Nucleobindin-2 Mediates Transforming Growth Factor-ß1-Driven Phenotypes in Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1-High Uterine Carcinosarcoma.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a hallmark of uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). Here, shotgun proteomics analysis used to identify biomarkers associated with blebbistatin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in UCS indicated up-regulation of nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) cells. Expression of N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, and ZEB1 was reduced in NUCB2 knockout Em Ca cells, whereas ZEB1, Twist1, and vimentin were up-regulated in NUCB2-overexpressing Em Ca cells. NUCB2 knockout reduced cell proliferation and migration, whereas NUCB2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Treatment of Em Ca cells with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 dramatically altered morphology toward a fibroblastic appearance; concomitantly, expression of NUCB2 and ZEB1 increased. The NUCB2 promoter was also activated by transfection of Smad2. In UCS tissues, NUCB2 expression was significantly higher in sarcomatous compared with carcinomatous components, which was consistent with increased TGF-ß1 mRNA expression in stromal and sarcomatous components compared with carcinomatous components. In addition, NUCB2 score correlated positively with ZEB1 and vimentin scores, whereas ZEB1 score correlated positively with Slug and vimentin scores and inversely with the E-cadherin score. Collectively, these data indicate that TGF-ß-dependent up-regulation of NUCB2 and ZEB1 contributes to the phenotypic characteristics of sarcomatous components in UCS.

Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) for adults 75 years and older: tool development and content and face validation.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity significantly contributes to older adults' physical and mental health, suggesting that physical activity could enhance healthy life expectancy. Despite its importance for adults aged 75 and older, activity levels among a large proportion of individuals aged 75 and older in Japan do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, indicating a need for specific strategies tailored to this age group. This study aimed to develop a screening tool that measures daily activities promoting physical activity among older adults and assessed its content and face validity. METHODS: In Stage 1, we derived constructs pertinent to physical activity from previous literature and formulated an item list based on a prior qualitative study we undertook in Japan that evaluated daily behaviours facilitating physical activity among older adults. During Stage 2, we assessed the content and face validity of the list utilising the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), involving eight experts. The content validity was confirmed through two scoring evaluation rounds, while the face validity was verified through the NGT discussion, focusing on the comprehensibility and appropriateness of the tool. RESULTS: We created a tool with 22 items consisting of three constructs. The NGT participants modified eight of these items for the final assessment, resulting in a finalised tool comprising 22 items that satisfied the adaptation criteria. The content validity of these items was affirmed by median adequacy (>5.0 points) and interquartile range (<1.0 points). The NGT discussion consensus also confirmed satisfactory face validity. CONCLUSION: The newly developed tool, Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) for adults 75 years and older, is a valid screening tool to assess the daily behaviours that facilitate physical activity. This self-administered instrument aims to assist older adults who need to start and maintain physical activity daily. Before its widespread public deployment, further investigation of the tool's validity and reliability is necessary.

Validity and reliability of the Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity for people 75 years and older in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Despite health benefits, many older adults struggle to meet physical activity guidelines, leading to stagnant activity levels. While integrating physical activity into daily routines has been proposed as a promising strategy for older adults, fit-for-purpose measurement tools to assess such routines are lacking. The Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) was developed based on the positive deviance approach and socio-ecological model to assess daily behaviours encouraging physical activity among adults aged 75 and older. It has been confirmed for its content and face validity. However, to ensure its broader applicability and usefulness, assessing its construct validity and reliability is necessary. Therefore, this study aims to assess the construct validity and reliability of the CHaPA and accordingly update the tool. METHODS: To validate the construct validity of the CHaPA 22-item version, we conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We removed inappropriate items based on predefined criteria. Then, we assessed the reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement errors of the CHaPA final version. RESULTS: Item analyses and factor analyses resulted in the deletion of 11 items. The results of confirmatory factor analysis validated the CHaPA 11-item version with the three-factor structure based on model fit index with χ2/degree of freedom = 1.25, comparative fit index = 0.965, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.952, and root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.038. Omega coefficient (0.90) showed excellent internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC (1, 2) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.34-0.89, standard error of measurement = 1.75). CONCLUSIONS: We finalised the CHaPA 11-item version as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing daily behaviours conducive to physical activity among individuals aged 75 years and older. We need to examine the methods and effectiveness of disseminating this checklist to ensure its utilisation as a resource for promoting healthy ageing and aiding older adults in maintaining active lifestyles.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase overexpression enhances aggressive phenotypic characteristics of endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is overexpressed in several primary solid tumor types, its role in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) remains unclear. METHODS: We evaluated expression of ALK and its related molecules in clinical samples consisting of 168 Em Ca tissues. We also used Em Ca cell lines to evaluate the functional role of ALK. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic ALK immunoreactivity in the absence of chromosomal rearrangement was positively correlated with ALK mRNA expression, and was significantly higher in Grade (G) 3 Em Ca than in G1 or G2 tumors. ALK immunoreactivity was also significantly associated with expression of cancer stem cell (CSC)-related molecules (cytoplasmic CD133, ALDH1, Sox2) and neuroendocrine markers (CD56 and synaptophysin). Although the proliferative index was significantly higher in ALK-positive Em Ca when compared to ALK- negative malignancies, there was no association between ALK expression and other clinicopathological factors in this disease. In Em Ca cell lines, full-length ALK overexpression increased proliferation, decreased susceptibility to apoptosis, enhanced cancer stem cell features, and accelerated cell mobility, whereas these phenotypes were abrogated in ALK-knockdown cells. Finally, patients with tumors harboring either wild-type ALK or high ALK mRNA expression had a poorer prognosis than those with either mutant ALK or low ALK mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Full-length ALK overexpression occurs in a subset of Em Ca, particularly in G3 tumors, and contributes to the establishment and maintenance of aggressive phenotypic characteristics through modulation of several biological processes.

Role of CC Chemokine Ligand 17 in Mouse Models of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Lung function deterioration is significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We previously reported that CC chemokine ligand 17/thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (CCL17/TARC) could be a predictive factor of lung function decline in patients with COPD. However, the role of CCL17 in the pathogenesis of COPD is unclear. Here we examined the role of CCL17 in lung inflammation using mouse COPD models. Exposure to cigarette smoking induced CCL17 production in bronchial epithelial cells and accumulation of alveolar macrophages in the lungs. Intranasal administration of recombinant CCL17 further enhanced cigarette smoke-induced macrophage accumulation and also aggravated elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema. We confirmed that cigarette smoke (CS) extract as well as hydrogen peroxide upregulated CCL17 in BAES-2B cells. Of note, macrophages of both M1 and M2 surface markers were accumulated by cigarette smoke. Both alveolar macrophage accumulation via exposure to cigarette smoking and emphysematous changes induced by elastase administration were significantly reduced in CCL17-deficient mice. We further demonstrated that CCL17 strongly induced the expression of CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), a chemoattractant for macrophages, in RAW264.7 cells, and its production was inhibited by knockdown of CCR4, the receptor of CCL17. Collectively, the present results demonstrate that CCL17 is produced by lung epithelial cells upon CS exposure. Furthermore, CCL17 is involved in CS-induced accumulation of alveolar macrophages and development of elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema, possibly through CCL17-induced production of CCL2 by macrophages. Our findings may provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of COPD.

Functional interaction between S100A1 and MDM2 may modulate p53 signaling in normal and malignant endometrial cells.

BACKGROUND: S100A1 expression is deregulated in a variety of human malignancies, but its role in normal and malignant endometrial cells is unclear. METHODS: We used endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) cell lines to evaluate the physical and functional interaction of S100A1 with p53 and its negative regulator, mouse double minute 2 (MDM2). We also evaluated the expression of S100A1, p53, and MDM2 in clinical samples consisting of 89 normal endometrial and 189 Em Ca tissues. RESULTS: S100A1 interacted with MDM2 but not p53 in Em Ca cell lines. Treatment of cells stably overexpressing S100A1 with Nutlin-3A, an inhibitor of the p53/MDM2 interaction, increased expression of p53-target genes including p21waf1 and BAX. S100A1 overexpression enhanced cellular migration, but also sensitized cells to the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of Adriamycin, a genotoxic agent; these phenotypes were abrogated when S100A1 was knocked down using shRNA. In clinical samples from normal endometrium, S100A1 expression was significantly higher in endometrial glandular cells of the middle/late secretory and menstrual stages when compared to cells in the proliferative phases; high S100A1 was also positively correlated with expression of MDM2 and p21waf1 and apoptotic status, and inversely correlated with Ki-67 scores. However, such correlations were absent in Em Ca tissues. CONCLUSION: The interaction between S100A1 and MDM2 may modulate proliferation, susceptibility to apoptosis, and migration through alterations in p53 signaling in normal- but not malignant-endometrial cells.

A functional role of S100A4/non-muscle myosin IIA axis for pro-tumorigenic vascular functions in glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain tumor and has vascular-rich features. The S100A4/non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) axis contributes to aggressive phenotypes in a variety of human malignancies, but little is known about its involvement in GBM tumorigenesis. Herein, we examined the role of the S100A4/NMIIA axis during tumor progression and vasculogenesis in GBM. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemistry for S100A4, NMIIA, and two hypoxic markers, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), in samples from 94 GBM cases. The functional impact of S100A4 knockdown and hypoxia were also assessed using a GBM cell line. RESULTS: In clinical GBM samples, overexpression of S100A4 and NMIIA was observed in both non-pseudopalisading (Ps) and Ps (-associated) perinecrotic lesions, consistent with stabilization of HIF-1α and CA9. CD34(+) microvascular densities (MVDs) and the interaction of S100A4 and NMIIA were significantly higher in non-Ps perinecrotic lesions compared to those in Ps perinecrotic areas. In non-Ps perinecrotic lesions, S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(-) GBM cells were recruited to the surface of preexisting host vessels in the vascular-rich areas. Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression was found in S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(+) GBM cells adjacent to the vascular-rich areas. In addition, GBM patients with high S100A4 protein expression had significantly worse OS and PFS than did patients with low S100A4 expression. Knockdown of S100A4 in the GBM cell line KS-1 decreased migration capability, concomitant with decreased Slug expression; the opposite effects were elicited by blebbistatin-dependent inhibition of NMIIA. CONCLUSION: S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(-) GBM cells are recruited to (and migrate along) preexisting vessels through inhibition of NMIIA activity. This is likely stimulated by extracellular VEGF that is released by S100A4(+)/HIF-1α(+) tumor cells in non-Ps perinecrotic lesions. In turn, these events engender tumor progression via acceleration of pro-tumorigenic vascular functions. Video abstract.

PTEN overexpression and nuclear ß-catenin stabilization promote morular differentiation through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell-like properties in endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although a lack of functional PTEN contributes to tumorigenesis in a wide spectrum of human malignancies, little is known about the functional role of its overexpression in the tumors. The current study focused on PTEN overexpression in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca). METHODS: The functional impact of PTEN overexpression was assessed by Em Ca cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted using 38 Em Ca with morular lesions. RESULTS: Em Ca cell lines stably overexpressing PTEN (H6-PTEN) exhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features, probably through ß-catenin/Slug-meditated suppression of E-cadherin. PTEN overexpression also inhibited cell proliferation, accelerated cellular senescence, increased apoptotic features, and enhanced migration capability. Moreover, H6-PTEN cells exhibited cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties, along with high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 and CD44s, a large ALDH 1high population, enriched spheroid formation, and ß-catenin-mediated upregulation of cyclin D2, which is required for persistent CSC growth. In clinical samples, immunoreactivities for PTEN, as well as CSC-related molecules, were significantly higher in morular lesions as compared to the surrounding carcinomas. PTEN score was positively correlated with expression of nuclear ß-catenin, cytoplasmic CD133, and CD44v6, and negatively with cell proliferation. Finally, estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-dependent expression of Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phophoprotein-50 (EBP50), a multifunctional scaffolding protein, acts as a negative regulator of morular formation by Em Ca cells through interacting with PTEN and ß-catenin. CONCLUSION: In the abscess of ERα/EBP50 expression, PTEN overexpression and nuclear ß-catenin stabilization promote the establishment and maintenance of morular phenotype associated with EMT/CSC-like features in Em Ca cells. Video Abstract.

Cytoplasmic EBP50 and elevated PARP1 are unfavorable prognostic factors in ovarian clear cell carcinoma.

Patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) experience frequent recurrence, which is most likely due to chemoresistance. We used shotgun proteomics analysis and identified upregulation of ezrin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) in recurrent OCCC samples. Cytoplasmic and/or nuclear (Cyt/N), but not membranous, EBP50 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in recurrent OCCC as compared with that of primary tumors. OCCC cells expressing cytoplasmic EBP50 were significantly less susceptible to cisplatin (CDDP)-induced apoptosis compared with cells expressing membranous EBP50. Abrogation of resistance following knockdown of cytoplasmic EBP50 was accompanied by decreased XIAP and BCL2, increased BAX and increased caspase-3 cleavage. We found that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase1 (PARP1), which is involved in DNA damage detection and repair, binds to EBP50 through its PDZ1 domain. CDDP treatment of cells expressing cytoplasmic (but not membranous) EBP50 increased nuclear PARP1 expression, whereas knockdown of EBP50 cells decreased PARP1 expression and activity following CDDP treatment. Finally, OCCC patients with a combination of Cyt/N EBP50 and high PARP1 score had worst the prognosis for overall and progression-free survival. Together, our data suggest that cytoplasmic EBP50 inhibits apoptosis and promotes OCCC survival through stabilization of PARP1 activity and modulation of the XIAP/BCL2/BAX axis. This may increase the likelihood of tumor recurrence, and we therefore suggest a combined analysis for EBP50 and PARP1 may have great utility in OCCC prediction and prognosis.

Adsorption of DNA binding proteins to functionalized carbon nanotube surfaces with and without DNA wrapping.

We examined the adsorption of DNA binding proteins on functionalized, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). When SWNTs were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG-SWNT), moderate adsorption of protein molecules was observed. In contrast, nanotubes functionalized with CONH2 groups (CONH2-SWNT) exhibited very strong interactions between the CONH2-SWNT and DNA binding proteins. Instead, when these SWNT surfaces were wrapped with DNA molecules (thymine 30-mers), protein binding was a little decreased. Our results revealed that DNA wrapped PEG-SWNT was one of the most promising candidates to realize DNA nanodevices involving protein reactions on DNA-SWNT surfaces. In addition, the DNA binding protein RecA was more adhesive than single-stranded DNA binding proteins to the functionalized SWNT surfaces.

Physisorption of DNA molecules on chemically modified single-walled carbon nanotubes with and without sonication.

We investigated the physisorption phenomenon of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules onto two types of commercially available chemically functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and agarose gel electrophoresis. We found that DNA molecules can adsorb on the water-soluble SWNT surfaces without sonication, although sonication treatment has been used for hybridization of DNA and SWNTs in many previous studies. Using our method, damage of DNA molecules by sonication can be avoided. On the other hand, the amount of DNA molecules adsorbed on SWNT surfaces increased when the samples were sonicated. This fact suggests that the sonication is effective not only at debundling of SWNTs, but also at assisting DNA adsorption. Furthermore, DNA adsorption was affected by the types of functionalized SWNTs. In the case of SWNTs functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG-SWNT), physisorption of ssDNA molecules was confirmed only by agarose-gel electrophoresis. In contrast, amino-terminated SWNTs (NH2-SWNTs) showed a change in the height distribution profile based on AFM observations. These results suggest that DNA molecules tended to adsorb to NH2-SWNT surfaces, although DNA molecules can also adsorb on PEG-SWNT surfaces. Our results revealed fundamental information for developing nanobiodevices using hybrids of DNA and SWNTs.

Nucleobindin 2 inhibits senescence in gastric carcinoma.

Here, we focused on the role of Nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), a multifunctional protein, in gastric carcinoma (GC) progression. NUCB2 expression was investigated in 150 GC cases (20 non-invasive (pT1) and 130 invasive (pT2/pT3/pT4) tumors) by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization for detection of the mRNA in 21 cases. Using GC cell lines, we determined whether NUCB2 expression was associated with specific cellular phenotypes. In GC clinical samples, NUCB2 was transcriptionally upregulated when compared to normal tissues. High NUCB2 expression was associated with clinicopathological factors including deep tumor invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and advanced clinical stages, and was a significant independent predictor of unfavorable progression-free survival in 150 non-invasive and invasive GC patients. Similar findings were also evident in 72 invasive GC cases in which patients received post-operative chemotherapy, but not in 58 invasive tumors from patients who did not receive the chemotherapy. In cell lines, NUCB2 knockout inhibited proliferation, susceptibility to apoptosis, and migration capability by inducting cellular senescence; this was consistent with higher proliferation and apoptotic indices in the NUCB2 IHC-high compared to NUCB2 IHC-low GC cases. NUCB2-dependent inhibition of senescence in GC engenders aggressive tumor behavior by modulating proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.

Effect of UV Irradiation of Pre-Gel Solutions on the Formation of Collagen Gel Tubes.

Hollow collagen gels are promising materials for drug/cell delivery systems to promote tissue regeneration because they may be able to function as carriers for these types of loads. Controlling the cavity size and swelling suppression is essential to expand the applications and improve the usability of such gel-like systems. We investigated the effects of UV-treated collagen solutions as a pre-gel aqueous mixture on the formation and properties of the hollow collagen gels in terms of their preparation range limits, morphology, and swelling ratio. The UV treatment thickened the pre-gel solutions, which allowed hollowing at lower collagen concentrations. This treatment also prevents the over-swelling of the hollow collagen rods in PBS buffer solutions. The UV-treated collagen solutions provided a large lumen space in the prepared collagen hollow fiber rods with a limited swelling ratio, allowing vascular endothelial cells and ectodermal cells to be cultured separately in the outer and inner lumen.

Evaluation of Prognostic Factors for Unresectable or Recurrent Gastric Cancer Treated with Nivolumab.

PURPOSE: Nivolumab is useful for the treatment of unresectable/recurrent gastric cancer as third-line or later chemotherapy. However, the factors that predict the efficacy of nivolumab monotherapy remain unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the predictive factors of response in 59 consecutive patients treated with nivolumab as third-line or later chemotherapy for unresectable/recurrent gastric cancer at our hospital from October 2017 to May 2020. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 5.9 months. The study included 45 men and 14 women (median age: 71 years). We observed that 7 patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 and 52 patients had a performance status of 1-2. Forty-three patients were treated with third-line therapy, seven with fourth-line therapy, and three with fifth-line therapy. The response rate to nivolumab was 6.7% and disease control rate was 35.5%. There were 19 (32.2%) immune-related adverse events for all grades and 9 (15.2%) for grades 3 and 4. Progression-free survival was 1.90 months, and overall survival was 6.30 months. Patients with immune-related adverse events had significantly longer overall survival than those without immune-related adverse events. Multivariate analysis showed that the occurrence of immune-related adverse events and a ratio for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after 8 weeks of nivolumab treatment to the baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio before treatment of ≤ 1.5 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of immune-related adverse events and changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during nivolumab treatment may help predict the therapeutic efficacy of nivolumab monotherapy for unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer.

EBP50 Depletion and Nuclear ß-Catenin Accumulation Engender Aggressive Behavior of Colorectal Carcinoma through Induction of Tumor Budding.

Ezin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is a scaffold protein that interacts with several partner molecules including ß-catenin. Here, we examined the crosstalk between EBP50 and nuclear catenin during colorectal carcinoma (CRC) progression. In clinical samples, there were no correlations between the subcellular location of EBP50 and any clinicopathological factors. However, EBP50 expression was significantly lower specifically in the outer areas of tumor lesions, in regions where tumor budding (BD) was observed. Low EBP50 expression was also significantly associated with several unfavorable prognostic factors, suggesting that EBP50 depletion rather than its overexpression or subcellular distribution plays an important role in CRC progression. In CRC cell lines, knockout of EBP50 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features, decreased proliferation, accelerated migration capability, and stabilized nuclear ß-catenin due to disruption of the interaction between EBP50 and ß-catenin at the plasma membrane. In addition, Slug expression was significantly higher in outer lesions, particularly in BD areas, and was positively correlated with nuclear ß-catenin status, consistent with ß-catenin-driven transactivation of the Slug promoter. Together, our data suggest that EBP50 depletion releases ß-catenin from the plasma membrane in outer tumor lesions, allowing ß-catenin to accumulate and translocate to the nucleus, where it transactivates the Slug gene to promote EMT. This in turn triggers tumor budding and contributes to the progression of CRC to a more aggressive phase.

Interaction between membranous EBP50 and myosin 9 as a favorable prognostic factor in ovarian clear cell carcinoma.

Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is a scaffold protein that is required for epithelial polarity. Knockout (KO) of membranous EBP50 (Me-EBP50) in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) cells induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenotype, along with decreased proliferation, accelerated migration capability, and induction of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties. Shotgun proteomics analysis of proteins that co-immunoprecipitated with EBP50 revealed that Me-EBP50 strongly interacts with myosin 9 (MYH9). Specific inhibition of MYH9 with blebbistatin phenocopied Me-EBP50 KO, and blebbistatin treatment potentiated the effects of Me-EBP50 KO. In OCCC cells from clinical samples, Me-EBP50 and MYH9 were co-localized at the apical plasma membrane. Patients with a combination of Me-EBP50-high and MYH9-high scores had the best prognosis for overall and progression-free survival. Our data suggest that Me-EBP50 has tumor-suppressive effects through the establishment and maintenance of epithelial polarization. By contrast, loss of Me-EBP50 expression induces EMT-like phenotypes, probably due to MYH9 dysfunction; this results in increased cell mobility and enhanced CSC-like properties, which in turn promote OCCC progression.

Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT-J) for Japanese Elderly.

The Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) questionnaire assesses individuals' emotional and attitudinal readiness related to mobility as they age. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the ARMT (ARMT-J). The ARMT-J and related variables were administered to 173 patients and staff members undergoing rehabilitation at hospitals in Japan. Construct validity was first examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm cross-cultural validity. For structural validity, the optimal number of factors was confirmed using a Velicer's minimum average partial test and parallel analysis, followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Finally, a CFA was performed using the most appropriate model. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were assessed for reliability. The CFA fit for the factor structure of the original ARMT was low. Therefore, the EFA was conducted with two to four factors. The optimal factor structure was three factors, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Cohen's weighted kappa coefficient of 0.85 and 0.76, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the test-retest was 0.93, the SEM was 0.72, and the SDC was 2.00. The model fit was good for the ARMT-J, with a three-factor structure.

A Pilot Study of a Group Program Focused on Enabling Life Performance for Older Adults Living in the Community.

Background: This study attempts to determine whether a program focused on improving literacy in daily living is effective in preventing physical frailty, and to compare standard treatments for physical frailty. Methods: This study was designed as a pilot intervention study involving two groups. Twenty-five older adults aged 65 to 85 in Ward A, Tokyo, were randomly assigned to the literacy group or the exercise group on a regional basis and were given a 60- to 90-minute program twice a month, eight times over four months. The literacy group mainly used video materials to monitor learning, and the exercise group used a multifactor exercise program. Results: The LSI-Z, GAS-L, Maximum 5 m walking time, and TUG tests showed the main effects before and after the intervention in both groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The WHOQOL26, Maximum 5 m walking time, and TUG tests also showed the main effects across both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both programs, when implemented independently, showed specific effects on subjective well-being, occupational performance, and physical fitness. However, QOL and physical fitness were significantly higher in the exercise group than in the literacy group. These results should be considered with caution because of the limited sample size of this pilot study.

Cocreation from Emerging Opportunities: Occupational Therapists' Perspectives on Supporting Older Persons, in Japan.

Introduction: Practices of occupational therapists, particularly those supporting older persons with physical impairments, remain overly focused on remediating impairments, and implementation of occupation-centered practices remains fraught with difficulties. In Japan, this issue exists across the continuum from acute care to rehabilitation settings and into the community. This is despite the existence of international models and frameworks that place occupation at the core of the profession. Accordingly, there is a need to better understand how occupational therapists respond to the call for occupation-centered practices across the said continuum of care with this population. The aim of this study was at exploring and understanding occupational therapists' experiences of supporting the resumption of occupations among older persons with physical impairments, in Japan. Methods: Embedded in a constructivist world view, this was a qualitative focus group study. Four focus groups (two in urban areas and one each in rural and semirural areas), consisting of seven or eight occupational therapists with at least three years of relevant practice experience, convened twice to narrate and explore their support of older persons. All were participating voluntarily with confidentiality of their participation being guaranteed by the researchers. They met for a third time to verify emerging analytic results. Data were analysed using a reflective thematic analysis. Results: Identified were three themes, namely, calling forth powers of occupations, imagining client's future, and cocreating plots, which we synthesized into recurring cocreations from emerging opportunities. Discussion. Supporting the resumption of occupations among older persons with physical impairments hinges on repeated processes of identifying possibilities for occupation, followed by actions to bring these (e.g., images of clients' future) into reality. Occupations' healing properties (i.e., occupations' powers) can be used to assist clients in experiencing health and well-being. The results suggest a reframing of occupational therapy practices as recurring processes of recognizing opportunities for occupation, followed by actions whereby these possibilities are turned into reality. Occupational therapy effectiveness might be enhanced when goals and methods are repeatedly and creatively aligned with the evolving plots cocreated between the client, therapist, and stakeholders.

A combination of stromal PD-L1 and tumoral nuclear ß-catenin expression as an indicator of colorectal carcinoma progression and resistance to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal carcinoma.

Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are significant mediators of immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. We focused on the immunological impact of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling during tumor progression in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and its association with resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in locally advanced rectal carcinoma (LAd-RC). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of 100 CRC cases (including 34 RC) without NCRT and 109 NCRT-treated LAd-RC cases were performed. Membranous tumoral PD-L1 expression was identified in 9 of 100 (9%) CRC cases, including 1 of 34 (2.9%) RC cases, but PD-L1 immunopositivity was not associated with any clinicopathological factors, with the exception of deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) status. In contrast, stromal PD-L1+ immune cells, which frequently exhibited coexpression of PD-1 and CD8 markers, were significantly correlated with tumor vessel invasion, nuclear ß-catenin+ tumor budding cancer stem cell (CSC)-like features, and unfavorable prognosis. In the LAd-RC cases, stromal CD8+ (but not PD-L1+) immune cell infiltration in pretreatment-biopsied samples was significantly and positively associated with therapeutic efficacy. After NCRT, tumoral PD-L1 expression was observed in only 2 of 83 (2.4%) tumors, independent of dMMR status, whereas high stromal PD-L1+ and tumoral nuclear ß-catenin positivity were significantly linked to a poor response to NCRT and high tumor budding features. In addition, high stromal PD-L1 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with poorer overall survival. In conclusion, a combination of stromal PD-L1+ immune cells and nuclear ß-catenin+ tumor budding may contribute to tumor progression in CRC and resistance to NCRT in LAd-RC, through formation of niche-like lesions that exhibit immune resistance and CSC properties.