Association between preoperative exercise tolerance and unplanned readmission in patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Despite advances in treatment, the incidence of postoperative complications following pancreatectomy remains high, leading to frequent hospital readmissions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative exercise tolerance and the likelihood of unplanned readmission in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 88 patients who underwent pancreatectomy at a single institution between July 2019 and September 2022 and focused on patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Predictive equation derived from 6,497 doubly labelled water measurements enables the detection of erroneous self-reported energy intake.

Nutritional epidemiology aims to link dietary exposures to chronic disease, but the instruments for evaluating dietary intake are inaccurate. One way to identify unreliable data and the sources of errors is to compare estimated intakes with the total energy expenditure (TEE). In this study, we used the International Atomic Energy Agency Doubly Labeled Water Database to derive a predictive equation for TEE using 6,497 measures of TEE in individuals aged 4 to 96 years.

Rice transcription factor bHLH25 confers resistance to multiple diseases by sensing HO.

Hydrogen peroxide (HO) is a ubiquitous signal regulating many biological processes, including innate immunity, in all eukaryotes. However, it remains largely unknown that how transcription factors directly sense HO in eukaryotes. Here, we report that rice basic/helix-loop-helix transcription factor bHLH25 directly senses HO to confer resistance to multiple diseases caused by fungi or bacteria.

Foot trajectory as a key factor for diverse gait patterns in quadruped robot locomotion.

Four-legged robots are becoming increasingly pivotal in navigating challenging environments, such as construction sites and disaster zones. While substantial progress in robotic mobility has been achieved using reinforcement learning techniques, quadruped animals exhibit superior agility by employing fundamentally different strategies. Bio-inspired controllers have been developed to replicate and understand biological locomotion strategies.

Neutrophil adhesion to vessel walls impairs pulmonary circulation in COVID-19 pathology.

Microthrombus formation is associated with COVID-19 severity; however, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated mouse models with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection by using our in vivo two-photon imaging system. In the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice, increased expression of adhesion molecules in intravascular neutrophils prolonged adhesion time to the vessel wall, resulting in platelet aggregation and impaired lung perfusion.

High-Resolution TG-TOFMS Coupled with Principal Component Analysis and Kendrick Mass Defect Analysis: Elucidation of Molecular-Scale Degradation Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene during Thermo-Oxidative Degradation.

This study presents a novel approach that combines thermogravimetric analysis with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TG-TOFMS), principal component analysis (PCA), and Kendrick mass defect (KMD) analysis─referred to as TG-PCA-KMD─to investigate molecular-scale structural changes and quantitatively assess the progression of thermo-oxidative degradation in glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (GF/PP). TG-TOFMS enables the simultaneous and sensitive detection of both structural changes due to thermo-oxidative degradation and compositional changes in the filler and matrix. PCA and KMD analysis are crucial for identifying specific ion series derived from the degraded PP matrix in the high-resolution mass spectra obtained through TG-TOFMS.

Zero-echo time imaging achieves whole brain activity mapping without ventral signal loss in mice.

Functional MRI (fMRI) is an important tool for investigating functional networks. However, the widely used fMRI with T2*-weighted imaging in rodents has the problem of signal lack in the lateral ventral area of forebrain including the amygdala, which is essential for not only emotion but also noxious pain. Here, we scouted the zero-echo time (ZTE) sequence, which is robust to magnetic susceptibility and motion-derived artifacts, to image activation in the whole brain including the amygdala following the noxious stimulation to the hind paw.

Neo-adjuvant FOLFOX with and without panitumumab for patients with KRAS-wt locally advanced colon cancer: results following an extended biomarker panel on the FOxTROT Trial embedded phase II population.

Background: The FOxTROT trial has reported advantages of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in locally advanced colon cancer (LACC). Here we present results of the embedded randomized phase II trial testing the addition of panitumumab to neoadjuvant FOLFOX compared with FOLFOX alone in RAS and BRAF-wild-type patients and with biomarker hyperselction.

Patients And Methods: Patients had operable, CT-predicted stage T3-4, N0-2, M0 colon adenocarcinoma.

Preparation of Small Extracellular Vesicles Using Sequential Ultrafiltration with Regenerated Cellulose Membranes of Different Molecular Weight Cutoffs: A Study of Morphology and Size by Electron Microscopy.

There is still room for improvement in the isolation and purification techniques for extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly in the separation of exosomes (small EVs) from other membrane vesicles such as microvesicles and apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish preparation methods that preserve the intrinsic properties of EVs in this context. In this study, we focus on the isolation and preparation of small EVs, exosomes, from the culture supernatant of a human cell line.

Cathode Design Based on Nitrogen Redox and Linear Coordination of Cu Center for All-Solid-State Fluoride-Ion Batteries.

All-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries (FIBs) have attracted extensive attention as candidates for next-generation energy storage devices; however, promising cathodes with high energy density are still lacking. In this study, CuN is investigated as a cathode material for all-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries, which offers enough anionic vacancies around the 2-fold coordinated Cu center for F intercalation, thereby enabling a multielectron-transferred fluorination process. The contribution of both cationic and anionic redox to charge compensation, in particular, the generation of molecular nitrogen species in highly charged states, has been proved by several synchrotron-radiation-based spectroscopic technologies.

sp. nov., sp. nov., sp. nov. and gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from human faeces.

Small, obligately anaerobic strains 13CB8C, 13CB11C, 13CB18C and 13GAM1G were isolated from a faecal sample in a patient with Parkinson's disease with a history of duodenal resection. After conducting a comprehensive polyphasic taxonomic analysis including genomic analysis, we propose the establishment of one new genus and four new species. The novel bacteria are sp.

QTL-Based Evidence of Population Genetic Divergence in Male Territorial Aggressiveness of the Japanese Freshwater Threespine Stickleback.

Territorial aggression is widespread across the animal kingdom and is expressed in diverse ecological and social contexts. In addition, there are marked variations in the degree of male reproductive territoriality within and between species. These differences are often attributed to genetic components.

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine improves right ventricular systolic function in experimental pulmonary hypertension.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often leads to right ventricle (RV) failure, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in PH management, progression to RV maladaptation and subsequent failure remain a clinical challenge. This study explored the effect of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on RV function in a rat model of PH, hypothesizing that it improves RV function by inhibiting G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and altering myofilament protein phosphorylation.

Medicine Meets Science: The Imperative of Scientific Research and Publishing for Physician-Scientists.

Physician-scientists serve as conduits between clinical practice and scientific research, leveraging their unique expertise to improve patient care and drive medical innovation. This article highlights the indispensable role of research and publishing in promoting evidence-based practices, facilitating professional growth, and shaping public health policy. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, I examine the challenges faced by physician-scientists, such as ethical dilemmas and declining engagement in research, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

High-throughput evaluation of half-metallicity of CoMnSi Heusler alloys using composition-spread films and spin-integrated hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

We demonstrate high-throughput evaluation of the half-metallicity of CoMnSi Heusler alloys by spin-integrated hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) of composition-spread films performed with high-brilliance synchrotron radiation at NanoTerasu, which identifies the optimum composition showing the best half-metallicity. Co Mn Si composition-spread thin films for  = 10-40% with a thickness of 30 nm are fabricated on MgO(100) substrates using combinatorial sputtering technique. The 2-ordering and (001)-oriented epitaxial growth of CoMnSi are confirmed by X-ray diffraction for  = 18-40%.

Superiority illusion in older adults: Volume and functional connectivity of the precuneus.

Aim: Superiority illusion (SI), a cognitive bias where individuals perceive themselves as better than others, may serve as a psychological mechanism that contributes to well-being and resilience in older adults. However, the specific neural basis of SI in elderly populations remains underexplored. This study aims to identify brain regions partially associated with SI, exploring its potential role in adaptive psychological processes.

Theoretical atomic momentum spectroscopy of diatomic, triatomic and polyatomic molecules.

We present a general theory of quantum chemistry-based atomic momentum spectroscopy (QC-AMS) for predicting electron-atom Compton profiles due to the intramolecular motion of each atom in diatomic, triatomic and polyatomic molecules. The atomic motion is assumed to be decomposable into normal-mode molecular vibrations and molecular rotations, and the latter are treated classically. An accuracy assessment of the general theory is performed through comparisons with the AMS Compton profiles of HD and NO, predicted by the full quantum chemistry-based AMS theory that is precise but can work only for diatomic molecules.

Enhancing Proton Mobility in Silicophosphoric Acid by Replacing Si with Al.

Electrochemical devices that can operate at temperatures of 200-300 °C are expected to become the next-generation energy conversion devices in fuel cells and electrosynthesis, which are important for achieving carbon neutrality. Proton conductors based on phosphate glasses are being developed as candidate materials for such devices. We recently developed a glass proton conductor by using silicophosphoric acid based on the idea of solidifying phosphoric acid with silicon as a cross-linking glass framework.

Efficient Data Sampling Scheme to Reduce Acquisition Time in Statistical ALCHEMI.

The distribution of dopants in host crystals significantly influences the chemical and electronic properties of materials. Therefore, determining this distribution is crucial for optimizing material performance. The previously developed statistical ALCHEMI (St-ALCHEMI), an extension of the atom-location by channeling-enhanced microanalysis (ALCHEMI) technique, utilizes variations in electron channeling based on the beam direction relative to the crystal orientation.

Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry.

Background And Aims: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.

Advocacy in Action: International Patient Group Improves Hereditary Angioedema Diagnosis and Care Across the Asia-Pacific.

This study demonstrates that patient advocacy groups significantly enhance medication availability and improve diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE), particularly in emerging economies within the Asia-Pacific region. This study supports integrating patient advocacy group involvement into management guidelines, emphasising their role in improving access to diagnostics and treatment for HAE.

Methylglyoxal compromises callus mineralization and impairs fracture healing through suppression of osteoblast terminal differentiation.

Impaired fracture healing in diabetic patients leads to prolonged morbidity and increased healthcare costs. Methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive metabolite elevated in diabetes, is implicated in various complications, but its direct impact on bone healing remains unclear. Here, using a non-diabetic murine tibial fracture model, we demonstrate that MG directly impairs fracture healing.

The role of sleep quality in mediating the relationship between habenula volume and resilience.

Background: Our human volumetric MRI study (Dai et al., 2024) demonstrated that habenula (Hb) volume is associated with psychological resilience, a key protective factor against depression. However, the biological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear.

Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group expert consensus statement on the peri-operative management of non-small cell lung cancer.

The peri-operative management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in earlier stage disease has seen significant advances in recent years with the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy. However, many unanswered questions and challenges remain, including the application of clinical trial data to routine clinical practice. Recognising the unique demographic profile of Asian patients with NSCLC and heterogeneous healthcare systems, the Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group (ATORG) convened a consensus meeting in Singapore on 26 April 2024 to discuss relevant issues spanning diagnostic testing to post-neoadjuvant treatment considerations and future directions.