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We investigated the magnetic properties of Sendust (Fe-Al-Si) alloys not only at 0 K but also at finite temperatures by means of the first-principles calculations assuming A2, B2, and D 0 3 structures. We confirmed that the itinerant characteristics of 3 d electrons of Fe are not negligible and a significantly small exchange stiffness constant exists at zero temperature in a B2 structure. However, the calculated Curie temperatures are in the same order for all structures; this indicates that the Curie temperature cannot be determined only by the exchange interactions at zero temperature in itinerant electron systems. Temperature dependence of the exchange interaction, namely, spin configuration dependence, also might be important for determining it. In addition, this property might also be related to the unique behavior of the temperature dependence of the exchange stiffness constant for the B2 structure, which does not decrease monotonically as temperatures increase, contrary to the behavior expected from the Heisenberg model. In addition, we investigated composition dependence on the exchange stiffness constant at zero temperature and confirmed that the substitution of Si with Al could improve the amplitude of the exchange stiffness constant at zero temperature for all structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid electrospray thrusters represent an alternative propulsion method for spacecraft to conventional plasma propulsion because they do not require plasma generation, which significantly increases the thrust efficiency. The porous emitter thruster has the advantages of simple propellant feeding and multi-site emissions, which miniaturize the thruster size and increase thrust. However, the multi-scale nature, that is, nano- to micrometer-sized menisci on the millimeter-size porous needle tip, makes modeling multi-site emissions difficult, and direct observation is also challenging. This paper proposes a simple model for multi-site emissions, which assumes that the ionic conductivity or ion transport in the porous media determines the ion-emission current. The conductivity was evaluated by comparing the experimental and numerical data based on the model. The results suggest that the ionic conductivity of the porous emitter is suppressed by the ion–pore wall friction stress. Additionally, the model indicates that the emission area expansion on the porous emitter creates the unique curve shape of the current vs voltage characteristics for multi-site emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The structures around the navicular bones, which constitute the medial longitudinal arch, develop by 10 years of age. While navicular bone height is often emphasized in the assessment of flatfoot, three-dimensional (3D) evaluations, including those of structural parameters during inversion, have rarely been investigated. If the development of flatfoot during the growth process could be predicted, appropriate interventions could be implemented. Therefore, in this longitudinal cohort study, we developed a system, utilizing smartphones, to measure the 3D structure of the foot, performed a longitudinal analysis of changes in midfoot structures in 124 children aged 9–12 years, and identified factors influencing the height of the navicular bone. The foot skeletal structure was measured using a 3D system. Results: Over 2 years, foot length and instep height increased during development, while navicular height decreased. The 25th percentile of the instep height ratio and navicular height ratio at ages 9–10 years did not exceed those at ages 11–12 years, with percentages of 17.9% and 71.6%, respectively, for boys, and 15.8% and 49.1%, respectively, for girls. As the quartiles of the second toe–heel–navicular angle (SHN angle) increased at ages 9–10 years, the axis of the bone distance (ABD) and SHN angles at ages 11–12 years also increased, resulting in a decrease in the navicular height ratio. A significant inverse correlation was found between changes in SHN angle and navicular height ratio. These findings indicate that the navicular bone rotation of the midfoot is a predictor of the descent of the navicular bone. Conclusions: This study revealed that some children exhibit decreases in navicular bone height with growth. As a distinct feature, the inversion of the navicular bone promotes flattening of the midfoot. Thus, this study provides insights into changes in midfoot development in children and provides an effective evaluation index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the presence of Ar on the isomerization reaction HCN ⇄ CNH is investigated via machine learning. After the potential energy surface function is developed based on the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ level ab initio calculations, classical trajectory simulations are performed. Subsequently, with the aim of extracting insights into the reaction dynamics, the obtained reactivity, that is, whether the reaction occurs or not under a given initial condition, is learned as a function of the initial positions and momenta of all the atoms in the system. The prediction accuracy of the trained model is greater than 95%, indicating that machine learning captures the features of the phase space that affect reactivity. Machine learning models are shown to successfully reproduce reactivity boundaries without any prior knowledge of classical reaction dynamics theory. Subsequent analyses reveal that the Ar atom affects the reaction by displacing the effective saddle point. When the Ar atom is positioned close to the N atom (resp. the C atom), the saddle point shifts to the CNH (HCN) region, which disfavors the forward (backward) reaction. The results imply that analyses aided by machine learning are promising tools for enhancing the understanding of reaction dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micronutrient vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of skeletal muscle health and homeostasis. The pro‐myogenic effects of vitamin C have long been attributed to its role as a general antioxidant agent, as well as its role in collagen matrix synthesis and carnitine biosynthesis. Here, we show that vitamin C also functions as an epigenetic compound, facilitating chromatin landscape transitions during myogenesis through its activity as an enzymatic cofactor for histone H3 and DNA demethylation. Utilizing C2C12 myoblast cells to investigate the epigenetic effects of vitamin C on myogenesis, we observe that treatment of cells with vitamin C decreases global H3K9 methylation and increases 5‐hmC levels. Furthermore, vitamin C treatment enhances myoblast marker gene expression and myotube formation during differentiation. We identify KDM7A as a histone lysine demethylase markedly upregulated during myogenesis. Accordingly, knockdown of Kdm7a prevents the pro‐myogenic effects of vitamin C. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that KDM7A occupies the promoter region of the myogenic transcription factor MyoD1 where it facilitates histone demethylation. We also confirm that the methylcytosine dioxygenases TET1 and TET2 are required for myogenic differentiation and that their loss blunts stimulation of myogenesis by vitamin C. In conclusion, our data suggest that an epigenetic mode of action plays a major role in the myogenic effects of vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion The aim of this study was to clarify the safety and efficacy of breath‐hold irradiation in liver stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).A retrospective analysis was conducted on 57 consecutive patients who received SBRT for hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases between 2013 and 2021. Breath‐hold irradiation was implemented for patients treated after April 2020.The median follow‐up period for all patients was 16.4 months (IQR: 7.36–20.9). The 2‐year overall survival rate was 64.4% (95% CI: 47.4–77.2), and the local control rate was 84.3% (95% CI: 69.7–92.3) for all patients. The 1‐year overall survival was 80.0% (95% CI: 60.8–90.5) versus 82.0% (95% CI: 53.5–93.9) in the free‐respiratory (FR) group versus the breath‐hold (BH) group, respectively (P = 0.60). The 1‐year local control rates were 78.1% (95% CI: 57.5–89.5) in the FR group and 95.7% (95% CI: 72.9–99.4) in the BH group, respectively (P = 0.16). Radiation‐induced liver injury, defined by an escalation of ≥2 in Child–Pugh score, was observed in four patients within each group (FR 13% vs. BH 15%). There were no gastrointestinal adverse events of Grade 3 or higher.Breath‐hold irradiation can be safely administered and has demonstrated clinical potential in improving local control. Further research into dose escalation using breath‐hold techniques is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is an age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that causes various health problems. In contrast, late‐onset primary myopathies, which occur in the older population, are caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, autoimmune processes, and metabolic abnormalities. Although sarcopenia and primary myopathy are two distinct disease processes, their symptoms can overlap, making differentiation challenging. The diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia have evolved over time, and various criteria have been proposed by expert groups. Late‐onset primary muscle diseases such as inclusion body myositis, sporadic late‐onset nemaline myopathy, muscular dystrophies, distal myopathies, myofibrillar myopathies, metabolic myopathies, and mitochondrial myopathies share common pathogenic mechanisms with sarcopenia, further complicating the diagnostic process. Appropriate clinical evaluation, including detailed history‐taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. Treatment approaches, including exercise, nutritional support, and disease‐specific therapies, must be tailored to the characteristics of each disease. Despite these differences, sarcopenia and primary myopathies require careful consideration in the clinical setting for proper diagnosis and management. This review outlines the evolution of diagnostic criteria and diagnostic items for sarcopenia, late‐onset primary myopathies that should be differentiated from sarcopenia, common pathomechanisms, and diagnostic algorithms to properly differentiate primary myopathies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••–••. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methodology Results Conclusions Fluoride is widely used in dentistry for its caries prevention. To reduce dental caries, the optimal fluoride concentration of public water supplies in the United States is 0.7 ppm. However, excessive systemic fluoride consumption can lead to dental/enamel fluorosis. Numerous studies have explored the effects of fluoride on enamel and enamel‐forming cells. However, research on systemic fluoride's impact on dentine is limited, particularly the effect of fluoride on the structure of the dentine–pulp complex. Therefore, this study aimed to identify how excessive fluoride affects dentine microstructure using an experimental mouse model.C57BL6/J male mice (6–9 weeks old) were randomized into four groups (Fluoride at 0, 50, 100, or 125 ppm in drinking water) (n = 4/group). Mice were provided water ad libitum for 6 weeks along with fluoride‐free food. Thereafter, mandibular incisors were analysed. Enamel phenotypes were evaluated using light microscopy and quantitative light‐induced fluorescence (QLF) to measure fluorosis levels. Dentine morphology was evaluated using micro‐CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM–EDX (energy‐dispersive X‐ray), microhardness test and histological imaging. Data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA with Dunnett's multiple comparisons as a post hoc test and the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn's multiple comparisons post hoc test (p < .05).Mice treated with fluoride at 50–125 ppm developed enamel hypoplasia in their erupting incisors and micro‐CT imaging revealed that fluoride 125 ppm caused external resorption of the growing incisor. Dentine mineral density, dentine volume decreased compared with the 0 ppm control, while pulp volume increased compared with the 0 ppm control group. SEM showed wider predentine layer and abnormalities in calcified matrix vesicles derived from odontoblasts in fluoride 100 and 125 ppm groups. Vickers microhardness of dentine significantly decreased in the high‐dose group. Fluoride‐induced dentine hypoplasia in a dose‐dependent manner. Histological evaluation showed excessive fluoride 125 ppm induced micro abscess formation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Fluoride induced dentine dysplasia with a dentine microstructure resembling hypophosphatasia.High doses of systemic fluoride can cause dentine dysplasia. Both three‐dimensional and microstructural analyses showed the structural, chemical and mechanical changes in the dentine and the mineralized tissue components, along with external resorption and pulp inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzo[a]fluoranthene (4a) is one of non‐alternate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A reaction of 4a in CF3SO3H yielded a dark yellow solution. Direct NMR observation indicated the exclusive formation of carbocation 4aH+ by protonation at the C(8) position. The most deshielded 1H and 13C signals were observed at 8.99 ppm for H(12) and 8.29 ppm for H(1), 182.6 ppm for C(12b), 155.6 ppm for C(8a), and 149.4 ppm for C(7a). The signals for H(4) and H(5) were significantly more shielded than those of 4a. A reaction of 3‐tert‐butylbenzo[a]fluoranthene (4b) in CF3SO3H afforded carbocation 4bH+ by the protonation at the C(8) position. 4bH+ was gradually converted to 4aH+. The changes in 13C NMR chemical shifts (Δδ13C) suggested that positive charge was delocalized into mainly seven carbons in 4aH+ and 4bH+. The observed cations were found to be the most stable cations among the possible protonation cations by the DFT method. The NICS(1)zz values for the five‐membered rings were calculated to be 35.6 for 4aH+ and 34.4 for 4bH+ by GIAO‐B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p). The experimental NMR and the NICS(1)zz data indicated that the five‐membered rings in 4aH+ and 4bH+ exhibited anti‐aromaticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a disease characterized by gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. For those patients who do not respond to shunt surgery, it lacks objective radiologic findings for the diagnosis of shunt malfunction. Here we aimed to evaluate whether the Evans index and callosal angle change during a prospective long-term follow-up of patients with iNPH submitted to shunt surgery. Clinical (NPH Japanese Scale) and radiologic (Evans index and callosal angle) data were collected pre- and postoperatively (3, 6, 12 and months) in 19 patients with iNPH. Imaging tests were evaluated by the same neuroradiologist during the follow-up. Patients had lower scores on the NPH Japanese Scale over time (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference among Evans index values during the follow-up (P = 0.24). Preoperative average callosal angle was 72 ± 15, which increased to 91 ± 18 in 6 months (P = 0.003). In this sample, patients with iNPH submitted to a programmable valve shunt had an increase in callosal angle concomitant to neurologic improvement. The Evans index did not change during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the application of endoscopic surgery in breast surgery. It provides a historical overview of the development of endoscopic surgery for breast cancer and benign breast tumors. The article also examines the advantages and disadvantages of endoscopic surgery compared to conventional surgery, including factors such as operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and cosmetic outcomes. The article concludes with recommendations for the use of endoscopic partial mastectomy and endoscopic removal of benign breast tumors based on the expected impact on postoperative quality of life. The authors also highlight the need for further research on endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy and call for collaboration among different medical societies to support related research and obtain insurance coverage for the procedure. [Extracted from the article]

Thin-film devices that transduce the chemical activity of ions into electronic signals are essential components in various applications, including healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Combinations of organic semiconductors (OSCs) and ionselective materials have been explored for developing solution-processable ion sensors. However, the necessity of reference electrodes (REs) and operational stability in ionpermeable OSCs have posed questions regarding whether reliable measurements with thin-film components are attainable with OSCs. Herein, we report electric double-layer transistors (EDLTs) with OSCs in single-crystal forms for ion sensing. Our EDLTs demonstrated high operational stability, with a one-to-one relationship between the source electrode potential and device resistance, and served as quasi-REs (qRE). When our EDLT is served as qRE, its drift was as small as 0.5 mV/h and comparable to that of commonly employed REs. In our system, the semiconductor-electrolyte interface is self-passivated by the alkyl chains of OSCs in single-crystal structures, with the two-dimensional transport layer appearing unaltered upon gating. EDLT arrays with ion-selective and nonselective liquid junctions enable ion concentration sensing without a conventional RE. These findings provide opportunities to develop thin-film devices based on OSCs for easy integration and reliable measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Artificial intelligence can predict the age of an individual using color fundus photographs (CFPs). This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of age prediction in the Kumejima study using fundus parameters and to clarify age-related changes in the fundus. Methods: We used nonmydriatic CFPs obtained from the Kumejima population study, including 1,646 right eyes of healthy participants with reliable fundus parameter measurements. The tessellation fundus index was calculated as R/(R + G + B) using the mean value of the red–green–blue intensity in eight locations around the optic disc and foveal region. The optic disc ovality ratio, papillomacular angle, and retinal vessel angle were quantified as previously described. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression with leave-one-out cross-validation was used to predict age. The relationship between the actual and predicted ages was investigated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of included participants (834 males and 812 females) was 53.4 ± 10.1 years. The mean predicted age based on fundus parameters was 53.4 ± 8.9 years, with a mean absolute error of 3.64 years, and the correlation coefficient between actual and predicted age was 0.88 (p < 0.001). Older patients had greater red and green intensities and weaker blue intensities in the peripapillary area (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age could be predicted using the CFP parameters, and there were notable age-related changes in the peripapillary color intensity. The age-related changes in the fundus may aid the understanding of the mechanism of fundus diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were discovered in the early 2000s and became known for their role in protecting the germline genome against mobile genetic elements. Successively, piRNAs were also detected in the somatic cells of gonads in multiple animal species. In recent years, piRNAs have been reported in non‐gonadal tissues in various arthropods, contrary to the initial assumptions of piRNAs being exclusive to gonads. Here, we performed an extensive literature review, which revealed that reports on non‐gonadal somatic piRNA expression are not limited to a few specific species. Instead, when multiple studies are considered collectively, it appears to be a widespread phenomenon across arthropods. Furthermore, we systematically analyzed 168 publicly available small RNA‐seq datasets from diverse tissues in 17 species, which further supported the bibliographic reports that piRNAs are expressed across tissues and species in Arthropoda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the effects of high frequency facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation (fNMES) on facial aging, using a device equipped with CERTEC (Cell Energy Regeneration Technology) operating between 40 and 190 kHz. Methods: This prospective split‐face study was conducted at Tokyo University Hospital between March and May 2023 with 24 healthy adult women aged 30–59. The intervention group used the fNMES device along with basic skin care on one side of the face, and basic skin care alone on the other side for 8 weeks. Evaluations included changes in skin wrinkles, sagging, and blood flow. Results: This study found significant improvements in skin elasticity and degree of wrinkles in the areas intervened with fNMES (p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, the intervention resulted in significant improvements in jawline angle (p < 0.01), submental volume (p < 0.05), cheek volume (p < 0.05), maximum nasolabial fold depth (p = 0.03), and total volume of the nasolabial folds (p = 0.03). The fNMES intervention also showed improvement in blood flow (p < 0.05). These improvements were also subjectively assessed by the participants in subject questionnaires at 8 weeks after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that high frequency fNMES effectively improves facial skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and sagging, promotes blood flow, and contributes to overall facial appearance rejuvenation. Although further studies are needed, high frequency fNMES appeared promising as a noninvasive anti‐aging therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To avoid complete elimination of hen eggs (HE) from diet, we introduced a very-low-dose (VLD) oral food challenge (OFC) in patients with severe HE allergy in 2019. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of VLD HE OFC for achieving the full dose OFC. Patients with an overt allergic reaction to LD (1/32 HE [≤100 mg]) or less, egg white (EW) protein within 6 months were included. In the VLD group, patients not achieving full-dose OFC (1/2 HE: 1600 mg EW protein) within 2 years were excluded. We retrospectively compared the rate of passing a full-dose OFC between patients who underwent a LD OFC before 2019 (LD group) and those who underwent a VLD OFC (1/100 HE: 32 mg EW protein) after 2019 (VLD group). The period for passing the full-dose OFC was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. We enrolled 411 and 111 patients in the LD and VLD groups, respectively. The median age at OFC initiation was 2.2 [1.5–3.6] and 2.1 [1.4–3.2] years in the LD and VLD groups, respectively. EW- and ovomucoid-specific IgE levels were 38.3 (12.5–72.9) and 21.0 (8.3–46.2) kU A /L in the LD group and 49.8 [18.8–83.9] and 32.1 [15.6–67.8] kU A /L in the VLD group, respectively. Over 4 years, the LD and VLD groups passed the full-dose OFC at rates of 70 and 95%, respectively, with significant differences (log-rank test, P < 0.001). VLD HE OFC may contribute to passing a full-dose OFC in patients with severe HE allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The introduction of new drugs often leads to aggressive promotion and potential financial conflicts of interest, which may bias treatment decisions and potentially harm patients. The breast cancer therapeutics market is rapidly evolving globally, and Japan is no exception. This study aimed to analyze trends in pharmaceutical payments to breast cancer specialists in Japan from 2016 to 2019, focusing on company-level data, relationships with new drug introductions, and individual specialist payment patterns. Methods: This retrospective study examined financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and breast cancer specialists in Japan from 2016 to 2019. The analysis focused on certified specialists as of May 2023 and used payment data from 93 pharmaceutical companies for activities such as lecturing, writing, and consulting. First, a company-level analysis examined total payments, categories, and trends for all companies and the top 10 individually; second, a specialist-level analysis looked at payment amounts amount and counts. The Gini index was employed to assess the concentration of payments among specialists. Results: Total payments reached USD 13,329,911, growing at 10.1% annually, with 81.4% allocated to lecturing engagements. The top 10 companies, led by Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, and AstraZeneca, accounted for 89.5% of all payments. Companies like Pfizer Japan and Eli Lilly Japan saw notable increases following the introduction of new drugs such as palbociclib and abemaciclib. Payment distribution was highly skewed, with an average of $7,692 per specialist but a median of only $2,884. A Gini index of 0.994 further confirmed that a small group of specialists received a disproportionately large share of the payments Conclusion: From 2016 to 2019, pharmaceutical payments to Japanese breast cancer specialists increased significantly, coinciding with new drug introductions. The concentration of payments among a select group of specialists raises concerns about potential influences on clinical decision-making and guideline recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion Typical atrial flutter (AFL) is a macroreentrant tachycardia in which intracardiac conduction rotates counterclockwise around the tricuspid annulus. Typical AFL has specific electrocardiographic characteristics, including a negative sawtooth‐like wave in the inferior lead and a positive F wave in lead V1. This study aimed to analyze the origin of the positive F wave in lead V1, which has not been completely understood.This study enrolled 10 patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for a typical AFL. Electroanatomical mapping was performed both during typical AFL and entrainment from the right atrial appendage (RAA). The 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and three‐dimensional (3D) electroanatomical maps were analyzed.The positive F wave in lead V1 changed during entrainment from the RAA in all the cases. The 3D map during entrainment from the RAA revealed an area of antidromic capture around the RAA, which collided with the orthodromic wave in the anterior right atrium. This area of antidromic capture around the RAA was the only difference from the 3D electroanatomical map of AFL and is considered the cause of the change in the F wave in lead V1 during entrainment.The analysis of the differences in the 12‐lead ECG and 3D maps between tachycardia and entrainment from the RAA clearly demonstrated that activation around the RAA is responsible for the generation of the positive F wave in lead V1 of typical AFL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver bismuth diselenide (AgBiSe2) has attracted much attention as an efficient thermoelectric material owing to its low thermal conductivity. However, AgBiSe2 exhibits multiple crystal structural transitions with temperature, and high thermoelectric performance was realized only in the high-temperature cubic phase. We previously reported the stabilization of the cubic phase in AgBiSe2-2xSxTex with x = 0.6-0.8 at room temperature using a high-entropy-alloy (HEA) approach. In this paper, we succeeded in stabilizing the cubic phase in AgBiSe2-2xSxTex with x = 0-0.6 using an ice-quenching method and investigated the HE effect on thermoelectric properties below room temperature to avoid the emergence of a hexagonal phase above room temperature. Cubic AgBiSe2-2xSxTex exhibited n-type conductivity at 10-300 K. The increase in electrical conductivity is due to a combined effect of increased charge density and electron mobility, depending on the sample. It is evident that charge carrier density strongly increases in the x = 0.4 sample while the mobility remains roughly the same compared to the x = 0.0 sample. In x = 0.2 and 0.6 samples, electronic conductivity increases primarily due to enhanced mobility. S and Te substitutions induced a variation in the band structure, resulting in carrier mobility enhancement. Furthermore, thermal conductivity showed reduction tendency with increasing amounts of S and Te due to the enhancement of phonon scattering. Simultaneous electronic conductivity increase and thermal conductivity reduction resulted in the systematic improvement of ZT values for HE-type cubic AgBiSe2-2xSxTex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) play very important roles in the field of biliary tract disease. Because of their excellent spatial resolution, the detection of small lesions and T- or N-staging of tumors have become possible. Additionally, contrast-enhanced EUS and the new imaging technique of detective flow imaging are reported to be useful for differential diagnosis. Furthermore, EUS-guided tissue acquisition is used not only for pathological diagnosis but also to collect tissue samples for cancer genome profiling. This review provides an overview of diagnosis utilizing the features and techniques of EUS and IDUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung injury that induces cytokine hypersecretion. Receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1, a subunit of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, regulates the production of cytokines. This study examined the role of RAMP1 signaling during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). LPS administration to wild-type (WT) mice depleted alveolar macrophages (AMs) and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and neutrophils. RAMP1-deficient (RAMP1−/−) mice exhibited higher lung injury scores, cytokine levels, and cytokine-producing neutrophil infiltration. RAMP1-deficient AMs produced more cytokines in response to LPS than WT AMs. Adoptive transfer of RAMP1-deficient AMs to RAMP1−/− mice increased cytokine levels and neutrophil accumulation compared to the transfer of WT AMs. RAMP1−/− mice had reduced MDM recruitment and lower pro-inflammatory and reparative macrophage profiles. Cultured bone marrow (BM)-derived RAMP1-deficient macrophages stimulated with LPS showed decreased expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-repairing genes. CGRP administration to WT mice reduced cytokine production and neutrophil accumulation. These findings indicate that RAMP1 signaling mitigates LPS-induced ALI by inactivating AMs and promoting inflammatory and repair activities of MDMs. Targeting RAMP1 signaling presents a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skull base metastases, including those from small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), can present with various syndromes depending on the site of involvement, such as orbital syndrome, parasellar syndrome, middle fossa syndrome, jugular foramen syndrome, and occipital condyle syndrome (OCS). One such example is OCS, which consists of unilateral occipital headache accompanied with ipsilateral hypoglossal palsy. This case report describes a 51‐year‐old man initially diagnosed with OCS, which led to the discovery of systemic bone metastases from SCLC. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions in the occipital condyle and hypoglossal canal, while positron emission tomography‐computed tomography identified a lung mass and widespread metastases. SCLC is highly aggressive and metastatic, with the bone being a common site of spread. In this case, the OCS preceded the diagnosis of the underlying malignancy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as patients with OCS often have advanced disease. This case highlights the importance of considering SCLC as a potential etiology for OCS, given the propensity for bone metastases. Early recognition and evaluation of OCS is essential to initiate appropriate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoantharia is an order among the Hexacorallia (Anthozoa: Cnidaria), and includes at least 300 species. Previously reported genomes from scleractinian corals and actiniarian sea anemones have illuminated part of the hexacorallian diversification. However, little is known about zoantharian genomes and the early evolution of hexacorals. To explore genome evolution in this group of hexacorals, here, we report de novo genome assemblies of the zoantharians Palythoa mizigama (Pmiz) and Palythoa umbrosa (Pumb), both of which are members of the family Sphenopidae, and uniquely live in comparatively dark coral reef caves without symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates. Draft genomes generated from ultra-low input PacBio sequencing totaled 373 and 319 Mbp for Pmiz and Pumb, respectively. Protein-coding genes were predicted in each genome, totaling 30,394 in Pmiz and 24,800 in Pumb, with each set having ∼93% BUSCO completeness. Comparative genomic analyses identified 3,036 conserved gene families, which were found in all analyzed hexacoral genomes. Some of the genes related to toxins, chitin degradation, and prostaglandin biosynthesis were expanded in these two Palythoa genomes and many of which aligned tandemly. Extensive gene family loss was not detected in the Palythoa lineage and five of ten putatively lost gene families likely had neuronal function, suggesting biased gene loss in Palythoa. In conclusion, our comparative analyses demonstrate evolutionary conservation of gene families in the Palythoa lineage from the common ancestor of hexacorals. Restricted loss of gene families may imply that lost neuronal functions were effective for environmental adaptation in these two Palythoa species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the fundus sex index obtained from fundus photographs and body height or axial length in the Kumejima population. Study Design: Prospective cross-sectional observational population study. Methods: Using color fundus photographs obtained from the Kumejima population, 1,653 healthy right eyes with reliable fundus parameter measurements were included in this study. The tessellation fundus index was calculated as R/(R + G + B) using the mean value of the red-green-blue intensity in the eight locations around the optic disc and foveal region. The optic disc ovality ratio, papillomacular angle, and retinal vessel angle were quantified as previously described. The masculine or feminine fundus was quantified using machine learning (L2 regularized binominal logistic regression and leave one out cross validation), with the range of 0–1 as the predictive value, and defined as the fundus sex index. The relationship between the fundus sex index and body height or axial length was investigated using Spearman's correlation. Results: The mean age of the 838 men and 815 women included in this study was 52.8 and 54.0 years, respectively. The correlation coefficient between fundus sex index and body height was − 0.40 (p < 0.001) in all, 0.01 (p = 0.89) in men, and − 0.04 (p = 0.30) in women, and that between fundus sex index and axial length was − 0.23 (p < 0.001) in all, − 0.12 (p < 0.001) in men, and − 0.13 (p < 0.001) in women. Conclusion: This study shows that a larger number of masculine fundi tend to have longer axial lengths in each sex group. However, sex index was not significantly related with body height either in men or in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large population-based registries, such as the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Registry, help in the study of rare tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), but lack data to understand the natural history of the disease. The Medullary Thyroid Cancer Collaborative Registry (MTCCoRe) is an exhaustive multi-institutional collection of demographic, clinical, and pathological data. To determine the extent to which MTCCoRe represents the real-world MTC population, we compared the characteristics of patients enrolled in MTCCoRe with patients enrolled in population-based cancer registries. Methods: Comparison of demographic and clinical characteristics of MTC patients who were enrolled in MTCCoRe, Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), California Cancer Registry (CCR), and SEER between 1995 and 2018. Results: A total of 1416 patients were identified in MTCCoRe, 329 in TCR, 2105 in CCR, and 3820 in SEER. Percentages of patients 20–54 years in MTCCoRe were 58.0%, 50.2% in TCR, 47.2% in CCR, and 44.8% in SEER (p < 0.0001). About half of the patients were female (55.9% in MTCCoRe, 61.4% in TCR, 59% in CCR, and 57.5% in SEER (p = 0.3). Percentages of Hispanic and Black patients differed among cohorts (10.1% and 3.8% for MTCCoRe, 23.7% and 8.2% for TCR, 24.8% and 4.9% in CCR, and 15.9% and 8.2% for SEER, respectively; p < 0.001). MTCCoRe patients presented with more advanced T and N classifications than patients in the other registries (MTCCoRe, 28.6% T3-4 and 49.4% N1; TCR, 12.7% and 32.2%; CCR, 18.6% and 32.4%; and SEER, 24% and 37.8%; p < 0.0001). Prevalence of M1 disease was 10% in MTCCoRe, 11.9% in TCR, 14.1% in CCR, and 9.5% in SEER (p < 0.0001). In the MTCCoRe, 11.4% underwent systemic therapy (compared with 0.3% in TCR and 5.6% in CCR). Conclusions: The clinicodemographic profile of patients with MTC enrolled in a multi-institutional registry differs from those enrolled in population-based databases, with lower proportions of Hispanic and Black patients but additive data on treatment modalities. Moving forward, MTCCoRe and other registry and clinical trial enrollment efforts should intentionally include underrepresented groups via community engagement techniques, patient stakeholder involvement, and inclusion of languages other than English in study materials to yield more generalizable results and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix decomposition structural equation modeling (MDSEM) is introduced as a novel approach in structural equation modeling, contrasting with traditional structural equation modeling (SEM). MDSEM approximates the data matrix using a model generated by the hypothetical model and addresses limitations faced by conventional SEM procedures by emphasizing factor analysis with L2 penalization. Key advantages of MDSEM include preventing improper solutions, the ability to compute observation-wise residuals without post-hoc factor score estimation and ease in identifying equivalent models. These benefits are attributed to its matrix decomposition techniques, allowing for direct model fitting to the data matrix, unlike the covariance structure fitting in CS-SEM. An iterative algorithm for parameter estimation is proposed, guaranteeing a monotonically decreasing function value. Theoretical properties of MDSEM are examined, revealing its shared characteristics with existing factor analysis and SEM. Numerical simulations and real data examples validate that MDSEM produces results comparable to existing methods when adequately calibrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive fluoride ingestion during tooth development can cause dental fluorosis. Previously, we reported that fluoride activates histone acetyltransferase (HAT) to acetylate p53, promoting fluoride toxicity in mouse ameloblast-like LS8 cells. However, the roles of HAT and histone acetylation status in fluoride-mediated gene expression remain unidentified. Here, we demonstrate that fluoride-mediated histone modification causes gene expression alterations in LS8 cells. LS8 cells were treated with or without fluoride followed by ChIP-Seq analysis of H3K27ac. Genes were identified by differential H3K27ac peaks within ±1 kb from transcription start sites. The levels of mRNA of identified genes were assessed using rea-time PCR (qPCR). Fluoride increased H3K27ac peaks associated with Bax, p21, and Mdm2 genes and upregulated their mRNA levels. Fluoride decreased H3K27ac peaks and p53, Bad, and Bcl2 had suppressed transcription. HAT inhibitors (Anacardic acid or MG149) suppressed fluoride-induced mRNA of p21 and Mdm2, while fluoride and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor sodium butyrate increased Bad and Bcl2 expression above that of fluoride treatment alone. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates epigenetic regulation via fluoride treatment via H3 acetylation. Further investigation is required to elucidate epigenetic mechanisms of fluoride toxicity in enamel development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colored rice is abundant in polyphenols, and koji molds have potential for biotransformation. This study aimed to produce Thai-colored rice koji to study its polyphenolic biotransformation. Four industrial koji mold strains: Aspergillus oryzae 6001, A. oryzae 6020, A. sojae 7009, and A. luchuensis 8035, were cultivated on unpolished Thai-colored rice (Riceberry and Sangyod), unpolished Thai white rice (RD43), and polished Japanese white rice (Koshihikari). We discovered that koji molds grew on all the rice varieties. Methanol extracts of all rice kojis exhibited an approximately 2-fold or greater increase in total phenolic content and DPPH antioxidant activity compared to those of steamed rice. Moreover, quercetin, quercetin-3- O -glucoside, isorhamnetin-3- O -glucoside, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, (+)-catechin, and (–)-epicatechin content increased in Riceberry and Sangyod koji samples. Consequently, Aspergillus solid-state cultivation on unpolished Thai-colored rice exhibited higher functionalization than the cultivation of unpolished Thai white rice and polished Japanese white rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that hypertriglyceridemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, large clinical studies on triglyceride‐lowering therapy have yielded inconsistent results. In the current review, we reassess the importance of triglyceride‐lowering therapy in preventing CVD based on previous literature and the recently published findings of the PROMINENT trial. Methods: This narrative review is based on literature and public documents published up to November 2023. Results: Meta‐analyses of trials on peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α agonists and triglyceride‐lowering therapy, including the PROMINENT trial, have indicated that triglyceride‐lowering therapy can reduce CVD events. Mendelian randomization studies have also indicated that triglyceride is indeed a true risk factor for coronary artery disease, leaving no doubt about its relationship to CVD. Meanwhile, the negative results from the PROMINENT trial were likely due to the insufficient triglyceride‐lowering effect, slight increases in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, and the inclusion of mostly high‐intensity statin users as target patients. It is unlikely that adverse events counteracted the effectiveness of pemafibrate on outcomes. Additionally, pemafibrate has shown positive effects on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and peripheral artery disease. Conclusion: Although the PROMINENT trial did not demonstrate the significance of pemafibrate as a triglyceride‐lowering therapy in a specific population, it does not necessarily negate the potential benefits of treating hypertriglyceridemia in reducing CVD events. It is necessary to explore appropriate populations that could benefit from this therapy, utilize data from the PROMINENT trial and other databases, and validate findings in real‐world settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the parathyroid function and calcium (Ca) levels in the secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) state in patients with Graves' disease. Methods: We examined 31 consecutive patients with Graves' disease without chronic kidney disease, who were treated with total thyroidectomy. The patients were divided into a normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) group (NPTH group; n = 19) with a PTH level ≤ 65 pg/mL, and a secondary hyperparathyroidism group (SHPT group; n = 12), with a PTH level > 65 pg/mL. The PTH and Ca-related parameters were examined and the risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia were analyzed. Results: The preoperative Ca level was significantly lower (2.24 ± 0.06 vs. 2.31 ± 0.07 mmol/L, p < 0.05) in the SHPT group than in the NPTH group. The reduction in PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and Ca levels from the preoperative day to the next morning was significantly greater in the SHPT group than in the NPTH group (p < 0.05). When intraoperative factors were included, the decrease in the PTH level alone was significant. SHPT was a significant factor in determining the extent of PTH reduction. Conclusions: Hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in the SHPT state were more susceptible to postoperative PTH reduction, which, combined with low preoperative Ca levels, increased the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients with Graves' disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism. • It is unclear whether DOACs are safe for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in the real-world setting. • Upper GI cancer, but not lower GI cancer, was associated with a higher risk for major bleeding. • Unresected upper GI cancer may have a higher risk for major bleeding than non-GI cancer. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become widely used for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, DOAC-associated bleeding complications remain challenging, especially in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. This study aimed to compare the bleeding outcomes between patients with upper or lower GI cancers and those without GI cancer. Using the COMMAND VTE Registry-2 database, which is a multicenter registry enrolling 5197 consecutive acute symptomatic VTE patients among 31 centers in Japan between January 2015 and August 2020, we identified 1149 active cancer patients with DOACs (upper GI cancer: N = 88; lower GI cancer: N = 114; non-GI cancer: N = 947). The primary outcome was major bleeding during anticoagulation therapy, which was evaluated in the competing risk regression model. The upper GI cancer group had a lower mean body weight, and most often had anemia. The cumulative 5-year incidence of major bleeding was higher in the upper GI cancer group (upper GI cancer: 22.4 %, lower GI cancer: 15.4 %, and non-GI cancer: 11.6 %, P = 0.015). The most frequent major bleeding site in the upper GI cancer group was the upper GI (53 %), followed by the lower GI (24 %). After adjusting for the confounders, the excess risk in upper GI cancer relative to non-GI cancer remained significant for major bleeding (adjusted subhazard ratio, 2.25; 95 %CI, 1.31–3.87, P = 0.003), but that in lower GI cancer was insignificant. Upper GI cancer, but not lower GI cancer, as compared to non-GI cancer was associated with a higher risk for major bleeding during anticoagulation therapy with DOACs. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm Unique identifier: UMIN000044816. CI, confidence interval [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the first pilot calculation of the elastic and inelastic cross sections for the 5-body scattering of antihydrogen ions with positronium atoms. These cross sections have not been calculated before and are not known experimentally. In particular, we focus on the collisional rearrangement reactions H ¯ + + Ps → H ¯ Ps + e + which deplete the H ¯ + ions and result in stable atomcules H ¯ Ps . To better understand the mechanism of this rearrangement, we study the 3-dimensional, angle resolved positron densities of the 3- and 4-body fragments in the initial and final states of the rearrangement collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust method for determining the electron temperature and density of atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium argon plasmas is reported. The methodology is based on the analysis of the continuum and line spectra of the plasma. Assuming that the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) is expressed as a two-temperature generalized EEDF (GEEDF), the gamma value of the GEEDF is determined through a grid search of the continuum spectrum analysis given by the bremsstrahlung process, which minimizes the mean-squared logarithmic error (MSLE). In addition, the relationship between the gamma value and the electron temperature and density is determined. Utilizing this relationship, the electron temperature and density are determined by minimizing the MSLE between the excited-state densities obtained from the line spectrum analysis and numerically calculated using the collisional-radiative model. This methodology yielded results that satisfied both continuum and line spectrum analyses. In addition, the same analysis was conducted either by continuum spectrum analysis or by line spectrum alone to compare the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : A vertical margin (VM) distance of < 500 µm is a risk factor for recurrence in patients with T1 colorectal carcinoma (CRC) resected by endoscopy. We aimed to determine the effects of the VM distance on the recurrence and prognosis of T1 CRC. Methods: We enrolled 168 patients with T1 CRC who underwent additional surgery after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at multiple centers between 2008 and 2016. None of the patients were followed up for < 5 years. The enrolled 168 patients were classified into patients with VM distance of < 500 µm including positive VM (n = 72 [43%], VM distance < 500 µm group) and patients with VM distance of ≥ 500 µm (n = 96 [57%], VM distance ≥ 500 µm group). The clinicopathological features, recurrence rates, and prognoses were compared between the groups using propensity-score matching (PSM). Results: Tumors recurred in eight of the 168 patients (5%) with VM distance < 500 µm. After PSM, the rate of overall recurrence and local recurrence in the VM distance < 500 µm group were significantly higher than those in the VM distance ≥ 500 µm group. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was significantly higher in the VM distance ≥ 500 µm group than that in VM distance < 500 µm group after PSM (100% vs. 89%, p < 0.012). Conclusions: Complete en bloc resection of T1 CRC via ESD must include a sufficient amount of SM to reduce the risk of metastasis and recurrence after additional surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-Mannosyl tryptophan (CMW), a unique glycosylated amino acid, is considered to be produced by degradation of C-mannosylated proteins in living organism. Although protein C-mannosylation is involved in the folding and secretion of substrate proteins, the pathophysiological function in the hematological system is still unclear. This study aimed to assess CMW in the human hematological disorders. The serum CMW levels of 94 healthy Japanese workers were quantified using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. Platelet count was positively correlated with serum CMW levels. The clinical significance of CMW in thrombocytosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (T-MPN) including essential thrombocythemia (ET) were investigated. The serum CMW levels of the 34 patients with T-MPN who presented with thrombocytosis were significantly higher than those of the 52 patients with control who had other hematological disorders. In patients with T-MPN, serum CMW levels were inversely correlated with anemia, which was related to myelofibrosis (MF). Bone marrow biopsy samples were obtained from 18 patients with ET, and serum CMW levels were simultaneously measured. Twelve patients with bone marrow fibrosis had significantly higher CMW levels than 6 patients without bone marrow fibrosis. Collectively, these results suggested that CMW could be a novel biomarker to predict MF progression in T-MPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the strength of Al 2 O 3 specimens produced using the water-stabilized plasma spraying technique (WSPSAO), this study investigates the effect of structural modification on the mechanical properties of WSPSAO using the Al-Cu-O reaction between the metal, atmospheric oxygen, and base material. A Cu-powder layer is applied to the specimen surface, melted, and oxidized at high temperatures. It penetrates into the specimen, resulting in significant microstructural modification deep in the specimen. After modification, uniaxial Al 2 O 3 , CuO, Cu 2 O, and CuAl 2 O 4 are formed in the specimen, resulting in a denser and more uniform structure than that of the original material. The bending strength of the coated surface is 145 MPa, and that on the opposite side of the coated surface is 118 MPa, which is 130%–180% higher than the original strength of the base material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusion Detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI‐EUS) is a recent imaging modality developed for detecting fine vessels without the need for ultrasound contrast agents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of DFI‐EUS for solid pancreatic lesions and to compare the diagnostic ability for pancreatic cancer (PC) between DFI‐EUS, directional power Doppler (eFLOW) EUS, and contrast‐enhanced harmonic (CH)‐EUS.Patients with a pancreatic lesion who underwent DFI‐EUS, eFLOW‐EUS, and CH‐EUS between March 2019 and November 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. Final diagnoses were confirmed by pathologic examination of EUS‐guided tissue acquisition and/or resected specimens. Lesions were categorized into the three patterns of poor, mild, and rich vascularity on DFI‐EUS and eFLOW‐EUS, and hypo‐, iso‐, and hypervascular on CH‐EUS. PC was defined as a poor pattern on DFI‐EUS and eFLOW‐EUS, and a hypovascular pattern on CH‐EUS.The final diagnoses of 90 examined tumors were PC (n = 57), inflammatory mass (n = 6), autoimmune pancreatitis (n = 13), neuroendocrine tumor (n = 9), and others (n = 5). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosis of PC were 93%, 82%, and 88%, respectively, on DFI‐EUS, 97%, 42%, and 77% on eFLOW‐EUS, and 95%, 89%, and 92% on CH‐EUS. The accuracy of DFI‐EUS was significantly superior to eFLOW‐EUS (P = 0.005), but no significant difference was found between DFI‐EUS and CH‐EUS.DFI‐EUS is more sensitive for depicting vasculature than eFLOW‐EUS, and has higher diagnostic sensitivity for PC. Evaluation of vascularity on DFI‐EUS is useful for the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions without the need for intravenous contrast agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The color of green tea is an important quality indicator. In recent years, shading of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants has been widely adopted for green tea production to enhance its green color and umami taste. In this study, we identified factors that influence green tea color by (i) examining variation in the chlorophyll content of fresh new tea shoots among cultivars, cropping seasons, and the degree of shading, (ii) investigating the rate of conversion of chlorophyll to pheophytin during the tea manufacturing process, specifically with steaming duration, and (iii) analyzing the effects of the new tea shoot properties and the steaming process on colorimetric values of the steamed new tea shoots.Multiple regression analysis revealed that three factors contributed to the rate of conversion of each chlorophyll type to pheophytin in steamed new tea shoots (ranked by importance): steaming duration > each chlorophyll type (chlorophyll‐a and chlorophyll‐b) content of fresh new tea shoots > pH. The colorimetric hue angle (h) value of steamed new tea shoots was influenced by four factors (ranked by importance): steaming duration > total chlorophyll (chlorophyll‐a + chlorophyll‐b) content in fresh new tea shoots > pH > chlorophyll‐a/chlorophyll‐b ratio in fresh new tea shoots.Differences in the color of new tea shoots can be explained by the aforementioned four factors. The findings will be useful for cultivar selection, and determining the appropriate degree of shading and steaming duration, to produce high‐quality green teas with a good appearance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D cell cultures are indispensable in recapitulating in vivo environments. Among the many 3D culture methods, culturing adherent cells on hydrogel beads to form spheroid‐like structures is a powerful strategy for maintaining high cell viability and functions in the adherent states. However, high‐throughput, scalable technologies for 3D imaging of individual cells cultured on the hydrogel scaffolds are lacking. This study reports the development of a high throughput, scalable 3D imaging flow cytometry platform for analyzing spheroid models. This platform is realized by integrating a single objective fluorescence light‐sheet microscopy with a microfluidic device that combines hydrodynamic and acoustofluidic focusing techniques. This integration enabled unprecedentedly high‐throughput and scalable optofluidic 3D imaging, processing 1310 spheroids consisting of 28 117 cells min−1. The large dataset obtained enables precise quantification and comparison of the nuclear morphology of adhering and suspended cells, revealing that the adhering cells have smaller nuclei with less rounded surfaces. This platform's high throughput, robustness, and precision for analyzing the morphology of subcellular structures in 3D culture models hold promising potential for various biomedical analyses, including image‐based phenotypic screening of drugs with spheroids or organoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Primary productivity by phytoplankton is a rich source of organic carbon, substantial for the aquatic food web. Monitoring phytoplankton (i.e., chlorophyll-a) is essential to assess the health of estuaries and other continental shelves subjected to constant anthropogenic stress (e.g., developmental activities). In this study, a three-endmember combination Spectral Decomposition Algorithm (SDA) was developed to estimate the phytoplankton in the micro-tidal Yura estuary of Japan using Landsat-8 (30 m), and Sentinel − 2A (10 m). The endmember water, phytoplankton, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) yielded the best results with both the satellite sensors (R2 > 0.80) owing to the limited influence of non-phytoplankton suspended solids (NPSS) in the estuary. Chlorophyll-a was used as the proxy for phytoplankton. The estimated root mean square error (RMSE) was relatively higher in Landsat-8 (RMSE = 0.187 µg/L) than the Sentinel-2A (RMSE = 0.162 µg/L). The results were validated using the ground truth data of the Yura Estuary (26 sampling points). Furthermore, the results indicate low chlorophyll-a concentration in the Yura estuary (< 2µg/L) except near the shorelines (~ 6 µg/L). A good fit (R2 = 0.79) between observed chlorophyll-a and turbidity indicated phytoplankton-dominated turbidity in the tide-less estuary of Japan. The estimated maximum turbidity was 1.4 FTU using both sensors, suggesting a low anthropogenic influence on the Yura Estuary. The study demonstrates a successful application of the spectral decomposition algorithm (SDA) in the coastal waters which could further be used to assess the horizontal and temporal variability in phytoplankton in estuarine water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports on the effectiveness and inclusiveness of human-delivered synchronous written corrective feedback (SWCF) in paired writing tasks. Replicating Yamashita, Study 2 and Study 3 each conducted a classroom-based quasi-experimental study in an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing program at an American university. In Study 2, 50 learners were assigned to either of the two experimental groups (direct, indirect) or the control group based on their language analytical ability (LAA). All the three groups worked on two in-class computer-mediated animation description tasks in pairs for 50 minutes. The two experimental groups received either direct or indirect SWCF on their uses of the referential articles during the tasks, while the control group did not. Learners' article use was assessed with an animation description test and a sentence rewriting test on a pretest (one week prior to the treatment), posttest (a few days after), and delayed posttest (two weeks after). Inclusiveness of SWCF was explored by examining changes in performance of high LAA and low LAA learners separately. Study 3 recruited another cohort of 51 learners from the same writing program and replicated Study 2 with a modified test in place of the sentence rewriting test. Findings suggested that only the direct group improved to a greater extent than the control group, and this finding was found only in Study 2, potentially questioning the effectiveness of SWCF in this context. However, SWCF improved low LAA learners' article use to a comparable extent to high LAA learners, contributing to inclusive classroom teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scorpions, a seemingly primitive, stinging arthropod taxa, are known to exhibit marked diversity in their venom components. These venoms are known for their human pathology, but they are also important as models for therapeutic and drug development applications. In this study, we report a high-quality genome assembly and annotation of the striped bark scorpion, Centruroides vittatus , created with several shotgun libraries. The final assembly is 760 Mb in size, with a BUSCO score of 97.8%, a 30.85% GC, and an N50 of 2.35 Mb. We estimated 36,189 proteins with 37.32% assigned to Gene Ontology (GO) terms in our GO annotation analysis. We mapped venom toxin genes to 18 contigs and 2 scaffolds. We were also able to identify expression differences between venom gland (telson) and body tissue (carapace) with 19 sodium toxin and 14 potassium toxin genes to 18 contigs and 2 scaffolds. This assembly, along with our transcriptomic data, provides further data to investigate scorpion venom genomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) is often undetected until advanced stages, which contributes to poor survival rates. Recent advances in diagnostic techniques have enhanced the feasibility of early detection, and this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of radical radiotherapy that specifically targets early stage HSCC. Methods: This retrospective cohort study consecutively analyzed patients with clinical stage I or II HSCC between December 2008 and February 2023. These patients underwent radical radiotherapy with a uniform dose of 70 Gy delivered in 35 fractions to the primary site, followed by elective nodal irradiation. We assessed clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and 5-year locoregional control (LRC). Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for OS. Results: The 5-year OS rate of the entire cohort was 80.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 66.5–89.4%), with no significant difference between patients with clinical stage I and II HSCC. Stratified by subsite, the 5-year OS for pyriform sinus, posterior pharyngeal wall, and postcricoid region were 81.6, 68.2, and 100%, respectively. The ECOG-Performance status (PS) was identified as an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.457; 95% CI 1.325–53.970; p = 0.024). DFS at 5 years was 66.4%, with local recurrence being the most frequent, and LRC rate at 5 years was 79.3%. Acute and late-phase toxicities were predominantly mild to moderate, with no grade 3 or higher toxicities reported. Conclusion: This study supports radical radiotherapy as an effective approach for optimal tumor control in patients with early stage HSCC. Despite the limitations of this study, including its retrospective design and single-center confinement, our results revealed the effectiveness and feasibility of radical radiotherapy in the management of early stage HSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIOLOS, encoded by the IKZF3 gene, belongs to the Ikaros zinc finger transcription factor family and plays a pivotal role in regulating lymphocyte development. Recently, heterozygous missense loss-of-function variants within the DNA-binding domain of the IKZF3 gene (G159R, N160S, and G191R) have been identified in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Additionally, a missense and a truncating variant (E82K and Q402X) leading to the AIOLOS haploinsufficiency have been documented. The majority of individuals with AIOLOS-associated IEI manifest recurrent sinopulmonary infections, as well as various bacterial and viral infections. The patients carrying the AIOLOSN160S variant exhibit severe immunodeficient phenotypes. In contrast, patients harboring AIOLOS haploinsufficient variants predominantly present with clinical phenotypes associated with immune dysregulation. A varying degree of B-lymphopenia and hypoimmunoglobulinemia was noted in approximately half of the patients. Mouse models of AIOLOSG159R and AIOLOSN160S variants (AiolosG158R and AiolosN159S in mice, respectively) recapitulated most of the immune abnormalities observed in the patients. Among these models, AiolosG158R mice prominently exhibited defects in early B cell differentiation resulting from mutant Aiolos interfering with Ikaros function through heterodimer formation. In contrast, AiolosN159S mice did not manifest early B cell differentiation defects. However, they displayed a distinct immune abnormality characterized by impaired induction of CD62L expression in lymphocytes, which is likely attributable to dysfunction of Ikaros, leading to defective lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes. Considering the diverse clinical phenotypes observed in the reported cases and the distinct molecular pathogenesis associated with each variant, further studies with more patients with AIOLOS-associated IEI would contribute to a better understanding of the clinical spectrum and underlying molecular mechanisms associated with this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Advancing automation technologies are replacing certain occupations such as those involving simple food preparation more than occupations such as those in STEM fields (e.g. engineering and health care). Older workers generally face higher job automation risks in part due to their lower levels of digital skills. A better understanding of the associations between job automation risk, digital skills, and type of occupation (e.g. STEM vs non-STEM) can facilitate preparations for job automation and workforce population aging. Research Design and Methods We analyzed a nationally representative sample (N  = 1,560) of middle-aged and older U.S. workers aged 50–74 years from the 2012/2014/2017 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) restricted-use file. The estimated job automation risks (i.e. percentage of jobs to be automated in the next decades) were derived from the previous studies. PIAAC digital problem-solving skills proficiency (measured on a scale of 0–500 points) was assessed based on a series of practical digital tasks (e.g. finding a job research website that does not require registration). Results Linear regression analysis showed that greater digital skill proficiency (b  = −0.04, p  < .05) and STEM occupations (b  = −17.78, p  < .001) each were associated with lower job automation risks, even after adjusting for a series of demographic, socioeconomic, and civic engagement characteristics. Discussion and Implications Education and labor policy interventions to promote digital skills among older workers and non-STEM workers may better prepare an aging workforce for the dynamic labor market needs in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and older adults are prone to unintentional foreign body aspiration. A 69‐year‐old man with fever and anorexia presented with obstructive pneumonia resulting from foreign body aspiration. Attempts to remove the foreign body using a bronchoscope failed due to its adhesion to the periphery of the bronchus. Although antibiotic therapy did not improve the obstructive pneumonia caused by the bronchial foreign body, surgery enabled an improvement. The surgical specimen showed similar pathological findings as the fine brown granular material observed in root granulomas occurring as a complication following leakage of root canal filling used in the treatment of dental caries. Therefore, the bronchial foreign body may have been a dental filling. Case reports describing surgical improvement of difficult‐to‐remove bronchial foreign bodies with concurrent infection are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, the invasiveness of direct repair surgery for lumbar spondylolysis is relatively high. Thus, high school and junior high school students who play sports often cannot return to sports before graduation because of the invasiveness. The use of a robotic system enabled an accurate and minimally invasive procedure. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct pars repair surgery is useful for young patients with progressive spondylolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic functional network architecture accounts for task-evoked brain activity changes and variabilities in cognitive performance. Relationships between the intrinsic functional network architecture and task performance or learning ability have been previously reported. However, the relationships between learning benefits and the characteristics of intrinsic functional network architecture for different types of learning methods remain unclear. In this study, we used graph theoretical analysis to examine the relationships between intrinsic functional network connectivity and learning benefits in two well-known learning methods in the field of cognitive rehabilitation—errorless learning (EL learning) and trial-and-error learning (T&E learning). We focused on the default mode network (DMN) as a task-relevant network, which can differentiate between EL and T&E learning and was found to be more important for T&E learning in a previous study. Participants performed a color–name association task with both learning methods. The graph metrics used were within-network connectivity and efficiency for the DMN. Within-DMN connectivity and DMN efficiency showed a significantly weak positive correlation with T&E scores but not with EL scores. These findings show that the intrinsic integration strength within the DMN relates to individuals' learnability through the T&E method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: In patients with symptoms of viral infection and marked thickening of the gallbladder wall, it is important to suspect acalculous cholecystitis due to Epstein–Barr virus‐induced infectious mononucleosis. A 35‐year‐old Japanese man presented with fever, abdominal right upper quadrant pain, and liver dysfunction. Positive immunoglobulin M and ‐G antibodies and negative nuclear antigen for Epstein–Barr virus were observed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a markedly thickened gallbladder wall. Acalculous cholecystitis due to Epstein–Barr virus‐induced infectious mononucleosis was diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]