Feasibility/clinical utility of half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo imaging combined with deep learning reconstruction in gynecologic magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: When antispasmodics are unavailable, the periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER; called BLADE by Siemens Healthineers) or half Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) is clinically used in gynecologic MRI. However, their imaging qualities are limited compared to Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) with antispasmodics. Even with antispasmodics, TSE can be artifact-affected, necessitating a rapid backup sequence.

Lower limb biomechanics and control of center of mass during turning phases in daily gait.

This study aims to elucidate the biomechanical characteristics of turning in daily life by analyzing the three-step process of approach, turn, and departure phases. The research involved ten healthy young individuals performing straight walking and 90° turns, categorized into Side-Step (SS) and Cross-Step (CS) turns. Using a 17-camera motion capture system and force plates, the study measured joint angles, moments, and center of mass (COM) variations.

Development of genogroup-specific ELISAs based on the VP1 protein to detect antibodies to GIV and GVI feline norovirus.

Feline norovirus (FNoV) is a potential pathogen of feline gastroenteritis and has two genogroups (GIV and GVI). Few epidemiological studies have been conducted on FNoV. We designed two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to identify genogroup-specific FNoV antibodies for serological surveillance.

Estimating three-dimensional foot bone kinematics from skin markers using a deep learning neural network model.

The human foot is a complex structure comprising 26 bones, whose coordinated movements facilitate proper deformation of the foot, ensuring stable and efficient locomotion. Despite their critical role, the kinematics of foot bones during movement remain largely unexplored, primarily due to the absence of non-invasive methods for measuring foot bone kinematics. This study addresses this gap by proposing a neural network model for estimating foot bone movements using surface markers.

Direct visualization and measurement of the plantar aponeurosis behavior in foot arch deformation via the windlass mechanism.

The plantar aponeurosis (PA) is an elastic longitudinal band that contributes to the generation of a propulsive force in the push-off phase during walking and running through the windlass mechanism. However, the dynamic behavior of the PA remains unclear owing to the lack of direct measurement of the strain it generates. Therefore, this study aimed to visualize and quantify the PA behavior during two distinct foot postures: (i) neutral posture and (ii) windlass posture with midtarsal joint plantarflexion and metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion, using computed tomography scans.

Distinct effects of Fgf7 and Fgf10 on the terminal differentiation of murine bladder urothelium revealed using an organoid culture system.

Background: Dysregulation of the terminal differentiation of bladder urothelium is associated with the pathogenesis of urinary tract disorders. Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)7 and Fgf10 stimulate urothelial proliferation; however, their roles in cellular differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we used an organoid system to investigate the roles of these Fgfs in regulating bladder urothelium differentiation and identify their distribution patterns in the mouse bladder.

Sex differences in the kinematics and kinetics of the foot and plantar aponeurosis during drop-jump.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in runners and jumpers, with a higher incidence in females. However, mechanisms underlying sex-associated differences in its incidence remain unclear. This study investigated the possible differences in landing and jumping kinematics and kinetics of the foot between sexes during drop-jump activities.

Examining the reliability and validity of a self-regulated learning strategy scale for undergraduate nursing students and effective factors of self-regulated learning strategies.

Background: Self-regulated learning in higher education has increasingly attracted attention in recent years. This study involved a survey of nursing students using an originally developed tool called the Self-regulated Learning Strategy Scale for Undergraduate Nursing Students (SRLSS-NS).

Objectives: We aimed to elucidate factors relating to the promotion of self-regulated learning while confirming the reliability and validity of the novel scale.

Non-volatile optical memory based on cooperative orientation switching: improvement of recording speed and contrast by utilizing out-of-plane orientation mode.

Herein, we report a novel strategy toward non-volatile optical memory with high-contrast, high-speed recording, and non-destructive readout capability based on the cooperative out-of-plane orientation of a fluorescent dye doped into azobenzene liquid crystalline polymer film. By employing the out-of-plane orientation switching upon irradiation with UV light and thermal heating, high-contrast turn-on fluorescence switching was successfully achieved and the optical recording was demonstrated with non-destructive fluorescence readout capability. Furthermore, the recording speed and the fluorescence on/off contrast in the present system were dramatically improved compared to the previous in-plane orientation mode.

Possible contribution of COVID-19 vaccination to the subsequent mental well-being in Japan.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on mental well-being. Vaccination may have played a pivotal role in enduring this mental health crisis. The present study aimed to longitudinally investigate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and mental health status among Japanese population in 2021.

Successful engraftment of bladder organoids in de-epithelialized mouse colon.

Purpose: To engraft bladder organoids (BO) on de-epithelialized mouse colon using an epithelial replacement technique.

Methods: BO cultured using bladder specimens from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic mice were engrafted to replace proximal colon epithelium stripped from an approximately 1 cm long target site in syngeneic wild-type recipient mice (n = 9) by exposure to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid by infusion and flushing with phosphate buffered saline. Target sites were harvested on postoperative days 2, 7, and 28 for hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescence.

A Structure-Adaptive Ligand: The Conformation Changes to Fit with the Lengths and Angles of Tetravalent Bis-Paraquat Guests.

A flexible cylindrical cryptand () with two -phenylene-26-crown-8 ethers has been prepared, and its complexing properties with respect to tetravalent cationic bis-paraquat guests have been investigated. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and titration experiments using cold electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and H NMR revealed that has versatile complexing properties with respect to tetravalent cationic guests used despite the guest molecules' length and shape.

Risk Stratification for Pregnancies Diagnosed With Fetal Growth Restriction Based on Placental MRI.

Background: Diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) entails difficulties with differentiating fetuses not fulfilling their growth potential because of pathologic conditions, such as placental insufficiency, from constitutionally small fetuses. The feasibility of placental MRI for risk stratification among pregnancies diagnosed with FGR remains unexplored.

Purpose: To explore quantitative MRI features useful to identify pregnancies with unfavorable outcomes and to assess the diagnostic performance of visual analysis of MRI to detect pregnancies with unfavorable outcomes, among pregnancies diagnosed with FGR.

MR findings of polypoid endometriosis of female genital organs: report of three cases.

Polypoid endometriosis is a benign, rare variant of endometriosis that forms polypoid nodules mimicking malignant tumors. For three cases of polypoid endometriosis of female genital organs, this report presents characteristic MR imaging features reflecting the histopathological findings. The solid and microcystic pattern or the multilocular pattern both reflecting dilated endometrial glands, and characteristic morphology of the nodules, multilobulated or polypoid-shaped, were helpful diagnostic clues present in these three cases.

Determination of relationship between foot arch, hindfoot, and hallux motion using Oxford foot model: Comparison between walking and running.

Background: The foot arch plays an important role in propulsion and shock absorption during walking and running; however, the relationship among the foot arch, metatarsal locking theory, and nature of the windlass mechanism (WM) remain unclear.

Research Question: What are the differences in the kinematic relationship between the foot arch, hindfoot, and hallux during walking and running?

Methods: Relative angles within the foot were measured in 18 healthy men using the Oxford foot model (OFM). Data for barefoot walking at a comfortable speed and rearfoot running at 2.

Clinical background of patients with psoriasiform skin lesions due to tumor necrosis factor antagonist administration at a single center.

Paradoxical reaction (PR) occurs when a drug elicits a reaction contrary to what was expected. To clarify the clinical features and genetic background of individuals susceptible to PR, we analyzed the clinical course of patients in whom psoriatic eruptions worsened or newly developed during tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist administration and the role of focal infections and genetic variations. Of 125 patients who received TNF antagonist therapy for psoriasis, acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH), generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPP), eight patients with PR were surveyed at our hospital Dermatology Department between 2010 and 2021.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 IB to IIB Cervical Cancer Staging: Comparison Among Magnetic Resonance Sequences and Pathologies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the most accurate magnetic resonance (MR) sequence for tumor detection, maximal tumor diameter, and parametrial invasion compared with histopathologic diagnoses.

Methods: Fifty-one patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 IB1 to IIB cervical cancer underwent preoperative MR imaging and surgical resection. Two radiologists independently evaluated the tumor detection, parametrial invasion, and tumor size in each of T2-weighted image, diffusion-weighted image, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image.

Defined serum-free culture of human infant small intestinal organoids with predetermined doses of Wnt3a and R-spondin1 from surgical specimens.

Purpose: Refinement of organoid technology is important for studying physiology and disease of the intestine. We aimed to optimize defined serum-free conditions for human infant small intestinal (SI) organoid culture with predetermined doses of Wnt3a and Rspo1 from surgical specimens. We further assessed whether intestinal specimens could be stored before use as a source of organoids.

Diagnostic performance of preoperative MR imaging findings for differentiation of uterine leiomyoma with intraligamentous growth from subserosal leiomyoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI findings for differentiating uterine leiomyoma with intraligamentous growth, or broad ligament fibroid, from subserosal leiomyoma.

Methods: This study included 37 patients with surgically confirmed uterine smooth muscle tumors (36 leiomyomas and one smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential) with intraligamentous growth (IL) and size-matched control of 37 patients with subserosal leiomyoma (SS). Two radiologists independently evaluated eight preoperative MRI findings: tumor shape, degeneration, attachment to uterus, ovary elevation, ureter displacement, bladder deformation, rectal displacement, and separation of round ligament (RL) and uterine artery (UA).

Schlafen 11 Is a Novel Target for Mucosal Regeneration in Ulcerative Colitis.

Background And Aims: Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an intractable course. Although the goal of UC therapy is to achieve mucosal healing, the pathogenesis of mucosal injury caused by chronic inflammation remains unknown. We therefore aim to elucidate molecular mechanisms of mucosal injury by establishing in vitro and in vivo humanised UC-mimicking models.