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Experimental revelation of bulk-diffusion-dominated high-frequency resistance time response in practical-thickness protonic ceramic fuel cells under H2-Side H2O variations
No full textSurgical Outcomes and Diagnostic Concordance in Patients With Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Undergoing Pancreatectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Full text linkBackground/Aim
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are heterogeneous neoplasms for which surgical resection remains the only potentially curative therapy. However, preoperative diagnostic accuracy - particularly tumor grading - often varies, complicating treatment decisions. This study evaluated diagnostic concordance between preoperative assessments and postoperative pathology, as well as surgical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing pancreatectomy for PanNETs.
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 32 patients who underwent surgical resection for PanNETs. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Preoperative imaging and cytology-based diagnoses were compared with final pathological findings to evaluate diagnostic concordance. Prognostic factors were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Results
Histological grading of resected specimens showed G1 in 53%, G2 in 41%, and G3/NEC in 6%, with a 38% discordance rate from preoperative biopsy. Lymphatic, venous, and perineural invasions were identified in 16%, 44%, and 13% of cases. Lymph node metastasis occurred in 22%. Among 30 patients with follow-up >12 months, eight developed recurrence, most commonly in the liver. The 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 78% and 69%, while overall survival (OS) rates were 96% and 91%. Tumor number >2 and histologic grade G3 were significantly associated with reduced DFS (p<0.05). Lymphatic invasion and metachronous liver metastasis were significantly associated with reduced OS (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Histological grading mismatch was not associated with survival outcomes.
Conclusion
Pancreatectomy for PanNETs is a safe and effective treatment with favorable long-term outcomes. Histological factors such as tumor grade, lymphatic invasion, and tumor number significantly predict recurrence and survival
Association of inflammatory cytokine profiles in the cervical mucus with the mode of calving ease after induction of parturition in overdue cows
Full text linkDuring normal cervical ripening in cows, there is an increase in the concentrations of various cytokines in the cervical mucus, which may be a marker of the progression of cervical ripening. However, the cytokine dynamics during abnormal delivery remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the concentrations of various cytokines in the cervical mucus of cows past the expected date of calving and the occurrence of dystocia after calving. Cervical mucus was collected from 145 Japanese Black cows with a gestational period of 295 days or longer (overdue cows), and calving was induced immediately after collection. Interleukin (IL)-1α, 1β, 6, 8, 10, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α concentrations in the mucus were determined. Cytokine concentrations were compared between the eutocia (n = 121) and dystocia (n = 24) groups. Concentrations of IL-1α, IL-8, and TNFα were lower in the dystocia group than in the eutocia group (P < 0.05). To evaluate the accuracy of dystocia prediction, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for IL-1α, IL-8, and TNFα were calculated, with values of 0.638, 0.712, and 0.709, respectively. In conclusion, IL-1α, IL-8 and TNFα concentrations in cervical mucus of overdue cows may be suitable indicators for screening animals at risk of dystocia
Pieris japonica (Ericaceae) Dominance and Increased Organic Horizon Inhibit Plant Establishment in Forests Altered by Deer Grazing
No full textThe prevalence of unpalatable plants to deer increases in forests after browsing. Such a shrub, Pieris japonica (Ericaceae), has become the dominant understory vegetation in the Kyushu Mountain region of southern Japan. This monodominance has led to a shaded understory and a build-up of humus layers, with a remarkable scarcity of plantlets beneath the P. japonica populations. To investigate the mechanisms by which P. japonica dominance suppresses plant establishment, we quantified the plant numbers and survival in an area dominated by this species and conducted germination tests to identify the factors hindering understory germination and initial growth. We observed a limited number of plantlets and recruitment in areas dominated by Pieris populations compared to the adjacent areas, while survival rates remained consistent across sites. Germination tests using humus collected from under the Pieris populations revealed a significantly reduced radicle length compared to the controls. This finding suggests that the modified organic horizon caused by the dominance of Pieris is a major factor inhibiting root growth and, ultimately, limiting plant establishment. These results offer insights for managing Pieris populations
Structural basis underlying the autoinhibition of the formin FHOD1 and its phosphorylation-dependent activation
Full text linkFHOD1 is a member of the formin protein family that plays a role in actin polymerization, thereby inducing stress fiber formation in vivo. FHOD1, like other members of the formin family, harbors the diaphanous autoregulatory domain (DAD) at the C-terminal region, which engages in autoinhibitory interactions with the N-terminal diaphanous inhibitory domain (DID). However, unlike other formins that are activated by the binding of Rho GTPases, autoinhibition of FHOD1 is released by phosphorylation at the DAD. The specific mechanisms underlying phosphorylation-dependent activation of FHOD1 remain to be elucidated, as the structure of the complex of the N- and C-terminal regions of FHOD1 remains unresolved. In this study, an in silico structural model of the autoinhibitory interaction of FHOD1 was developed using the AlphaFold3. The predicted model indicated that an extended polybasic region, which is unique to the FHOD subfamily, stabilizes autoinhibitory interactions. This prediction was validated through an experimental analysis using site-directed mutagenesis. Furthermore, the extended region was implicated in the process of autoinhibition release, as expected from the findings of our previous experiments, which was successfully reinforced by the structural predictions of the phosphorylated model. These findings provide a structural basis for a unique autoinhibitory mode and the activation process of FHOD1 among formin family proteins and, at the same time, underscore the powerful utility of protein structure prediction for the refinement of our understanding of protein structures and their functional implications
Optimizing multi-site schizophrenia differentiation: MRI harmonization with 20 controls per scanner in a study of 3560 subjects across 15 MRI scanners
No full textEnhanced Biodegradation of DDT by White-Rot Fungus Phlebia brevispora TMIC34596 in a Nutrient-Rich Medium at Short Incubation Time
Full text link1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) is a persistent organic pollutant that remains a global environmental concern due to its high toxicity and recalcitrance. This study investigated the ability of the white-rot fungus Phlebia brevispora to degrade DDT in a nutrient-rich Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) medium under a short incubation time. The fungus degraded 64.25% of DDT within 7 days. Metabolites identified by GC/MS were DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethylene), DDD (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane), and DDMU (1-chloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethylene), indicating both reductive dechlorination and dehydrogenation pathways. The results demonstrate that P. brevispora has strong potential for rapid biotransformation of DDT in nutrient-rich environments
The bidirectional relationship between hikikomori behavioral tendencies and depressive symptoms: A three-wave longitudinal study
No full textBackground
Hikikomori, characterized by prolonged social withdrawal and isolation, is often comorbid with psychiatric conditions including depression and anxiety. While cross-sectional studies consistently link hikikomori with depressive symptoms, the directionality of this relationship remains unclear because longitudinal evidence is lacking.
Objective
This study examined the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and hikikomori behavioral tendencies, focusing on both the topography (observable features) and functions of hikikomori behaviors, as conceptualized in operant conditioning theory.
Methods
A total of 497 individuals aged 20–64 years who met established criteria for hikikomori were surveyed three times over 12 months. Hikikomori behaviors and perceived functions were assessed using the Adaptive Behaviors Scale for Hikikomori and the Hikikomori Functional Assessment Scale. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model was employed to disentangle the within- and between-person effects, controlling for sex, self-compassion, and social support.
Results
Depressive symptoms predicted increased hikikomori behavior over time, whereas hikikomori behavior did not predict subsequent increased depressive symptoms. A bidirectional association was found between depressive symptoms and hikikomori maintained by social negative reinforcement (e.g., avoidance of social interaction). In contrast, hikikomori behaviors maintained by intrapersonal positive reinforcement were not significantly associated with depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that depressive symptoms were prospectively associated with the development and maintenance of hikikomori, particularly when driven by avoidance of aversive social experiences. Interventions targeting depressive symptoms and maladaptive reinforcement processes, such as behavioral activation, may help interrupt this cycle. Future studies should investigate other psychiatric comorbidities and test these findings in different cultural contexts