Clinicopathologic features and contralateral breast cancer risk in BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers: a multicenter registry study of Japanese women.

Purpose: This large-scale study presents the clinicopathological characteristics and cumulative incidence of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) in Japanese BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers, including cases diagnosed after the implementation of national insurance coverage.

Methods: We analyzed 2949 breast cancer cases from the registry database of the Japanese Organization of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

Results: BRCA1 carriers predominantly developed triple-negative breast cancer, whereas BRCA2 carriers more frequently developed luminal-type tumors, with a younger age of onset observed in BRCA1 carriers.

Combination chemotherapy for older patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer: a prospective observational study using propensity-score matched analysis (JON2104-B).

Background: Systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus S-1 (GEM + S-1), GEM + CDDP plus S-1 (GEM + CDDP + S-1), or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GEM + CDDP) is standard treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy in older patients with aBTC.

Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study (JON2104-B, UMIN000045156) included patients aged ≥ 70 years with aBTC.

Operando Evaluation of the Electrochemically Active Area in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Porous Electrode by Micro X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy.

An operando X-ray absorption spectroscopic technique, which enables us to measure X-ray absorption spectra with a position resolution of submicrometers at increased temperatures while controlling atmospheres and passing an electrical current through the specimen, was developed. By applying this technique, the electrochemically active area in a porous LaSrCoO electrode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was experimentally and directly evaluated for the first time. The characteristic length of the active area was approximately 1 μm from the electrode-electrolyte interface under a cathodic overpotential of 140 mV at 873 K under 10 bar of (O), although the investigated electrode was thicker than 50 μm.

Perturbation of the ovine placental transcriptome occurs at sub-therapeutic exposures to antenatal steroid therapy.

Introduction: Antenatal steroid (ANS) therapy accelerates preterm lung maturation. Clinical and experimental data show current regimens disrupt placental function and transport and impact fetal growth. We have previously shown that higher materno-fetal steroid exposures increase fetal glucocorticoid clearance.

Loss-Prone HLA Class I Alleles Inform Outcomes of Early Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Acquired Aplastic Anemia.

HLA class I allele loss in acquired aplastic anemia (AA) represents an immune escape from the T cell-mediated pathogenesis. We investigated the impact of loss-prone HLA alleles on the hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes using registry data of 875 Japanese patients with acquired AA. HLA associations were evident exclusively among 399 patients who received HCT within 1 year of the diagnosis, consistent with the predominance of HLA loss in this group.

Genetic design of soybean hosts and bradyrhizobial endosymbionts reduces NO emissions from soybean rhizosphere.

Soybeans fix atmospheric N through symbiosis with rhizobia. The relationship between rhizobia and soybeans, particularly those with high nitrous oxide (NO)-reducing (NOR) activities, can be leveraged to reduce NO emissions from agricultural soils. However, inoculating soybeans with these rhizobia under field conditions often fails because of the competition from indigenous rhizobia that possess low or no NOR activity.

Plastic surgery-maxillofacial prosthetics collaboration for facial prostheses for a patient with changes in facial morphology: A clinical report.

A 63-year-old man underwent extensive maxillectomy, followed by reconstruction using a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap. Subsequently, he received guided flap-correction surgery to insert a facial prosthesis. Over time, the initial prosthesis became inadequate because of morphological changes and color mismatch caused by seasonal variations in skin tone.

Outcomes of FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in patients with early recurrent pancreatic cancer after adjuvant S-1 treatment: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Background: Oral fluoropyrimidine, S-1 is the standard adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resected pancreatic cancer (PC) in Japan. Patients experiencing early recurrence are typically treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP), which are commonly used in patients with advanced PC. However, no clinical studies have compared these regimens in this particular population.

Integrative taxonomy reveals Parakaliella harimensis (Pilsbry, 1901) as a distinct East Asian Euconulus species with deep genetic structure.

The remarkable phenotypic plasticity of land snail shells often results in convergent evolution, leading to frequent taxonomic misidentifications and non-monophyletic classifications. The taxonomy of the Holarctic micro land snails related to Euconulus fulvus has been particularly challenging to resolve. This study integrates mitochondrial and nuclear DNA phylogenetics, geometric morphometrics, and climate suitability modeling to clarify the phylogenetic and taxonomic status of an East Asian lineage within this group.

Use of cartilage-conduction hearing aids in a child with Crouzon syndrome and meatal atresia.

A cartilage-conduction hearing aid (CCHA) transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear via the ear cartilage rather than through air or bone. They can be used in patients with meatal atresia and persistent otorrhea. Unlike bone-conduction hearing aid (BCHA), there is no need for pressure between the transducer and the temporal bone.

Unveiling the X-ray-Induced Rabi Dynamics in Resonant Auger Fragment Spectra.

Vibrationally resolved resonant Auger spectroscopy (RAS) on bound-continuum transitions enables highly sensitive probing of ultrafast dissociation in molecular core-excited states, where a distinct fragment band arises from Auger decay in dissociation fragments. Here, we theoretically investigate fragment band formation driven by ultrashort X-ray pulses. Unlike conventional molecular bands, fragment RAS peaks exhibit an insensitivity to strong X-ray Rabi oscillations.

Breast cancer classification based on the integration of diagnostic algorithms for calcifications and masses using a mixture of experts.

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of an integrated deep-learning (DL) algorithm, the Mixture of Radiological Findings Specific Experts (MoRFSE), in breast cancer classification by imitating the diagnostic decision-making process of radiologists.

Methods: A total of 2,764 mammographic images (1,462 breast cancer, 248 benign lesions, and 1,054 normal breast tissue) from the TOMPEI-CMMD were used. The MoRFSE comprises three DL models: a gate network for categorization (gNet) and two classification expert networks (cExp and mExp) specialized in capturing the distinct characteristics of calcifications and masses, respectively.

External validation of the revised lethal triad criteria for appropriate strategic decision making.

Background: The conventional lethal triad criteria for trauma are too specific for death and, thus, inappropriate as a standard for strategic decisions. Revised lethal triad criteria were previously proposed based on a multicenter study. Positive is defined as meeting one major criterion (fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product >90 μg/mL) or two minor criteria (base excess <-3 mEq/L or temperature <36°C).

First detection of Rickettsia japonica in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infesting camels from Egypt: A call for enhanced surveillance of tick-borne pathogens.

Tick-borne rickettsiosis has posed a significant threat to Egypt, with various pathogenic Rickettsia species being reported. In this study, 134 ticks were collected from camels in Esna City, Luxor, Egypt and all were identified as Hyalomma dromedarii through both morphological and molecular techniques. Using specific primers targeting the citrate synthase (gltA), outer membrane protein A (ompA) and 17 kD antigen (17 kDa) genes, Rickettsia japonica was detected via conventional and nested PCR assays.

Recellularization of decellularized vascular grafts via aligned seeding of endothelial cells derived from human iPS cells.

The development of decellularized vascular tissues for tissue engineering and vascular implants presents a promising approach to creating functional blood vessels. However, effective endothelialization with human endothelial cells remains challenging. This study examined the endothelialization of decellularized porcine aortas using human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cell-derived endothelial cells.

Ultra-low core loss in Fe-enriched soft magnetic ribbons enabled by nanostructure and high-frequency domain engineering.

The next generation of power electronics necessitates materials capable of rapid response at tens of kilohertz frequencies while ensuring minimal core losses. Accelerating the advancement of power electronics hinges on addressing the current shortage of ultra-low core loss soft magnets, thereby enabling sustainable energy utilization and paving the way toward achieving zero carbon footprints. Here we demonstrate an approach that integrates nanostructure engineering with high-frequency domain structure control, significantly enhancing the performance of Fe-enriched amorphous ribbons.

Amide-Directed C-H Acetoxylation of Cubanes.

In this study, a palladium-catalyzed, amide-directed C-H acetoxylation of cubanes has been developed. The ortho positions of the amide directing group on cubanes were selectively acetoxylated without any stoichiometric strong bases. The number (1-3) of acetoxy groups introduced was determined by the amount of PhI(OAc) used.

Eco-friendly sonochemical synthesis of BaTiO/Ag nanocomposite particles: Investigation of Ag-nanoparticle formation and growth behavior under ultrasound irradiation.

This study synthesizes BaTiO/Ag nanocomposite particles using an eco-friendly sonochemical method and investigates the mechanism of Ag-nanoparticle deposition. BaTiO and AgO were ultrasonically irradiated in methanol at 20 ˚C, and samples and solvents were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nanocomposite particles uniformly decorated with fine Ag nanoparticles were obtained via ultrasonication (>45 kHz) for 3 h.

Grief and Depression Among Bereaved Parents Who Have Lost an Adult Child to Cancer: A National Death Follow-Up Study.

Parents who have lost their children to death often experience high levels of grief and depression. However, studies on the grief and depression experienced by parents who have lost an adult child to cancer are scarce. To clarify the risk and characteristics of grief and depression in parents who have lost an adult child to cancer.

Large Anomalous Hall Effect in a Nanocrystalline Room-Temperature Ferromagnetic CoCrFeNiGa High-Entropy Alloy.

Magnetic high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with their unusual blend of long-range magnetic order and exceptional mechanical properties are beneficial for the development of next-generation spintronic devices that can withstand extreme conditions. Developing room-temperature magnetic HEAs and understanding the link among their magnetic, electronic, and mechanical properties are crucial. Here, we introduce nanocrystalline CoCrFeNiGa as a room-temperature bulk magnetic HEA candidate based on 3d-transition metals and elucidate its magnetic and electronic properties.

Reelin Increases the Sphingomyelin Content of the Plasma Membrane and Affects the Surface Expression of GPI-Anchored Proteins in Hippocampal Neurons.

Sphingomyelin (SM) is primarily located in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. It plays a crucial role in intercellular communication and the morphology of neuronal cells by influencing the localization and function of various proteins. However, the mechanisms regulating the SM content in the neuronal plasma membrane remain largely elusive.

Effect of Preoperative Nutritional Status on Postoperative Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Metastatic Spinal Tumors: Japan Association of Spine Surgeons with Ambition Multicenter Study.

Study Design: A multicenter prospective study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of preoperative nutritional status, assessed using the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), on clinical outcomes, including survival prognosis, postoperative complications, hospitalization duration, and functional prognosis, in patients with metastatic spinal tumors undergoing surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Malnutrition is common in patients with cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Long-term outcomes of venetoclax and ibrutinib in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

Background: Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) face a poor prognosis in the absence of effective treatment options. Ibrutinib plus venetoclax demonstrated high response rates and a tolerable safety profile in the primary analysis of the Phase 2, M20-075 study (NCT04477486) in Japanese patients with R/R MCL. We report updated efficacy and safety from this study with longer follow-up.