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Parent training (PT) for parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) has recently been recommended in community settings in many countries, including Japan. Research has shown PT could improve parenting skills and mental health in parents as well as improve adaptive skills and reduce behavioral problems in children. Despite evidence concerning the beneficial effects of PT on both parents and children, there is a lack of evidence concerning the potential benefits of PT in real world settings. Moreover, no research has examined whether PT programs implemented in clinical settings have a similar impact on all parents of children with various type of DDs. The present pilot study aimed to examine whether positive changes occur similarly in parental mental health and in the adaptive skills of children with DDs as a result of PT, irrespective of the children's disability type. The study used data from 128 parents who had participated in a PT program in a clinical setting and data concerning 128 children aged 2-17 years with a wide range of DDs, namely autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other DDs, generated through parental reports and retrospectively assessed the impact of PT on parents and their children. Specifically, changes in parental mental health and the adaptive skills of children were analyzed. The PT program was designed to help parents teach their children adaptive skills at home using applied behavior analytic techniques. The results showed that the parents improved their mental health significantly after completing the PT, irrespective of their child's disability type. During the PT period, almost all the parents were able to implement several instructional tasks targeted toward their children; some children with DDs acquired several adaptive skills. However, these positive changes were not observed in all the parents and their children. These findings suggest that some parents and their children with DDs may benefit from the PT program in a clinical setting. Concurrently, these findings highlight the importance of providing sustained additional support in clinical settings to parents and their children with DDs.

Little is known about the across time stability of autistic traits during the transition period from preschool to school age in the general population. The current study compared autistic traits assessed by a mother-reported quantitative measure, the Social Responsiveness Scale, at age 5 and 8 years and examined the intraclass correlation coefficients of scores across the period for 168 Japanese community-based children. Results showed that total and two subdomain-related autistic trait scores remained primarily stable in males and females. This stability was observed for both children with higher and lower autistic traits scores with a possible sex-specific pattern. Our findings suggest that autistic traits in the general population can be reliably assessed using quantitative measures for this age period.

Background The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with cerebral aneurysm who undergo stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) has not been established. We aimed to clarify the association between duration of DAPT and incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with cerebral aneurysm. Methods We registered patients with cerebral aneurysm who underwent SACE in 27 hospitals in Japan. Those treated with DAPT (aspirin and clopidogrel) were eligible for inclusion in a previously reported randomized control trial (RCT). Patients who were ineligible or refused to participate to the RCT were followed-up for 15 months after SACE as the non-RCT cohort. Our study examined both the RCT and non-RCT cohorts. The primary and secondary outcomes were ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic events. Results Among the 313 patients registered, 296 were included for analysis (of these, 136 were RCT patients and 160 were non-RCT patients). Patients who were treated with DAPT for more than 6 months (n=191) were classified as the long-term DAPT group. Those treated less than 6 months (n=105) were classified as the short-term group. The incidence of ischemic stroke did not significantly differ between the long-term group (2.5 per 100 person-years) and the short-term group (3.2 per 100 person-years); nor did incidence of hemorrhagic events (0.8 and 3.2 per 100 person-years, respectively). The period of DAPT was not significantly associated with incidence rates of ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic events. Conclusions Duration of DAPT was not associated with the incidence of ischemic stroke in the first 15 months after SACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Whether serum concentration of procalcitonin (PCT), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and albumin (Alb) have an association with the outcome of hospitalized older patients is unclear. We investigated clinical outcomes and any predictive factors in hospitalized Japanese older patients with a risk of infection. Methods: In the retrospective study, 820 Japanese patients were followed up for 30 days or until death. During the observation period, 656 patients survived and 164 patients died. The predictive factors of death were analyzed according to demographic and clinical variables. Results: The survival rate was decreased as the serum PCT increased from <0.5 to ≥10 ng/mL, as was also the case with BNP from <300 to ≥300 pg./mL, whereas low Alb (<2.5 g/dL) showed a lower survival rate than high Alb (≥2.5 g/dL; P < 0.01). Using the Cox regression model, the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were as follows: PCT 0.5–2 versus <0.5 ng/mL: 1.61(1.04–2.49), PCT 2–10 versus <0.5 ng/mL: 1.91(1.15–3.16), PCT ≥10 versus <0.5 ng/mL: 2.90(1.84–4.59), high BNP 1.26 (0.89–1.76) and low Alb 0.68 (0.52–0.87). The mortality rate increased as the number of scores (PCT + BNP + Alb) increased. Conclusions: Concentration‐dependent high PCT, high BNP and low Alb were positive risk factors associated with poor prognosis in hospitalized older patients with a risk of infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 571–576. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central to the pharmacist's role in palliative care is symptom management through direct participation in patient care and the provision of optimal pharmacotherapy to support patient outcomes. Consequently, palliative care requires extensive knowledge and action for patients with cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how pharmacists' behavior changed after attending a palliative care educational program. We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey examining the behavior of pharmacists regarding palliative care before participating in the program, two months after participating in the program, and eight months after participating in the program to determine their behavior and changes over time. For all questions, scores were higher at two and eight months after attending the program than before attending the program (p < 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between two and eight months after attending the program for any question (p = 0.504–1.000). The knowledge gained from the educational program was used to repeatedly intervene with patients with cancer in order to address the various symptoms they experienced and maintain their behavior. The proven effectiveness of this program serves as a stepping stone for nationwide rollout across Japan's 47 prefectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), oxygen (δ18O), and mercury (Hg) concentrations in muscle and liver tissues during and after lactation were studied in killer whales stranded along the coast of Hokkaido, in the northern area of Japan (n = 16). Calf muscles displayed δ13C- and δ15N-enriched peaks and a δ18O-depleted peak during lactation. The δ13C- and δ15N-enriched peaks appear to reflect the extensive nursing of 13C- and 15N-enriched milk and the onset of weaning, whereas the δ18O-depleted peak may be attributable to the extensive nursing of 18O-depleted milk and the onset of weaning. The δ13C and δ15N values tended to gradually increase after the weaning, whereas the δ18O values tended to decrease. The δ13C and δ15N levels in calves were similar between liver and muscle samples, whereas those in mature animals were higher in liver than in muscle samples. The isotopic turnover rates of C and N may be similar between the liver and muscle tissues in calves, which are rapidly growing animals. The Hg concentrations in muscle tissues were slightly higher in small calves than in large calves, probably due to the Hg transfer across placenta. The Hg concentrations in liver and muscle samples increased with increasing body length, and those in two liver samples from mature animals exceeded the high-risk threshold for marine mammal health effects (82 μg/wet g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parent training (PT) for parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) has recently been recommended in community settings in many countries, including Japan. Research has shown PT could improve parenting skills and mental health in parents as well as improve adaptive skills and reduce behavioral problems in children. Despite evidence concerning the beneficial effects of PT on both parents and children, there is a lack of evidence concerning the potential benefits of PT in real world settings. Moreover, no research has examined whether PT programs implemented in clinical settings have a similar impact on all parents of children with various type of DDs. The present pilot study aimed to examine whether positive changes occur similarly in parental mental health and in the adaptive skills of children with DDs as a result of PT, irrespective of the children's disability type. The study used data from 128 parents who had participated in a PT program in a clinical setting and data concerning 128 children aged 2–17 years with a wide range of DDs, namely autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other DDs, generated through parental reports and retrospectively assessed the impact of PT on parents and their children. Specifically, changes in parental mental health and the adaptive skills of children were analyzed. The PT program was designed to help parents teach their children adaptive skills at home using applied behavior analytic techniques. The results showed that the parents improved their mental health significantly after completing the PT, irrespective of their child's disability type. During the PT period, almost all the parents were able to implement several instructional tasks targeted toward their children; some children with DDs acquired several adaptive skills. However, these positive changes were not observed in all the parents and their children. These findings suggest that some parents and their children with DDs may benefit from the PT program in a clinical setting. Concurrently, these findings highlight the importance of providing sustained additional support in clinical settings to parents and their children with DDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of enterohepatic Helicobacter colonization/infection in humans is still unknown. We report microbiologically and histopathologically confirmed H. fennelliae localization in the large intestine in an immunocompromised patient in Japan. This case contributes to better understanding of the life cycle of enterohepatic Helicobacter species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the best discriminative items for identifying young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we conducted a secondary analysis using longitudinal cohort data that included the Japanese version of the 23-item modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT-JV). M-CHAT-JV data at 18 months of age and diagnostic information evaluated at age 3 or later from 1851 Japanese children was used to isolate six highly discriminative items. Using data from two different community samples (n = 1851, n = 665) these items were shown to have comparable psychometric values with those of the full version. Our results suggest that these items might work as a short form screener for early identification of ASD in primary care settings where there are time constraints on screening.

Peripheral blood stem cell harvesting (PBSCH) is an established general practice; however, recent medical advances have led to diversification in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and collection. A questionnaire survey on cell therapy and blood cell apheresis was conducted to understand the current situation and identify issues in Japan. A total of 159 facilities/departments responded to the survey. The annual number of autologous PBSCH was "11-25" in 48% and "1-10" in 37% of the centers, while the annual number of allogeneic PBSCH for related transplantation was "1-10" in 60% of the centers and "1-10" in 50% for unrelated transplantation. Collection sites were in the wards (40%), transfusion department (36%), and dialysis unit (26%). The apheresis system was staffed mainly by clinical engineers (67%) and doctors (23%). Primarily, doctors (96%) performed peripheral vascular punctures and were present at all times during collection in 37% of the centers. The Spectra Optia was the equipment most commonly used for apheresis. To freeze the product, 89% of the centers used "CP-1" without a controlled rate freezer. This survey revealed the diversification of collection methods in Japan, with "task shift" emerging as a significant concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate whether consumption of sturgeon fillets reduces the oxidative stress marker urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) in top‐ranked Japanese female long‐distance runners. Methods: In a before‐and‐after study, nine professional long‐distance female athletes ate 100 g/day of sturgeon fillets for 2 weeks. Urinalysis (8OHdG, an oxidative stress marker, and creatinine), blood tests (fatty acids and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD]), exercise intensity, subjective fatigue, muscle elasticity, muscle mass, body fat mass, and nutritional intake using image‐based dietary assessment (IBDA) were compared before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Results: Consumption of sturgeon fillets suppressed 8OHdG (p < 0.05) in the increased exercise intensity female athletes. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and 25OHD levels in blood increased from before to immediately after and 1 month after the intervention (p < 0.05). IBDA showed that intake of n‐3 fatty acid increased after and one month after the intervention, whereas DHA, imidazole dipeptide and vitamin D intake increased after the intervention (p < 0.05) and then decreased after 1 month (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in subjective fatigue, muscle elasticity, muscle mass, and body fat. Conclusions: The results suggest that eating sturgeon fillets during intense training may increase blood levels of EPA, DHA, and 25OHD, which may suppress urinary oxidative stress (8OHdG) in top‐ranked Japanese long‐distance runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strandings of striped dolphins (SD) and short-finned pilot whales (PW) in Hokkaido, northern Japan, are rare but have recently increased, probably due to global warming. We quantified δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O in muscles of SD (n = 7) and PW (n = 3) stranded in Hokkaido and compared these values with those in muscles (red meat products) of hunted SD and PW in three areas of central and southern Japan. δ18O in stranded SD, except for the calf, decreased with increasing body length (BL), whereas δ13C increased, with no BL-related changes in δ15N. The variability of δ18O (range of maximum and minimum) was larger in the stranded SD (7.5 ‰) than of the hunted SD in three areas (0.9, 1.9, and 1.4 ‰), whereas that of δ15N was smaller in the stranded SD than in the hunted SD. Similarly, the variability of δ18O was larger in the stranded PW in Hokkaido (3.3 ‰) than in the hunted PW in central Japan (1.4 ‰). The larger variability of δ18O and smaller variability of δ15N in stranded SD imply long-term sojourning in coastal waters and feeding on small amounts of limited prey species at low trophic levels before death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-1). This study investigated whether the number of newly diagnosed patients with ATL is decreasing in the background of a declining number of individuals infected by HTLV-1 in Kagoshima, Japan, one of the most endemic areas of HTLV-1 in the world. We retrospectively analyzed the number of newly diagnosed patients with ATL between January 2001 and December 2021 in three major hospitals. The number of newly diagnosed patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) in the same period was examined as an internal control. One thousand eighteen and 2,029 patients with ATL and B-NHL were registered, respectively. The age-adjusted incidence of ATL steadily increased between 2001 and 2012, whereas that between 2013 and 2021 decreased. Despite the limitation of its retrospective nature, this is the first report indicating a decrease in ATL patients in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serpula himantioides is a widely distributed saprotrophic fungus that causes root and butt rot in various tree species. In Japan, butt rot associated with S. himantioides is observed in Chamaecyparis pisifera and Abies sachalinensis. Previous studies have shown that S. himantioides includes five phylogenetically defined cryptic lineages, but the placement of Japanese isolates remains unclear. To clarify the phylogenetic relationship between Japanese S. himantioides and the five known lineages, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using three newly collected Japanese isolates along with 74 S. himantioides isolates, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the 28 S large subunit (LSU) rDNA, the beta‐tubulin (tub) gene, and the heat stress protein (hsp) gene. The concatenated phylogenetic tree showed that Japanese isolates composed a clade with a high bootstrap value distinct from the known lineages, indicating the Japanese isolates present a new cryptic lineage of S. himantioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Akahoya" is a volcanic soil classified as a special soil deposited in Kyushu, Japan. Many of its properties are not yet clearly understood. We found that Akahoya had the potential to adsorb bacteria in cattle feces, which prompted us to investigate its material properties and perform experiments to comprehensively evaluate its adsorption performance for various fine particles such as acidic and basic dyes, NOx/SOx gas, and phosphoric acid ions, in addition to bacteria. Akahoya had a very high specific surface area owing to the large number of nanometer-sized pores in its structure; it exhibited a high adsorption capacity for both NO2 and SO2. Regarding the zeta potential of Akahoya, the point of zero charge was approximately pH 7.0. The surface potential had a significant effect on the adsorption of acidic and basic dyes. Akahoya had a very high cation exchange capacity when the sample surface was negatively charged and a high anion exchange capacity when the sample surface was positively charged. Akahoya also exhibited a relatively high adsorption capacity for phosphoric acid because of its high level of Al2O3, and the immersion liquid had a very high Al ion concentration. Finally, filtration tests were performed on Escherichia coli suspension using a column filled with Akahoya or another volcanic soil sample. The results confirmed that the Escherichia coli adhered on the Akahoya sample. The results of the Escherichia coli release test, after the filtration test, suggested that this adhesion to Akahoya could be phosphorus-mediated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: This study was designed and carried out to investigate the association of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) use with pancreatic cancer (PC) in individuals with diabetes in Japan. Materials and Methods: The JMDC Claims Database, which contains the medical and prescription information of Japanese employment‐based health insurance programs, was used. The primary outcome was duration to the first occurrence of PC (International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision code C25), both all and hospitalized, from prescription of DPP‐4is or other oral glucose‐lowering agents (GLAs). Results: Individuals with diabetes who received DPP‐4is (n = 61,430) or other oral GLAs (n = 83,304) were analyzed. Follow‐up periods (median [interquartile range]) were 17 months (8–33) for DPP‐4is and 14 months (7–28) for other oral GLAs. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis to determine the duration of first use of DPP4i or other oral GLA to diagnosis of PC disclosed no differences between the two groups in duration to all or hospitalized PC (log‐rank test: all, P = 0.7140; hospitalized, P = 0.3446). Cox proportional hazards models showed that use of DPP‐4is did not affect the PC risk adjusted for medications, age, sex and risk comorbidities (all, hazard ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.8–1.3, P = 0.6518; hospitalized, hazard ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.8–1.4, P = 0.6662). Similar results were obtained when individuals with ≥2 years oral GLA treatment and those with medical checkup data (e.g., smoking or drinking habit) available were analyzed. Conclusion: This database study shows that there is not a significant PC risk due to DPP‐4i treatment in individuals with diabetes in Japan, but larger studies with longer follow up are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the groundwater environments and dominant species of volcanic mire vegetation were monitored for 10 years in a volcanic area in south-western Japan. The correlation between changes in groundwater environments and vegetation revealed that changes in water environments determine the dominant species of volcanic mire vegetation. The amount of spring water supplied to the mire vegetation determines the water-table depth and the subsequent nutrient supply. The Sphagnum spp. coverage decreased with increasing base cation concentrations, particularly the Ca2+ concentration up to 40 mg/L. The Moliniopsis japonica coverage increased with the decreasing Sphagnum spp. coverage. The nutritional variables of water supplied to vegetation affected by volcanic activity changed the type of dominant species. A 10-year change in vegetation in the volcanic mires revealed that vegetation succession in volcanic mires evolved from ombrogenous to minerogenous and from minerogenous to ombrogenous communities. The water environment promoted changes in the dominant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin covers our entire body and is said to be the "largest organ of the human body". It has many health-maintaining functions, such as protecting the body from ultraviolet rays and dryness and maintaining body temperature through energy metabolism. However, the number of patients suffering from skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, is increasing due to strong irritation of the skin caused by detergents that are spread by the development of the chemical industry. The skin is inhabited by about 102–107 cells/cm2 and 1000 species of commensal bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. In particular, metabolites such as fatty acids and glycerol released by indigenous skin bacteria have been reported to have functional properties for the health of the skin. Therefore, skin-domesticating bacteria and the metabolites derived from those bacteria are used in many skincare product ingredients and function as probiotic cosmetics. Japanese traditional fermented stuff, used as foods in Japan for over 1300 years, are now being applied as fermented cosmetics. Fermented cosmetics are expected to have multifaceted health functionality and continue to grow as products in the natural skincare product market. In this review, we consider approaches to skin health using fermented cosmetics and modulation of skin microflora metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eradication project against the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius(Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), one of the most important pests of sweet potato in the world, was initiated in Oct. 2007 on Tsuken Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The sterile insect technique (SIT) and male annihilation technique (MAT) were employed as the main control measures to suppress and ultimately eradicate wild populations by impeding normal mating. In addition, two monitoring methods (host plant survey and trap survey) were used to evaluate the progress of the control actions. However, several years after the start of the project, wild male weevils were regularly captured by male‐attractant traps in seasonal patterns, although infestation was scarcely detected by host plant surveys. Evidently, the males flew to Tsuken Island from uncontrolled areas that were farther away than the weevils were previously expected to travel. Although the transient invasion of only males did not cause new colonization, it created a challenge for the progress of the project and the confirmation of the eradication of the weevil on Tsuken Island. To solve this problem, suppressive control measures in the uncontrolled area (Okinawa Island) to reduce transient invaders were implemented. In addition, to assess if control actions needed after eradication, a system was introduced to detect recolonization of the weevil based on trap catches of transient invading males. After the successive collection of 142,257 m of stem of host plants and 158.45 kg of root tubers of sweet potato without infestation (from February 2019 to November 2020), the eradication of C. formicarius from Tsuken Island was ultimately confirmed in November 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Investigate the perceptions of fathers who have a child from birth through infancy with congenital heart disease (CHD) and determine what nurses can do to support these fathers. Method: A qualitative descriptive research design was used in this study. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 12 fathers who had a child with CHD. Fathers were asked about their thoughts and feelings regarding their child, wife, and own experiences. Results: Fathers' responses were divided into nine main categories and 27 subcategories. Since their child's birth, fathers' feelings fluctuated over time as they considered their child's disease process and future. Fathers were frustrated, fought against helplessness, and felt anxious making decisions about their child's care. They also felt pressured because they had to support their wife and try to meet other people's expectations as a husband and father. Considerations: It is necessary for nurses to understand and support not only sick children and their mothers, but also fathers who may have complicated feelings and thoughts. Because fathers of sick children do not often express their emotions, they may miss opportunities to receive effective support and care. It is also important to let those fathers know health care professionals are on their side and are trying to understand fathers' thoughts and feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichodectes pinguis, referred to commonly as the bear-biting louse, has been reported in several bear species. However, graphical (blurred or coarse) and genetic information on the louse is limited. In this study, we identified T. pinguis collected from Japanese black bears in the Aomori Prefecture, Japan. We confirmed 12S rDNA sequences derived from the collected T. pinguis and performed molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 12S rDNA. The analysis revealed the parasitic louse to be T. pinguis. Interestingly, the body size of T. pinguis found in this study was smaller than the previous recorded body size of them in Japan and Turkey. To better understand the biting louse infesting bears, morphometric and genetic information from other bear hosts needs to be accumulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first case of the successful eradication of a Coleoptera pest species over a wide area using a combination of male annihilation technique (MAT) and sterile insect technique (SIT) application. The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius, is one of the most destructive and widely distributed pests of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas. A project to eradicate it was launched in 1994 on Kume Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The MAT application was first used from November 1994 to January 1999 to reduce the density of wild populations. The distribution and densities of weevils were assessed by trapping them and surveying infestation rates in wild hosts and sweet potatoes in the field. The C. formicarius populations were suppressed by approximately 90% and plant infestations were reduced from 9.5% to less than 0.1% by using the MAT. Then, hundreds of thousands to millions of sterile weevils were released each week (ca. 460 million in total from 1999 to 2012). As a result, based on an analysis of 12748 stems and 48749 tubers, no weevil infections were detected in the stems or tubers of sweet potato since 1997. Since 2009, almost no wild weevils were captured in traps, and in wild host and sweet potato surveys no weevils have been found in any of the 580 locations and 8833 samples since October 2011. As of 28 December, 2012, C. formicarius is considered to have been eradicated from Kume Island. This paper describes the process of eradicating C. formicarius using SIT application integrated with MAT application for the first time and discusses some of the main challenges associated with the weevil eradication campaignl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato-rot nematode Ditylenchus destructor (Tylenchida: Anguinidae) causes severe damage to garlic production in Japan. Nematode-contaminated garlic seed cloves are often used for planting, because nematode-infested cloves are difficult to discriminate from healthy ones. To be able to find nematode-infested garlic in a nondestructive way, here this study introduced a novel analytical system of GC–O and GC–MS with heart-cut enrichment technique. The objective of this research was to find an analytical approach to identify the existence of subjectively perceptible odors which derive from the garlic infested with the nematode and to evaluate the effectiveness of those novel analytical systems. Ten odor activities associated with nematode-infested garlic were detected by the system, and "allyl methyl sulfide" and "2-methyl-1-butanol" were identified as major odor compounds (1-propanethiol was candidate). This result suggests that the novel analytical technique introduced in this study delivered sufficient data to identify the odor compounds from infested garlics. Two distinctive odor compounds might be used as indicators to detect nematode-infested garlic cloves with nondestructive way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The potato tuber or potato rot nematode, Ditylenchus destructor , causes severe damage to garlic (Allium sativum) produced in Japan. Although consumption of a nematode-infected garlic bulb is not harmful to human health, it causes consumer dissatisfaction because the infected bulb deteriorates quickly. In addition, nematode-contaminated garlic cloves are inadvertently used as seed garlic for next season, which then leads to nematode-infested fields and increases yield loss. However, infected garlic bulbs look the same as healthy ones, and hence have been unknowingly distributed and sold. A method is needed to discriminate infected garlic bulbs from non-infected garlic bulbs before distribution in the market, but to date no suitable technique has been developed. The objective of this study was to identify specific odour-active compounds associated with nematode-infected garlic through the use of analytical chemistry. Garlic cloves were infected with cultured nematodes under controlled conditions, and the volatile odour-active compounds were analysed by an 'odour identification system' which included gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), GC-fractionation (GC-F), GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and odour/aroma-specific database. Two specific odour-active compounds associated with nematode-infected garlic cloves were identified as allyl methyl disulfide and eugenol, and two others were tentatively identified as (E)-1-allyl-2-(prop-1-en-1-yl)disulfane and allyl methyl trisulfide. These specific odour-active compounds may be useful as indicators to detect nematode-infected garlic bulbs in a non-destructive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the association between lifestyle changes as a result of coronavirus disease 2019 containment measures and changes in metabolic and glycemic status in patients with diabetes, a cross‐sectional, single‐center, observation study was carried out. A self‐reported questionnaire was provided to ascertain the frequency of various lifestyle activities before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 containment measures in Japan. Among 463 patients, change in glycated hemoglobin was significantly associated with change in bodyweight. After stratification by age 65 years, binary logistic regression analysis showed that increased frequency of snack eating increased bodyweight (odds ratio 1.709, P = 0.007) and glycated hemoglobin (odds ratio 1.420, P = 0.025) in the younger group, whereas in the older patients, reduced walking activities resulted in weight gain (odds ratio 0.726, P = 0.010). In conclusion, changes in eating behavior and physical activity increased bodyweight and reduced glycemic control among diabetes patients, but by different processes depending on age under the coronavirus disease 2019 containment measures in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definitive hosts of Metagonimus hakubaensis are reported to be hamsters, rats, mice, dogs, cats, chickens, and quails in experimental infection and Japanese water shrews in natural infection. Here we report that raccoon dogs are new natural definitive hosts of M. hakubaensis, based on morphological and molecular analyses of Metagonimus flukes collected from the host species from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Moreover, M. hakubaensis recovered from raccoon dogs showed higher fecundity than those recovered from Japanese water shrews. Therefore, raccoon dogs were considered as a more suitable natural definitive host of M. hakubaensis than Japanese water shrews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Using a controlled trial, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adhesive strapping to improve the natural healing rate of umbilical hernia. Methods: This prospective, observational study included 128 patients from Kumamoto, Japan (97 in the adhesive strapping group, and 31 in observation group), from 2012–2015. The duration from first hospital visit to the hernia orifice closure was compared between the two groups. Result: Kaplan‐Meier curves showed that the probability of umbilical hernia in the adhesive strapping group was lower until approximately 200 days, but it was not statistically significant in the log rank test. According to multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, the hazard risk of umbilical hernia in the adhesive strapping group was significantly higher within 0–60 days after adjusting for confounding factors such as hernial cavity and hernia orifice area (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Adhesive strapping of umbilical hernia was significantly associated with earlier closure of the hernia orifice from baseline until at least 60 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large-vessel occlusion within 6 h of symptom onset to treatment initiation (OTP). Recent trials have extended the therapeutic time window for MT to within 24 h. However, MT treatment remains low in remote areas. Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan has many inhabited islands with no neurointerventionalists. Our hospital on the mainland is a regional hub for eight island hospitals. We evaluated clinical outcomes of MT for patients with AIS on these islands versus on the mainland. Methods: During 2014–2019, we reviewed consecutive patients with AIS who received MT at our hospital. Patients comprised the Islands group and Mainland group. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Results: We included 91 patients (Islands group: 15 patients, Mainland group: 76 patients). Seven patients (46.7%) in the Islands group versus 43 (56.6%) in the Mainland group achieved favorable outcomes. Successful recanalization was obtained in 11 patients (73.3%) on the islands and 67 (88.2%) on the mainland. The median OTP time in the Islands was 365 min. In both the Islands and Mainland groups, the OTP time and successful recanalization were associated with functional outcome. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days ≤2 was obtained in two patients and mRS = 3 in four patients among eight patients with OTP time >6 h. Conclusions: Few patients with AIS on remote islands have received MT. Although patients who underwent MT on the islands had longer OTP, the clinical outcomes were acceptable. OTP time on remote islands must be shortened, as this is related to functional outcome. In some cases with successful recanalization, a favorable outcome can still be obtained even after 6 h. Even if OTP exceeds 6 h, it is desirable to appropriately select patients and actively perform MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies are reconstructing flood records in the continental margins during the middle to late-Holocene. However, distinguishing the frequency and magnitude of flood events was difficult. Light gray event layers (GELs) in the sediment of Lake Suigetsu in Central Japan can solve this problem because they are recording the occurrence and magnitude of flood events during the last 80 years. Using these GELs, we aimed to reconstruct the frequency and magnitude of flood events during the last 8000 years. First, we verified whether GELs maintained the recording of flood events. We found that thin GELs (less than 40 mg/cm2 in mass) were rare, probably because of bioturbation, whereas thick GELs (larger than 40 mg/cm2 in mass) were rarely erased. We also found that GELs formed by the same amount of rainfall could have been thinner before 100 years ago. We revealed that the occurrence of extreme flood-origin event layers (EFELs: GELs thicker than 40 mg/cm2) during the last 8000 years may indicate the occurrence of extreme flood events (EFEs). Mass accumulation of EFELs may indicate the minimum estimation of rainfall on EFEs. There are several periods with higher frequency and magnitude of EFEs than those of the present level, agreeing with the periods of high flood activity in western Japan and East China. The frequency and magnitude of EFEs show different temporal variations. Northward and southward shifts in the westerly jet and monsoon fronts can partially explain such patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine how government continuity planning contributes to strengthening the public sector's emergency preparedness, resulting in enhanced resilience of the public sector. Government continuity plans (GCPs) are a recently focused concept in disaster preparedness, compared to business continuity plans (BCPs) in the private sector. The need for BCPs was widely recognized after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and the 2011 Thailand Floods. However, recent disasters, such as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan, have revealed that local governments without effective GCPs were severely affected by disasters, preventing them from quickly responding to or recovering from disasters. When the GEJE occurred in 2011, only 11% of municipal governments in Japan had GCPs. Design/methodology/approach: The paper analyzes basic principles of government continuity planning using complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory while summarizing recent developments in theory and practice of government continuity planning. Findings: This research investigates the Japanese experience of GCPs using self-organization, one of the concepts of CAS. A GCP will complement regional disaster plans, which often focus on what governments should do to protect citizens during emergencies but fail to outline how governments should prepare for an emergency operation. The study concludes that GCPs contribute to increased resilience among the public sector in terms of robustness, redundancy, resourcefulness and rapidity. Practical implications: This paper includes implications for the development and improvement of a GCP's operational guideline. Originality/value: This research fulfills an identified need to investigate the effectiveness of a GCP for resilience in the public sector and how to improve its operation using concepts of CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate endogenous timing in a mixed duopoly with price competition and different social versus private marginal costs. We find that any equilibrium timing patterns—Bertrand, Stackelberg with private leadership, Stackelberg with public leadership, and multiple Stackelberg equilibria—emerge. When the foreign ownership share in a private firm is less than 50%, public leadership is more likely to emerge than private leadership. Conversely, private leadership can emerge in a unique equilibrium when the foreign ownership share in a private firm is large. These results may explain recent policy changes in public financial institutions in Japan. We also find there is a nonmonotonic relationship between the welfare advantage of public and private leadership and the difference between social and private marginal costs for a private firm. A nonmonotonic relationship does not emerge in profit ranking. Similar results are obtained under quantity competition, although some properties are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Malnutrition in elderly patients is one of the important issues in an aging society. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of malnutrition assessed using the geriatric nutritional risk index in very elderly patients hospitalized owing to heart failure. Methods: We enrolled 213 consecutive patients aged ⩾80 years who were hospitalized with heart failure. The mean age was 87.2 ± 4.9 years, and 43.7% of them were male. The nutritional status on admission was evaluated using the geriatric nutritional risk index, which was calculated as follows: 14.89 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 41.7 × body mass index/22. The patients were divided into two groups, a low geriatric nutritional risk index group (<92) with malnutrition risk and a high geriatric nutritional risk index group (⩾92) without malnutrition risk. Results: The mean geriatric nutritional risk index of all patients was 90.7 ± 10.6, and 108 patients (50.7%) had low geriatric nutritional risk index. During the 540-day follow-up, the all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the low geriatric nutritional risk index group than in the high geriatric nutritional risk index group (35.7% vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001). The Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that low geriatric nutritional risk index was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–4.49; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Low geriatric nutritional risk index on admission was common and was associated with poor prognosis in patients aged ⩾80 years who were hospitalized owing to heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric subepithelial lesions, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors, are often found during routine gastroscopy. While endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) has been the gold standard for diagnosing gastric subepithelial lesions, alternative open biopsy procedures, such as mucosal incision-assisted biopsy (MIAB) has been reported useful. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of MIAB for the diagnosis of gastric SELs compared with EUS-FNAB.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 177 consecutive patients with gastric SELs who underwent either MIAB or EUS-FNAB at five hospitals in Japan between January 2010 and January 2018. Diagnostic yield, procedural time, and adverse event rates for the two procedures were evaluated before and after propensity-score matching.Results: No major procedure-related adverse events were observed in either group. Both procedures yielded highly-accurate diagnoses once large enough samples were obtained; however, such successful sampling was more often accomplished by MIAB than by EUS-FNAB, especially for small SELs. As a result, MIAB provided better diagnostic yields for SELs smaller than 20-mm diameter. The diagnostic yields of both procedures were comparable for SELs larger than 20-mm diameter; however, MIAB required significantly longer procedural time (approximately 13 min) compared with EUS-FNAB.Conclusions: Although MIAB required longer procedural time, it outperformed EUS-FNAB when diagnosing gastric SELs smaller than 20-mm diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We examined factors related to conditions of life function and falls, including eye movements and gait variability, in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Methods: Participants were 82 older adults (21 men, 61 women, mean age 76.1 years). We measured eye movements and gait variability during walking, and cognitive, attentional and life function. We compared two groups according to their fall history, and used a multiple logistic regression analysis to determine its relevance. Results: Fixation time, which was estimated from eye movements during obstacle crossing, and gait variability (vertical) were significantly associated with falls. There was also a significant correlation between fixation time and gait variability during obstacle crossing. In other words, the higher the gait variability in older adults, the higher the risk of falls, which was due to reduced attention estimated from eye movements during obstacle crossing that required obstacle avoidance. Conclusions: These results show that poor attention during gait is a critical risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older adults. For fall prevention, it is necessary to promote exercises for attention, and to maintain an older adult-friendly pedestrian environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this survey was to examine the overview of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment at our department, in order to ascertain the actual status of patients and discuss future needs. Methods Subjects were all patients who visited Clinic for Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Dental Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) in the period from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2014. Using medical records of the Clinic for Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Dental Hospital, TMDU, patients’ data including sex, address, referring institution, and primary condition were analyzed throughout the period. Results The number of patients over 35 years was 6219, with a man-to-woman ratio of 6:4. The number of patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s showed an increasing trend. Patients with tumors accounted for about 50 % of cases in 1980–1984 and increased to 80 % in 2010–2014. Conclusions The survey showed an increasing number of elderly patients and patients with tumors. This suggests that more awareness and education about maxillofacial prosthetics are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated contamination trends and factors affecting the levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) diastereomers, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A), and 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP), in breast milk in Japan. Breast milk samples ( n  = 64) were collected from mothers living in six prefectures in Japan. The mean concentrations were 2.2, 0.19, 0.29, 3.0, and 0.59 ng/g lipid weight for α-HBCD, β-HBCD, γ-HBCD, TBBP-A, and 2,4,6-TBP, respectively. Based on the previous studies, the levels of ΣHBCD in Japanese women's milk appear to be increasing, and the levels of TBBP-A are higher than those in other Asian countries. Although ΣHBCD were not correlated to phenolic BFRs, the concentration of β-HBCD was significantly correlated to the concentrations of TBBP-A ( r  = 0.440, p  < 0.01) and 2,4,6-TBP ( r  = 0.320, p  < 0.01). The concentration of γ-HBCD increased significantly with maternal age ( r  = 0.378, p  < 0.01), but the concentrations of the other analytes were not dependent on age. The concentration of α-HBCD was higher in primiparae than in multiparae ( p  < 0.05), while TBBP-A was higher in multiparae. No significant correlation was found between the phenolic BFR levels in milk and mothers' age, working place, and drinking/smoking habits. These results suggest that exposure to α- and γ-HBCD diastereomers could be affected by maternal age and parity, respectively, because of their different kinetics and sources. Therefore, these factors should be considered when conducting infant risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although children with a greater number of autistic traits are likely to have other mental health problems, research on the association between earlier autistic traits in preschool children and later emotional/behavioral outcomes is scarce. Using data from 189 Japanese community-based children, this study examined whether autistic traits at age 5 were related to emotional/behavioral outcomes at age 7. The results showed that prior autistic traits were subsequently associated with all emotional/behavioral domains. After controlling for baseline emotional/behavioral scores autistic traits continued to predict later emotional symptoms and peer problems. This study highlights that in addition to clinical ASD, it is also important to focus on subthreshold autistic traits in preschool children for better subsequent emotional/behavioral outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we investigated the responsiveness of the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) for patient's assessment before and after hallux valgus surgery.Methods: Patient-reported answers on the SAFE-Q and Short Form-36 (SF-36) before and at a mean of 3-4 and 9-12 months after hallux valgus surgery were analyzed. Data of 100 patients (92 women, eight men) from 36 institutions throughout Japan were used for analysis.Results: In all subscales of the SAFE-Q, the trend of increased scores after surgery was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Among the patients with available scores both before and at 9-12 months after surgery (n = 66), the largest effect sizes (ESs) were observed for shoe-related (1.60), pain and pain-related (1.05), and general health and well-being (0.84) scales. In the SF-36 (n = 64), the largest ES was observed for the bodily pain scale (0.86). Less notable changes were observed for the remaining SF-36 domains.Conclusion: The SAFE-Q is the first patient-reported outcome measure which includes a quality of life assessment of shoes. In our cohort, the most remarkable responsiveness was observed for the shoe-related subscale. Based on its responsiveness, the SAFE-Q appears to be sufficient for evaluation of foot-related quality of life before and after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous research suggests that spirituality/religiosity has benefits for both mental and physical health, measured using biological indices such as cortisol and IL-6. However, there have been few studies concerning the association of religious beliefs with oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary. Levels of peripheral oxytocin are thought to reflect the strength of bonding and stress regulation in social relationships. As such, the oxytocin system may underpin the biological mechanisms by which belief in life after death is associated with good mental and physical health. Here, we examine associations between oxytocin and belief in life after death.Methods: We recruited 317 community-dwelling people, aged 65 or older, without cognitive or mental deficits, and living in rural Japan. We recorded demographics, belief in life after death, and logical memory using the Wechsler Memory Scale. Levels of serum oxytocin were obtained using an enzyme immunoassay method.Results: Serum oxytocin levels were higher among women than men and were negatively associated with strength of belief in life after death.Conclusions: Our findings could be interpreted differently depending on whether the anxiogenic or anxiolytic function of the oxytocin system is considered. Greater endorsement of afterlife beliefs may reduce secure attachment. Alternatively, based on the literature suggesting that basal levels of oxytocin are lower in those with reduced relational distress or anxiety, afterlife beliefs may play a role in these reductions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Has the 2016 expansion of mental disorders covered under national health insurance increased the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in Japan? At that time, the insurance scheme required CBT to be conducted by physicians, and to target outpatients with mood disorders. How was cognitive behavioural therapy for mood disorder implemented in Japan?. [Extracted from the article]

This study investigates perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) contamination of edible fish muscle from Japanese coastal waters. The concentrations of PFCAs with 8–14 carbon atoms (C8–C14) in Pacific cods in Hokkaido, Japan were 51 (median: pg/g-wet weight) for C8, 93 for C9, 99 for C10, 746 for C11, 416 for C12, 404 for C13, and 93 for C14. The levels of C9–C14 PFCAs in fish were strongly correlated to each other, but not to C8 and the other chlorinated persistent organic pollutants, indicating that C9–C14 PFCAs have a different emission source and/or bioaccumulation mechanism. The relative ratios between estimated PFCAs intake through fish consumption and the reported total dietary exposure of PFCAs were less than 1 for C8 to C9, but were more than 1 for C10 to C14. This result strongly suggests that fish consumption is a significant source of human dietary exposure to C10–C14 PFCAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 18 O in the muscle and liver from killer whales stranded on the coast of Japan. The δ 15 N values in the muscle samples from calves were apparently higher than those in their lactating mothers, suggesting that nursing may result in the higher δ 15 N values in the muscle samples of calves. The δ 15 N value in the muscle samples of male and female whales, except for the calves, were positively correlated with the δ 13 C values and body length, suggesting that the increases in δ 15 N were due to the growth of the whales and increase in their trophic level. In contrast, the δ 18 O values in the muscle samples of female whales except for the calves were negatively correlated with the δ 13 C and δ 15 N values. The δ 18 O may be lower in whales occupying higher trophic positions ( δ 15 N), although it might also be affected by geographic and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection for genetic adaptation might occur whenever an animal colony is maintained in the laboratory. The laboratory adaptation of behavior such as foraging, dispersal ability, and mating competitiveness often causes difficulties in the maintenance of biological control agents and other beneficial organisms used in procedures such as the sterile insect technique ( SIT). Sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius ( Summers) ( Coleoptera: Brentidae), is an important pest in sub-tropical and tropical regions. An eradication program targeting C. formicarius using SIT was initiated in Japan with weevils being mass-reared for 95 generations to obtain sufficient sterile males. The mass-reared strain of C. formicarius exhibits weaker female resistance to male mating attempts compared with the wild strain. This could affect the success of SIT programs because mating persistence of mass-reared males might be expected to decrease in response to weak female resistance. We show that high success of sperm transfer to mass-reared females was due to weak female resistance to male mating attempts. However, the mating behavior of mass-reared males did not change. In C. formicarius, the trait of male persistence to mate was not correlated with the female resistance traits. Our results suggest that mass-rearing conditions do not have negative effects on the mating ability of the sterile males of this species, and thus that the current mass-rearing procedures are suitable for production of sterile males for the weevil eradication program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal trend in serum concentrations of phenolic organohalogen contaminants (POCs) were investigated in two age groups of men from Kyoto, Japan, from 1989 to 2010. These concentrations and trends were compared with neutral contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. Serum concentrations of pentachlorophenol (PenCP) and 4-hydroxy-PCB187 were age-dependent and decreased to approximately one-half during the two decades, whereas no contamination trends were observed for 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TriBP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and 6-hydroxy-2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE47). 6-OH-BDE47 was found in all samples (up to 3000 pg/g wet weight), whereas TBBPA was detected in 17 of 60 serum samples (up to 950 pg/g wet weight). The concentrations of TriBP, TBBPA and 6-OH-BDE47 were not correlated to those of PenCP or 4-OH-PCB187 in either age group, suggesting the different kinetics on exposure routes and fate between these brominated and chlorinated POCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Colorectal cancer associated with Crohn's disease (CD) is increasing in proportion to the number of patients with CD in Japan. There are two subtypes of colorectal cancer with CD: sporadic cancer and colitis-associated cancer. Early diagnosis of colitis-associated cancer is sometimes difficult; when colorectal cancer is found in patients with CD, both colitisassociated cancer and sporadic cancer should be kept in mind. Here, we describe a case of metachronous, colitis-associated rectal cancer that developed after the complete resection of an adenoma that became a sporadic adenocarcinoma in a patient with longstanding CD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of colitis-associated cancer in a patient with CD after removal of a sporadic cancer. Case presentation We describe a 51-year old man with CD who had difficulty in defecation. A rectal polyp was detected and a transanal resection of the polyp was performed. A histopathological examination showed an adenoma with sporadic adenocarcinoma. After three years, a followup colonoscopy revealed a reddish, elevated lesion in the patient's rectum. A colonoscopic biopsy showed a signet ring cell carcinoma. We performed an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum and a bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. A histopathological examination revealed a mucinous adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral uracil 224 mg combined with tegafur 100 mg plus leucovorin. No signs of recurrence were noted at a follow-up 18 months after the third surgery and 60 months after the second surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The varved sediment profile of Lake Suigetsu, central Japan, offers an ideal opportunity from which to derive a terrestrial record of atmospheric radiocarbon across the entire range of the 14C dating method. Previous work by Kitagawa and van der Plicht (1998a,b, 2000) provided such a data set; however, problems with the varve-based age scale of their SG93 sediment core precluded the use of this data set for 14C calibration purposes. Lake Suigetsu was re-cored in summer 2006, with the retrieval of overlapping sediment cores from 4 parallel boreholes enabling complete recovery of the sediment profile for the present "Suigetsu Varves 2006" project (Nakagawa et al. 2012). Over 550 14C determinations have been obtained from terrestrial plant macrofossils picked from the latter SG06 composite sediment core, which, coupled with the core's independent varve chronology, provides the only non-reservoir-corrected 14C calibration data set across the 14C dating range. Here, physical matching of archive U-channel sediment from SG93 to the continuous SG06 sediment profile is presented. We show the excellent agreement between the respective projects' 14C data sets, allowing the integration of 243 14C determinations from the original SG93 project into a composite Lake Suigetsu 14C calibration data set comprising 808 individual 14C determinations, spanning the last 52,800 cal yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The varved sediment of Lake Suigetsu (central Japan) provides a valuable opportunity to obtain high-resolution, multi-proxy palaeoenvironmental data across the last glacial/interglacial cycle. In order to maximize the potential of this archive, a well-constrained chronology is required. This paper outlines the multiple geochronological techniques being applied - namely varve counting, radiocarbon dating, tephrochronology (including argon-argon dating) and optically stimulated luminescence ( OSL) - and the approaches by which these techniques are being integrated to form a single, coherent, robust chronology. Importantly, we also describe here the linkage of the floating Lake Suigetsu ( SG06) varve chronology and the absolute ( Int Cal09 tree-ring) time scale, as derived using radiocarbon data from the uppermost (non-varved) portion of the core. This tie-point, defined as a distinct (flood) marker horizon in SG06 (event layer B-07-08 at 1397.4 cm composite depth), is thus derived to be 11 255 to 11 222 Int Cal09 cal. years BP (68.2% probability range). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The 11 March 2011 MW 9.0 Tohoku megathrust earthquake off the Pacific coast of Japan was a salient event in the history of Japan. The resultant huge tsunami (the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami) inundated a vast coastal area of northeastern Japan, causing widespread devastation. Twenty days after the tsunami, we analyzed the impact of the tsunami on the sea bottom of the Kesennuma inner bay using side-scan sonar to explore the damage and bathymetric change in the harbor. Herein we present the first direct evidence that the sea bottom sediments of around 10–15m were largely reworked by the tsunami to thickness of a few meters, and that large dunes were formed by the tsunami. Considering that the sea wave influence is as weak as it is inside the inner bay, the potential exists that even meter-thick paleo-tsunami deposits are preserved in shallow sea bottoms with large bedforms. This finding will be a stepping-stone to future geological studies of tsunami effects in shallow sea regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Lake Suigetsu 2006 Varved Sediment Core Project (SG06 Project) aims to contribute to the international terrestrial radiocarbon calibration model, extending it to >50,000 cal years BP using the new SG06 sediment record, which shows annual laminations (varves) for most of this period. For varve counting, a novel approach using high resolution X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) and X-radiography was applied, described here in detail for the first time, and applied to the Late Glacial sediments of core SG06. This new technique was carried out alongside conventional varve counting by thin-section microscopy (Schlolaut et al., 2012). This dual approach allows comparison of results from the two independent counting methods on metre to sub-mm scales, enabling the identification and characterisation of differences between the techniques, and quantification of their weaknesses. Combining the results produces a more robust chronology than either counting method could produce alone. The reliability of this dual approach is demonstrated by comparison of the combined chronology with the radiocarbon dataset of SG06, calibrated with the tree-ring derived Late Glacial section of IntCal09. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]