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Effect of water and organic solvents on dynamic viscoelasticity of cellulose triacetate fiber (CTA(f)) was studied comparing with that of regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, cupra and lyocell. The peak of the mechanical loss tangent (tan (sic): ratio of the storage modulus to loss modulus of viscoelastic materials) was observed during drying process of wet CTA(f) indicating that glass transition temperature of 193 degrees C in dry state decreased to room temperature in wet state. The same phenomenon has been observed for regenerated cellulose fibers; however, the height of the tan (sic) peak (tan (sic)(max).) for CTA(f) was lower than those of regenerated cellulose fibers. Tan (sic)(max) qualitatively indicates the size of the moving unit suggesting smaller size of the moving unit affected by water for CTA(f) than those of regenerated cellulose fibers despite quite low crystallnity of CTA(f). Organic solvents including both polar and nonpolar solvents induced glass transition for CTA(f). n-alkane with relatively large molecular weight, n-nonane and n-decane, also caused glass transition at room temperature for CTA(f) not for regenerated cellulose fibers.
Dirofilaria ursi Yamaguti, 1941 (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) was originally described from the Japanese black bear Ursus thibetanus japonicus and later reported from the American black bear U. americanus in North America. Both D. ursi and D. ursi-like species have been implicated in human zoonosis in Japan and North America. This study aimed to revise the morphological characteristics of D. ursi in Japan and determine its phylogeny using multi-locus sequence analyses. We investigated the genotypes of Wolbachia endosymbionts harbored by Japanese D. ursi and compared them with those of American D. ursi to assess genetic variation. A pre-esophageal cuticular ring was observed in both juvenile and adult D. ursi specimens and compared with a similar structure previously reported in D. immitis to evaluate its morphological relationship within the genus. Molecular analyses placed D. ursi within the monophyletic clade ONC3, consisting of the genera Dirofilaria and Onchocerca in the subfamily Onchocercinae; Dirofilaria species formed a monophyletic clade in ONC3. Within the species cluster of the genus Dirofilaria, species of the subgenera Dirofilaria (cardiovascular species) and Nochtiella (species inhabiting subcutaneous and connective tissues) did not form separate monophyletic groups. Japanese D. ursi harbored Wolbachia endosymbionts of the supergroup C, and the genotypes exhibited a high sequence similarity to those identified in American D. ursi. Consequently, we consider that Japanese and American D. ursi are closely related at the molecular level, despite differences in host species and geographic distribution.
BackgroundMobile health apps offer significant potential for health promotion, yet initial adoption remains limited. While prior research has identified app-specific barriers, the perceived usefulness (PU) and psychological resistance toward health apps compared to everyday commercial apps, as well as the foundational role of users’ smartphone proficiency, remain understudied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare users’ perceptions of health apps with those of other app categories and to examine whether smartphone proficiency or health-related status was consistently associated with PU and psychological resistance.MethodsA cross-sectional internet survey was conducted among 717 adults in Japan. We compared the PU of health apps with news, video streaming, social media, and gaming apps. Furthermore, we compared psychological resistance toward a physician-recommended health app with a discount-incentivized shopping app. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PU and resistance.ResultsHealth apps were perceived as moderately useful (mean PU = 6.2), similar to social media (adjusted p = 0.345) but inferior to news apps (adjusted p < 0.001). Psychological resistance toward a physician-recommended health app (mean = 2.69) was virtually no different to resistance toward a discount-incentivized shopping app (mean = 2.66, p = 0.521). Practical barriers, such as device storage (43.1% vs. 48.3%) and privacy concerns (42.3% vs. 46.0%), were the primary barriers for both, rather than a lack of perceived necessity (23.2% vs. 31.2%). Health-related indicators showed only limited associations with app acceptance. In contrast, higher smartphone proficiency independently predicted both increased PU [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.69, 95% CI: 1.90–11.52, p < 0.01] and diminished psychological resistance (aOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.05–0.31, p < 0.001).ConclusionHealth apps face practical adoption barriers similar to those of everyday commercial apps. Initial acceptance appears to be more consistently shaped by foundational digital proficiency than by health-related status. To support equitable digital health interventions, public health strategies should prioritize strengthening basic digital competencies in the population.
Abstract Background Distal radial access has gained popularity in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for its potential to reduce vascular complications and enhance patient comfort. However, data remain limited in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), who undergo emergency PCI under unstable hemodynamic conditions. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and safety of distal radial access in Utstein-defined OHCA patients undergoing emergency PCI. Methods This retrospective, single-centre study included consecutive patients with out-of-hospital cardiacarrest (OHCA) admitted between January 2022 and May 2025. Among 748 patients who experienced OHCA and met the Utstein-defined criteria, 47 underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a presumed coronary cause. Vascular access routes were selected based on clinical judgement. Distal radial access was attempted in all eligible cases, unless contraindicated (e.g., in patients receiving haemodialysis or when puncture attempts failed). We analysed procedural characteristics, access-site complications, use of mechanical circulatory support, 30-day survival, and neurological outcomes. Results The mean patient age was 69.2 ± 10.8 years; 14 (29.8%) were female. Distal radial access was used in 42 (89.4%) cases. Other routes included femoral (n=3), conventional radial (n=1), and brachial (n=1). One patient required crossover from distal radial to brachial due to puncture failure. Among the 42 distal radial cases, culprit lesions were identified in the LAD (n=18), RCA (n=17), LCX (n=5), and left main trunk (n=2). The mean door-to-balloon time was 66.7 ± 27.1 minutes. Mechanical circulatory support was utilised in 36 patients: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 17 (36.2%) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in 28 (59.6%). Access-site complications included three cases of bleeding and one radial artery occlusion. The 30-day survival rate was 44.7%, and neurologically favourable outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2) was observed in 36.2% of patients. Conclusion Distal radial access was technically feasible and safe in OHCA patients undergoing emergency PCI, with low crossover and complication rates. However, haemodynamic deterioration and systemic inflammatory response may contribute to vascular complications. Careful access selection and vigilant neurological and vascular monitoring are warranted in this high-risk population.
Purpose Routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing can improve HIV prevention and care among international migrants, who are often at high risk for delayed diagnosis. This study aims to assess HIV testing prevalence, HIV-related sexual behaviors and associated factors among migrants in Okinawa and Fukuoka, Japan. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 773 international migrants residing in Okinawa and Fukuoka, Japan, between January 2023 and March 2024. Participants were recruited through migrant community organizations, social networking services and snowball sampling. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with HIV testing uptake and interest in testing. Findings Most participants in Okinawa (68.1%) and Fukuoka (61.0%) were male. Approximately 26.0% reported ever testing for HIV in Japan, and 71.5% were unaware of free testing locations. A high prevalence of unprotected sex was observed, and 24.0% reported a lifetime sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis. Multivariable analysis identified age, sexual history, perceived HIV risk, gender identity, housing status, knowledge of testing access, Japanese language proficiency, place of residence (Okinawa versus Fukuoka) and prior HIV testing as significant factors associated with testing uptake and intentions. Originality/value Low HIV testing rates and high levels of unprotected sex among Okinawa and Fukuoka migrants point to a heightened risk of HIV/STI epidemic escalation. Language barriers and limited access to information highlight the need for migrant-friendly screening and accessible prevention services. The findings underscore the importance of culturally tailored interventions to improve HIV testing and sexual health among migrants in Japan.
