Shukuro Yamaguchi

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Cardiac lymphatic vessel loss (rarefaction) was observed during progression of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in mice, and inhibiting lymphangiogenesis worsened cardiac dysfunction. Implanting VCAM1-positive cardiac fibroblasts that produce lymphatic growth factor VEGF-C reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved function in the HFpEF model. Promoting cardiac lymphatic vessel growth is a potential new treatment strategy for HFpEF.

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Cardiovascular MRI and spirometry in 80 patients with coronary artery disease found that worse airflow obstruction (lower FEV1/FVC) was independently associated with impaired left atrial conduit strain. Emphysema severity was also independently linked to reduced FEV1/FVC. These findings suggest airway disease primarily disrupts the passive filling function of the left atrium in patients with coronary disease.

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Tin oxide (SnO) nanoparticles were developed as a catalyst for depolymerizing polycaprolactone back to its monomer epsilon-caprolactone with 94% yield under mild conditions. The catalyst was durable and scalable, with performance attributed to SnO nanoparticle formation during calcination providing more active surface sites. This approach enables efficient chemical recycling of a widely used biodegradable plastic.

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A dual-photoresponsive surface was developed to pattern and selectively isolate non-adherent mammalian immune cells without needing microstructures. Target cells are anchored using photopatterned cell-adhesion material, then individually released with focused light and retrieved at single-cell resolution. This platform links cell imaging phenotypes to downstream molecular analysis for single-cell research.

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A single-center study of 77 TAVI patients found that combined low pulmonary artery pulsatility index and low pulmonary arterial capacitance before the procedure was independently associated with 3-fold higher risk of death or heart failure hospitalization over 3.6 years. Combined PAPi-PAC assessment identified distinct hemodynamic risk phenotypes not captured by either measure alone. This simple physiologic framework may guide post-TAVI risk stratification.

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A 76-year-old woman with SLE-associated chorea and elevated antiphospholipid antibodies achieved marked clinical and serological improvement with glucocorticoids followed by hydroxychloroquine and belimumab. Both chorea severity and all tested antiphospholipid antibodies normalized during treatment. This is the first reported case of SLE-associated chorea treated with this combination therapy.

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In aging mice, macrophages lost the ability to generate regulatory T cells (pTreg) through an IL-6-dependent pathway during eye inflammation, leading to chronic rather than resolving uveitis. CD4 T cells also proliferated more when cultured with aged macrophages. These findings link macrophage immunosenescence to persistent neuroinflammation and suggest new therapeutic targets for vision-threatening uveitis in older patients.

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SR-B1, a cellular receptor known for binding HDL cholesterol particles, was found to recognize silica nanoparticles using HDL as an intermediary that bridges the receptor's basic amino acid cluster to silica surfaces. This same amino acid cluster also mediates HDL and LDL binding. The findings explain how SR-B1 functions as a multi-ligand receptor and have implications for nanoparticle drug delivery and silica-related toxicity.

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A nationwide retrospective study of 808 patients with UC-associated colorectal neoplasia found that those with co-existing primary sclerosing cholangitis developed cancer younger (48 vs. 53 years) and more often in the right colon. Despite this, more early-stage cancers were found in the PSC-UC group, likely due to closer endoscopic surveillance. Early initiation of colonoscopy surveillance is advisable for PSC-UC patients.

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Brain imaging of 173 healthy adults found that reduced white matter integrity in the uncinate fasciculus (a brain tract connecting frontal and limbic regions) correlated with greater apathy. Apathy fully mediated the relationship between uncinate fasciculus integrity and depression scores. This links brain microstructure changes to apathy-driven depression risk even in people without diagnosed neurological disease.

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A prospective Japanese study found familial hypercholesterolemia independently associated with 18-fold higher odds of significant intracranial artery stenosis and nearly 6-fold higher ischemic stroke risk. Among FH patients with intracranial stenosis, stroke risk was 8 times higher than without stenosis. These findings suggest cholesterol-driven stroke risk via intracranial artery stenosis may be especially important in Asian populations.

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The potworm Enchytraeus japonensis fully regenerates in just 4 days and is emerging as an efficient model organism for regenerative medicine drug screening. New tools including non-invasive RNA interference by soaking and small-molecule inhibitor testing make it practical for chemical screening. This review highlights its potential to accelerate discovery of drugs that promote tissue regeneration.

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Analysis of 8,489 donation-after-circulatory-death liver transplants showed that short donor time-to-death was associated with worse—not better—post-transplant outcomes, challenging conventional practice. Prolonged time-to-death up to 30 minutes had no negative impact on outcomes, with or without normothermic regional perfusion. Expanding use of donors with longer time-to-death could increase transplant availability by an estimated 17%.

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A retrospective study of 25 Japanese patients with cancer of unknown primary origin found that low modified Glasgow Prognostic Score and low CONUT score (indicators of good nutritional status) independently predicted longer overall and progression-free survival after chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 17.2 months for the full cohort. Nutritional assessment before chemotherapy may help predict prognosis in this difficult-to-treat cancer type.

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This commentary highlights a study where a combined inflammation score (SIRI-PLR) independently predicted survival in 1,071 gastric cancer patients better than TNM staging alone. A nomogram integrating these scores with age, tumor size, and TNM stage achieved superior predictive accuracy. The authors call for multicenter validation and combination with genomic and imaging biomarkers for precise risk stratification.

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Two patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) simultaneously developed ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage—a rare and dangerous combination. In one case, tPA given for stroke without treating the eosinophilia triggered hemorrhage; early glucocorticoids stopped further events in both cases. These cases emphasize that controlling eosinophil levels urgently is essential to prevent cerebrovascular complications in HES.

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A nationwide study of 686 Japanese patients with primary small intestinal lymphoma found diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (48%) and follicular lymphoma (33%) were the most common subtypes. T-cell lymphoma had dramatically worse 5-year survival (23%) versus B-cell lymphoma (81%). Age over 60 and T-cell subtype were independent adverse prognostic factors; follicular lymphoma independently predicted favorable survival.

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Pathology AI foundation models (UNI, Prov-GigaPath) for brain tumor classification generalized better when using linear probing (frozen weights) than fine-tuning on limited institutional data. Fine-tuning small institutional datasets caused overfitting that hurt performance on external validation. UNI with linear probing using only 10 patches per case significantly outperformed fine-tuned conventional models using 500 patches.

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Researchers discovered "Clover," a bacterial antiviral defense system using a dGTPase enzyme (CloA) controlled by competing nucleotide signals. A viral signal activates CloA, while a partner enzyme (CloB) produces an inhibitory molecule (p3diT) that keeps CloA switched off during normal conditions. Cryo-EM structures reveal how these signals bind distinct allosteric sites, explaining how bacteria balance immune defense with avoiding self-harm.

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The Japanese ASCOT SCT4 questionnaire for assessing social care-related quality of life was validated in 397 community mental health service users across 22 facilities. It showed good structural validity, strong correlations with quality of life and depression measures, and acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The tool can assess the impact of community social care services for people with mental illness in Japan.

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Post-hoc analysis of 146 advanced heart failure patients found that transitioning from suboptimal to optimal right heart function (PAPi ≥2.67 and PAC ≥2.03) during acute treatment was associated with 70% lower risk of death, LVAD implantation, or transplant. Combined PAPi-PAC assessment tracks physiologic response to treatment. This framework supports individualized management targets in advanced heart failure.

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A self-adhesive resin composite containing S-PRG filler (Fit Sa) showed mechanical strength comparable to conventional flowable composites and bonding strength similar to standard self-etching adhesives. It also significantly inhibited Streptococcus mutans growth, unlike competing self-adhesive composites that showed no antibacterial effect. This combination of properties supports its clinical use for direct restorations.

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In a 30-year population-based follow-up of 177 people with cleared hepatitis B surface antigen, only 4 (2.3%) experienced HBV reactivation, all of whom had cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma at baseline. Viral sequencing confirmed these were true reactivations from persisting viral DNA, not new infections. Careful long-term monitoring is warranted for HBsAg-cleared patients with advanced liver disease.

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Machine learning was used to predict viscosity of dental resin composites from formulation variables, with Bayesian optimization identifying optimal formulations. Fumed silica content most influenced low-shear-rate viscosity, while filler particle size and surface treatment mattered more at high shear rates. Target viscosity ranges were achieved in just 7 experimental iterations, demonstrating efficient data-driven dental material design.

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A prospective cohort of 3,158 Tokyo teenagers found that being bullied at age 12 raised pentosidine levels (a glycation/aging biomarker) at age 14, which then predicted psychotic experiences and depressive symptoms at age 16. Pentosidine mediated 28% of the link between bullying and psychosis and 19% of the link to depression. Social stress from bullying may accelerate biological aging starting in early adolescence.

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MRI measurements of tibial subluxation were compared across four methods in 291 ACL-injured patients to predict high-grade rotational instability under anesthesia. The difference between lateral and medial subluxation using the bone axis method (D-ATS ≥3.8 mm) had the best discriminative ability, with an odds ratio of 3.9 for high-grade pivot shift. This measurement combined with female sex, hyperextension, and meniscal injury best identifies high-risk patients preoperatively.

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Carbon-based nanographene particles change color with pH through protonation and deprotonation of carboxyl edge groups, affecting light absorption in visible and near-infrared ranges. The electronic structure of the nanographene core is not altered by this deprotonation—only edge properties change. Aggregation and disaggregation of nanographenes at different pH levels also contributes to the optical response.

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A Japanese ICU study compared outcomes for 109 patients managed by a single nurse practitioner (NP) versus 866 managed by physicians, all under attending intensivist supervision. ICU mortality (6.1% vs 7.2%), ventilator days, and length of stay were similar between groups. NP-led critical care under physician supervision appears a feasible model, though the study involved just one NP.

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Shear wave elastography in 24 athletes showed that the Achilles tendon stiffens faster and earlier than any of the three triceps surae muscles during passive ankle movement. The tendon reached significant stiffness increases at 25 degrees of plantar flexion, while muscles remained more compliant until further stretch. The tendon is the primary structure resisting passive stretch at the beginning of ankle range of motion.

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A robot-assisted ileocecal resection was performed using the Saroa system, a novel robotic platform that conveys grip force feedback to the operating surgeon. Port placement was adjusted twice intraoperatively due to limited robotic arm range of motion. Further studies are needed to assess whether haptic feedback improves safety or shortens the learning curve.

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A photoactivatable surface enables targeted single-cell isolation from dense cell populations using localized light exposure to anchor selected cells. The method successfully isolated rare circulating tumor cells from mouse blood. This platform supports high-throughput rare cell detection and retrieval for diagnostics and personalized medicine applications.

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Researchers built a perfused ex vivo human liver model using organs declined for transplantation to study microwave ablation (MWA). Perfused livers produced significantly smaller ablation zones than non-perfused livers, reproducing the heat sink effect seen in living patients. Ablation zones also differed between fatty and cirrhotic liver tissue, demonstrating the model's clinical relevance.

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This review contrasts traditional paper-based dementia screening tools with new digital approaches using AI and eye tracking for faster, more objective assessment. Digital tools reduce examiner dependency and educational bias inherent in tests like the MMSE. Early screening is increasingly critical as disease-modifying anti-amyloid therapies enter clinical use.

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Cross-sectional analysis of 1,006 legs from 509 community-dwelling older Japanese adults found that hindfoot valgus angle increased significantly with knee varus, supporting a physiological compensatory response. Knee osteoarthritis was independently associated with greater hindfoot valgus even after adjustment. About 30% of varus knee OA cases lacked this compensation, showing substantial individual variability.

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Molecular analysis of 242 Japanese medulloblastoma cases confirmed subgroup distributions largely consistent with global data, with Group 4 being most common (42%) and WNT the least common (16%). A simplified 6-locus chromosomal test (SEE-6-CNA) provided robust prognostic stratification at lower cost than standard molecular methods. This supports its use for individualized treatment planning in resource-limited settings.

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Four desensitizing toothpastes and a sodium fluoride varnish were compared using real-time measurement of dentinal fluid flow. Bamboo Salt and Sensodyne reduced dentinal permeability comparably to the professional fluoride varnish, while one toothpaste (Median) performed no better than water. Real-time flow measurement validates tubule occlusion beyond surface microscopy.

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A survey of 117 home care patients found that denture use and poor oral health combined with many remaining teeth were associated with higher caregiver burden scores. These associations held after adjusting for patient and care characteristics. Dental professionals caring for older adults at home should actively consider the burden placed on family caregivers.

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A cluster randomized trial integrated exposure-based CBT into assertive community treatment teams for 93 people with severe mental illness. Trait anxiety scores improved significantly at 12 and 18 months, along with global functioning and quality of life. Embedding structured psychological treatment into community mental health services is feasible and cost-effective.

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Anterior tibial subluxation (ATS) measured on weight-bearing knee X-rays showed high reliability in ACL-deficient knees across two measurement methods. The bone axis method measured at the lateral and midpoint locations independently correlated with Lachman test grade, an indicator of anterior knee laxity. Near-full knee extension during imaging is required for valid measurements.

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Semi-structured interviews with 7 HAM/TSP patients in Japan identified six self-management strategies including maintaining body function, adapting daily activities, and seeking specialized care. Three disease-specific challenges shaped these strategies: no curative treatment, low public awareness, and the infectious nature of HTLV-1. Personalized education and accessible support systems are needed for this condition.

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A prospective trial of 300 Japanese patients found short-term voiding dysfunction in 26% after laparoscopic low rectal cancer surgery, linked mainly to longer surgery duration. Abdominoperineal resection and age over 75 were independent risk factors for persistent urinary function deterioration over time. These patients need close postoperative urinary monitoring.

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A case report describes failed VV-ECMO cannulation in an obese patient due to a mismatch between introducer and cannula diameters causing the cannula to buckle in soft tissue. A slightly smaller cannula inserted successfully under identical conditions. Cannula geometry and taper angle, not just French size, may significantly affect procedural success in obese patients.

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The gene MpSABATH2 in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha controls plant development partly by regulating the gibberellin hormone pathway. Mutants lacking this gene had severely stunted growth and abnormal reproductive development. This shows that SABATH family enzymes independently evolved roles in developmental regulation across land plant lineages.

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A 13-year study of over 213,000 health checkup participants found that higher BMI accelerates age-related rises in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in both sexes, more prominently in men. Systolic blood pressure rose steadily with age while diastolic blood pressure plateaued in middle age, widening pulse pressure. Obesity was linked to features consistent with earlier vascular aging.

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Researchers used marmosets and mice to study pregnancy-associated nausea and weight loss, finding that about 22% of marmoset pregnancies showed transient weight loss during placental development. Mice showed reduced food intake and altered movement during the same phase. These animal models provide a foundation for studying the physiological basis of morning sickness.

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A sub-group analysis of 101 Japanese patients in the innovaTV 301 trial found tisotumab vedotin reduced death risk by 55% versus chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. Objective response rate was 24% with tisotumab vedotin versus 2% with chemotherapy. The safety profile was manageable and consistent with the global trial, supporting the drug's use in Japanese patients.