Ishida (Japan)

<bold>Background:</bold> The body of evidence strongly suggests a link between air pollution and severity of illness associated with respiratory infection. Due to a global trend shifting away from combustion-engine vehicles towards much heavier electric vehicles, car emissions levels have been substantially reduced. Despite this improvement, the tyre and road wear particle (TRWP) polluting effect remains an overlooked yet major source of micro and nano-plastics, and is on course to worsen in the coming years. <bold>Aim:</bold> To evaluate impacts of TRWP, especially 2-(4-morpholinyl)benzothiazole (24 MoBT) and 2-Methyl-1,3-butadiene (2MB) on toxicity and respiratory virus infection (rhinovirus RV-A16 and influenza H1N1 ) on iPSC-derived air liquid culture human bronchial epithelium (hBE). <bold>Methods:</bold> iPSC-derived ALI hBE (HiLung Inc.) were apically treated with 24 MoBT or 2MB 24h prior to RV-A16 and H1N1(PR8) apical inoculation. Viral loads (TCID₅₀) were determined from apical wash collections on days 2 and 5 post infection (PI). A panel of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) was evaluated in cell samples day 5 PI by RT-PCR. <bold>Results:</bold> Pre-treatment with 24 MoBT trended towards increased RV-A16 viral loads at day 2 and day 5 PI. Pre-exposure to 24 MoBT was also associated with a reduction of ISG transcripts on day 5 PI compared with vehicle control (0.5% DMSO). Pre-treatment to 2MB significantly increased H1N1 viral load 48h post virus inoculation. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Exposure to TRWP pollutant 24 MoBT trended towards exacerbated RV-A16 infection and 2MB significantly exacerbated influenza PR8 infection; perhaps explained by TRWP ability to dampen the antiviral interferon signalling pathway.

ピーマンやポテトチップスのように，原料による重量ばらつきの大きい食品生産の現場では， 規定量の袋詰め（充填）に組合せ計量機が使われる．組合せ計量機はホッパと呼ばれる十個程度の小さな箱に小分けにして計量物を投入し，各計量値の組合せの中から規定量に適合するものを見つけて充填する．その歩留まりと稼働率は現場の主要関心事である．本論文は，組合せ計量機を素朴に数理モデル化し，ホッパ数ならびにホッパへの投入量の平均と分散に対する規定量適合の確率について議論する．具体的には，各ホッパへの投入量は独立に同一の正規分布に従うとして，規定量に適合する計量値組合せが存在する領域（実行可能領域）の生起確率（組合せ成功確率）を求めたい．実行可能領域は非凸であり，組合せ成功確率の計算は組合せ論的な難しさをもつ．本論文は，精度保証も考慮してモンテカルロ法を採用し，ホッパ数およびホッパへの投入量の期待値と分散について網羅的に組合せ成功確率を計算して，実データと比較する．現場では経験的に，ばらつきは大きい方がよいとされるが，本モデルの計算結果から，投入量分散が小さいとき，組合せ成功確率は投入量期待値の変化に対して敏感で，すなわち経験知を支持する．

We demonstrated the genetic variation and population structure of a direct developing marine gastropod, Littorina horikawai which is endemic species distributed in the western coast of Kyushu, Japan and is found mainly on the adjacent islands. We conducted the field survey and sampling covering most of the distribution area of L. horikawai. In total, we collected 173 individuals from 13 localities (between Tsushima Island and Yakushima Island) and determined the sequences of mitochondrial DNA, the cytochrome b (CYTB) gene. We detected a significant genetic population differentiation in L. horikawai despite the limited distribution area of the western coast of Kyushu. Also, its haplotype distribution is mainly consistent with the geographical structure: the northern part of Kyushu, the central islands, and the southern islands. However, some haplotypes obtained from the Goto Islands which is located in the border between the northern part of Kyushu and the central islands do not correspond to the above geographic distribution. The high level of genetic differentiation of L. horikawai compared to other low dispersal Littorina species despite its narrow distribution range may be due to its predominantly fragmented island habitats. Although it is necessary for understanding the detailed evolutionary history of L. horikawai to perform the high-resolution genetic analysis, our present findings indicated that a high level of genetic differentiation of L. horikawai occurred even in a narrow distribution range because of not only the ecological traits linking to dispersal ability but also its discontinuous pattern such as the island inhabitation.

We used a categorical ratio evaluation method to conduct experiments to evaluate the appearance of colors in mesopic vision under light sources with different spectral distributions. The experimental results showed that the appearance of color changed as the illuminance decreased. Also, the appearance of color was slightly different depending on the light source. Analysis of the results showed that transforming the opponent color response function can better explain the appearance of color in mesopic vision.

Introduction: Large artery atherosclerosis subtype carries a high risk of early recurrent stroke despite medical management. Predictors of recurrence remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that borderzone infarcts are associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Objectives: We aim to investigate infarct patterns and 90-day recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial and/or extracranial atherosclerotic disease. Methods: We included consecutive patients admitted to NYU Langone Health (Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses) over 32-months with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke secondary to symptomatic intracranial or extracranial atherosclerosis. The primary predictor was infarct pattern (borderzone vs. non-borderzone infarction), defined in accordance to previous studies. Borderzone infarcts were divided into internal borderzone and cortical borderzone. We used univariate and multivariable cox-regression models to determine associations between infarct pattern and recurrent cerebrovascular events (RCVE) at 90-days. Results: Fifty-five patients met the inclusion criteria; 38 were intracranial, 3 tandem, 14 extracranial. Nearly 71% of patients were treated with dual antiplatelet therapy and 96% were treated with high intensity statin. The RCVE rate was 23.6%. In multivariable models, borderzone infarcts were associated with increased risk of RCVE (adjusted HR 9.8 95% CI 2.1-44.8, p=0.003). The risk of RCVE was highest among internal borderzone infarcts (47.3%) as opposed to cortical borderzone infarcts (33.3%) or non borderzone infarcts (18.8%). Conclusions: Borderzone (and particularly internal borderzone) infarcts are a surrogate marker of impaired distal blood flow and are associated with RCVE despite medical treatment. This highlights the need to develop alternate treatment strategies for this high-risk cohort.

Introduction: Transient neurologic events have high rates of diagnostic uncertainty. Emergency department observation units (ED-OU) allow an accelerated diagnostic work up for suspected transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). However, clinical decision support regarding which patients to admit to these units is lacking. This study aimed to identify clinical features that differentiate true ischemic events from nonischemic transient neurological attacks (NI-TNA) among patients admitted to an ED-OU for suspected TIA. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients admitted to the ED-OU at a single academic center for suspected TIA. Demographics, vascular risk factors, presenting symptoms, and details of the clinical presentation were abstracted from chart review. Final discharge diagnosis was dichotomized to either ischemic event (TIA or minor stroke, TIAMS) or NI-TNA based on the treating vascular neurologist’s final diagnosis. Standard statistical tests were used for comparison testing between the two groups. Significantly different factors with p&lt;0.2 on univariate analysis were carried forward in a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Of 186 consecutive patients, 101 (54%) had a final diagnosis of NI-TNA and 85 (46%) of TIAMS. The median population ABCD2 score was 4 [IQR 3-4]. On univariate analysis, older age (63 vs. 70, p&lt;0.01), history of atrial fibrillation (AF) (12% vs. 26%, p=0.01), and facial weakness (5% vs. 14% p=0.03) were associated with TIAMS. Headache (24% vs. 12%, p=0.04) and symptom duration&gt;60min (57% vs. 40%, p=0.02) were associated with NI-TNA. On multivariable analysis, only symptom duration&gt;60 minutes predicted NI-TNA (OR 0.39, p=0.04) and only history of AF (OR 2.53, p=0.03) predicted TIAMS. Facial weakness was strongly predictive of TIAMS (OR 3.22, p=0.05), but not significant. Conclusion: We identified two clinical features that distinguished TIAMS from NI-TNA among patients admitted to an ED-OU for suspected TIA.These may be helpful in emergency room triage of TIAMS. Data from ED-OU can be used to identify factors associated with cerebral ischemia and improve current care pathways for patients with suspected TIA, so diagnostic evaluation is received in the most appropriate setting.

If it were possible to control four sets of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSMs) in place of induction motors by using one inverter, we would be able to manufacture efficiently running trains. Therefore, we previously proposed a method for controlling two or more sets of PMSMs with one inverter. For this study, we conducted a parameter survey on the load changes through simulation and a mini model experiment by using a model in which a driving system was simplified into two motors.

Background: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in stroke care have been reported including decreased recognition of stroke symptoms, delay to presentation, severity of stroke at presentation, and inpatient management of stroke in minority and disadvantaged populations. However, similar racial disparities in patients presenting with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) has not been investigated. Since TIA represents a critical opportunity for prevention of major disability in these high risk groups, we sought to determine if there were racial or socioeconomic differences in ABCD2 scores on presentation with TIA. Methods: ABCD2 scores for patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected TIA (symptom duration &lt;24 hours) were retrospectively calculated from the Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment Study (SWIFT). Ethnic and racial information were redacted during calculation. Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA were used for comparison. Results: ABCD2 scores were calculated for 129 TIA patients. Among these, 31 patients identified as white, 19 as black, 71 as Hispanic, 8 as other race. Mean age was 67 years and 57% were female. 63% of patients had a prior history of hypertension. Mean total ABCD2 score varied among the different racial groups as follows: 4 for white, 4.05 for black, 4.4 for Hispanic, and 3.4 for other (p= 0.25). There was a trend towards higher ABCD2 scores at presentation among Hispanics (4.4) as compared with non-Hispanics (4.03) although this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08). There were no sex differences in ABCD2 score, with mean scores of 4.3 for females and 4.08 for males (p=0.41). Education status was inversely proportional to ABCD2 score at presentation with mean score of 4.64 for those not completing high school, 4.11 for those completing high school, and 3.82 for those with education beyond high school (p=0.03). Conclusion: Although there was a trend toward higher ABCD2 scores at presentation in the Hispanic population, this difference was not significant. Level of education was inversely proportional to ABCD2 score at presentation suggesting that education may have a greater impact on TIA presentation than race or ethnic background alone.

Abstract Conservation of biodiversity in production forests is crucial for mitigating biodiversity loss in the tropics. The major ecological impacts of selective logging are often the result of small clearings for skid trails, logging roads, log yards, and logging camps; however, their impacts on forest biodiversity have rarely been examined. The purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of these clearings on a forest‐dependent faunal group, dung beetles, and to identify the environmental factors responsible. Abundance and species richness of dung beetles decreased drastically in clearings, but directly increased in forests with the distance from roads/trails; abundance and species richness at 10 m from roads/trails were almost comparable with those detected in further interior forests. Similarly, species composition was significantly different between forests and clearings (except skid trails) but recovered within a short distance from roads/trails. Canopy openness was the most important environmental factor affecting the abundance, and species richness and composition of dung beetles; most dung beetle species were concentrated under closed forest canopy with less than 10 percent of canopy openness, whereas canopy openness ranged from 16 to 53 percent in clearings. Our study demonstrates that even small‐scale, unpaved clearings affect dung beetle communities through increased canopy openness. Although the effective distance was not very large, a considerable portion of logged areas can be affected when road networks are dense therefore minimizing the density of road networks and enhancing canopy recovery after logging are important for retaining biodiversity in tropical production forests.