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A report from Osaka University in Japan discusses the fabrication of oxygen-releasing microgels using a droplet-based microfluidic system. These microgels have potential applications in tissue engineering, as they can supply oxygen to three-dimensional tissues and prevent necrosis. The researchers used a photo-crosslinking method to create stable microgels composed of biocompatible dextran and calcium peroxide nanoparticles. The study also explored the controlled release of oxygen from the microgels through the formation of amorphous calcium carbonate on the surface of the nanoparticles. The researchers suggest that this new class of biomaterials holds promise for tissue engineering. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Takatsuki General Hospital in Osaka, Japan discusses the role of secondary imaging in children under 24 months with skull fractures. The study found that a significant number of children with skull fractures also had intracranial injuries, which were detected through follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Factors such as subcutaneous hematoma on arrival and the location of the fracture were associated with new intracranial findings. The research suggests that children with isolated skull fractures on initial computed tomography (CT) scans may not require neurosurgical intervention if they meet certain criteria. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Kansai Medical University in Osaka, Japan discusses the experiences of siblings of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. The objective of the research is to explore the caregiving responsibilities and challenges faced by siblings in order to develop effective support strategies. The study will include qualitative studies on the experiences of siblings in various settings, such as home, community, school, and hospital. The research will follow a systematic review protocol and will be peer-reviewed. For more information, readers can contact Masami Tanaka at Kansai Medical University. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan evaluated a new method for detecting gastrointestinal parasites in animals. The study compared the effectiveness of a flotation method using a wire loop to collect parasites with traditional methods. The researchers found that the wire loop method was simple and time-saving, and could be used to estimate the number of parasites in samples. This research provides valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by gastrointestinal parasites in animals. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the clinical outcomes of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) based on a study of 60 patients. Topics include the rapid improvement and common relapse following corticosteroid treatment, predictive factors for relapse such as serum KL-6 levels and specific CT findings, and the identification of cut-off levels for CRP and blood cell fractions to predict relapse risk.

A recent study conducted by Kaneka Corporation in Osaka, Japan, has found that a probiotic formula containing a bacterial strain with beta-glucuronidase activity can modulate serum estrogen levels in healthy peri- and postmenopausal women. The gut microbiota plays a role in regulating endogenous estrogen levels, and the probiotic formula was shown to maintain serum estrogen levels over time, while levels significantly decreased in the placebo group. This study provides new insights into the potential use of probiotics in managing estrogen levels during the menopausal transition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital in Japan examined the outcomes of a surgical procedure called gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) for children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The study included 87 patients who underwent GPP during early childhood and compared them to a non-GPP group. The results showed that GPP performed at 1.5 years of age reduced the need for secondary alveolar bone grafting and did not negatively impact maxillofacial development. This research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of GPP for UCLP patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan examined the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic strategy for pediatric patients with low- or intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) was not necessary for low- or intermediate-risk AML patients in first complete remission. The researchers identified favorable prognostic factors for survival, such as umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a safe donor source for low-risk AML patients and late relapse as a favorable prognostic factor for intermediate-risk AML patients. The study concluded that allo-HCT after relapse may benefit intermediate-risk AML patients with late relapse and low-risk AML patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Shionogi & Company Co. Ltd. in Osaka, Japan, focused on optimizing the sample size of neonates and infants for pediatric clinical trials on cefiderocol, a drug used in the treatment of various infections. The researchers used a model-based approach to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cefiderocol in neonates and infants. They found that including adult pharmacokinetic information improved the estimation performance of pediatric pharmacokinetic parameters. The study concluded that this approach could be useful in designing pediatric clinical trials, particularly those involving young children. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Osaka, Japan, examined the impact of receiving continuous support from the same public health nurse on parental perceptions of health care professionals and the use of childcare support services. The study found that parents who received continuous support reported higher levels of satisfaction with health care services and a greater understanding of available childcare support services. The researchers concluded that this type of support can improve parental well-being in a cost-effective manner. The study was published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal and was conducted by Yoshie Yokoyama and colleagues from Osaka Metropolitan University. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Osaka, Japan have conducted a study on the development of dry powder inhaler formulations for anti-tuberculosis drugs. They focused on creating cocrystals of 4-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and isoniazid (INH), which are important components of tuberculosis treatment. Through spray-drying, they successfully produced particles that exhibited hydrogen bonding interactions between the molecules. The researchers found promising results in terms of drug delivery and dissolution patterns, suggesting that this approach could improve treatment efficacy and patient adherence in tuberculosis therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Osaka, Japan, explored the clinical impact of lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) and cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). The study found that patients with CAD had significantly higher cumulative exposure to LDL-C and Lp(a) concentration compared to those without CAD. The researchers also identified cutoff values for Lp(a) and cumulative LDL-C exposure that could predict CAD in patients with HeFH. The study concluded that the cardiovascular risk in this population is greatly enhanced by the interaction of traditional risk factors, particularly smoking and cumulative LDL-C exposure. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan have discovered that nanopillars on cicada wings have bactericidal and antimicrobial properties. These nanostructures physically interact with bacteria, making them effective against biofilm formation. The researchers fabricated nanopillar structures on silicon substrate and resin film and evaluated their anti-biofilm effects against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the anti-biofilm spectrum of nanopillars depends on their geometric types. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for applications requiring antimicrobial properties, particularly in medical devices. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Takatsuki General Hospital in Osaka, Japan, examined the relationship between sonographic temporary nephromegaly (increased renal length) in children during their first febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and the likelihood of recurrent fUTI. The study involved a retrospective cohort of 343 children who underwent renal ultrasound between 2013 and 2020. The findings showed that children with sonographic temporary nephromegaly had a longer duration of fever and intravenous antibiotics, higher levels of C-reactive protein and creatinine, and a higher proportion of recurrent fUTI compared to those without nephromegaly. Additionally, a logistic regression model confirmed that the odds of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were significantly higher in children with temporary nephromegaly or those who experienced fUTI recurrence. The study suggests that sonographic temporary nephromegaly during the initial fUTI can predict recurrence and VUR, and that VUR may be detectable before fUTI recurrence in children with nephromegaly. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan, explored the use of tympanic membrane regeneration therapy (TMRT) for pediatric tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs). The study evaluated 20 patients with chronic TMP who underwent TMRT and compared them to a group of patients who underwent myringoplasty/tympanoplasty. The results showed that TMRT was successful in regenerating the tympanic membrane in all cases, with a closure rate of 90.5%. Additionally, hearing improvement was greater in the TMRT group compared to the myringoplasty/tympanoplasty group. The study suggests that TMRT is an effective treatment option for children with long life expectancy. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a phase II trial conducted by Osaka General Medical Center to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a total neoadjuvant therapy combining long-course chemoradiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Topics discussed include the trial's design and patient outcomes, the treatment's effectiveness and safety profile, and the response rates observed among participants.

A recent report from the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan discusses the potential of manipulating mannose metabolism as an anticancer strategy. The researchers explain that cancer cells have metabolic advantages over normal cells, including the ability to rapidly generate ATP and divert glucose into various metabolic intermediates. However, mannose has been found to dampen this metabolic advantage, resulting in slow-cycling cancer cells that are highly susceptible to chemotherapy. The review summarizes the current knowledge of mannose metabolism and its potential as a target for enhancing chemosensitivity in cancer cells. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Graduate School of Science in Osaka, Japan, explores the interface between ferromagnetic metal and organic semiconductor in order to understand and control spin polarization transfers. The researchers found that multilayer devices composed of these materials exhibit a narrower ferromagnetic resonance linewidth compared to single-layer devices, despite generating spin currents. This narrower linewidth is attributed to the formation of hybrid electronic states at the interface. The findings emphasize the importance of designing interfaces between ferromagnetic metals and organic semiconductors for efficient spin current generation and open up new possibilities for exploring hybrid interfacial electronic states. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the occurrence of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis undergoing sirolimus therapy. Topics include the management and treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary disease in advanced lymphangioleiomyomatosis, the impact on lung transplant scheduling, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in such patients.

A study conducted at Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital in Japan investigated the impact of surgical complications on the outcomes of children with hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer. The study found that severe surgical complications, such as massive blood loss and bile leakage, were associated with a worse prognosis. The participation of experienced liver surgeons and a shorter duration from surgery to postoperative chemotherapy were linked to better outcomes. The research suggests that involving experienced liver surgeons in technically demanding liver resections is important. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Japan aimed to investigate the differences between intermittent claudication (IC) and critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and their prognostic outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). The study found that patients with CLTI were more likely to be women and have impaired functional status, undernutrition, comorbidities, hypercoagulation, hyperinflammation, distal artery disease, short single antiplatelet and long anticoagulation therapies, and late cilostazol compared to patients with IC. Additionally, CLTI patients had higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and reintervention compared to IC patients. The study concluded that CLTI is characterized by more systemic comorbidities and distal disease, as well as an underlying inflammatory coagulation disorder, which contributes to poorer outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Japan investigated the trends in patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (HF). The study analyzed data from over 840,000 patients aged 18 years and older between April 2012 and March 2021. The findings revealed that the mean age of hospitalized patients increased over the study period, while the proportion of female patients decreased. However, both the in-hospital mortality rate and 30-day HF readmissions decreased, particularly among older patients. The study suggests that patients hospitalized with acute HF in Japan are getting older, but mortality and readmission rates have decreased. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Rinku General Medical Center in Osaka, Japan, explored the use of hydrocolloid dressings in preventing hypertrophic scarring in post-cesarean section wounds. The study randomly assigned patients who had undergone cesarean section to either an intervention group that applied hydrocolloid dressings or a control group that refrained from dressing application. The results showed that the intervention group had lower scores for hypertrophic scarring compared to the control group at 6 and 12 months after the procedure. The study suggests that the application of hydrocolloid dressings can reduce the risk of hypertrophic scarring after cesarean section. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, examined the impact of hospital arrival time on the functional prognosis of stroke patients. The researchers analyzed clinical data from over 200,000 patients using the Japan Stroke Data Bank and found that weekend/holiday and off-hour admissions were associated with worse outcomes for stroke patients. The study also observed improvements in functional outcomes for off-hour admissions over 10-year intervals, possibly due to advancements in stroke care systems. This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between hospital arrival time and stroke patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Graduate School of Medicine in Osaka, Japan discusses the non-random distribution of Plasmodium species infections and associated clinical features in children in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya from 2012 to 2018. The study found that Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) was the most common malaria parasite species, but other species should not be dismissed. Mixed-species infections were also observed, with Pf co-infections with other species associated with different clinical outcomes. The researchers emphasize the need for improved diagnostics and case management for these mixed-species infections. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Osaka University in Japan explored the effects of hippocampal damage on pain perception in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used amyloid-b peptide 1-40 and ibotenic acid injections into the hippocampus to induce Alzheimer's disease in the rats. They found that the rats with hippocampal damage exhibited reduced responsiveness to persistent inflammatory chemical stimuli in the orofacial region. These findings contribute to a better understanding of somatosensory perception in patients with Alzheimer's disease. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on a rare presentation of multiple myeloma involving crystalline light chain casts and hypercalcemia-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Topics discussed include the association between hypercalcemia and crystalline light chain casts; the treatment approach for this condition; and the role of hydration and anti-myeloma therapy in recovery.

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine in Osaka, Japan, investigated the mechanism behind small intestinal ulcers induced by indomethacin (IM), a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The study found that IM treatment led to lysosomal dysfunction, resulting in small intestinal injury. However, the researchers discovered that rapamycin (Rapa) therapy or fasting could mitigate this injury by stabilizing the assembly of lysosomal vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase). These findings provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for preventing small intestinal ulcers caused by NSAIDs. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a study evaluating the effectiveness of upadacitinib, a second-line JAK inhibitor, for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in patients who did not respond to or were intolerant of first-line JAK inhibitors. Topics include the clinical remission rates achieved with upadacitinib, the impact on C-reactive protein levels, and the potential benefits of rotating JAK inhibitors in UC treatment.

A recent report from Osaka University in Japan discusses the importance of Rab6, a small GTPase, in the regulation of intracellular vesicular trafficking and neuronal polarization. The researchers found that Rab6-mediated polarized transport of synaptic vesicle precursors (SVPs) is crucial for the establishment of neuronal polarity and brain formation. In their study, they observed that mice with a double knockout of Rab6a/b exhibited severe dysplasia of the neocortex and cerebellum, as well as impaired axonal extension and loss of axon-dendrite polarity. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in neuronal development and brain function. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kindai University in Osaka, Japan, has found a potential link between pancreatic amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. The study focused on a 60-year-old woman who underwent whole-body contrast-enhanced CT due to suspected multiple myeloma. The CT scan revealed pancreatic enlargement and increased peripancreatic fat tissue. Further testing using F-18-FDG PET/CT showed diffuse uptake in the pancreas, ventricles, and vertebral column. Biopsy and bone marrow aspiration cytology confirmed amyloid light-chain amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy was administered, resulting in the disappearance of F-18-FDG uptake in the pancreas and a decrease in pancreatic enlargement. The researchers concluded that when diffuse F-18-FDG uptake in pancreatic enlargement is observed in multiple myeloma patients, amyloid light-chain amyloidosis should be considered. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in Japan has provided new insights into Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD). The study focused on the use of sequential chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory CD7-positive leukemia or lymphoma. The researchers found that CD7 CAR T-cell therapy depleted CD7-positive T cells and prevented acute GVHD in most patients. This research has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and can provide valuable information for those studying immune system diseases and conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research conducted at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, on the association between completion of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). The retrospective cohort study included 834 patients with CIED who participated in the program, and the primary outcome measured was all-cause mortality. The study found that completing the program was associated with lower mortality risks in patients with CIED. The researchers suggest that new programs or management methods are needed to decrease mortality risks for those who cannot complete the rehabilitation program. [Extracted from the article]