Search

Abstract A geometrically symmetric gear with asymmetric surface wettability exhibits one-way spin on a vibrating water bed. On the side face of the gear, a parafilm was coated to create asymmetry in the surface energy. The gear shows fluctuations in both directions within a shorter timescale; however, for a longer timescale, the gear exhibits a one-way spin. This unique motion is generated by a stochastic process with a biased driving force produced by the interaction between the vibrating water surface and the side face of the gear. This new model resembles an active Brownian ratchet. Until now, most ratchet motors, which obtain regular motion from nonthermal fluctuations, utilize a geometrical ratchet structure. However, in this study, the surface energy forms a ratchet that rectifies the noisy motion.

Abstract Background Increase in functional disability in aging societies is an international medical and public health issue. Masticatory function may be a potential risk factor for functional disability, but the role of frailty in the association has not been clarified. Methods Forty thousand five hundred sixty-two community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over who were insured by public health insurance as of April 2018 were followed up for a median of 3.0 years. Masticatory function was categorized as good, moderate, or poor based on a self-reported questionnaire. The development of functional disability was defined as a new certification of the need for long-term care. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results During the follow-up period, 1,397 individuals experienced functional disability. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, medical history, and lifestyle behaviors, the HR for incident functional disability was significantly higher in the moderate and poor groups compared to the good group (moderate, HR 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07–1.37]; poor, HR 1.64 [95% CI, 1.03–2.62]). However, after additional adjustment for frailty-related factors—namely, underweight, regular exercise, and gait speed—the association was attenuated in both the moderate group (HR 1.06 [95% CI, 0.94–1.21]) and the poor group (HR 1.51 [95% CI, 0.94–2.41]). Conclusions Masticatory dysfunction was significantly associated with incident functional disability in a community-dwelling older Japanese population. Our findings suggest that masticatory dysfunction may be a surrogate of frailty rather than a direct cause of functional disability.

Background: Since there are many differential diagnoses for cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD), it is very difficult for dentists to avoid misdiagnosis. In particular, if COD is related to an embedded tooth, differential diagnosis is difficult. However, there have been no reports on the characteristics of the imaging findings of COD associated with embedded teeth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and imaging characteristics of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) associated with embedded teeth, in order to appropriately diagnose COD with embedded teeth. Methods: The radiographs with or without histological findings of 225 patients with COD were retrospectively analyzed. A retrospective search through the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology of Kyushu Dental University Hospital was performed to identify patients with COD between 2011 and 2022. Results: Fifteen COD-associated embedded mandibular third molars were identified in 13 patients. All 13 patients were asymptomatic. On imaging, COD associated with embedded mandibular third molars appeared as masses that included calcifications around the apex of the tooth. On panoramic tomography, COD showed inconspicuous internal calcification similar to that of odontogenic cysts or simple bone cysts, especially in patients with COD only around the mandibular third molar region. Those with prominent calcification resembled cemento-ossifying fibroma, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, calcifying odontogenic cyst, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and so on, as categories of masses that include calcifications on panoramic tomography and computed tomography. Conclusions: The current investigation is the first to report and analyze the imaging characteristics of COD associated with embedded teeth. It is important to consider the differences between COD and other cystic lesions on panoramic tomography, and the differences between COD and masses that include calcifications on CT.

Abstract Background Very recently, a significant relationship between tonsilloliths and dental plaque-related pathologies was reported using digital panoramic radiographs. Their dynamics over time suggest that tonsilloliths may be in a permanently active phase that functions to remove foreign matter. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of tonsilloliths and the extent of periodontitis. Methods A total of 608 patients who underwent both CT and panoramic radiographs were included in the study. Both of two imaging were retrospectively and independently assessed with respect to the presence of tonsilloliths detected on CT and panoramic radiographs, and bone defects caused by periodontitis detected on panoramic radiographs. The type of retrospective study is case-control. Then, the differences between age groups were evaluated with respect to the degree of bone resorption and its correlation with the presence of tonsilloliths. The relationships between categorical variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient or Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results There was a significant relationship between tonsilloliths on CT and the extent of the bone defect on panoramic radiographs (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.648, p = 0.043). In addition, there was a significant difference in the extent of the bone defect caused by periodontitis between subjects with and without tonsilloliths in the 60 to 69-year-old group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.025), 70 to 79-year-old group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.002), and 80 to 89-year-old group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.022), but not in other age groups (Mann-Whitney U test: under 9-year-old group, p = 1.000; 10 to 19-year-old group, p = 1.000; 20 to 29-year-old group, p = 0.854; 30 to 39-year-old group, p = 0.191, 40 to 49-year-old group, p = 0.749; 50 to 59-year-old group, p = 0.627; ≥90-year-old group, p = 1.000). Conclusions The presence of tonsilloliths was related to the extent of periodontitis because the structures were responding dynamically.

A method for using device simulation to extract the hole lifetime (τ p) of a thin n-type SiC epitaxial layer on the basis of the characteristics of parallel diodes is proposed. The voltage drop (Δ V) across a forward-biased pn diode (single-setup) and parallel pn diodes (multi-setup) at the same current density (J) is correlated with the defined τ p. A severe error in the extraction of Δ V was found and attributed to surface recombination. The extraction error was recovered by the introduction of a field-plate between the anodes, where the field-plate was biased to accumulate the surface of the n-base region. An extraction accuracy of 99% was achieved even with a surface recombination velocity of 105 cm s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemakers and mediators of motor neurotransmission in gastrointestinal smooth muscles. ICC require cellular signalling via Kit, a receptor tyrosine kinase, for [...]

Two human patients with Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 infection were identified in Japan in 2019. Both patients had worked at the same company, which had a macaque facility. The rhesus-genotype B virus genome was detected in cerebrospinal fluid samples from both patients.

Abstract Under non-equilibrium conditions, liquid droplets dynamically couple with their milieu through the continuous flux of matter and energy, forming active systems capable of self-organizing functions reminiscent of those of living organisms. Among the various dynamic behaviors demonstrated by cells, the pairing of heterogeneous cell units is necessary to enable collective activity and cell fusion (to reprogram somatic cells). Furthermore, the cyclic occurrence of eruptive events such as necroptosis or explosive cell lysis is necessary to maintain cell functions. However, unlike the self-propulsion behavior of cells, cyclic cellular behavior involving pairing and eruption has not been successfully modeled using artificial systems. Here, we show that a simple droplet system based on quasi-immiscible hydrophobic oils (perfluorodecalin and decane) deposited on water, mimics such complex cellular dynamics. Perfluorodecalin and decane droplet duos form autonomously moving Janus or coaxial structures, depending on their volumes. Notably, the system with a coaxial structure demonstrates cyclic behavior, alternating between autonomous motion and eruption. Despite their complexity, the dynamic behaviors of the system are consistently explained in terms of the spreading properties of perfluorodecalin/decane duplex interfacial films.

Abstract Background The long‐term relationship between fracture‐prone implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads and poor prognosis remains unclear in Japanese patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the records of 445 patients who underwent implantation of advisory/Linox leads (Sprint Fidelis, 118; Riata, nine; Isoline, 10; Linox S/SD, 45) and non‐advisory leads (Endotak Reliance, 33; Durata, 199; Sprint non‐Fidelis, 31) between January 2005 and June 2012 at our hospital. The primary outcomes were all‐cause mortality and ICD lead failure. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and the composite outcome of cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization. Results During the follow‐up period (median, 8.6 [4.1–12.0] years), there were 152 deaths: 61 (34%) in patients with advisory/Linox leads and 91 (35%) in those with non‐advisory leads. There were 32 ICD lead failures: 27 (15%) in patients with advisory/Linox leads and five (2%) in those with non‐advisory leads. Multivariate analysis for ICD lead failure demonstrated that the advisory/Linox leads had a 6.65‐fold significantly greater risk of ICD lead failure than non‐advisory leads. Congenital heart disease (hazard ratio 2.51; 95% confidence interval 1.08–5.83; p = .03) could also independently predict ICD lead failure. Multivariate analysis for all‐cause mortality demonstrated no significant association between advisory/Linox leads and all‐cause mortality. Conclusions Patients who have implanted fracture‐prone ICD leads should be carefully followed up for ICD lead failure. However, these patients have a long‐term survival rate comparable with that of patients with non‐advisory ICD leads in Japanese patients.

To maintain a beneficial concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the efficient conversion of its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LA), is important. Here, we studied the conversion of α-LA to EPA using ICR and C57BL/6 mice. A single dose of perilla oil rich-in α-LA or free α-LA had not been converted to EPA 18 h following administration. The α-LA was absorbed into the circulation, and its concentration peaked 6 h after administration, after which it rapidly decreased. In contrast, EPA administration was followed by an increase in circulating EPA concentration, but this did not decrease between 6 and 18 h, indicating that the clearance of EPA is slower than that of α-LA. After ≥1 week perilla oil intake, the circulating EPA concentration was >20 times higher than that of the control group which consumed olive oil, indicating that daily consumption, but not a single dose, of α-LA-rich oil might help preserve the physiologic EPA concentration. The consumption of high concentrations of perilla oil for 4 weeks also increased the hepatic expression of Elovl5, which is involved in fatty acid elongation; however, further studies are needed to characterize the relationship between the expression of this gene and the conversion of α-LA to EPA.

Successful construction of a simple sub-millimeter micromotor is reported, which operates under stationary direct current (DC) voltage, with neither a fixed rotational axis nor contacting brush. The screw-shaped chiral rotor undergoes a spinning motion when stationary DC voltage is applied using a pair of cone-shaped electrodes with a staggered arrangement. Analysis of the fluid motion revealed the occurrence of inward-swirling flow in between the electrode tips, which generates a stable spinning motion under the DC voltage. This simple DC micromotor could be beneficial for the advancement of microfluidics, microrobots, etc.

Molasses is a by-product from refining sugarcane beets into sugar. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory effect of sugarcane molasses concentrate (SMC) on postprandial hyperglycemia using a mouse model. Starch administration into male ICR mice increased blood glucose levels, reaching a peak 60 min after administration. The simultaneous administration of SMC markedly suppressed this increase, and the area under the curve was reduced until 240 min after administration. Simultaneous administration of an ethanol-precipitated fraction (Et-Fr) of SMC with starch also exerted significant inhibitory effects. Ad libitum consumption of Et-Fr for 6 weeks did not exert any changes on fasting blood glucose levels. In vitro experiments showed that SMC and Et-Fr significantly inhibited α-glucosidase but not α-amylase activity. These results suggest that SMC has the potential to suppress postprandial hyperglycemia via inhibition of α-glucosidase.

We previously showed that social stress exposure in mature adult mice increased blood corticosterone concentrations at 2 days, disrupted hepatic lipid metabolism-related pathway at 30 days, and increased the risk of overweight with hepatic hypertrophy at 90 days. To further investigate the effects of aging on the physiological responses to social stress, we conducted a study using male BALB/c mice at the ages of 2 months (mature age), 14 months (middle age) and 26 months (old age), and exposed them to confrontation stress for 2 or 7 days. Blood corticosterone concentrations were increased at 2 days of stress, and then returned to baseline concentrations. This change was observed only at 2 months of age. We further examined the effect of aging on hepatic gene expression of fibroblast growth factor-21 (Fgf21) and found that its expression was significantly decreased after 7 days of stress at 14 months of age and after 2 days of stress at 26 months of age, indicating these decreasing effects became more pronounced with age. In conclusion, our study suggests that hepatic Fgf21 expression decrease under exposure to confrontation stress at middle or more age, indicating that stress response on Fgf21 related pathway might be more pronounced with age when exposed to stress.

Abstract Background Reports of long‐term outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation for tachycardia‐bradycardia syndrome (TBS) are limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on clinical outcomes in patients with TBS. Methods Among 1669 patients who underwent AF ablation between January 2010 and April 2020, we retrospectively enrolled 53 patients (62.3% males; age, 67.1 ± 7.0 years) who had been diagnosed with TBS before RFCA for paroxysmal AF (TBS group). After 1:2 propensity score‐matching based on age, gender, AF type, and left atrial dimension, 106 patients were assigned to the control group (non‐TBS group). The atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence rate and rate of avoidance of permanent pacemaker implantation (PMI) were examined. Results During a median follow‐up period of 37.7 months, the ATA recurrence rate after a single ablation procedure was significantly higher in the TBS group than in the non‐TBS group (51.0% vs. 38.5%; log‐rank p = .008); however, the ATA recurrence rate after the final ablation procedure did not significantly differ between groups. In the TBS group, the rate of PMI avoidance after AF ablation was 92.5%. A Cox‐regression multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of non‐pulmonary vein/superior vena cava premature atrial contractions (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.49–7.66; p = .004) was an independent predictor of ATA recurrence in the TBS group. Conclusions Patients with TBS had higher ATA recurrence rates after the first ablation procedure compared to those without TBS. However, ATA recurrence after AF ablation did not necessarily result in PMI for TBS patients.

Abstract A ratchet gear on a vibrating water bed exhibits a one-way spin. However, the spinning direction is opposite to that of the gear placed on the granular bed. The one-way spin is caused by the surface waves of water. Surface deformation causes transportation of the water element to rotate the gear. The spatial symmetry of the surface wave and gear geometry regulates the rotational torque. In this study, the same ratchet shows reversed motion between the granular and water beds, and the direction is not determined only by the ratchet geometry. The self-organization of the fluid medium caused by small agitation induces a nontrivial inversion of the spinning direction.

Abstract Background Several prospective Western studies have reported an inverse association of vegetable and fruit intake with dementia risk. However, there is limited epidemiologic evidence in Asians. This study investigated the association of intakes of vegetables, fruits, and their nutrients on the risk of incident dementia and its subtypes in a Japanese community. Methods A total of 1071 participants (452 men and 619 women) aged ≥60 years without dementia at baseline were prospectively followed up for 24 years. Intakes of vegetables, fruits, and nutrients were evaluated using a 70-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire at baseline and were categorized into quartiles separately by gender. The outcome measure was the development of dementia and its subtypes—namely, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). The risk estimates of incident dementia were computed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results During the long-term follow-up period, 464 subjects developed dementia, of whom 286 had AD and 144 had VaD. Higher vegetable intake was associated gradually with lower risk of developing dementia and AD (both P-trend

Abstract Objectives The shapes of gubernaculum tracts (GTs) in molars as accessional teeth remain unidentified. To elucidate imaging peculiarities of GTs in molars with aging on multidetector‐row computed tomography (MDCT). Material and methods This retrospective study was conducted using CT images, including maxillary and mandibular molars, with no abnormal findings from 239 patients. Shapes of alveolar bone, GTs, and dental sacs of the maxillary and mandibular molars were analyzed multi‐sectionally. Correlations between 2‐ and 3‐dimensional imaging figures of GTs in molars and chronological age or stage of molar formation were analyzed. Results Some forms of GTs in maxillary and mandibular third molars were observed. In the early stage, GTs were visualized as bone defect lines on the dentition and grooves on the mesial alveolar crest continuous with the dental sac to mesial tooth bud. GTs of the third molar formed a J‐shape in maxillary teeth and Y‐shape in mandibular teeth in the middle stage, as alveolar bone around the GT developed. In the mature stage, the course of the GT changed to straight and perpendicular. Some GT forms were also identified in first and second molars. Significant correlations were found between GT alterations and chronological age or stage of molar formation. Moreover, tracts continuing from the distal side of mandibular third molars were detected. Conclusions This paper describes the peculiarities and process of progression for GTs in molars, and the existence of tracts continuing from the distal side of mandibular third molars, unlikely dentition with deciduous predecessors. These preliminary data should prove beneficial for studies focusing on GTs in molars.

Abstract Background Acute pulmonary vein reconnection (PVR) is associated with long procedure times and large radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although the efficacy of high‐power PVI (HP‐PVI) has been recently established, the determinants of acute PVR following HP‐PVI remain unclear. Methods We evaluated data on 62 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing unipolar signal modification (USM)‐guided HP‐PVI. A 50‐W RF wave was applied for 3‐5 seconds after USM. In the segments adjacent to the esophagus (SAEs), the RF time was limited to 5 seconds. Each circle was subdivided into six regions (segments), and the possible predictors of acute PVR, including minimum contact force (CFmin), minimum force‐time integral (FTImin), minimum ablation index (AImin), minimum impedance drop (Imp‐min), and maximum inter‐lesion distance (ILDmax), were assessed in each segment. Results We investigated 1162 ablations in 744 segments (including 124 SAEs). Acute PVR was observed in 21 (17%) SAEs and 43 (7%) other segments (P = .001). The acute PVR segments were characterized by significantly lower CFmin, FTImin, AImin, and Imp‐min values in the segments other than the SAEs and larger ILDmax values in the SAEs. Furthermore, lower Imp‐min and larger ILDmax values independently predicted acute PVR in the segments other than the SAEs and SAEs (odds ratios 0.90 and 1.39 respectively). Acute PVR was not significantly associated with late atrial fibrillation recurrence. Conclusions Avoiding PVR remains a challenge in HP‐PVI cases, but it might be resolved by setting the optimal target impedance drop and lesion distance values.

Abstract Aims/Introduction To investigate the association between midlife or late‐life diabetes and the development of sarcopenia in an older Japanese population. Materials and Methods A total of 824 Japanese residents aged 65 to 84 years without sarcopenia were followed up from 2012 to 2017. Sarcopenia was determined following the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition. The time of diabetes diagnosis was classified as midlife or late‐life diabetes by the age at first diagnosis of diabetes (< 65 or ≥ 65 years) based on annual health checkups data over the past 24 years. The duration of diabetes was categorized into three groups of 15 years. The odds ratios of incident sarcopenia according to the diabetic status were estimated using a logistic regression analysis. Results During follow‐up, 47 subjects developed sarcopenia. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio for incident sarcopenia was significantly greater in subjects with diabetes at baseline than in those without it (odds ratio 2.51, 95% confidence interval 1.26–5.00). Subjects with midlife diabetes had a significantly greater risk of incident sarcopenia, whereas no significant association between late‐life diabetes and incident sarcopenia was observed. With a longer duration of diabetes, the risk of incident sarcopenia increased significantly (P for trend = 0.002). Conclusions The present study suggests that midlife diabetes and a longer duration of diabetes are significant risk factors for incident sarcopenia in the older population. Preventing diabetes in midlife may reduce the risk of the development of sarcopenia in later life.

Abstract The horizontal spin of a ratchet motor by vertical vibration is reported. A macroscopic ratchet gear is placed on a granular bed, where nearly half of the gear is penetrated in the bed. The gear and granular bed are mechanically vibrated. The gear shows a random motion or one-way spin that depend on the diameter of the granules, vibration frequency, and degree of vertical motion allowed for the gear. Even when one-way spin is observed, the spin direction depends on the abovementioned factors. Although the dependency is complicated, it is deterministic because the motion or flows of granular matter determines it. The characteristics observed in the experiments are explained by a simple model that accounts for the statistical variance in the motion of the granular matter. Extraction of systematic motion from small and non-useful motions such as mechanical agitation will be developed into energy harvest technology and may facilitate the science of a spontaneously moving system in a uniform potential field.

Background: The relationship between pre-ablation left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and prognosis in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remains unclear. Methods: The prognosis of 173 patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (

Background: The prevalence of sarcopenia defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria in Asian communities has not been fully addressed. Moreover, few studies have addressed the influence of sarcopenia on mortality. Methods: A total of 1,371 and 1,597 residents aged 65 years or older participated in health surveys in 2012 and 2017. Sarcopenia was determined using the AWGS definition. Factors associated with the presence of sarcopenia were assessed using a logistic regression model in participants in the 2012 survey. Subjects in the 2012 survey were followed-up prospectively for a median of 4.3 years. Mortality risk for subjects with sarcopenia was examined using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The crude prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.4% and 6.6% in participants at the 2012 and 2017 surveys, respectively; there was no significant difference between surveys (P = 0.44). The prevalence of sarcopenia increased significantly with age in both sexes (both P for trend

Introduction: Serum N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels have been associated with the progression of kidney impairment among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but only a few studies have investigated the association between serum NT-proBNP levels and incident CKD in general populations. Methods: A total of 2486 Japanese community-dwelling residents ≥40 years of age without CKD at baseline were followed up by repeated annual health examinations for 10 years. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to serum NT-proBNP levels. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Abstract Background Epidemiological evidence has shown that serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations, a diagnostic biomarker for heart failure, are positively associated with cardiovascular risk. Since NT-proBNP in serum is excreted in urine, it is hypothesized that urinary NT-proBNP concentrations are correlated with serum concentrations and linked with cardiovascular risk in the general population. Methods A total of 3060 community-dwelling residents aged ≥ 40 years without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were followed up for a median of 8.3 years (2007–2015). Serum and urinary concentrations of NT-proBNP at baseline were compared. The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between NT-proBNP concentrations and the risk of developing CVD were computed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results The median values (interquartile ranges) of serum and urinary NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline were 56 (32–104) pg/mL and 20 (18–25) pg/mL, respectively. There was a strong quadratic correlation between the serum and urinary concentrations of NT-proBNP (coefficient of determination [R 2] = 0.72): urinary concentrations of 20, 27, and 43 pg/mL were equivalent to serum concentrations of 55, 125, and 300 pg/mL, respectively. During the follow-up period, 170 subjects developed CVD. The age- and sex-adjusted risk of CVD increased significantly with higher urinary NT-proBNP levels (P for trend < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P for trend = 0.009). The multivariable-adjusted risk of developing CVD almost doubled in subjects with urinary NT-proBNP of ≥ 43 pg/mL as compared to those with urinary NT-proBNP of ≤ 19 pg/mL (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.20–3.56). Conclusions The present study demonstrated that urinary NT-proBNP concentrations were well-correlated with serum concentrations and were positively associated with cardiovascular risk. Given that urine sampling is noninvasive and does not require specially trained personnel, urinary NT-proBNP concentrations have the potential to be an easy and useful biomarker for detecting people at higher cardiovascular risk.

Abstract Aims/Introduction The investigation of the influence of dietary fiber intake on the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a general Japanese population. Materials and Methods A total of 1,892 individuals aged 40–79 years without diabetes at baseline were prospectively followed up for 14 years. The glucose tolerance status of participants was defined by a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test with the 1998 World Health Organization criteria. Dietary fiber intake was estimated by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and divided to quintile levels separately by sex. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied for computing the hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for the incidence of diabetes. Results During the follow‐up period, 280 participants had developed diabetes. The age‐adjusted cumulative diabetes incidence decreased significantly with higher total dietary fiber intake (P‐for trend = 0.01). Participants in the highest quintile of total dietary fiber intake had a 0.53‐fold (95% confidence interval 0.31–0.90) lower risk of developing diabetes than those in the lowest quintile after for the adjustment with potential confounding factors. Total dietary fiber intake showed a moderate positive correlation to the intake of soybean and soybean products, green vegetables, and other vegetables. Similar associations with diabetes and food sources were observed for both of the soluble and insoluble dietary fiber intake. Conclusions The present study showed that higher dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in a general Japanese population. The intake of high dietary fiber foods might be useful for diabetes prevention.

Abstract Background Tonsilloliths are related clinically to halitosis and tonsillar abscess. However, the dynamics of tonsilloliths over time are unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate change in the characteristics of tonsilloliths in a time-dependent fashion by follow-up computed tomography (CT). Methods Tonsilloliths were analyzed in 326 CT scan pair sets of initial and at least two follow-up CT examinations of patients with whole palatine tonsils and various diseases of the oral and maxillofacial regions. Results Over the follow-up period, 12.1% of tonsilloliths disappeared. Approximately 26.1% of tonsilloliths changed in size during follow-up, mostly increasing in size. In tonsilloliths that showed enlargement, the mean (± standard deviation) growth rate was 0.61 ± 0.41 mm per year. Approximately 37.3% of tonsilloliths changed position during the follow-up period; of these, movement was toward the respiratory tract in 92% at a mean rate of − 1.38 ± 1.59 mm per year. The calcification levels of almost all tonsilloliths showed dynamic change: HU number increased in 84.3% and decreased in 12.7% of tonsilloliths over the follow-up period. The mean rate of HU increase was 63.8 ± 96.3 HU/year, and the mean rate of HU decrease was − 38.4 ± 66.8 HU/year. Conclusions The calcification levels of all tonsilloliths showed dynamic fluctuation, and a tendency for excretion of tonsilloliths from the body. Their dynamics over time suggest that tonsilloliths may be in a permanently active phase which functions to remove foreign matter.

The correlation between BZ reaction and mixing state has been studied for decades, and the researchers are trying to apply it to chemical engineering. We observed a chemical wave pattern in the Belouzov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction based on the inhomogeneity after mixing BZ and ferroin solutions with a mixing method named the rotation-and-stop method. A one-dimensional chemical wave appeared for large inhomogeneity in mixing. The frequency and wavenumber decreased with decreasing degree of inhomogeneity. In an almost perfectly mixed state, the wavenumber significantly reduced and approached the global oscillation. The degree of mixing could be efficiently determined by this reported method. Perfect mixing has never been realized in natural and biological systems. The results of this study can be applied to estimate the degree of mixing in a solution that is not being stirred after the mixing process.

Abstract Steep oceanic ridges and tidal currents in the Luzon Strait generate some of the world’s strongest turbulent mixing. To evaluate the impacts of the turbulence intensity on the marine ecosystem, we carried out measurements of microstructure turbulence and biogeochemical hydrography along 21°N in the Luzon Strait during the R/V Hakuho Maru cruise, KH-17-5-2, in November 2017. We found a turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate exceeding O(10−7) W kg−1 and vertical eddy diffusivity exceeding O(10−3) m2 s−1, two orders of magnitude larger than those in the open ocean, above a shallow sub-ridge on the eastern ridge of the Luzon Strait. In addition, a clear chlorophyll a bloom was identified in the surface layer above the sub-ridge from in situ measurements and satellite observations. High values of nitrate (4.7 mmol N m−2 d−1) and phosphate (0.33 mmol P m−2 d−1) fluxes estimated near the base of the surface chlorophyll a bloom strongly suggest that enhanced turbulent mixing promotes nutrient supply to the euphotic zone and generates new production within the surface layer, contributing to the formation of a quasi-permanent local chlorophyll a bloom north of Itbayat Island on the eastern ridge.

Abstract Background In pulmonary vein isolation, the regional differences in the ablation index (AI) and interlesion distance (ILD) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the AI, ILD, and other relevant indices with pulmonary vein reconnections (PVRs) during the surgical intervention with a focus on the heterogeneous regional variability through a retrospective analysis. Methods We divided the wide area circumferential ablation (WACA) region into 12 segments in 32 consecutive patients, which resulted in a 384 segment analysis to evaluate the association of the minimum AI (AI min) and maximum ILD (ILD max) with acute PVRs, which were defined as spontaneous PVRs or dormant conduction after adenosine triphosphate administration. Results Acute PVRs were observed in 48 (13%) segments and 40 (63%) WACA regions. The AI min was significantly lower and ILD max greater in segments with PVRs than in those without (372 vs 403 au and 6.5 vs 5.7 mm, respectively). PVRs were more frequent in the left posterior segments, adjacent to the esophagus, than in other segments (23% vs 10%, respectively). Notably, ILD max was significantly greater in the left posterior segments with acute PVRs with AI min

Abstract Aims/Introduction Changes in histologically quantified β‐ and α‐cell mass during the development of glucose intolerance have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to explore differences in β‐ and α‐cell mass according to the glucose tolerance status. Materials and Methods Autopsy samples from a total of 103 individuals (40 with normal glucose tolerance, 31 with prediabetes and 32 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test within 5 years before death were selected from 643 community‐based autopsy samples collected from 2002 to 2016. Fractional β‐cell area (BCA) and α‐cell area were quantified with Image Pro Plus software. Associations of BCA and α‐cell area with glucose tolerance status were assessed using a linear regression analysis, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients between glycemic markers and β‐cell function were estimated. Results The mean values of BCA decreased significantly with worsening glucose tolerance status (mean ± standard error 1.85 ± 0.10% in normal glucose tolerance, 1.59 ± 0.11% in prediabetes and 1.17 ± 0.11% in type 2 diabetes mellitus, P for trend

Abstract Aims/Introduction To investigate the association of alternative glycemic measures – namely, serum glycated albumin (GA), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the GA : HbA1c ratio – with global brain and hippocampal atrophy in a general elderly Japanese population. Materials and Methods A total of 1,278 Japanese individuals aged ≥65 years in a community participated in brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning and screening examination of health status in 2012. We measured total brain volume (TBV), hippocampal volume (HV) and intracranial volume (ICV) using the data from the magnetic resonance imaging examination. The association of each glycemic measure with the ratios of TBV : ICV (an indicator of global brain atrophy) and HV : ICV (an indicator of hippocampal atrophy) was examined by analysis of covariance. Results The mean values of the TBV : ICV and HV : ICV ratios decreased significantly with elevating serum GA levels and GA : HbA1c ratio levels (all P for trend

Abstract Aims/Introduction Resistin is an adipocyte‐derived polypeptide that leads to the progression of insulin resistance and subsequent atherosclerosis. Some studies have reported an association between self‐reported intake of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and serum resistin levels. However, no studies have investigated the association between the ratio of serum levels of n−3 to serum n−6 PUFAs and the serum resistin concentration in the general population. Materials and Methods We carried out a cross‐sectional study of 3,200 community‐dwelling Japanese individuals aged ≥40 years in 2002–2003. The ratios of serum eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (AA) were categorized into quartiles. The associations of serum eicosapentaenoic acid/AA and docosahexaenoic acid/AA with the serum resistin concentration were assessed using linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Results The geometric mean of serum resistin was 10.3 ng/mL. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted geometric mean of serum resistin decreased significantly with increased levels of serum eicosapentaenoic acid/AA (quartile 1: 11.3 ng/mL; quartile 2: 10.6 ng/mL; quartile 3: 10.3 ng/mL; quartile 4: 9.3 ng/mL; P for trend