recognized as a severe clinical problem lacking effective treatment. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) exhibits inflammatory cytokine-like activity once released into the extracellular space from the nuclei. We previously demonstrated that intravenous injection of rat anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) remarkably ameliorated brain injury in a rat ICH model. Therefore, we developed a humanized anti-HMGB1 mAb (OKY001) for clinical use. The present study examined whether and how the humanized anti-HMGB1 mAb ameliorates ICH injury in common marmosets. The results show that administration of humanized anti-HMGB1 mAb inhibited HMGB1 release from the brain into plasma, in association with a decrease of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) accumulation and a decrease in cerebral iron deposition. In addition, humanized anti-HMGB1 mAb treatment resulted in a reduction in brain injury volume at 12 d after ICH induction. Our in vitro experiment showed that recombinant HMGB1 inhibited hemoglobin uptake by macrophages through CD163 in the presence of haptoglobin, suggesting that the release of excess HMGB1 from the brain may induce a delay in hemoglobin scavenging, thereby allowing the toxic effects of hemoglobin, heme, and Fe2+ to persist. Finally, humanized anti-HMGB1 mAb reduced body weight loss and improved behavioral performance after ICH. Taken together, these results suggest that intravenous injection of humanized anti-HMGB1 mAb has potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for ICH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangDengli en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Dengli kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OusakaDaiki en-aut-sei=Ousaka en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=QiaoHandong en-aut-sei=Qiao en-aut-mei=Handong kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangZiyi en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Ziyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhaoKun en-aut-sei=Zhao en-aut-mei=Kun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=GaoShangze en-aut-sei=Gao en-aut-mei=Shangze kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuKeyue en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Keyue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=TeshigawaraKiyoshi en-aut-sei=Teshigawara en-aut-mei=Kiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakadaKenzo en-aut-sei=Takada en-aut-mei=Kenzo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiboriMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nishibori en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Sapporo Laboratory, EVEC, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Translational Research and Drug Development, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=intracerebral hemorrhage kn-keyword=intracerebral hemorrhage en-keyword=HMGB1 kn-keyword=HMGB1 en-keyword=antibody therapy kn-keyword=antibody therapy en-keyword=non-human primate kn-keyword=non-human primate END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=19 article-no= start-page=9472 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220921 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Machine Learning and Inverse Optimization for Estimation of Weighting Factors in Multi-Objective Production Scheduling Problems en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In recent years, scheduling optimization has been utilized in production systems. To construct a suitable mathematical model of a production scheduling problem, modeling techniques that can automatically select an appropriate objective function from historical data are necessary. This paper presents two methods to estimate weighting factors of the objective function in the scheduling problem from historical data, given the information of operation time and setup costs. We propose a machine learning-based method, and an inverse optimization-based method using the input/output data of the scheduling problems when the weighting factors of the objective function are unknown. These two methods are applied to a multi-objective parallel machine scheduling problem and a real-world chemical batch plant scheduling problem. The results of the estimation accuracy evaluation show that the proposed methods for estimating the weighting factors of the objective function are effective. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TogoHidetoshi en-aut-sei=Togo en-aut-mei=Hidetoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AsanumaKohei en-aut-sei=Asanuma en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiTatsushi en-aut-sei=Nishi en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuZiang en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Ziang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=multi-objective scheduling kn-keyword=multi-objective scheduling en-keyword=estimation kn-keyword=estimation en-keyword=weighting factors kn-keyword=weighting factors en-keyword=machine learning kn-keyword=machine learning en-keyword=simulated annealing kn-keyword=simulated annealing en-keyword=inverse optimization kn-keyword=inverse optimization END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=2146 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220903 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Craniomaxillofacial Fibrous Dysplasia Improved Cosmetic and Occlusal Problem by Comprehensive Treatment: A Case Report and Review of Current Treatments en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a fibrous lesion of immature bone, with an incidence of 10-20% in the head and neck region. Most cases are monostotic, but when a lesion occurs on the maxillofacial region and spreads to the surrounding bone, it is classified as polyostotic, despite its localized occurrence. In some cases, surgical intervention is required to improve the cosmetic or functional disturbance of a FD in the maxillofacial region, but it is necessary to confirm symmetry of the maxillofacial region in real time, and a surgical support system is required to compensate. Furthermore, prosthetic intervention is considered when postoperative acquired defects occur or further cosmetic or occlusal function improvement is needed. A comprehensive approach by an oral surgeon and a maxillofacial prosthodontist is necessary for the successful treatment and rehabilitation of such patients. In this article, we describe the case of a craniomaxillofacial FD patient with facial asymmetry and denture incompatibility with improved quality of life measures by integrating surgical treatment using a navigation system and postoperative prosthetic rehabilitation. We also discuss recent diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for craniomaxillofacial FD in the literature. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OnoKisho en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Kisho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshiokaNorie en-aut-sei=Yoshioka en-aut-mei=Norie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KunisadaYuki en-aut-sei=Kunisada en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraTomoya en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Tomoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraYuko en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Yuko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObataKyoichi en-aut-sei=Obata en-aut-mei=Kyoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IbaragiSoichiro en-aut-sei=Ibaragi en-aut-mei=Soichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=MinagiShogo en-aut-sei=Minagi en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SasakiAkira en-aut-sei=Sasaki en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Occlusal and Oral Functional Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=fibrous dysplasia kn-keyword=fibrous dysplasia en-keyword=polyostotic kn-keyword=polyostotic en-keyword=craniomaxillofacial kn-keyword=craniomaxillofacial en-keyword=surgical kn-keyword=surgical en-keyword=prosthetic kn-keyword=prosthetic en-keyword=comprehensive treatment kn-keyword=comprehensive treatment END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1392 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220827 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effectiveness of Cement Augmentation on Early Postoperative Mobility in Patients Treated for Trochanteric Fractures with Cephalomedullary Nailing: A Prospective Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Fixation using cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) with additional cement augmentation (CA) was developed as a novel treatment option for the osteosynthesis of osteoporotic trochanteric fractures, though the effectiveness of CA on early postoperative mobility remains uncertain. This multicenter prospective cohort study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of CA on early postoperative mobility in patients with trochanteric fractures. We enrolled patients with femoral trochanteric fractures aged >60 years who were able to walk independently before the injury. The primary outcome was the postoperative 3-day cumulated ambulation score (CAS); the secondary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at rest and during movement on postoperative days 1-3. The outcomes of the patients treated using CMNs with or without CA were compared. Sixty-three eligible patients were categorized into CA (n = 32) and control (n = 31) groups. In univariate analysis, the CA group had significantly higher CAS values, lower VAS scores at rest on day 1 postoperatively, and lower VAS scores during movement on day 3. In multivariable linear regression analyses, the CA group had significantly higher CAS values (beta, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 3.6; p = 0.01). The CA group had a negative adjusted beta value in their VAS scores during movement. This study indicated that CA was associated with a high CAS value in patients with geriatric trochanteric fractures. However, CA was not associated with pain reduction at rest and during movement during the initial postoperative days. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MochizukiYusuke en-aut-sei=Mochizuki en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiiTatsuya en-aut-sei=Fujii en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TomitaYosuke en-aut-sei=Tomita en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaneda Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Matsue Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Care, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= en-keyword=cement augmentation kn-keyword=cement augmentation en-keyword=trochanteric fracture kn-keyword=trochanteric fracture en-keyword=intertrochanteric fracture kn-keyword=intertrochanteric fracture en-keyword=hip fracture kn-keyword=hip fracture en-keyword=proximal femoral fracture kn-keyword=proximal femoral fracture en-keyword=cumulated ambulation score kn-keyword=cumulated ambulation score en-keyword=mobility kn-keyword=mobility en-keyword=ambulance kn-keyword=ambulance en-keyword=ADL kn-keyword=ADL en-keyword=pain kn-keyword=pain END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=1805 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202209 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Rice Nudix Hydrolase OsNUDX2 Sanitizes Oxidized Nucleotides en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nudix hydrolase (NUDX) hydrolyzes 8-oxo-(d)GTP to reduce the levels of oxidized nucleotides in the cells. 8-oxo-(d)GTP produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is incorporated into DNA/RNA and mispaired with adenine, causing replicational and transcriptional errors. Here, we identified a rice OsNUDX2 gene, whose expression level was increased 15-fold under UV-C irradiation. The open reading frame of the OsNUDX2 gene, which encodes 776 amino acid residues, was cloned into Escherichia coli cells to produce the protein of 100 kDa. The recombinant protein hydrolyzed 8-oxo-dGTP, in addition to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) and isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), as did Arabidopsis AtNUDX1; whereas the amino acid sequence of OsNUDX2 had 18% identity with AtNUDX1. OsNUDX2 had 14% identity with barley HvNUDX12, which hydrolyzes 8-oxo-dGTP and diadenosine tetraphosphates. Suppression of the lacZ amber mutation caused by the incorporation of 8-oxo-GTP into mRNA was prevented to a significant degree when the OsNUDX2 gene was expressed in mutT-deficient E. coli cells. These results suggest that the different substrate specificity and identity among plant 8-oxo-dGTP-hydrolyzing NUDXs and OsNUDX2 reduces UV stress by sanitizing the oxidized nucleotides. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KondoYuki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=RikiishiKazuhide en-aut-sei=Rikiishi en-aut-mei=Kazuhide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoManabu en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=8-oxo-dGTP kn-keyword=8-oxo-dGTP en-keyword=nudix hydrolase kn-keyword=nudix hydrolase en-keyword=Oryza sativa kn-keyword=Oryza sativa en-keyword=transcriptional error kn-keyword=transcriptional error en-keyword=UV-C kn-keyword=UV-C END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=10300 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220907 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Suppresses the S100A8/A9-Mediated Organotropic Metastasis of Melanoma Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The dissection of the complex multistep process of metastasis exposes vulnerabilities that could be exploited to prevent metastasis. To search for possible factors that favor metastatic outgrowth, we have been focusing on secretory S100A8/A9. A heterodimer complex of the S100A8 and S100A9 proteins, S100A8/A9 functions as a strong chemoattractant, growth factor, and immune suppressor, both promoting the cancer milieu at the cancer-onset site and cultivating remote, premetastatic cancer sites. We previously reported that melanoma cells show lung-tropic metastasis owing to the abundant expression of S100A8/A9 in the lung. In the present study, we addressed the question of why melanoma cells are not metastasized into the brain at significant levels in mice despite the marked induction of S100A8/A9 in the brain. We discovered the presence of plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), a brain-metastasis suppression factor against S100A8/A9. Using S100A8/A9 as an affinity ligand, we searched for and purified the binding plasma proteins of S100A8/A9 and identified HRG as the major protein on mass spectrometric analysis. HRG prevents the binding of S100A8/A9 to the B16-BL6 melanoma cell surface via the formation of the S100A8/A9 complex. HRG also inhibited the S100A8/A9-induced migration and invasion of A375 melanoma cells. When we knocked down HRG in mice bearing skin melanoma, metastasis to both the brain and lungs was significantly enhanced. The clinical examination of plasma S100A8/A9 and HRG levels showed that lung cancer patients with brain metastasis had higher S100A8/A9 and lower HRG levels than nonmetastatic patients. These results suggest that the plasma protein HRG strongly protects the brain and lungs from the threat of melanoma metastasis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TomonobuNahoko en-aut-sei=Tomonobu en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KinoshitaRie en-aut-sei=Kinoshita en-aut-mei=Rie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakeHidenori en-aut-sei=Wake en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueYusuke en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=RumaI. Made Winarsa en-aut-sei=Ruma en-aut-mei=I. Made Winarsa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=GoharaYuma en-aut-sei=Gohara en-aut-mei=Yuma kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KomalasariNi Luh Gede Yoni en-aut-sei=Komalasari en-aut-mei=Ni Luh Gede Yoni kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=JiangFan en-aut-sei=Jiang en-aut-mei=Fan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurataHitoshi en-aut-sei=Murata en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKen-Ichi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Ken-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=SumardikaI. Wayan en-aut-sei=Sumardika en-aut-mei=I. Wayan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChenYouyi en-aut-sei=Chen en-aut-mei=Youyi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=FutamiJunichiro en-aut-sei=Futami en-aut-mei=Junichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamauchiAkira en-aut-sei=Yamauchi en-aut-mei=Akira kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiFutoshi en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Futoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoEisaku en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Eisaku kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=17 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=18 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiboriMasahiro en-aut-sei=Nishibori en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=19 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaguchiMasakiyo en-aut-sei=Sakaguchi en-aut-mei=Masakiyo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=20 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Faculty of Science and Technology, Division of Molecular Science, Gunma University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Surgery & Bio-Bank of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School kn-affil= affil-num=17 en-affil=Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=18 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=19 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=20 en-affil=Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=S100A8/A9 kn-keyword=S100A8/A9 en-keyword=HRG kn-keyword=HRG en-keyword=metastasis kn-keyword=metastasis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=18 article-no= start-page=10301 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220907 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Idiopathic Plasmacytic Lymphadenopathy Forms an Independent Subtype of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a type of Castleman disease that is not related to KSHV/HHV8 infection. Currently, iMCD is classified into iMCD-TAFRO (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly) and iMCD-NOS (not otherwise specified). The former has been established as a relatively homogeneous disease unit that has been recently re-defined, while the latter is considered to be a heterogeneous disease that could be further divided into several subtypes. In 1980, Mori et al. proposed the concept of idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL), a disease presenting with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and a sheet-like proliferation of mature plasma cells in the lymph nodes. Some researchers consider IPL to be a part of iMCD-NOS, although it has not been clearly defined to date. This is the first paper to analyze iMCD-NOS clinicopathologically, to examine whether IPL forms a uniform disease unit in iMCD. Histologically, the IPL group showed prominent plasmacytosis and the hyperplasia of germinal centers, while the non-IPL group showed prominent vascularity. Clinically, the IPL group showed significant thrombocytosis and elevated serum IgG levels compared to the non-IPL group (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, respectively). Pleural effusion and ascites were less common in the IPL group (p < 0.001). The IPL group was more likely to have an indolent clinical course and a good response to the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, while the non-IPL counterpart frequently required more aggressive medical interventions. Thus, the IPL group is a clinicopathologically uniform entity that forms an independent subtype of iMCD. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishikoriAsami en-aut-sei=Nishikori en-aut-mei=Asami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraMidori Filiz en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Midori Filiz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MaehamaKanna en-aut-sei=Maehama en-aut-mei=Kanna kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhsawaKumiko en-aut-sei=Ohsawa en-aut-mei=Kumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MomoseShuji en-aut-sei=Momose en-aut-mei=Shuji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraNaoya en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Naoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoYasuharu en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Yasuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Molecular Hematopathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=Castleman disease kn-keyword=Castleman disease en-keyword=idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease kn-keyword=idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease en-keyword=idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy kn-keyword=idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy en-keyword=plasma cell morphology kn-keyword=plasma cell morphology END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=10632 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220826 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Immunomodulatory Effects of Radon Inhalation on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Typical indications for radon therapy include autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We had previously reported that radon inhalation inhibits Th17 immune responses in RA mice by activating Th1 and Th2 immune responses. However, there are no reports on how radon inhalation affects the activated Th1 and Th17 immune responses, and these findings may be useful for identifying new indications for radon therapy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of radon inhalation on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response, focusing on the expression of related cytokines and antioxidant function. Male BALB/c mice were exposed to 2000 Bq/m(3) radon for one day. Immediately after radon inhalation, LPS was administered intraperitoneally at 1.0 mg/kg body weight for 4 h. LPS administration increased the levels of Th1- and Th17-prone cytokines, such as interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, compared to no treatment control (sham). However, these effects were suppressed by radon inhalation. IL-10 levels were significantly increased by LPS administration, with or without radon inhalation, compared to sham. However, radon inhalation did not inhibit oxidative stress induced by LPS administration. These findings suggest that radon inhalation has immunomodulatory but not antioxidative functions in LPS-induced injury. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KataokaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaoeShota en-aut-sei=Naoe en-aut-mei=Shota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurakamiKaito en-aut-sei=Murakami en-aut-mei=Kaito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimotoYuki en-aut-sei=Fujimoto en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YukimineRyohei en-aut-sei=Yukimine en-aut-mei=Ryohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaAyumi en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Ayumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaokaKiyonori en-aut-sei=Yamaoka en-aut-mei=Kiyonori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=autoimmune diseases kn-keyword=autoimmune diseases en-keyword=cytokine kn-keyword=cytokine en-keyword=antioxidant function kn-keyword=antioxidant function en-keyword=lipopolysaccharide kn-keyword=lipopolysaccharide en-keyword=radon inhalation kn-keyword=radon inhalation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=3541 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220827 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Dose-Dependent Effects of Amino Acids on Clinical Outcomes in Adult Medical Inpatients Receiving Only Parenteral Nutrition: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Japanese Medical Claims Database en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The majority of inpatients requiring parenteral nutrition (PN) do not receive adequate amino acid, which may negatively impact clinical outcomes. We investigated the influence of amino acid doses on clinical outcomes in medical adult inpatients fasting >10 days and receiving only PN, using Japanese medical claims database. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary endpoints included deterioration of activities of daily living (ADL), intravenous catheter infection, hospital readmission, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total medical costs. Patients were divided into four groups according to their mean prescribed daily amino acid doses from Days 4 to 10 of fasting: Adequate (>= 0.8 g/kg/day), Moderate (>= 0.6-<0.8 g/kg/day), Low (>= 0.4-<0.6 g/kg/day), and Very low (<0.4 g/kg/day). Multivariate logistic or multiple regression analyses were performed with adjustments for patient characteristics (total n = 86,702). The Adequate group was used as the reference in all analyses. For the Moderate, Low, and Very low groups, adjusted ORs (95% CI) of in-hospital mortality were 1.20 (1.14-1.26), 1.43 (1.36-1.51), and 1.72 (1.62-1.82), respectively, and for deterioration of ADL were 1.21 (1.11-1.32), 1.34 (1.22-1.47), and 1.22 (1.09-1.37), respectively. Adjusted regression coefficients (95% CI) of hospital LOS were 1.2 (0.4-2.1), 1.5 (0.6-2.4), and 2.9 (1.8-4.1), respectively. Lower prescribed doses of amino acids were associated with worse clinical outcomes including higher in-hospital mortality. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TakagiKosei en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Kosei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MurotaniKenta en-aut-sei=Murotani en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KamoshitaSatoru en-aut-sei=Kamoshita en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KurodaAkiyoshi en-aut-sei=Kuroda en-aut-mei=Akiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Biostatistics Center, Kurume University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Medical Affairs Department, Research and Development Center, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Research and Development Center, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. kn-affil= en-keyword=parenteral nutrition kn-keyword=parenteral nutrition en-keyword=amino acids kn-keyword=amino acids en-keyword=medical inpatient kn-keyword=medical inpatient en-keyword=clinical outcomes kn-keyword=clinical outcomes en-keyword=real-world data kn-keyword=real-world data END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=6436 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220826 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Design and Implementation of SEMAR IoT Server Platform with Applications en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, rapid developments of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have increased possibilities of realizing smart cities where collaborations and integrations of various IoT application systems are essential. However, IoT application systems have often been designed and deployed independently without considering the standards of devices, logics, and data communications. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of the IoT server platform called Smart Environmental Monitoring and Analytical in Real-Time (SEMAR) for integrating IoT application systems using standards. SEMAR offers Big Data environments with built-in functions for data aggregations, synchronizations, and classifications with machine learning. Moreover, plug-in functions can be easily implemented. Data from devices for different sensors can be accepted directly and through network connections, which will be used in real-time for user interfaces, text files, and access to other systems through Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API) services. For evaluations of SEMAR, we implemented the platform and integrated five IoT application systems, namely, the air-conditioning guidance system, the fingerprint-based indoor localization system, the water quality monitoring system, the environment monitoring system, and the air quality monitoring system. When compared with existing research on IoT platforms, the proposed SEMAR IoT application server platform offers higher flexibility and interoperability with the functions for IoT device managements, data communications, decision making, synchronizations, and filters that can be easily integrated with external programs or IoT applications without changing the codes. The results confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposal. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=PandumanYohanes Yohanie Fridelin en-aut-sei=Panduman en-aut-mei=Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=PuspitaningayuPradini en-aut-sei=Puspitaningayu en-aut-mei=Pradini kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukaridhotoSritrusta en-aut-sei=Sukaridhoto en-aut-mei=Sritrusta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KaoWen-Chung en-aut-sei=Kao en-aut-mei=Wen-Chung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Informatic and Computer, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University kn-affil= en-keyword=Internet of Things kn-keyword=Internet of Things en-keyword=server platform kn-keyword=server platform en-keyword=SEMAR kn-keyword=SEMAR en-keyword=IoT application system kn-keyword=IoT application system en-keyword=sensor kn-keyword=sensor en-keyword=MQTT kn-keyword=MQTT en-keyword=REST API kn-keyword=REST API END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=17 article-no= start-page=9782 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220829 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mutual Effects of Orexin and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins on Gonadotropin Expression by Mouse Gonadotrope Cells en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Orexin plays a key role in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness and in feeding behavior in the central nervous system, but its receptors are expressed in various peripheral tissues including endocrine tissues. In the present study, we elucidated the effects of orexin on pituitary gonadotropin regulation by focusing on the functional involvement of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and clock genes using mouse gonadotrope L beta T2 cells that express orexin type 1 (OX1R) and type 2 (OX2R) receptors. Treatments with orexin A enhanced LH beta and FSH beta mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner in the absence of GnRH, whereas orexin A in turn suppressed GnRH-induced gonadotropin expression in L beta T2 cells. Orexin A downregulated GnRH receptor expression, while GnRH enhanced OX1R and OX2R mRNA expression. Treatments with orexin A as well as GnRH increased the mRNA levels of Bmal1 and Clock, which are oscillational regulators for gonadotropin expression. Of note, treatments with BMP-6 and -15 enhanced OX1R and OX2R mRNA expression with upregulation of clock gene expression. On the other hand, orexin A enhanced BMP receptor signaling of Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation through upregulation of ALK-2/BMPRII among the BMP receptors expressed in L beta T2 cells. Collectively, the results indicate that orexin regulates gonadotropin expression via clock gene expression by mutually interacting with GnRH action and the pituitary BMP system in gonadotrope cells. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwataNahoko en-aut-sei=Iwata en-aut-mei=Nahoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakayamaNanako en-aut-sei=Nakayama en-aut-mei=Nanako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirataShinichi en-aut-sei=Hirata en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuyamaAtsuhito en-aut-sei=Suyama en-aut-mei=Atsuhito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OguniKohei en-aut-sei=Oguni en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NadaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Nada en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) kn-keyword=bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) en-keyword=clock kn-keyword=clock en-keyword=gonadotropin kn-keyword=gonadotropin en-keyword=orexin kn-keyword=orexin en-keyword=pituitary kn-keyword=pituitary END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1253 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220819 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Novel Lung Growth Strategy with Biological Therapy Targeting Airway Remodeling in Childhood Bronchial Asthma en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Anti-inflammatory therapy, centered on inhaled steroids, suppresses airway inflammation in asthma, reduces asthma mortality and hospitalization rates, and achieves clinical remission in many pediatric patients. However, the spontaneous remission rate of childhood asthma in adulthood is not high, and airway inflammation and airway remodeling persist after remission of asthma symptoms. Childhood asthma impairs normal lung maturation, interferes with peak lung function in adolescence, reduces lung function in adulthood, and increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Early suppression of airway inflammation in childhood and prevention of asthma exacerbations may improve lung maturation, leading to good lung function and prevention of adult COPD. Biological drugs that target T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines are used in patients with severe pediatric asthma to reduce exacerbations and airway inflammation and improve respiratory function. They may also suppress airway remodeling in childhood and prevent respiratory deterioration in adulthood, reducing the risk of COPD and improving long-term prognosis. No studies have demonstrated a suppressive effect on airway remodeling in childhood severe asthma, and further clinical trials using airway imaging analysis are needed to ascertain the inhibitory effect of biological drugs on airway remodeling in severe childhood asthma. In this review, we describe the natural prognosis of lung function in childhood asthma and the risk of developing adult COPD, the pathophysiology of allergic airway inflammation and airway remodeling via Th2 cytokines, and the inhibitory effect of biological drugs on airway remodeling in childhood asthma. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsugeMitsuru en-aut-sei=Tsuge en-aut-mei=Mitsuru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaMasanori en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Masanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsukaharaHirokazu en-aut-sei=Tsukahara en-aut-mei=Hirokazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Pediatric Acute Diseases, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Okayama University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=bronchial asthma kn-keyword=bronchial asthma en-keyword=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease kn-keyword=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease en-keyword=lung function trajectory kn-keyword=lung function trajectory en-keyword=type 2 inflammation kn-keyword=type 2 inflammation en-keyword=airway remodeling kn-keyword=airway remodeling en-keyword=omalizumab kn-keyword=omalizumab en-keyword=mepolizumab kn-keyword=mepolizumab en-keyword=benralizumab kn-keyword=benralizumab en-keyword=dupilumab kn-keyword=dupilumab END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=16 article-no= start-page=4879 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220819 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association between Immediate Postoperative Radiographic Findings and Failed Internal Fixation for Trochanteric Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Failed internal fixations for trochanteric fractures have a strong negative impact owing to increased postoperative mortality and high medical costs. However, evidence on the prognostic value of postoperative radiographic findings for failed internal fixations is limited. We aimed to clarify the association between comprehensive immediate postoperative radiographic findings and failed internal fixation using relative and absolute risk measures. We followed the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines and the Cochrane handbook. We searched specific databases in November 2021. The outcomes of interest were failed internal fixation and cut-out. We pooled the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using a random-effects model and calculated the number needed to harm for each outcome. Thirty-six studies involving 8938 patients were included. The certainty of evidence in the association between postoperative radiographic findings and failed internal fixation or cut-out was mainly low or very low except for the association between intramedullary malreduction on the anteromedial cortex and failed internal fixation. Moderate certainty of evidence supported that intramedullary malreduction on the anteromedial cortex was associated with failed internal fixation. Most postoperative radiographic findings on immediate postoperative radiographs for trochanteric fractures were uncertain as prognostic factors for failed internal fixations. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujimotoYasushi en-aut-sei=Tsujimoto en-aut-mei=Yasushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YokooSuguru en-aut-sei=Yokoo en-aut-mei=Suguru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=DemiyaKoji en-aut-sei=Demiya en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=InoueMadoka en-aut-sei=Inoue en-aut-mei=Madoka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NodaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Noda en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Scientific Research Works Peer Support Group (SRWS-PSG) kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=trochanteric fracture kn-keyword=trochanteric fracture en-keyword=intertrochanteric fracture kn-keyword=intertrochanteric fracture en-keyword=pertrochanteric fracture kn-keyword=pertrochanteric fracture en-keyword=reduction kn-keyword=reduction en-keyword=tip-apex distance kn-keyword=tip-apex distance en-keyword=mechanical failure kn-keyword=mechanical failure en-keyword=fixation failure kn-keyword=fixation failure en-keyword=cut-out kn-keyword=cut-out en-keyword=systematic review kn-keyword=systematic review en-keyword=meta-analysis kn-keyword=meta-analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1117 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220814 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Edaravone Attenuated Angiotensin II-Induced Atherosclerosis and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: The aim of the study was to define whether edaravone, a free-radical scavenger, influenced angiotensin II (AngII)-induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) formation. Methods: Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (8-12 weeks old) were fed with a normal diet for 5 weeks. Either edaravone (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally for 5 weeks. After 1 week of injections, mice were infused subcutaneously with either AngII (1000 ng/kg/min, n = 16-17 per group) or saline (n = 5 per group) by osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks. Results: AngII increased systolic blood pressure equivalently in mice administered with either edaravone or saline. Edaravone had no effect on plasma total cholesterol concentrations and body weights. AngII infusion significantly increased ex vivo maximal diameters of abdominal aortas and en face atherosclerosis but was significantly attenuated by edaravone administration. Edaravone also reduced the incidence of AngII-induced AAAs. In addition, edaravone diminished AngII-induced aortic MMP-2 activation. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that edaravone ameliorated mRNA abundance of aortic MCP-1 and IL-1 beta. Immunostaining demonstrated that edaravone attenuated oxidative stress and macrophage accumulation in the aorta. Furthermore, edaravone administration suppressed thioglycolate-induced mice peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) accumulation and mRNA abundance of MCP-1 in MPMs in male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. In vitro, edaravone reduced LPS-induced mRNA abundance of MCP-1 in MPMs. Conclusions: Edaravone attenuated AngII-induced AAAs and atherosclerosis in male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice via anti-oxidative action and anti-inflammatory effect. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakatsukaTetsuharu en-aut-sei=Takatsuka en-aut-mei=Tetsuharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HadaYoshiko en-aut-sei=Hada en-aut-mei=Yoshiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmebayashiRyoko en-aut-sei=Umebayashi en-aut-mei=Ryoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakeuchiHidemi en-aut-sei=Takeuchi en-aut-mei=Hidemi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShikataKenichi en-aut-sei=Shikata en-aut-mei=Kenichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SubramanianVenkateswaran en-aut-sei=Subramanian en-aut-mei=Venkateswaran kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=DaughertyAlan en-aut-sei=Daugherty en-aut-mei=Alan kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=edaravone kn-keyword=edaravone en-keyword=angiotensin II kn-keyword=angiotensin II en-keyword=abdominal aortic aneurysm kn-keyword=abdominal aortic aneurysm en-keyword=atherosclerosis kn-keyword=atherosclerosis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=16 article-no= start-page=9065 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220813 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cilostazol Attenuates AngII-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in apoE Deficient Mice en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix in the myocardium and is an integral component of most pathological cardiac conditions. Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type III with anti-platelet, anti-mitogenic, and vasodilating properties, is widely used to treat the ischemic symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. Here, we investigated whether cilostazol has a protective effect against Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiac fibrosis. Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed either a normal diet or a diet containing cilostazol (0.1% wt/wt). After 1 week of diet consumption, the mice were infused with saline or AngII (1000 ng kg(-1) min(-1)) for 28 days. AngII infusion increased heart/body weight ratio (p < 0.05), perivascular fibrosis (p < 0.05), and interstitial cardiac fibrosis (p < 0.0001), but were significantly attenuated by cilostazol treatment (p < 0.05, respectively). Cilostazol also reduced AngII-induced increases in fibrotic and inflammatory gene expression (p < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, cilostazol attenuated both protein and mRNA abundance of osteopontin induced by AngII in vivo. In cultured human cardiac myocytes, cilostazol reduced mRNA expression of AngII-induced osteopontin in dose-dependent manner. This reduction was mimicked by forskolin treatment but was cancelled by co-treatment of H-89. Cilostazol attenuates AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice through activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HadaYoshiko en-aut-sei=Hada en-aut-mei=Yoshiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UchidaHaruhito A. en-aut-sei=Uchida en-aut-mei=Haruhito A. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=UmebayashiRyoko en-aut-sei=Umebayashi en-aut-mei=Ryoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaMasashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaJun en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Jun kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=cilostazol kn-keyword=cilostazol en-keyword=angiotensin II kn-keyword=angiotensin II en-keyword=fibrosis kn-keyword=fibrosis en-keyword=osteopontin kn-keyword=osteopontin en-keyword=cAMP-PKA kn-keyword=cAMP-PKA END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1722 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220804 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Transfectable Fusagravirus from a Japanese Strain of Cryphonectria carpinicola with Spherical Particles en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A novel dsRNA virus (Cryphonectria carpinicola fusagravirus 1, CcFGV1), isolated from a Japanese strain (JS13) of Cryphonectria carpinicola, was thoroughly characterized. The biological comparison of a set of isogenic CcFGV1-infected and -free (JS13VF) strains indicated asymptomatic infection by CcFGV1. The sequence analysis showed that the virus has a two open reading frame (ORF) genome of 9.6 kbp with the RNA-directed RNA polymerase domain encoded by ORF2. The N-terminal sequencing and peptide mass fingerprinting showed an N-terminally processed or degraded product (150 kDa) of the 5'-proximal ORF1-encoded protein (1462 amino acids) to make up the CcFGV1 spherical particles of similar to 40 nm in diameter. Interestingly, a portion of CcFGV1 dsRNA co-fractionated with a host protein of 70 kDa. The purified CcFGV1 particles were used to transfect protoplasts of JS13VF as well as the standard strain of an experimental model filamentous fungal host Cryphonectria parasitica. CcFGV1 was confirmed to be associated with asymptomatic infection of both fungi. RNA silencing was shown to target the virus in C. parasitica, resulting in reduced CcFGV1 accumulation by comparing the CcFGV1 content between RNA silencing-competent and -deficient strains. These results indicate the transfectability of spherical particles of a fusagravirus associated with asymptomatic infection. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=DasSubha en-aut-sei=Das en-aut-mei=Subha kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HisanoSakae en-aut-sei=Hisano en-aut-mei=Sakae kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=Eusebio-CopeAna en-aut-sei=Eusebio-Cope en-aut-mei=Ana kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoHideki en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Hideki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiNobuhiro en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Nobuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Cryphonectria carpinicola kn-keyword=Cryphonectria carpinicola en-keyword=Cryphonectria parasitica kn-keyword=Cryphonectria parasitica en-keyword=fusagravirus kn-keyword=fusagravirus en-keyword=fungal virus kn-keyword=fungal virus en-keyword=dsRNA kn-keyword=dsRNA en-keyword=spherical virion kn-keyword=spherical virion en-keyword=transfection kn-keyword=transfection END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1195 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220722 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Robotic Mediastinal Tumor Resections: Position and Port Placement en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This study aimed to determine the optimal position and port placement during robotic resection for various mediastinal tumors. For anterior mediastinal tumors, total or extended thymectomy is commonly performed in the supine position using the lateral or subxiphoid approach. Although it is unclear which approach is better during robotic thymectomy, technical advantages of subxiphoid approach are beneficial for patients with myasthenia who require extended thymectomy. Partial thymectomy is performed in the supine position using a lateral approach. Superior, middle, and posterior mediastinal tumors are resected in the decubitus position using the lateral approach, whereas dumbbell tumor resection, which requires a posterior approach, can be performed in the prone position. The position and port placement should be chosen depending on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor. In this study, we describe how to choose which of these different robotic approaches can be used based on our experience and previous reports. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkazakiMikio en-aut-sei=Okazaki en-aut-mei=Mikio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShienKazuhiko en-aut-sei=Shien en-aut-mei=Kazuhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzawaKen en-aut-sei=Suzawa en-aut-mei=Ken kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoSeiichiro en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Seiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ToyookaShinichi en-aut-sei=Toyooka en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science kn-affil= en-keyword=robot kn-keyword=robot en-keyword=robot-assisted thoracic surgery kn-keyword=robot-assisted thoracic surgery en-keyword=mediastinal tumor kn-keyword=mediastinal tumor en-keyword=thymectomy kn-keyword=thymectomy en-keyword=port placement kn-keyword=port placement END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=1352 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220820 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Optimization of Microchannels and Application of Basic Activation Functions of Deep Neural Network for Accuracy Analysis of Microfluidic Parameter Data en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The fabrication of microflow channels with high accuracy in terms of the optimization of the proposed designs, minimization of surface roughness, and flow control of microfluidic parameters is challenging when evaluating the performance of microfluidic systems. The use of conventional input devices, such as peristaltic pumps and digital pressure pumps, to evaluate the flow control of such parameters cannot confirm a wide range of data analysis with higher accuracy because of their operational drawbacks. In this study, we optimized the circular and rectangular-shaped microflow channels of a 100 mu m microfluidic chip using a three-dimensional simulation tool, and analyzed concentration profiles of different regions of the microflow channels. Then, we applied a deep learning (DL) algorithm for the dense layers of the rectified linear unit (ReLU), Leaky ReLU, and Swish activation functions to train and test 1600 experimental and interpolation of data samples which obtained from the microfluidic chip. Moreover, using the same DL algorithm, we configured three models for each of these three functions by changing the internal middle layers of these models. As a result, we obtained a total of 9 average accuracy values of ReLU, Leaky ReLU, and Swish functions for a defined threshold value of 6 x 10(-5) using the trial-and-error method. We applied single-to-five-fold cross-validation technique of deep neural network to avoid overfitting and reduce noises from data-set to evaluate better average accuracy of data of microfluidic parameters. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=AhmedFeroz en-aut-sei=Ahmed en-aut-mei=Feroz kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuMasashi en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WangJin en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiKenji en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiwaToshihiko en-aut-sei=Kiwa en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Department of Medical Bioengineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Department of Medical Bioengineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Department of Medical Bioengineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Department of Medical Bioengineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Department of Medical Bioengineering, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=microfluidics kn-keyword=microfluidics en-keyword=fluid dynamics kn-keyword=fluid dynamics en-keyword=3D simulation kn-keyword=3D simulation en-keyword=ReLU dense layers kn-keyword=ReLU dense layers en-keyword=Leaky ReLU kn-keyword=Leaky ReLU en-keyword=swish activation functions kn-keyword=swish activation functions en-keyword=deep learning model kn-keyword=deep learning model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=9489 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220802 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Relationship between Psychological Stress Determined by Voice Analysis and Periodontal Status: A Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In modern society, evaluation and management of psychological stress may be important for the prevention of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological stress (vitality and mental activity) evaluated by Mind Monitoring System (MIMOSYS) and periodontal status. Forty students of Okayama University underwent the oral examination and self-reported questionnaire on the first day (baseline) and the 14th day (follow-up). Voice recording was performed every day with the MIMOSYS app during the whole study period. The participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and at follow-up. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to determine the significance of correlations among variables. The PHQ-9 and BDI scores were negatively correlated with vitality in the morning. Change in vitality in the morning was significantly correlated with changes in periodontal inflammation. Mental activity was significantly correlated with change in mean probing pocket depth. This result shows that measurement of psychological stress using a voice-based tool to assess mental health may contribute to the early detection of periodontal disease. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MaruyamaTakayuki en-aut-sei=Maruyama en-aut-mei=Takayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HiguchiMasakazu en-aut-sei=Higuchi en-aut-mei=Masakazu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakayamaEiji en-aut-sei=Takayama en-aut-mei=Eiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokunoShinichi en-aut-sei=Tokuno en-aut-mei=Shinichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral Biochemistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=periodontitis kn-keyword=periodontitis en-keyword=psychological stress kn-keyword=psychological stress en-keyword=voice analysis kn-keyword=voice analysis en-keyword=prospective cohort study kn-keyword=prospective cohort study END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=8592 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220802 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Fibroblast Growth Factors and Cellular Communication Network Factors: Intimate Interplay by the Founding Members in Cartilage en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) constitute a large family of signaling molecules that act in an autocrine/paracrine, endocrine, or intracrine manner, whereas the cellular communication network factors (CCN) family is composed of six members that manipulate extracellular signaling networks. FGFs and CCNs are structurally and functionally distinct, except for the common characteristics as matricellular proteins. Both play significant roles in the development of a variety of tissues and organs, including the skeletal system. In vertebrates, most of the skeletal parts are formed and grow through a process designated endochondral ossification, in which chondrocytes play the central role. The growth plate cartilage is the place where endochondral ossification occurs, and articular cartilage is left to support the locomotive function of joints. Several FGFs, including FGF-2, one of the founding members of this family, and all of the CCNs represented by CCN2, which is required for proper skeletal development, can be found therein. Research over a decade has revealed direct binding of CCN2 to FGFs and FGF receptors (FGFRs), which occasionally affect the biological outcome via FGF signaling. Moreover, a recent study uncovered an integrated regulation of FGF and CCN genes by FGF signaling. In this review, after a brief introduction of these two families, molecular and genetic interactions between CCN and FGF family members in cartilage, and their biological effects, are summarized. The molecular interplay represents the mutual involvement of the other in their molecular functions, leading to collaboration between CCN2 and FGFs during skeletal development. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KubotaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AoyamaEriko en-aut-sei=Aoyama en-aut-mei=Eriko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakigawaMasaharu en-aut-sei=Takigawa en-aut-mei=Masaharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=fibroblast growth factor kn-keyword=fibroblast growth factor en-keyword=cellular communication network factor kn-keyword=cellular communication network factor en-keyword=cartilage kn-keyword=cartilage en-keyword=skeletal development kn-keyword=skeletal development en-keyword=CCN2 kn-keyword=CCN2 END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=15 article-no= start-page=9582 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220804 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=University-Industry Technology Transfer: Empirical Findings from Chinese Industrial Firms en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The knowledge and innovation generated by researchers at universities is transferred to industries through patent licensing, leading to the commercialization of academic output. In order to investigate the development of Chinese university-industry technology transfer and whether this kind of collaboration may affect a firm's innovation output, we collected approximately 6400 license contracts made between more than 4000 Chinese firms and 300 Chinese universities for the period between 2009 and 2014. This is the first study on Chinese university-industry knowledge transfer using a bipartite social network analysis (SNA) method, which emphasizes centrality estimates. We are able to investigate empirically how patent license transfer behavior may affect each firm's innovative output by allocating a centrality score to each firm in the university-firm technology transfer network. We elucidate the academic-industry knowledge by visualizing flow patterns for different regions with the SNA tool, Gephi. We find that innovation capabilities, R&D resources, and technology transfer performance all vary across China, and that patent licensing networks present clear small-world phenomena. We also highlight the Bipartite Graph Reinforcement Model (BGRM) and BiRank centrality in the bipartite network. Our empirical results reveal that firms with high BGRM and BiRank centrality scores, long history, and fewer employees have greater innovative output. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=JiangJiaming en-aut-sei=Jiang en-aut-mei=Jiaming kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ZhaoYu en-aut-sei=Zhao en-aut-mei=Yu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FengJunshi en-aut-sei=Feng en-aut-mei=Junshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=School of Management, Department of Management, Tokyo University of Science kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=collaborative networks kn-keyword=collaborative networks en-keyword=technology transfer kn-keyword=technology transfer en-keyword=China kn-keyword=China en-keyword=university-firm collaboration kn-keyword=university-firm collaboration en-keyword=social network analysis kn-keyword=social network analysis en-keyword=economic policy kn-keyword=economic policy en-keyword=economic statistics kn-keyword=economic statistics END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=2095 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2021 dt-pub=20211113 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of Vibrio cholerae O1: An Updated Meta-Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The rapid diagnosis of cholera contributes to adequate outbreak management. This meta-analysis assesses the diagnostic accuracy of cholera rapid tests (RDTs) to detect Vibrio cholerae O1. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched four databases (Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science up to 8 September 2021) for studies that evaluated cholera RDTs for the detection of V. cholerae O1 compared with either stool culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We assessed the studies' quality using the QUADAS-2 criteria. In addition, in this update, GRADE approach was used to rate the overall certainty of the evidence. We performed a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity of cholera RDTs. Results: Overall, 20 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Studies were from Africa (n = 11), Asia (n = 7), and America (Haiti; n = 2). They evaluated eight RDTs (Crystal VC-O1, Crystal VC, Cholkit, Institut Pasteur cholera dipstick, SD Bioline, Artron, Cholera Smart O1, and Smart II Cholera O1). Using direct specimen testing, sensitivity and specificity of RDTs were 90% (95% CI, 86 to 93) and 86% (95% CI, 81 to 90), respectively. Cholera Sensitivity was higher in studies conducted in Africa [92% (95% CI, 89 to 94)] compared with Asia [82% (95% CI, 77 to 87)]. However, specificity [83% (95% CI, 71 to 91)] was lower in Africa compared with Asia [90% (95% CI, 84 to 94)]. GRADE quality of evidence was estimated as moderate. Conclusions: Against culture or PCR, current cholera RDTs have moderate sensitivity and specificity for detecting Vibrio cholerae O1. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MuzemboBasilua Andre en-aut-sei=Muzembo en-aut-mei=Basilua Andre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitaharaKei en-aut-sei=Kitahara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhnoAyumu en-aut-sei=Ohno en-aut-mei=Ayumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=DebnathAnusuya en-aut-sei=Debnath en-aut-mei=Anusuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoKeinosuke en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Keinosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiShin-Ichi en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Shin-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=rapid test kn-keyword=rapid test en-keyword=cholera kn-keyword=cholera en-keyword=Vibrio cholera O1 kn-keyword=Vibrio cholera O1 en-keyword=sensitivity kn-keyword=sensitivity en-keyword=specificity kn-keyword=specificity en-keyword=accuracy kn-keyword=accuracy en-keyword=update kn-keyword=update END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=850 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220625 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Clinical Characteristics of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Diagnosed in Patients with Long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objectives: COVID-19 can be serious not only in the acute phase but also after the acute phase and some patients develop ME/CFS. There have been few studies on patients with long COVID in whom ME/CFS was diagnosed by physicians based on standardized criteria after examinations and exclusion diagnosis and not based on only subjective symptoms. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the detailed characteristics of ME/CFS in patients with long COVID. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed for patients who visited a COVID-19 aftercare clinic established in Okayama University Hospital during the period was from February 2021 to April 2022. Results: Clinical data were obtained from medical records for 281 patients, and 279 patients who met the definition of long COVID were included. The overall prevalence rate of ME/CFS diagnosed by three sets of ME/CFS criteria (Fukuda, Canadian and IOM criteria) was 16.8% (48.9% in male and 51.1% in females). The most frequent symptoms in ME/CFS patients were general fatigue and post-exertional malaise (89.4% of the patients), headache (34.0%), insomnia (23.4%), dysosmia (21.3%) and dysgeusia (19.1%). Dizziness, chest pain, insomnia and headache were characteristic symptoms related to ME/CFS. The male to female ratio in ME/CFS patients was equal in the present study, although ME/CFS was generally more common in women in previous studies. Given that patients with ME/CFS had more severe conditions in the acute phase of COVID-19, the severity of the acute infectious state might be involved in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of ME/CFS and the characteristic sequelae in the long COVID condition were revealed in this study. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoKoichiro en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Koichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoYukichika en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Yukichika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaHitomi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=general fatigue kn-keyword=general fatigue en-keyword=post-exertional malaise kn-keyword=post-exertional malaise en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis kn-keyword=myalgic encephalomyelitis en-keyword=chronic fatigue syndrome kn-keyword=chronic fatigue syndrome en-keyword=post COVID-19 condition kn-keyword=post COVID-19 condition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=7856 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220716 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Muscle Fiber Composition Changes after Selective Nerve Innervation en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Facial nerve paralysis interferes with mimetic muscle function. To reconstruct natural facial movement, free muscle flaps are transplanted as new muscles. However, it is difficult to maintain resting tonus. A dual innervation technique in which other nerves such as the hypoglossal nerve or contralateral facial nerve are added is often applied. Using 10-week-old rats (n = 10), the masseteric and hypoglossal nerves were cut, and the distal stump of the masseteric nerve and the proximal stump of the hypoglossal nerve were then sutured (suture group). In the other group, the masseteric nerve was cut and cauterized (cut group). Immunohistochemistry and microarray were performed on the extracted masseter muscle. The immunohistochemistry results suggested that the muscles in the suture group obtained oxidative characteristics. The microarray showed the genes involved in mitochondrial function, including Perm1. In summary, our data support the validity of the dualinnervation technique for facial paralysis treatment. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WatanabeShiho en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Shiho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OchiaiHiroko en-aut-sei=Ochiai en-aut-mei=Hiroko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakumaHisashi en-aut-sei=Sakuma en-aut-mei=Hisashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoriTaisuke en-aut-sei=Mori en-aut-mei=Taisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YazawaMasaki en-aut-sei=Yazawa en-aut-mei=Masaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkaAiko en-aut-sei=Oka en-aut-mei=Aiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KishiKazuo en-aut-sei=Kishi en-aut-mei=Kazuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Hearing and Balance Disorder, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Hearing and Balance Disorder, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine kn-affil= en-keyword=muscle fiber type kn-keyword=muscle fiber type en-keyword=facial paralysis kn-keyword=facial paralysis en-keyword=dualinnervation kn-keyword=dualinnervation en-keyword=masseter muscle kn-keyword=masseter muscle END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1332 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220718 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Incidence and Risk of Anti-Resorptive Agent-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw after Tooth Extraction: A Retrospective Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Bone-modifying agents (BMA) such as bisphosphonates and denosumab are frequently used for the treatment of bone metastases, osteoporosis, and multiple myeloma. BMA may lead to anti-resorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ). This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for and probabilities of developing ARONJ after tooth extraction in patients undergoing BMA therapy. In this study, the records of 505 target sites of 302 patients undergoing BMA who presented with mandibular fractures at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, from March 2014 to January 2022, were retrospectively analyzed for the onset of ARONJ after tooth extraction. The following variables were investigated as attributes: anatomy, health status, and dental treatment. The correlation coefficient was calculated for the success or failure of endodontic surgery for each variable, the odds ratio was calculated for the upper variable, and the factors related to the onset of ARONJ were identified. The incidence rate of ARONJ was found to be 3.2%. Hypoparathyroidism was an important factor associated with ARONJ development. Thus, systemic factors are more strongly related to the onset of ARONJ after tooth extraction than local factors. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=ShimizuRieko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Rieko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukegawaShintaro en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukegawaYuka en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKazuaki en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kazuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoSawako en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Sawako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraTomoya en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Tomoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaAyaka en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Furuki en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=anti-resorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw kn-keyword=anti-resorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw en-keyword=bisphosphonate kn-keyword=bisphosphonate en-keyword=denosumab kn-keyword=denosumab en-keyword=retrospective study kn-keyword=retrospective study en-keyword=risk factor kn-keyword=risk factor en-keyword=tooth extraction kn-keyword=tooth extraction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1348 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220720 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=The Effectiveness of Pre-Operative Screening Tests in Determining Viral Infections in Patients Undergoing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We analyzed the rate of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection diagnosed by pre-operative screening and estimated its cost. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent elective surgery at our maxillofacial surgery department between April 2014 and March 2022. We compared the number of patients with each infection identified by pre-operative screening and a pre-operative questionnaire. We also compared the prevalence of infections with varying age, sex, and oral diseases, and calculated the cost of screening per positive result. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 0.39% (62/15,842), 0.76% (153/15,839), and 0.07% (10/12,745), respectively. The self-reported rates were as follows: HBV, 63.4% (26/41); HCV, 50.4% (62/123); HIV, 87.5% (7/8). Differences in sex were statistically significant for all infectious diseases; age significantly affected HBV and HCV rates. There was no association between the odds ratio of oral disease and viral infections. The cost per positive result was $1873.8, $905.8, and $11,895.3 for HBV, HCV, and HIV, respectively. Although self-assessment using questionnaires is partially effective, it has inadequate screening accuracy. Formulating an auxiliary diagnosis of infectious diseases with oral diseases was challenging. The cost determined was useful for hepatitis, but not HIV. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SukegawaShintaro en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukegawaYuka en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKazuaki en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kazuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoSawako en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Sawako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraTomoya en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Tomoya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisawaAyaka en-aut-sei=Fujisawa en-aut-mei=Ayaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MukainakaYumika en-aut-sei=Mukainaka en-aut-mei=Yumika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Furuki en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil= Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil= Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil= Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=hepatitis B kn-keyword=hepatitis B en-keyword=hepatitis C kn-keyword=hepatitis C en-keyword=human immunodeficiency virus kn-keyword=human immunodeficiency virus en-keyword=pre-operative examination kn-keyword=pre-operative examination END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=5080 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=202207 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Heartbeat Classifier for Continuous Prediction Using a Wearable Device en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Heartbeat monitoring may play an essential role in the early detection of cardiovascular disease. When using a traditional monitoring system, an abnormal heartbeat may not appear during a recording in a healthcare facility due to the limited time. Thus, continuous and long-term monitoring is needed. Moreover, the conventional equipment may not be portable and cannot be used at arbitrary times and locations. A wearable sensor device such as Polar H10 offers the same capability as an alternative. It has gold-standard heartbeat recording and communication ability but still lacks analytical processing of the recorded data. An automatic heartbeat classification system can play as an analyzer and is still an open problem in the development stage. This paper proposes a heartbeat classifier based on RR interval data for real-time and continuous heartbeat monitoring using the Polar H10 wearable device. Several machine learning and deep learning methods were used to train the classifier. In the training process, we also compare intra-patient and inter-patient paradigms on the original and oversampling datasets to achieve higher classification accuracy and the fastest computation speed. As a result, with a constrain in RR interval data as the feature, the random forest-based classifier implemented in the system achieved up to 99.67% for accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. We are also conducting experiments involving healthy people to evaluate the classifier in a real-time monitoring system. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=PramukantoroEko Sakti en-aut-sei=Pramukantoro en-aut-mei=Eko Sakti kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=GofukuAkio en-aut-sei=Gofuku en-aut-mei=Akio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=heartbeats kn-keyword=heartbeats en-keyword=machine learning kn-keyword=machine learning en-keyword=deep learning kn-keyword=deep learning en-keyword=wearable sensor kn-keyword=wearable sensor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=4909 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220629 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Business-to-Business Collaboration System That Promotes Data Utilization While Encrypting Information on the Blockchain en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Ensuring the reliability of data gathering from every connected device is an essential issue for promoting the advancement of the next paradigm shift, i.e., Industry 4.0. Blockchain technology is becoming recognized as an advanced tool. However, data collaboration using blockchain has not progressed sufficiently among companies in the industrial supply chain (SC) that handle sensitive data, such as those related to product quality, etc. There are two reasons why data utilization is not sufficiently advanced in the industrial SC. The first is that manufacturing information is top secret. Blockchain mechanisms, such as Bitcoin, which uses PKI, require plaintext to be shared between companies to verify the identity of the company that sent the data. Another is that the merits of data collaboration between companies have not been materialized. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a business-to-business collaboration system using homomorphic encryption and blockchain techniques. Using the proposed system, each company can exchange encrypted confidential information and utilize the data for its own business. In a trial, an equipment manufacturer was able to identify the quality change caused by a decrease in equipment performance as a cryptographic value from blockchain and to identify the change one month earlier without knowing the quality value. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NasuHiroaki en-aut-sei=Nasu en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KoderaYuta en-aut-sei=Kodera en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NogamiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Nogami en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=business-to-business data collaboration kn-keyword=business-to-business data collaboration en-keyword=industrial supply chain kn-keyword=industrial supply chain en-keyword=blockchain kn-keyword=blockchain en-keyword=homomorphic encryption kn-keyword=homomorphic encryption END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=13 article-no= start-page=1980 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220621 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Backwater Effect of Clogging of Aquatic Plants at Fine-Particle Screens on Inland Flooding in Okayama en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=In low-lying Okayama city, Japan, the heavy rainfall frequency and intensity have recently increased, subjecting the city to inland flooding. Another factor increasing the inland flooding risk is fine-particle screen clogging by aquatic plants at drainage pump stations, which obstructs drainage and causes backwater. In this study, water level simulations were conducted in drainage pump station channels to clarify the inland flooding risks with and without aquatic plant clogging-induced backwater at fine-particle screens. In the Urayasu West Drainage Pump Station channels, without backwater, no inland flooding occurred under an initial water level of 70% of the channel depth and a 40 m(3)/s discharge. However, when backwater deeper than 0.2 m occurred under the same conditions, inland flooding occurred, indicating an increased inland flooding risk associated with backwater. Additionally, we conducted an aquatic plant distribution survey in the main Okayama city channels and proposed six priority control sections based on sections with thriving aquatic plants. Although no previous inland flooding studies have considered aquatic plant clogging-induced backwater at fine-particle screens, aquatic plants cause clogging problems and drainage obstructions at water control facilities worldwide. Therefore, this study reveals the importance of conducting water level simulations and distribution surveys in areas other than Okayama city. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=InabaTakumi en-aut-sei=Inaba en-aut-mei=Takumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujimotoKumiko en-aut-sei=Tsujimoto en-aut-mei=Kumiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaYoshitaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Yoshitaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=fragments of aquatic plants kn-keyword=fragments of aquatic plants en-keyword=fine-particle screens kn-keyword=fine-particle screens en-keyword=inland flooding kn-keyword=inland flooding END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=14 article-no= start-page=8655 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=2022716 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Photorefraction with Spot Vision Screener versus Visual Acuity Testing as Community-Based Preschool Vision Screening at the Age of 3.5 Years in Japan en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nationwide in Japan, a community-based vision-screening program in 3.5-year-old children is conducted in three steps: questionnaires and home visual acuity testing as the primary screening; visual acuity testing by nurses and pediatricians’ inspection in community health centers as the secondary screening; and examinations by ophthalmologists as the tertiary screening. In this study, we introduced photorefraction with a Spot vision screener in addition to visual acuity testing to answer the clinical question of whether photorefraction could better detect eye diseases and potentially replace visual acuity testing. Photorefraction was performed on 813 consecutive 3.5-year-old children in a center. The children were sent to tertiary examinations, which were based on the Spot vision screener standard, in addition to the visual acuity testing standard: failure in either eye to pass 0.5 visual acuity in a center. A notice to visit ophthalmologists was issued for 95 children (11%), and documents with the diagnosis were sent back to the Heath Office for 76 children (80%). The rate of children with anisometropic or ametropic amblyopia or accommodative esotropia as treatment-requiring diseases was highest in cases of no pass at both standards (10/15 = 66%), and higher in cases of no pass only at the Spot vision screener standard (13/45 = 28%), compared with cases of no pass only at the visual acuity testing standard (6/33 = 18%, p = 0.0031). Photorefraction, in addition to visual acuity testing and inspection led to additional eye diseases detection at 3.5 years. Visual acuity testing at home would not be omitted in the introduction of photorefraction. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MatsuoToshihiko en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoChie en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Chie kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KayanoMasami en-aut-sei=Kayano en-aut-mei=Masami kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsufujiAya en-aut-sei=Mitsufuji en-aut-mei=Aya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatouChiyori en-aut-sei=Satou en-aut-mei=Chiyori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuokaHiroaki en-aut-sei=Matsuoka en-aut-mei=Hiroaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Okayama City Government Health Office kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Okayama City Government Health Office kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Okayama City Government Health Office kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Okayama City Government Health Office kn-affil= en-keyword=strabismus kn-keyword=strabismus en-keyword=amblyopia kn-keyword=amblyopia en-keyword=refractive error kn-keyword=refractive error en-keyword=photorefraction kn-keyword=photorefraction en-keyword=preschool vision-screening program kn-keyword=preschool vision-screening program en-keyword=Spot vision screener kn-keyword=Spot vision screener en-keyword=visual acuity test kn-keyword=visual acuity test en-keyword=3.5-year-old children kn-keyword=3.5-year-old children en-keyword=community health center kn-keyword=community health center en-keyword=nurse kn-keyword=nurse END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=27 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=3917 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220618 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Rational Design of Peptides Derived from Odorant-Binding Proteins for SARS-CoV-2-Related Volatile Organic Compounds Recognition en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Peptides are promising molecular-binding elements and have attracted great interest in novel biosensor development. In this study, a series of peptides derived from odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) were rationally designed for recognition of SARS-CoV-2-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ethanol, nonanal, benzaldehyde, acetic acid, and acetone were selected as representative VOCs in the exhaled breath during the COVID-19 infection. Computational docking and prediction tools were utilized for OBPs peptide characterization and analysis. Multiple parameters, including the docking model, binding affinity, sequence specification, and structural folding, were investigated. The results demonstrated a rational, rapid, and efficient approach for designing breath-borne VOC-recognition peptides, which could further improve the biosensor performance for pioneering COVID-19 screening and many other applications. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=WangJin en-aut-sei=Wang en-aut-mei=Jin kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakaiKenji en-aut-sei=Sakai en-aut-mei=Kenji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KiwaToshihiko en-aut-sei=Kiwa en-aut-mei=Toshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=rational design kn-keyword=rational design en-keyword=odorant-binding protein kn-keyword=odorant-binding protein en-keyword=peptide kn-keyword=peptide en-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 kn-keyword=SARS-CoV-2 en-keyword=volatile organic compounds kn-keyword=volatile organic compounds en-keyword=computational tools kn-keyword=computational tools END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=730 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220528 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Application of Kampo Medicines for Treatment of General Fatigue Due to Long COVID en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Evidence regarding treatment for the acute phase of COVID-19 has been accumulating, but specific treatment for long COVID/post-COVID-19 condition has not yet been established. Treatment with herbal medicine might be one treatment option for long COVID, but there has been little research on the effectiveness of herbal medicine for long COVID. The aim of this study was to clarify the prescription patterns of Kampo medicines, which are herbal medicines that originated in China and were developed in Japan, for the treatment of general fatigue due to long COVID. A retrospective descriptive study was performed for patients who visited a COVID-19 aftercare clinic established in Okayama University Hospital during the period from Feb 2021 to Dec 2021 with a focus on symptoms accompanying general fatigue and prescriptions of Kampo medicine. Among the clinical data obtained from medical records of 195 patients, clinical data for 102 patients with general fatigue and accompanying symptoms were analyzed. The patients had various symptoms, and the most frequent symptoms accompanying general fatigue were dysosmia, dysgeusia, headache, insomnia, dyspnea, and hair loss. Prescriptions of Kampo medicine accounted for 24.1% of the total prescriptions (n = 609). The most frequently prescribed Kampo medicine was hochuekkito (71.6%) and other prescribed Kampo medicines were tokishakuyakusan, ryokeijutsukanto, juzentaihoto, hangekobokuto, kakkonto, ninjin'yoeito, goreisan, rikkunshito, and keishibukuryogan. Since the pathophysiology of general fatigue after an infectious disease is, in general, considered a qi deficiency in Kampo medicine, treatments with such compensation agents can be the major prescription as a complement for the qi. In conclusion, Kampo medicine can be one of the main pharmacological treatments for long COVID accompanying general fatigue. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsudaYui en-aut-sei=Matsuda en-aut-mei=Yui kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaToru en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObikaMikako en-aut-sei=Obika en-aut-mei=Mikako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaHitomi en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Hitomi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=general fatigue kn-keyword=general fatigue en-keyword=herbal medicine kn-keyword=herbal medicine en-keyword=Kampo medicine kn-keyword=Kampo medicine en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=8 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=152 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220526 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Coded DNN Watermark: Robustness against Pruning Models Using Constant Weight Code en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Deep Neural Network (DNN) watermarking techniques are increasingly being used to protect the intellectual property of DNN models. Basically, DNN watermarking is a technique to insert side information into the DNN model without significantly degrading the performance of its original task. A pruning attack is a threat to DNN watermarking, wherein the less important neurons in the model are pruned to make it faster and more compact. As a result, removing the watermark from the DNN model is possible. This study investigates a channel coding approach to protect DNN watermarking against pruning attacks. The channel model differs completely from conventional models involving digital images. Determining the suitable encoding methods for DNN watermarking remains an open problem. Herein, we presented a novel encoding approach using constant weight codes to protect the DNN watermarking against pruning attacks. The experimental results confirmed that the robustness against pruning attacks could be controlled by carefully setting two thresholds for binary symbols in the codeword. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YasuiTatsuya en-aut-sei=Yasui en-aut-mei=Tatsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakuro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MalikAsad en-aut-sei=Malik en-aut-mei=Asad kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Computer Science, Aligarh Muslim University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=watermarking kn-keyword=watermarking en-keyword=pruning attack kn-keyword=pruning attack en-keyword=DNN model kn-keyword=DNN model en-keyword=constant weight code kn-keyword=constant weight code en-keyword=fine-tuning kn-keyword=fine-tuning END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=6847 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220620 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Control of STING Agonistic/Antagonistic Activity Using Amine-Skeleton-Based c-di-GMP Analogues en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is a type of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-membrane receptor. STING is activated by a ligand binding, which leads to an enhancement of the immune-system response. Therefore, a STING ligand can be used to regulate the immune system in therapeutic strategies. However, the natural (or native) STING ligand, cyclic-di-nucleotide (CDN), is unsuitable for pharmaceutical use because of its susceptibility to degradation by enzymes and its low cell-membrane permeability. In this study, we designed and synthesized CDN derivatives by replacing the sugar-phosphodiester moiety, which is responsible for various problems of natural CDNs, with an amine skeleton. As a result, we identified novel STING ligands that activate or inhibit STING. The cyclic ligand 7, with a cyclic amine structure containing two guanines, was found to have agonistic activity, whereas the linear ligand 12 showed antagonistic activity. In addition, these synthetic ligands were more chemically stable than the natural ligands. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YanaseYuta en-aut-sei=Yanase en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsujiGenichiro en-aut-sei=Tsuji en-aut-mei=Genichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraMiki en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Miki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShibataNorihito en-aut-sei=Shibata en-aut-mei=Norihito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DemizuYosuke en-aut-sei=Demizu en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Science of Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=STING kn-keyword=STING en-keyword=cyclic dinucleotide kn-keyword=cyclic dinucleotide en-keyword=amines kn-keyword=amines en-keyword=drug design kn-keyword=drug design en-keyword=agonist kn-keyword=agonist en-keyword=antagonist kn-keyword=antagonist END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=565 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220420 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Mechanical Study of Various Pedicle Screw Systems including Percutaneous Pedicle Screw in Trauma Treatment en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objectives: Spine surgery using a percutaneous pedicle screw placement (PPSP) is widely implemented for spinal trauma. However, percutaneous systems have been reported to have weak screw-rod connections. In this study, conventional open and percutaneous systems were biomechanically evaluated and compared. Material and Methods: The experiments were performed in two stages: the first stage was a break test, whereas the second stage was a fatigue test. Four systems were used for the experiments. System 1 was intended for conventional open surgery (titanium rod with a 6.0 mm diameter, using a clamp connecting mechanism). System 2 was a percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) system for trauma (titanium alloy rod with a 6.0 mm diameter, using ball ring connections). System 3 was a PPS system for trauma (cobalt-chromium alloy rod with a 6.0 mm diameter, using sagittal adjusting screw connections). System 4 was a general-purpose PPS system (titanium alloy rod with a 5.5 mm diameter, using a mechanism where the adapter in the head holds down the screw). Results: Stiffness values of 54.8 N/mm, 43.1 N/mm, 90.9 N/mm, and 39.3 N/mm were reported for systems 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The average number of load cycles in the fatigue test was 134,393, 40,980, 1,550,389, and 147,724 for systems 1 to 4, respectively. At the end of the test, the displacements were 0.2 mm, 16.9 mm, 1.2 mm, and 8.6 mm, respectively. System 1, with a locking mechanism, showed the least displacement at the end of the test. Conclusion: A few PPS systems showed better results in terms on stiffness and life than the open system. The experiments showed that mechanical strength varies depending on the spinal implant. The experiments conducted are essential and significant to provide the mechanical strength required for surgical reconstruction. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OdaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Oda en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakigawaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Takigawa en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoYasuo en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Yasuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaHaruo en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Haruo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TetsunagaTomoko en-aut-sei=Tetsunaga en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=OzakiToshifumi en-aut-sei=Ozaki en-aut-mei=Toshifumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe Red Cross Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=spine surgery kn-keyword=spine surgery en-keyword=percutaneous pedicle screw kn-keyword=percutaneous pedicle screw en-keyword=percutaneous systems kn-keyword=percutaneous systems en-keyword=break test kn-keyword=break test en-keyword=fatigue test kn-keyword=fatigue test en-keyword=biomechanical study discipline kn-keyword=biomechanical study discipline END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=12 article-no= start-page=7141 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220610 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-Term Kinetics of Serological Antibodies against Vibrio cholerae Following a Clinical Cholera Case: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: Approximately 2.9 million people worldwide suffer from cholera each year, many of whom are destitute. However, understanding of immunity against cholera is still limited. Several studies have reported the duration of antibodies following cholera; however, systematic reviews including a quantitative synthesis are lacking. Objective: To meta-analyze cohort studies that have evaluated vibriocidal, cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody levels following a clinical cholera case. Methods: Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed and Web of science for studies assessing antibodies against Vibrio cholerae in cohorts of patients with clinical cholera. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. Random effects models were used to pool antibody titers in adults and older children (aged >= 6 years). In sensitivity analysis, studies reporting data on young children (2-5 years) were included. Results: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria for systematic review and seven for meta-analysis. The pooled mean of vibriocidal antibody titers in adults and older children (aged >= 6 years) was 123 on day 2 post-symptom onset, which sharply increased on day 7 (pooled mean = 6956) and gradually waned to 2247 on day 30, 578 on day 90, and 177 on day 360. Anti-CTB IgA antibodies also peaked on day 7 (pooled mean = 49), followed by a rapid decrease on day 30 (pooled mean = 21), and further declined on day 90 (pooled mean = 10), after which it plateaued from day 180 (pooled mean = 8) to 360 (pooled mean = 6). Similarly, anti-CTB IgG antibodies peaked in early convalescence between days 7 (pooled mean = 65) and 30 (pooled mean = 69), then gradually waned on days 90 (pooled mean = 42) and 180 (pooled mean = 30) and returned to baseline on day 360 (pooled mean = 24). Anti-LPS IgA antibodies peaked on day 7 (pooled mean = 124), gradually declined on day 30 (pooled mean = 44), which persisted until day 360 (pooled mean = 10). Anti LPS IgG antibodies peaked on day 7 (pooled mean = 94). Thereafter, they decreased on day 30 (pooled mean = 85), and dropped further on days 90 (pooled mean = 51) and 180 (pooled mean = 47), and returned to baseline on day 360 (pooled mean = 32). Sensitivity analysis including data from young children (aged 2-5 years) showed very similar findings as in the primary analysis. Conclusions: This study confirms that serological antibody (vibriocidal, CTB, and LPS) titers return to baseline levels within 1 year following clinical cholera, i.e., before the protective immunity against subsequent cholera wanes. However, this decay should not be interpreted as waning immunity because immunity conferred by cholera against subsequent disease lasts 3-10 years. Our study provides evidence for surveillance strategies and future research on vaccines and also demonstrates the need for further studies to improve our understanding of immunity against cholera. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MuzemboBasilua Andre en-aut-sei=Muzembo en-aut-mei=Basilua Andre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitaharaKei en-aut-sei=Kitahara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitraDebmalya en-aut-sei=Mitra en-aut-mei=Debmalya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhnoAyumu en-aut-sei=Ohno en-aut-mei=Ayumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiShin-Ichi en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Shin-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Collaborative Research Center of Okayama University for Infectious Diseases in India kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cholera kn-keyword=cholera en-keyword=antibodies kn-keyword=antibodies en-keyword=vibriocidal kn-keyword=vibriocidal en-keyword=cholera toxin B kn-keyword=cholera toxin B en-keyword=lipopolysaccharide kn-keyword=lipopolysaccharide en-keyword=immunoglobulin kn-keyword=immunoglobulin en-keyword=immunity kn-keyword=immunity en-keyword=waning kn-keyword=waning END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=24 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=780 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220531 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Transition Probability Test for an RO-Based Generator and the Relevance between the Randomness and the Number of ROs en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A ring oscillator is a well-known circuit used for generating random numbers, and interested readers can find many research results concerning the evaluation of the randomness with a packaged test suit. However, the authors think there is room for evaluating the unpredictability of a sequence from another viewpoint. In this paper, the authors focus on Wold's RO-based generator and propose a statistical test to numerically evaluate the randomness of the RO-based generator. The test adopts the state transition probabilities in a Markov process and is designed to check the uniformity of the probabilities based on hypothesis testing. As a result, it is found that the RO-based generator yields a biased output from the viewpoint of the transition probability if the number of ROs is small. More precisely, the transitions 01 -> 01 and 11 -> 11 happen frequently when the number l of ROs is less than or equal to 10. In this sense, l > 10 is recommended for use in any application, though a packaged test suit is passed. Thus, the authors believe that the proposed test contributes to evaluating the unpredictability of a sequence when used together with available statistical test suits, such as NIST SP800-22. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KoderaYuta en-aut-sei=Kodera en-aut-mei=Yuta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SatoRyoichi en-aut-sei=Sato en-aut-mei=Ryoichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=AliMd Arshad en-aut-sei=Ali en-aut-mei=Md Arshad kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KusakaTakuya en-aut-sei=Kusaka en-aut-mei=Takuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NogamiYasuyuki en-aut-sei=Nogami en-aut-mei=Yasuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=true random number generator kn-keyword=true random number generator en-keyword=ring oscillator kn-keyword=ring oscillator en-keyword=Markov process kn-keyword=Markov process en-keyword=hypothesis testing kn-keyword=hypothesis testing END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2443 end-page=2452 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220525 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Characterization of Gastric Tissue-Resident T Cells in Autoimmune and Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastritis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Data regarding the in-depth surface marker profiles of gastric tissue-resident lymphocytes in autoimmune and Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis are lacking. In this study, we investigated potential differences in lymphocyte composition between these profiles. We enrolled patients with autoimmune (n = 14), active (current infection of H. pylori in the stomach; n = 10), and inactive gastritis (post-eradication of H. pylori; n = 20). Lymphocytes were isolated from the greater curvature of the stomach and lesser curvature of the body and analyzed using flow cytometry. The CD8(+)/CD3(+) and CD4(+)/CD3(+) ratios differed between the samples. Body CD4(+)/antrum CD4(+), which is calculated by dividing the CD4(+)/CD3(+) ratio in the body by that in the antrum, was significantly higher in autoimmune gastritis (3.54 +/- 3.13) than in active (1.47 +/- 0.41) and inactive gastritis (1.42 +/- 0.77). Antrum CD8(+)/CD4(+) in autoimmune gastritis (7.86 +/- 7.23) was also higher than that in active (1.49 +/- 0.58) and inactive gastritis (2.84 +/- 2.17). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of antrum CD8(+)/CD4(+) was 0.842, and the corresponding optimal cutoff point was 4.0, with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 93.3%. We propose that an antrum CD8(+)/CD4(+) ratio > 4.0 is a potential diagnostic marker for autoimmune gastritis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KametakaDaisuke en-aut-sei=Kametaka en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwamuroMasaya en-aut-sei=Iwamuro en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiTakahide en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Takahide kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirabataAraki en-aut-sei=Hirabata en-aut-mei=Araki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamadaKenta en-aut-sei=Hamada en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KonoYoshiyasu en-aut-sei=Kono en-aut-mei=Yoshiyasu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KanzakiHiromitsu en-aut-sei=Kanzaki en-aut-mei=Hiromitsu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawanoSeiji en-aut-sei=Kawano en-aut-mei=Seiji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TanakaTakehiro en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Takehiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaharaYoshiro en-aut-sei=Kawahara en-aut-mei=Yoshiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=flow cytometry kn-keyword=flow cytometry en-keyword=autoimmune gastritis kn-keyword=autoimmune gastritis en-keyword=atrophic gastritis kn-keyword=atrophic gastritis en-keyword=Helicobacter pylori kn-keyword=Helicobacter pylori END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=6274 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220603 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Centronuclear Myopathy Caused by Defective Membrane Remodelling of Dynamin 2 and BIN1 Variants en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a congenital myopathy characterised by centralised nuclei in skeletal myofibers. T-tubules, sarcolemmal invaginations required for excitation-contraction coupling, are disorganised in the skeletal muscles of CNM patients. Previous studies showed that various endocytic proteins are involved in T-tubule biogenesis and their dysfunction is tightly associated with CNM pathogenesis. DNM2 and BIN1 are two causative genes for CNM that encode essential membrane remodelling proteins in endocytosis, dynamin 2 and BIN1, respectively. In this review, we overview the functions of dynamin 2 and BIN1 in T-tubule biogenesis and discuss how their dysfunction in membrane remodelling leads to CNM pathogenesis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=FujiseKenshiro en-aut-sei=Fujise en-aut-mei=Kenshiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NoguchiSatoru en-aut-sei=Noguchi en-aut-mei=Satoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakedaTetsuya en-aut-sei=Takeda en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Departments of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=centronuclear myopathy kn-keyword=centronuclear myopathy en-keyword=T-tubules kn-keyword=T-tubules en-keyword=dynamin kn-keyword=dynamin en-keyword=BIN1 kn-keyword=BIN1 en-keyword=membrane remodelling kn-keyword=membrane remodelling END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=11 article-no= start-page=5887 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220524 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Molecular and Genetic Interactions between CCN2 and CCN3 behind Their Yin-Yang Collaboration en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Cellular communication network factor (CCN) 2 and 3 are the members of the CCN family that conduct the harmonized development of a variety of tissues and organs under interaction with multiple biomolecules in the microenvironment. Despite their striking structural similarities, these two members show contrastive molecular functions as well as temporospatial emergence in living tissues. Typically, CCN2 promotes cell growth, whereas CCN3 restrains it. Where CCN2 is produced, CCN3 disappears. Nevertheless, these two proteins collaborate together to execute their mission in a yin-yang fashion. The apparent functional counteractions of CCN2 and CCN3 can be ascribed to their direct molecular interaction and interference over the cofactors that are shared by the two. Recent studies have revealed the mutual negative regulation systems between CCN2 and CCN3. Moreover, the simultaneous and bidirectional regulatory system of CCN2 and CCN3 is also being clarified. It is of particular note that these regulations were found to be closely associated with glycolysis, a fundamental procedure of energy metabolism. Here, the molecular interplay and metabolic gene regulation that enable the yin-yang collaboration of CCN2 and CCN3 typically found in cartilage development/regeneration and fibrosis are described. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=KubotaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawataKazumi en-aut-sei=Kawata en-aut-mei=Kazumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriTakako en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Takako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishidaTakashi en-aut-sei=Nishida en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cellular communication network factor kn-keyword=cellular communication network factor en-keyword=CCN2 kn-keyword=CCN2 en-keyword=CCN3 kn-keyword=CCN3 en-keyword=cartilage kn-keyword=cartilage en-keyword=fibrosis kn-keyword=fibrosis en-keyword=glycolysis kn-keyword=glycolysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=13 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=211 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220420 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=A Proposal of the Fingerprint Optimization Method for the Fingerprint-Based Indoor Localization System with IEEE 802.15.4 Devices en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nowadays, human indoor localization services inside buildings or on underground streets are in strong demand for various location-based services. Since conventional GPS cannot be used, indoor localization systems using wireless technologies have been extensively studied. Previously, we studied a fingerprint-based indoor localization system using IEEE802.15.4 devices, called FILS15.4, to allow use of inexpensive, tiny, and long-life transmitters. However, due to the narrow channel band and the low transmission power, the link quality indicator (LOI) used for fingerprints easily fluctuates by human movements and other uncontrollable factors. To improve the localization accuracy, FILS15.4 restricts the detection granularity to one room in the field, and adopts multiple fingerprints for one room, considering fluctuated signals, where their values must be properly adjusted. In this paper, we present a fingerprint optimization method for finding the proper fingerprint parameters in FILS15.4 by extending the existing one. As the training phase using the measurement LQI, it iteratively changes fingerprint values to maximize the newly defined score function for the room detecting accuracy. Moreover, it automatically increases the number of fingerprints for a room if the accuracy is not sufficient. For evaluations, we applied the proposed method to the measured LQI data using the FILS15.4 testbed system in the no. 2 Engineering Building at Okayama University. The validation results show that it improves the average detection accuracy (at higher than 97%) by automatically increasing the number of fingerprints and optimizing the values. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=HuoYuanzhi en-aut-sei=Huo en-aut-mei=Yuanzhi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=PuspitaningayuPradini en-aut-sei=Puspitaningayu en-aut-mei=Pradini kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FunabikiNobuo en-aut-sei=Funabiki en-aut-mei=Nobuo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HamazakiKazushi en-aut-sei=Hamazaki en-aut-mei=Kazushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuribayashiMinoru en-aut-sei=Kuribayashi en-aut-mei=Minoru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=KojimaKazuyuki en-aut-sei=Kojima en-aut-mei=Kazuyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Mechanical Engineering, Shonan Institute of Technology kn-affil= en-keyword=indoor localization kn-keyword=indoor localization en-keyword=fingerprint kn-keyword=fingerprint en-keyword=IEEE802.15.4 kn-keyword=IEEE802.15.4 en-keyword=LQI kn-keyword=LQI en-keyword=parameter optimization kn-keyword=parameter optimization END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=2838 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220517 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Association of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with High-Risk Plaque on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: A Matched Case-Control Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and oxidative stress has been proposed as a shared pathophysiological condition. This study examined whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is involved in the underlying mechanism that links coronary atherosclerosis and NAFLD. This study included 631 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for suspected coronary artery disease. NAFLD was defined on CT images as a liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio of <1.0. Serum-malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL) and coronary CTA findings were analyzed in a propensity-score-matched cohort of patients with NAFLD (n = 150) and those without NAFLD (n = 150). This study analyzed 300 patients (median age, 65 years; 64% men). Patients with NAFLD had higher MDA-LDL levels and a greater presence of CTA-verified high-risk plaques than those without NAFLD. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, MDA-LDL was independently associated with NAFLD (beta = 11.337, p = 0.005) and high-risk plaques (beta = 12.487, p = 0.007). Increased MDA-LDL may be a mediator between NAFLD and high-risk coronary plaque on coronary CTA. Increased oxidative stress in NAFLD, as assessed using MDA-LDL, may be involved in the development of CVDs. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishiharaTakahiro en-aut-sei=Nishihara en-aut-mei=Takahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaKeishi en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Keishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OsawaKazuhiro en-aut-sei=Osawa en-aut-mei=Kazuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakashimaMitsutaka en-aut-sei=Nakashima en-aut-mei=Mitsutaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikiTakashi en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Internal Medicine 3, Kawasaki Medical School General Medicine Centre kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=low-density lipoprotein cholesterol kn-keyword=low-density lipoprotein cholesterol en-keyword=nonalcoholic fatty liver disease kn-keyword=nonalcoholic fatty liver disease en-keyword=coronary computed tomography angiography kn-keyword=coronary computed tomography angiography en-keyword=high-risk plaque kn-keyword=high-risk plaque en-keyword=oxidized lipoprotein kn-keyword=oxidized lipoprotein END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=9 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=153 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Effect of Early Initiation of Evolocumab on Lipoprotein(a) in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Sub-Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Elevated circulating lipoprotein(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. We reported that early initiation of evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor, in addition to a statin substantially reduced the lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This sub-analysis sought to investigate the effect of evolocumab on lipoprotein(a) based on baseline lipoprotein(a) levels and characteristics. This study was a prespecified analysis of a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 102 patients who underwent primary PCI for AMI. Patients received pitavastatin (2 mg/day) alone or pitavastatin and evolocumab 140 mg subcutaneously within 24 h and 2 weeks after the index PCI. The evolocumab group showed significantly suppressed lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with baseline lipoprotein(a) levels of <= 10 mg/dL, 10 < lipoprotein(a) <= 20 mg/dL, and >20 mg/dL compared with the control group, as well as similar reductions in lipoprotein(a) levels in all patient subgroups. Among these subgroups, evolocumab tended to show more favorable effects in patients with diabetes mellitus. In AMI patients, early initiation of evolocumab therapy within 24 h of primary PCI suppressed the increase in lipoprotein(a) levels within 4 weeks, regardless of baseline levels and characteristics. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=OkadaTomoaki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Tomoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DoiMasayuki en-aut-sei=Doi en-aut-mei=Masayuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NosakaKazumasa en-aut-sei=Nosaka en-aut-mei=Kazumasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsushimaRyu en-aut-sei=Tsushima en-aut-mei=Ryu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=UgawaSatoko en-aut-sei=Ugawa en-aut-mei=Satoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakagiWataru en-aut-sei=Takagi en-aut-mei=Wataru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SogoMasahiro en-aut-sei=Sogo en-aut-mei=Masahiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakahashiMasahiko en-aut-sei=Takahashi en-aut-mei=Masahiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=evolocumab kn-keyword=evolocumab en-keyword=pitavastatin kn-keyword=pitavastatin en-keyword=lipoprotein(a) kn-keyword=lipoprotein(a) en-keyword=percutaneous coronary intervention kn-keyword=percutaneous coronary intervention en-keyword=hypolipidemic agents kn-keyword=hypolipidemic agents en-keyword=myocardial infarction kn-keyword=myocardial infarction END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=14 cd-vols= no-issue=10 article-no= start-page=2534 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220521 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Public Interest in the United States between 2012 and 2021: A Google Trends Analysis en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary In this study, we quantified public awareness regarding breast cancer associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) in October using Google Trends data and a joinpoint regression analysis. We analyzed the impact of BCAM, Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM), and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) on public awareness of the top three most common cancers in the U.S. from 2012 to 2021 using the relative search volume of Google Trends. The results imply that BCAM has successfully improved the public awareness of breast cancer in the U.S., while LCAM and PCAM had no impact on the awareness of lung and prostate cancers. BCAM could serve as a good example for organizations working on health observances or awareness campaigns. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) has a long history of over 30 years, established in 1985 to occur every October, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation now leads the operation. There have been no studies to evaluate the impact of the BCAM on public awareness of breast cancer. We analyzed the impact of BCAM on public awareness of breast cancer in the U.S. from 2012 to 2021 using the relative search volume (RSV) of Google Trends as a surrogate. We also analyzed the impact of Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM) and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) on public awareness of lung and prostate cancer, respectively, to see differences in their effectiveness among the health observances for the top three most common cancers in the U.S. We performed a joinpoint regression analysis to identify statistically significant time points of a change in trend. There were joinpoints around BCAM for "Breast cancer" every year from 2012 to 2021, with a significant increase in the weekly RSVs from 21.9% to 46.7%. Except for 2013 and 2015 for "Lung cancer", when significant increases in the RSV at 1.8% and 1.2% per week were observed around LCAM, no joinpoints were noted around LCAM or PCAM. These results imply that BCAM has successfully improved the public awareness of breast cancer in the U.S. compared to other representative health observances, likely due to the effective involvement of non-medical industries, influencers affected by breast cancer, and an awareness symbol. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NishimuraYoshito en-aut-sei=Nishimura en-aut-mei=Yoshito kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AcobaJared D. en-aut-sei=Acoba en-aut-mei=Jared D. kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i kn-affil= en-keyword=Breast Cancer Awareness Month kn-keyword=Breast Cancer Awareness Month en-keyword=breast cancer kn-keyword=breast cancer en-keyword=Google Trends kn-keyword=Google Trends en-keyword=trend analysis kn-keyword=trend analysis END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=892 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220512 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Impact of System and Diagnostic Errors on Medical Litigation Outcomes: Machine Learning-Based Prediction Models en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=No prediction models using use conventional logistic models and machine learning exist for medical litigation outcomes involving medical doctors. Using a logistic model and three machine learning models, such as decision tree, random forest, and light-gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), we evaluated the prediction ability for litigation outcomes among medical litigation in Japan. The prediction model with LightGBM had a good predictive ability, with an area under the curve of 0.894 (95% CI; 0.893-0.895) in all patients' data. When evaluating the feature importance using the SHApley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) value, the system error was the most significant predictive factor in all clinical settings for medical doctors' loss in lawsuits. The other predictive factors were diagnostic error in outpatient settings, facility size in inpatients, and procedures or surgery settings. Our prediction model is useful for estimating medical litigation outcomes. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukegawaShintaro en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatariTakashi en-aut-sei=Watari en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=medical malpractice claims kn-keyword=medical malpractice claims en-keyword=litigation kn-keyword=litigation en-keyword=diagnostic error kn-keyword=diagnostic error en-keyword=medical error kn-keyword=medical error en-keyword=system error kn-keyword=system error en-keyword=machine learning kn-keyword=machine learning en-keyword=prediction model kn-keyword=prediction model END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=924 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220506 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Helical Foldamers and Stapled Peptides as New Modalities in Drug Discovery: Modulators of Protein-Protein Interactions en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A "foldamer" is an artificial oligomeric molecule with a regular secondary or tertiary structure consisting of various building blocks. A "stapled peptide" is a peptide with stabilized secondary structures, in particular, helical structures by intramolecular covalent side-chain cross-linking. Helical foldamers and stapled peptides are potential drug candidates that can target protein-protein interactions because they enable multipoint molecular recognition, which is difficult to achieve with low-molecular-weight compounds. This mini-review describes a variety of peptide-based foldamers and stapled peptides with a view to their applications in drug discovery, including our recent progress. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TsuchiyaKeisuke en-aut-sei=Tsuchiya en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuroharaTakashi en-aut-sei=Kurohara en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaKiyoshi en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Kiyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaTakashi en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=DemizuYosuke en-aut-sei=Demizu en-aut-mei=Yosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Pharmacy, Showa University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Division of Organic Chemistry, National Institute of Health Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=foldamers kn-keyword=foldamers en-keyword=protein-protein interaction kn-keyword=protein-protein interaction en-keyword=helical structure kn-keyword=helical structure en-keyword=building blocks kn-keyword=building blocks en-keyword=drug discovery kn-keyword=drug discovery en-keyword=modality kn-keyword=modality END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=684 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220505 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Quantification of Lung Perfusion Blood Volume in Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a promising technique for the assessment of the lung perfused blood volume (LPBV) in the lung parenchyma. This study was performed to compare the LPBV by DECT of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and controls and to evaluate the association between the LPBV and the perfusion ratio derived by lung perfusion scintigraphy. This study involved 45 patients who underwent DECT (25 patients with PH and 20 controls). We measured the total LPBV and distribution of the LPBV in each lung. The total LPBV was significantly lower in the PH group than the control group (38 +/- 9 vs. 45 +/- 8 HU, p = 0.024). Significant differences were observed between the LPBV of the upper lung of the PH and control groups (34 +/- 10 vs. 47 +/- 10, p = 0.021 and 37 +/- 10 vs. 47 +/- 8, p < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the LPBV and the lung perfusion scintigraphy. A lower total LPBV and lower LPBV of the upper lung as detected by DECT might be specific findings of PH. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=UgawaSatoko en-aut-sei=Ugawa en-aut-mei=Satoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjiriKentaro en-aut-sei=Ejiri en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=pulmonary vascular bed kn-keyword=pulmonary vascular bed en-keyword=pulmonary arterial hypertension kn-keyword=pulmonary arterial hypertension en-keyword=lung perfusion scintigraphy kn-keyword=lung perfusion scintigraphy END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=10 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=1000 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220510 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Maternal Gut Microbiome Decelerates Fetal Endochondral Bone Formation by Inducing Inflammatory Reaction en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=To investigate the effect of the maternal gut microbiome on fetal endochondral bone formation, fetuses at embryonic day 18 were obtained from germ-free (GF) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pregnant mothers. Skeletal preparation of the fetuses' whole bodies did not show significant morphological alterations; however, micro-CT analysis of the tibiae showed a lower bone volume fraction in the SPF tibia. Primary cultured chondrocytes from fetal SPF rib cages showed a lower cell proliferation and lower accumulation of the extracellular matrix. RNA-sequencing analysis showed the induction of inflammation-associated genes such as the interleukin (IL) 17 receptor, IL 6, and immune-response genes in SPF chondrocytes. These data indicate that the maternal gut microbiome in SPF mice affects fetal embryonic endochondral ossification, possibly by changing the expression of genes related to inflammation and the immune response in fetal cartilage. The gut microbiome may modify endochondral ossification in the fetal chondrocytes passing through the placenta. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=Uchida-FukuharaYoko en-aut-sei=Uchida-Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Yoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=HattoriTakako en-aut-sei=Hattori en-aut-mei=Takako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FuShanqi en-aut-sei=Fu en-aut-mei=Shanqi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KondoSei en-aut-sei=Kondo en-aut-mei=Sei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=KuwaharaMiho en-aut-sei=Kuwahara en-aut-mei=Miho kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FukuharaDaiki en-aut-sei=Fukuhara en-aut-mei=Daiki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IslamMd Monirul en-aut-sei=Islam en-aut-mei=Md Monirul kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=KataokaKota en-aut-sei=Kataoka en-aut-mei=Kota kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=EkuniDaisuke en-aut-sei=Ekuni en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KubotaSatoshi en-aut-sei=Kubota en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=MoritaManabu en-aut-sei=Morita en-aut-mei=Manabu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=IikegameMika en-aut-sei=Iikegame en-aut-mei=Mika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamuraHirohiko en-aut-sei=Okamura en-aut-mei=Hirohiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=maternal microbiome kn-keyword=maternal microbiome en-keyword=endochondral ossification kn-keyword=endochondral ossification en-keyword=fetal chondrocytes kn-keyword=fetal chondrocytes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=605 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220427 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Long-Term Results of Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Thoracolumbar Kyphosis with Achondroplastic Patients: A Case Series en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background and Objectives: Thoracolumbar kyphosis is one of the most frequent skeletal manifestations in patients with achondroplasia. Few papers have been published on the surgical treatment of this condition, especially in skeletally mature patients. With this study, we presented a retrospective case series of long-term surgical results for achondroplastic patients with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment for thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients associated with achondroplasia presenting with paraparesis. Materials and Methods: Three patients with achondroplasia who developed neurologic deficits due to severe thoracolumbar kyphosis and underwent surgical treatment were evaluated (mean age 22.3 years; mean follow-up 9.3 years). All patients were treated with posterior vertebral column resection (p-VCR) of hypoplastic apical vertebrae with a cage and segmental instrumentation. Neurologic outcomes (JOA scores), correction of kyphosis, and operative complications were assessed. Results: All patients had back pain, neurological deficits, and urinary disturbance before surgery. The average preoperative JOA score was 8.3/11 points, which was improved to 10.7/11 points at the final follow-up (mean recovery rate 83%). All patients obtained neurologic improvement after surgery. The mean preoperative kyphotic angle was 117 degrees (range 103 degrees-126 degrees). The postoperative angles averaged 37 degrees (range 14 degrees-57 degrees), resulting in a mean correction rate of 67%. All patients had postoperative complications such as rod breakage and/or surgical site infection. Conclusions: The long-term results of p-VCR were acceptable for treating thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients with achondroplasia. To perform this p-VCR safely, spinal navigation and neuromonitoring are inevitable when resecting non anatomical fused vertebrae and ensuring correct pedicle screw insertion. However, surgical complications such as rod breakage and surgical site infection may occur at a high rate, making informed consent very important when surgery is indicated. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TanakaMasato en-aut-sei=Tanaka en-aut-mei=Masato kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ChanTsang-Tung en-aut-sei=Chan en-aut-mei=Tsang-Tung kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=MisawaHaruo en-aut-sei=Misawa en-aut-mei=Haruo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=UotaniKoji en-aut-sei=Uotani en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=AratakiShinaya en-aut-sei=Arataki en-aut-mei=Shinaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakigawaTomoyuki en-aut-sei=Takigawa en-aut-mei=Tomoyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MazakiTetsuro en-aut-sei=Mazaki en-aut-mei=Tetsuro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugimotoYoshihisa en-aut-sei=Sugimoto en-aut-mei=Yoshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=achondroplasia kn-keyword=achondroplasia en-keyword=vertebral column osteotomy kn-keyword=vertebral column osteotomy en-keyword=long-term follow-up kn-keyword=long-term follow-up en-keyword=navigation kn-keyword=navigation END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=22 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=3232 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220422 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Displacement Sensing of an Active String Actuator Using a Step-Index Multimode Optical Fiber Sensor en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=A thin McKibben artificial muscle is a pneumatic actuator with an outer diameter of only 1.8 mm. We fabricated a string-shaped actuator called an "active string actuator," which achieves a high contractile displacement by accumulating thin McKibben artificial muscles. To control the displacement, the length of the active string actuator should be estimated. However, this is difficult because bulky and rigid sensors are unsuitable for the sensor element of the active string actuator. Therefore, in this study, we propose a new sensing method for estimating the length of an active string actuator. The proposed sensing system is simple and comprises only three components: a step-index multimode optical fiber, a light emitter, and a light receiver. A step-index multimode optical fiber was combined with the active string actuator, and the length was estimated from the change in the amount of light propagating in the optical fiber when the active string actuator was driven. Fundamental experiments were conducted in this study, and the results demonstrated that the optical fiber sensor value changed with the actuator length. This suggests that it is possible to estimate the displacement of an active string actuator using an optical fiber sensor. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=TianWeihang en-aut-sei=Tian en-aut-mei=Weihang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=WakimotoShuichi en-aut-sei=Wakimoto en-aut-mei=Shuichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KandaTakefumi en-aut-sei=Kanda en-aut-mei=Takefumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamaguchiDaisuke en-aut-sei=Yamaguchi en-aut-mei=Daisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=thin artificial muscle kn-keyword=thin artificial muscle en-keyword=active string actuator kn-keyword=active string actuator en-keyword=step-index multimode optical fiber kn-keyword=step-index multimode optical fiber en-keyword=displacement sensing kn-keyword=displacement sensing END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=3353 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220507 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Prognostic Factors in Endodontic Surgery Using an Endoscope: A 1 Year Retrospective Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=This retrospective study clarified the success rate of endoscopic endodontic surgeries and identified predictors accounting for successful surgeries. In this retrospective study, 242 patients (90 males, 152 females) who underwent endoscopic endodontic surgery at a single general hospital and were diagnosed through follow-up one year later were included. Risk factors were categorized into attributes, general health, anatomy, and surgery. Then, the correlation coefficient was calculated for the success or failure of endodontic surgery for each variable, the odds ratio was calculated for the upper variable, and factors related to the surgical prognosis factor were identified. The success rate of endodontic surgery was 95.3%, showing that it was a highly predictable treatment. The top three correlation coefficients were post, age, and perilesional sclerotic signs. Among them, the presence of posts was the highest, compared with the odds ratio, which was 9.592. This retrospective study revealed the success rate and risk factors accounting for endoscopic endodontic surgeries. Among the selected clinical variables, the presence of posts was the most decisive risk factor determining the success of endodontic surgeries. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SukegawaShintaro en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShimizuRieko en-aut-sei=Shimizu en-aut-mei=Rieko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SukegawaYuka en-aut-sei=Sukegawa en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKazuaki en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kazuaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OnoSawako en-aut-sei=Ono en-aut-mei=Sawako kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujimuraAi en-aut-sei=Fujimura en-aut-mei=Ai kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoIzumi en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Izumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoKeisuke en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Keisuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=TakabatakeKiyofumi en-aut-sei=Takabatake en-aut-mei=Kiyofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KawaiHotaka en-aut-sei=Kawai en-aut-mei=Hotaka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NagatsukaHitoshi en-aut-sei=Nagatsuka en-aut-mei=Hitoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=FurukiYoshihiko en-aut-sei=Furuki en-aut-mei=Yoshihiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital kn-affil= en-keyword=retrospective cohort study kn-keyword=retrospective cohort study en-keyword=endoscope kn-keyword=endoscope en-keyword=endodontic surgery kn-keyword=endodontic surgery en-keyword=prognostic factors kn-keyword=prognostic factors END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=2566 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220504 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Can Blood Ammonia Level, Prehospital Time, and Return of Spontaneous Circulation Predict Neurological Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients? A Nationwide, Retrospective Cohort Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Background: This study aimed to test if blood ammonia levels at hospital arrival, considering prehospital time and the patient's condition (whether return of spontaneous circulation [ROSC] was achieved at hospital arrival), can predict neurological outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study on data from a nationwide OHCA registry in Japan. Patients over 17 years old and whose blood ammonia levels had been recorded were included. The primary outcome was favorable neurological outcome at 30 days after OHCA. Blood ammonia levels, prehospital time, and the combination of the two were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict favorable outcomes. Then, cut-off blood ammonia values were determined based on whether ROSC was achieved at hospital arrival.
Results: Blood ammonia levels alone were sufficient to predict favorable outcomes. The overall cut-off ammonia value for favorable outcomes was 138 mu g/dL; values were different for patients with ROSC (96.5 mu g/dL) and those without ROSC (156 mu g/dL) at hospital arrival.
Conclusions: Our results using patient data from a large OHCA registry showed that blood ammonia levels at hospital arrival can predict neurological outcomes, with different cut-off values for patients with or without ROSC at hospital arrival. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NojimaTsuyoshi en-aut-sei=Nojima en-aut-mei=Tsuyoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoHiromichi en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Hiromichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=ObaraTakafumi en-aut-sei=Obara en-aut-mei=Takafumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AgetaKohei en-aut-sei=Ageta en-aut-mei=Kohei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=YakushijiHiromasa en-aut-sei=Yakushiji en-aut-mei=Hiromasa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=YumotoTetsuya en-aut-sei=Yumoto en-aut-mei=Tetsuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujisakiNoritomo en-aut-sei=Fujisaki en-aut-mei=Noritomo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakaoAtsunori en-aut-sei=Nakao en-aut-mei=Atsunori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=ammonia kn-keyword=ammonia en-keyword=cardiopulmonary resuscitation kn-keyword=cardiopulmonary resuscitation en-keyword=neurological outcome kn-keyword=neurological outcome en-keyword=biomarkers kn-keyword=biomarkers END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=9 article-no= start-page=5738 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220508 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Cholera Outbreaks in India, 2011-2020: A Systematic Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Fecal contamination of water sources and open defecation have been linked to cholera outbreaks in India. However, a systematic review on the drivers responsible for these outbreaks has yet to be published. Here, we systematically review the published literature on cholera outbreaks in India between 2011 and 2020. We searched studies in English in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program that tracks cholera outbreaks throughout India. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies. Quantitative data on the modes of transmission reviewed in this study were assessed for any change over time between 2011-2015 and 2016-2020. Our search retrieved 10823 records initially, out of which 81 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Among these 81 studies, 20 were eligible for inclusion in this review. There were 565 reported outbreaks between 2011 and 2020 that led to 45,759 cases and 263 deaths. Outbreaks occurred throughout the year; however, they exploded with monsoons (June through September). In Tamil Nadu, a typical peak of cholera outbreaks was observed from December to January. Seventy-two percent (33,089/45,759) of outbreak-related cases were reported in five states, namely Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Analysis of these outbreaks highlighted the main drivers of cholera including contaminated drinking water and food, inadequate sanitation and hygiene (including open defecation), and direct contact between households. The comparison between 2011-2015 and 2016-2020 showed a decreasing trend in the outbreaks that arose due to damaged water pipelines. Many Indians still struggle with open defecation, sanitation, and clean water access. These issues should be addressed critically. In addition, it is essential to interrupt cholera short-cycle transmission (mediated by households, stored drinking water and foodstuffs) during an outbreak. As cholera is associated with deprivation, socio-economic development is the only long-term solution. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MuzemboBasilua Andre en-aut-sei=Muzembo en-aut-mei=Basilua Andre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitaharaKei en-aut-sei=Kitahara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=DebnathAnusuya en-aut-sei=Debnath en-aut-mei=Anusuya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhnoAyumu en-aut-sei=Ohno en-aut-mei=Ayumu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkamotoKeinosuke en-aut-sei=Okamoto en-aut-mei=Keinosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiShin-Ichi en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Shin-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=cholera kn-keyword=cholera en-keyword=outbreak kn-keyword=outbreak en-keyword=water supply kn-keyword=water supply en-keyword=open defecation kn-keyword=open defecation en-keyword=sewage kn-keyword=sewage en-keyword=household kn-keyword=household en-keyword=food kn-keyword=food en-keyword=close contact kn-keyword=close contact en-keyword=behavioral changes kn-keyword=behavioral changes en-keyword=India kn-keyword=India END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=58 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=536 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220413 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Late-Onset Hypogonadism in a Male Patient with Long COVID Diagnosed by Exclusion of ME/CFS en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=After the acute phase of COVID-19, some patients have been reported to have persistent symptoms including general fatigue. We have established a COVID-19 aftercare clinic (CAC) to provide care for an increasing number of these patients. Here, we report the case of a 36-year-old man who developed post-COVID fatigue after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. In the acute phase of COVID-19, the patient's fever resolved within four days; however, general fatigue persisted for three months, and he visited our CAC 99 days after the initial infection. Examination revealed a high Aging Male's Symptoms (AMS) score of 44 and low free testosterone (FT) level of 5.5 pg/mL, which meet the Japanese criteria of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. Imaging studies revealed an atrophic pituitary in addition to fatty liver and low bone mineral density. Anterior pituitary function tests showed a low follicle-stimulating hormonelevel and delayed reaction of luteinizing hormone (LH) after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation, indicating the possibility of hypothalamic hypogonadism in addition to primary hypogonadism seen in patients with post-COVID-19 conditions. After the initiation of Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo medicine: hochuekkito followed by juzentaihoto), the patient's symptoms as well as his AMS score and serum FT level were noticeably improved. Furthermore, follow-up tests of GnRH stimulation revealed improvements in LH responsiveness. Although many patients have been reported to meet the criteria of ME/CFS such as our case, we emphasize the possibility of other underlying pathologies including LOH syndrome. In conclusion, LOH syndrome should be considered a cause of general fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 conditions and herbal treatment might be effective for long COVID symptoms due to LOH (264 words). en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=SoejimaYoshiaki en-aut-sei=Soejima en-aut-mei=Yoshiaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=HaradaKo en-aut-sei=Harada en-aut-mei=Ko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakamotoKenta en-aut-sei=Nakamoto en-aut-mei=Kenta kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HasegawaKou en-aut-sei=Hasegawa en-aut-mei=Kou kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=UedaKeigo en-aut-sei=Ueda en-aut-mei=Keigo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=general fatigue kn-keyword=general fatigue en-keyword=free testosterone kn-keyword=free testosterone en-keyword=late-onset hypogonadism kn-keyword=late-onset hypogonadism en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=post-COVID condition kn-keyword=post-COVID condition END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=19 cd-vols= no-issue=8 article-no= start-page=4714 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220413 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Misconceptions and Rumors about Ebola Virus Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=We sought to summarize knowledge, misconceptions, beliefs, and practices about Ebola that might impede the control of Ebola outbreaks in Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (through May 2019) for publications reporting on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Ebola in Africa. In total, 14 of 433 articles were included. Knowledge was evaluated in all 14 articles, and they all highlighted that there are misconceptions and risk behaviors during an Ebola outbreak. Some communities believed that Ebola spreads through the air, mosquito bites, malice from foreign doctors, witchcraft, and houseflies. Because patients believe that Ebola was caused by witchcraft, they sought help from traditional healers. Some people believed that Ebola could be prevented by bathing with salt or hot water. Burial practices where people touch Ebola-infected corpses were common, especially among Muslims. Discriminatory attitudes towards Ebola survivors or their families were also prevalent. Some Ebola survivors were not accepted back in their communities; the possibility of being ostracized from their neighborhoods was high and Ebola survivors had to lead a difficult social life. Most communities affected by Ebola need more comprehensive knowledge on Ebola. Efforts are needed to address misconceptions and risk behaviors surrounding Ebola for future outbreak preparedness in Africa. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=MuzemboBasilua Andre en-aut-sei=Muzembo en-aut-mei=Basilua Andre kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NtontoloNgangu Patrick en-aut-sei=Ntontolo en-aut-mei=Ngangu Patrick kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=NgatuNlandu Roger en-aut-sei=Ngatu en-aut-mei=Nlandu Roger kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=KhatiwadaJanuka en-aut-sei=Khatiwada en-aut-mei=Januka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SuzukiTomoko en-aut-sei=Suzuki en-aut-mei=Tomoko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=WadaKoji en-aut-sei=Wada en-aut-mei=Koji kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=KitaharaKei en-aut-sei=Kitahara en-aut-mei=Kei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkedaShunya en-aut-sei=Ikeda en-aut-mei=Shunya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiShin-Ichi en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Shin-Ichi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health, Protestant University of Congo kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Social Work Institute kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Ebola kn-keyword=Ebola en-keyword=knowledge kn-keyword=knowledge en-keyword=attitudes kn-keyword=attitudes en-keyword=practices kn-keyword=practices en-keyword=beliefs kn-keyword=beliefs en-keyword=misperceptions kn-keyword=misperceptions en-keyword=rumors kn-keyword=rumors en-keyword=sub-Saharan Africa kn-keyword=sub-Saharan Africa END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=44 cd-vols= no-issue=4 article-no= start-page=1539 end-page=1551 dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220405 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Laminin 511-E8 Fragment Offers Superior Adhesion Properties for Gastric Cancer Cells Compared with Full-Length Laminin 511 en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Simple Summary Numerous studies over the past few decades have revealed that the interactions of gastric cancer cells with laminins through integrins play important roles in tumor cell proliferation, infiltration, and metastasis. However, the association between gastric cancer cells and the laminin E8 fragment, which is the smallest integrin-binding component, has not been investigated. In this study, we revealed that the laminin 511-E8 fragment had a greater impact on the adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of gastric cancer cells than full-length laminin 511. Thus, the laminin 511-E8 fragment is considered to be suitable for investigating the interaction between gastric cancer cells and extracellular matrices in tumor invasion and metastasis. Further, the involvement of Cdc42 in the laminin 511-E8 fragment-induced enhanced adhesion of gastric cancer cells was suggested. Background: The interaction between cancer cells and laminin (Ln) is a key event in tumor invasion and metastasis. Previously, we determined the effect of full-length Ln511 on gastric cancer cells. However, the interactions between the Ln511-E8 fragment, a truncated protein of Ln511, and gastric cancer cells have not been investigated. Methods: We investigated the adhesion properties of gastric cancer cells to full-length Ln511 and Ln511-E8 fragments. Results: The proliferation of four gastric cancer cell lines (SH-10-TC, MKN74, SC-6-JCK, and MKN45) was highest on the Ln511-E8 fragment. Further, a larger cytoplasm was observed in SH-10-TC and MKN74 cells cultured on full-length Ln511 or Ln511-E8 fragments. The percentage of adhesive cells was highest on the Ln511-E8 fragment in all four cell lines. Moreover, adhesion of the gastric cancer cells to Ln511-E8 fragment-coated plates was reduced by the Cdc42 GTPase inhibitor in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of Cdc42 in the Ln511-E8 fragment-induced enhanced adhesion of gastric cancer cells. Conclusions: The Ln511-E8 fragment had a greater impact on the adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of gastric cancer cells than full-length laminin. Thus, the Ln511-E8 fragment is suitable for investigating the interaction between gastric cancer cells and extracellular matrices in tumor invasion and metastasis. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=IwamuroMasaya en-aut-sei=Iwamuro en-aut-mei=Masaya kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=ShirahaHidenori en-aut-sei=Shiraha en-aut-mei=Hidenori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=KobashiMayu en-aut-sei=Kobashi en-aut-mei=Mayu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=HoriguchiShigeru en-aut-sei=Horiguchi en-aut-mei=Shigeru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=OkadaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Okada en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=cancer progression kn-keyword=cancer progression en-keyword=extracellular matrix kn-keyword=extracellular matrix en-keyword=gastric cancer cells kn-keyword=gastric cancer cells en-keyword=laminin 511-E8 fragment kn-keyword=laminin 511-E8 fragment en-keyword=laminin isoforms kn-keyword=laminin isoforms END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=11 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=1955 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220331 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Detection of Male Hypogonadism in Patients with Post COVID-19 Condition en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The pathogenesis and prognosis of post COVID-19 condition have remained unclear. We set up an outpatient clinic specializing in long COVID in February 2021 and we have been investigating post COVID-19 condition. Based on the results of our earlier study showing that "general fatigue" mimicking myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is the most common symptom in long COVID patients, a retrospective analysis was performed for 39 male patients in whom serum free testosterone (FT) levels were measured out of 61 male patients who visited our clinic. We analyzed the medical records of the patients' backgrounds, symptoms and laboratory results. Among the 39 patients, 19 patients (48.7%) met the criteria for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH; FT < 8.5 pg/mL: LOH group) and 14 patients were under 50 years of age. A weak negative correlation was found between age and serum FT level (r = -0.301, p = 0.0624). Symptoms including general fatigue, anxiety, cough and hair loss were more frequent in the LOH group than in the non-LOH group (FT >= 8.5 pg/mL). Among various laboratory parameters, blood hemoglobin level was slightly, but significantly, lower in the LOH group. Serum level of FT was positively correlated with the levels of blood hemoglobin and serum total protein and albumin in the total population, whereas these interrelationships were blurred in the LOH group. Collectively, the results indicate that the incidence of LOH is relatively high in male patients, even young male patients, with post COVID-19 and that serum FT measurement is useful for revealing occult LOH status in patients with long COVID. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoYukichika en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Yukichika kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaYuki en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Yuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=SunadaNaruhiko en-aut-sei=Sunada en-aut-mei=Naruhiko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=TokumasuKazuki en-aut-sei=Tokumasu en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoYasuhiro en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Yasuhiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=HondaHiroyuki en-aut-sei=Honda en-aut-mei=Hiroyuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=SakuradaYasue en-aut-sei=Sakurada en-aut-mei=Yasue kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=HagiyaHideharu en-aut-sei=Hagiya en-aut-mei=Hideharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=HanayamaYoshihisa en-aut-sei=Hanayama en-aut-mei=Yoshihisa kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=OtsukaFumio en-aut-sei=Otsuka en-aut-mei=Fumio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= en-keyword=fatigue kn-keyword=fatigue en-keyword=hypogonadism kn-keyword=hypogonadism en-keyword=LOH syndrome kn-keyword=LOH syndrome en-keyword=long COVID kn-keyword=long COVID en-keyword=testosterone kn-keyword=testosterone END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=15 cd-vols= no-issue=6 article-no= start-page=2074 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220311 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Energy-Efficient Robot Configuration and Motion Planning Using Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=The implementation of Industry 5.0 necessitates a decrease in the energy consumption of industrial robots. This research investigates energy optimization for optimal motion planning for a dual-arm industrial robot. The objective function for the energy minimization problem is stated based on the execution time and total energy consumption of the robot arm configurations in its workspace for pick-and-place operation. Firstly, the PID controller is being used to achieve the optimal parameters. The parameters of PID are then fine-tuned using metaheuristic algorithms such as Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization methods to create a more precise robot motion trajectory, resulting in an energy-efficient robot configuration. The results for different robot configurations were compared with both motion planning algorithms, which shows better compatibility in terms of both execution time and energy efficiency. The feasibility of the algorithms is demonstrated by conducting experiments on a dual-arm robot, named as duAro. In terms of energy efficiency, the results show that dual-arm motions can save more energy than single-arm motions for an industrial robot. Furthermore, combining the robot configuration problem with metaheuristic approaches saves energy consumption and robot execution time when compared to motion planning with PID controllers alone. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NonoyamaKazuki en-aut-sei=Nonoyama en-aut-mei=Kazuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=LiuZiang en-aut-sei=Liu en-aut-mei=Ziang kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=FujiwaraTomofumi en-aut-sei=Fujiwara en-aut-mei=Tomofumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AlamMd Moktadir en-aut-sei=Alam en-aut-mei=Md Moktadir kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=NishiTatsushi en-aut-sei=Nishi en-aut-mei=Tatsushi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=robot motion planning kn-keyword=robot motion planning en-keyword=robot placement kn-keyword=robot placement en-keyword=optimization kn-keyword=optimization en-keyword=PID kn-keyword=PID en-keyword=genetic algorithm kn-keyword=genetic algorithm en-keyword=particle swarm optimization kn-keyword=particle swarm optimization END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=5 article-no= start-page=2681 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220228 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Potential of a Novel Chemical Compound Targeting Matrix Metalloprotease-13 for Early Osteoarthritis: An In Vitro Study en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease characterized by cartilage destruction in the joints. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) play key roles in osteoarthritis progression. In this study, we screened a chemical compound library to identify new drug candidates that target MMP and ADAMTS using a cytokine-stimulated OUMS-27 chondrosarcoma cells. By screening PCR-based mRNA expression, we selected 2-(8-methoxy-2-methyl-4-oxoquinolin-1(4H)-yl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl) acetamide as a potential candidate. We found that 2-(8-methoxy-2-methyl-4-oxoquinolin-1(4H)-yl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl) acetamide attenuated IL-1 beta-induced MMP13 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, without causing serious cytotoxicity. Signaling pathway analysis revealed that 2-(8-methoxy-2-methyl-4-oxoquinolin-1(4H)-yl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl) acetamide attenuated ERK- and p-38-phosphorylation as well as JNK phosphorylation. We then examined the additive effect of 2-(8-methoxy-2-methyl-4-oxoquinolin-1(4H)-yl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl) acetamide in combination with low-dose betamethasone on IL-1 beta-stimulated cells. Combined treatment with 2-(8-methoxy-2-methyl-4-oxoquinolin-1(4H)-yl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl) acetamide and betamethasone significantly attenuated MMP13 and ADAMTS9 mRNA expression. In conclusion, we identified a potential compound of interest that may help attenuate matrix-degrading enzymes in the early osteoarthritis-affected joints. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=InagakiJunko en-aut-sei=Inagaki en-aut-mei=Junko kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=NakanoAiri en-aut-sei=Nakano en-aut-mei=Airi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=HatipogluOmer Faruk en-aut-sei=Hatipoglu en-aut-mei=Omer Faruk kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=OokaYuka en-aut-sei=Ooka en-aut-mei=Yuka kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=TaniYurina en-aut-sei=Tani en-aut-mei=Yurina kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=MikiAkane en-aut-sei=Miki en-aut-mei=Akane kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=IkemuraKentaro en-aut-sei=Ikemura en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=OpokuGabriel en-aut-sei=Opoku en-aut-mei=Gabriel kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=AndoRyosuke en-aut-sei=Ando en-aut-mei=Ryosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=KodamaShintaro en-aut-sei=Kodama en-aut-mei=Shintaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=OhtsukiTakashi en-aut-sei=Ohtsuki en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamajiHirosuke en-aut-sei=Yamaji en-aut-mei=Hirosuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=YamamotoShusei en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Shusei kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=KatsuyamaEri en-aut-sei=Katsuyama en-aut-mei=Eri kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= en-aut-name=WatanabeShogo en-aut-sei=Watanabe en-aut-mei=Shogo kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=15 ORCID= en-aut-name=HirohataSatoshi en-aut-sei=Hirohata en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=16 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cell Chemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Heart Rhythm Center, Okayama Heart Clinic kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=15 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=16 en-affil=Department of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=osteoarthritis kn-keyword=osteoarthritis en-keyword=matrix metalloproteinase kn-keyword=matrix metalloproteinase en-keyword=MMP13 kn-keyword=MMP13 en-keyword=ADAMTS9 kn-keyword=ADAMTS9 en-keyword=expression screening kn-keyword=expression screening en-keyword=chondrocytes kn-keyword=chondrocytes END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=23 cd-vols= no-issue=7 article-no= start-page=3587 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220325 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Pathophysiology and Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=There is a close relationship between diabetes mellitus and heart failure, and diabetes is an independent risk factor for heart failure. Diabetes and heart failure are linked by not only the complication of ischemic heart disease, but also by metabolic disorders such as glucose toxicity and lipotoxicity based on insulin resistance. Cardiac dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular disease is called diabetic cardiomyopathy. Diabetes-induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia lead to capillary damage, myocardial fibrosis, and myocardial hypertrophy with mitochondrial dysfunction. Lipotoxicity with extensive fat deposits or lipid droplets is observed on cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress and inflammation cause cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Treatment with a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor is currently one of the most effective treatments for heart failure associated with diabetes. However, an effective treatment for lipotoxicity of the myocardium has not yet been established, and the establishment of an effective treatment is needed in the future. This review provides an overview of heart failure in diabetic patients for the clinical practice of clinicians. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=NakamuraKazufumi en-aut-sei=Nakamura en-aut-mei=Kazufumi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MiyoshiToru en-aut-sei=Miyoshi en-aut-mei=Toru kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaMasashi en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Masashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=AkagiSatoshi en-aut-sei=Akagi en-aut-mei=Satoshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= en-aut-name=SaitoYukihiro en-aut-sei=Saito en-aut-mei=Yukihiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=5 ORCID= en-aut-name=EjiriKentaro en-aut-sei=Ejiri en-aut-mei=Kentaro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=6 ORCID= en-aut-name=MatsuoNaoaki en-aut-sei=Matsuo en-aut-mei=Naoaki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=7 ORCID= en-aut-name=IchikawaKeishi en-aut-sei=Ichikawa en-aut-mei=Keishi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=8 ORCID= en-aut-name=IwasakiKeiichiro en-aut-sei=Iwasaki en-aut-mei=Keiichiro kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=9 ORCID= en-aut-name=NaitoTakanori en-aut-sei=Naito en-aut-mei=Takanori kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=10 ORCID= en-aut-name=NambaYusuke en-aut-sei=Namba en-aut-mei=Yusuke kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=11 ORCID= en-aut-name=YoshidaMasatoki en-aut-sei=Yoshida en-aut-mei=Masatoki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=12 ORCID= en-aut-name=SugiyamaHiroki en-aut-sei=Sugiyama en-aut-mei=Hiroki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=13 ORCID= en-aut-name=ItoHiroshi en-aut-sei=Ito en-aut-mei=Hiroshi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=14 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=5 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=6 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=7 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=8 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=9 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=10 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=11 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=12 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=13 en-affil=Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=14 en-affil=Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=heart failure kn-keyword=heart failure en-keyword=lipotoxicity kn-keyword=lipotoxicity en-keyword=SGLT2 inhibitor kn-keyword=SGLT2 inhibitor END start-ver=1.4 cd-journal=joma no-vol=12 cd-vols= no-issue=2 article-no= start-page=209 end-page= dt-received= dt-revised= dt-accepted= dt-pub-year=2022 dt-pub=20220203 dt-online= en-article= kn-article= en-subject= kn-subject= en-title= kn-title=Causal Effect of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the Number of COVID-19 Cases under COVID-19 Pandemic: An Ecological Study Using the Synthetic Control Method en-subtitle= kn-subtitle= en-abstract= kn-abstract=Previous studies have not assessed the causal effect of the Olympic Games on the spread of pandemics. Using the synthetic control method and the national public city data in Japan recorded from February to September 2021, we estimated the causal effects of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The difference between the number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo and a counterfactual "synthetic Tokyo" (created using synthetic control method) after the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Games (23 July 2021) widened gradually and then considerably over time. It was predicted that the Tokyo 2020 Games increased the number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo by approximately 469.4 per 100,000 population from the opening of the event to 30 September. However, sensitivity analysis of the ratio of the pre- and post-game root mean square prediction errors using regression weights did not suggest robustness. Our results showed that the Tokyo 2020 Games probably increased the number of COVID-19 cases even under preventive regulations; however, the extent of this increase was difficult to estimate clearly due to an overlap with the fifth wave associated with the Delta variant. en-copyright= kn-copyright= en-aut-name=YamamotoNorio en-aut-sei=Yamamoto en-aut-mei=Norio kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=1 ORCID= en-aut-name=MitsuhashiToshiharu en-aut-sei=Mitsuhashi en-aut-mei=Toshiharu kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=2 ORCID= en-aut-name=TsuchihashiYuuki en-aut-sei=Tsuchihashi en-aut-mei=Yuuki kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=3 ORCID= en-aut-name=YorifujiTakashi en-aut-sei=Yorifuji en-aut-mei=Takashi kn-aut-name= kn-aut-sei= kn-aut-mei= aut-affil-num=4 ORCID= affil-num=1 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= affil-num=2 en-affil=Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital kn-affil= affil-num=3 en-affil=Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research, and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases kn-affil= affil-num=4 en-affil=Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University kn-affil= en-keyword=Tokyo 2020 kn-keyword=Tokyo 2020 en-keyword=Olympic and Paralympic Games kn-keyword=Olympic and Paralympic Games en-keyword=COVID-19 kn-keyword=COVID-19 en-keyword=pandemic kn-keyword=pandemic en-keyword=synthetic control method kn-keyword=synthetic control method en-keyword=causal effect kn-keyword=causal effect en-keyword=ecological study kn-keyword=ecological study END