Cepheids and other short-period variables near the Galactic Centre

We report the result of our near-infrared survey of short-period variable stars (P<60d) in a field-of-view of 20'x30' towards the Galactic Centre. Forty-five variables are discovered and we classify the variables based on their light curve shapes and other evidence. In addition to 3 classical Cepheids reported previously, we find 16 type II Cepheids, 24 eclipsing binaries, one pulsating star with P=0.265d (RR Lyr or delta Sct) and one Cepheid-like variable whose nature is uncertain. Eclipsing binaries are separated into the foreground objects and those significantly obscured by interstellar extinction. One of the reddened binaries contains an O-type supergiant and its light curve indicates an eccentric orbit. We discuss the nature and distribution of type II Cepheids as well as the distance to the Galactic Centre based on these Cepheids and other distance indicators. The estimates of R0(GC) we obtained based on photometric data agree with previous results obtained with kinematics of objects around the GC. Furthermore, our result gives a support to the reddening law obtained by Nishiyama and collaborators, A(Ks)/E(H-Ks)=1.44, because a different reddening law would result in a rather different distance estimate.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figures, 7tables, accepted for publication in MNRA

Persistent MPS following AAD repair

We investigated impact of persistent malperfusion syndrome (MPS) following central repair of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) on outcomes. Thirty patients who underwent central repair for ATAAD with MPS were included. Patients were divided into two groups : 23 patients without MPS following central repair (No-MPS group) and 7 with MPS (Persistent-MPS group). The mean age was 66.8 ± 9.6 and 59.4 ± 13.4 years in the No-MPS and Persistent-MPS groups, respectively (P = 0.176). Preoperative MPS included the left coronary artery (n = 3), brain (n = 3), abdomen (n = 7), and extremities (n = 11) in the No-MPS group. In the Persistent-MPS group, the right coronary (n = 1), brain (n = 2), abdomen (n = 3), and extremities (n = 5) were observed. In the No-MPS group, one patient died of extensive cerebral infarction (4.3%). In the Persistent-MPS group, 2 patients died of sepsis and multi-organ failure, respectively (28.6%) (P = 0.061). The Persistent-MPS group had more patients requiring hemodialysis than the No-MPS group (P = 0.009). Three patients underwent intestinal resection due to persistent MPS (P < 0.001). Persistent MPS following central repair for ATAAD significantly contributed to outcomes

Conventional versus Rapid Glucocorticoid Tapering in Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Non-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have long played a central role in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but these drugs have many adverse effects. We will determine whether rapid weekly GC tapering is non-inferior to conventional biweekly tapering in patients with severe SLE. This is a randomized, open-label, multicenter controlled trial. The primary outcome is the relapse-free survival rate at 52 weeks. The main secondary outcome is the prevalence of the Lupus Low Disease Activity State at 52 weeks. The trial will determine the optimal method of tapering GCs in patients with severe SLE

Conventional-dose Versus Half-dose Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for the Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Patients with Systemic Rheumatic Disease: A Non-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) due to Pneumocystis jirovecii infection is the leading cause of fatal opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. We will determine whether a daily sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) dose of 200/40 mg was non-inferior to 400/80 mg for PCP prevention in patients with systemic rheumatic disease under immunosuppressive therapy. This is a randomized, open-label, multicenter controlled trial. The primary outcome is the rate of PCP prevention at 52 weeks. The secondary outcome is the discontinuation rate of SMX/TMP. The trial will evaluate the optimal dose of SMX/TMP for PCP prevention in patients with systemic rheumatic disease under immunosuppressive therapy

p53-armed oncolytic adenovirus induces autophagy and apoptosis in KRAS and BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells harboring KRAS or BRAF mutations show a more-malignant phenotype than cells with wild-type KRAS and BRAF. KRAS/BRAF-wild-type CRCs are sensitive to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting agents, whereas KRAS/BRAF-mutant CRCs are resistant due to constitutive activation of the EGFR-downstream KRAS/BRAF signaling pathway. Novel therapeutic strategies to treat KRAS/BRAF mutant CRC cells are thus needed. We recently demonstrated that the telomerase-specific replication-competent oncolytic adenoviruses OBP-301 and p53-armed OBP-702 exhibit therapeutic potential against KRAS-mutant human pancreatic cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of OBP-301 and OBP-702 against human CRC cells with differing KRAS/BRAF status. Human CRC cells with wild-type KRAS/BRAF (SW48, Colo320DM, CACO-2), mutant KRAS (DLD-1, SW620, HCT116), and mutant BRAF (RKO, HT29, COLO205) were used in this study. The antitumor effect of OBP-301 and OBP-702 against CRC cells was analyzed using the XTT assay. Virus-mediated modulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and the EGFR-MEK-ERK and AKT-mTOR signaling pathways was analyzed by Western blotting. Wild-type and KRAS-mutant CRC cells were sensitive to OBP-301 and OBP-702, whereas BRAF-mutant CRC cells were sensitive to OBP-702 but resistant to OBP-301. Western blot analysis demonstrated that OBP-301 induced autophagy and that OBP-702 induced autophagy and apoptosis in human CRC cells. In BRAF-mutant CRC cells, OBP-301 and OBP-702 suppressed the expression of EGFR, MEK, ERK, and AKT proteins, whereas mTOR expression was suppressed only by OBP-702. Our results suggest that p53-armed oncolytic virotherapy is a viable therapeutic option for treating KRAS/BRAF-mutant CRC cells via induction of autophagy and apoptosis

The Transformation Process of Research Awareness as Understood through the Narratives of Students Formerly Enrolled in the Doctoral Program of the Graduate School of Education

　In this study, a qualitative analysis, Trajectory Equifinality Modeling (TEM), was used to highlight the transformation process of the research awareness of four former doctoral students. The doctoral programs to which the students formerly belonged train researchers and professional educators who are capable of research and practice. The authors describe the trajectory of the students advancing to their respective Equifinality Points through various experiences and possibilities despite fluxes in their research awareness. Citing the TEM diagrams drawn, the authors discuss: 1. The existence of change in the research environment and the reality of the adaptation process. 2. The existence of a period of exploration as a practicing researcher. 3. The meaning of the Obligatory Passage Points for students in doctoral programs in education. Closing the article, the authors examine future issues