Vanishing White Matter Disease With c.254 >A Variant: Mild Clinical and MRI Findings.

Objectives: Typical MRI findings of vanishing white matter disease (VWM) include diffuse white matter lesions with cystic degeneration. However, mild cases may lack these typical features, posing diagnostic challenges.

Methods: We describe 2 of 3 individuals carrying the homozygous c.

Warm-Up Program for Adolescent Golfers Reduces Low Back Pain: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Low back pain (LBP) is common in golfers. While numerous injury prevention programs exist for youth athletes, there is a significant lack of such programs to prevent LBP in adolescent golfers. To ascertain the impact of an LBP prevention program on the incidence of LBP among adolescent golfers.

Classifying Patient Characteristics and Determining a Predictor in Acute Stroke Patients: Application of Latent Class Analysis in Rehabilitation Practice.

: Predicting comprehensive patient characteristics is essential for optimal individualized rehabilitation plans for acute stroke patients. However, current models primarily predict single outcomes. This study aimed to assess the applicability of latent class analysis (LCA) in rehabilitation practice by identifying comprehensive characteristics and associated predictors in acute stroke patients.

Isofloridoside: a novel inhibitor of Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and glucosyltransferase activity.

Objective: Isofloridoside, a galactose-containing heteroside derived from marine red algae, has potential applications as a sweetener because it can activate the sweetness receptors T1R2/T1R3. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isofloridoside on the growth and sucrose-dependent biofilm formation of the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, to evaluate its potential as a caries-preventing agent.

Results: The results showed that S.

Agreement Between TDK Silmee W22 and ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for Estimating Daily Step Counts and Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Free-Living Adults: Comparative Study.

Background: Wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices are powerful tools for remotely collecting intensive longitudinal data. The TDK Silmee W22, a wristband-type wearable IoT device with a built-in 3-axis acceleration sensor, provides minute-by-minute physical activity data such as estimated metabolic equivalents (METs) and step counts. These measurements can be aggregated to daily estimates; however, their accuracies have not been fully explored in adults under free-living settings.

DHX9 phosphorylation at S321 by ATM regulates DHX9 retention at DNA double-strand break sites and interaction with BRCA1.

To preserve genome stability, the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that can be caused by exposure to ionizing radiation and certain anticancer drugs is of paramount importance. Recently, it became evident that various DNA-RNA helicases play a pivotal role in homologous recombination (HR) repair and non-homologous end joining, which are the two principal DSB repair machineries in mammalian cells. In a previous study, we reported that DHX9, which belongs to the DExH-box helicase family, is involved in HR repair.

External validation of the Japanese version of the reduced morningness-eveningness questionnaire (rMEQ) score using dim light melatonin onset and sleep-wake behavior in young adults.

The Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), a five-item version of the 19-item MEQ, is a practical tool for assessing circadian typology or "morningness" and "eveningness" preference. Although we previously validated the Japanese version of rMEQ with MEQ, external validation against an established standard was lacking. This study aimed to additionally validate the Japanese rMEQ in young adults by assessing the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), a marker of circadian phase, and subjective/objective sleep-wake habits.

Preparation of Particle-Reinforced Resin Using Highly Functional ZnO Particle Filler Driven by Supramolecular Interactions.

The surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with organic compounds has been shown to improve their dispersibility. In this study, to develop a highly functional material, ZnONP modified with 6-amino-1-hexanol bearing both amino and hydroxyl functional groups was synthesized. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed that functionalized ZnONP was successfully obtained by a hydrothermal synthetic method.

The Process of Urban Older People Surrendering Their Driver's License: An Analysis Using a Trajectory Equifinality Model.

This qualitative study explored the driving cessation process among older adults in urban Japan using the Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four participants (aged 75-82) who had surrendered their driver's license within the past 3 years. Analysis revealed four phases: (1) , balancing risks and convenience; (2) , involving lifestyle adjustments; (3) , gaining comfort with a life without driving; and (4) , culminating in formal license surrender.

Associations between footwear fit and developmental milestones in toddlers: a cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between footwear characteristics and motor development in toddlers walking independently. [Participants and Methods] A total of 13 toddlers (mean age: 26.5 ± 4.

Hilbert-Huang transform based pupil changes analysis for concentration assessment in skilled mowing.

In the hilly and mountainous areas of Japan, mowing operations can only be carried out by human labor because of the steep slopes. However, the environment faced by workers when mowing is complex, requiring them to deal with different visual stimuli at the same time. These factors will also be reflected in the data of specific pupil changes, further impacting their concentration while mowing.

Impact of possible sarcopenia on post-discharge adverse outcomes in patients with acute stroke.

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the effects of possible sarcopenia at admission-defined using calf circumference (CC) and handgrip strength-on adverse events, including recurrence and death, in patients with acute stroke.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at two acute care hospitals between November 2020 and March 2022. All patients admitted within 48 h of stroke onset during the study period were included.

Muscle Synergies in Single-Leg Hops: Neuromuscular Adaptations for Increased Hop Distance.

This study investigated differences in muscle synergies in the trunk and lower limbs during single-leg hops at 30% (SLH30) and 100% (SLH100) of maximum distance to understand the neuromechanical mechanisms underlying longer hop distances. Unilateral surface EMG data were collected from 16 muscle groups in the trunk and lower limbs during both SLH30 and SLH100 in 10 healthy males. Nonnegative matrix factorization was used to extract muscle synergies.

Maintenance of proper phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate level by Stt4 and Sac1 contributes to vesicular transport to and from the plasma membrane.

Growing evidence suggests that counter-transport of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdIns(4)P) and phosphatidylserine (PS) at endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) contact sites is required for intracellular vesicle transport. PtdIns(4)P is metabolized by Stt4 PI 4-kinase residing at the PM and by Sac1 PtdIns(4)P phosphatase at the ER, and ER-PM contact sites are believed to be important for its efficient turnover. Recently, Stt4 has been shown to extensively localize to ER-PM contact sites.

Factors Associated With Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in Japan: A Decision Tree Analysis.

Background Self-rated health (SRH) is a widely used single-item measure that predicts morbidity, mortality, and healthcare use. In aging societies, such as Japan, SRH serves as a vital public health indicator. Although many factors influence SRH, their relative importance and interactions remain unclear, particularly among older adults.

Integrating Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine into Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of East Asian Traditional Medicine.

Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are essential in treating infertility but often face limited success due to low implantation and live birth rates. East Asian traditional medicine (EATM), including acupuncture and herbal medicine (HM), may enhance physiological responses during ART cycles. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of EATM in improving clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes in women undergoing ART.

Controllable defect-induced room temperature ferromagnetism in single-layered titanium oxide nanosheets.

We investigated defect-induced ferromagnetism of titanium oxide nanosheets, one of the thinnest two-dimensional (2D) oxide materials obtained by chemical exfoliation from layered titanate. Magnetization measured for single-layered titanium oxide nanosheets shows ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature, which is attributable to native defects generated during the exfoliation process. The ferromagnetism can be controlled by further introducing defects by Arion irradiation.

Reliability and Responsiveness of the Hand20 Questionnaire in Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study.

Background Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis significantly impairs hand function and quality of life, particularly in older adults. Reliable patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential for assessing disease impact and evaluating treatment efficacy. The Hand20 questionnaire, widely used for upper extremity conditions, has demonstrated strong reliability and responsiveness.

Clinical utility, validity and reliability of the IPad application for goal-setting: The aid for decision-making in occupation choice-2.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical utility, reliability, and validity of the second-generation aid for decision-making in occupation choice-2 (ADOC2), an iPad application designed for client-centred and occupation-centred goal setting.DesignThis study consisted of two components: (1) The development and refinement of the ADOC2 application, focusing on user interface design and structured goal-setting functionality; and (2) the clinical evaluation of its utility, validity, and reliability.SettingEleven rehabilitation facilities in Japan (10 hospitals, 1 home-based setting).

PRMT4/CARM1 Is a Novel Factor Promoting DNA Double-Strand Break Repair.

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), among the most deleterious forms of DNA damage, are primarily repaired by non-homologous end-joining or homologous recombination repair in mammalian cells. Although DSB repair is regulated by various posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, the contribution of protein arginine methylation, catalyzed by protein arginine N-methyltransferases (PRMTs), is less understood. To explore this, we conducted a screen of human PRMTs for their recruitment to the DSB sites in living cells.

Anti-inflammatory Function of Ozonated Ethyl Ester of Unsaturated Fatty Acids.

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of ozonated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Ozonated fatty acid ethyl esters were prepared by bubbling ozone gas into the sample solution, leading to the formation of ozonide structures. Upon treatment with RAW264 cells, ozonated fatty acid ethyl esters reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a dose-dependent manner, with ozonated ethyl ester of α-linolenic acid (zLnEE) showing the strongest reduction among all samples.

Peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA copy number as a predictor of steatotic liver disease development: insights from epidemiological and experimental studies.

Background: Mitochondria, which harbor their own genome (mtDNA), have attracted attention due to the potential of mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) as an indicator of mitochondrial dysfunction. Although mtDNA-CN has been proposed as a simple and accessible biomarker for metabolic disorders such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, the underlying mechanisms and the causal relationship remain insufficiently elucidated. In this investigation, we combined longitudinal epidemiological data, animal studies, and in vitro assays to elucidate the potential causal relationship between reduced mtDNA-CN and the development of steatotic liver disease (SLD).

Whole Cells of Microorganisms-A Powerful Bioanalytical Tool for Measuring Integral Parameters of Pollution: A Review.

Microbial biosensors are bioanalytical devices that can measure the toxicity of pollutants or detect specific substances. This is the greatest advantage of microbial biosensors which use whole cells of microorganisms as powerful tools for measuring integral parameters of environmental pollution. This review explores the core principles of microbial biosensors including biofuel devices, emphasizing their capacity to evaluate biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), toxicity, heavy metals, surfactants, phenols, pesticides, inorganic pollutants, and microbiological contamination.

Formation of singlet oxygen in addition to hydroxyl radical via the Fenton reaction.

We established an LC-MS/MS method for detecting uric acid oxidation metabolites to evaluate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as uric acid gives specific products. Parabanic acid was identified during attempts to detect hydroxyl radical-specific products in the Fenton reaction. As parabanic acid is a singlet oxygen-specific product of uric acid, this indicates the Fenton system, which is known for the generation of hydroxyl radicals, also forms singlet oxygen products.