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12 pages, 710 KiB  
Article
Changes in Neutrophil Count During Valganciclovir Therapy for Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
by Aoi Kawamura, Shinya Abe, Keisuke Shirai, Yu Masuda, Yukihito Imagawa, Yuki Nakata, Takumi Kido, Mariko Ashina, Hisayuki Matsumoto, Kenji Tanimura, Yasumasa Kakei, Takumi Imai, Kandai Nozu and Kazumichi Fujioka
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071739 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 446
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neutropenia is a common adverse effect of oral valganciclovir (VGCV) treatment in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CCMVI), with an estimated prevalence of 20%. However, its clinical course and associated factors, including the influence of VGCV dosage, remain inadequately characterized. Methods [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neutropenia is a common adverse effect of oral valganciclovir (VGCV) treatment in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CCMVI), with an estimated prevalence of 20%. However, its clinical course and associated factors, including the influence of VGCV dosage, remain inadequately characterized. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of infants treated with VGCV for symptomatic congenital CMV infection (CCMVI) at the Kobe University Hospital between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2017. Detailed descriptive analyses of neutropenia were performed, and factors associated with its onset were explored using univariable logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 31 patients were included, and neutropenia occurred in 35% of them during the 6-week treatment period. Its occurrence was observed throughout the treatment course, with no substantial difference in incidence between the 16 mg/kg/day and 32 mg/kg/day dosing groups. Neutropenia was more likely to occur in infants with shorter gestational age. Conclusions: Neutropenia occurred in 35% of patients during 6 weeks of VGCV treatment, irrespective of dosage, and was more common in those with shorter gestational age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Neonatal Medicine in Japan)
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28 pages, 5449 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Peroxiredoxin 3 on Molecular Testing, Diagnosis, and Prognosis in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
by Anna Kakehashi, Shugo Suzuki, Yusaku Nishidoi, Atsushi Hagihara, Hiroko Ikenaga, Masayuki Shiota, Guiyu Qiu, Ikue Noura, Yuko Kuwae, Arpamas Vachiraarunwong, Masaki Fujioka, Min Gi, Norifumi Kawada and Hideki Wanibuchi
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132212 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 450
Abstract
Background/Objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death and tumors with an extremely poor prognosis. In the present study, novel biomarker candidates useful for the early diagnosis and prognosis of human invasive PDAC were investigated. Methods: Biomarker [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death and tumors with an extremely poor prognosis. In the present study, novel biomarker candidates useful for the early diagnosis and prognosis of human invasive PDAC were investigated. Methods: Biomarker candidates were first selected based on the proteomic/bioinformatic and clinico-pathological analyses of 10 and 100 patients with PDAC, respectively, operated at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital (Exp. 1). Next, the expression and secretion of the target protein and its EV mRNA were investigated in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in a Balb/c nude mouse model. In addition, the protein and EV mRNA levels of candidate molecules were measured in the blood serum of 36 PDAC and 10 IPMN patients, and diagnostic significance was assessed (Exp. 2). Results: A significant elevation of peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3), a mitochondrial matrix protein, was found in PDAC via LC-Ms/Ms analysis. In Exp. 1, PRX3 overexpression was found in PDAC and PanIN lesions and was associated with a tumor infiltrative growth pattern (INFc) and poor overall 1-year patient survival. The prognostic value was significantly improved when PRX3 was combined with serum SPan-1 and DUPAN-2 markers in survival analyses. Furthermore, the PRX3 protein and its extracellular vesicle (EV: exosome and oncosome)-incorporated mRNA were secreted at detectable levels from PANC-1, MIAPaCa-2, and SW1990 cells into the blood of Balb/c nude mice bearing tumors. The overexpression of PRX3 was positively correlated with that of cancer stem cell marker CD44 variant 9 (CD44v9), P-Nrf2, and FOXO3a, as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species. In Exp. 2, a significant increase in PRX3 protein and EV mRNA was detected in the blood serum of PDAC subjects compared to IPMN patients and healthy controls. Significantly higher PRX3 protein levels were found in the IPMN group. The elevation of PRX3 EV mRNA was significantly associated with poor patient survival. Conclusions: These results indicate that PRX3 may become a novel early biomarker for PDAC diagnosis and prognosis. Full article
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12 pages, 329 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type 1 with and Without Genetic Mutations: A Literature Review
by Yuki Nakata, China Nagano, Yukihito Imagawa, Keisuke Shirai, Yu Masuda, Takumi Kido, Mariko Ashina, Kandai Nozu and Kazumichi Fujioka
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4408; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134408 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 579
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA-1) is a rare disorder characterized by aldosterone resistance, leading to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and elevated renin and aldosterone levels in neonates and infants. While genetic mutations in NR3C2 (mineralocorticoid receptor, MR) and SCNN1A/B/G (epithelial sodium channel, ENaC) are established [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA-1) is a rare disorder characterized by aldosterone resistance, leading to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and elevated renin and aldosterone levels in neonates and infants. While genetic mutations in NR3C2 (mineralocorticoid receptor, MR) and SCNN1A/B/G (epithelial sodium channel, ENaC) are established causes of primary PHA-1, cases without detectable mutations have also been reported. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of genetically confirmed PHA-1 cases—with or without mutations—and to assess genotype–phenotype correlations. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the Medline database, covering studies published from 1966 to October 2023. Included cases were diagnosed with PHA-1 and had undergone genetic testing for NR3C2 and SCNN1A/B/G. Clinical and biochemical data were compared across three groups: MR, ENaC, and non-mutation. Additional subgroup analysis based on mutation type (truncating vs. non-truncating) was also performed. Results: A total of 164 patients from 64 studies met the inclusion criteria. The ENaC group showed significantly higher serum potassium levels than the MR and non-mutation groups. Serum aldosterone levels were significantly higher in the MR group compared to the non-mutation group. A genotype–phenotype correlation was evident in the ENaC group, with truncating variants associated with more severe hyperkalemia. No such correlation was observed in the MR group. Conclusions: This review highlights distinct clinical features of PHA-1 according to genetic status. Aldosterone levels may aid in guiding decisions regarding genetic testing. Furthermore, variant type in ENaC-related PHA-1 may predict biochemical severity and should be considered in clinical management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)
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43 pages, 13439 KiB  
Review
FC-BENTEN: Synchrotron X-Ray Experimental Database for Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel-Cell Material Analysis
by Takahiro Matsumoto, Shigeru Yokota, Takuma Kaneko, Mayeesha Marium, Jeheon Kim, Yasuhiro Watanabe, Hiroyuki Iwamoto, Keiji Umetani, Tomoya Uruga, Albert Mufundirwa, Yuki Mizuno, Daiki Fujioka, Tetsuya Miyazawa, Hirokazu Tsuji, Yoshiharu Uchimoto, Masashi Matsumoto, Hideto Imai and Yoshiharu Sakurai
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073931 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 914
Abstract
This review is focused on FC-BENTEN, an advanced synchrotron X-ray experimental database developed at SPring-8 with support from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Designed to advance polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) research, FC-BENTEN addresses challenges in improving efficiency, durability, [...] Read more.
This review is focused on FC-BENTEN, an advanced synchrotron X-ray experimental database developed at SPring-8 with support from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Designed to advance polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) research, FC-BENTEN addresses challenges in improving efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness through data-driven approaches informed by materials informatics (MI). Through standardization of protocols for sample preparation, data acquisition, analysis, and formatting, the database ensures high-quality, reproducible data essential for reliable scientific outcomes. FC-BENTEN streamlines metadata creation using automated processes and template-based tools, enhancing data management, accessibility, and interoperability. Security measures include two-factor authentication, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining controlled user access. Planned integration with MI platforms will broaden data cross-referencing capabilities, facilitate PEFC applications expansion, and guide future research. This review discusses FC-BENTEN’s architectural framework, metadata standardization efforts, and role in advancing PEFC research through a high-throughput experimental workflow. It illustrates how data-driven methods and standardized practices contribute to innovation, underscoring databases’ potential to accelerate next-generation PEFC technologies development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue X-ray Scattering Characterization in Materials Science)
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23 pages, 5838 KiB  
Review
Research Trends in Vegetation Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Forces: A Bibliometric Analysis (1987–2024)
by Dejin Dong, Jianbo Shen, Daohong Gong, Tianxu Sun, Jiahe Chen and Yuichiro Fujioka
Forests 2025, 16(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040588 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 836
Abstract
Under the dual pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization, a comprehensive analysis of vegetation’s spatiotemporal patterns and their driving forces plays a pivotal role for addressing global ecological challenges. However, systematic bibliometric analyses in this field remain limited. This study involved a [...] Read more.
Under the dual pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization, a comprehensive analysis of vegetation’s spatiotemporal patterns and their driving forces plays a pivotal role for addressing global ecological challenges. However, systematic bibliometric analyses in this field remain limited. This study involved a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 18,270 related publications from 1989 to 2024 retrieved from the Web of Science SCI-Expanded database, elucidating research trends, methodologies, and key thematic areas. Utilizing the bibliometrix and biblioshiny tools, the results reveal an annual average growth rate of 17.62% in the number of published research articles, indicating rapid research expansion. Climate change emerged as the core driving force, with high-frequency keywords such as “vegetation”, “dynamics”, and “variability”. China (18,687 papers), the United States (14,502 papers), and Germany (3394 papers) are the leading contributors in this domain, with China showing the fastest growth in research output, albeit with relatively lower average citation rates. Core journals, including Remote Sensing of Environment and Global Change Biology, have played pivotal roles in advancing vegetation dynamics research, with remote sensing techniques dominating the field. The study highlights a shift in vegetation dynamics research from single-variable analyses (e.g., temperature, precipitation) to multi-scale and multidimensional approaches around 2010. Regional studies, such as those focusing on the Loess Plateau, are gaining importance, while advancements in remote sensing and machine learning technologies have enhanced the precision and scalability of research. This study provides a comprehensive summary of the current state and development trends in vegetation spatiotemporal dynamics and their driving forces, offering valuable insights for future research in the field. Full article
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23 pages, 696 KiB  
Review
Water Reuse—Retrospective Study on Sustainable Future Prospects
by Morteza Abbaszadegan, Absar Alum, Masaaki Kitajima, Takahiro Fujioka, Yasuhiro Matsui, Daisuke Sano and Hiroyuki Katayama
Water 2025, 17(6), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17060789 - 10 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2523
Abstract
In recent decades, societies and economies across the globe have started to show signs of stress associated with water shortages. Meeting the sustainability benchmarks in arid and semi-arid regions has caused water reuse to be considered a viable alternate source to augment the [...] Read more.
In recent decades, societies and economies across the globe have started to show signs of stress associated with water shortages. Meeting the sustainability benchmarks in arid and semi-arid regions has caused water reuse to be considered a viable alternate source to augment the existing water supply resources. Water reuse, resource recovery, and recycling are extensions of the concept of a circular economy that has been practiced in other fields. Globally, the U.S. has played a leadership role in the development of guidance and regulations for various water reuse applications. Other countries and organizations have also developed similar programs. This paper aims to propose a review of the existing literature and provide a broader perspective of water reuse focusing on the most pressing issues such as direct potable reuse with the backdrop of viral pathogens and perfluorinated compounds. The global history of statutory developments to regulate the selected contaminants has also been discussed by covering the recent advancement in water reuse applications. Technological developments and regulatory trends are chronicled in the context of emerging contaminants linked with an imminent social, industrial, and agricultural prospectus. The proposed high viral log removal credit for water reuse is a challenging task especially at regular intervals; therefore, the treatment requirements must be verified to ensure public safety. The extreme persistence of PFAS, their tendency for buildup in biotic systems, and their removal is another challenging task which requires development of cost effective and efficient technologies. Disparity in the financial and technological capabilities of regional or internal stakeholders of shared watershed or aquifer is a bottleneck in tangible advancements in this area. The role of public–private partnerships in addressing the impending water sustainability challenges is discussed as a model for future direction in funding, managing, and public acceptance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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11 pages, 617 KiB  
Article
Discrepancies in the Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasma gondii Infection Between B1 Gene Semi-Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction and Serological Analyses
by Akiko Uchida, Kenji Tanimura, Keisuke Shirai, Mariko Ashina, Kazumichi Fujioka, Ichiro Morioka, Miwa Sasai, Masahiro Yamamoto and Hideto Yamada
Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030601 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 897
Abstract
Congenital Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, which can be caused by a primary T. gondii infection during pregnancy, results in severe neurological sequelae in affected children. We have been conducting a prospective cohort study since January 2019 on pregnant women who [...] Read more.
Congenital Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, which can be caused by a primary T. gondii infection during pregnancy, results in severe neurological sequelae in affected children. We have been conducting a prospective cohort study since January 2019 on pregnant women who were suspected of having primary T. gondii infection based on serological tests. In this study, congenital infection was diagnosed using semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the B1 gene in the body fluids of newborns. Up until December 2023, forty-one newborns born to mothers suspected of having primary T. gondii infection during pregnancy underwent B1 gene semi-nested PCR tests and anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM measurements of their blood samples. Eight newborns showed no clinical symptoms of congenital T. gondii infection; however, they were diagnosed with congenital T. gondii infection according to positive PCR results. However, none of the eight infants eventually exhibited any sign of congenital infection, as their serum samples tested negative for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG until 12 months of age. Therefore, clinicians should consider discrepancies in the diagnosis of congenital T. gondii infection between PCR tests using body fluids of newborns and serological tests during their infantile period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxoplasma gondii and Toxoplasmosis)
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27 pages, 17183 KiB  
Article
Assessing Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Net Primary Productivity in Shandong Province, China (2001–2020) Using the CASA Model and Google Earth Engine: Trends, Patterns, and Driving Factors
by Dejin Dong, Ruhan Zhang, Wei Guo, Daohong Gong, Ziliang Zhao, Yufeng Zhou, Yang Xu and Yuichiro Fujioka
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(3), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17030488 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1928
Abstract
Net primary productivity (NPP) is a core ecological indicator within terrestrial ecosystems, representing the potential of vegetation growth to offset anthropogenic carbon emissions. Thus, assessing NPP in a given region is crucial for promoting regional ecological restoration and sustainable development. This study utilized [...] Read more.
Net primary productivity (NPP) is a core ecological indicator within terrestrial ecosystems, representing the potential of vegetation growth to offset anthropogenic carbon emissions. Thus, assessing NPP in a given region is crucial for promoting regional ecological restoration and sustainable development. This study utilized the CASA model and GEE to calculate the annual average NPP in Shandong Province (2001–2020). Through trend analysis, Moran’s Index, and PLS−SEM, the spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of NPP were explored. The results show that: (1) From 2001 to 2020, NPP in Shandong showed an overall increasing trend, rising from 254.96 to 322.49 g C·m⁻2/year. This shift was accompanied by a gradual eastward movement of the NPP centroid, indicating significant spatial changes in vegetation productivity. (2) Regionally, 47.9% of Shandong experienced significant NPP improvement, 27.6% saw slight improvement, and 20.1% exhibited slight degradation, highlighting notable spatial heterogeneity. (3) Driver analysis showed that climatic factors positively influenced NPP across all four periods (2005, 2010, 2015, 2020), with the strongest impact in 2015 (coefficient = 0.643). Topographic factors such as elevation and slope also had positive effects, peaking at 0.304 in 2015. In contrast, human activities, especially GDP and nighttime light intensity, negatively impacted NPP, with the strongest negative effect in 2010 (coefficient = −0.567). These findings provide valuable scientific evidence for ecosystem management in Shandong Province and offer key insights for ecological restoration and sustainable development strategies at the national level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GeoAI and EO Big Data Driven Advances in Earth Environmental Science)
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8 pages, 2226 KiB  
Article
Spectral Shape Control of Laser-Induced Terahertz Waves from Micro Split-Ring Resonators Made of Metallic Nanostructures
by Thanh Nhat Khoa Phan, Kosaku Kato, Keisuke Takano, Shinsuke Fujioka and Makoto Nakajima
Photonics 2024, 11(12), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11121209 - 23 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 931
Abstract
Efficient terahertz sources with controllable characteristics such as frequency range and polarization state are being rapidly researched and developed to suit various practical applications. To address this need, we realized the idea of combining micro- and nano-sized materials by fabricating micrometer-scale split-ring resonators [...] Read more.
Efficient terahertz sources with controllable characteristics such as frequency range and polarization state are being rapidly researched and developed to suit various practical applications. To address this need, we realized the idea of combining micro- and nano-sized materials by fabricating micrometer-scale split-ring resonators made of a metal nanostructured film. We found that the peak frequencies of the emitted terahertz waves are in good correspondence with the terahertz resonance frequencies of the split-ring resonators. A possible mechanism is that a surge current was induced inside the split-ring resonators as a result of photoexcitation with the help of plasmon resonance around nanostructures, and the induced current emitted terahertz waves reflecting the resonance properties of the split-ring resonators. Although the silver nanostructures constituting the rings are random and homogeneous, the induction of the current parallel to the sample surface is enabled by the oblique incidence excitation, which breaks the symmetry along the sample surface. The present study shows the possibility of making compact terahertz emitters with flexibly tunable spectral shape, potentially leading to the development of terahertz sources optimized for specific spectroscopic uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Lasers, Light Sources and Sensors)
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15 pages, 1081 KiB  
Review
Introduction of AI Technology for Objective Physical Function Assessment
by Nobuji Kouno, Satoshi Takahashi, Masaaki Komatsu, Yusuke Sakaguchi, Naoaki Ishiguro, Katsuji Takeda, Kyoko Fujioka, Ayumu Matsuoka, Maiko Fujimori and Ryuji Hamamoto
Bioengineering 2024, 11(11), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11111154 - 16 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Objective physical function assessment is crucial for determining patient eligibility for treatment and adjusting the treatment intensity. Existing assessments, such as performance status, are not well standardized, despite their frequent use in daily clinical practice. This paper explored how artificial intelligence (AI) could [...] Read more.
Objective physical function assessment is crucial for determining patient eligibility for treatment and adjusting the treatment intensity. Existing assessments, such as performance status, are not well standardized, despite their frequent use in daily clinical practice. This paper explored how artificial intelligence (AI) could predict physical function scores from various patient data sources and reviewed methods to measure objective physical function using this technology. This review included relevant articles published in English that were retrieved from PubMed. These studies utilized AI technology to predict physical function indices from patient data extracted from videos, sensors, or electronic health records, thereby eliminating manual measurements. Studies that used AI technology solely to automate traditional evaluations were excluded. These technologies are recommended for future clinical systems that perform repeated objective physical function assessments in all patients without requiring extra time, personnel, or resources. This enables the detection of minimal changes in a patient’s condition, enabling early intervention and enhanced outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ML and AI for Augmented Biosensing Applications)
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11 pages, 2214 KiB  
Article
Influence of Aflibercept on Choroidal Blood Flow and Thickness in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study
by Ryuya Hashimoto, Kenichiro Aso, Keisuke Yata, Kazufumi Tanaka, Naoki Fujioka, Ryo Yamazaki, Serika Moriyama, Juri Kawamura, Asato Hirota and Takatoshi Maeno
Diagnostics 2024, 14(22), 2484; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14222484 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1032
Abstract
Background/Objectives: We intended to investigate choroidal blood flow (CBF) and choroidal thickness (CT) alternations in treatment-naive eyes with non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) following intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA). Methods: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with treatment-naive non-ischemic BRVO, treated with IVA 1+ [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: We intended to investigate choroidal blood flow (CBF) and choroidal thickness (CT) alternations in treatment-naive eyes with non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) following intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA). Methods: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with treatment-naive non-ischemic BRVO, treated with IVA 1+ pro re nata, were included in this study. In the BRVO eyes, CBF and CT were measured in the occlusive region, subfovea, as well as the non-occlusive region, via laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and enhanced depth-imaging optical coherence tomography over a 6-month follow-up period. CBF was analyzed via the mean blur rate using LSFG analysis software (version 3.10.0). Results: CT showed significant reductions in both the occlusive and subfoveal region at 1 week and 1 month after treatment (both p < 0.05). CBF was significantly decreased in the subfovea and the non-occlusive region at 1 week and 1 month from baseline, respectively (both p < 0.05). The mean number of IVA injections during the 6-month period was 1.95 ± 0.6. Conclusions: Aflibercept treatment reduced CBF and CT in addition to a decrease in retinal thickness. These changes at each region might be associated with the improvement of macular edema in BRVO eyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Eye Diseases)
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17 pages, 2755 KiB  
Review
Electron Tomography as a Tool to Study SARS-CoV-2 Morphology
by Hong Wu, Yoshihiko Fujioka, Shoichi Sakaguchi, Youichi Suzuki and Takashi Nakano
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11762; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111762 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2095
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of COVID-19, which has caused economic and social disruption worldwide. To date, many drugs and vaccines have been developed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and have effectively [...] Read more.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of COVID-19, which has caused economic and social disruption worldwide. To date, many drugs and vaccines have been developed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and have effectively controlled the global epidemic of SARS-CoV-2. However, SARS-CoV-2 is highly mutable, leading to the emergence of new variants that may counteract current therapeutic measures. Electron microscopy (EM) is a valuable technique for obtaining ultrastructural information about the intracellular process of virus replication. In particular, EM allows us to visualize the morphological and subcellular changes during virion formation, which would provide a promising avenue for the development of antiviral agents effective against new SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this review, we present our recent findings using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with electron tomography (ET) to reveal the morphologically distinct types of SARS-CoV-2 particles, demonstrating that TEM and ET are valuable tools for visually understanding the maturation status of SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells. This review also discusses the application of EM analysis to the evaluation of genetically engineered RNA viruses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus Engineering and Applications: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 6871 KiB  
Article
Baseline Choroidal Blood Flow Imbalance as a Predictive Factor for Macular Edema Recurrence Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
by Ryuya Hashimoto, Kenichiro Aso, Keisuke Yata, Naoki Fujioka, Kazufumi Tanaka, Serika Moriyama, Asato Hirota, Juri Kawamura and Takatoshi Maeno
Diagnostics 2024, 14(20), 2328; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14202328 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1143
Abstract
Background/Objectives: To evaluate the roles of choroidal blood flow (CBF) and choroidal thickness (CT) as predictors of macular edema recurrence in patients with treatment-naive non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection. Methods: Sixteen eyes from sixteen patients with treatment-naive [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: To evaluate the roles of choroidal blood flow (CBF) and choroidal thickness (CT) as predictors of macular edema recurrence in patients with treatment-naive non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection. Methods: Sixteen eyes from sixteen patients with treatment-naive non-ischemic BRVO treated with IVR, once initially and then as needed, were included in the study. CBF and CT in the subfovea, occlusive, and non-occlusive regions were measured via laser speckle flowgraphy and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography over 12 months. Results: Baseline CT was significantly greater in the occlusive region (335 ± 72.1 µm) than in the non-occlusive region (274 ± 36.7 µm, p = 0.028). CT in the occlusive region was reduced significantly after 1 week (p = 0.008), but CBF did not change significantly after IVR throughout the follow-up period (p > 0.05). The occlusive/non-occlusive region CBF ratio at baseline was significantly associated with the number of IVR injections over 12 months (mean 2.63) in patients with BRVO (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Baseline CBF imbalance in eyes with treatment-naive BRVO may indicate the recurrence of macular edema after ranibizumab therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Eye Diseases)
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15 pages, 2574 KiB  
Article
The Distribution, Population Size, and Habitat Preferences of a Newly Established Population of the Oriental Magpie Pica serica in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido, Northern Japan
by Masahiro Fujioka and Hisaya Murayama
Birds 2024, 5(4), 656-670; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5040045 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2066
Abstract
Non-native species have caused various problems for both animal and human communities globally, but their monitoring during the early stages of establishment is often difficult. A population of the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) has established on Hokkaido Island, northern Japan, since [...] Read more.
Non-native species have caused various problems for both animal and human communities globally, but their monitoring during the early stages of establishment is often difficult. A population of the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) has established on Hokkaido Island, northern Japan, since the 1990s, offering a rare opportunity for field biologists to monitor the entire history of a colonizing avian population. To clarify the current number and distribution of the population and their major determinants, we conducted bimonthly surveys from May 2012 to March 2013, over a total of 417 h, in Tomakomai City, the central area of the current distribution. We found 181 to 248 magpies in every survey, and 46 active nests in May. Most of the magpies appeared in residential areas, avoiding commercial and industrial areas, and did not show seasonal changes in their distribution pattern. The magpies mainly foraged in short grasslands in public spaces, such as parks, in May and July, but most of the birds preferred house gardens for foraging from November to March. Dogs or cats were often kept outside in the gardens where the magpies foraged, and observations of magpies stealing and hoarding pet food were common. It is likely that the magpies rely on anthropogenic food resources such as pet food, especially in winter. Continuous monitoring of this population will enable further knowledge of the factors that limit the number and range of not only non-native species but also avian populations in general to be obtained. Full article
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11 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
Ethylene/Styrene Copolymerization by (Me3SiC5H4)TiCl2(O-2,6-iPr2-4-RC6H2) (R = H, SiEt3)-MAO Catalysts: Effect of SiMe3 Group on Cp for Efficient Styrene Incorporation
by Tiantian Huang, Taiga Fujioka, Daisuke Shimoyama and Kotohiro Nomura
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4473; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184473 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1220
Abstract
The synthesis and structural analysis of (Me3SiC5H4)TiCl2(OAr) [OAr = O-2,6-iPr2-4-RC6H2; R = H, SiEt3] revealed that it exhibits higher catalytic activities than (tBuC [...] Read more.
The synthesis and structural analysis of (Me3SiC5H4)TiCl2(OAr) [OAr = O-2,6-iPr2-4-RC6H2; R = H, SiEt3] revealed that it exhibits higher catalytic activities than (tBuC5H4)TiCl2(OAr), Cp*TiCl2(OAr), with efficient comonomer incorporation in ethylene/styrene copolymerization in the presence of a methylaluminoxane (MAO) cocatalyst. The catalytic activity in the copolymerization increased upon increasing the charged styrene concentration along with the increase in the styrene content in the copolymers, whereas the activities of other catalysts showed the opposite trend. (Me3SiC5H4)TiCl2(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3) displayed the most suitable catalyst performance in terms of its activity and styrene incorporation, affording amorphous copolymers with styrene contents higher than 50 mol% (up to 63.6 mol%) and with random styrene incorporation confirmed by 13C-NMR spectra. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organometallic Compounds: Design, Synthesis and Application)
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