Factors Related to Ikigai among Home-visit Rehabilitation Users Aged 75 Years and Older Receiving Home Medical and Nursing Care in Japan.

Objective: This study investigated the factors that influence Ikigai among people aged 75 years and older using home medical and nursing care with home-visit rehabilitation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 66 home-visit rehabilitation users aged 75 years or older who received home medical and nursing care at 2 home-care nursing stations. The following attributes were evaluated: Ikigai-9, life-space assessment (LSA), home-based LSA (Hb-LSA), Frenchay activities index (FAI), functional independence measure (FIM), self-efficacy for activities of daily living (SEADL), self-efficacy scale for going out among community-dwelling elderly (SEGE), and physical function.

Association Between Early Mobilization and Postoperative Pneumonia Following Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in Patients with Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: The objective of this study was to confirm that early mobilization (EM) could reduce pneumonia in patients undergoing robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC).

Methods: Postoperative pneumonia was defined as physician-diagnosed pneumonia using the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group definition of pneumonia with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade II-V on postoperative day (POD) 3-5. EM was defined as achieving an ICU Mobility Scale (IMS) ≥7 by POD 2.

A Clinical Prediction Rule for Predicting the Health-related Quality of Life after 5 Months in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Undergoing Conservative Treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to derive a clinical prediction rule (CPR) that can predict changes in health-related quality of life at 5 months for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) undergoing conservative treatment.

Methods: Patients with KOA receiving physical therapy and exercise therapy at an outpatient clinic were included in this study. The basic characteristics, medical information, and motor function test results were recorded at baseline.

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Quadriceps Muscle Thickness and Lower Extremity Motor Score in Individuals with Subacute Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of 2-week neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps muscle atrophy and lower extremity motor score in individuals with subacute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: This stratified randomized controlled trial, conducted in the advanced critical care center of a university hospital, comprised 49 individuals with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale grade C and D incomplete cervical SCI. The participants were stratified based on the ASIA impairment scale grade and randomly assigned to the control (n = 25) or NMES (n = 24) group.

Molecular and cellular regulators of embryo implantation and their application in improving the implantation potential of IVF-derived blastocysts.

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) are widely used in reproductive biology. Despite the transfer of high-quality blastocysts, the implantation rate of IVF-derived blastocysts remains low after ET.

Methods: This article provides a comprehensive review of current research on embryo implantation regulators and their application to improve the implantation potential of IVF-derived blastocysts.

Evaluation of a surrogate virus neutralization assay for detecting neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in an African population.

The global resurgence of coronaviruses and the move to incorporate COVID-19 vaccines into the expanded program for immunization have warranted for a high-throughput and low-cost assay to measure and quantify mounted neutralizing antibodies as an indicator for protection against SARS-CoV-2. Hence, we evaluated the surrogate-virus-neutralization-assay (sVNT) as an alternative assay to the pseudo-virus neutralization assay (pVNT). The sVNT was used to measure neutralizing antibodies among 119 infected and/or vaccinated blood samples, against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 (WT) and the Omicron-variant with reference to the pVNT.

Hyperspectral analysis to assess gametocytogenesis stage progression in malaria-infected human erythrocytes.

Significance: Developments of anti-gametocyte drugs have been delayed due to insufficient understanding of gametocyte biology. We report a systematic workflow of data processing algorithms to quantify changes in the absorption spectrum and cell morphology of single malaria-infected erythrocytes. These changes may serve as biomarkers instrumental for the future development of antimalarial strategies, especially for anti-gametocyte drug design and testing.

Polymicrobial infection presenting as non-clostridial gas gangrene in a patient with an open pelvic ring fracture accompanied by abdominal evisceration: a case report.

Background: Open pelvic fractures are rare but represent a serious clinical problem with high mortality rates. Acute mortality is often associated with hemorrhage, whereas delayed mortality is most often associated with sepsis and multiple organ failure. We report a case of Wang's classification of type II open pelvic ring fracture with hemorrhagic shock and septic shock from gas gangrene.

Myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with silicosis, alveolar hemorrhage, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: a case report.

Background: The underlying pathophysiology of some occupational diseases such as silicosis involves autoantibodies. An autoantibody, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), has been recently reported and is known to be elevated in diseases such as vasculitis; therefore, the disease is currently known as ANCA-associated vasculitis. The risk of ANCA-associated vasculitis is known to be 25 times higher in patients with silicosis than in those without any occupational disease.

MBCdeg4: A modified clustering-based method for identifying differentially expressed genes from RNA-seq data.

RNA-seq is a commonly employed methodology for the measurement of transcriptomes, particularly for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different conditions or groups. In a previous report, we described a clustering-based method for identifying DEGs, designated MBCdeg1 and MBCdeg2. and a modified version, MBCdeg3.

ArfGAP with the SH3 Domain, Ankyrin Repeat and PH Domain 1 Inversely Regulates Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Through Negative Feedback of Phosphorylated Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor and Activation of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Signaling pathways centered on the G-protein ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) and its downstream effector ArfGAP with the SH3 Domain, Ankyrin Repeat and PH Domain 1 (AMAP1) drive cancer invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The Arf6-AMAP1 pathway has been reported to promote receptor recycling leading to programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression in pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Moreover, AMAP1 regulates of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which is an important molecule in inflammation and immune activation, including tumor immune interaction through PD-L1 regulation.

Novel omnipolar mapping technology for effective superior vena cava isolation: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Successful isolation of the superior vena cava (SVC) using a functional conduction block between the right atrium (RA) and SVC has been documented. However, a comparison of this approach with the conventional method (CM) of circumferential ablation of the RA-SVC junction, based on angiography, remains unexplored.

Objective: In this study, we employed the innovative omnipolar mapping technology (OT) to discern the RA-SVC connection and compared clinical outcomes with those from CM.

A case of successful salvage despite right ventricular perforation during AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker implantation.

To prevent cardiac tamponade caused by catheter tip slippage during the retraction of the protective sleeve in Aveir VR implantation, it is crucial to carefully evaluate not only the bulge of the protective sleeve but also the shape of the system's shaft using fluoroscopic imaging.

Use of optimal fluoroscopic angulation to facilitate effective pulsed field ablation in a patient with atrial fibrillation.

The circular-shaped PulseSelect™ PFA catheter has demonstrated comparable efficacy to traditional thermal catheter ablation in achieving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), while preventing thermally mediated complications. However, this catheter does not have any objective parameters to confirm real-time tissue-catheter contact. We report a case in which PVI was achieved through PFA using optimal biplane fluoroscopic angulations which were more useful for accurately assessing and adjusting the position and rotation of the circular catheter electrodes than the conventional fluoroscopic angulations.

Universal kinetic description for the thermal dehydration of sodium carbonate monohydrate powder across different temperatures and water vapor pressures.

The thermal dehydration of sodium carbonate monohydrate (SC-MH) exhibits kinetic characteristics that are typical of the thermal decomposition of solids with a reversible nature. One of the characteristics is the physico-geometrical constraints of the reaction due to the heterogeneous reaction feature. Another factor is the considerable impact of the atmospheric and self-generated water vapor on the kinetics.

Catalytic reduction of NAD(P) to NAD(P)H.

1,4-Dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and its phosphate ester (NADPH) are essential cofactors required for all living cells, playing pivotal roles in multiple biological processes such as energy metabolism and biosynthesis. NADPH is produced during photosynthesis by the combination of photosystem II, where water is oxidised, and photosystem I, where NADP is reduced. This review focuses on catalytic NAD(P) (and its analogues) reduction to generate 1,4-NAD(P)H without formation of other regioisomers and the dimer.

Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Immunogenicity of ABBV-154 in Adults With Glucocorticoid-Dependent Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Objective: An unmet need exists for glucocorticoid-sparing treatments for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). The antibody-drug conjugate ABBV-154 comprises adalimumab conjugated to a glucocorticoid receptor modulator. We evaluated ABBV-154 versus placebo in patients with glucocorticoid-dependent PMR.

Hospital Variability in the Use of Vasoactive Agents in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure for Clinical Phenotypes.

Background: The absence of practice standards in vasoactive agent usage for acute decompensated heart failure has resulted in significant treatment variability across hospitals, potentially affecting patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess temporal trends and institutional differences in vasodilator and inotrope/vasopressor utilization among patients with acute decompensated heart failure, considering their clinical phenotypes.

Methods: Data were extracted from a government-funded multicenter registry covering the Tokyo metropolitan area, comprising consecutive patients hospitalized in intensive/cardiovascular care units with a primary diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure between January 2013 and December 2021.

Expression of spider silk protein in tobacco improves drought tolerance with minimal effects on its mechanotype.

Spider silk, especially dragline silk from golden silk spiders (Trichonephila clavipes), is an excellent natural material with remarkable mechanical properties. Many studies have focused on the use of plants as biofactories for the production of recombinant spider silk. However, the effects of this material on the mechanical properties or physiology of transgenic plants remain poorly understood.

Rhodamine-Gold Hybrid Nanosensor for Rapid and Selective Detection of Hg2+ Ions in Environmental Samples.

This research focuses on the selective detection of Hg2+ ions using hybrid nanosensors composed of rhodamine building blocks linked to polyamine units of varying chain lengths to produce Rho1-Rho4, which were subsequently conjugated with thioctic acid (RT1-RT4) and attached to the surface of gold nanoparticles to create hybrid nanosensors (GRT1-GRT4) designed for detecting heavy metals. The chemical structures, purity, morphology, and chemical composition were characterized through XRD, NMR, TEM, ATR-FTIR, and mass spectrometry. These hybrid nanosensors demonstrated excellent selectivity and sensitivity in colorimetric and fluorescence responses towards Hg2+, outperforming other metal ions.

Effects of polymyxin B haemoperfusion on septic shock caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Polymyxin B haemoperfusion is commonly used to adsorb endotoxins in septic shock caused by Gram-negative bacterial infections. Polymyxin B haemoperfusion has been reported to improve hypotension in Gram-positive bacterial infections; however, its efficacy and mechanism in treating such cases are unclear. We hypothesised that polymyxin B haemoperfusion would be equally effective in improving haemodynamics during Gram-positive bacterial infections as in Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Enhanced Efficiency and Stability of Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Through MOF Integration.

Tin halide perovskites are promising candidates for lead-free perovskite solar cells due to their ideal bandgap and high charge-carrier mobility. However, poor crystal quality and rapid degradation in ambient conditions severely limit their stability and practical applications. This study demonstrates that incorporating UiO-66, a zirconium-based MOF, significantly enhances the performance and stability of tin halide perovskite solar cells (TPSCs).

Extracellular and intracellular digestion in the bivalves studied by magnetic resonance imaging with a contrast reagent.

We investigated the extracellular and intracellular digestion of bivalves employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ruditapes philippinarum clams and Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were incubated in seawater containing a contrast reagent (GdDTPA) at 20°C. The digestive systems, from the esophagus to the rectum, were visualized at a high signal intensity by the T1-weighted MRI.

Electrophysiological Characterization of Monoolein-Fatty Acid Bilayers.

Understanding the evolution of protocells, primitive compartments that distinguish self from nonself, is crucial for exploring the origin of life. Fatty acids and monoglycerides have been proposed as key components of protocell membranes due to their ability to self-assemble into bilayers and vesicles capable of nutrient exchange. In this study, we investigate the electrophysiological properties of planar bilayers composed of monoglyceride and fatty acid mixtures, using a droplet interface bilayer system.