Tokyo Metropolitan Government

In Kawasaki disease (KD), coronary arteritis occurring in infancy can lead to long-term sequelae, such as luminal dilatation, stenosis, intimal thickening, and calcification. However, the long-term evolution of these lesions, particularly the effect of superimposed atherosclerosis in adulthood, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate coronary artery lesions in adults with a history of KD and clarify the relationship between sequelae of vasculitis and atherosclerosis. We analyzed 7 autopsy cases of sudden cardiac death in adults with a confirmed history of KD and documented coronary artery aneurysms. Clinical data, including acute-phase treatment history, body mass index, heart weight, coronary risk factors, and detailed coronary histopathology, were evaluated. All aneurysms were located at the coronary ostia and showed marked intimal thickening with severe calcification, leading to luminal narrowing. Thrombotic occlusion within the aneurysm was identified in 1 case. In 3 patients aged older than 30 years, atherosclerotic changes were observed in the thickened intima of persistent aneurysmal segments or dilated portions. One patient with a regressed aneurysm died of acute myocardial infarction caused by plaque rupture. Sequelae of vasculitis were widely distributed in nonaneurysmal coronary branches, and atherosclerotic changes were also noted in these regions. In adults with persistent coronary aneurysms due to KD, atherosclerotic lesions may develop not only in aneurysmal segments but also in nondilated arteries with scarring due to vasculitis. Individuals with prior KD and coronary aneurysms may require long-term management for thrombotic risk and the prevention of atherosclerosis, beginning in early adulthood.

Abstract We analyzed the propagation of atmospheric waves generated by the eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai on January 15, 2022 using infrared images acquired by Himawari-8. We used a sequence of high-frequency scanning imagery of the Japan region having a time interval of 2.5 minutes. We calculated the anomaly of the brightness temperature (Tbb) through temporal double integration after taking the second-order time derivative of Tbb. From the temporal–horizontal distribution of the Tbb anomaly, we searched for waveforms by data stacking. As a result, we detected Lamb mode in all infrared channels from Band 7 to Band 16. The Pekeris mode was visualized behind the Lamb mode in Band 12 and the Band 12 − Band 13 difference but was difficult to see in Bands 8, 9, and 10 corresponding to the mid-troposphere. The wave train as an internal gravity wave (IG-train) behind the Pekeris mode was visualized in each band, especially clearly in Band 12 and the Band 12 − Band 13 difference. The IG-train had a period range of 10–15 minutes, corresponding to that of the observed ground pressure. The phase velocity of the IG-train was estimated to be 199.1 ± 10.0 m/s, which is a typical speed of the tsunami phase propagating in the Pacific Ocean. The passage of the IG-train corresponded well with ground pressure variations and the peak tidal oscillations observed as volcanic meteotsunamis along Japan's Pacific coastline.

Abstract Relational values contribute to the pluralistic valuation of nature by providing a unique perspective beyond the dichotomy of intrinsic and instrumental values. This study examines how the Nagara River Basin in central Japan is relationally valued by locals and the factors influencing their evaluation. The Nagara River Basin is home to approximately 830,000 people and deeply connected to the local economy and culture. We subjected data from an online survey of 2031 respondents living in the river basin to exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to explore the factors that impact the level of relational values. We found that the residents of the basin valued the river in two relational ways: their own self-identity and well-being (RV-self), and the community or the social relationships that are built around the river (RV-others). Structural equation modeling revealed that RV-self was significantly correlated with the number of activities that the respondents engaged in around the river, and special knowledge of the traditional interactions between people and the Nagara River. Furthermore, RV-others was significantly correlated with the number of activities engaged in by the respondents around the river, childhood experiences in nature, social interactions around the river, and general knowledge regarding the Nagara River. These findings provide insight into how relational values can be developed, suggesting a direction for future research on how these factors can be used to develop pro-environmental behavior and promote the well-being of local communities.

In 2023, an external quality assessment (EQA) of nucleic acid amplification tests for SARS-CoV-2 was conducted among clinics that implemented testing instruments through the Tokyo Subsidy Program for Facilities and Equipment for Testing in COVID-19. The survey samples consisted of sample 1 (20,000 copies/mL), sample 2 (10,000 copies/mL), and a negative sample. Results were obtained through cycle threshold (Ct) values and positive-negative result determinations. On-site technical support was provided to clinics that responded incorrectly. A total of 544 clinics (589 instruments) participated, and Abbott's ID NOW TM (82.2%) was the most widely used instrument. The qualitative test results showed high accuracy rates of 95.2% for Sample 1, 93.2% for Sample 2, and 96.3% for negative samples. Differences in Ct values were observed between reagents and instruments. Technical support was provided to 63 clinics. The discrepancies in the qualitative tests were mainly due to deviations from the protocol instructions, mixing of all three survey samples into one vial, and errors caused by foaming. This survey was unique in that the participants were mostly end users who were not laboratory testing specialists and mainly used point-of-care testing instruments. It is important to continue EQA to improve and maintain testing accuracy.

There were 70 cases autopsied at the Tokyo Metropolitan Coroner’s Office from April 2020 to August 2023 that tested positive for novel coronavirus infection. Of these, pharyngolaryngitis due to new-type coronavirus infection was diagnosed as the cause of death in four cases. We will discuss pharyngolaryngitis caused by new-type coronavirus infection, focusing on these autopsy reports. Three of the four cases had severe disease factors, and hypoadrenalism was noted in one of the others. Three cases were confirmed to have had a fever, but none sought medical attention. In one case, a security camera caught the patient shortly before her death, suggesting that her symptoms may have progressed rapidly and led to her death. A gross examination of the cases revealed mild edema but intense erythema and a high degree of inflammatory cell infiltration histologically. Inflammatory cell infiltration of the mucosal epithelium was present, suggesting that impairment of the barrier function by epithelial damage had led to an increased degree of inflammation. In one case, there was a high degree of inflammatory cell infiltration within the muscles of the larynx, suggesting the possibility of nerve or muscle damage. Although pharyngolaryngitis caused by novel coronavirus infection is often regarded as a mild disease because of its symptoms, it is important to note that it can be fatal and has a rapid onset.

Toward human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) cure, cells latently infected with HIV-1 must be eliminated from people living with HIV-1. We previously developed a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, diacylglycerol (DAG)-lactone derivative 3, with high HIV-1 latency-reversing activity, based on YSE028 (2) as a lead compound and found that the activity was correlated with binding affinity for PKC and stability against esterase-mediated hydrolysis. Here, we synthesized new DAG-lactone derivatives not only containing a tertiary ester group or an isoxazole surrogate but also several symmetric alkylidene moieties to improve HIV-1 latency reversing activity. Compound 9a, with a dimethyl group at the α-position of the ester group, exerted twice higher HIV-1 latency reversing activity than compound 3, and compound 26, with the isoxazole moiety, was significantly active. In addition, DAG-lactone derivatives with moderate hydrophobicity and potent biostability showed high biological activity.

Mpox, caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), produces symptoms similar to those of smallpox when transmitted to humans. Since 1970, this disease has been endemic, particularly in Africa. However, since May 2022, the number of patients without a history of travel to endemic areas has increased rapidly globally. Under these circumstances, in July 2022, two different real-time PCR methods were used on specimens brought to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health. MPXV was detected in the skin samples, and it was inferred that the virus was a West African strain. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis of the genetic characteristics of the detected MPXV using next-generation sequencing revealed that the MPXV detected in Tokyo was strain B.1, which corresponds to the same strain that is prevalent in Europe and the USA. This suggests that mpox reported for the first time in Japan was imported and related to outbreaks in Europe and the USA. Therefore, it is necessary to continue monitoring outbreaks in Japan in conjunction with global epidemics.

We tried to estimate individual mtDNA haplotypes in mixed DNA samples by combining MinION and MiSeq. The BAM files produced by MiSeq were viewed using Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) to verify mixed bases. By sorting the reads according to base type for each mixed base, partial haplotypes were determined. Then, the BAM files produced by MinKNOW were viewed using IGV. To determine haplotypes with IGV, only mixed bases determined by MiSeq were used as target bases. By sorting the reads according to base type for each target base, each contributor's haplotype was estimated. In mixed samples from two contributors, even a haplotype with a minor contribution of 5% could be distinguished from the haplotype of the major contributor. In mixed samples of three contributors (mixture ratios of 1:1:1 and 4:2:1), each haplotype could also be distinguished. Sequences of C-stretches were determined very inaccurately in the MinION analysis. Although the analysis method was simple, each haplotype was correctly detected in all mixed samples with two or three contributors in various mixture ratios by combining MinION and MiSeq. This should be useful for identifying contributors to mixed samples.