Peculiar weather patterns effects on air pollution and COVID-19 spread in Tokyo metropolis

Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 228, P. 115907 - 115907

Published: April 18, 2023

As a pandemic hotspot in Japan, between March 1, 2020–October 2022, Tokyo metropolis experienced seven COVID-19 waves. Motivated by the high rate of incidence and mortality during seventh wave, environmental/health challenges we conducted time-series analysis to investigate long-term interaction air quality climate variability with viral Tokyo. Through daily time series geospatial observational pollution/climate data, death cases, this study compared environmental conditions multiwaves. In spite five State Emergency (SOEs) restrictions associated pandemic, (2020–2022) period recorded low improvements relative (2015–2019) average annual values, namely: Aerosol Optical Depth increased 9.13% 2020 year, declined 6.64% 2021, 12.03% 2022; particulate matter PM2.5 PM10 decreased 2020, 2022 years 10.22%, 62.26%, 0.39%, respectively 4.42%, 3.95%, 5.76%. For (2021–2022) ratio PM2.5/PM10 was (0.319 ± 0.1640), showing higher contribution aerosol loading traffic-related coarse particles comparison fine particles. The highest rates cases wave (1 July 2022–1 October 2022) may be attributed accumulation near ground levels pollutants pathogens due to: 1) peculiar persistent atmospheric anticyclonic circulation strong positive anomalies geopotential height at 500 hPa; 2) lower Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) heights; 3) maximum temperature land surface prolonged heat waves (HWs) summer 4) no imposed restrictions. Such findings can guide public decision-makers design proper strategies curb pandemics under stable weather HWs large metropolitan areas.

Language: Английский

---

One-year follow-up of the immunogenicity and safety of a primary series of the NVX-CoV2373 (TAK-019) vaccine in healthy Japanese adults: Final report of a phase I/II randomized controlled trial

Vaccine, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 42(6), P. 1319 - 1325

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

In the interim report of this phase I/II randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Japanese adults, a two-dose primary series NVX-CoV2373 (5 µg SARS-CoV-2 recombinant nanoparticle spike protein [rS]; 50 Matrix-M) administered 21 days apart induced robust anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses up to day and had an acceptable safety profile. Following double-blind study (day 1–50), participants were informed about their assignment or placebo, reconsent was required for continuation open-label 51–387). This final evaluated immunogenicity on 202 387, findings from 1-year follow-up. total, 131/150 arm 4/50 placebo completed study. The most common reason discontinuation because participant requested publicly available COVID-19 vaccine. At 6 months 1 year after second vaccine dose, both geometric mean titres rS serum immunoglobulin G neutralizing antibodies against ancestral strain numerically higher than before dose. There no deaths, adverse events (AEs) leading withdrawal, AEs special interest throughout trial. During follow-up, 2.0 % (1/50) reported approximately month dose (serious AE requiring hospitalisation, already presented report) 2.7 (4/150) 10 (mild [2/4] moderate severity). A persistent well tolerated We believe our offer important insights determining dosing intervals between booster vaccinations.

Language: Английский

---

Seasonal variation in intravenous broad-spectrum antimicrobial use in Japan from 2018 to 2023

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 102636 - 102636

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Cutaneous Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Japan: A Questionnaire Survey

Cureus, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 8, 2025

We conducted a nationwide survey in Japan to clarify the clinical spectrum of these events. An initial questionnaire was sent 126 dermatology facilities, and responses were obtained from 66 (52.4%). Among responding most commonly identified cutaneous adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination urticaria (49 (74.2%)), delayed local reactions (37 (56.1%)), erythema multiforme (31 (47.0%)), alopecia (30 (45.5%)). The primary (19 (20.9%)), bullous pemphigoid (7 (7.7%)), (6 (6.6%)). mean latency onset 13.1 days, duration symptoms 74.2 days. Although this study cannot establish direct causal relationship between events, it highlights need for dermatologists recognize potential provide appropriate care.

Language: Английский

---

Healthcare Utilization Among Japanese Older Adults During Later Stage of Prolonged Pandemic

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 27, 2025

This study examines healthcare utilization patterns among Japan’s older population (aged 75 and above) during a prolonged public health emergency, focusing on the later phase of COVID-19 pandemic (November 2021-September 2022). period was characterized by Omicron variant, widespread vaccination coverage, adapted measures. Using comprehensive dataset 189,841,257 medical claims linked with income tax records, we analyze how correlates measures, severity, levels. Our findings reveal distinct patterns: moderate decreases in visits periods association between severity use varying based whether these measures are place. Despite fluctuations visit frequency, costs remain stable, indicating consistent service intensity. While income-related differences general access modest, dental care shows more pronounced socioeconomic variations. These suggest transition from initial avoidance to stable engagement, adaptation crisis conditions. provide insights for maintaining extended emergencies, particularly aging societies where balancing needs is crucial.

Language: Английский

---

Healthcare utilization among Japanese older adults during later stage of prolonged pandemic

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: April 22, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Quality of Life in Japanese Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease is Disrupted throughout the Year

Journal of Clinical Immunology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 45(1)

Published: May 7, 2025

Patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) have an increased susceptibility to infection and may experience negative impacts on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) activities daily living. This prospective observational study patients aged ≥ 12 years PID assessed HR-QOL, work impairment, disease-related burden over a full year, focus seasonal variation. The period was from October 2021 November 2023. Data were collected using online system. HR-QOL EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), impairment Work Productivity Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, questionnaire designed for this study. In (N = 56) healthy volunteers 43), no significant variation observed in EQ-5D-5L, SF-36, or WPAI scores. With few exceptions, had significantly lower scores than all seasons. PID, symptoms limitations living persisted throughout regardless season. conclusion, more socially, physically, mentally stressed seasons compared individuals.

Language: Английский

---

Unexpected risk factors of pathological hikikomori during the COVID‐19 pandemic among working adults initially without social isolation: A longitudinal online survey

Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 78(5), P. 332 - 334

Published: Feb. 28, 2024

Hikikomori, characterized by 6 months of home confinement and social avoidance,1 is now listed in the DSM-5-TR.2 Previous studies linked hikikomori to various factors including stressful events, anxiety, depression,3 modern-type depression (MTD),4 amotivation,5 internet addiction gaming disorder.6 After COVID-19 pandemic, physical isolation isn't always pathological, necessitating crucial distinction between non-pathological pathological hikikomori,6 new research needed investigate novel risk hikikomori.7 We have defined 'pathological hikikomori' as not just but also with associated distress or functional impairments.8 To clarify during we conducted a longitudinal online survey among initially working adults without isolation. This study was approved ethics committee Kyushu University (25–84) complied all provisions Declaration Helsinki. All participants consented participate this study. The detailed methodology Supplementary Information. Respondents meeting inclusion criteria (age 30–59, proficient Japanese, employed June 2019, completing both initial final waves survey) falling under exclusion (i.e. going out 3 days less per week prior) were surveyed across four waves: 2020, December August 2021, April 2022. Pathological condition assessed (going week) along impairment first, third, fourth survey. Notably, didn't specify duration assess each present state hikikomori. Based on previous hypothesis,5 evaluated through self-rated questionnaires, employment status, condition, depression, MTD, addiction, measured HQ-25, PHQ-9, TACS-22, Mini-SPIN, IAT at wave Constant traits like resilience (TRS), achievement motivation (AMS), personality domains (TIPI-J), risk-taking tendency (RPQ) once. generalized estimating equation method for binary logistic regression provided adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 95% confidence intervals (CI) exploring associations variables condition. Of 561 respondents, 107 invalid responses 128 2019 excluded. analysis included 326 (176/150 males/females; mean age 46.30, SD = 7.71). rates peaked start pandemic (June 2020) subsequently declined (Table 1, Figs S1 S2). proportions 22%, 12%, 8% 2022, respectively. decline might be attributed rising vaccination decreased severity variants, diminishing need self-restraint.9 Yamamoto et al. reported that repeated lockdowns negatively impact loneliness vulnerable populations, despite an overall reduction mental symptoms general population.10 In line our revealed male (aOR, 1.85; CI, 1.14–3.00), unemployment 4.24; 1.67–10.78), HQ-25 1.12; 1.07–1.17), PHQ-9 1.07; 1.01–1.14), anxiety Mini-SPIN 1.11; 1.02–1.21), risk-avoiding RPQ 1.19; 1.05–1.35) positively Higher TRS 0.96; 0.93–0.99) identified protective factor 1 Table S1). Surprisingly, lower 'lack socialization' 0.95; 0.92–0.99), higher 'competitive motivation' AMS 1.04; 1.01–1.07), 'avoidance roles' 0.92–1.00) 'low self-esteem' 0.93; 0.86–1.01) 'extraversion' 1.22; 0.99–1.50) 'agreeableness' 1.26; 0.97–1.65) TIPI-J increased although latter statistically significant. first revealing potential Generally, people who are extroverted, confident, agreeable, socially engaged, motivated believed coping skills unrelated Escaping from situations traditional effective thought hikikomori.5 During these expected positive paradoxically become hikikomori, possibly due unmet needs pandemic-related stresses leading distress. proposes different strategies normal society, lack novel-type adaptive lead health issues Our limitations survey, small sample size, omission confounders such financial marital comorbid physical/mental illnesses, etc., which may influence outcomes. Further large-scale direct assessment validate findings. partially supported Grant-in-Aid Scientific Research: (1) Japan Society Promotion Science (KAKENHI; JP22H00494 23H01044 TAK), (2) Agency Medical Research Development (AMED; JP21wm0425010 TAK) (3) Technology CREST (JPMJCR22N5 TAK). funders had no role design, data collection analysis, decision publish, manuscript preparation. K.L.H., R.K., T.K., J.Y.W, S.S., T.N., T.A.K. declare conflicts interest relation T.N. Editorial Board member Psychiatry Clinical Neurosciences co-author article, thus, minimize bias, excluded editorial decision-making related acceptance article publication. Data S1. Supporting Please note: publisher responsible content functionality any supporting information supplied authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should directed corresponding author article.

Language: Английский

---

Active surveillance vs. surgery in low‐risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients and the risk of loss to follow‐up

Cancer Medicine, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(16)

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

Abstract Background Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) management has evolved, with active surveillance (AS) gaining prominence as a option. However, key concern for both clinicians and patients is the potential patient loss to follow‐up during AS. Aims This study aimed determine adherence loss‐to‐follow‐up rates in low‐risk PTMC undergoing AS versus surgical intervention, order gain insights into clinical pathways safety profiles. Materials Methods cohort analyzed 2016 data from single registered institution of Japan's public National Cancer Registry. Results We identified retrospectively cases 327 diagnosed PTMC; 227 chose undergo while other 100 underwent surgery. Main outcomes were rate each group, factors influencing discontinuation, considerations. The adoption was substantial complete series (69.4%). There significantly higher at 5 years group (28.6%) compared Surgery (17.8%) (HR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01–2.61; p = 0.046). Both univariate multivariate analyses confirmed well older patients. No deaths due progression observed lost follow‐up. Conclusion Despite concerns about follow‐up, remains safe option PTMCs. Consistent strategies are crucial, further research needed enhance counseling care PTMC.

Language: Английский

---

Trends in managing COVID-19 from an emerging infectious disease to a common respiratory infectious disease: What are the subsequent impacts on and new challenges for healthcare systems?

BioScience Trends, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 16(6), P. 381 - 385

Published: Dec. 25, 2022

Targeting the 9 countries with highest cumulative number of newly confirmed cases in past year, we analyzed case fatality ratio (CFR) among and vaccination rate (two or more doses vaccine per 100 people) United States America (USA), India, France, Germany, Brazil, Republic Korea, Japan, Italy, Kingdom (UK) for period 2020-2022. Data reveal a decrease CFR since beginning 2022, when transmission Omicron variant predominates, an increase rates. The Korea had lowest (0.093%) 2022 (86.27%). Japan second (83.12%) 1.478% 2020, 1.000% 2021, 0.148% 2022; while average estimated seasonal influenza from 2015-2020 was 0.020%. Currently, most are now easing COVID-19-related restrictions exploring shift management COVID-19 emerging infectious disease to common respiratory that can be treated as equivalent regional influenza. However, compared influenza, infection still has higher ratio, is transmissible, size future outbreaks cannot accurately predicted due uncertainty viral mutation. More importantly, their response strategies COVID-19, there urgent need at this time clarify what subsequent impacts on healthcare systems new challenges will be, including clinical response, dissemination scientific information, campaigns, creation surveillance systems, cost treatments vaccinations, flexible use big data systems.

Language: Английский

---