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Background: Age and sex differences in sarcopenic dysphagia are unknown. The purpose is to characterize age and sex differences in sarcopenic dysphagia. Methods: A cross‐sectional and retrospective cohort study using information from the Japanese database on sarcopenic dysphagia was performed. We investigated age and sex differences between sarcopenic dysphagia and other forms of dysphagia. We investigated whether differences in prognosis for swallowing function, as assessed by the Food Intake Level Scale, and activities of daily living (ADL), as assessed by the Barthel Index were influenced by age and sex in patients with sarcopenic dysphagia. Results: The study included 460 patients, including 229 men and 231 women, with a mean age of 81 ± 10 years. Fifty‐eight percent of the patients had sarcopenic dysphagia. Age was independently associated with sarcopenic dysphagia (odds ratio (OR): 1.056, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.035, 1.078), although sarcopenic dysphagia could also be seen in those younger than 65 years. Sex was not independently associated with sarcopenic dysphagia. The age cut‐off for the diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia was 82 years in all patients (sensitivity, 0.660; specificity, 0.644), 80 years in men (sensitivity, 0.619; specificity, 0.631), and 83 years in women (sensitivity, 0.723; specificity, 0.577). Sarcopenic dysphagia showed no significant differences in the improvement of swallowing function and ADL based on age and sex. Conclusions: Sarcopenic dysphagia was most common in older adults in their 80s or older. The possibility of sarcopenic dysphagia should be considered when dysphagia is present in people 80 years of age or older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material‐networked conduction paths provide nonlinear electronic properties, which are essential components of computing and physically mimic the brain. In this study, the formation of conjugated polymer monolayer networks and their nonlinear charge transport is demonstrated. Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) monolayer networks doped with 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) is fabricated using the co‐spread method with an amphiphilic liquid crystal molecule at the air–water interface. Atomic force microscopy and Ultraviolet–visible–near‐infrared absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal the network surface morphologies and doped electronic states. The correlation between the nonlinear electronic characteristics and network structures of the P3HT/F4TCNQ monolayer networks is further systematically investigated through current–voltage and voltage–time measurements for various doping levels, network densities, and numbers of transferred layers. The current–voltage characteristics of the P3HT/F4TCNQ monolayer network device with a simple two‐terminal structure exhibit nonlinear and ohmic conduction behavior, which depend strongly on the network density and geometric dimension (number of transferred layers). It is concluded that the nonlinear properties arise from the limited and unique network of 2D conduction passes. This study highlights the unique features of conducting polymer monolayer networks, paving the way for neuromorphic device applications including conjugated semiconducting polymer‐based material reservoirs with controllable nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the fecal immunochemical test for hemoglobin (FIT) is a widely used screening test for colorectal cancer, it is not sensitive enough to detect advanced colorectal adenoma. To address this issue, we performed this study to investigate whether combining the FIT and fecal DNA testing of methylated somatostatin (SST) could improve diagnostic performance for advanced colorectal adenoma. We collected feces from 79 healthy subjects with negative results on colonoscopy, 43 patients with non‐advanced colorectal adenoma, 117 patients with advanced colorectal adenoma, and 126 patients with colorectal cancer. After fecal DNA was incubated with methylation‐sensitive restriction enzymes, SST methylation levels were measured by droplet digital PCR. Using logistic multivariate analysis, we established a prediction formula for detecting colorectal neoplasia and named it the FAMS (FIT, age, methylated SST) index. The diagnostic performance of a single use of FIT for advanced colorectal adenoma showed a sensitivity of 29.1% (34/117) and specificity of 89.3% (109/122). In contrast, the FAMS index showed a sensitivity of 56.4% (66/117) at a similar specificity point of 91.0% (111/122). Furthermore, even at the higher specificity point of 94.3% (115/122), the sensitivity was still higher than that of FIT, reaching 42.7% (50/117). As the FAMS index showed better diagnostic performance for advanced colorectal adenoma than a single use of FIT, the FAMS index could be a promising tool for detecting advanced colorectal adenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesis of acyl halides from the corresponding carboxylic acid thioesters was achieved using commercially available Selectfluor or NCS, and the acyl fluoride or chloride intermediates were transformed to the corresponding esters, amides, and several carbon‐carbon bond formation products. This approach can be applied to the peptide synthesis from functionalized amino acid thioesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to examine the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on physical components and activity, and its relationship to physical performance in older adults. Methods: Sixty‐seven participants aged 75 and older (81 ± 2 years, female: 66%), who underwent medical checkups continuously from 2018 to 2022 in one clinic, were enrolled. Muscle mass was assessed by the biometrical impedance analysis method, which was adjusted by height squared. Physical, oral, and cognitive performance data were obtained from Japanese standard questionnaires at medical checkups. Values obtained in 2018 and 2019 were defined as pre‐pandemic, and those in 2021 and 2022 were defined as during the pandemic. Results: Body weight, grip strength, and skeletal mass index did not change from 2018 to 2022, but trunk muscle mass index decreased significantly. A difference in the trunk muscle mass index (TMI) was observed between 2022 and 2018/2019 in men; however, a significant difference was found between 2021 and 2022 in women. Compared with the pre‐pandemic period, TMI during the pandemic decreased only in men. The difference in TMI between the pre‐pandemic period and during the pandemic (ΔTMI) was significantly decreased in participants with low physical activity and poor oral performance before the pandemic, and in those with falls and poor cognitive function during the pandemic only in men. Conclusion: Reduction of trunk muscle mass was related to falls and poor cognitive function during the COVID‐19 pandemic in older male adults. These data suggest that the difference in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic between men and women necessitates different types of support for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1060–1066. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Elevated plasma branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) are tightly linked to incident diabetes and its complications, while lower BCAAs are associated with adverse outcomes in the elderly and heart failure (HF) patients. The interplay between body compositions and plasma BCAAs, especially under the influence of co‐morbid diabetes in HF patients, is not well understood. Here, we examined the impact of diabetes on the prognostic value of plasma BCAA and its association with body compositions in HF patients. Methods and results: We retrospectively examined 301 HF patients (70 ± 15 years old; 59% male), among which 36% had diabetes. Blood samples for plasma BCAA measurements were collected in a fasting state after stabilization of HF and analysed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography. A dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan assessed regional body compositions, and muscle wasting was defined as appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) < 7.00 and <5.40 kg/m2 for males and females, respectively, according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Although analyses of covariance revealed that plasma BCAAs were significantly higher in diabetic patients, low valine (<222.1 nmol/mL) similarly predicted adverse events defined by HF hospitalization, lethal arrhythmia, or all‐cause death in both diabetic and non‐diabetic patients independently of age, sex, and NT‐proBNP (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.1–8.6 and adjusted HR 2.67, 95% CI 1.1–6.5, respectively; P for interaction 0.88). In multivariate linear regression analyses comprising age, sex, and regional body compositions as explanatory variables, plasma BCAAs were positively correlated with visceral adipose tissue area in non‐diabetic patients (standardized β coefficients [β] = 0.44, P < 0.001). In contrast, in diabetic patients, plasma BCAAs were correlated positively with ASMI (β = 0.49, P = 0.001) and negatively with appendicular fat mass index (AFMI; β = −0.42, P = 0.004). Co‐morbid diabetes was independently associated with muscle wasting (adjusted odds ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.0) and significantly higher plasma 3‐methylhistidine level, a marker of myofibrillar degradation. In diabetic patients, ASMI uniquely showed a J‐shaped relationship with AFMI, and in a subgroup of HF patients with muscle wasting, diabetic patients showed 12% higher AFMI than non‐diabetic patients despite comparable ASMI reductions. Conclusions: Despite higher plasma BCAA levels in HF patients with diabetes, the prognostic value of low valine remained consistent regardless of diabetes status. However, low BCAAs were distinctly associated with fatty muscle degeneration in the extremities in diabetic patients, suggesting the importance of targeted interventions to prevent such tissue remodelling in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Low body mass index (BMI) and poor oral health are prevalent among older stroke patients and associated with adverse outcomes. However, their combined impact on functional recovery after stroke remains unclear. This study investigated the synergistic effects of low BMI and poor oral health on activities of daily living (ADL) independence, swallowing function, and cognitive status in post‐stroke older patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 708 hospitalized post‐stroke patients aged ≥70 years. Low BMI was defined as <20 kg/m2, and poor oral health was assessed using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG) with a score ≥13 indicating oral problems. The primary outcome was ADL independence (Functional Independence Measure‐motor score >78) at discharge. Secondary outcomes included swallowing level (Food Intake Level Scale) and cognitive status (Functional Independence Measure‐cognition score). Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of low BMI, poor oral health, and their combination with outcomes of interest. Results: The coexistence of low BMI and poor oral health was independently associated with lower odds of achieving ADL independence (odds ratio 0.130, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.023–0.718), worse swallowing level (B = −0.878, 95% CI −1.280 to −0.476), and poorer cognitive status (B = −1.872, 95% CI −2.960 to −0.784) at discharge, after adjusting for confounders. The combined impact was stronger than either condition alone. Conclusions: The coexistence of low BMI and poor oral health exerts a synergistic negative impact on functional recovery in older stroke inpatients. Comprehensive interventions integrating nutritional support, oral management, and rehabilitation are crucial to optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1045–1052. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extinct lineages can leave legacies in the genomes of extant lineages through ancient introgressive hybridization. The patterns of genomic survival of these extinct lineages provide insight into the role of extinct lineages in current biodiversity. However, our understanding on the genomic landscape of introgression from extinct lineages remains limited due to challenges associated with locating the traces of unsampled 'ghost' extinct lineages without ancient genomes. Herein, we conducted population genomic analyses on the East China Sea (ECS) lineage of Chaenogobius annularis, which was suspected to have originated from ghost introgression, with the aim of elucidating its genomic origins and characterizing its landscape of introgression. By combining phylogeographic analysis and demographic modelling, we demonstrated that the ECS lineage originated from ancient hybridization with an extinct ghost lineage. Forward simulations based on the estimated demography indicated that the statistic γ of the HyDe analysis can be used to distinguish the differences in local introgression rates in our data. Consistent with introgression between extant organisms, we found reduced introgression from extinct lineage in regions with low recombination rates and with functional importance, thereby suggesting a role of linked selection that has eliminated the extinct lineage in shaping the hybrid genome. Moreover, we identified enrichment of repetitive elements in regions associated with ghost introgression, which was hitherto little known but was also observed in the re‐analysis of published data on introgression between extant organisms. Overall, our findings underscore the unexpected similarities in the characteristics of introgression landscapes across different taxa, even in cases of ghost introgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact damage of glass is one of the most crucial issues for glass products. To develop strong and tough glass products and to compare damage resistance among glass compositions, a simple method for evaluating the mechanical response of glass during contact is required not only for glass mechanists but also for glass customers and suppliers. Although it is well known that the quasi‐static Vickers indentation test is one of the simplest and most useful methods to evaluate hardness and brittleness in glass, the indentation response of glass under the indenter at higher impact velocities remains to be quantitively understood because of the difficulty of measurement and limited experimental works. In this study, therefore, the dynamic indentation behavior of soda‐lime glass is evaluated by using a lab‐made free‐drop indentation set‐up with the coils for detecting electromotive forces (EMFs). The cono‐spherical indenter made of tungsten carbide attached with a neodymium magnet was employed to generate the EMFs when the indenter passed through the coils located near the glass sample. The impact load versus indentation depth curve during the impact within a few tens of microseconds was successfully obtained both for an elastic contact and for an inelastic contact. Under an elastic condition, where no residual indent nor any cracks were left on the glass surface after the test, it is confirmed that there is almost no hysteresis in the impact load versus indentation depth curve and that the curve can be reproduced by the Hertzian analytical solution. Under an inelastic condition, on the other hand, it is found that the hysteresis in the impact load versus indentation depth curve stems from inelastic phenomena, such as plastic deformation (shear flow and/or permanent densification) and cracking. These results suggest that the dynamic indentation technique based on electromagnetic induction phenomena is a useful and effective tool for evaluating the mechanical responses of glasses during the impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ogasawara Islands, isolated from the continent throughout their geological history, harbor abundant endemic species. However, 32% of the native plant species are on the Japanese Red List, signaling their endangered status. Among these endangered species, Calanthe hoshii stands out as highly susceptible to extinction. Two wild and 89 ex situ individuals were alive in 2020, but the last known wild individual died in October 2021, indicating this species may have become extinct in the wild. Despite the conservation efforts under the Act for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the lack of essential information regarding genetic diversity and population structure among the remaining individuals poses a significant obstacle to developing effective conservation measures. In this research, we conducted a genetic analysis of the wild and ex situ individuals, which revealed notably reduced genetic diversity between individuals, with individual heterozygosity levels (1.0 × 10−5) measuring one‐ninth of those observed within a closely related species Calanthe triplicata (1.5 × 10−4). Comprehensive genetic analysis revealed that C. hoshii consisted of three genetic clusters of different sizes: cluster 1 comprised 95% of the total population, while clusters 2 and 3, with few individuals, were only found in the ex situ populations at Koishikawa Botanical Garden. Since extant C. hoshii maintains a remarkably low genetic diversity at both individual and population levels, it is necessary to consider future management strategies, such as artificial breeding among different clades identified in this study, to safeguard the stability and resilience of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Addressing sarcopenia and frailty in aging populations is crucial for enhancing quality of life and reducing healthcare dependence. While the importance of energy, protein, and amino acid supplementation is known, the role of minerals needs further exploration. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of these minerals in managing sarcopenia and frailty. Methods: We analyzed data from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Ichu‐shi Web from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies were selected if they were interventional or observational, focused on individuals with frailty or sarcopenia who were aged 65 or older, and involved mineral supplementation. The risk of bias in these studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Results: Of the 615 studies identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies mainly focused on the effects of combined nutrient supplements, with few focusing on individual minerals. The findings were mixed, demonstrating some improvements in muscle strength, activity of daily living, and cognitive functions. Notably, minerals appeared to offer benefits as part of multi‐nutrient interventions, especially for cognitive and immune health, but had limited impact on muscle mass or strength when used alone. The limited number and variable outcomes of studies precluded a feasible meta‐analysis. Conclusions: The effect of mineral supplementation on sarcopenia and frailty remains uncertain, suggesting a need for tailored nutritional strategies. Future studies should aim for well‐designed clinical trials in order to gain a better understanding of the roles of minerals in improving muscle health and functional outcomes, leading to clearer recommendations for clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 850–858. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical resection is standard treatment for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC); however, impact of multidisciplinary treatment on survival including postoperative adjuvant therapy (AT), neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), and treatment for recurrent lesions is unclear. We investigated the effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment in prolonging survival of patients with invasive IPMC. Methods: This retrospective multi‐institutional study included 1183 patients with invasive IPMC undergoing surgery at 40 academic institutions. We analyzed the effects of AT, NAT, and treatment for recurrence on survival of patients with invasive IPMC. Results: Completion of the planned postoperative AT for 6 months improved the overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of patients with stage IIB and stage III resected invasive IPMC, elevated preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19–9 level, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, serosal invasion, and lymph node metastasis on un‐matched and matched analyses. Of the patients with borderline resectable (BR) invasive IPMC, the OS (p = 0.001), DSS (p = 0.001), and RFS (p = 0.001) of patients undergoing NAT was longer than that of those without on the matched analysis. Of the 484 invasive IPMC patients (40.9%) who developed recurrence after surgery, the OS of 365 patients who received any treatment for recurrence was longer than that of those without treatment (40.6 vs. 22.4 months, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Postoperative AT might benefit selected patients with invasive IPMC, especially those at high risk of poor survival. NAT might improve the survivability of BR invasive IPMC. Any treatment for recurrence after surgery for invasive IPMC might improve survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bonin Islands, comprised of the Mukojima, Chichijima, and Hahajima Islands, are known for their isolated and distinctive habitats, hosting a diverse array of endemic flora and fauna. In these islands, adaptive radiation has played a remarkable role in speciation, particularly evident in the Callicarpa genus that is represented by three species: Callicarpa parvifolia and C. glabra exclusive to the Chichijima Islands, and Callicarpa subpubescens, distributed across the entire Bonin Islands. Notably, C. subpubescens exhibits multiple ecotypes, differing in leaf hair density, flowering time, and tree size. In this study, we aimed to investigate species and ecotype diversification patterns, estimate divergence times, and explore cryptic species within Callicarpa in the Bonin Islands using phenotypic and genetic data (double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing). Genetic analysis revealed that C. parvifolia and C. glabra both formed single, distinct genetic groups. Conversely, C. subpubescens consisted of six genetic groups corresponding to different ecotypes and regions, and a hybrid group resulting from the hybridization between two of these genetic groups. Population demography analysis focusing on six Chichijima and Hahajima Islands‐based species/ecotypes indicated that all species and ecotypes except one ecotype diverged simultaneously around 73–77 kya. The star‐shaped neighbor‐net tree also suggests the simultaneous divergence of species and ecotypes. The species and ecotypes that simultaneously diverged adapted to dry environments and understory forests, suggesting that aridification may have contributed to this process of adaptive radiation. Moreover, leaf morphology, flowering time, and genetic analyses suggested the presence of two cryptic species and one hybrid species within C. subpubescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A short period of exposure to elevated CO2 is known to decrease evapotranspiration via stomatal closure. Based on theoretical evaluation of a canopy transpiration model, we hypothesized that this decrease in the evapotranspiration of rice under elevated CO2 was greater under higher temperature conditions due to an increased sensitivity of transpiration to changes in CO2 induced by the greater vapour pressure deficit. In a temperature gradient chamber‐based experiment, a 200 ppm increase in CO2 concentration led to 0.4 mm (−7%) and 1.5 mm (−15%) decreases in 12 h evapotranspiration under ambient temperature and high temperature (+3.7°C) conditions, respectively. Model simulations revealed that the greater vapour pressure deficit under higher temperature conditions explained the variations in the reduction of evapotranspiration observed under elevated CO2 levels between the temperature treatments. Our study suggests the utility of a simple modelling framework for mechanistic understanding of evapotranspiration and crop energy balance system under changing environmental conditions. Summary statement: Interactive effects of CO2 and temperature on canopy evapotranspiration were observed in large chamber‐based experiments, using a microlysimeter technique. A canopy transpiration model revealed decreased humidity under warm conditions enhanced the sensitivity of canopy transpiration to rising CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, demanding a more profound comprehension of its molecular foundations for the development of improved therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to elucidate the role of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), a member of the type 2A protein phosphatase family, in CRC. Protein phosphatase 6 functions as a heterotrimer with a catalytic subunit (PP6c), regulatory subunits (PP6Rs; PP6R1, PP6R2, and PP6R3), and scaffold subunits (ANKRD28, ANKRD44, and ANKRD52). Elevated PP6c expression has been identified in CRC tissues compared to normal mucosa, aligning with its potential involvement in CRC pathogenesis. PP6c knockdown resulted in decreased colony‐forming ability and in vivo proliferation of various CRC cell lines. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PP6c knockdown resulted in altered expression of genes associated with cancer stemness. Notably, the PP6c‐PP6R3 complex is a key player in regulating cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. Additionally, increased PP6c expression was observed in CSC‐like cells induced by sphere formation, implicating the role of PP6c in CSC maintenance. This study highlights the role of PP6c in CRC and suggests that it is a potential therapeutic target disrupting a pathway critical for CRC progression and stem cell maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth trajectories of trees are not fully understood due to their long life span. We characterized the population dynamics of the canopy tree Castanopsis cuspidata (Thunb.) Schottky in a Japanese warm‐temperate forest over 49 years (1966–2015). Our study was initiated approximately 50 years after our study site was clear‐cut. The forest had a closed canopy for the first 23 years of the study. Strong typhoons in 1991 and 1993 seriously damaged the forest, and since then the forest has been recovering from these disturbances. The diameter distribution of this species was bell‐shaped in 1966, suggesting that the trees emerged simultaneously after the clear‐cut in the 1910s, and the recruitment of trees has remained unchanged since then. The lack of recruitment of C. cuspidata before the typhoon disturbance supports this conclusion. Assuming that the C. cuspidata trees in 1966 were cohorts that were established soon after the clear‐cut, the size differences reflect differences in growth rate, with small trees corresponding to slow growers and large trees corresponding to fast growers. Before the typhoon, slow growers had low survival, and the mortality rate of fast growers was low. Many fast growers were uprooted or snapped by strong winds by the typhoons. However, their mortality rate did not differ from that of slow growers because many slow growers were killed by large fallen trees. The growth of some slow‐growing survivors increased after the typhoon, which allowed them to rapidly reach the canopy. Therefore, the typhoon altered the distribution of canopy trees among slow and fast growers. Survivors experienced faster growth than trees that died during the census period, suggesting that growth rate provides a robust indicator of future survival. Before the typhoon, the survival of fast growers was higher than that of slow growers. This suggests that fast growers disproportionally contribute to reproduction compared with slow growers. However, no recruited tree was observed in this subperiod, suggesting that fast growers made no contribution to reproduction. Fast growers might not play a more significant demographic role than slow growers in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent glass‐ceramics (GCs) are promising for applications that require both optical clarity and superior mechanical strength, such as high‐performance displays and ballistic armor. However, achieving this combination typically involves a trade‐off, as crystallization processes that enhance mechanical properties often compromise transparency. This study investigates the optimization of mechanical properties in transparent and translucent MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 (MAS) GCs. We examine the heat treatment conditions necessary for achieving various levels of transparency and evaluate the influence of crystal size and volume fraction on Vickers hardness, indentation crack resistance, and fracture toughness (KIc). Our findings indicate that, depending on the composition and heat treatment conditions, even nanocrystals smaller than 100 nm can diminish transparency, rendering the GCs translucent. Translucent and opaque samples exhibit superior mechanical performance due to higher crystallized fractions and larger crystals. However, specific thermal protocols were identified to produce transparent GCs (visible light transmittance > 80% for 1.5 mm thick samples) with at least a 30% increase in KIc compared to their parent glasses. This study demonstrates the feasibility of balancing transparency and mechanical strength in MAS GCs through careful optimization of processing parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to prove the feasibility and safety of robotic gastrectomy using the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System (Medicaroid Corporation, Kobe, Japan). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled the 16 patients who underwent gastrectomy by the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System for gastric cancer at our hospital between June 2023 and January 2024. Console surgeons performed almost all lymphadenectomies, including the clipping of vessels. Assistant surgeons supported the lymphadenectomy using vessel sealing devices and during reconstruction. Results: Thirteen patients were cStage I, one patient was cStage II, and two patients were cStage III. Distal gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy, and total gastrectomy were performed in 11, 1, and 4 patients, respectively. D1+ and D2 lymphadenectomies were performed in 11 and 5 patients, respectively. Billroth‐I, Billroth‐II, Roux‐en‐Y, and esophagogastrostomy were performed in three, six, six, and one patients, respectively. The median operation time was 282 (245–338) min, and the median console time was 226 (185–266) min. The median blood loss was 28 (12–50) mL, and the median amylase levels in drainage fluid were 280 (148–377) U/L on postoperative day 1 and 74 (42–148) U/L on postoperative day 3. There was anastomotic leakage (Clavien–Dindo [CD] IIIa) in one patient who underwent proximal gastrectomy. The median postoperative hospital stay was 12.5 (12–14) days. Conclusion: In this initial case series, the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System was found to be safe and feasible for patients with gastric cancer and is suggested to be appropriate for gastrectomy, including distal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although surgical resection is the only curative treatment for biliary tract cancer, in some cases, the disease is diagnosed as unresectable at initial presentation. There are few reports of conversion surgery after the initial treatment for unresectable locally advanced biliary tract cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conversion surgery in patients with initially unresectable locally advanced biliary tract cancer. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data from groups of patients in multiple centers belonging to the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery and Korean Association of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery. We analyzed two groups of prognostic factors (pretreatment and surgical factors) and their relation to the treatment outcomes. Results: A total of 56 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced biliary tract cancer were enrolled in this study of which 55 (98.2%) patients received chemotherapy, and 16 (28.6%) patients received additional radiation therapy. The median time from the start of the initial treatment to resection was 6.4 months. Severe postoperative complications of Clavien‐Dindo grade III or higher occurred in 34 patients (60.7%), and postoperative mortality occurred in five patients (8.9%). Postoperative histological results revealed CR in eight patients (14.3%). The median survival time from the start of the initial treatment in all 56 patients who underwent conversion surgery was 37.7 months, the 3‐year survival rate was 53.9%, and the 5‐year survival rate was 39.1%. Conclusions: Conversion surgery for initially unresectable locally advanced biliary tract cancer may lead to longer survival in selected patients. However, more precise preoperative safety evaluation and careful postoperative management are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distal pancreatectomy (DP) with lymph node (LN) dissection is the standard procedure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the tail (Pt‐PDAC). However, the optimal surgery including extent of LN dissection is still being debated. The present study investigated the incidence and prognostic impact of LN metastasis on patients suffering from Pt‐PDAC. Patients and method: This multicenter, retrospective study involved 163 patients who underwent DP for resectable Pt‐PDAC at 12 institutions between 2013 and 2017. The frequency of LN metastasis and the effect of LN dissection on Pt‐PDAC prognosis were investigated. Results: There were high incidences of metastases to the LNs along the splenic artery in the patients with Pt‐PDAC (39%). The rate of metastases in the LNs along the common hepatic, left gastric, and celiac arteries were low, and the therapeutic index for these LNs was zero. In pancreatic tail cancer located more distally, there were no metastases to the LNs along the common hepatic artery. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size was the only independent factor related to recurrence‐free survival (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.33–3.05, p = 0.001). The level of pancreas division and LN dissection along the common hepatic artery did not affect the site of tumor recurrence or recurrence‐free survival. Conclusions: LN dissection along the hepatic artery for Pt‐PDAC has little significance. Distal pancreatic transection may be acceptable in terms of oncological safety, but further examination of short‐term outcomes and preservation of pancreatic function is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Neoadjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for large tumors is controversial, especially in the minimally invasive surgery era. The aim of this study was to compare features between groups treated with neoadjuvant TACE followed by surgery (TACE + surgery) or upfront surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma >5 cm. Methods: In this exploratory, multicenter, randomized phase I study, the primary measure was 2‐year disease‐free survival (DFS). Secondary measures were resection rate, necrosis rate by TACE, 2‐year overall survival, and site of recurrence. A total of 30 patients were randomly allocated to each arm. Results: The two arms did not differ in patient characteristics. The median time to surgery from randomization was 48 days for TACE + surgery and 29 for surgery only (p < 0.001). Postoperative morbidities did not differ between arms. The 2‐year DFS, overall survival, and resection rates were 56.7%, 80.0%, and 93.3%, respectively, in the TACE + surgery arm, and 56.1%, 89.9%, and 90.0% in the upfront surgery arm. Minimally invasive surgery was carried out in 35.7% in the TACE + surgery arm and in 29.6% in the upfront surgery arm. The median necrosis rate by TACE was 90.0%. In resected specimens, invasion to the hepatic vein was less with TACE + surgery (3.6% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.0380). In cases of 100% necrosis with TACE, 2‐year DFS was 100%. Site of recurrence did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant TACE did not improve 2‐year DFS, and neoadjuvant TACE allowed delay of surgical treatment without increased morbidity and cancer progress. Clinical trial registration: UMIN: 000005241. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of parameters, including liquefaction and semen viscosity, affect the sperm's ability to travel and reach the egg for fertilization and conception. Given that the details behind the viscosity of the semen in male camels have not yet been fully clarified, the purpose of this study was to ascertain how the addition of papain affected the viscosity of fresh diluted camel semen. The study examined semen samples derived from camels that had distinct viscosities. Sperm motility, viability, abnormal sperm percentage, concentration, viscosity, morphometry, acrosome integrity and liquefaction were among the evaluations following 0, 5, 10, 20 or 30 min of incubation at 37°C with papain (0.004 mg/mL, 0.04 mg/mL or 0.4 mg/mL; a semen sample without papain was used as a control). A statistically significant interaction between the effects of papain concentrations and incubation time was found (F = 41.68, p =.0001). Papain concentrations (p =.0001) and incubation times (p =.0001) both had a statistically significant impact on viscosity, according to a simple main effects analysis. A lower viscosity was found (p <.05) at 0.04 mg/mL (0.1 ± 0.0) after 10 min of incubation. A simple main effects analysis showed that papain concentrations and incubation time have a statistically significant effect on sperm motility (p =.0001). At 0.04 mg/mL papain, the sperm motility % was higher (p <.05) after 10 min (64.4 ± 4.8), 20 min (68.4 ± 6.2), and 30 min incubation (72.2 ± 6.6) compared to 0, 5 min (38.3 ± 4.1 and 51.6 ± 5.0, respectively). In conclusion, the fresh diluted camel semen had the lowest viscosity properties after 10 min of incubation with 0.04 mg/mL papain, without compromising sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and sperm morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a significant clinical, economic, and human burden. The JAK1 Atopic Dermatitis Efficacy and Safety (JADE) program's Phase 3 trials demonstrated that as a treatment for moderate‐to‐severe AD in adults with previous exposure to immunotherapy, abrocitinib showed superior efficacy and safety compared with standard of care (SoC), consisting of topical corticosteroids. This study assessed the cost‐effectiveness of abrocitinib with SoC versus SoC alone for this patient population in Japan from a societal perspective. A hybrid decision tree and Markov model were used to capture the initial treatment and long‐term maintenance phases. Clinical inputs at 16 weeks were obtained through a Bayesian network meta‐analysis of four pivotal trials from the JADE program. Clinical inputs at 52 weeks were derived from the JADE EXTEND trial. Response‐specific utility inputs were obtained from published literature. Resource use, costs, and productivity inputs were gathered from Japanese claims analysis, literature, public documents, and expert opinion. Costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 2.0% per year and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to validate the base case results and explore a payer perspective. Over a lifetime horizon and with the base‐case societal perspective, abrocitinib produced a mean gain of 0.75 QALYs, incremental costs of JPY (¥) 2 270 386 (USD [$] 17 265.6), and a resulting ICER of ¥3 034 514 ($23 076.5) per QALY compared with SoC. From a payer perspective, the incremental costs increased to ¥4 476 777 ($34 044.4), with an ICER of ¥5 983 495 ($45 502.6) per QALY. The results were most sensitive to treatment‐specific, response‐based utility weights, drug costs, and productivity‐related inputs. From a Japanese societal perspective, abrocitinib demonstrated superior QALYs and with a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of ¥5 000 000 ($38 023.4) per QALY, can be considered cost‐effective compared with SoC as a treatment for moderate‐to‐severe AD in adult patients with previous immunosuppressant exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon films were directly formed on tungsten (W) substrates without an intermediate layer via coaxial arc plasma deposition. The substrate surface was pretreated to remove the native oxide films to improve film adhesion using environmentally friendly alkaline and acidic solutions. The fundamental electrochemical characteristics of the deposited films were similar to those of diamond and diamond‐like carbon films. Thus, the deposited films can be used in the electrodes of highly sensitive electrochemical sensors. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been reports on the impact of concurrent drugs on the outcome of immunotherapy for non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, the effect of some drugs, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has not been clarified in patients with NSCLC. In the present study, we aimed to assess the association between concurrent drugs and the outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: We retrospectively assessed patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent ICI treatment between September 2017 and December 2021 at Kobe University Hospital. We evaluated the data regarding the use of antibiotics within 30 days before ICI initiation, as well as the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and NSAIDs during ICI initiation. Results: A total of 127 patients were assessed, among whom 28 (22.0%) patients received antibiotics, 39 (30.7%) PPIs, and 36 (28.3%) NSAIDs. No significant differences were observed between the patients with and without antibiotic use. However, patients using NSAIDs had significantly worse objective response rates (ORR) and progression‐free survival (PFS) with ICI alone or in combination with chemotherapy compared to those who did not (ORR, 47.2% vs. 67.0%; p = 0.045. PFS, 6.3 months vs. 10.8 months; p = 0.02). Patients using PPIs demonstrated a worse ORR of ICI in combination with chemotherapy compared to those who did not (ORR, 45.2% vs. 72.6%; p = 0.013). Conclusions: The unnecessary use of NSAIDs along with immunotherapy should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used for the industrial production of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). To meet the increasing market demands, high productivity, and quality are required in cell culture. One of the critical attributes of mAbs, from a safety perspective, is mAb fragmentation. However, methods for preventing mAbs fragmentation in CHO cell culture are limited. In this study, we observed that the antibody fragment content increased with increasing titers in fed‐batch cultures for all three cell lines expressing recombinant antibodies. Adding copper sulfate to the culture medium further increased the fragment content, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the fragmentation process. Though antioxidants may be helpful to scavenge ROS, several antioxidants are reported to decrease the productivity of CHO cells. Among the antioxidants examined, we observed that the addition of catechin or (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate to the culture medium prevented fragmentation content by about 20% and increased viable cell density and titer by 30% and 10%, respectively. Thus, the addition of catechins or compounds of equivalent function would be beneficial for manufacturing therapeutic mAbs with a balance between high titers and good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there have been several reports of the presence of toxic proteins in cultivated or wild plant species, which are implicated in plant defense mechanisms. The existence of these proteins raises the possibility of biotechnological applications originating from the development of new techniques to combat diseases caused by fungi. In this context, there are chitin‐binding proteins. Chitin is an essential component of the fungal cell wall, so chitin‐binding proteins are important in controlling fungal growth. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of peptides with chitin binding properties isolated from Capsicum annuum seeds on the growth of the genus Candida. Initially, proteins were extracted in phosphate pH 5.4, and a chitin column was equilibrated with sodium acetate (0.08 M, pH 4.5), where 50 mg of the peptide‐rich heated fraction from each species was applied. Subsequently, the retained material was eluted with 0.1 M HCl. Tricine SDS–PAGE was used to visualize the peptides. After chromatography, two fractions, F1 (not retained in the chitin column) and F2 (retained in the chitin column, named Ca‐F2), were obtained. Electrophoresis showed major protein bands between 3 and 14 kDa. Electrophoresis from chitin affinity chromatography also showed major bands between 3 and 14 kDa, especially for Ca‐F2 retained in the column. One peptide obtained from the F2 fraction was identified by mass spectrometry and showed similarity to seed 2S albumin, named Ca‐Alb2S. Ca‐F2 inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, was not toxic to mammalian cells and still had a high survival rate when tested in vivo on Galleria mellonella larvae. This is the first report of chitin‐binding peptides isolated from Capsicum seeds through an affinity column and their biological activities. These studies are at an early stage; therefore, other tests are needed to study the mechanism of action of the fraction, since the findings indicate great potential for the development of new antifungal molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the risk of major birth defects after first‐trimester exposure to carbocisteine and ambroxol during pregnancy, we conducted a prospective cohort study using counseling data for drug use during pregnancy provided by the Japan Drug Information Institute in Pregnancy and Toranomon Hospital. Counseling information, including drug usage and participants' demographic information, was collected between April 1988 and December 2017. Pregnancy outcome data, including major birth defects, were obtained using a questionnaire administered 1 month after delivery. The risks of major birth defects after first‐trimester exposure to carbocisteine (n = 588) and ambroxol (n = 341) were compared with those of nonteratogenic drug use during the first trimester (n = 1525). The adjusted odds ratio (aORs) for major birth defects was calculated using a multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. The incidence of major birth defects was 1.2% (7/588) and 2.1% (7/341) in the carbocisteine and ambroxol groups, respectively, which was comparable to the control group (26/1525, 1.7%). Results of multiple logistic regression demonstrated similar nonsignificant risks for both carbocisteine (aOR: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–1.1, p = 0.11) and ambroxol (aOR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.18–7.2, p = 0.88). No specific major birth defects were reported in the carbocisteine or ambroxol groups. This study demonstrated that carbocisteine and ambroxol exposure during the first trimester was not associated with an increased risk of major birth defects. These results could help in counseling for the use of these drugs during pregnancy and further alleviate anxiety in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring snowmelt occurs for a short duration on an annual time scale, but their timings considerably affect the carbon and hydrological cycle in high‐latitude ecosystems. Here, we developed a simple snowmelt model, treating the ecosystem surface as a bulk‐surface layer. Energy fluxes across this bulk surface and the snow‐soil boundary determine snow temperature and the energy utilized for snowmelt. Parameterizing the bulk surface using decade‐long eddy covariance site data from two Alaskan open black spruce forests offered an opportunity to quantitatively evaluate meteorological drivers affecting snowmelt timings without the needs for detailed canopy information. The sensitivity analysis suggested that the total snowfall on the forest floor, ranging from 0.35 m in 2016 to about 1 m in 2018 and 2020, was the most crucial driver for snowmelt timing. This factor accounted for a 10‐day difference in the interannual variations in snow disappearance dates. The importance of the snowfall varied from year to year, and in 2013, the late snowmelt was characterized by low air temperatures, which increased sensible heat loss from the snowpack. The importance of atmospheric radiation was revealed in relatively warm years, such as 2016 and 2019. Our modeling approach necessitates adjusting one empirical parameter that reflects the heat conductivity from the bulk surface to the snow, based on observations. Nevertheless, despite this need for adjustment, the bulk‐surface approach helps identify important meteorological drivers underlying observed snowmelt within a simple theoretical framework. Plain Language Summary: It is essential to understand why and how spring snowmelt occurs in boreal forests because of its impact on both the biological and hydrological processes in the ecosystem. However, meteorological drivers related to snowmelt often change simultaneously, which makes it challenging to determine which single driver is vital for snowmelt. To address this challenge, we constructed a simple snowmelt model that treats the ecosystem surface as a single bulk layer. The simple model bypasses the needs for detailed canopy information and is easily constrained by observed data. Applying the model to decadal observation data from Alaskan boreal forests, we found that snowfall, air temperature, and atmospheric radiation were important meteorological drivers for explaining interannual variations in snowmelt timing. Each of them explained about 1–2 weeks of snowmelt disappearance dates. We also demonstrated that the model helped explain why the snowmelt was late in 2013 and early in 2016 and 2019 and why snow disappearance dates differed between study sites. While a simple model has its limitations, it can be beneficial for understanding snowmelt characteristics within a simple theoretical framework. Key Points: A model‐based approach was introduced to delineate the roles of meteorological drivers on interannual variations in snowmelt timingSnowfall was the most important driver of the interannual variation in snowmelt timing followed by air temperature and atmospheric radiationLate snowmelt in 2013 was attributed to low air temperature, increasing sensible heat loss from the snowpack [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lung injury (ALI), which occurs in association with sepsis, trauma, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), is a serious clinical condition with high mortality. Excessive platelet‐leukocyte aggregate (PLA) formation promotes neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release and thrombosis, which are involved in various diseases, including ALI. Macrophage‐1 antigen (Mac‐1, CD11b/CD18), which is expressed on the surface of leukocytes, is known to promote NET formation. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Mac‐1 in extracellular histone‐induced ALI. Exogenous histones were administered to Mac‐1‐deficient mice and wild‐type (WT) mice with or without neutrophil or platelet depletion, and several parameters were investigated 1 h after histone injection. Depletion of neutrophils or platelets improved survival time and macroscopic and microscopic properties of lung tissues, and decreased platelet‐leukocyte formation and plasma myeloperoxidase levels. These improvements were also observed in Mac‐1−/− mice. NET formation in Mac‐1−/− bone marrow neutrophils (BMNs) was significantly lower than that in WT BMNs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Mac‐1 is associated with exacerbation of histone‐induced ALI and the promotion of NET formation in the presence of activated platelets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the reproductive behavior of the brackish nemertean species Potamostoma shizunaiense. The study found that these nemerteans exhibit specific adaptations to upper brackish habitats, including seaward migrations during spawning seasons and a critical influence of water salinity on reproductive success. The oocytes of P. shizunaiense showed buoyancy in higher salinity environments, potentially aiding in their dispersal through tidal currents. The article also highlights the need for further research to understand the entire life history of these nemerteans and their impact on brackish-water food webs. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Nerve fibers related to pain and temperature sensation in the trigeminal nerve territory converge with the upper cervical spinal nerves from the level of the lower medulla oblongata to the upper cervical cord. This structure is called the trigemino‐cervical complex and may cause referred pain in the territory of the trigeminal or upper cervical spinal nerves. Case Series: Here, we report three cases of paroxysmal neuralgia in the occipital region with mild conjunctivitis or a few reddish spots in the ipsilateral trigeminal nerve territory. The patients exhibited gradual progression of these reddish spots evolving into vesicles over the course of several days, despite the absence of a rash in the occipital region. The patients were diagnosed with trigeminal herpes zoster and subsequently received antiherpetic therapy. Remarkably, the neuralgia in the occipital region showed gradual amelioration or complete resolution before the treatment, with no sequelae reported in the occipital region. Discussion: The trigemino‐cervical complex has the potential to cause neuralgia in the occipital region, as referred pain, caused by trigeminal herpes zoster. These cases suggest that, even if conjunctivitis or reddish spots appear to be trivial in the trigeminal nerve territory, trigeminal herpes zoster should be considered when neuralgia occurs in the ipsilateral occipital region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin disorders are the most common side effect associated with epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) therapy. It is important to manage skin lesions. Adapalene has been used to treat skin lesions caused by EGFR‐TKIs in some cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional mechanism of adapalene in erlotinib‐induced skin disorder. Methods: To analyze the effect of adapalene on skin rash, afatinib and adapalene were administered to mice. The relationship between the concentration of adapalene and skin disorders was also examined by analyzing AQP3 expression. A skin lesion model was experimentally established in human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) by using erlotinib with TNF‐α and IL‐1β. We used qRT–PCR to analyze chemokine‐induced inflammation and western blotting to analyze the effects of adapalene on the NF‐κB signaling pathway. Antimicrobial peptides and adhesion factors were also examined using qRT–PCR. Results: Mice administered 0.01% adapalene had less skin inflammation than mice treated with afatinib alone. The expression level of AQP3 decreased in an adapalene concentration‐dependent manner. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as CCL2 and CCL27 in HaCaT cells were significantly reduced by adapalene. The expression of an antimicrobial peptide, hBD3, was upregulated after adapalene treatment. Adhesion factors, such as E‐cadherin, were significantly downregulated by EGFR‐TKI and significantly upregulated by adapalene treatment. Western blot analysis suggested that erlotinib‐induced phosphorylation of p65 was decreased by adapalene. Conclusion: We suggest that adapalene may be a possible treatment option for skin disorders induced by EGFR‐TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is limited evidence concerning the association between anemia and alterations in muscle health among hospitalized older patients. We aimed to evaluate the associations between baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels and changes in muscle function in patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive hospitalized post‐stroke patients. Data on serum Hb level were extracted from medical records on tests performed within 24 h of admission. The main outcomes were discharge score for the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) obtained through bioimpedance analysis and the corresponding change in SMI during hospitalization. Other outcomes were handgrip strength (HGS) at discharge and the alteration in HGS during hospitalization. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between Hb levels at admission and outcomes of interest, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Data from 955 patients (mean age 73.2 years; 53.6% men) were included in the analysis. The median Hb level at admission was 13.3 [11.9, 14.5] g/dL. After fully adjusting for confounding factors, the baseline Hb level was significantly and positively associated with SMI at discharge (β = 0.046, P = 0.039) and with SMI gain (β = 0.010, P = 0.039). Further, the baseline Hb level was independently and positively associated with HGS at discharge (β = 0.058, P = 0.014) and with its change from baseline (β = 0.100, P = 0.014). Conclusion: Diminished baseline Hb levels were demonstrated be correlated with compromised muscle health in patients after stroke. Evaluating anemia at the outset serves as a crucial prognostic indicator. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 305–311. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Cyst formation of the jaws is frequently accompanied by the proliferation of odontogenic epithelial cells located in the periodontal ligament (PDL), which consists of heterozygous cells and includes the most fibroblasts. The lining epithelium of radicular cyst, an odontogenic cyst of inflammatory origin, is derived from the proliferation of the remnants of the Hertwig epithelial root sheath (odontogenic epithelial cell rests of Malassez; ERMs) in the PDL. ERMs are maintained at a lower proliferative state under physiological conditions, but the regulatory mechanisms underlying the inflammation‐dependent enhanced‐proliferative capabilities of ERMs are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cytokine pathway association between TGF‐β signalling and IL‐1β signalling on the regulation of odontogenic epithelial cell proliferation using radicular cyst pathological specimens and odontogenic epithelial cell lines. Methodology: Immunofluorescence analyses were performed to clarify the expression levels of Smad2/3 and Ki‐67 in ERMs of 8‐week‐old mouse molar specimens. In radicular cyst (n = 52) and dentigerous cysts (n = 6) specimens from human patients, the expression of p65 (a main subunit of NF‐κB), Smad2/3 and Ki‐67 were investigated using immunohistochemical analyses. Odontogenic epithelial cells and PDL fibroblastic cells were co‐cultured with or without an inhibitor or siRNAs. Odontogenic epithelial cells were cultured with or without TGF‐β1 and IL‐1β. The proliferative capabilities and Smad2 phosphorylation levels of odontogenic epithelial cells were examined. Results: Immunohistochemically, Smad2/3‐positivity was increased, and p65‐positivity and Ki‐67‐positivity were decreased both in ERMs and in the epithelial cells in dentigerous cysts, a non‐inflammatory developmental cyst. In contrast, p65‐positive cells, along with the expression of Ki‐67, were increased and Smad2/3‐positive cells were decreased in the lining epithelia of radicular cysts. Co‐culture experiments with odontogenic epithelial cells and PDL fibroblastic cells revealed that PDL cells‐derived TGF‐β1/2 and their downstream signalling suppressed odontogenic epithelial cell proliferation. Moreover, TGF‐β1 stimulation induced Smad2 phosphorylation and suppressed odontogenic epithelial cell proliferation, while IL‐1β stimulation reversed these phenotypes through p65 transactivation. Conclusions: These results suggest that IL‐1β‐p65 signalling promotes odontogenic epithelial cell proliferation through suppressing TGF‐β‐Smad2 signalling, which would be involved in the pathogenesis of radicular cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Musculoskeletal modeling is a powerful approach for studying the biomechanics and energetics of locomotion. Australopithecus (A.) afarensis is among the best represented fossil hominins and provides critical information about the evolution of musculoskeletal design and locomotion in the hominin lineage. Here, we develop and evaluate a three‐dimensional (3‐D) musculoskeletal model of the pelvis and lower limb of A. afarensis for predicting muscle‐tendon moment arms and moment‐generating capacities across lower limb joint positions encompassing a range of locomotor behaviors. Materials and Methods: A 3‐D musculoskeletal model of an adult A. afarensis pelvis and lower limb was developed based primarily on the A.L. 288‐1 partial skeleton. The model includes geometric representations of bones, joints and 35 muscle‐tendon units represented using 43 Hill‐type muscle models. Two muscle parameter datasets were created from human and chimpanzee sources. 3‐D muscle‐tendon moment arms and isometric joint moments were predicted over a wide range of joint positions. Results: Predicted muscle‐tendon moment arms generally agreed with skeletal metrics, and corresponded with human and chimpanzee models. Human and chimpanzee‐based muscle parameterizations were similar, with some differences in maximum isometric force‐producing capabilities. The model is amenable to size scaling from A.L. 288‐1 to the larger KSD‐VP‐1/1, which subsumes a wide range of size variation in A. afarensis. Discussion: This model represents an important tool for studying the integrated function of the neuromusculoskeletal systems in A. afarensis. It is similar to current human and chimpanzee models in musculoskeletal detail, and will permit direct, comparative 3‐D simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum, a short‐day tropical plant, has been adapted for temperate grain production, in particular through the selection of variants at the MATURITY loci (Ma1–Ma6) that reduce photoperiod sensitivity. Ma3 encodes phytochrome B (phyB), a red/far‐red photochromic biliprotein photoreceptor. The multi‐domain gene product, comprising 1178 amino acids, autocatalytically binds the phytochromobilin chromophore to form the photoactive holophytochrome (Sb.phyB). This study describes the development of an efficient heterologous overproduction system which allows the production of large quantities of various holoprotein constructs, along with purification and crystallization procedures. Crystals of the Pr (red‐light‐absorbing) forms of NPGP, PGP and PG (residues 1–655, 114–655 and 114–458, respectively), each C‐terminally tagged with His6, were successfully produced. While NPGP crystals did not diffract, those of PGP and PG diffracted to 6 and 2.1 Å resolution, respectively. Moving the tag to the N‐terminus and replacing phytochromobilin with phycocyanobilin as the ligand produced PG crystals that diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution. These results demonstrate that the diffraction quality of challenging protein crystals can be improved by removing flexible regions, shifting fusion tags and altering small‐molecule ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent advancements in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) necessitate the establishment of resectability criteria for advanced HCC. Methods: A questionnaire survey sought to clarify the perspectives of Japanese expert hepatobiliary surgeons regarding surgical indications for HCC. Thirty‐one questions were used to determine when surgery is strongly recommended (resectable: R) or not recommended (unresectable: UR). Results: A total of 351 responses were obtained. While 64.7% of the respondents considered solitary tumors as being R, irrespective of size, opinions diverged on the upper limit of the number of tumors/tumor size for R: (1) up to three nodules with no size limit (27.9%), (2) up to three nodules ≤5 cm in diameter each (21.4%) and (3) up to three nodules ≤3 cm in diameter each (19.4%). Vp1, Vp2, Vp3, and Vp4 were considered as being R by 90.9%, 70.7%, 39.0%, and 8.0% of respondents, respectively. Half of the respondents indicated they would consider resection even for cases with extrahepatic spread under limited conditions. Conclusions: The current views of Japanese expert surgeons on the resectability criteria for HCC were clarified for the first time. The findings could serve as a basis for preparing expert consensus statements on the resectability criteria for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is reportedly associated with exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life. Iron supplementation therapy in HF patients with ID improves exercise capacity. Conversely, protective roles of iron depletion in the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been proposed. This study aimed to determine the impact of ID on physical function in HF patients with and without DM. Methods and results: We enrolled consecutive patients who were admitted to our institute for HF diagnosis and management. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used to evaluate physical function, and low physical function was defined as an SPPB score of <10 points as individuals with SPPB scores of <10 points are most likely to be classified as frail and are at high risk for disability and future adverse events, including death. ID was defined as serum ferritin < 100 or 100–299 ng/mL when transferrin saturation (TSAT) was <20% according to the HF guidelines. Among the 562 HF patients (72 ± 14 years old; 56% male), 329 patients (58%) and 191 patients (34%) had ID and low physical function, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TSAT as a continuous variable, but not ID, was a predictor of low physical function (odds ratio: 0.980, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis showed that a significant association between low TSAT and low physical function was lost in HF patients with DM (P for interaction < 0.001). A spline dose–response curve for the relationship between TSAT and risk of low physical function with adjustments for covariates associated with low physical function in non‐DM patients was almost linear with an increase in the risk of low physical function as the TSAT increased, but such a relationship was not found in the analyses of DM patients. A lack of close TSAT–SPPB relationship in HF patients with DM was confirmed also in a propensity‐score‐matched cohort. Conclusions: TSAT as a continuous variable, but not ID, was independently associated with physical function in HF patients, and a significant association was lost in patients with HF and DM, suggesting a limited impact of iron supplementation therapy in HF patients with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about extramammary Paget's (EMPD) treatment is limited because of the rarity of the disease. The prognosis differs between in situ EMPD and invasive EMPD; therefore, therapy should be planned according to the disease stage. We collected data on 643 EMPD cases treated between 2015 and 2019 in Japan and assessed recent trends in EMPD treatment and prognosis based on the EMPD‐oriented TNM staging. Among the 643 patients, 317 had stage 0 (49.3%), 185 had stage I (28.8%), 51 had stage II (7.9%), 18 had stage IIIA (2.8%), 48 had stage IIIB (7.5%) and 24 had stage IV (3.7%) disease. Each stage showed a distinct survival curve, with the exception of stages II and IIIA. Curative surgery was most common in patients with stage 0–III disease. Chemotherapy was the first‐line therapy, mainly in patients with stage IIIB and IV disease, most commonly with docetaxel (DTX), followed by DTX + tegafur gimeracil oteracil potassium (TS‐1) and TS‐1. Patients with local disease exhibited a 4.4% recurrence rate. Univariate analysis revealed no prognostic differences according to age, sex or primary tumour site. SLNB was not related to disease‐specific survival. In multivariate analysis, female sex significantly predicted local relapse in stage 0–I (HR 3.09; 95% CI, 1.13–8.43), and initial treatment with curative surgery was significantly protective in terms of disease‐specific survival in stage II–IIIA (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.71) and stage IIIB–IV (HR 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05–0.51). Further clinical studies are needed to improve the prognosis of patients with stage II–IV EMPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We examined whether the addition of self‐reported weight loss improves the accuracy of prediction of mortality caused by sarcopenia in heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: We enrolled 477 HF patients (mean age 77 years) who received combined assessment of sarcopenia and self‐reported weight loss. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. If the patients answered "yes" to the question "have you lost 2 kg or more in the past 6 months?", they were diagnosed as having self‐reported weight loss. Results: Sarcopenia and self‐reported weight loss coexisted in 32% of patients. During a median follow‐up period of 763 days, 65 patients (15%) died. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a significantly higher rate of mortality in HF patients with both sarcopenia and self‐reported weight loss than in HF patients with sarcopenia alone. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the coexistence of sarcopenia and self‐reported weight loss is an independent predictor of mortality in HF patients. Inclusion of the coexistence of sarcopenia and self‐reported weight loss in the baseline model consisting of established prognostic markers significantly improved both the net reclassification index and the integrated discrimination index. Conclusions: The coexistence of sarcopenia and self‐reported weight loss is a powerful predictor of mortality in HF patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 95–101. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laparoscopic spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSDP) is widely performed to treat benign and low‐grade malignant diseases. Although preservation of splenic vessels may be desirable considering the risk of postoperative complications, it is sometimes difficult due to tumor size, inflammation, and proximity of the tumor and splenic vessels. Herein, we present the first case of LSDP with splenic artery resection and splenic vein preservation. Materials and Surgical Technique: A 40‐year‐old woman with a pancreatic tumor was referred to our hospital. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor in the pancreatic tail that was in contact with the splenic artery and distant from the splenic vein. The splenic artery and vein were separated from the pancreas near the dissection line. The splenic artery was resected after pancreatic dissection using a linear stapler. After the pancreatic tail was separated from the splenic hilum while preserving the splenic vein, the distal side of the splenic artery was resected, and the specimen was removed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative Day 9. Four months after surgery, postoperative follow‐up CT findings showed neither splenic infarction nor gastric varices. Discussion: This technique is an alternative method of splenic preservation when there is no attachment of the tumor to the splenic vein or uncontrolled expected bleeding of the splenic artery using the Kimura technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate trends in results of care and management for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: We employed multicenter cohort data collected during 2011–2021, recruiting 43 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and 91 with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). According to the median registration date of September 2015, patients have split into two groups: an early group and a late group (both of them, n = 67). To prevent bias, a propensity score according to numerous baseline characteristics variables was calculated; 50 matching members of each group were statistically extracted. Their treatments and clinical outcomes were examined at 6, 12, and 24 months after initial remission therapy. Results: Statistics demonstrated that the baseline characteristics were similar. The late group used rituximab (RTX) more often for both remission induction and maintenance therapy, compared with the early group. The mean daily PSL doses of the late group were significantly lower than those of early group at each time point. The late group discontinued PSL 14.0% at 12 months and 23.3% at 24 months. Despite their intensive glucocorticoids (GC) tapering, the remission rates and the relapse rates were significantly fairer in the late group. The Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) and VDI due to GC at each time point were lower in the late group, and those differences had become wider over time. Conclusion: Recent developments in AAV treatment have allowed efficient remission and prevention of relapses, which in turn enabled extensive GC tapering causing fewer sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus is a genus of perennial grasses native to East Asia that shows promise as a biofuel energy source. Breeding efforts for increasing biofuel capability in this genus have focused on two species, namely M. sinensis (Msi) and M. sacchariflorus (Msa). For these efforts to succeed, it is critical that both Msi and Msa, as well as their interspecific crosses, can be grown at a wide range of latitudes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how well existing data from Msi and Msa trials grown at locations throughout the northern hemisphere can train state‐of‐the‐art genomic selection (GS) models to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) of dry yield for untested Msi and Msa accessions in untested environments. We found that accounting for genotype by environment interaction in the GS model did not notably improve predictive ability. Additionally, we observed that locations at lower latitudes showed higher predictive ability relative to locations at higher latitudes. These results suggest that it is crucial to increase the number of trial locations at higher latitude locations to investigate the source of this correlation. This will make it possible to train GS models using data from environments that are similar to growing conditions at the locations targeted by Msi and Msa breeders. Such an increase of trial locations in target environments could pave the way toward advancing breeding efforts for overwintering ability in Msi and Msa, and ultimately support the potential of Miscanthus as a biofuel crop. We evaluated the extent to which existing data from two Miscanthus species grown at multiple locations can be used for genomic prediction. We assessed the ability of two multi‐environment genomic prediction models to predict breeding values of yield for genotypes and environments that were not included in a training set. We found that considering genotype‐by‐environment interactions did not substantially improve predictive ability, and that predictive abilities tended to be lower at locations at higher latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant‐pollinator interactions are essential to sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems and are variable on several spatiotemporal scales. On a fine temporal scale, the responses of pollinators to temperature and floral resource dynamics are likely to be related to the temporal turnover of plant‐pollinator interactions. However, the temporal dynamics of plant‐pollinator interactions on a fine scale are largely unknown.The present study aims to reveal the temporal turnover of plant‐pollinator interactions over a single day and investigates these interactions in semi‐natural grasslands in a Japanese agricultural landscape from the early morning to the evening. The interaction turnover was evaluated as temporal β‐diversity and divided into two components: interaction rewiring and species turnover.Insect species richness and the number of interactions showed hump‐shaped responses to the time of the day, and these responses differed for the different insect groups. Furthermore, the peak time of insect visitation frequency differed among 11 plant species. Interaction turnover (total β‐diversity) in the same day was higher than that in different days. Although interaction rewiring in different days was higher than that in the same day, species turnover had an opposite pattern.Over a single day, the relative importance of interaction rewiring was higher in the morning, while species turnover was higher in the evening. Around noon, interaction rewiring and species turnover were equally important.Therefore, the daily rhythm of pollinator activities and changes in the main floral resources drive the temporal turnover of plant‐pollinator interactions over a single day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plasma exchange therapy (PE) is useful for patients with primary macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma who present with hyperviscosity syndrome. However, hyperviscous blood may coagulate in the circuit during treatment, and in that case necessitate discontinuation of the treatment. This time, we report that we were able to prevent coagulation in the circuit by adding some ideas during the membrane separation method. Methods: Physiological saline is injected in front of the plasma separation membrane to pre‐dilute the blood, followed by filtration through the plasma separation membrane. Results: As a result of pre‐diluting with physiological saline to reduce the viscosity entering the separation membrane, it was possible to process the planned target amount. Conclusion: In patients with hyperviscosity syndrome who showed intracircuit coagulation during plasma exchange therapy, devising a predilution method should be considered as one of the ways to continue treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have identified and reported a novel antigen, nonprotein‐specific secreted EP1‐like glycoprotein (51 kDa), for lettuce‐related respiratory allergy. Objective: We aimed to identify a novel antigen for lettuce‐related respiratory allergy that is different from epidermis‐specific secreted EP1‐like glycoprotein. Methods: Immunoblotting was performed using an immunoglobulin E‐specific antibody. The antigen‐antibody reaction was confirmed by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assaying. LC‒MS/MS analysis was carried out to detect a novel protein found in sera from 3 of 13 patients with lettuce‐related respiratory allergy. Finally, we purified a novel protein from Escherichia coli. Results: Immunoblotting assays showed common bands of 17 kDa in the sera of 3 of 13 patients. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that the patient sera reacted with lettuce latex juice. A 17 kDa protein band that showed antigenic reactivity in 3 of 13 patient sera was identified as a kirola‐like protein by LC‒MS/MS. In addition, although we purified this protein, we failed to show the inhibitory effect. Conclusion: A 17 kDa protein that is a potentially novel antigen of lettuce‐associated respiratory allergy was identified. In further studies, we will focus on purifying this novel protein to diagnose lettuce allergy. Key message: Immunoblotting analysis showed common bands at 17 kDa for lettuce latex and patient serum.The 17 kDa protein bands were identified as kirola‐like protein by LC‒MS/MS.We purified the kirola‐like protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current high‐level hepatectomy (HLH) is certified by the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS), comprising only anatomical hepatectomies above Couinaud's segmentectomy. This multicenter study aimed to identify the conditions of non‐HLH that satisfy equivalent technical difficulties to HLH. Methods: Between 2018 and 2021, 595 first open hepatectomies without biliary reconstruction (374 HLHs and 221 non‐HLHs) were performed in the five institutions. Non‐HLHs belonging to at least one of the three conditions; depth of hepatectomy ≥5 cm, number of resections ≥3 locations and at least one location with a depth of hepatectomy ≥3 cm, and hepatectomy involving the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe was proposed as the candidate for difficult non‐HLH. The technical difficulty was estimated by the operative time and blood loss. Results: Difficult non‐HLHs were neither associated with shorter operative time (373 min vs. 354 min, p =.184) nor lesser blood loss than those with HLHs (503 mL vs. 436 mL, p =.126). Postoperative complications such as Clavien‐Dindo classification grade III or more were not significant between the two groups (18.6% vs. 13.4%, p = 0212). Conclusions: Difficult non‐HLHs were associated with no lesser technical difficulty than those with HLH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]