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Abstract Sleep plays an important role in human health. Changes in the sleeping environment can affect sleep quality. The present study investigated the effects of natural wood on sleep quality. The interior material was a fully used Cryptomeria japonica wood board (Japanese cedar room), while the particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) were covered by a vinyl cloth with a woodgrain (resin room). In order to assess sleep quality, the sleep–depth index (SDI) is calculated based on the lengths of sleep stage 3 and the rapid eye movement (REM) stage using electroencephalography (EEG). Before the sleep experiments, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were administered to confirm the participants’ usual sleep habits. Thirteen participants were invited to sleep in two different environments. The MEQ before sleep experiments confirmed that eight participants were of the intermediate type and five participants were of the moderate evening type. According to the PSQI, three participants were poor sleepers and ten were good sleepers. The sleep EEG demonstrated that 12 of 13 participants had higher SDI in the Japanese cedarwood room than in the resin room. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that SDI was significantly prolonged in the Japanese cedarwood room than in the resin room, regardless of the small sample size (n = 13, z = 2.48, p = 0.014, effect size = 0.78). The present study demonstrated that the indoor environment with C. japonica induced a significantly higher SDI compared to that with wood-grain vinyl cloth. This indicates that the interior materials of C. Japonica wood can positively influence the sleep environment.

Abstract A nationwide survey of inorganic components of tap water all over Japan was conducted from 2019 to 2024. In this survey, 1564 tap water samples were collected, and an additional 194 tap water samples were collected from 33 other countries. The water samples were analyzed for 27 dissolved inorganic components, with a primary focus on the distribution of major and trace components, including Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−, total-hardness, Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn. The Japanese tap water hardness was 50.5 ± 30.2 (± 1σ SD) mg/L, classified as soft water according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The average content of each major component in Japanese tap water tended to be lower than those in other countries. Furthermore, Piper trilinear diagrams were used to categorize Japanese tap water types. The dominating water types were the Ca–HCO3 and mixed types, which had a nationwide distribution. Japanese tap water generally complied with Japanese and WHO drinking water criteria, with only 1% (17/1564 sites) of the samples exceeding water quality standards. Observations of water quality changes for 2 years at three household faucets revealed that fluctuations in major components and trace metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) varied in different patterns. This suggests that the behavior of trace metal elements is influenced by local infrastructure, such as supply pipes, distinct from the variability in source water quality.

Abstract Aim Oral function in patients with schizophrenia has not been well‐characterized. To address this, we performed a cross‐sectional study of oral function in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia. Methods We measured oral function, including occlusal force, tongue–lip motor function, tongue pressure, and masticatory function in 130 Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia. We then compared the frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction among 63 non‐elderly and 67 elderly inpatients with schizophrenia, as well as data from 98 elderly control participants from a previous Japanese study. Results The frequency of reduced occlusal force was significantly higher in the elderly inpatients (76.2%) than in the non‐elderly inpatients (43.9%) and elderly controls (43.9%). The frequency of decreased tongue–lip motor function in non‐elderly inpatients (96.8%) and elderly inpatients (97.0%) was significantly higher than that in elderly controls (56.1%). The frequency of decreased tongue pressure in non‐elderly inpatients (66.1%) and elderly inpatients (80.7%) was significantly higher than that in elderly controls (43.9%). Finally, the frequency of decreased masticatory function was highest in elderly inpatients (76.5%), followed by non‐elderly inpatients (54.8%) and elderly controls (15.3%). Conclusion Oral function was decreased in both non‐elderly and elderly Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia compared with elderly controls.

Abstract Aim The present study aimed to examine the association between copy number variations (CNVs) in parkin (PRKN) and schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a large case–control sample. Method Array comparative genomic hybridization was performed on 3111 cases with SCZ, 1236 cases with ASD, and 2713 controls. We systematically prioritized likely pathogenic CNVs (LP‐CNVs) in PRKN and examined their association with SCZ and ASD. Results In total, 3014 SCZ cases (96.9%), 1205 ASD cases (97.5%), and 2671 controls (98.5%) passed quality control. We found that monoallelic carriers of LP‐CNVs in PRKN were common (70/6890, 1.02%) and were not at higher risk of SCZ (p = 0.29) or ASD (p = 0.72). We observed that the distribution pattern of LP‐CNVs in the Japanese population was consistent with those in other populations. We also identified a patient diagnosed with SCZ and early‐onset Parkinson's disease carrying biallelic pathogenic CNVs in PRKN. The absence of Parkinson's symptoms in 10 other monoallelic carriers of the same pathogenic CNV further reflects the lack of effect of monoallelic pathogenic variants in PRKN in the absence of a second hit. Conclusion The present findings suggest that monoallelic CNVs in PRKN do not confer a significant risk for SCZ or ASD. However, further studies to investigate the association between biallelic CNVs in PRKN and SCZ and ASD are warranted.

Abstract Background In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SCD) were described as a new category of psychiatry nosography. SCD involves impairments in social communication and social interaction but not restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The autism spectrum quotient (AQ) was developed to screen for autism tendencies in adults with normal intelligence. However, AQ cutoff scores for screening ASD and SCD in the DSM-5 have not been established. This study examined whether the Japanese version of the AQ (AQ-J) total scores could discriminate between an ASD group, an SCD group, and a neurotypical (NT) group. Methods Participants were 127 ASD patients, 52 SCD patients, and 49 NT individuals. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to examine AQ-J total score cutoff values to distinguish between ASD and NT groups, SCD and NT groups, and ASD and SCD groups. Results In the ROC analysis for the ASD and NT groups, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.96, and the optimum cutoff value was 23 points (sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 85.7%). The AUC for the SCD and NT groups was 0.89, and the optimum cutoff value was 22 points (sensitivity 84.6%, specificity 85.7%). The AUC for the ASD and SCD groups was 0.75; the optimum cutoff value was 32 points (sensitivity 67.7%, specificity 71.2%). Conclusion Our findings suggest the usefulness of the AQ-J in screening for ASD and SCD.

Abstract This study aimed to determine how paternal and maternal parenting before adolescence affects adult attachment to a partner during the perinatal period, using three different models of attachment. We used the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) to examine perceived parenting practices and adult attachment styles, respectively. The participants included 4586 Japanese women who were pregnant or who had given birth, up until one month after childbirth. We performed structural equation modeling analysis between PBI and RQ scores with three different category models, including the four-category model (secure, fearful, preoccupied, and dismissive attachment) as Model 1, the two-category model (model of the self and others) as Model 2, and the single-category model (total attachment style) as Model 3. Models 1 and 2 showed a good fit. Both path models showed a significant association between adult attachment style and perceived paternal and maternal parenting before adolescence, where high care and low overprotection from both paternal and maternal parents predicted adult attachment. Our findings indicate that attachment styles are best described using the four-category and two-category models, and suggest that both paternal and maternal overprotection and care influence adult attachment with a partner during the perinatal period.

Abstract Background Although several studies have found significant relationships between autistic traits and depression/anxiety, the relationships between autistic traits and postpartum depression/anxiety remain unclear. Moreover, few studies have examined the relationships between autistic traits and mother–infant bonding while considering depression or anxiety. Methods This study used a cross-sectional data analysis design. Participants were 2692 women who completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) at 1 month postpartum. We performed path analysis that included parity, the five AQ subscales (social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination), both HADS subscales (anxiety and depression), and the two MIBS subscales (lack of affection and anger and rejection). Results Our path analysis revealed that higher scores for social skills, attention switching, communication, and imagination were associated with higher scores for depression. Higher scores for social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, and communication were associated with higher scores for anxiety. Moreover, difficulties in social skills and imagination were associated with failure of maternal–infant bonding. However, more attention to detail was associated with better maternal–infant bonding. Conclusions This study suggests that maternal autistic traits are related to anxiety and depression to a certain degree, but only slightly related to maternal–infant bonding at 1 month postpartum. To improve autistic women’s quality of life and that of their newborns, perinatal mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and maternal–fetal bonding difficulties should be appropriately addressed.

BackgroundThere is a rising interest in perinatal mental health studies, and proper psychometric tools to assess autistic traits among this population in Japan are vital.ObjectiveThis study aimed to clarify the optimal factor structure of the AQ as part of a perinatal mental health research project.MethodsWe used the Japanese version of the AQ (AQ-J) to measure autistic-like traits in pregnant women. Participants were 4,287 Japanese women who were pregnant or who had given birth within the last month. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using the first sample group (n = 2,154) to obtain factor structures for the final item selections. We performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the second sample group (n = 2,133) to obtain a model with good fit, then compared the model to all previously proposed models to determine the best-fitting model.ResultsThe EFA analysis identified a model consisting of 25 items distributed across three factors. Cronbach’s alpha for the total 25-item AQ-J, 9-item “Social interaction” factor, 11-item “Non-verbal communication” factor, and 5-item “Restricted interest” factor was 0.829, 0.829, 0.755, and 0.576, respectively. McDonald’s omega and its 95% confidence interval were 0.826 (0.821–0.836), 0.835 (0.821–0.837), 0.755 (0.744–0.766), and 0.603 (0.556–0.596), respectively. CFA confirmed that the three-factor structure had an acceptable fit (goodness of fit index: 0.900, comparative fit index: 0.860, root mean square error of approximation: 0.066). These findings indicated that the three-factor model was better than the 13 existing models.ConclusionThe findings are discussed in relation to the adequacy of the AQ-J for assessing autistic traits in perinatal women. We recommend the use of this 25-item, three-factor AQ-J model for this population owing to its superiority to all previous models.

Abstract Odor environments in living spaces can influence human physiological and psychological states. To elucidate the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of wood in living spaces on the modulations of cognitive processing, we built two experimental huts to simulate wooden construction living spaces. One hut was made of cedarwood (Cryptomeria japonica), and the other was made of resin. We used cedarwood and resin, because they are often used as construction materials in Japan. In both huts, we measured the participants’ first positivity in the early visual cortex (P1), the third positivity elicited by voluntary attention (P3b), and the automatic occipital negativity to infrequent visual stimuli in event-related potentials (ERPs), while they performed a visual discrimination task. The VOCs in both huts were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The concentration of volatile sesquiterpenes was significantly increased in the cedarwood hut. Neither P1 nor P3b was affected by the cedarwood hut. Compared to the resin hut, we observed significantly larger occipital negativities to the infrequent stimuli in the cedarwood hut in the time windows of 280–300 ms at the mid-occipital region. These findings suggest that the increased concentration of volatile sesquiterpenes emitted from cedarwood facilitates the human brain’s response to changes in visual stimuli.

Abstract The pathophysiology underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia is related to endocrine system functions and includes changes in the blood levels of cortisol and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). However, these hormones have not been investigated simultaneously in patients with MDD and schizophrenia. We investigated the differences in serum cortisol and IGF-1 levels among patients with MDD and schizophrenia and controls. We included 129 patients with MDD, 71 patients with schizophrenia, and 71 healthy volunteers. Blood tests were performed between 6:00 am and 11:00 am after fasting. Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia than in patients with MDD and controls. Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in patients with MDD than in controls. Serum IGF-1 levels were higher in both patient groups than in controls, whereas there was no significant difference between patients with MDD and schizophrenia. Both cortisol and IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score in patients with MDD, whereas cortisol level was positively correlated and IGF-1 level was negatively correlated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score in patients with schizophrenia. The differences in the level of these hormones suggest pathophysiological differences between these disorders.

Abstract The parental bonding instrument (PBI) is often used to examine the perceptions of children and adolescents regarding parenting practices. Previous studies have investigated the factor structure of the PBI. However, although it is important to examine the relationships between the perceived parenting practices and perinatal mental health, few studies have included perinatal women. We aimed to accurately clarify which PBI factor structure was useful in assessing perinatal women (n = 4633). Furthermore, we evaluated the measurement invariance between primipara and multipara groups, and between the paternal and maternal PBI forms. Our exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that a three-factor PBI structure was most plausible for perinatal women. Moreover, we found complete invariance (residual invariance) of the PBI ratings across primipara and multipara women for the paternal and maternal forms. In contrast, we found weak invariance (metric invariance) of the PBI ratings across the paternal and maternal forms. Our participants tended to rate fathers as less caring and less overprotective than mothers. This three-factor structure shows measurement invariance in perinatal women and can be used to accurately determine how the perceived parenting style before adolescence influences women’s mental health in the perinatal period.

Abstract Quantitative assessment of the right-to-left ratio of pulmonary blood flow distribution is important for determining the clinical indications for treating pulmonary arterial branch stenosis. A novel theory was recently proposed that can be used to quantitatively assess the right-to-left ratio on conventional X-ray angiography images. In the proposal, further developments were indicated, especially automated calculation. In this study, a new automated algorithm was developed. In the X-ray image, regions of interest were set in right and left lung, and time-signal intensity curves were measured. The new automated algorithm is applied to determine the optimal time window for the analysis of the time-signal intensity curve and to calculate the slope of the curve in the optimized time window. The right-to-left ratios in seven consecutive patients calculated by the new automated algorithm were compared to those calculated by lung perfusion scintigraphy. The ratios were in good agreement with linear regression with a slope of 1.27 and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.95. The processing time was less than 10 s, which is one-eighth of the manual processing time. The new automated algorithm is accurate, stable, and fast enough for clinical use in the real world.

Abstract Aim There is little evidence on the effects of antipsychotic polypharmacy on metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia. Thus, this cross‐sectional study explored the associations between the number of antipsychotics prescribed and metabolic parameters in Japanese patients with schizophrenia. Methods We obtained metabolic parameter data from 19,675 patients with schizophrenia. Of these, 1380 (7.0%), 8422 (42.8%), 6326 (32.2%), and 3547 (18.0%) were treated with none, one, two, and three or more antipsychotics, respectively. We compared eight metabolic parameters among the four groups using univariate analyses. We then performed multiple regression analysis to assess the effect of the number of antipsychotics prescribed on metabolic parameters after controlling for the effects of age, sex, type of care (outpatient/inpatient), chlorpromazine‐equivalent dose, and antipsychotic type (aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone). Results There were significant differences in body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (dBP), total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides among the four groups. The multiple regression analysis showed that the number of antipsychotics prescribed was significantly correlated with BMI and dBP (standardized regression coefficient = 0.031 and 0.026, respectively). Conclusion Our results suggested that the number of antipsychotics prescribed adversely affects BMI and dBP. Clinicians should avoid inappropriate antipsychotic polypharmacy, especially polypharmacy involving three or more antipsychotics.

Abstract We conducted a comprehensive overall tap water hardness assessment for Japan. Tap water was collected from 665 points throughout Japan, and its standing position was quantitatively clarified by prefecture. The mean and median hardness of tap water in Japan was 48.9 ± 25.8 (1σ SD) and 46.0 mg/L, respectively. Compared with 27 other countries, Japan exhibited soft water with low-mineral content. Water hardness tended to be high in the Kanto region and low in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions. The impact of the distribution system’s water pipes on tap water hardness is discussed using a unified index to evaluate variations in hardness from raw to tap water. A comparison of the variations in hardness showed that hardness variations from raw to purified water and from purified to tap water exhibited a 20% variation range. Furthermore, tap water hardness and its fluctuations in any region of Japan were found to be caused by raw water hardness. It was demonstrated that the distribution pipe system had no large impacts on water hardness.

Abstract Background Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease and patients with PSP frequently experience depression. However, there have been few reports of patients with major depressive disorder as an antecedent diagnosis of PSP. Here, we report a case who presented with a major depressive episode with palilalia and difficulty in opening his eyes as prodromal symptoms of PSP. Case Presentation A Japanese man developed his first major depressive episode at the age of 75 years. At 76 years old, the patient developed palilalia and difficulty in opening his eyes, which worsened with anxiety and agitation. His depression symptoms were not alleviated following treatment with several antidepressants. He gradually became less depressed but more apathetic. Subsequently, he experienced falls and developed nuchal and axial rigidity. Magnetic resonance imaging and 123I‐ioflupane single‐photon emission tomography showed predominant midbrain atrophy and postsynaptic striatal dopaminergic degeneration, respectively. He was diagnosed as having symptoms suggestive of PSP at the age of 80 years. The combination of sertraline and aripiprazole reduced his anxiety and agitation. Botulinum toxin treatment provided partial relief for his difficulty in eye opening. Conclusion Some patients, such as the current case, develop a major depressive episode at the onset of PSP and present to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists should therefore be aware of the possibility of a major depressive episode with non‐specific symptoms preceding the onset of the core clinical features of PSP.

Abstract Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) wood is widely used as a traditional construction material in Japan. The relationship between an individual’s perceived comfort level and a preference for Japanese cedar wood interiors is of interest. We compared volunteers’ physiological responses and subjective evaluations of wooden dwelling spaces with different wood materials: planed Japanese cedar lumber, or printed grain resin sheet overlay boards. Eighty-three subjects were asked to stay in each room for 30 min. We evaluated salivary stress markers, blood pressure, the profile of mood states-brief form (POMS), and a questionnaire that used the semantic differential method to evaluate the subjects’ feeling state for both rooms. The concentrations of the volatile organic compounds in both rooms were also quantified after the experiment. The results demonstrated that the subjects’ evaluation of each room was highly dependent on their preference; each room was evaluated more positively by subjects who preferred it. Although the subjects’ feelings were also influenced by their preference, the room with Japanese cedar did not elicit negative feelings, even from the subjects who disliked it. The subjects’ physiological responses were totally independent of their preferences. Their blood pressure decreased in the Japanese cedar room, and their salivary alpha-amylase activity was repressed in both rooms. These results indicated that the subjective evaluations were influenced in part by the subjects’ preferences, while their physiological responses were not affected. Regardless of which room the subjects preferred, the Japanese cedar room reduced the subjects’ blood pressure compared to the room with artificial materials.

BackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes neurogenesis and neuroprotection. MIF is predominantly expressed in astrocytes in the brain. The serum MIF level and microsatellites/single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MIF gene promoter region are known to be associated with schizophrenia (SCZ). Interestingly, previous studies reported that hypoxia, an environmental risk factor for SCZ, induced MIF expression through binding of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 to the hypoxia response element (HRE) in the MIF promoter.MethodsWe investigated the involvement of MIF in SCZ while focusing on the HIF pathway. First, we conducted an association study of the SNP rs17004038 (C>A) in the HRE of the MIF promoter between 1758 patients with SCZ and 1507 controls. Next, we investigated the effect of hypoxia on MIF expression in primary cultured astrocytes derived from neonatal mice forebrain.ResultsSNP rs17004038 was significantly associated with SCZ (p = 0.0424, odds ratio = 1.445), indicating that this SNP in the HRE of the MIF promoter was a genetic risk factor for SCZ. Hypoxia induced MIF mRNA expression and MIF protein production and increased HIF-1 binding to the MIF promoter, while the activity of the MIF promoter was suppressed by mutations in the HRE and by deletion of the HRE in astrocytes.ConclusionThese results suggest that SNP rs17004038 in the HRE of the MIF promoter was significantly associated with SCZ and may be involved in the pathophysiology of SCZ via suppression of hypoxia and HIF pathway-induced MIF expression.

ObjectiveQuantitative assessment of pulmonary blood flow distribution is important when determining the clinical indications for treating pulmonary arterial branch stenosis. Lung perfusion scintigraphy is currently the gold standard for quantitative blood flow measurement. However, it is expensive, cannot provide a real-time assessment, requires additional sedation, and exposes the patient to ionizing radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a novel technology for measuring pulmonary blood flow distribution in each lung by conventional X-ray pulmonary angiography and to compare its performance to that of lung perfusion scintigraphy.MethodsContrast-enhanced X-ray pulmonary angiography images were acquired at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The baseline mask image, obtained before contrast agent injection, was subtracted from subsequent, consecutive images. The time-signal intensity curves of two regions of interest, established at each lung field, were obtained on a frame-to-frame basis. The net increase in signal intensity within each region at the torrent period during the second cardiac cycle before contrast agent enhancement over the total lung field was measured, and the right-to-left ratio of the signal intensity was calculated. The right-to-left ratio obtained with this approach was compared to that obtained with scintigraphy. Agreement of the right-to-left ratio between X-ray angiography and lung scintigraphy measurements was assessed using linear fitting with the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultThe calculation of the right-to-left ratio of pulmonary blood flow by our kinetic model was feasible for seven children as a pilot study. The right-to-left ratio of pulmonary blood flow distribution calculated from pulmonary angiography was in good agreement with that of lung perfusion scintigraphy, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.91 and a slope of linear fit of 1.2 (pConclusionThe novel diagnostic technology using X-ray pulmonary angiography from our kinetic model can feasibly quantify the right-to-left ratio of pulmonary blood flow distribution. This technology may serve as a substitute for lung perfusion scintigraphy, which is quite beneficial for small children susceptible to radiation exposure.

Molecular orientation is one of the most crucial factors to boost the efficiency of organic light-emitting devices. However, active control of molecular orientation of the emitter molecule by the host molecule is rarely realized so far, and the underlying mechanism is under discussion. Here, we systematically investigated the molecular orientations of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters in a series of carbazole-based host materials. Enhanced horizontal orientation of the TADF emitters was achieved. The degree of enhancement observed was dependent on the host material used. Consequently, our results indicate that π-π stacking, CH/n (n = O, N) weak hydrogen bonds, and multiple CH/π contacts greatly induce horizontal orientation of the TADF emitters in addition to the molecular shape anisotropy. Finally, we fabricated TADF-based organic light-emitting devices with an external quantum efficiency (ηext) of 26% using an emission layer with horizontal orientation ratio (Θ) of 79%, which is higher than that of an almost randomly oriented emission layer with Θ of 62% (ηext = 22%).

Summary: Compelling evidence in Caucasian populations suggests a role for copy-number variations (CNVs) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). We analyzed 1,108 ASD cases, 2,458 SCZ cases, and 2,095 controls in a Japanese population and confirmed an increased burden of rare exonic CNVs in both disorders. Clinically significant (or pathogenic) CNVs, including those at 29 loci common to both disorders, were found in about 8% of ASD and SCZ cases, which was significantly higher than in controls. Phenotypic analysis revealed an association between clinically significant CNVs and intellectual disability. Gene set analysis showed significant overlap of biological pathways in both disorders including oxidative stress response, lipid metabolism/modification, and genomic integrity. Finally, based on bioinformatics analysis, we identified multiple disease-relevant genes in eight well-known ASD/SCZ-associated CNV loci (e.g., 22q11.2, 3q29). Our findings suggest an etiological overlap of ASD and SCZ and provide biological insights into these disorders. : Kushima et al. perform comparative analyses of CNVs in ASD and SCZ in a Japanese population. They identify pathogenic CNVs and biological pathways in each disorder with significant overlap. Patients with pathogenic CNVs have a higher prevalence of intellectual disability. Disease-relevant genes are detected in eight well-known ASD/SCZ-associated CNV loci. Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, copy-number variation, array comparative genomic hybridization, genetic overlap, Japanese population, oxidative stress response, genome integrity, lipid metabolism, gene ontology

The solid-state properties of crystalline supramolecular polymers have generally remained unexplored. Herein, we investigated the isothermal crystallization of a supramolecular polymer and showed that, depending on the temperature, it formed distinct structures at a higher hierarchical level. Interestingly, the resulting crystalline forms showed distinct adhesive properties and mechanical-failure modes (adhesive or cohesive). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many attempts have been made to characterize the activities of brassinosteroids (BRs), which are important plant hormones. The crosstalk between light perception and the BR signalling pathway has been extensively studied regarding its effects on photomorphogenesis, especially in elongating etiolated hypocotyls. In contrast, how and where the light induces BR biosynthesis remain uncharacterized. DWF4 is one of the main enzymes involved in the BR biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. We established DWF4-GUS A. thaliana lines in a homozygous dwf4-102 genetic background, but functionally complemented with a genomic DWF4 sequence fused in-frame with a β-glucuronidase (GUS) marker gene. The DWF4-GUS plants enabled the visualization of the accumulation of DWF4 under different conditions. We investigated the effects of aboveground light on root and hypocotyl growth. We observed that root length increased when shoots were maintained under light irrespective of whether roots were exposed to light. We also determined that light perception in aerial tissues enhanced DWF4 accumulation in the root tips. Overall, our data indicate that BR biosynthesis is promoted in the root tip regions by an unknown mechanism in distantly located shoot tissues exposed to light, leading to increased root growth.

Background: There is a rising interest in perinatal mental health studies, and proper psychometric tools to assess autistic traits among this population in Japan are vital. Objective: This study aimed to clarify the optimal factor structure of the AQ as part of a perinatal mental health research project. Methods: We used the Japanese version of the AQ (AQ-J) to measure autistic-like traits in pregnant women. Participants were 4,287 Japanese women who were pregnant or who had given birth within the last month. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using the first sample group (n = 2,154) to obtain factor structures for the final item selections. We performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the second sample group (n = 2,133) to obtain a model with good fit, then compared the model to all previously proposed models to determine the best-fitting model. Results: The EFA analysis identified a model consisting of 25 items distributed across three factors. Cronbach's alpha for the total 25-item AQ-J, 9-item "Social interaction" factor, 11-item "Non-verbal communication" factor, and 5-item "Restricted interest" factor was 0.829, 0.829, 0.755, and 0.576, respectively. McDonald's omega and its 95% confidence interval were 0.826 (0.821-0.836), 0.835 (0.821-0.837), 0.755 (0.744-0.766), and 0.603 (0.556-0.596), respectively. CFA confirmed that the three-factor structure had an acceptable fit (goodness of fit index: 0.900, comparative fit index: 0.860, root mean square error of approximation: 0.066). These findings indicated that the three-factor model was better than the 13 existing models. Conclusion: The findings are discussed in relation to the adequacy of the AQ-J for assessing autistic traits in perinatal women. We recommend the use of this 25-item, three-factor AQ-J model for this population owing to its superiority to all previous models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is thought to be the primary regulator of centrosome number. Here, Watanabe et al. show that selective autophagy also plays a role in regulating centrosome number via p62-dependent recruitment of centrosomal protein 63 to autophagosomes.

The induction of rapid cell death is an effective strategy for plants to restrict biotrophic and hemi-biotrophic pathogens at the infection site. However, activation of cell death comes at a high cost, as dead cells will no longer be available for defense responses nor general metabolic processes. In addition, necrotrophic pathogens that thrive on dead tissue, take advantage of cell death-triggering mechanisms. Mechanisms by which plants solve this conundrum remain described. Here, we identify PLANT SMY2-TYPE ILE-GYF DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN 1 (PSIG1) and show that PSIG1 helps to restrict cell death induction during pathogen infection. Inactivation of PSIG1 does not result in spontaneous lesions, and enhanced cell death in psig1 mutants is independent of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, PSIG1 interacts with SMG7, which plays a role in nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), and the smg7-4 mutant allele mimics the cell death phenotype of the psig1 mutants. Intriguingly, the psig1 mutants display enhanced susceptibility to the hemi-biotrophic bacterial pathogen. These findings point to the existence and importance of the SA- and ROS-independent cell death constraining mechanism as a part of the plant immune system.

Various vaccine therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been investigated. Here we report transgenic rice expressing amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). The Aβ42 gene fused with a green fluorescent protein gene was introduced into rice using the Agrobacterium method. When transgenic brown rice expressing Aβ was orally administered to mice, serum anti-Aβ antibody titers were elevated. The same results were observed when mice were fed boiled, transgenic brown rice. The results indicate that an edible vaccine against AD using rice may be feasible. A vaccine derived from rice would be far cheaper than existing medical vaccines.