Effect of Heparan Sulfate on Vasculogenesis and Dentinogenesis of Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Heparan sulfate (HS) is a major component of dental pulp tissue. We previously reported that inhibiting HS biosynthesis impedes endothelial differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). However, the underlying mechanisms by which exogenous HS induces DPSC differentiation and pulp tissue regeneration remain unknown. This study explores the impact of exogenous HS on vasculogenesis and dentinogenesis of DPSCs both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Human-derived DPSCs were cultured in endothelial and odontogenic differentiation media and treated with HS. Endothelial differentiation of DPSCs was investigated by real-time PCR and capillary sprouting assay. Odontogenic differentiation was assessed through real-time PCR and detection of mineralized dentin-like deposition. Additionally, the influence of HS on pulp tissue was assessed with a direct pulp capping model, in which HS was delivered to exposed pulp tissue in rats. Gelatin sponges were loaded with either phosphate-buffered saline or 101-102 µg/mL HS and placed onto the pulp tissue. Following a 28-day period, tissues were investigated by histological analysis and micro-CT imaging. RESULTS: HS treatment markedly increased expression levels of key endothelial and odontogenic genes, enhanced the formation of capillary-like structures, and promoted the deposition of mineralized matrices. Treatment of exposed pulp tissue with HS in the in vivo pulp capping study induced formation of capillaries and reparative dentin. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous HS effectively promoted vasculogenesis and dentinogenesis of DPSCs in vitro and induced reparative dentin formation in vivo, highlighting its therapeutic potential for pulp capping treatment.

Mood and physiological effects of visual stimulation with images of the natural environment in individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND: Nature therapies are gaining attention as non-pharmacological treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders, but research on their effectiveness in patients is limited. This study investigates the mood-improving effects of visual stimulation with natural environmental images in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. METHODS: We conducted a randomized crossover comparison trial involving 60 right-handed adult participants with depressive or anxiety disorders and receiving outpatient treatment. Visual stimuli of natural environments consisted of green-themed nature images, while the control stimuli featured urban scenes dominated by buildings. The stimulation lasted for 3 min, during which orbital prefrontal brain activity was measured using a 2-channel Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) system, and heart rate variability was assessed using fingertip accelerated plethysmography. RESULTS: Mood enhancement effects were observed in both the depressive and anxiety disorder groups following visual stimulation with nature images. In the depression group, orbital prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin concentration significantly increased after visual stimulation with nature images, while there were no significant changes in the anxiety group. However, in the anxiety group, a correlation was found between reduced orbital prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin in response to nature images and increased mood-enhancement. Furthermore, the severity of depressive symptoms did not significantly affect the intervention effects, whereas heightened anxiety symptoms was associated with a smaller mood enhancement effect. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates the benefits of nature image stimulation for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. Differential orbital prefrontal brain activity impacts notwithstanding, both conditions exhibited mood enhancement, affirming the value of nature image stimulation.

[Calcified Amorphous Tumor Diagnosed After Stroke:Report of a Case].

Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT), a non-neoplastic tumor, is rare. Histopathologic features are the presence of calcified nodules in an amorphous background of fibrin. CAT is reported to be associated with renal dysfunction or hemodialysis, and possibly causes cerebral embolism. We report a case of CAT diagnosed after stroke. A 58-year-old male with a 2-year history of hemodialysis was diagnosed with an acute stroke, and was treated medically. Paralysis promptly improved, but transthoracic echocardiography revealed a tumor attached to the posterior mitral leaflet and dense mitral annular calcification. To prevent embolism due to the large tumor, we performed resection of the tumor. Pathological findings showed calcifications surrounded by amorphous fibrous tissue, indicating CAT. Postoperative course was uneventful.

Radial Collateral Ligament Laxity of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Following Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis.

PURPOSE: Trapeziometacarpal (TM) arthrodesis may increase adduction motion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, causing radial collateral ligament laxity. Stability of the MCP joint is important to the long-term functional outcome after TM arthrodesis. This study assessed preoperative and postoperative radial collateral ligament laxity using dynamic radiographs to confirm whether laxity was exacerbated after surgery and examined whether there is a relationship between the fixation angle of arthrodesis and the degree of laxity. METHODS: Forty-four thumbs in 33 patients who underwent TM arthrodesis and were followed for at least 5 years were studied. Dynamic radiographs in radial adduction-abduction and palmar adduction-abduction were obtained. We defined the midpoint of arc of motion as the fixation angle of arthrodesis in the radial and palmar planes. We measured the intersection angle between longitudinal axis of the first metacarpal (M1) and that of thumb proximal phalanx (P1). P1M1 angle in a palmar adduction view of dynamic radiographs reflected radial collateral ligament laxity in palmar adduction (adduction P1M1 angle). We subtracted a preoperative adduction P1M1 angle from a postoperative adduction P1M1 angle and defined its value as an exacerbated adduction P1M1 angle. RESULTS: Adduction P1M1 angle increased from 9° ± 5° to 18° ± 10°. The median exacerbated adduction P1M1 angle was 7°. Ten thumbs (23%) developed ulnar subluxation of MCP joint in the palmar adduction view of dynamic radiographs. Among them, two thumbs developed osteoarthritis of MCP joint (5%). Fixation angle of the arthrodesis was a mean of 35° ± 7° and 32° ± 9° in the radial arc and palmar arc planes, respectively. There was a positive correlation between increasing adduction P1M1 angle and TM arthrodesis in an increasingly palmarly abducted position. CONCLUSIONS: Radial collateral ligament laxity of thumb MCP joint was exacerbated after TM arthrodesis. Greater fixation angle in palmar abduction resulted in more laxity of the joint. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

The significant role of glycosaminoglycans in tooth development.

This review delves into the roles of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), integral components of proteoglycans, in tooth development. Proteoglycans consist of a core protein linked to GAG chains, comprised of repeating disaccharide units. GAGs are classified into several types, such as hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and keratan sulfate. Functioning as critical macromolecular components within the dental basement membrane, these GAGs facilitate cell adhesion and aggregation, and play key roles in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby significantly influencing tooth morphogenesis. Notably, our recent research has identified the hyaluronan-degrading enzyme Transmembrane protein 2 (Tmem2) and we have conducted functional analyses using mouse models. These studies have unveiled the essential role of Tmem2-mediated hyaluronan degradation and its involvement in hyaluronan-mediated cell adhesion during tooth formation. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of GAG functions in tooth development, integrating insights from recent research, and discusses future directions in this field.

Physical drivers of Noctiluca scintillans (Dinophyceae) blooms outbreak in the northern Taiwan Strait: A numerical study.

The red Noctiluca scintillans (RNS) blooms often break out near Pingtan Island, in the northern Taiwan Strait from April to June. It is essential to gain insights into their formation mechanism to predict and provide early warnings for these blooms. Previous studies and observations showed that RNS blooms are the most likely to occur when winds are weak and shifting in direction. To explore this phenomenon further, we employed a high-resolution coastal model to investigate the hydrodynamics influencing RNS blooms around Pingtan Island from April to June 2022. The model results revealed that seawater exhibited weak circulation but strong stratification during RNS blooms. Residence time were examined through numerical experiments by releasing passive neutrally buoyant particles in three bays of Pingtan Island. The results showed a significantly longer residence time during RNS blooms, indicating reduced flushing capabilities within the bays, which could give RNS a stable environment to multiply and aggregate. This hydrodynamic condition provided a favorable basis for RNS blooms breakout near Pingtan Island. The shifts and weakening of the prevailing northeast wind contributed substantially to weakening the flow field around Pingtan Island and played a crucial role in creating the hydrodynamics conducive to RNS blooms. Our study offers fresh insights into the mechanisms underpinning RNS blooms formation near Pingtan Island, providing a vital framework for forecasting RNS blooms in this region.

Relationship between perfectionism, overactivity, pain severity, and pain interference in individuals with chronic pain: A cross-lagged panel model analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Overactivity is a characteristic of individuals with chronic pain. Previous cross-sectional studies demonstrated a relationship between perfectionism and overactivity. Therefore, the present study used a longitudinal design to determine whether pain severity and pain interference were exacerbated by overactivity and whether overactivity was exacerbated by perfectionism. METHODS: Participants with chronic pain were recruited using crowdsourcing. The participants completed the questionnaires at three time points: T1, T2, and T3 (September, October, and November 2021, respectively). The questionnaire assessed overactivity, perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, pain severity, and pain interference. We created cross-lagged panel models to examine the hypothesized relationships among pain, overactivity, and perfectionism. RESULTS: After excluding ineligible participants and invalid response sets, we analyzed the questionnaires completed by 666 participants at T1, 560 at T2, and 554 at T3. The average duration of chronic pain at T1 was 36.35 ± 53.53 months. Perfectionistic strivings were partially linked to overactivity, and pain interference was partially related to overactivity. Contrary to our expectations, overactivity did not predict pain severity or pain interference. CONCLUSIONS: The hypotheses that perfectionism exacerbates overactivity and that overactivity exacerbates pain severity and pain interference were not supported. These results may have been affected by the quality of the assessment of overactivity. Therefore, further research with a refined evaluation of overactivity is required.

Three-dimensional imaging evaluation of facial swelling after orthognathic surgery with compression and Kinesio taping therapy: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Postoperative swelling is a common complication of orthognathic surgery. The authors used three-dimensional (3D) image analysis and body surface temperature to determine the effects of compression taping (CT) and Kinesio taping (KT) by the epidermis, dermis, and fascia method (EDF-KT) on postoperative swelling. Materials and methods: The authors conducted a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Among the 162 patients diagnosed with jaw deformity and who underwent orthognathic surgery from August 2020 to October 2022, 105 patients (men: 36, women: 69, mean age: 28.27±8.92) underwent Le Fort type I + sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) or SSRO and were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: EDF-KT group (n=31), CT group (n=41), and no tape group (control group, n=30). All taping was performed immediately postoperatively and removed on postoperative day (POD) 5. Three-dimensional images of the participants' faces were obtained preoperatively and at PODs 3, 7, 30, and 90 using a hand-held 3D imaging system and infrared thermography. Results: No significant difference was observed in postoperative swelling and postoperative body surface temperature between the groups at each time point. The CT group showed a trend towards reduced swelling on PODs 3 and 7 and a trend toward residual swelling on POD 90. The EDF-KT group showed a trend towards an increase in postoperative body surface temperature. Conclusion: CT taping may not be appropriate for postoperative swelling control, suggesting that EDF-KT may affect body surface temperature. Further validation of the efficacy of KT for jaw deformities is needed.

An Inexpensive System for Rapid and Accurate On-site Detection of Garlic-Infected Viruses by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Followed by Array Assay.

Garlic can be infected by a variety of viruses, but mixed infections with leek yellow stripe virus, onion yellow dwarf virus, and allexiviruses are the most damaging, so an easy, inexpensive on-site method to simultaneously detect at least these three viruses with a certain degree of accuracy is needed to produce virus-free plants. The most common laboratory method for diagnosis is multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, allexiviruses are highly diverse even within the same species, making it difficult to design universal PCR primers for all garlic-growing regions in the world. To solve this problem, we developed an inexpensive on-site detection system for the three garlic viruses that uses a commercial mobile PCR device and a compact electrophoresis system with a blue light. In this system, virus-specific bands generated by electrophoresis can be identified by eye in real time because the PCR products are labeled with a fluorescent dye, FITC. Because the electrophoresis step might eventually be replaced with a lateral flow assay (LFA), we also demonstrated that a uniplex LFA can be used for virus detection; however, multiplexing and a significant cost reduction are needed before it can be used for on-site detection.

Ipragliflozin and sitagliptin differentially affect lipid and apolipoprotein profiles in type 2 diabetes: the SUCRE study.

BACKGROUND: SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP4 inhibitors have been suggested to affect lipid metabolism. However, there are few randomized controlled trials comparing the effects on the lipid metabolism between the two types of antidiabetic drugs. The SUCRE study (UMIN ID: 000018084) was designed to compare the effects of ipragliflozin and sitagliptin on serum lipid and apolipoprotein profiles and other clinical parameters. METHODS: This is a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial. Patients with type 2 diabetes (20-74 years old) with HbA1c levels of 7.0-10.5% and serum triglyceride levels of 120-399 mg/dL (1.35-4.50 mmol/L) on diet and/or oral hypoglycemic agents were enrolled. Subjects were randomized to treatment with ipragliflozin (50 mg/day, n = 77) or sitagliptin (50 mg/day, n = 83). Laboratory measurements were performed at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: Ipragliflozin and sitagliptin reduced fasting plasma glucose, glycoalbumin, and HbA1c almost equally. Ipragliflozin increased HDL-C and decreased apo E. Sitagliptin decreased TG, apo B48, CII, and CIII, but increased LDL-C. The between-treatment differences were significant for HDL-C (P = 0.02) and apo B48 (P = 0.006), and nearly significant for apo A1 (P = 0.06). In addition, ipragliflozin reduced body weight, blood pressure, serum liver enzymes, uric acid, and leptin, and increased serum ketones compared with sitagliptin. CONCLUSIONS: While ipragliflozin and sitagliptin showed similar effects on glycemic parameters, the effects on serum lipid and apolipoprotein profiles were different. Ipragliflozin may have an anti-atherogenic effect through modulation of HDL-C and apo E compared to sitagliptin through TG and apo B48, CII, and CIII in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Higher Cholesterol Absorption Marker at Baseline Predicts Fewer Cardiovascular Events in Elderly Patients Receiving Hypercholesterolemia Treatment: The KEEP Study.

BACKGROUND: Higher cholesterol absorption has been reported to be related to a higher incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs). The KEEP (Kyushu Elderly Ezetimibe Phytosterol) study, a substudy of the EWTOPIA 75 (Ezetimibe Lipid-Lowering Trial on Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 75 or Older) study, investigated the relationships of cholesterol absorption and synthesis markers with CVEs in older old individuals with hypercholesterolemia, particularly in relation to ezetimibe treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eligible patients were those aged ≥75 years who had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥140 mg/dL, no history of coronary artery disease, and no recent use of lipid-lowering drugs. Participants were randomly assigned into a diet-only or diet-plus-ezetimibe group. Baseline and 24-week follow-up blood samples were analyzed for cholesterol absorption (eg, campesterol) and synthesis markers (eg, lathosterol). Of 1287 patients, 1061 patients with baseline measurement were analyzed. Over a median follow-up of 4.0 years, 64 CVEs occurred. Higher campesterol levels at baseline were significantly associated with a lower risk of CVEs. After adjustment for sex, age, and treatment, the hazard ratios for the lowest to highest quartile categories of baseline campesterol were 1.00 (reference), 0.59 (95% CI, 0.30-1.17), 0.44 (95% CI, 0.21-0.94), and 0.44 (95% CI, 0.21-0.93), respectively (trend P=0.01). This association persisted after further adjustment for hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Neither interactions with ezetimibe treatment nor mediating effects of the changes in cholesterol absorption markers were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The KEEP study indicated that higher campesterol levels without lipid-lowering drugs were associated with a lower incidence of CVEs in older old individuals with hypercholesterolemia who were subsequently treated with diet or ezetimibe. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp; unique identifier: UMIN000017769.

Poly(lactic acid/caprolactone) bilayer membrane achieves bone regeneration through a prolonged barrier function.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a treatment strategy used to recover bone volume. Barrier membranes are a key component of GBR protocols, and their properties can impact treatment outcomes. This study investigated the efficacy of an experimental, slow-degrading, bilayer barrier membrane for application in GBR using in vivo animal models. A synthetic copolymer of poly(lactic acid/caprolactone) (PLCL) was used to prepare a slow-degrading bilayer membrane. The biodegradability of PLCL was evaluated by subcutaneous implantation in a rat model. The barrier function of the PLCL membrane was investigated in a rat calvaria defect model and compared with commercially available membranes composed of type I collagen (Col) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). An alveolar bone defect model in beagle dogs was used to simulate GBR protocols to evaluate the bone regeneration ability of the experimental PLCL membrane. The PLCL membrane showed slow biodegradation, resulting in an efficient and prolonged barrier function compared with commercial materials. In turn, this barrier function enabled the space-making ability of PLCL membrane and facilitated bone regeneration. In the alveolar bone defect model, significantly greater regeneration was achieved by treatment with PLCL membrane compared with Col and PLGA membranes. Additionally, a continuous alveolar ridge contour was observed in PLCL-treated bone defects. In conclusion, the PLCL bilayer membrane is a promising biomaterial for use in GBR given its slow degradation and prolonged barrier function.

Laryngopharyngeal Mucosal Injury Due to Nasogastric Tube Insertion during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients under cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are at high risk of aspirating gastric contents. Nasogastric tube insertion (NGTI) after tracheal intubation is usually performed blindly. This sometimes causes laryngopharyngeal mucosal injury (LPMI), leading to severe bleeding. This study clarified the incidence of LPMI due to blind NGTI during CPR. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 84 patients presenting with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival, categorized them into a Smooth group (Smooth; blind NGTI was possible within 2 min), and Difficult group (blind NGTI was not possible), and consequently performed video laryngoscope-assisted NGTI. The laryngopharyngeal mucosal condition was recorded using video laryngoscope. Success rates and insertion time for the Smooth group were calculated. Insertion number and LPMI scores were compared between the groups. Each regression line of outcome measurements was obtained using simple regression analysis. We also analyzed the causes of the Difficult group, using recorded video laryngoscope-assisted videos. RESULTS: The success rate was 78.6% (66/84). NGTI time was 48.8 ± 4.0 s in the Smooth group. Insertion number and injury scores in the Smooth group were significantly lower than those in the Difficult group. The severity of LPMI increased with NGT insertion time and insertion number. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever blind NGTI is difficult, switching to other methods is essential to prevent unnecessary persistence.

Combination of rRT-PCR and Clinical Features to Predict Coronavirus Disease 2019 for Nosocomial Infection Control.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), immediately became a pandemic. Therefore, nosocomial infection control is necessary to screen for patients with possible COVID-19. Objective: This study aimed to investigate commonly measured clinical variables to predict COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 1087 patients in the isolation ward of a university hospital. Conferences were organized to differentiate COVID-19 from non-COVID-19 cases, and multiple nucleic acid tests were mandatory when COVID-19 could not be excluded. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to determine the clinical factors associated with COVID-19 at the time of hospitalization. Results: Overall, 352 (32.4%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. The majority of the non-COVID-19 cases were predominantly caused by bacterial infections. Multivariate analysis indicated that COVID-19 was significantly associated with age, sex, body mass index, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and malignancy. Conclusion: Some clinical factors are useful to predict patients with COVID-19 among those with symptoms similar to COVID-19. This study suggests that at least two real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reactions of SARS-CoV-2 are recommended to exclude COVID-19.

Obesity may be a risk factor for transbronchial lung cryobiopsy-related adverse events in Japanese patients with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is known to be associated with a high incidence of adverse events. However, few studies have investigated the correlation between obesity and the risk of TBLC-related adverse events, especially in Asians, who are known to have characteristic differences in height and weight as compared to individuals of other ethnicities. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 102 Japanese patients who underwent TBLC for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease to evaluate the correlation between patient characteristics and the occurrence of TBLC-related adverse events (hemorrhage, pneumothorax, and acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease). RESULTS: TBLC-related adverse events occurred in 19 patients (18.6 %), with hemorrhage being the most common adverse event (in 14 patients, 13.7 %). There was no correlation between age, sex, or pulmonary function test results and the occurrence of adverse events. The body mass index (BMI) cut-off predicting the occurrence of all adverse events was 26.6 kg/m2 (sensitivity of 0.389 and specificity of 0.852), and that predicting the occurrence of adverse events of hemorrhage was 26.8 kg/m2 (sensitivity of 0.462 and specificity of 0.907). Among patients with a BMI >26.8 kg/m2, adverse events of hemorrhage occurred in 37.5 % of cases, which was higher than among those with a BMI <26.8 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a risk factor for the incidence of TBLC-related adverse events, particularly adverse events of hemorrhage, in Japanese patients. The BMI cut-off values that predicted an increased frequency of TBLC-related adverse events and hemorrhage specifically were 26.6 and 26.8 kg/m2, respectively.

Endobronchial cryptococcosis with bronchial stenosis in a patient with severe asthma treated with inhaled corticosteroids: A case report.

Cryptococcosis typically manifests as pulmonary lesions, with endobronchial lesions occurring rarely. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may be a risk factor for cryptococcosis of the larynx but not of the bronchi. Here, we report a case involving a 73-year-old Japanese man who developed endobronchial cryptococcosis during ICS treatment for asthma. Chest computed tomography showed right mainstem bronchial stenosis and asthma control worsening when he received adequate asthma treatments. Bronchoscopy revealed multiple elevated lesions with white slough from the trachea to the right mainstem bronchus and the right mainstem bronchus lumen entrance narrowing. Bronchial lavage culture revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. Combination treatment with the antifungal agent, mepolizumab, and bronchodilation surgery successfully controlled cryptococcosis and asthma. Attention should be paid to central airway lesions during ICS treatment for uncontrolled asthma.

Factors affecting progressive facial swelling immediately after orthognathic surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with progressive facial swelling after orthognathic surgery. Patients diagnosed with jaw deformities and undergoing orthognathic surgery were retrospectively evaluated, and those with surgical site infection, Le Fort I osteotomy, or genioplasty only were excluded. Facial swelling volume was calculated by comparing facial volume preoperatively and three days postoperatively using 3D images and image analysis software (VECTRA H2). FXIII was measured within three days after surgery in only patients with unexplained postoperative bleeding or hematoma. The correlation between facial swelling volume and clinical factors was statistically analyzed. Facial swelling volume was examined in 78 patients. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference between facial swelling volume (mean = 41.6 cm3) and operation time (mean = 209.3 min, r = 0.283, p = 0.012), ΔHb level (mean = 1.18 g/dL, r = 0.235, p = 0.039), as well as decreased factor XIII activity (mean = 75.3%, p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis showed a significant difference between facial swelling volume and FXIII deficiency (standard error = 6.44, p = 0.031).Progressive facial swelling immediately after orthognathic surgery may be due to factor XIII deficiency.

pCO2 decrement through alkalinity enhancement and biological production in a shallow-water ecosystem constructed using steelmaking slag.

Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal has gained immense attention as a countermeasure against climate change. The enhancement of ocean alkalinity and the creation of new blue carbon ecosystems are considered effective approaches for this. To evaluate the function of steelmaking slag from the viewpoints of CO2 reduction and creation of new blue carbon ecosystems, we conducted a comparative experiment using two mesocosms that replicated tidal-flats and shallow-water ecosystems. Initially, approximately 20 seagrasses (Zostera marina) were transplanted into the shallow-water area in the mesocosm tanks. The use of steelmaking slag is expected to increase the pH by releasing calcium and mitigate turbidity by solidifying dredged soil. In the experimental tank, where dredged soil and steelmaking slag were utilized as bed materials, the pH remained higher throughout the experimental period compared with the control tank, which utilized only dredged soil. As a result, pCO2 remained consistently lower in the experimental tank due to mainly its alkaline effect (March 2019: -10 ± 6 µatm, September 2019: -130 ± 47 µatm). The light environment in the control tank deteriorated due to high turbidity, whereas the turbidity in the experimental tank remained low throughout the year. The number of seagrass shoots in the experimental tank was consistently approximately 20, which was higher than that in the control tank. Additionally, more seaweed and benthic algae were observed in the experimental tank, indicating that it was more conducive to the growth of primary producers. In conclusion, tidal-flat and shallow-water ecosystems constructed using dredged soil and steelmaking slag are expected to enhance CO2 uptake and provide a habitat for primary producers that is superior to those constructed using dredged soil only.

Developing and validating the Japanese version of the Referential Thinking Scale: A cross-sectional study.

It has been shown that ideas of reference in the context of paranoia (IoR-P) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (IoR-S) are caused by different psychological constructs. Although it is well known that both IoR-P and IoR-S are frequently evoked during the same period of life, how they interact with each other is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to develop the Japanese version of the Referential Thinking Scale (J-REF) to assess IoR-S, examine its validity and reliability, and explore the predictors of IoR-P and IoR-S. In this study, several subgroups of Japanese individuals in their 20s were included in the analysis. The J-REF had high internal consistency, high test-retest reliability, good convergent, and discriminant validity. Two hierarchical regression analyses showed that public self-consciousness predicted the manifestation of IoR-P, while the dimensions of schizotypy predicted that of IoR-S. Moreover, social anxiety and negative moods could cause IoR-P and IoR-S. This study directly showed the existence of two different types of ideas of reference in terms of their predictors. It is also significant in that it first examined referential thinking using the REF scale in the context of Asia and showed that there may not be much difference in the frequency of ideas of reference from other cultures. Future research directions are also discussed.