Ecological, physiological, and biomechanical differences between gametophytes and sporophytes of Chondrus ocellatus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)1.

Although variation among habitats in the ratio of gametophytes to sporophytes has been reported in various gigartinacean species, factors controlling the phase ratio remain poorly understood. Over 18 months, we examined the phase ratio of Chondrus ocellatus at three sites: a sheltered intertidal site, Hiruga A; an exposed intertidal site, Hiruga B; and a subtidal site, Shikimi. The mean proportion of gametophytes at Hiruga A (73.1%) was significantly higher than that at Shikimi (51.2%) and Hiruga B (44.7%). Due to a significantly higher water retention ability of the gametophytes, it was expected that the gametophytes would exhibit higher desiccation tolerance. After dehydration treatments, however, neither the photosynthetic rate of vegetative blades nor the survival rate of spores was significantly different between the phases. Measurements of blade strength indicated that the sporophytic blades were less stiff and more flexible, and a culture experiment revealed that the sporophytic germlings showed a significantly higher growth rate. Flexible blades and fast-growing germlings are considered advantageous for colonizing wave-swept intertidal habitats, so these properties may have caused the different fluctuation pattern of phase ratio among the sites. The present data demonstrate that biomechanical and physiological differences between the two phases of C. ocellatus make one phase advantageous in certain environmental conditions, and that these differences likely cause an unequal ratio of isomorphic phases.

Causes of anxiety among teachers giving face-to-face lessons after the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus infections are spreading rapidly worldwide, and primary and middle schools are closed in many countries. After the state of emergency was lifted in Japan, schools have reopened, and teachers are conducting face-to-face classes while maintaining safety precautions. This study aimed to assess the factors contributing to infection-related anxiety and educational anxiety among teachers conducting face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic after schools reopened. METHODS: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 263 primary and middle school teachers in the Shinagawa area of Tokyo (October 10-30, 2020). The questionnaire assessed the type of school (primary or middle school), sex, age, and factors contributing to infection-related anxiety and educational anxiety that arose from the pandemic. The levels of anxiety and the factors contributing to anxiety were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very anxious). RESULTS: In an analysis of the data of 237 participants excluding the missing data, many teachers reported feeling infection- and education-related anxiety. A majority of the participants were women (n = 152, 64.1%), and the mean age of the participants was 39.8 ± 11.3 years. A stepwise multiple regression analysis identified six factors for infection-related anxiety as significant (R2 = 0.61, p < 0.001). Among these variables, the largest partial regression coefficient value was reported for the following reason: "I feel anxious because we cannot ensure the safety of teachers themselves or of their families" (ß = 0.37, p < 0.001). For educational anxiety, four of six reasons were identified as significant (R2 = 0.64, p < 0.001). Among these, "anxiety about the students' home situations" (ß = 0.41, p < 0.001) and "delay in education (students' side)" (ß = 0.27, p < 0.001) had stronger associations with anxiety compared to the others. CONCLUSION: In-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused teachers to experience anxiety. This report provides useful information by highlighting the reasons for infection-related anxiety and educational anxiety that teachers experience in face-to-face classes during a pandemic. Even if the coverage of a COVID-19 vaccine becomes widespread worldwide, we will still be combating COVID-19 infections for at least a few years. Given concerns regarding such infections, to ensure students' right to education, it is essential to understand why teachers feel anxious and to determine appropriate measures to decrease such anxiety.

A phase 1 clinical trial of the selective BTK inhibitor ONO/GS-4059 in relapsed and refractory mature B-cell malignancies.

We report the results of a multicenter phase 1 dose-escalation study of the selective Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ONO/GS-4059 in 90 patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. There were 9 dose-escalation cohorts ranging from 20 mg to 600 mg once daily with twice-daily regimens of 240 mg and 300 mg. Twenty-four of 25 evaluable chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients (96%) responded to ONO/GS-4059, with a median treatment duration of 80 weeks; 21 CLL patients remain on treatment. Lymph node responses were rapid and associated with a concurrent lymphocytosis. Eleven of 12 evaluable patients with mantle cell lymphoma (92%) responded (median treatment duration, 40 weeks). Eleven of 31 non-germinal center B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients (35%) responded but median treatment duration was 12 weeks due to development of progressive disease. ONO/GS-4059 was very well tolerated with 75% of adverse events (AEs) being Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 grade 1 or grade 2. Grade 3/4 AEs were mainly hematologic and recovered spontaneously during therapy. One CLL patient experienced a grade 3 treatment-related bleeding event (spontaneous muscle hematoma) but no clinically significant diarrhea, cardiac dysrhythmias, or arthralgia were observed. No maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was reached in the CLL cohort. In the non-Hodgkin lymphoma cohort, 4 patients developed a dose-limiting toxicity, yielding an MTD of 480 mg once daily. ONO/GS-4059 has significant activity in relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies without major drug-related toxicity. The selectivity of ONO/GS-4059 should confer advantages in combination therapies. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01659255.

Is ganglionated plexus ablation effective for treating atrial fibrillation?

PURPOSE: Very few studies have investigated the efficacy of ganglionated plexus ablation during the conventional maze procedure. In this study, we sought to evaluate its additive effect in reducing recurrent atrial fibrillation after concomitant maze surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 79 patients who underwent Cox maze IV concomitantly with open-heart surgery with (GP group) or without (Maze group) ganglionated plexus mapping. All active ganglionated plexuses were ablated. The two groups were compared and their follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Active ganglionated plexuses were found in 81% of patients who underwent ganglionated plexus mapping. The rates of freedom from atrial fibrillation at 1 year in the GP and Maze groups were 77 and 75%, respectively. The cumulative freedom from atrial fibrillation at follow-up (27.7 ± 17.3 months) was comparable in the two groups (p = 0.427). A multivariate analysis revealed that persistent atrial fibrillation for more than 90 months was an independent predictor of recurrent atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: Ganglionated plexus ablation with Cox maze IV did not reduce the incidence of recurrent atrial fibrillation in comparison to Maze alone.

Endovascular Treatment for Proximal Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm after Total Arch Replacement in Behcet's Disease.

A 17-year-old patient underwent total arch replacement for aortic arch aneurysm due to vascular Behcet's disease (BD). Follow-up computed tomography, performed 6 months after the operation, demonstrated pseudoaneurysm formation at the proximal anastomotic site. We performed endovascular treatment and used a short stent graft that was originally designed for abdominal aortic aneurysm. To avoid the occlusion of the coronary or brachiocephalic artery (BCA) due to stent graft migration, we used right ventricular rapid pacing and BCA ballooning. Thus, we believe that endovascular treatment can be used for anastomotic complications in the ascending aorta after open surgery for connective tissue disorders including BD.

[Toward a paradigm for universal procedures of valve repair].

We developed novel methods to simplify valve repair techniques.Adequate exposure is crucial for mitral valve surgery. The right side of the pericardium is sutured to the chest wall, and both cava are mobilized and hitched up to the left. Then a longitudinal incision of the right side of the left atrium allows excellent exposure of the mitral valve.We have developed a new device for replace neochordae. This double-armed, double-hooked device is inserted through the loop formed by the neochordae, which is anchored on the papillary muscle and pass through the prolapsing segment. The device pulls up both leaflets and maintains the neochordae at the same length as that of the opposing normal chordae during tying slippery neochordae.A simple method to repair large prolapsing posterior leaflet was developed. The middle of the prolapsed portion is cut, and both sides are laid each other. The water test is made to confirm accurate closure,and 2 layers are sutured.A novel method for adjustable tricuspid annuloplasty was developed. A flexible annuroplasty band,through which an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) thread was passed, was secured to the tricuspid annulus. The thread was snared from outside of the ejecting heart under observation by echocardiogram.

[A case of mediastinal lymph node metastasis from rectal cancer successfully treated by carbon ion radiotherapy].

We report a case of mediastinal lymph node metastasis from rectal cancer successfully treated by carbon ion radiotherapy. A 65-year-old woman underwent sigmoid colostomy against unresectable rectal cancer. After chemoradiotherapy, primary rectal cancer became resectable and low anterior resection was performed. Curative local resection was done and chemoradiotherapeutic effect was grade 2. Chemotherapy after the operation wasn't effective enough and the size of the mediastinal lymph node increased. So she underwent carbon ion radiotherapy (52.8 Gy) which markedly decreased the lymph node size (-48%). Multi-modality therapy, such as radiation, chemotherapy, operation and carbon ion radiotherapy was applied. Successfully, locally advanced rectal cancer was resected and distant lymph node metastasis was controllable.

A Case of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Using Carotid Access with Axillary-Carotid Bypass for Descending Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

The authors report a 71-year-old male with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm and multiple risk factors (aortoiliac occlusive disease, obesity, ascending aorta dilatation, and history of left ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus) who was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) via left common carotid artery (LCCA) access and left axillary-carotid artery (Ax-CA) bypass; this approach shortened the LCCA clamp time during the procedure. The patient was discharged without any complications. TEVAR via LCCA access with left Ax-CA bypass is a useful and safe procedure for patients in whom conventional femoral artery access is not feasible.

Effects of tributyltin on the energy metabolism of pen shell (Atrina pectinata japonica).

We examined the effects of tributyltin (TBT) on aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism of pen shell (Atrina pectinata japonica). We exposed pen shells to TBT at nominal concentrations of 0 (control) and 1.0microg/l for 72h under aerobic condition. At the end of the exposure, half of the pen shells in each treatment were wrapped in plastic wrap to simulate exposure to hypoxia and held at 25 degrees C for another 12h. The concentrations of the products of energy metabolism, namely lactate, pyruvate, fumarate and succinate, in adductor muscle were measured. The exposure to TBT under aerobic condition significantly elevated lactate, pyruvate and fumarate concentrations (p<0.001). After subsequent exposure to anaerobic condition, the mean concentration of succinate in the TBT treatment group was 64% of that in the control group, but there were no significant differences. Our results suggest that the energy metabolism of pen shell is disrupted by exposure to TBT.

A prospective, randomized study of inhaled prostacyclin versus nitric oxide in patients with residual pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is an effective treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but postoperative residual hypertension leads to in-hospital mortality. Inhaled epoprostenol sodium (PGI2) and NO are administered for pulmonary hypertension after cardiothoracic surgery. This prospective study provides the first comparative evaluation of the effects of inhaled PGI2 and NO on pulmonary hemodynamics, systemic hemodynamics, and gas exchange in patients developing residual pulmonary hypertension after PEA. METHODS: Thirteen patients were randomized to receive either NO (n = 6) or PGI2 (n = 7) inhalation when pulmonary hypertension persisted after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Hemodynamic and respiratory variables were measured before inhalation of the agent (T0); 30 min (T1), 3 h (T2), and 6 h after inhalation (T3); and the next morning (T4). The NO dose was started at 20 ppm and gradually tapered until extubation, and PGI2 was administered at a dose of 10 ng kg-1 min-1. RESULTS: In both groups, mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) significantly decreased over time until T4 (mean PAP: p < 0.0001; PVR: p = 0.003), while mean systemic arterial blood pressure significantly increased (p = 0.028). There were no significant between-group differences in patient characteristics, cardiac index, left atrial pressure, or ratio of arterial oxygen tension to fraction of inspired oxygen. There were no in-hospital deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Both inhaled PGI2 and NO significantly reduced PAP and PVR without adverse effects on systemic hemodynamics in patients who developed residual pulmonary hypertension after PEA. Inhaled PGI2 can be offered as alternative treatment option for residual pulmonary hypertension.

Exposure of a herbivorous fish to ¹³4Cs and ¹³7Cs from the riverbed following the Fukushima disaster.

Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis, a herbivorous fish, is an important fishery resource and key component of the foodweb in many Japanese streams. Radionuclide contamination of this species is likely transferred to higher trophic levels, include humans, in the food chain. After the Fukushima accident in March 2011, ayu were exposed to highly contaminated silt while feeding on algae attached to the riverbed stones. To understand the route by which herbivorous fish are exposed to radionuclides, the activity concentrations of sum of (134)Cs and (137)Cs (radiocesium) were analyzed in riverbed samples (algae and silt) and in the internal organs and the muscle of ayu in five river systems in the Fukushima Prefecture between summer 2011 and autumn 2013. Although there was a positive correlation between the radiocesium activity concentrations in the muscle and the internal organs of ayu, the median activity concentration in the muscle was much lower than those in the internal organs. The activity concentrations of radiocesium in the riverbed samples and the internal organs and the muscle of ayu were correlated with contamination levels in soil samples taken from the watershed upstream of the sample sites. The results of the generalized linear mixed models suggest that the activity concentrations in both the internal organs and the muscle of ayu declined over time. Additionally, the activity concentrations in the internal organs were correlated with those in the riverbed samples that were collected around the same time as the ayu. The activity concentrations in the muscle were correlated with ayu body size. Our results suggest that ayu ingest (134)Cs and (137)Cs while grazing silt and algae from the riverbed, and a part of the (134)Cs and (137)Cs is assimilated into the muscle of the fish.

Liquid chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry studies on the states of water in polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer gels.

The thermal phase transition behavior of water incorporated in crosslinked polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (PS-DVB) gel packings for liquid chromatography was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Free or bulk water, freezable bound or intermediate water, and nonfreezing water were observed for TSKgel Styrene-250 samples, while only free water and nonfreezing water were observed for TSKgel Styrene-60 samples. Freezable bound water and nonfreezing water in these gel samples were considered to be water confined in pores of the polymer gels. A liquid chromatographic method for determination of the amounts of stationary phase water was applied to the characterization of water in the PS-DVB beads in the columns and it was found out that any water in the PS-DVB gels did not function as the stationary phase contrary to the water sorbed in hydrophilic polymer gels; not only freezable bound water but also nonfreezing water in hydrophobic PS-DVB gels are similar to bulk water with respect to the affinity to the solute compounds.

Tributyltin contamination of bivalves in coastal areas around northern Kyushu, Japan.

We determined tributyltin (TBT) concentrations in bivalve samples of blue mussel (Myitlus edulis), Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) and pen shell (Atrina pectinata) collected from coastal areas around northern Kyushu in 1998 and 2001. TBT was detected in all bivalve samples collected, ranging in concentration from 0.008 to 0.135 microg/g wet wt. In Hakata Port, which is an industrial area, high TBT concentrations were detected in bivalves (blue mussel, maximum concentration of 0.135 microg/g wet wt). In the Ariake Sea, which is an important bivalve habitat, TBT concentrations in Manila clams ranged from 0.062 to 0.125 microg/g wet wt in 1998 and from 0.008 to 0.033 microg/g wet wt in 2001. In addition, concentrations of TBT in pen shells collected from the Ariake Sea in 2001 ranged from 0.009 to 0.095 microg/g wet wt. These results clearly demonstrate that, despite the regulation of TBT usage since 1990 in Japan, contamination of bivalves by TBT has persisted in coastal areas around northern Kyushu.