Tochigi Medical Center

Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is a lung amyloid deposition disorder that often presents as single or multiple slow-growing nodules. Rapid progression and spontaneous regression of nodules are rare, and their longitudinal manifestations at computed tomography have not been well described. Herein, we report the case of a 78-year-old man with a solitary pulmonary nodule that increased in size from 16 mm to 21 mm over 6 weeks. The volume doubling time for the nodule was 37 days. Before referral, the patient underwent inconclusive bronchoscopy at another hospital. A diagnosis of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis was established after a second bronchoscopy with a biopsy using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath. The patient was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and Sjögren's syndrome. Although the nodule increased, and multiple nodular lesions newly appeared 6 months later, these pulmonary involvements decreased or disappeared simultaneously without treatment. Herein, we describe the shortest volume doubling time for nodular pulmonary amyloidosis. Repeat bronchoscopies may contribute to the diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis.

This study used data from the Utsunomiya COVID-19 seROprevalence Neighborhood Association (U-CORONA) study in Utsunomiya, Japan, to examine the association between positive childhood experiences, flourishing and biomarkers adjusting for adverse childhood experiences. The survey was conducted in June-July (wave 1) and October (wave 2) 2020 under the COVID-19 pandemic among randomly selected community residents. This study assessed seven positive childhood experiences and thirteen adverse childhood experiences, including child maltreatment, household dysfunction, and environmental adversities, within the Japanese context. The analytic sample was participants aged 18 and over who completed both surveys and collected blood samples (n = 397; mean age 53.4 years; 47.1% male). In multiple linear regression analyses, having a greater number of positive childhood experiences was associated with a higher flourishing index (i.e., comprehensive state of well-being), although having adverse childhood experiences was not significantly associated. In addition, a higher number of positive childhood experiences was associated with a favorable inflammation state, as measured by lower White Blood Cell (WBC) counts and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels, even after adjusting for adverse childhood experiences. Positive childhood experiences were associated with flourishing and inflammatory biomarkers in adulthood, even after adjusting for adverse childhood experiences. These findings suggest that positive relational resources in childhood may be associated with lifelong well-being, potentially through biological pathways, offering insights for future public health strategies focused on early-life positive experiences.

Abstract Green algae in the genus Oophila are associated with eggs of amphibians, e.g. salamanders and frogs, and are the only known photosynthetic endosymbionts in vertebrates. However, phylogenetic placements of “ Oophila ” algae associated with amphibians into two distinct clades have caused significant confusion and hindered our understanding of the nature and diversity of this symbiotic system. To gain insights into this unexplored symbiotic model, we carried out a sampling of the Japanese black salamander Hynobius nigrescens eggs, an endemic species in Japan, covering five distinct locations. Egg masses from H. nigrescens all contained green algae, some of which were sampled, isolated, and cultured. In total, 32 algal isolates could grow as free-living cultures and were used for phylogenetic and morphological analyses. Our results supported the co-existence of two Oophila subgroups with H. nigrescens embryos. One is associated with the known subclades of O. amblystomatis found in North America, and the other belongs to an Oophila/Chlorococcum group in the Stephanosphaerinia. The isolates in each subgroup showed identical morphology across sampling sites, consistent with our phylogenetic findings. These new, unique cultures of amphibian-associated green algae will help to understand photosymbiosis between vertebrates and algae.

DNA Nanotechnology In the Research Article (DOI: 10.1002/admi.202500619), Soo Hyeon Kim and co-workers present a novel strategy using DNA Y-motif nanostar hydrogels and DNA-functionalized antibodies for precise live-cell manipulation. Target cells are labeled with DNA sticky ends that hybridize with DNA Y-motifs, enabling their incorporation and capture within the hydrogel during self-assembly. This method allows parallel isolation, enrichment, and release of target cell types, demonstrated by selective manipulation of cancer cells.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) for hypertension are among the most promising treatment options, demonstrating proven antihypertensive effects. This study investigates the determinants of the home blood pressure (BP) lowering effect of DTx, using prospectively collected daily data. The B-INDEX study (Behavioral Modification Index) is a multicenter intervention study in patients with hypertension, involving a 6-month DTx period, followed by an additional 6 months without it. Home BP, body weight and composition, physical activity, and sleep patterns were monitored daily using digital devices. This first report on B-INDEX analyzed data collected during a 6-month DTx treatment period. A total of 198 patients with hypertension (mean age, 54.9±10.6 years; 57.1% male; mean body mass index, 26.7±5.3 kg/m2; 57.6% taking antihypertensives) were included in the analysis. A marked reduction in BP was observed in the first 4 weeks (morning home BP, -6.2/-2.6 mm Hg). Mixed model analysis demonstrated that baseline home BP, older age, self-efficacy score, reduction in self-reported salt intake, and mild initial weight loss (-0.5 kg at week 4) were significant determinants of home BP reduction at 6 months. Older age, salt reduction, and initial weight loss were predictive factors for effective BP reduction through DTx, independent of baseline BP values. We propose that the first 4 weeks are the key period for hypertension treatment with DTx. URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; Unique identifier: UMIN000050479.

Petit-spot volcanism plays a critical role in the metasomatism of oceanic plates prior to subduction and in their recycling into the deep mantle. The extent of metasomatism depends on the number and volume of petit-spot volcanic edifices and intrusions, making precise identification of petit-spot volcanic fields essential. However, conventional methods based on seafloor topography and acoustic backscatter intensity alone have limitations in accurately delineating these features. Here we compiled acoustic survey data obtained using subbottom profilers mounted on both research vessels and submersibles in the region southeast of Minamitorishima (Marcus) Island, the oldest part of the Pacific plate. Analysis of the subbottom profiler data revealed three main stratigraphic facies: O-type (opaque), T-type (transparent), and L-type (layered). Among these types, OL-type facies, characterized by low slope gradients and high backscatter intensity, indicate petit-spot lava flows. Additionally, M-type facies, marked by multiple discontinuous reflections, occur at boundaries between OL-type and other facies, representing transitional zones formed by intrusive activity. High-resolution acoustic stratigraphy and ground-truth observations from submersible dives confirmed that M-type facies reflect petit-spot lava intrusions. Integrating seafloor backscatter with subseafloor stratigraphy provides a robust and reliable method for delineating petit-spot volcanism and assessing its geological impact on the abyssal seafloor.

Dielectric elastomers offer several advantages such as low cost, high efficiency, high output, large deformations, light weight, and ease of stacking. Recently, it has become possible to lift a weight of 8 kg by more than 1 mm at a speed of 88 ms using 0.15 g of a dielectric elastomer. Additionally, transparent or nearly transparent electrodes can be fabricated using carbon nanotubes or carbon black, respectively. Through leveraging these properties, researchers are exploring applications such as transparent lenses and high-performance transparent speakers, with the ultimate aim of integrating this technology into portable devices like digital cameras, video cameras, and mobile phones. New potential applications being considered include transparent power-assist devices, wearable generators, wind power generators, and wave power generators. Transparency allows these devices to blend into their surroundings, whilst not being obtrusive to observers and the environment. In this study, we review elastomer and electrode materials aimed at improving the performance of dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and generators. We also discuss challenges related to transparent electrodes and propose potential solutions. Based on these results, potential applications are also discussed.

ABSTRACTExosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are candidates for liquid biopsies. Organoid culture systems enable long‐term expansion of the colon epithelium. This study evaluated exosomal miRNAs from colorectal cancer organoids for liquid biopsy. Organoids were established from normal colon and colorectal cancer tissues. Exosomes were isolated from conditioned media. miRNAs were extracted from exosomes and compared using microarray analysis. Exosomal miRNAs expression levels in the sera of healthy patients and patients with colorectal cancer were compared at a single institution. The multicenter study was validated using miRNAs upregulated in the serum of colorectal cancer patients, along with exosomal miRNAs reported to be upregulated in colorectal adenoma organoids and sera. A total of 44 exosomal miRNAs were commonly expressed in both normal colorectal epithelial cells and colorectal cancer organoids, whereas 59 were exclusively expressed in colorectal cancer organoids. In a single‐center cohort study, two exosomal miRNAs (miR‐4284 and miR‐5100) were upregulated in the serum of colorectal cancer patients. In a multicenter study, four exosomal miRNAs (miR‐4284, miR‐5100, miR‐1246, and miR‐1290) were upregulated in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer. The combination of these four exosomal miRNAs had comparable diagnostic performance to carcinoembryonic antigen, with an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.65–0.83) versus 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.87). Combining the four miRNAs with carcinoembryonic antigen improved diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.74–0.89). Exosomal miRNAs derived from colorectal cancer organoids can serve as diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer.

AimDivergent thinking and executive function are critical components of cognitive performance, necessitating reliable assessment tools to guide clinical decision‐making and research on cognitive deficits. This study aimed to evaluate the interrater reliability of the modified Tinkertoy test (m‐TTT), a neuropsychological tool designed to assess these functions, particularly in individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsThe interrater reliability of the m‐TTT was assessed in a sample of 40 Japanese participants, including 20 individuals with schizophrenia (12 males, eight females; mean age = 42.4 [standard deviation, 12.6] years) and 20 healthy controls (12 males, eight females; mean age = 40.0 [standard deviation, 9.6] years). Performances were independently scored by two occupational therapists using a standardized framework. Relative reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and absolute reliability was examined using Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsIn the schizophrenia group, ICC values indicated high interrater reliability for complexity (0.979), creation process (0.881), and total (0.969) scores. Similarly, in the control group, ICC values were high for complexity (0.969), creation process (0.790), and total (0.934) scores. Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated no fixed or proportional bias; however, greater variability was observed at higher creation process scores in the control group.ConclusionThe results confirm the high interrater reliability of the m‐TTT, supporting its utility as a robust tool for assessing cognitive deficits and guiding rehabilitation strategies in psychiatric contexts. However, the study's generalizability is limited by its Japanese‐only sample, necessitating further validation across diverse populations and cultural settings.