Publications by authors named "Keiko Goto"

Article Synopsis
  • Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is shown to worsen outcomes in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) despite being well-known for its negative impacts on atherosclerotic disease.
  • Researchers analyzed 198 DCM patients using advanced genetic sequencing to find both germline mutations linked to cardiomyopathy and somatic mutations in CHIP driver genes, discovering 25 CHIP mutations in 22 patients.
  • The study concluded that CHIP is an independent risk factor for cardiac issues in DCM, contributing to worsened heart function and structural damage, and that genetic mutations can help predict patient prognosis.
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  • - A case study in Japan reported the long-term detection of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in one individual for 106 days, which is unusual since the virus typically becomes undetectable within weeks.
  • - Whole genome sequencing showed that the same lineage, B.1.1.7, was present at both the onset of the disease and two months later, with only a minor genetic difference identified.
  • - This research provides important insights into the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and represents the first documented instance of prolonged viral detection with full genomic comparison in Japan.
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  • Human Norwalk viruses (HuNoVs) are the leading cause of gastroenteritis, known for causing food poisoning outbreaks worldwide.
  • This study introduces a new high-throughput proteomic assay to detect a key viral protein (VP1) in HuNoVs, using mass spectrometry for improved diagnosis and surveillance.
  • The method allows for simultaneous genotyping and quantification of VP1 in stool samples, potentially advancing molecular epidemiology studies and clinical applications for HuNoV detection.
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  • Japan's three COVID-19 waves featured different PANGO lineages, specifically B.1.1.162, B.1.1.284, and B.1.1.214.
  • Along with these, the B.1.1.7 lineage is present at 25%, while the R.1 lineage with the E484K mutation has a 40% prevalence.
  • The E484K mutation may help the virus escape immune responses, highlighting the need for ongoing genome surveillance to track and manage emerging variants.
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Abstract: During the 2014 to 2018 seasons, we conducted a longitudinal study involving enteric virus surveillance in bivalves, including natural oysters and clams harvested in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Some norovirus (NoV) contaminations were detected in natural oysters, whereas no enteric virus was found in clams. NoVs detected in oysters were of the genotypes GII.

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  • The first COVID-19 case in Japan was reported on January 15, 2020, and multiple clusters emerged by the end of February, prompting the government to conduct active surveillance.
  • Despite efforts to contain the virus, cases continued to rise until early April, with many instances lacking clear infection routes.
  • Genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from early cases revealed at least two distinct introductions of the virus into Japan—first from China and later from Europe—contributing to the spread within the country.
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  • Human parechovirus type 3 (HPeV3) causes serious illnesses in infants and adults, but there are currently no specific diagnostic tools available for it.
  • Researchers developed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the HPeV3 capsid protein VP0, using a specialized immunization technique with mice to produce hybridoma clones.
  • They identified nine mAbs that react to HPeV3 VP0, successfully creating a reliable ELISA test for diagnosing HPeV3 without cross-reactivity to other viruses.
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We previously demonstrated that a synthetic negatively charged poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) gel induced chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells. In this study, we clarified the underlying molecular mechanism, in particular, focusing on the events that occurred at the interface between the gel and the cells. Gene expression profiling revealed that the expression of extracellular components was enhanced in the ATDC5 cells that were cultured on the PAMPS gel, suggesting that extracellular proteins secreted from the ATDC5 cells might be adsorbed in the PAMPS gel, thereby contributing to the induction of chondrogenic differentiation.

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Background: In Japan, patients can freely choose medical facilities. Many visit different medical facilities for different diseases, and for convenience, often utilize the pharmacies neighboring these facilities. Accordingly, a "My Pharmacy" model was recommended, in which patients select a single pharmacy using their own judgement to receive proper medication services.

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  • The study aimed to explore how parents perceive mindful eating and mindful food parenting with their elementary school children, focusing on two cultural groups: Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white parents.
  • Four focus groups were conducted, revealing key themes about food traditions, perceptions of mindful eating, and involvement in gardening and meal prep.
  • The findings suggest that cultural backgrounds influence mindful eating practices, highlighting the importance of traditional cooking and sensory appreciation, while differences in views on portion control were noted between the two groups.
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  • "Academic Detailing" aims to provide doctors with non-commercial, evidence-based information on medicines to improve prescription practices.
  • In Japan, pharmacists are taking on this role to enhance clinical decision-making and promote better patient-centered care.
  • Future training for academic detailers will focus on comparing drugs based on scientific evidence, tailoring prescriptions to patient conditions, choosing cost-effective options, and developing strong communication skills.
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  • CNS metastasis is a significant negative predictor for patients with advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), impacting their quality of life; clinical studies indicate a potential difference in CNS metastasis rates between two treatments, gefitinib and erlotinib, but further investigation is needed.
  • In a study involving 170 patients, it was found that the rate of progression of CNS metastasis was lower in those treated with erlotinib compared to gefitinib, particularly among patients without pre-existing CNS issues.
  • Re-biopsy results showed a higher occurrence of the T790M mutation in patients with CNS progression, suggesting a possible link between CNS metastasis and resistance to EGFR-TKI treatments
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  • Human norovirus (HuNoV) is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, with GII.4 being the most common strain, though other genotypes like GII.2, GII.6, and GII.17 are also noteworthy.
  • An epidemiological study in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, from September 2012 to August 2018 revealed that each GII genotype had distinct outbreak patterns and patient demographics, with GII.4 showing a resurgence after a decline.
  • The research highlighted that different genotypes were linked to various outbreak locations, like childcare facilities and nursing homes, indicating a complex interplay between these viruses and their environments.
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  • * Patients were categorized into four groups based on their kidney function, using a specific equation to estimate their glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and their S-1 doses were adjusted accordingly.
  • * Results showed that patients with lower eGFRs who received adjusted doses had similar drug absorption levels to those with better kidney function, and no significant differences in toxicity were observed among the groups.
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Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent in pigs and may serve as a reservoir for human infection. However, data on HEV infections in pigs in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, are limited. Here, we clarified the process and course of HEV in naturally infected pigs.

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We report the case of a young woman who received intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) and subsequently became pregnant and had a normal delivery. A 28-year-old woman with flexion myelopathy had anterior decompression with fusion at C4/5 and C5/6 levels. Clinical symptoms improved after surgery.

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Mindful eating interventions have become a focus among health professionals, which warrants a need for a psychometrically solid assessment tool. The current study outlines the development and initial validation of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) adapted for Children (MEQ-C). Participants included 262 third through fifth grade students (53% female, 57% white, non-Hispanic) who participated in a mindful eating intervention Foodie U.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates whether preserving remnant tissue during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction helps control pivot-shift laxity, which is a measure of knee stability after surgery.
  • - Results demonstrated significant improvements in knee stability metrics, with the peak coupled anterior tibial translation (pCAT) and acceleration of posterior translation (APT) showing marked reductions after preservation of remnant tissue.
  • - A positive correlation was found between the extent of remnant tissue preservation and improved knee stability, with higher graft coverage scores linked to better outcomes in both pCAT and APT measurements.
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Background: There has been increased interest in one-step cell-free procedures to avoid the problems related to cell manipulation and its inherent disadvantages. We have studied the chondrogenic induction ability of a PAMPS/PDMAAm double-network (DN) gel and found it to induce chondrogenesis in animal osteochondral defect models. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the healing process and the degree of cartilage regeneration induced by the cell-free method using DN gel are influenced by the size of osteochondral defects.

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  • Soft tissues like cartilage and ligaments in the body are tough but can't heal themselves after injuries, leading to a need for artificial alternatives to improve recovery.
  • Researchers developed tough hydrogels made from collagen extracted from sturgeon fish, which mimic these tissues and have improved mechanical properties and swelling behavior comparable to natural cartilage.
  • The new collagen-based hydrogels bond well with bone and show promising results in live tests on rabbits, suggesting potential use in future orthopedic implants for repairing cartilage and bone defects.
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Purpose: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Hmong Americans, an understudied ethnic minority group. This research sought to identify barriers and facilitators related to the diabetes education experience of Hmong Americans with type 2 diabetes, living in central California.

Method: This qualitative study employed a hybrid design to identify barriers and facilitators to diabetes education.

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Unlabelled: The purpose of this study was to clarify fundamental mechanical properties and biological responses of the sodium hyaluronate-containing double network (HA-DN) gel and chondroitin sulfate-containing double network (CS-DN) gel, which were newly developed using the molecular stent method. This study discovered the following facts. First, these hydrogels had high mechanical performance comparable to the native cartilage tissue, and the mechanical properties were not affected by immersion in the saline solution for 12weeks.

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The purposes of this study were to identify signaling pathways that were specifically activated in ATDC5 cells cultured on poly (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) gel in insulin-free maintenance medium and to evaluate the significance of the determined signaling pathways in the chondrogenic differentiation induced by this gel. In this study, ATDC5 cells cultured on PAMPS gel using the maintenance medium without insulin (PAMPS Culture) were compared with cells cultured on polystyrene using the differentiation medium containing insulin (PS-I Culture). The microarray analysis, Western blot analysis, and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that the TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway was significantly enhanced at Days 1, 2, and 3 in the PAMPS Culture when compared with the PS-I Culture.

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Objective: To examine perceived social and cultural capitals associated with family eating practices among Hmong, Latino, and white mothers and fathers.

Methods: Six focus groups composed of 52 Hmong, Latino, and white mothers and fathers of young children were conducted to examine parental perceptions of social and cultural capitals associated with eating practices.

Results: Whereas Hmong participants unanimously emphasized the healthfulness of their traditional food, Latino groups had divergent views on their traditional foods' healthfulness.

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