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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]

Introduction: Oral care is crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular events and pneumonia. However, few studies have evaluated the associations between multidimensional assessments of oral status or functional outcomes and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Methods: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the modified oral assessment grade (mOAG) and investigated its association with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0‒2 (good stroke outcome) and HAP. The mOAG was developed to evaluate 8 categories (lip, tongue, coated tongue, saliva, mucosa, gingiva, preservation, and gargling) on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3. We analyzed the effectiveness of the mOAG score for predicting stroke outcome or HAP using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: In total, 247 patients with AIS were analyzed. The area under the ROC curve of the mOAG for predicting poor outcomes was 0.821 (cutoff value: 7), and that for HAP incidence was 0.783 (cutoff value: 8). mOAG (a one-point increase) was associated with poor stroke outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‒1.48, P < 0.001) and HAP (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07‒1.38, P = 0.003) after adjusting for baseline clinical characteristics, including age and stroke severity. Conclusions: Lower mOAG scores at admission were independently associated with good outcomes and a decreased incidence of HAP. Comprehensive oral assessments are essential for acute stroke patients in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing Canine–Human communication during training is an important research. We aim to strengthen the communication between canines and humans during the training of canine remote control using robotic technology. Training using rewards is a widely known technique to boost canine ability. So far, this method has consisted of giving rewards from humans, thus creating a strong connection between humans and canines; however, this method can also cause canines to become overly fixated on the people who feed them. Fixation prevents canines from performing behaviors away from people. For that reason, this study explores the possibility of using robotic technology to reduce canine fixation on their trainer. This paper evaluates dog behavior during training with reduced human intervention using a backpack-like device, which provides food as a reward. This method of training is assessed in two dogs by comparing the training time, number of feedings, and number of times the dog looks at nearby humans, as compared to the traditional method. The suit-mounted feeder was used to train the two dogs to follow a spot-light, achieving a success rate of 96.4% in feeding during training. There was no significant difference in training time or number of feedings required for training with this method compared to traditional human-rewarded training methods. On the other hand, it was suggested that the device could reduce the number of times the dogs looked at their trainer by up to 84.7%. Changes in gait caused by the suit and feeder were also evaluated based on the percentage of the swing phase of gait. The results indicate that the presence or absence of the feeder device does not affect the dog's gait. Continued canine training without fixation on the feeder or the trainer could allow the working dogs to demonstrate its abilities in remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We examined the associations among disease-related symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and sense of coherence (SOC) in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved patients and physicians at 23 hospitals specializing in UC treatment in Japan (December 2019–December 2020). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using scores on the Mental Health and General Health subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey as outcomes and SOC as the main independent variable. Scores on the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) were used to measure the effect of disease-related symptoms. The moderating effect of symptoms on the association between HRQOL and SOC was also tested. Results: SOC was positively and independently associated with HRQOL (Mental Health: β = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24–0.61, p < 0.001; General Health: β = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23–0.59, p < 0.001). The association of SOC with Mental Health scores did not differ by symptoms, whereas its association with General Health was attenuated by symptoms (interaction term of IBDQ by SOC: β = −0.0082, 95% CI = −0.017 to 0.00064, p = 0.07; that of FIQL by SOC: β = −0.0052, 95% CI = −0.011 to 0.0010, p = 0.10). Conclusions: SOC affected mental health independently, and its protective association with general health perception was affected by symptoms. Further research is required to determine the most effective use of SOC in interventions to improve HRQOL in patients with UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social problem solving (SPS), the process by which individuals attempt to cope with stressful life problems, has previously been found to mediate the relationship between stress and disorder-related symptomatology among several medical patient populations. The present study sought to identify a similar relationship among a sample of 63 men diagnosed with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Results found that SPS mediated the relationship between two different measures of stress and CP/CPPS symptoms. These results suggest that attempts to foster patients' SPS efficacy may help reduce CP/CPPS-related negative symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), as indirect biomarker of cholinergic system activation. 24 healthy adults underwent intermittent taVNS (30 s on/30 s off, 30 min) or continuous taVNS at a frequency of 25 Hz (15 min) along with earlobe temporary stimulation (15 min or 30 min) were performed in random order. The efficiency with which the motor evoked potential from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle by transcranial magnetic stimulation was attenuated by the preceding median nerve conditioning stimulus was compared before taVNS, immediately after taVNS, and 15 min after taVNS. Continuous taVNS significantly increased SAI at 15 min post-stimulation compared to baseline. A positive correlation (Pearson coefficient = 0.563, p = 0.004) was observed between baseline SAI and changes after continuous taVNS. These results suggest that 15 min of continuous taVNS increases the activity of the cholinergic nervous system, as evidenced by the increase in SAI. In particular, the increase after taVNS was more pronounced in those with lower initial SAI. This study provides fundamental insight into the clinical potential of taVNS for cholinergic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intravenous administration of human multilineage‐differentiating stress‐enduring (Muse) cells on rat postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) with cavernous nerve (CN) injury without an immunosuppressant. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomised into three groups after CN crush injury. Either human‐Muse cells, non‐Muse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (both 1.0 × 105 cells), or vehicle was infused intravenously at 3 h after CN injury without immunosuppressant. Erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP) and arterial pressure (AP) during pelvic nerve electrostimulation 28 days after surgery. At 48 h and 28 days after intravenous infusion of Muse cells, the homing of Muse cells and non‐Muse MSCs was evaluated in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after CN injury. In addition, expressions of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand (Cxcl12) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) in the MPG were examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses and comparisons among groups were performed using one‐way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test for parametric data and Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Dunn–Bonferroni test for non‐parametric data. Results: The mean (SEM) ICP/AP values at 28 days were 0.51 (0.02) in the Muse cell group, 0.37 (0.03) in the non‐Muse MSC group, and 0.36 (0.04) in the vehicle group, showing a significant positive response in the Muse cell group compared with the non‐Muse and vehicle groups (P = 0.013 and P = 0.010, respectively). In the MPG, Muse cells were observed to be engrafted at 48 h and expressed Schwann cell markers S100 (~46%) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (~24%) at 28 days, while non‐Muse MSCs were basically not engrafted at 48 h. Higher gene expression of Cxcl12 (P = 0.048) and Gdnf (P = 0.040) was found in the MPG of the Muse group than in the vehicle group 48 h after infusion. Conclusion: Intravenously engrafted human Muse cells recovered rat erectile function after CN injury in a rat model possibly by upregulating Cxcl12 and Gdnf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few reported cases in which the spatial distribution of spectral emission coefficients of plasmas from tomographic optical emission spectroscopy measurements is analyzed based on a collisional-radiative model to diagnose the spatial distribution electron temperature of T e and density N e . This study aimed at in situ diagnosis of process plasma. The spectral radiance of 18 lines-of-sight was measured simultaneously in argon inductively coupled plasma. The spatial distribution of the excited level number density distribution was calculated from the spatial distribution of spectral emission coefficients obtained from spectral tomography calculations. The three-dimensional distribution of T e and N e was analyzed using a collisional-radiative model from the obtained spatial distribution of the excited levels number density. The effects of power and pressure on the dependence of the spatial distribution of T e and N e were discussed. Furthermore, data processing methods for spectral tomographic measurements with coarse wavelength resolution were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of magnonic devices such as converters, switches, and multiplexers greatly depends on magnonic noise. While a peculiar discrete magnonic noise has been previously reported, the sources of underlying magnon dynamics occurring in high-magnon density conditions have not been clarified. Here, zero-span measurements of the spectrum analyzer were recorded to accurately detect magnonic noise as a fluctuation of the spin-wave amplitude. The results of low-frequency magnonic noise demonstrated a spin-wave mode dependency, indicating the existence of a peculiar magnon surface state. Furthermore, the energy thresholds of four-magnon scattering and autooscillation were determined using magnonic white noise. The noise data obtained in this study can help promote theoretical and experimental research on magnons. Decoding Magnonic Noise: Peculiar Surface State Discovered in Spin-Wave Study This study examines magnonic noise, a variation in spin-wave amplitude, which could offer crucial data about carrier dynamics in magnonic devices. The researchers, headed by R.F. and K.S., utilized a method known as zero-span operation of a spectrum analyser (an instrument used to examine the spectral composition of electrical, acoustic, or optical waveform) to measure magnonic noise. The study showed that magnonic noise is sensitive to both surface and internal spin-wave turbulence. They also discovered that the noise measurements permitted the direct assessment of the energy thresholds of four-magnon scattering and auto-oscillation. The findings propose that magnonic noise measurements could be a potent tool in designing future magnonic devices. The study concludes that more research is needed to detect magnonic noise at low magnon density for more efficient magnonic device design. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author. Magnonic noise has unveiled magnon dynamics, including nonlinear scattering processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the present study are to clarify the effect of macro- and micro-environment on the radial growth patterns and radial variation patterns of basic density in hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl.). We evaluated the radial variation patterns of cumulative annual ring width (as radial growth pattern) and basic density by modeling methods using hinoki cypress 36 families planted at two progeny test sites. In addition, narrow-sense heritability and correlation between sites for annual ring width and basic density were investigated. As the results of modeling for radial growth patterns, radial growth patterns slightly differed between sites. In addition, the stem diameter reaching the plateau might be varied among blocks in a site. On the other hand, radial variation of basic density was affected by genetic factors rather than blocks in the site. However, the radial growth rate may somewhat affect the radial variation of basic density. The heritability and correlation coefficients between sites in basic density were higher than those of annual ring width. Therefore, although radial growth in hinoki cypress varies by the effects of micro- and macro-environmental factors and has some influence on the radial variation of basic density, basic density is more strongly affected by genetic factors than by these influences, allowing for effective improvement for wood density by tree breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysosomes are degradative organelles and signaling hubs that maintain cell and tissue homeostasis, and lysosomal dysfunction is implicated in aging and reduced longevity. Lysosomes are frequently damaged, but their repair mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that damaged lysosomal membranes are repaired by microautophagy (a process termed "microlysophagy") and identify key regulators of the first and last steps. We reveal the AGC kinase STK38 as a novel microlysophagy regulator. Through phosphorylation of the scaffold protein DOK1, STK38 is specifically required for the lysosomal recruitment of the AAA+ ATPase VPS4, which terminates microlysophagy by promoting the disassembly of ESCRT components. By contrast, microlysophagy initiation involves non‐canonical lipidation of ATG8s, especially the GABARAP subfamily, which is required for ESCRT assembly through interaction with ALIX. Depletion of STK38 and GABARAPs accelerates DNA damage‐induced cellular senescence in human cells and curtails lifespan in C. elegans, respectively. Thus, microlysophagy is regulated by STK38 and GABARAPs and could be essential for maintaining lysosomal integrity and preventing aging. Synopsis: Lysosomes are repaired by ESCRT‐driven microautophagy, and STK38 and GABARAPs are key regulators of this process by recruiting ESCRTs to lysosomes. These regulators are essential to maintain lysosomal integrity and prevent aging.STK38 and GABARAP family proteins regulate repair of lysosomes by ESCRT‐driven microautophagy termed "microlysophagy".STK38 and its phosphorylation target DOK1 regulate VPS4 recruitment to lysosomes.Non‐canonically lipidated GABARAPs are required for initiation of ESCRT assembly by interacting with ALIX.Depletion of STK38 or GABARAPs accelerates cellular senescence and curtails lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the third most frequently diagnosed intracranial tumors, with nonfunctioning Pit-NETs (nfPitNETs) accounting for 30% of all pituitary tumors and representing the most common type of macroPitNETs. NfPitNETs are usually benign tumors with no evidence of hormone oversecretion except for hyperprolactinemia secondary to pituitary stalk compression. Due to this, they do not typically present with clinical syndromes like acromegaly, Cushing's disease or hyperthyroidism and instead are identified incidentally on imaging or from symptoms of mass effects (headache, vision changes, apoplexy). With the lack of effective medical interventions, first-line treatment is transsphenoidal surgical resection, however, nfPitNETs often have supra- or parasellar extension, and total resection of the tumor is often not possible, resulting in residual tumor regrowth or reoccurrence. While functional PitNETs can be easily followed for recurrence using hormonal biomarkers, there is no similar parameter to predict recurrence in nfPitNETs, hence delaying early recognition and timely management. Therefore, there is a need to identify prognostic biomarkers that can be used for patient surveillance and as therapeutic targets. This review focuses on summarizing the current evidence on nfPitNETs, with a special focus on potential new biomarkers and therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the effect of bioactive glass and zinc oxide nanoparticles on enamel remineralization, as well as their antimicrobial effect on cariogenic microbes. This is the first study that investigated the properties of bioactive glass and zinc oxide nanoparticles with mixed materials. Methods: Fluoride gel (F), bioactive glass microparticles (µB), bioactive glass nanoparticles (nB), zinc oxide nanoparticles (Z), and a mixed suspension of nB and Z (nBZ) were prepared and characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction, and acid buffering capacity testing. Further, we performed a remineralization cycle test of 28 days, and nanoindentation testing was carried out during the immersion period, and then the enamel surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the antimicrobial effects of the sample suspensions were evaluated by measuring their minimum microbicidal concentrations against various cariogenic microbes. Results: Our results revealed that nB had a near-circular shape with an amorphous structure and a considerably large specific surface area due to nanoparticulation. Additionally, nB possessed a rapid acid buffering capacity that was comparable to that of μB. In the remineralization test, faster recovery of mechanical properties was observed on the enamel surface immersed in samples containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (nB and nBZ). After remineralization, demineralized enamel immersed in any of the samples showed a rough and porous surface structure covered with mineralized structures. Furthermore, nBZ exhibited a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that bioactive glass and zinc oxide nanoparticles have superior demineralization-suppressing and remineralization-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of laminate configuration on mechanical properties were investigated for model glued-laminated timber (GLT) composed of single and mixed fast-growing tree species (Acacia mangium Willd., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Melia azedarach L.), which were grown in community forests in Indonesia. The simulation of lamina yield was decreased in graded GLT compared with that in GLT with randomly designed, while the mean values of simulated dynamic Young's modulus (DMOE) in graded GLT were higher than those of GLT with randomly designed in each species. Graded GLT with mixed species should be produced to effectively utilize wood resources from fast-growing tree species. All mechanical properties showed higher values in single-species GLT especially for graded GLT, compared with solid lumber, suggesting that laminate configuration was effective for increasing mechanical properties. However, the factors that increase mechanical properties in single-species GLT differed among species. These factors can be evaluated by load-deflection curves. In GLT composed of single and mixed species produced with the same DMOE, almost all other mechanical properties were similar among laminate configurations. It is concluded that laminate configurations with different species and grades are useful for efficiently producing GLT with higher mechanical properties from multiple fast-growing tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak predominantly affected adult men; 1.3% of reported cases were in children and adolescents <18 years of age. Analysis of global surveillance data showed 1 hospital intensive care unit admission and 0 deaths in that age group. Transmission routes and clinical manifestations varied across age subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Baloxavir marboxil is a novel cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor prescribed for influenza treatment. Unlike neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir, which impair viral release from infected host cells, baloxavir blocks influenza virus proliferation by inhibiting viral mRNA transcription. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of baloxavir and oseltamivir for the treatment of early childhood influenza. Materials and Methods: Of 1410 patients diagnosed with influenza between 2015 and 2018 at a Japanese primary care outpatient clinic, 1111 pediatric patients aged 0–6 years who were treated with baloxavir (n = 555) or oseltamivir (n = 556) were enrolled retrospectively. The following clinical factors were compared between patients treated with baloxavir and oseltamivir: age, sex, time from fever onset to drug administration (<24 h or 24–48 h), time from drug administration to fever reduction, influenza type (A or B), and influenza vaccination before disease onset. The duration of the fever, which was used as an index of clinical effectiveness, was compared using the log-rank test. Clinical factors associated with fever duration were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Median age (3.0 vs. 2.5 years), influenza type A (99% vs. 47%), median duration from drug administration to fever resolution (1 day vs. 2 days), and influenza vaccination (done, 41% vs. not done, 65%) were significantly different between the baloxavir and oseltamivir groups (p < 0.001). The number of patients with a fever duration of one day was 553 (99.6%) in the baloxavir group and 6 (1.1%) in the oseltamivir group (p < 0.001). Baloxavir use was only significantly associated with fever duration in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 50,201, p < 0.001). Apparent adverse effects were not observed in the baloxavir-treated group. Conclusions: Baloxavir treatment resulted in a shorter fever duration than oseltamivir treatment in early childhood influenza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify sawn-timber quality and those among-family variations of hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were evaluated for 97 pieces of 38 by 89 mm sawn timber produced from half-sib families planted in a progeny test stand at Chiba, Japan. Correlations were evaluated on mechanical properties in standing trees and logs with MOE and MOR in the sawn timber. Elastic properties, such as dynamic Young's modulus of logs and MOE, were affected by genetic factors compared with air-dry density and MOR. The 5% tolerance limits at a 75% confidence level (f0.05) of MOE and MOR were 8.03 GPa and 39.4 MPa, respectively. The f0.05 values of MOR exceeded the characteristic value of the sawn timber in visual grading class SS of Japanese Agricultural Standard for the JS-I. Visual grading of the sawn timber was effective for eliminating timber with lower MOE. Stress-wave velocity and dynamic Young's modulus of log and timber were significantly correlated with MOE of sawn timber. Correlation coefficients were also significant between MOR of sawn timber and dynamic Young's modulus or MOE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decay process of wood of Japanese white birch [Betula platyphylla Sukaczev var. japonica (Miq.) H. Hara] tree by Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilát was clarified by using the regression model in wood color and chemical components as a function of height position (1, 2, 3, and 4 m above the ground), wood type (sound wood and decayed wood), and their interactions, and anatomical observations. The 3 m height position, at which a sclerotium of I. obliquus was found, showed the highest decayed area percentage among four height positions. By the results of two-way analysis of variance, wood type affected all color indice. In addition, all factors (height position, wood type, and their interaction) were significant in all wood chemical components except for Klason lignin and hemicellulose. In the wood of the reaction zone, some substances were formed in the lumens of many vessels and a few wood fibers. Based on the results, we proposed the decay process of I. obliquus in naturally grown Japanese white birch, and the proposed process will contribute to a full understanding of the interactions between I. obliquus and Japanese white birch in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed a simple method to evaluate the spectral reflectance of the inner wall of a vacuum chamber. A method for calculating spectral emission coefficients by taking the spectral reflectance of the chamber inner wall into account was proposed. Furthermore, plasma diagnosis based on optical emission spectroscopic (OES) measurement was performed so as to obtain radial dependence of electron temperature Te and density Ne of a radio frequency inductively coupled Argon (Ar) plasma by applying a collisional-radiative model to radially resolved emission spectra of the Ar plasma assuming axial symmetry. In addition, Langmuir probe measurement and electromagnetic simulation were performed and compared with the OES-based plasma diagnosis results. The spectral radiance compensation improved the diagnostic result by 0.6% and 3.1% for Te and Ne, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial arbitrary electron energy distribution function (EEDF) results for cold atmospheric-pressure plasma are reported. The EEDF is obtained using the visible bremsstrahlung inversion (VBI) method. This machine learning method requires only optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurement and a momentum transfer cross section to determine a partial EEDF. Numerical EEDF of a pure-argon dielectric barrier discharge dataset with changing peak-to-peak voltage and a helium–argon discharge with changing mixture ratio are reported. Resemblance between the numerical EEDF and a two-temperature Maxwell distribution is observed and a simplified three-point numerical EEDF is obtained. The electron temperature and relative electron number density for the bulk and high-energy electron populations are measured. The bulk electron temperature was consistently 0.3 eV. For pure argon, the high-energy electron temperature decreased exponentially from 3 to 2.2 eV with increasing peak-to-peak voltage from 3.6 to 6.3 kV. For the helium–argon dataset, the high-energy electron temperature decreased linearly from 4.2 to 2.2 eV with increasing argon fraction 25%–100%. From an OES measurement, the arbitrary EEDF can be observed by utilization of the VBI method. Based on this numerical EEDF, appropriate assumptions can be applied to simplify the quantification of electron diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we described the characteristics of mycelial growth and wood decay of Chorioactis geaster, listed on the 2020 Red List of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, as an "endangered species H (Vulnerable)". We attempted to produce fruiting bodies by wood-log cultivation of this species. Mycelia grew from 4°C to 38°C on a PDA medium, resulting in an optimum temperature of approximately 30C. The effects of environmental and other factors involved in wood decay were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. The model selection results showed that the specimens' mass loss was affected by the tree species, incubation temperature, and incubation period and that the density of the bed-log was affected by the duration of cultivation. When the first fruiting bodies developed from Quercus gilva bed-logs in the fall of the 7th y after inoculation, the density and mass loss of the sapwood were approximately 0.62 g/cm³ and 15%, respectively. The fruiting bodies continuously developed for several years, and the hymenium surface of some of the fruiting bodies was uncovered owing to the dehiscence procedure. We concluded that wood-log cultivation may be an effective method for ex-situ conservation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)‐related leukoencephalopathy is an adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy caused by mutations in CSF1R. The present study aimed to explore the broader genetic spectrum of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy in association with clinical and imaging features. Methods: Mutational analysis of CSF1R was performed for 100 consecutive patients with adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy. Sequence and copy number variation (CNV) analyses of CSF1R were performed. The genomic ranges of the deletions were determined by long‐read sequencing. Ligand‐dependent autophosphorylation of CSF1R was examined in cells expressing the CSF1R mutants identified in this study. Results: CSF1R mutations were identified in 15 patients, accounting for 15% of the adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy cases. Seven novel and five previously reported CSF1R mutations were identified. The novel mutations, including three missense and one in‐frame 3 bp deletion, were located in the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of CSF1R. Functional assays revealed that none of the novel mutations in the TKD showed autophosphorylation of CSF1R. Two partial deletions of CSF1R were identified that resulted in lack of the C‐terminal region, including the distal TKD, in two patients. Various clinical features including cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms and gait disturbance were observed. Various degrees of the white matter lesions and corpus callosum abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging and characteristic calcifications on computed tomography were observed as imaging features. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of examining the CNV of CSF1R even when Sanger or exome sequencing reveals no CSF1R mutations. Genetic examination of sequences and CNV analyses of CSF1R are recommended for an accurate diagnosis of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric 5‐exo bromolactonization of stilbene‐type carboxylic acids could be achieved using a N,N‐dibenzyl diaminomethylenemalononitrile organocatalyst with high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee) of the corresponding phthalide derivatives. This is the first report where the successful synthesis of the phthalide derivatives as the main product, with high optical purity, could be achieved using the asymmetric 5‐exo bromolactonization of the stilbene‐type carboxylic acids with various substituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring is recommended to prevent severe adverse drug events, but such examinations are often missed. To increase the number of monitoring that should be ordered for high-risk medications, we introduced a clinical decision support system (CDSS) that alerts and orders the monitoring for high-risk medications in an outpatient setting. We conducted a 2-year prospective cohort study at a tertiary care teaching hospital before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) the activation of a CDSS. The CDSS automatically provided alerts for liver function tests for vildagliptin, thyroid function tests for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and multikinase inhibitors (MKIs), and a slit-lamp examination of the eyes for oral amiodarone when outpatients were prescribed the medications but not examined for a fixed period. The order of laboratory tests automatically appeared if alert was accepted. The alerts were hidden and did not appear on the display before activation of the CDSS. The outcomes were the number of prescriptions with alerts and examinations. During the study period, 330 patients in phase 1 and 307 patients in phase 2 were prescribed vildagliptin, 20 patients in phase 1 and 19 patients in phase 2 were prescribed ICIs or MKIs, and 72 patients in phase 1 and 66 patients in phase 2 were prescribed oral amiodarone. The baseline characteristics were similar between the phases. In patients prescribed vildagliptin, the proportion of alerts decreased significantly (38% vs 27%, P  < 0.0001), and the proportion of examinations increased significantly (0.9% vs 4.0%, P  < 0.0001) after activation of the CDSS. In patients prescribed ICIs or MKIs, the proportion of alerts decreased significantly (43% vs 11%, P  < 0.0001), and the proportion of examinations increased numerically, but not significantly (2.6% vs 7.0%, P  = 0.13). In patients prescribed oral amiodarone, the proportion of alerts decreased (86% vs 81%, P  = 0.055), and the proportion of examinations increased (2.2% and 3.0%, P  = 0.47); neither was significant. The CDSS has potential to increase the monitoring for high-risk medications. Our study also highlighted the limited acceptance rate of monitoring by CDSS. Further studies are needed to explore the generalizability to other medications and the cause of the limited acceptance rates among physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inonotus obliquus is a pathogenic fungus found in living trees and has been widely used as a traditional medicine for cancer therapy. Although lignocellulose-degrading enzymes are involved in the early stages of host infection, the parasitic life cycle of this fungus has not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the activities of laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and lignin peroxidase (LiP) from I. obliquus cultivated in Kirk's medium. The fungus was subjected to genome sequencing, and genes related to wood degradation were identified. The draft genome sequence of this fungus comprised 21,203 predicted protein-coding genes, of which 134 were estimated to be related to wood degradation. Among these, 47 genes associated with lignin degradation were found to have the highest number of mnp genes. Furthermore, we cloned the cDNA encoding a putative MnP, referred to as IoMnP1, and characterized its molecular structure. The results show that IoMnP1 has catalytic properties analogous to MnP. Phylogenetic analysis also confirmed that IoMnP1 was closely related to the MnPs from Pyrrhoderma noxium, Fomitiporia mediterranea, and Sanghuangporus baumii, which belong to the same family of Hymenochaetaceae. From the above results, we suggest that IoMnP1 is a member of MnPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To combat infectious diseases, vaccines are considered the best prophylactic strategy for a wide range of the population, but even when vaccines are effective, the administration of therapeutic antibodies against viruses could provide further treatment options, particularly for vulnerable groups whose immunity against the viruses is compromised. Therapeutic antibodies against dengue are ideally engineered to abrogate binding to Fcγ receptors (FcγRs), which can induce antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). However, the Fc effector functions of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have recently been reported to improve post-exposure therapy, while they are dispensable when administered as prophylaxis. Hence, in this report, we investigated the influence of Fc engineering on anti-virus efficacy using the anti-dengue/Zika human antibody SIgN-3C and found it affected the viremia clearance efficacy against dengue in a mouse model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that complement activation through antibody binding to C1q could play a role in anti-dengue efficacy. We also generated a novel Fc variant, which displayed the ability for complement activation but showed very low FcγR binding and an undetectable level of the risk of ADE in a cell-based assay. This Fc engineering approach could make effective and safe anti-virus antibodies against dengue, Zika and other viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to demonstrate and compare the accuracy of tooth shade selection due to the remineralized enamel crystal with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in vitro. Etched enamel slices were immersed in four types of mineralization buffers for 16 h. Sodium fluoride (NaF) was added to final concentrations of 1–100 ppm with the mineralization buffer that demonstrated the highest mineralization efficiency. EMD was added to the mineralization buffer containing NaF to see if it has any remineralization capacities. The remineralized enamel crystal was analyzed by SEM and XRD. The tooth shade was evaluated by CIE L*a*b*. The results showed that, without NaF, plate-like nanocrystals were formed on the enamel surface, but with NaF, needle-like nanocrystals were formed. By adding EMD, a layer of well-compacted hydroxyapatite crystals was successfully precipitated onto the natural enamel surface. No significant differences were observed in the L* value of the mineralization surface pre-etching and after mineralization buffer containing NaF and EMD. A new method has been developed to recover the color quality of enamel, as well as to mineralize the tooth enamel by constructing hydroxyapatite crystals with mineralization buffers containing NaF and EMD on the etched tooth surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotopic fractionation of methane between gas and solid hydrate phases provides data regarding hydrate-forming environments, but the effect of pressure on isotopic fractionation is not well understood. In this study, methane hydrates were synthesized in a pressure cell, and the hydrogen isotope compositions of the residual and hydrate-bound gases were determined. The δ2H of hydrate-bound methane formed below the freezing point of water was 5.7–10.3‰ lower than that of residual methane, indicating that methane hydrate generally encapsulates lighter molecules (CH4) instead of CH32H. The fractionation factors αH-V of the gas and hydrate phases were in the range 0.9881–0.9932 at a temperature and pressure of 223.3–268.2 K and 1.7–19.5 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, αH-V increased with increasing formation pressure, suggesting that the difference in the hydrogen isotopes of the hydrate-bound methane and surrounding methane yields data regarding the formation pressure. Although the differences in the hydrogen isotopes observed in this study are insignificant, precise analyses of the isotopes of natural hydrates in the same area enable the determination of the pressure during hydrate formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisubunit Tethering Complexes (MTCs) are a set of conserved protein complexes that tether vesicles at the acceptor membrane. Interactions with other components of the trafficking machinery regulate MTCs through mechanisms that are partially understood. Here, we systematically investigate the interactome that regulates MTCs. We report that P4‐ATPases, a family of lipid flippases, interact with MTCs that participate in the anterograde and retrograde transport at the Golgi, such as TRAPPIII. We use the P4‐ATPase Drs2 as a paradigm to investigate the mechanism and biological relevance of this interplay during transport of Atg9 vesicles. Binding of Trs85, the sole‐specific subunit of TRAPPIII, to the N‐terminal tail of Drs2 stabilizes TRAPPIII on membranes loaded with Atg9 and is required for Atg9 delivery during selective autophagy, a role that is independent of P4‐ATPase canonical functions. This mechanism requires a conserved I(S/R)TTK motif that also mediates the interaction of the P4‐ATPases Dnf1 and Dnf2 with MTCs, suggesting a broader role of P4‐ATPases in MTC regulation. Synopsis: Binding of Trs85 to the I(S/R)TTK motif in the N‐terminal tail of Drs2 stabilizes TRAPPIII on membranes loaded with Atg9. This is required for Atg9 delivery to the pre‐autophagosomal structure along the Cytoplasm‐to‐vacuole targeting pathway.P4‐ATPases, a family of lipid flippases, interact with Multisubunit Tethering Complexes (MTCs) in yeast.Binding of MTC subunits to P4‐ATPases requires the I(S/R)TTK motif of the flippases.The P4‐ATPase Drs2 stabilizes TRAPPIII on Atg9‐loaded compartments to facilitate transport of Atg9 vesicles.The regulatory role of Drs2 is critical for the Cytoplasm‐to‐vacuole targeting pathway at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: We carried out a cross‐sectional study of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus to elucidate the association between sleep duration and food intake. Materials and Methods: Overall, 2,887 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean age 63.0 years; 61.1% men; mean glycated hemoglobin level 7.5%) were included in this study. The participants' self‐reported dietary habits and sleep duration were evaluated using a brief self‐administered dietary history questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. The participants were categorized into the following four groups based on sleep duration: <6, 6–6.9, 7–7.9 (reference) and ≥8 h. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding energy intake (kcal/day), absolute intake (g/day) or relative intake (% energy) of carbohydrates, total fat, proteins and fibers. However, confectionery intake was higher in the <6 h group and lower in the ≥8 h group than in the reference group after adjustment for confounding factors. In multivariate analysis, sleep durations <6 h and ≥8 h significantly correlated with increased (95% confidence interval 0.55 to 3.6; P = 0.0078) and decreased (95% confidence interval −4.0 to −0.32; P = 0.021) confectionery intake, respectively. Confectionery intake was positively correlated with female sex, glycated hemoglobin level and dyslipidemia, whereas it was negatively correlated with alcohol consumption and current smoking status. Conclusions: Short sleep duration is associated with high confectionery intake in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus; this might disturb their glycemic control. Therefore, short sleepers with type 2 diabetes mellitus could improve their glycemic control by avoiding confectionery intake and maintaining adequate sleep duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Details regarding the clinical course of natalizumab‐associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (NAT‐PML) have not been reported in Japanese patients. We experienced a Japanese NAT‐PML case and report it for the purpose of clarifying the challenge it posed in medical treatment. Case Presentation: Herein, we describe a 58‐y‐old multiple sclerosis patient who had NAT‐PML with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Before NAT‐PML developed, the patient's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 5.5. She received natalizumab (300 mg) every 3–7 w, and her EDSS score had not changed for 9.1 y. The John Cunningham virus (JCV) index was 0.43 before NAT‐PML developed. She developed a gait disturbance when NAT‐PML emerged. Natalizumab was administered a total of 108 times. The patient was diagnosed with probable NAT‐PML on the basis of punctate lesions on T2‐weighted imaging and a JCV‐PCR result of 29 copies/ml from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was initiated when the contrast‐enhanced lesion was first detected, but the NAT‐PML lesion was rather enlarged despite the temporary disappearance of the contrast‐enhanced lesion. An obvious increase in the IgG index and a slight increase in the CSF cell count were recognized at the time the immunological response was activated. Three cycles of a 3‐d course of IVMP were administered every 2 w for IRIS, and the patient's worst EDSS score was 9.5. Conclusion: Treatment sequencing should be executed before the onset of NAT‐PML. Changes in CSF cell count and IgG index may be useful for treatment decision; further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is one of the rarest sarcomas. We aimed to clarify the clinical outcomes of patients with LGMS. Twenty-two patients underwent surgical treatment for the primary tumor and two underwent radical radiotherapy (RT). The best overall response in the two patients who underwent radical RT was one complete response and one partial response. Local relapse-free survival was 91.3% at 2 years and 75.4% at 5 years. Relapsed tumors were treated with surgery in two cases and radical RT in three cases. None of the patients experienced a second local relapse. Disease-specific survival was 100% at 5 years. Wide excision is recommended due to its tendency to local relapse. However, RT was considered a viable option in unresectable cases or in cases where surgery may cause significant functional impairment. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of 24 patients diagnosed with LGMS between 2002 and 2019 in the Japanese sarcoma network. Twenty-two cases were surgically treated and two cases were treated with radical radiotherapy (RT). The pathological margin was R0 in 14 cases, R1 in 7 cases, and R2 in 1 case. The best overall response in the two patients who underwent radical RT was one complete response and one partial response. Local relapse occurred in 20.8% of patients. Local relapse-free survival (LRFS) was 91.3% at 2 years and 75.4% at 5 years. In univariate analysis, tumors of 5 cm or more were significantly more likely to cause local relapse (p < 0.01). In terms of the treatment of relapsed tumors, surgery was performed in two cases and radical RT was performed in three cases. None of the patients experienced a second local relapse. Disease-specific survival was 100% at 5 years. A wide excision aimed at the microscopically R0 margin is considered the standard treatment for LGMS. However, RT may be a viable option in unresectable cases or in cases where surgery is expected to cause significant functional impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boundary between core and outer wood should be clarified for tropical fast-growing tree species to utilize its wood resources under sustainable forestry. This study aimed to determine the boundary between core and outer wood based on the mixed-effects models for radial variations of anatomical characteristics and wood properties in three fast-growing tree species grown in community forests in Indonesia – Acacia mangium Willd., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Melia azedarach L.. On the basis of the results of the radial variation modeling, almost all anatomical characteristics and wood properties were shown to increase or decrease from pith to bark and then become almost stable. The boundary values between core and outer wood based on exponential function with plateau for absolute changing ratios of estimated properties were 6.1, 6.8, and 5.5 cm for A. mangium, M. eminii, and M. azedarach, respectively. In conclusion, boundary between core and outer wood in respect to multiple characteristics and properties in tropical fast-growing tree species can be determined by combination of mixed-effects modeling and exponential function with convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Gingival overgrowth caused by phenytoin is proposed to be associated with Ca2+ signaling; however, the mechanisms that increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are controversial. The current study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the phenytoin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods: Effects of 100 μM phenytoin on [Ca2+]i in HGFs were examined at the single-cell level using fluorescence images of fura-2 captured by an imaging system consisting of an EM-CCD camera coupled to an inverted fluorescence microscope at room temperature. Results: Exposure of HGFs to 100 μM phenytoin induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that the phenytoin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i does not require an influx of extracellular Ca2+. In addition, phenytoin increased [Ca2+]i in HGFs depleted of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin, indicating that neither Ca2+ release from stores nor inhibition of Ca2+ uptake is involved. Furthermore, the phenytoin-induced [Ca2+]i elevation was reduced to 18.8% in the absence of extracellular Na+, and [Ca2+]i elevation upon removal of extracellular Na+ was reduced to 25.9% in the presence of phenytoin. These results imply that phenytoin increases [Ca2+]i of HGFs by suppressing the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Suppression of intracellular Ca2+ excretion is thought to enhance the Ca2+ responses induced by various stimuli. Analysis at the single-cell level showed that stimulation with 1 μM ATP or 3 μM histamine increased [Ca2+]i in 20–50% of cells, and [Ca2+]i increased in many unresponsive cells in the presence of phenytoin. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that phenytoin induced increase in [Ca2+]i by the inhibition of Ca2+ efflux in HGFs. It was also found that phenytoin strongly enhanced small Ca2+ responses induced by stimulation with a low concentration of ATP or histamine by inhibiting Ca2+ efflux. These findings suggest a possibility that Background and Objectives: Gingival overgrowth caused by phenytoin is proposed to be associated with Ca2+ signaling; however, the mechanisms that increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are controversial. The current study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the phenytoin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods: Effects of 100 μM phenytoin on [Ca2+]i in HGFs were examined at the single-cell level using fluorescence images of fura-2 captured by an imaging system consisting of an EM-CCD camera coupled to an inverted fluorescence microscope at room temperature. Results: Exposure of HGFs to 100 μM phenytoin induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that the phenytoin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i does not require an influx of extracellular Ca2+. In addition, phenytoin increased [Ca2+]i in HGFs depleted of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin, indicating that neither Ca2+ release from stores nor inhibition of Ca2+ uptake is involved. Furthermore, the phenytoin-induced [Ca2+]i elevation was reduced to 18.8% in the absence of extracellular Na+, and [Ca2+]i elevation upon removal of extracellular Na+ was reduced to 25.9% in the presence of phenytoin. These results imply that phenytoin increases [Ca2+]i of HGFs by suppressing the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Suppression of intracellular Ca2+ excretion is thought to enhance the Ca2+ responses induced by various stimuli. Analysis at the single-cell level showed that stimulation with 1 μM ATP or 3 μM histamine increased [Ca2+]i in 20–50% of cells, and [Ca2+]i increased in many unresponsive cells in the presence of phenytoin. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that phenytoin induced increase in [Ca2+]i by the inhibition of Ca2+ efflux in HGFs. It was also found that phenytoin strongly enhanced small Ca2+ responses induced by stimulation with a low concentration of ATP or histamine by inhibiting Ca2+ efflux. These findings suggest a possibility that [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tracheid length is lowest at the pith and then it increases rapidly as cambial age increases up until it reaches an asymptote value in what is known as 'Sanio's first law'. However, it is still unclear the effect of radial growth rate on latewood tracheid length and the effect of radial variation pattern of latewood tracheid length on the boundary position between juvenile and mature wood in aged trees. Radial variation modeling was applied to annual ring width and latewood tracheid length in aged trees (79–238 years old) of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae grown in natural forests and a plantation in Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori, Japan. In addition, the effect of differences in radial variation patterns of latewood tracheid length on the boundary age between juvenile and mature wood was evaluated. Cambial age showing the maximum values of current annual increment and mean annual increment was 42–121 and 65–189 years for natural forests and 30–33 and 46–52 years for the plantation, respectively. A mixed-effects model based on a logarithmic function with an explanatory variable of only cambial age, and random intercepts of stand and individual tree, was selected as the one best explaining the radial variation of latewood tracheid length. The estimated boundary cambial age was approximately 20 years in all trees regardless of radial growth rate. We concluded that (1) the regularity of radial variation in tracheid known as 'Sanio's first law' can be adapted to at least about 250 annual rings from the pith in T. dolabrata trees, (2) the boundary cambial age is similar to that in younger trees, and (3) the effect of radial growth rate on latewood tracheid length is minimal in T. dolabrata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcomes of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) taking oral anticoagulants (OACs) are controversial, and we thus analyzed the large registry data to elucidate them. Methods and results: We conducted a historical cohort study at 71 centers in Japan and included outpatients with NVAF taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Physicians in charge could change VKAs to direct OACs based on their judgement during follow-up period. We categorized patients into four BMI groups (kg/m2): underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30), and obese (30 ≤ BMI). The effects of each BMI group relative to the normal weight group on clinical outcomes consisting of all-cause death, ischemic events, and bleeding events were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for potential confounders. We also constructed restricted cubic spline regression model adjusted by multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. We included 6927 patients consisting of an underweight (n = 386), normal weight (n = 3785), overweight (n = 2174), and obese (n = 582) groups. The median follow-up period was 3.9 years. In the underweight group, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause death and ischemic events were 1.75 (1.30–2.34) and 1.61 (1.04–2.50). The HR for all-cause death was 0.63 (0.49–0.82) in the overweight group. Restricted cubic spline regression models confirmed that lower BMI showed significantly higher risks for all-cause death and ischemic events. Conclusion: Among NVAF patients taking OACs, underweight patients had higher risks of all-cause death and ischemic events than other patients. Overweight patients had lower risk of all-cause death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare type of malignancy comprising a variety of histological diagnoses. Chemotherapy constitutes the standard treatment for advanced STS. Doxorubicin-based regimens, which include the administration of doxorubicin alone or in combination with ifosfamide or dacarbazine, are widely accepted as first-line chemotherapy for advanced STS. Trabectedin, eribulin, pazopanib, and gemcitabine plus docetaxel (GD), which is the empirical standard therapy in Japan, are major candidates for second-line chemotherapy for advanced STS, although clear evidence of the superiority of any one regimen is lacking. The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) conducts this trial to select the most promising regimen among trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib for comparison with GD as the test arm regimen in a future phase III trial of second-line treatment for patients with advanced STS. Methods: The JCOG1802 study is a multicenter, selection design, randomized phase II trial comparing trabectedin (1.2 mg/m2 intravenously, every 3 weeks), eribulin (1.4 mg/m2 intravenously, days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks), and pazopanib (800 mg orally, every day) in patients with unresectable or metastatic STS refractory to doxorubicin-based first-line chemotherapy. The principal eligibility criteria are patients aged 16 years or above; unresectable and/or metastatic STS; exacerbation within 6 months prior to registration; histopathological diagnosis of STS other than Ewing sarcoma, embryonal/alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma; prior doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for STS, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival, and the secondary endpoints include overall survival, disease-control rate, response rate, and adverse events. The total planned sample size to correctly select the most promising regimen with a probability of > 80% is 120. Thirty-seven institutions in Japan will participate at the start of this trial. Discussion: This is the first randomized trial to evaluate trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib as second-line therapies for advanced STS. We endeavor to perform a subsequent phase III trial comparing the best regimen selected by this study (JCOG1802) with GD. Trial registration: This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031190152) on December 5, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many patients with allergies have anxiety about taking anti-allergic medicines due to their side effects and increased medical expenses. Thus, developing functional foods/agricultural products for allergy prevention is strongly desired. In this study, we revealed that a Citrus flavanone, hesperetin, amplified IgE/antigen-mediated degranulation-inhibitory potency of anti-allergic catechin, (–)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3ʹʹMe), in the rat basophilic/mast cell line RBL-2H3. Hesperetin also significantly elevated the activation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), essential for eliciting anti-allergic effect of EGCG3ʹʹMe through the cell surficial protein, 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR). Furthermore, oral administration of the highly absorbent hesperidin, α-glucosyl hesperidin, also enhanced the inhibitory potency of EGCG3ʹʹMe-rich 'Benifuuki' green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction evoked by IgE/antigen in BALB/c mice. These observations indicate that hesperetin amplifies the ability of EGCG3ʹʹMe to inhibit the IgE/antigen-mediated degranulation through activating ASM signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomical characteristics (fiber length and fiber area) and mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, compressive strength, tensile Young's modulus, and tensile strength) of Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa maculata, and Gigantochloa atter, naturally growing at four different sites in Lombok Island, Indonesia, were examined for evaluating geographic and longitudinal variations by mixed-effects modeling to effectively utilize bamboo culm resources for structural materials. We found geographic and longitudinal variations of bamboo culm properties in these three species. Based on the results, we concluded that, for utilization of bamboo culm as a structural material, variation of individual culm rather than site, and longitudinal variations should be considered for Bambusa species and G. atter, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Bayesian penalized likelihood PET reconstruction (BPL) algorithm, Q.Clear (GE Healthcare), has recently been clinically applied to clinical image reconstruction. The BPL includes a relative difference penalty (RDP) as a penalty function. The β value that controls the behavior of RDP determines the global strength of noise suppression, whereas the γ factor in RDP controls the degree of edge preservation. The present study aimed to assess the effects of various γ factors in RDP on the ability to detect sub-centimeter lesions. Methods: All PET data were acquired for 10 min using a Discovery MI PET/CT system (GE Healthcare). We used a NEMA IEC body phantom containing spheres with inner diameters of 10, 13, 17, 22, 28 and 37 mm and 4.0, 5.0, 6.2, 7.9, 10 and 13 mm. The target-to-background ratio of the phantom was 4:1, and the background activity concentration was 5.3 kBq/mL. We also evaluated cold spheres containing only non-radioactive water with the same background activity concentration. All images were reconstructed using BPL + time of flight (TOF). The ranges of β values and γ factors in BPL were 50–600 and 2–20, respectively. We reconstructed PET images using the Duetto toolbox for MATLAB software. We calculated the % hot contrast recovery coefficient (CRChot) of each hot sphere, the cold CRC (CRCcold) of each cold sphere, the background variability (BV) and residual lung error (LE). We measured the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the micro hollow hot spheres ≤ 13 mm to assess spatial resolution on the reconstructed PET images. Results: The CRChot and CRCcold for different β values and γ factors depended on the size of the small spheres. The CRChot, CRCcold and BV increased along with the γ factor. A 6.2-mm hot sphere was obvious in BPL as lower β values and higher γ factors, whereas γ factors ≥ 10 resulted in images with increased background noise. The FWHM became smaller when the γ factor increased. Conclusion: High and low γ factors, respectively, preserved the edges of reconstructed PET images and promoted image smoothing. The BPL with a γ factor above the default value in Q.Clear (γ factor = 2) generated high-resolution PET images, although image noise slightly diverged. Optimizing the β value and the γ factor in BPL enabled the detection of lesions ≤ 6.2 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]