Integrated approach for seismic wave prediction and structural evaluation of Oya tuff quarry underground spaces: Field observations and numerical modeling.

This study evaluates the structural stability of large underground spaces in seismic conditions, represented by the Oya underground stone mining plant. By directly monitoring the seismic response of the underground mining site, significant earthquake activities at the plate boundaries of the Tokyo region and Ibaraki Prefecture offshore area were observed. Additionally, through an in-depth analysis of seismic records from different locations within the underground structure, the dynamic characteristics and motion patterns of the Oya underground stone mining plant were revealed, revealing its movement trajectory during earthquakes.

Evaluation of photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts derived from retinitis pigmentosa patients with defects in the EYS gene: a possible cost-effective cellular model for mechanism-oriented drug.

Background: The most common gene responsible for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is EYS. The manner of decay of genetically defective EYS gene transcripts varies depending on the type of mutation using our cellular model, which consists of induced photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts from EYS-RP patients (EYS-RP cells). However, disease-specific profiles have not been clarified in EYS-RP cells.

Gradiometer Using Separated Diamond Quantum Magnetometers.

The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamonds is known as the spin defect and using its electron spin, magnetometry can be realized even at room temperature with extremely high sensitivity as well as a high dynamic range. However, a magnetically shielded enclosure is usually required to sense weak magnetic fields because environmental magnetic field noises can disturb high sensitivity measurements. Here, we fabricated a gradiometer with variable sensor length that works at room temperature using a pair of diamond samples containing negatively charged NV centers.

Five major sequence variants and copy number variants in the gene account for one-third of Japanese patients with autosomal recessive and simplex retinitis pigmentosa.

Purpose: To elucidate the variant spectrum of the gene in a large cohort of Japanese patients with autosomal recessive and simplex retinitis pigmentosa (arRP and sRP).

Methods: We performed a direct sequencing analysis of 44 exons of the gene in 469 patients with RP (including 144 arRP, 288 sRP, and 17 autosomal dominant RP (adRP) cases) in eastern and western regions of Japan and a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) of patients who had a single heterozygous pathogenic variant.

Results: We identified six pathogenic and 16 likely pathogenic variants from a total of 186 nucleotide sequence variants, of which five variants, c.

The manner of decay of genetically defective EYS gene transcripts in photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts derived from retinitis pigmentosa patients depends on the type of mutation.

Background: Generation of induced photoreceptors holds promise for in vitro modeling of intractable retinal diseases. Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal dystrophy that leads to visual impairment. The EYS gene was reported to be the most common gene responsible for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP).

Discovery and in vivo effects of novel human natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) agonists with improved activity for rat NPR-A.

Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) agonists were evaluated in vivo by optimizing the structure of quinazoline derivatives to improve agonistic activity for rat NPR-A. A 1,4-Cis-aminocyclohexylurea moiety at 4-position and hydroxy group of d-alaninol at 2-position on the quinazoline ring were found to be important factors in improving rat NPR-A activity. We identified potent quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives against rat NPR-A, with double-digit nanomolar EC values.

Evaluation of cutoff scores for the Parkinson's disease sleep scale-2.

Background: The Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS)-2 is a recently developed tool for evaluating disease-related nocturnal disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its cutoff score has not been clinically assessed. We determined the optimal cutoff score of the Japanese version of the PDSS-2.

[Orbital apex syndrome due to relapse during steroid tapering in a patient with MPO-ANCA-positive IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis].

A 75-year-old man developed hearing loss and hoarseness; 5 months later, he suffered from headache and loss of appetite. A blood test showed an inflammatory reaction, a high level of serum IgG4 (254.0 mg/dl), and positive reaction for MPO-ANCA.

Comparison of LogMAR Eye charts with angular vision for visually impaired: the Berkeley rudimentary vision test vs LogMAR One target Landolt ring Eye chart.

Background: It is not common to quantify visual acuity worse than 2.0 logarithm of the minimal angle resolution (logMAR) (commensurate with decimal visual acuity 0.01) at ophthalmology clinics.

Snoring is associated with an impaired motor function, disease severity and the quality of life but not with excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Objective: There are conflicting results regarding the frequency and clinical significance of sleep related breathing disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between snoring and its clinical correlates in patients with PD.

Methods: A total of 93 PD patients and 93 controls were analyzed from a previously conducted cross-sectional study.

Probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, nocturnal disturbances and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: a case-controlled study using the rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire.

Background: Increasing evidence provides a clear association between rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorders (RBD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), but the clinical features that determine the co-morbidity of RBD and PD are not yet fully understood.

Methods: We evaluated the characteristics of nocturnal disturbances and other motor and non-motor features related to RBD in patients with PD and the impact of RBD on their quality of life. Probable RBD (pRBD) was evaluated using the Japanese version of the RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ-J).

Nocturnal disturbances and restlessness in Parkinson's disease: using the Japanese version of the Parkinson's disease sleep scale-2.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the validity and the reliability of the Japanese version of the Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS)-2 and to use this scale to identify nocturnal symptoms and their impact on patient's quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional, case-controlled study was conducted consisting of 93 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 93 age- and gender-matched control subjects. The Japanese version of the PDSS-2 was used for the evaluation of nocturnal disturbances.

[Sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson disease].

Sleep disturbances are among the most common disabling nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). Recently, awareness of sleep disorders related to PD has increased, reflecting their significant negative impact on the quality of life of the patient. However, sleep disturbances are still often under-recognized.

High prevalence of mutations in the EYS gene in Japanese patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa.

Purpose: To screen for disease-causing mutations in the Eyes shut homolog (EYS) gene in Japanese patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 68 RP patients and 68 controls.

Impaired decision-making in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.

Background: Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) frequently develop Parkinson's disease (PD), which can impair decision-making ability. This study was undertaken to investigate decision-making ability and its relation to olfactory function in patients with idiopathic RBD.

Methods: This study used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the Sniffin' Stick Test for examination of 38 patients with idiopathic RBD (iRBD) and 34 age-matched healthy control subjects (HC).

Preclinical substantia nigra dysfunction in rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder.

Objectives: Transcranial sonography (TCS) has been shown to reveal hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) in people with Parkinson's disease and in approximately 10% of healthy subjects. It is hypothesized that SN hyperechogenicity in healthy subjects and patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) patients is a marker of vulnerability for Parkinson's disease.

Methods: TCS and positron emission tomography (PET) with 6-[(18)F] fluoro-meta-tyrosine (FMT), which can assess the level of the presynaptic dopaminergic nerve, were performed in 19 male patients with iRBD, mean age 66.

Follow-up study of cardiac ¹²³I-MIBG scintigraphy in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.

Background: Cardiac (123) I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123) I-MIBG) uptake in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is markedly reduced, as in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: We performed (123) I-MIBG scintigrams on patients with iRBD and PD. After the initial (123) I-MIBG scintigram, we retested subjects after a mean of 2.

Sleep disturbances associated with Parkinson's disease.

Sleep disturbances are common problems affecting the quality life of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and are often underestimated. The causes of sleep disturbances are multifactorial and include nocturnal motor disturbances, nocturia, depressive symptoms, and medication use. Comorbidity of PD with sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, or circadian cycle disruption also results in impaired sleep.

Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Lewy Body Diseases.

Objectives. Both results of the odor identification and cardiac (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine accumulation have been investigated for their potential to enhance the detection of pathogenesis resembling that of Lewy body-related α-synucleinopathies in patients clinically diagnosed as having idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder. Methods.

Olfactory dysfunction in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.

Background: Olfactory dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) such as Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Methods: Olfactory function tests using Sniffin' Sticks and Odor Stick Identification Test for Japanese (OSIT-J) were performed in 73 consecutive middle-aged (range, 50-69 years) patients with iRBD, 33 consecutive older-aged (71-82 years) patients with iRBD, and 28 control subjects (55-70 years).

Results: Odor identification was more frequently impaired than odor threshold or discrimination among the iRBD group and allowed better discrimination between the middle-aged iRBD group and age-adjusted control subjects.

Relevance of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity and reduced odor identification in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.

Background: Substantia nigra (SN) hyperechogenicity determined by transcranial sonography (TCS) and olfactory dysfunction are common findings in Parkinson disease (PD), which may reveal a prodromal synucleinopathy in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD).

Methods: TCS and the Odor Stick Identification Test for Japanese (OSIT-J) were performed in 34 consecutive patients with iRBD (67.9+/-6.

[Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome associated with anti P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibody in a patient with primary double lung cancer].

We report the case of a 50-year-old man with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) associated with primary double lung cancer. He developed acute progressive double vision, slurred speech, and gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed diplopia, mild ptosis, bilateral horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus, and cerebellar limb and truncal ataxia.

The REM sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire: validation study of a Japanese version.

Background: REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by intermittent loss of normal skeletal muscle atonia during REM sleep and elaborate motor activity associated with dream mentation. Idiopathic RBD (iRBD) has a known association with neurodegenerative diseases such as synucleinopathies. Recently, a specific screening scale for assessment of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBDSQ) was validated.