Recent progress and future prospects of hyperon nucleon scattering experiment

A new hyperon-proton scattering experiment, dubbed J-PARC E40, was performed to measure differential cross sections of the Σ+p, Σ−p elastic scatterings and the Σ−p → Λn scattering by identifying a lot of Σ particles in the momentum ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 GeV/c produced by the π±p → K+Σ± reactions. We successfully measured the differential cross sections of these three channels with a drastically improved accuracy with a fine angular step. These new data will become important experimental constraints to improve the theories of the two-body baryon-baryon interactions. Following this success, we proposed a new experiment to measure the differential cross sections and spin observables by using a highly polarized Λ beam for providing quantitative information on the ΛN interaction. The results of three Σp channels and future prospects of the Λp scattering experiment are described.

Changes in Vaccine Hesitancy in Japan across Five Months during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Related Factors

Although vaccination is a particularly important countermeasure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), vaccine hesitancy may be a barrier to an effective vaccination program. It is understood that attitude towards vaccines is not a simple binominal decision between hesitancy and acceptance, but a continuum with a wide range of related factors. It is also likely to change depending on the present situation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine changes in vaccination attitudes across a five-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors associated with these changes. We conducted a web-based survey with 1000 participants in Japan in September 2021 and examined the relationship between attitudes regarding vaccination and sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological variables. In addition, we also retrospectively asked for vaccination attitudes as of April 2021. Over the course of five months, we found that vaccine acceptance rates increased from 40.6% to 85.5%. Health-related behaviors such as regular influenza vaccination and medical checkups were consistently associated with vaccine acceptance. Moreover, psychological variables, such as anxiety and risk perception, were associated with changes in vaccination attitudes. As these attitudes can vary depending on time and circumstances, continuous interdisciplinary efforts are required to ensure effective vaccine programs.

Evaluation of the Intensive Treatment and Rehabilitation Program for Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (INTREPRET) in the Philippines: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The Philippines has been severely affected by the methamphetamine crisis. The government has launched a policy war against drug use, although the severe sanctions imposed on drug users have been criticized internationally. To help implement a more effective and humane approach to drug use, this study aimed to introduce a comprehensive treatment program for methamphetamine users based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) whose effectiveness will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Methamphetamine users admitted into government-run rehabilitation facilities are recruited and randomly assigned to either a CBT-based treatment program or existing therapeutic community (TC)-based treatment. The CBT treatment program was developed based on the Matrix Model that considers cultural and social factors in the Philippines. After 6 months of treatment, there will be a three-month follow-up, when the participants' drug use (tested through urine testing) and other psychological variables, including craving, coping skills, and well-being, will be compared. Potential participants are given a summary of the study and a consent form. The consent form is signed and dated by participants prior to their study participation. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the commencement of the study.

DISCUSSION

This is the first randomized controlled trial to compare the residential CBT program and the TC model for methamphetamine users in the Philippines. The study aims to fill the current knowledge and capacity gaps by introducing a CBT-based treatment program to improve the psychosocial well-being of drug users in the Philippines. Moreover, if the effectiveness of the treatment program is demonstrated, anti-drug campaigns and severe sanctions against drug users may be reconsidered.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry JPRN-UMIN000038597 . Registered on 15 November 2019. Protocol version October 17, 2021 ver.2.

Nonreciprocal Transport in a Rashba Ferromagnet, Delafossite PdCoO2

Rashba interfaces yield efficient spin-charge interconversion and give rise to nonreciprocal transport phenomena. Here, we report magnetotransport experiments in few-nanometer-thick films of PdCoO₂, a delafossite oxide known to display a large Rashba splitting and surface ferromagnetism. By analyzing the angle dependence of the first- and second-harmonic longitudinal and transverse resistivities, we identify a Rashba-driven unidirectional magnetoresistance that competes with the anomalous Nernst effect below the Curie point. We estimate a Rashba coefficient of 0.75 ± 0.3 eV Å and argue that our results qualify delafossites as a new family of oxides for nanospintronics and spin-orbitronics, beyond perovskite materials.

Ocular expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Aims/Introduction

Inhibition of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) phosphorylation mediated by cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is one of the main mechanisms of action of antidiabetic drugs. In this study, we analyzed the ocular expression and activation of Cdk5 in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Materials and Methods

The concentrations of PPARγ, Cdk5 and its activating subunit (p35) were determined in the vitreous body of 24 PDR and 63 control eyes by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression levels of PPARγ, Cdk5 and p35 were measured in proliferative neovascular membranes from seven PDR eyes and non‐neovascular epiretinal membranes from five control eyes by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

PPARγ, Cdk5 and p35 concentrations in the vitreous body were significantly higher in the PDR group compared with the control group. There was also a positive significant correlation of Cdk5 with PPARγ and p35 in the PDR group. Furthermore, the messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of PPARγ, Cdk5 and p35 in proliferative neovascular membranes were significantly higher in the PDR group compared with the control group. Immunostaining showed increased protein expression levels of PPARγ, Cdk5 and p35 in proliferative neovascular membranes in the PDR group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Cdk5 activation is involved in PDR pathogenesis through PPARγ expression, and inhibition of Cdk5‐mediated PPARγ phosphorylation might be a new therapeutic target for treatment of PDR.

Loss of P2Y1 receptors triggers glaucoma-like pathology in mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness, damages the retinal ganglion cells. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a high-risk factor for glaucoma, so topical hypotensive drugs are usually used for treatment. Because not all patients do not respond adequately to current treatments, there is a need to identify a new molecular target to reduce IOP. Here, we have assessed the role of P2Y1 receptors in mediating elevated IOP.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

P2Y₁ receptor agonist was instilled into the eyes of mice, and the IOP changes were measured by a rebound-type tonometer. Expression of P2Y₁ receptors was estimated by immunohistochemistry. Ocular function was measured by a multifocal electroretinogram.

KEY RESULTS

A single dose of the P2Y₁ receptor agonist transiently reduced IOP and such effects were absent in P2Y₁ receptor-deficient (P2Y₁ KO) mice. P2Y₁ receptors were functionally expressed in the ciliary body, trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Activation of P2Y₁ receptors negatively regulated aquaporin 4 (AQP4) function but up-regulated endothelial NOS (eNOS). P2Y₁ KO mice showed chronic ocular hypertension regardless of age. P2Y₁ KO mice at 3 months old showed no damage to retinal ganglion cells, whereas 12-month-old mice showed a significant loss of these cells and impairment of ocular functions. Damage to retinal ganglion cells was attenuated by chronic administration of an IOP-reducing agent.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Activation of P2Y₁ receptors reduced IOP via dual pathways including AQP4 and eNOS. Loss of P2Y₁ receptors resulted in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, suggesting that P2Y₁ receptors might provide an effective target in the treatment of glaucoma.

Endoscope-assisted greater neurovascular palatal bundle release in cleft palatoplasty

Performing surgery in the oral cavity is difficult because of the limited view of the surgical field. Intraoral surgery for infantile oral disorders, such as cleft palate, is even more challenging. Endoscopy provides a minimally invasive approach and clear surgical view in surgeries with a constrained field of view. To date, very few reports have described endoscope-assisted palate surgery for children with cleft palate. At the authors' institution, endoscopes have been used in primary palatoplasty using the double-opposing Z-plasty technique. A novel endoscope-assisted procedure is described herein, in which a dissection around the greater palatine neurovascular bundle is used to obtain tension-free closure of the palatal cleft. With this technique, it was possible to minimize the application of additional von Langenbeck-type relaxation incisions, which were previously introduced in most of our cases; the relaxation incision was successfully circumvented in 42.3% of cases. This led to lesser surgical interference, which possibly resulted in favourable palatal development. It was also found that the endoscopic procedure did not increase the operation time or blood loss when compared to those patients who underwent the non-endoscopic procedure. It is concluded that endoscopic guidance is quite useful in primary palatoplasty procedures with a constricted surgical view.

Not Only Hypoxia- but Radiation-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Is Modulated by Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 in A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Hypoxia leads to post-treatment metastasis and recurrences of cancer via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Radiotherapy itself may also contribute to the acquisition of EMT phenotypes. Despite extensive studies on the EMT driven by either hypoxia or radiation stimuli, the molecular mechanisms characterizing these EMT events remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the differences in the molecular pathways between hypoxia-induced EMT (Hypo-EMT) and radiation-induced EMT (R-EMT). Further, we investigated the therapeutic effects of HIF-1α inhibitor (LW6) on Hypo-EMT and R-EMT cells. A549 cells, lung adenocarcinoma cell line, acquired enhanced wound-healing activity under both hypoxia and irradiation. Localization of E-cadherin was altered from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm in both hypoxia and irradiated conditions. Of note, the expression levels of vimentin, one of the major EMT markers, was enhanced in irradiated cells, while it decreased under hypoxia condition. Importantly, LW6 significantly blocked EMT-related malignant phenotypes in both Hypo-EMT cells and R-EMT cells with concomitant re-location of E-cadherin onto the cell membrane. Moreover, LW6 deflected stress responsive signalling, JNK, activated sustainably under hypoxic condition, and the blockage of JNK impaired EMT phenotypes. Together, this work demonstrated the molecular events underlying Hypo-EMT and R-EMT, and highlighted HIF-1α as a therapeutic target not only in Hypo- EMT, but also in R-EMT.

Effect of PM2.5 for hospitalization of cardiovascular diseases and medical expenses by age group: a nationwide study from the Japanese Registry Of All cardiac and vascular Diseases (JROAD)

Introduction

Although particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure influences cardiovascular events, there is limited knowledge how PM2.5 exposure is associated with cardiovascular hospitalization in Japan.

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that PM2.5 exposure was related to the number of cardiovascular hospitalizations, hospitalization period, and medical expenses.

Methods

We included 835,405 subjects who were admitted to acute care hospitals in Japan. We classified PM2.5 exposure concentration into quintile groups (from low to high in the order of “PM-1” to “PM-5” group). Multilevel mixed-effects Poisson and linear regression analysis were used to estimate the association of PM2.5 exposure concentration with the cardiovascular hospitalization events, duration and medical expenses. We also analyzed those factors classified by age.

Results

PM-2, 3, 4, 5 group were positively related to the number of cardiovascular hospitalization events compared with PM-1 group (Table 1). PM-3, 4, 5 group were positively associated with a 0.018, 0.029, and 0.029 (all p<0.001) of the difference of log cardiovascular hospitalization period compared with PM-1 group (p for trend <0.001). These groups were also positively associated with a 0.016, 0.023, and 0.021 (all p<0.001) of the difference of log medical expenses compared with PM-1 group (p for trend <0.001). Analyzed by age group, hospitalization duration was longer (p<0.05) and medical expenses was lower (p<0.05) significantly in super-aging group (over 90 years old) than the group under 64 years old (Figure 1).

Conclusions

PM2.5 exposure concentration has harmful effect on not only cardiovascular events but cardiovascular hospitalization period and medical expenses due to big-data in Japan. Medical costs were kept low in comparison with their hospitalization period in subjects over 90 years old.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prognostic relevance of exercise pulmonary hypertension for new-onset atrial fibrillation in primary mitral regurgitation

Background/Introduction

New-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) portends poor prognosis in patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR). However less is known about prognostic indicator for new-onset AF.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the prognostic relevance of exercise pulmonary hypertension for the new-onset AF in patients with primary MR.

Methods

Total of 114 consecutive patients with primary MR who underwent symptom-limited exercise echocardiography using supine-cycle ergometer were followed for new-onset AF over mean follow-up time of 3.6±2.6 years. Those with prevalent AF and pulmonary hypertension (estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure ≥50mmHg) prior to exercise echocardiography were excluded from our analysis. We defined exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (ExPHT) as those with peak estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) ≥60mmHg or delta SPAP defined as differences between rest and peak SPAP ≥20mmHg.

Results

The mean age was 61±15 years old and 70 (61%) were male. Of those, 8 (7.8%) had mild MR, 32 (31.1%) had moderate MR, and 63 (61.2%) had severe MR. 60 (52.2%) patients had ExPHT. A total of 27 cases of new-onset AF were found during follow-up where the ExPHT group had higher prevalence of new-onset AF than the non-ExPHT group (35% vs. 11%, p=0.002). Those with ExPHT had significantly stronger association with shorter event-free survival time of new-onset AF (log-rank p<0.001, Figure). When adjusted for age, sex, body surface area, the American Society of Echocardiography MR grade, left atrial dimension, peak systolic blood pressure and heart rate, the multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that those with ExPHT had a hazard risk of 3.1 ([95% CI 1.1–9.1], p=0.039) for new-onset of AF.

Conclusions

Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension predicted incident of new-onset AF in those with primary MR. Exercise echocardiography is expected to play an important role in decision making with regards to the optimal timing for surgical intervention in primary MR.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Roles of the DOCK-D family proteins in a mouse model of neuroinflammation

The DOCK-D (dedicator of cytokinesis D) family proteins are atypical guanine nucleotide exchange factors that regulate Rho GTPase activity. The family consists of Zizimin1 (DOCK9), Zizimin2 (DOCK11), and Zizimin3 (DOCK10). Functions of the DOCK-D family proteins are presently not well-explored, and the role of the DOCK-D family in neuroinflammation is unknown. In this study, we generated three mouse lines in which DOCK9 (DOCK9 ^-/-), DOCK10 (DOCK10 ^-/-), or DOCK11 (DOCK11 ^-/-) had been deleted and examined the phenotypic effects of these gene deletions in MOG_35-55 peptide-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of the neuroinflammatory disorder multiple sclerosis. We found that all the gene knockout lines were healthy and viable. The only phenotype observed under normal conditions was a slightly smaller proportion of B cells in splenocytes in DOCK10 ^-/- mice than in the other mouse lines. We also found that the migration ability of macrophages is impaired in DOCK10 ^-/- and DOCK11 ^-/- mice and that the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was ameliorated only in DOCK10 ^-/- mice. No apparent phenotype was observed for DOCK9 ^-/- mice. Further investigations indicated that lipopolysaccharide stimulation up-regulates DOCK10 expression in microglia and that microglial migration is decreased in DOCK10 ^-/- mice. Up-regulation of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) expression induced by activation of Toll-like receptor 4 or 9 signaling was reduced in DOCK10 ^-/- astrocytes compared with WT astrocytes. Taken together, our findings suggest that DOCK10 plays a role in innate immunity and neuroinflammation and might represent a potential therapeutic target for managing multiple sclerosis.