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Lipophosphoglycans (LPGs) are found on the surface of Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, and are immunologically important. Herein, disaccharide 1‐phosphate repeating units of LPGs were successfully synthesized on a solid support with high anomeric purity using a disaccharide α‐1‐phosphoramidite building block. To enhance solubility in the reaction solvent, hydroxy‐protecting groups in the form of para‐t‐butylbenzoyl were introduced to the building block. The saccharide chain was elongated via stable glycosyl boranophosphate linkages, followed by the conversion of inter‐sugar linkages to phosphodiester counterparts using an oxaziridine derivative. The addition of a silylating reagent post‐reaction with the oxaziridine derivative efficiently facilitated the conversion of boranophosohodiesters to phosphodiesters. This method enabled the α‐selective synthesis of up to 15 repeating units, marking the longest homogeneous repeating units of LPGs synthesized chemically. Given the chain length equivalence to native LPGs, the method developed herein holds promise for advancing anti‐Leishmanial pharmaceuticals and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We showcase a study on the physical properties of the circumnuclear disk (CND) surrounding the supermassive black hole (SMBH) Sgr A* of the Galactic Center, emphasizing the role of magnetic field (⁠|$\boldsymbol {B}$| field) with |$0.50\,$| pc spatial resolution. Based on the sensitive |$\lambda = 850\, \mu$| m polarization data taken with the JCMT SCUBA2/POL2 (James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array 2), we analyzed ancillary datasets: CS |$J = 2$| –1 emission taken with ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array), continuum emissions taken at |$\lambda = 6\,$| cm and at |$\lambda = 37\, \mu$| m taken with the VLA (Very Large Array) and SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy telescope). The |$\boldsymbol {B}$| field within the CND exhibits a coherent spiral pattern. Applying the model described by Wardle and Königl (1990, ApJ, 362, 12; the WK model) to the observed |$\boldsymbol {B}$| field pattern, it favors gas-pressure-dominant models without dismissing a gas-and- |$\boldsymbol {B}$| field comparable model, leading us to estimate the |$\boldsymbol {B}$| -field strength in the ionized cavity around Sgr A* as |$0.24^{+0.06}_{-0.04}\,$| mG. Analysis based on the WK model further allows us to derive representative |$\boldsymbol {B}$| -field strengths for the radial, azimuthal, and vertical components as |$(B_r, B_\phi , B_z) = (0.4 \pm 0.1, -0.7 \pm 0.2, 0.2 \pm 0.05)\,$| mG, respectively. A key finding is that the |$|B_\phi |$| component is dominant over |$B_r$| and |$B_z$| components, consistent with the spiral morphology, indicating that the CND's |$\boldsymbol {B}$| -field is predominantly toroidal, possibly shaped by accretion dynamics. Considering the turbulent pressure, estimated plasma |$\beta$| values indicate that the effective gas pressure should surpass the magnetic pressure. Assessing the CND of our MWG in the toroidal-and-vertical stability parameter space, we propose that such an "effective" magneto-rotational instability (MRI) may likely be active. The estimated maximum unstable wavelength, |$\lambda _{\rm max} = 0.1 \pm 0.1\,$| pc, is smaller than the CND's scale height (⁠|$0.2 \pm 0.1\,$| pc), which indicates the potential for the effective MRI intermittent cycles of |$\sim 10^6\,$| yr, which should profoundly affect the CND's evolution, considering the estimated mass accretion rate of |$10^{-2} M_{\odot }\,$| yr |$^{-1}$| to the SMBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automatic design optimization of a wireless power transfer system is performed using Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS). Several key factors, i.e., the compensation network, shapes and geometrical parameters of the coils are determined after searches, in order to achieve the high transfer efficiencies for coaxial aligned and misaligned cases. The improved Selection policy in MCTS, called first play urgency (FPU), is implemented for optimization. It proves to be a more promising technique for finding optimal solutions when the searching volume is limited, compared with the original MCTS with using the upper confidence bound applies to tree (UCB1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation: Japanese version (PREE-J) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association-Japan Elbow Society Elbow Function score (JOA-JES score) is unclear. This study evaluated the association between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. The patients with elbow disorders were divided into two groups: Group A (conservative treatment, n = 97) and Group B (surgical treatment, n = 156). The patients were also divided into four disease subgroups according to the JOA-JES classification (rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, sports, and epicondylitis groups), and the association between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores in each disease category was examined. In group B, associations between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores were examined pre-and postoperatively. In group A, there were significant associations between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. In group B, a strong association between preoperative PREE-J and JOA-JES scores was observed in all disease categories. There was also a significant association between postoperative PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. Additionally, group B showed significant postoperative improvements in PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. The PREE-J score correlates well with the JOA-JES score and reflects treatment response before and after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orobanche foetida Poiret is the main constraint facing faba bean crop in Tunisia. Indeed, in heavily infested fields with this parasitic plant, yield losses may reach 90%, and the recent estimation of the infested area is around 80,000 ha. Identifying genes involved in the Vicia faba/O. foetida interaction is crucial for the development of effective faba bean breeding programs. However, there is currently no available information on the transcriptome of faba bean responding to O. foetida parasitism. In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to explore the global gene expression changes associated with compatible and incompatible V. faba/O. foetida interactions. In this perspective, two faba bean varieties (susceptible and resistant) were examined at the root level across three stages of O. foetida development (Before Germination (BG), After Germination (AG) and Tubercule Stage (TS)). Our analyses presented an exploration of the transcriptomic profile, including comprehensive assessments of differential gene expression and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Specifically, we investigated key pathways revealing the complexity of molecular responses to O. foetida attack. In this study, we detected differential gene expression of pathways associated with secondary metabolites: flavonoids, auxin, thiamine, and jasmonic acid. To enhance our understanding of the global changes in V. faba response to O. foetida, we specifically examined WRKY genes known to play a role in plant host-parasitic plant interactions. Furthermore, considering the pivotal role of parasitic plant seed germination in this interaction, we investigated genes involved in the orobanchol biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, we detected the gene expression of VuCYP722C homolog, coding for a key enzyme involved in orobanchol biosynthesis, exclusively in the susceptible host. Clearly, this study enriches our understanding of the V. faba/O. foetida interaction, shedding light on the main differences between susceptible and resistant faba bean varieties during O. foetida infestation at the gene expression level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs) are a promising type of antisense oligonucleotides, but their challenging synthesis makes them difficult to access. This research presents an efficient synthetic approach for PMOs using the H-phosphonate approach. The use of phosphonium-type condensing reagents significantly reduced coupling times compared with the current synthetic approach. Furthermore, phosphonium-type condensing reagents facilitated the fragment condensation of PMO, synthesizing up to 8-mer containing all four nucleobases with remarkable coupling efficacy. This is the first report on the convergent synthesis of PMOs. This approach would facilitate the large-scale synthesis of PMOs and accelerate their popularity and accessibility as a next-generation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers several approximate operators used in a particle method based on a Voronoi diagram. We introduce and study our approximate operators on gradient and Laplace operators. We derive error estimates for these approximate operators by applying our weight functions. The key idea of deriving our error estimates is to divide the integration region into a ring-shaped area and some areas. In the appendix, we give an exemplary application of the main results of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs) are a promising type of antisense oligonucleotides, but their challenging synthesis makes them difficult to access. This research presents an efficient synthetic approach for PMOs using the H-phosphonate approach. The use of phosphonium-type condensing reagents significantly reduced coupling times compared with the current synthetic approach. Furthermore, phosphonium-type condensing reagents facilitated the fragment condensation of PMO, synthesizing up to 8-mer containing all four nucleobases with remarkable coupling efficacy. This is the first report on the convergent synthesis of PMOs. This approach would facilitate the large-scale synthesis of PMOs and accelerate their popularity and accessibility as a next-generation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical strategy to improve the properties of oligonucleotide therapeutics is using cationic molecules as carriers. We developed artificial cationic molecules that bind to A-type oligonucleotide duplexes, such as siRNAs, in a stoichiometric ratio. In this study, we investigated the properties of oligo 2,6-diamino-D-galactoses (ODAGals) and L-2,4-diaminobutanoic acid oligomers (Dabs) and revealed their thermal and biological stabilization effects on A-type duplexes and their chemical stability. As a result, ODAGal and Dab with the same number of amino groups had the commensurate ability for the biological stabilization effect, whereas Dab enhanced the thermal stability of A-type duplexes more effectively than ODAGal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prostate cancer (PC) treatment causes sexual dysfunction (SD) and alters fertility, male identity, and intimate relationships with partners. In Japan, little attention has been paid to the importance of providing care for SD associated with PC treatment. This study is aimed at clarifying the care needs of Japanese men regarding SD associated with PC treatment. Methods: One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with 44 PC patients to identify their care needs. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four core categories emerged from the analysis. (1) "Need for empathy from medical staff regarding fear of SD": patients had difficulty confiding in others about their sexual problems, and medical staff involvement in their SD issues was lacking. (2) "Need for information that provides an accurate understanding of SD and coping strategies before deciding on treatment": lack of information about SD in daily life and difficulty understanding information from medical institutions, caused men to regret their treatment. (3) "Need for professional care for individuals and couples affected by SD": men faced loss of intimacy because of their partners' unwillingness to understand their SD issues or tolerate non-sexual relationships. (4) "Need for an environment that facilitates interaction among men to resolve SD issues": men felt lonely and wanted to interact with other patients about their SD concerns. Conclusion: These findings may help form care strategies tailored to these needs and applicable to other societies with strong traditional gender norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hook of the hamate fractures can be managed conservatively or fixed using a screw, but excision is recommended for prompt return to activities. Although various approaches have been described, there is no gold standard. Herein, the authors have described their clinical experiences in excising the hook of the hamate using the carpal tunnel approach, in athletes. A total of 36 athletes underwent excision of the hamate hook using the carpal tunnel approach. The mean age of the patients was 23 years, and most of them were baseball players (n = 31). The mean operation time was 33 min. None of the patients presented with any complications aside from transient pillar pain in five cases. All of them returned to their sports activities within an average of 27 days. In our study, excision of the hook of the hamate was performed safely via the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel approach reportedly provides superior benefits over other approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various synthetic drugs have appeared over the past years across the world, and phenethylamine derivatives are among them; indeed, aromatic fluoro analogs of methamphetamine and amphetamine have been in the illicit drug market since the early 2000s. Although they are currently widely abused across the world, little information is available on their metabolism and toxicology. Recently, we came across an alleged 2-fluoromethamphetamine (2-FMA) drug abuse case. The urine obtained from the alleged abuser was analyzed as part of a criminal investigation. 2-FMA, 2-fluoroamphetamine (2-FAP) and some related compounds were detected by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In forensic science, both an "unchanged" drug and its metabolite(s) need to be detected in urine to verify the illicit drug use. Notably, the detection of 2-FAP, which is a plausible 2-FMA metabolite, is insufficient as evidence of 2-FMA use because 2-FAP is widely available and may be present as such in taken liquids. In this study, we synthesized analytical standards for N -hydroxy 2-FMA (N -OH-2-FMA) and two diastereomers of 2-fluoroephedrine, which are plausible metabolites of 2-FMA. Using these standards, the urine specimen was found to contain N -OH-2FMA and one diastereomer of 2-fluoroephedrine; moreover, the concentrations of these compounds were successfully determined. The results of our study suggest that N -hydroxylation and aliphatic hydroxylation are the characteristic metabolic pathways of 2-FMA compared with that of methamphetamine. This evidence indicates that both N -OH-2-FMA and 2-fluoroephedrine are plausible candidates as analytical targets for drug-use certification in forensic science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Front Cover: α-Selective Solid-Phase Synthesis of Glycosyl Phosphate Repeating Structure Via the Phosphoramidite Method," discusses the synthesis of glycosyl phosphate repeating units found in lipophosphoglycans (LPGs) and capsular polysaccharides. The authors, K. Kawato, K. Sato, and T. Wada, describe their research on the α-selective solid-phase synthesis of these structures using glycosyl boranophosphates as stable intermediates. The cover art of the article depicts the structure of a synthesized disaccharide 1-phosphate repeating unit found in LPGs of Leishmania donovani. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. As research on the experiences of CUP patients and their families is scarce, this study aimed to compare the family caregiver-perceived burden of CUP with that of common cancers (lung, colon, and stomach cancers). The association between family caregiver-perceived burden and CUP patients' quality of life (QOL) at end-of-life and family depression, respectively, was also explored.Methods: This was a pre-planned secondary analysis of nationwide cross-sectional survey data from the bereaved family caregivers of patients with cancer who died at 286 institutions. The major measurements were the eight-item family caregiver-perceived Burden scale (comprising specialist access, uncertainty, and prolonged diagnosis), Good Death Inventory, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9.Results: Of 27,591 survey responses, we analyzed 97 and 717 responses from family caregivers of patients with CUP and common cancer, respectively. The families of CUP patients scored significantly higher on all three burden subscales than those of common cancer patients (effect sizes: specialist access subscale, 0.3; uncertainty subscale, 0.66; and prolonged diagnosis subscale, 0.69; adjusted P < 0.01). Greater family burden was significantly associated with lower patient QOL and higher family depression. Burden was significantly associated with being a spouse, second opinion consultation, and diagnosis period of > 1 month.Conclusion: The family caregivers of CUP patients experience poor specialist access, greater uncertainty, and a prolonged diagnosis. They should be cared for from the initial stages to establish access to specialists, obtain an early diagnosis, and reduce uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐terminal thiourea‐modified l‐Leu‐based peptide {(3,5‐diCF3Ph)NHC(=S)‐(l‐Leu‐l‐Leu‐Ac5c)2‐OMe} with five‐membered ring α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acids (Ac5c) catalyzed a highly enantioselective 1,4‐addition reaction between β‐nitrostyrene and dimethyl malonate. The enantioselective reaction required only 0.5 mol % chiral peptide‐catalyst in the presence of iPr2EtN (2.5 equiv.), and gave a 1,4‐adduct with 93 % ee of an 85 % yield. As Michael acceptors, various β‐nitrostyrene derivatives such as methyl, p‐fluoro, p‐bromo, and p‐methoxy substituents on the phenyl group, 2‐furyl, 2‐thiophenyl, and naphthyl β‐nitroethylenes could be applied. Furthermore, various alkyl malonates and cyclic β‐keto‐esters could be used as Michael donors. It became clear that the length of the peptide chain, a right‐handed helical structure, amide N−Hs, and the N‐terminal thiourea moiety play crucial roles in asymmetric induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a method to make a spectral-line-based survey of hot cores, which represent an important stage of high-mass star formation, and applied the method to the data of the FUGIN (FOREST Unbiased Galactic plane Imaging survey with the Nobeyama 45 m telescope) survey. First, we select hot core candidates by searching the FUGIN data for the weak hot core tracer lines (HNCO and CH3CN) by stacking, and then we conduct follow-up pointed observations on these candidates in C34S, SO, OCS, HC3N, HNCO, CH3CN, and CH3OH J  = 2–1 and J  = 8–7 lines to confirm and characterize them. We applied this method to the l  = 10°–20° portion of the FUGIN data and identified 22 "HotCores" (compact sources with more than two significant detections of the hot core tracer lines, i.e. SO, OCS, HC3N, HNCO, CH3CN, or CH3OH J  = 8–7 lines) and 14 "DenseClumps" (sources with more than two significant detection of C34S, CH3OH J  = 2–1, or the hot core tracer lines). The identified HotCores are found to be associated with signposts of high-mass star formation such as ATLASGAL clumps, WISE H  ii regions, and Class II methanol masers. Many of the FUGIN HotCores are identified with the Herschel Hi-GAL clumps with a median mass of 6.8 × 102  M ⊙ and a median bolometric luminosity of 7.4 × 103  L ⊙. Five of the seven HotCores with stronger CH3CN lines exhibit elevated gas temperatures of 50–100 K. These observations suggest that FUGIN HotCores are closely related to the formation of stars with medium to high mass. For those associated with ATLASGAL clumps, their bolometric luminosity to clump mass ratios are consistent with the star formation stages centered at the hot core phase. The catalog of FUGIN HotCores provides a useful starting point for further statistical studies and detailed observations of high-mass star forming regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are enzymes that degrade polysaccharides with an oxidative mechanism and contributed to the efficiency in biomass degradation by glycoside hydrolases (GHs). In this study, the substrate and reaction specificity of Sg LPMO10A that was an auxiliary activity family 10 (AA10) enzyme with a carbohydrate binding module family 2 (CBM2) domain from Streptomyces griseus , was analyzed. This enzyme produced oxidized cello-oligosaccharides from cellulose and boosted cellulose degradation by cellulases. Detailed study of the AA10 and CBM2 domains revealed that the binding ability of Sg LPMO10A depended on CBM2 and that only the AA10 domain functions more effectively in the presence of a certain amount of substrates. • Sg LPMO10A that bind two polysaccharide biomass, cellulose and chitin • Sg LPMO10A produced oxidized cello-oligosaccharides from cellulose. • Sg LPMO10A boosted cellulose degradation by cellulases. • Two domains of Sg LPMO10A were studied in details. • AA10 domain is best used in application for efficient enzymatic solubilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuolar (H+)‐ATPases (V‐ATPases) are ATP‐driven proton pumps with multiple functions in many organisms. In this study, we performed structural and functional analysis of vha55 gene that encodes V‐ATPase subunit B in the smokybrown cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa (Blattodea). We observed a high homology score of the deduced amino acid sequences between 10 species in seven orders. RNAi of the vha55 gene in P. fuliginosa caused nymphal/nymphal molting defects with incomplete shedding of old cuticles, growth inhibition, as well as bent and wrinkled cuticles of thoraxes and abdominal segments. Since growth inhibition caused by vha55 RNAi did not interfere in the commencement of cockroach molting, molting timing and body growth might be controlled by independent mechanism. Our study suggested V‐ATPases might be a good candidate molecule for evolutionary and developmental studies of insect molting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid preparation method for the analysis of the urine from a cannabis user was established. Generally, 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), which is one of the main metabolites of ∆9-tetrahydorocannabinol (THC), must be detected from a user's urine to verify cannabis use. However, existing preparation methods are usually multistep and time-consuming processes. Before the analysis by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), deconjugation by treatment with β-glucuronidase or alkaline solution, liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction (SPE), and evaporation are generally performed. In addition, subsequent derivatization (silylation or methylation) are certainly necessary for gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Here, we focused on the phenylboronic-acid (PBA) SPE, which selectively binds compounds with a cis -diol moiety. THC-COOH is metabolized as a glucuronide conjugate (THC-COOGlu) which has cis -diol moieties, therefore, we investigated the conditions of its retention and elution to reduce the operating time. We developed four elution conditions, which afford the following derivatives: acidic elution for THC-COOGlu, alkaline elution for THC-COOH, methanolysis elution for the THC-COOH methyl ester (THC-COOMe), and methanolysis elution and following methyl etherification for O -methyl-THC-COOMe (O -Me-THC-COOMe). All repeatability and recovery rates were evaluated by LC-MS/MS in this study. As a result, these four pathways required short times (within 10–25 min) and exhibited good repeatability and recovery rates. Detection limits of pathway I-IV were 10.8, 1.7, 18.9, and 13.8 ng mL-1, respectively. Lower limits of quantification were 62.5, 31.25, 57.3, and 62.5 ng mL-1, respectively. When proof of cannabis use is required, any elution condition can be selected to match the possessing reference standards and analytical instruments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of using PBA SPE for the preparation of the urine samples containing cannabis and achieving partial derivatization when eluting from a PBA carrier. Our method can provide a new and practical solution for the preparation of the urine samples from cannabis users. Although the PBA SPE method cannot recover THC-COOH in urine because of its lack of a 1,2-diol moiety, this method has technological advantages for simplifying the process and reducing the operating time, thereby avoiding human errors. • We developed a quick preparation method for the analysis of urinary cannabis by phenylboronic acid solid-phase extraction. • Four pathways can provide four different kinds of 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol derivatives, respectively. • All pathways showed good recovery rates and repeatability. • This method can simplify the process and shorten the operating time, resulting in contributing to reduce human errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larch arabinogalactan (AG) is classified as a plant type II AG. Its basic structure is constituted by a β-1,3-galactan main chain with β-1,6-galactan side chains. But its properties are distinct from other type II AGs. Whereas most type II AGs are found as glycan moieties of arabinogalactan-protein (AGP), larch AG lacks a protein moiety. Larch AG itself is also unlike other type II AGs as it lacks Yariv reactivity, the capability of AG to form insoluble precipitate with β-Yariv reagents, 1,3,5-tri-(p -glycosyloxyphenylazo)-2,4,6-trihydroxybenzene with β-glucosyl or β-galactosyl residues at the termini. For the present study, we prepared β-galactan I, II, and III from larch AG by performing single, double, and triple Smith degradation, which breaks β-1,6-galactan side chains, and examined Yariv reactivity of the products. Methylation analysis revealed that β-galactans II and III had lost more than 90% of their β-1,6-galactan branches. In the radial gel diffusion assay, β-galactans II and III showed Yariv reactivity, indicating the presence of a Yariv-reactive structure in larch AG, although native larch AG does not have Yariv reactivity. The Yariv reactivity of the β-galactans was completely lost after treatment with endo-β-1,3-galactanase. These results confirm that β-1,3-galactan is necessary for Yariv reactivity of type II AG. The present results also suggest that high substitution of β-1,3-galactan with β-1,6-galactan side chains affects Yariv reactivity in larch AG. Image 1 • Repeated Smith degradation removed more than 90% of β-1,6-galactan side chains of larch arabinogalactan. • The β-galactan prepared by double Smith degradation showed clear Yariv reactivity. • Yariv reactivity of β-galactans was lost after degradation of β-1,3-galactan with endo-β-1,3-galactanase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental program is carried out to investigate the swelling properties of Na activated Ca-bentonite submitted to prehydration and polymer adding, using Free Swell Index (FSI). Three Na activated Ca-bentonite are used: S, T and V. Various concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) of two polyelectrolyte polymers are mixed with bentonites to underline the effect of polymer adding on the mixture's FSI. FSI tests are performed with three testing fluids: NaCl 10 − 3 M, synthetized leachate (LS) and a solution of 0.1 M of CaCl 2 . FSI and Electric Conductivity are followed for all configurations tested. Comparison between FSI ratios underlines the positive effect of prehydration compared to polymer adding. Polymer adding increases the chemical resistance of bentonites and has less impact on bentonite swelling. Statistic analysis demonstrates that the effect of bentonite activation is less significant in front of the influence of the testing fluid, type of treatment and the polymer concentration. The positive effect of polymer adding on bentonite's FSI is more effective for a polymer concentration ranged from 0.5% to 1%. The experimental results are in good agreement with literature but the positive effect of the polymer adding occurs to be misrepresented by standard FSI tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alaE gene in Escherichia coli encodes an l -alanine exporter that catalyzes the active export of l -alanine using proton electrochemical potential. In our previous study, alaE expression was shown to increase in the presence of l -alanyl- l -alanine (Ala-Ala). In this study, the global regulator leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) was identified as an activator of the alaE gene. A promoter less β-galactosidase gene was fused to an alaE upstream region (240 nucleotides). Cells that were lacZ -deficient and harbored this reporter plasmid showed significant induction of β-galactosidase activity (approximately 17-fold) in the presence of 6 mM l -alanine, l -leucine, and Ala-Ala. However, a reporter plasmid possessing a smaller alaE upstream region (180 nucleotides) yielded transformants with strikingly low enzyme activity under the same conditions. In contrast, lrp -deficient cells showed almost no β-galactosidase induction, indicating that Lrp positively regulates alaE expression. We next performed an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and a DNase I footprinting assay using purified hexahistidine-tagged Lrp (Lrp-His). Consequently, we found that Lrp-His binds to the alaE upstream region spanning nucleotide −161 to −83 with a physiologically relevant affinity (apparent K D , 288.7 ± 83.8 nM). Furthermore, the binding affinity of Lrp-His toward its cis -element was increased by l -alanine and l -leucine, but not by Ala-Ala and d -alanine. Based on these results, we concluded that the gene expression of the alaE is regulated by Lrp in response to intracellular levels of l -alanine, which eventually leads to intracellular homeostasis of l -alanine concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When humans perceive the lightness of an object’s surface in shadows there is an implicit assumption that cast shadows dim the surface. In two experiments, we investigated whether 5- to 8-month-old infants make this assumption about shadows. According to this shadow assumption, the apparent change in lightness produced by shadows on an object’s surface are attributed to blocked light sources. If infants can use the shadow assumption to perceive the object’s lightness in shadows, they will also be able to detect unnatural lightness changes in shadows. We compared the infants’ looking times to the unnatural and the natural lightness changes in the shadow when an object (duck) goes through the cast shadow. In Experiment 1, we examined whether infants could detect the unnatural lightness changes of the object’s surface in shadows. We created computer-graphic movies of unnatural and natural lightness changes to the duck’s surface. Our results showed that 7- to 8-month-olds but not 5- to 6-month-olds significantly preferred the movie with the unnatural changes in lightness, indicating that only the older infants could detect these changes. In Experiment 2, we confirmed that the infants’ preference was based on the detection of unnatural lightness changes according to the shadow assumption. The natural and the unnatural lightness changes of Experiment 1 were presented without cast shadows. Under these conditions, neither younger nor older infants showed a significant preference. Taken together, the experiments showed that 7- to 8-month-old infants could detect the unnaturalness of a surface’s lightness changes produced by shadows. In conclusion, our findings suggest that 7- to 8-month-old infants can perceive an object’s lightness in shadows by using an assumption that cast shadows dim the surface of an object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To form Al-Ta alloys for high temperature oxidation resistance components, molten salt electrolysis was carried out in an AlCl 3 -NaCl-KCl melt containing TaCl 5 at 423 K. The voltammogram showed two cathodic waves at 0.45 V and 0.7 V vs. Al/Al(III), which may correspond to reduction from Ta(V) to Ta(III) and from Ta(III) to tantalum metal, respectively. Electrodeposits of Al and Ta were obtained in the range from −0.05 to 0.3 V and the highest concentration of Ta in the electrodeposit was 72 at% at 0.3 V. With increasing Ta content in the alloy, the morphology of the electrodeposits became powdery and the particle size smaller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in lymphoid organs play an important role in the humoral immune response. However, because the isolation of FDCs is difficult due to their very small population size and fragility under mechanical and chemical stresses, the genetic and biochemical characteristics of FDCs remain unclear. Previously, we identified FDCs as ICAM-1 + cells in the CD45 − non-hematopoietic cell fraction from naïve mouse spleen after cell separation by means of digestion with a combination of enzymes. In the present study, using a new combination of enzymes, we found that FDCs are highly enriched in the CD45 − ICAM-1 + CD21/35 + cell fraction. CD45 − ICAM-1 + CD21/35 + cells in the mouse spleen retained an antigen administered in vivo for more than 7 days. Moreover, CD45 − ICAM-1 + CD21/35 + cells isolated from the spleen of mice administered with a cognate antigen enhanced the survival and proliferation of antigen-specific B cells in vitro . Our improved protocol for the isolation of naïve FDCs will be useful for the analysis of FDCs in vitro and in vivo . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shadows are powerful cues in the perception of shapes. We can perceive shading and cast shadow implicitly. We investigated infants' ability to detect a single discrepant figure that was depicted by shading or cast shadow and examined the influence of the contrast polarity of shadows on this process. In Experiment 1, we manipulated the blur direction of a shadow to create stimuli that appeared either to be partially shaded or to cast a shadow and then used a preference to test whether this difference would allow 5- to 8-month-old infants to discriminate the figures that adults were able to perceive as different shapes. Only 7- to-8-month-old infants could differentiate one shading figure from cast shadow figures, and vice versa. In Experiment 2, we reversed the contrast polarity of the figure (dark object with a light shadow) and tested whether discrimination was affected. As has been found with adults, infants exposed to this condition were unable to discriminate the contrast-reversed shading and cast shadow figures. Our results suggested that an age of around 7 months is important for development of the ability to perceive shape differences from shading and cast shadows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several patient-/caregiver-completed questionnaires have been utilized for the assessment of asthma control. However, due to the diversity in medical/social circumstances, they may not be optimal for use in all countries. The Japanese pediatric asthma guideline ( JPGL) aims at higher levels of control compared with other international guidelines, based on a strong social demand for best care. We developed a new control test to help meet that demand. Methods A 34-item working questionnaire was developed based on input from pediatric asthma specialists and the caregivers of preschool children with asthma. The questionnaire was administered to caregivers of 565 patients aged <6 years who had physician-diagnosed asthma or β2-agonist-responsive recurrent wheeze. Then, 6 questions for assessing JPGL-defined control levels were selected from the 34 questions by stepwise logistic regression methods using randomly selected questionnaires completed by two-thirds of the caregivers. We named that set of questions the Best Asthma Control Test for Preschoolers (Best ACT-P). Validation of Best ACT-P was performed using the remaining completed questionnaires. Results The 6 questions asked about the frequency/severity of cold-induced wheeze, nighttime awakening, exercise-induced symptoms, and disruption of family life due to asthma in the past 4 weeks and hospitalization in the past 12 months. The 6-item logistic model showed good statistical fit, and the scores for the physicians' ratings of the asthma control differed significantly in the hypothetical direction. Conclusions Best ACT-P is a valid caregiver-completed questionnaire of asthma control in preschoolers in whom total control needs to be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study in detail the roles of basic amino acid residues in the activity of μ-conotoxin GIIIA ( μ- GIIIA) and GIIIB ( μ- GIIIB), specific blockers of muscle sodium channels, seven analogs of μ- GIIIA, and two analogs of μ- GIIIB were synthesized. μ- GIIIA analogs were synthesized by replacing systematically the three Arg residues (Arg1, Arg13, and Arg19) with one, two, and three Lys residues. μ- GIIIB analogs were synthesized by replacing simultaneously all four Lys residues (Lys9, Lys11, Lys16, and Lys19) with Arg residues and further replacement of acidic Asp residues with neutral Ala residues. Circular dichroism spectra of the synthesized analogs suggested that the replacement did not affect the three dimensional structure. The inhibitory effects on the twitch contractions of the rat diaphragm showed that the side chain guanidino group of Arg13 of μ- GIIIA was important for the activity, whereas that of Arg19 had little role for biological activity. Although [Arg9,11,16,19] μ- GIIIB showed higher activity than native μ- GIIIB, highly basic [Ala2,12, Arg9,11,16,19] μ- GIIIB showed lower activity, suggesting that there was an appropriate molecular basicity for the maximum activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts were made to synthesize seven analogs of µ-conotoxin GIIIA, a specific blocker of muscle sodium channels, by replacing the three Hyp residues (Hyp, Hyp, and Hyp) with various amino acids. Replacement with Ala residue at these positions resulted in a very low isolation yield, suggesting that these three Hyp residues are essential for the folding of the molecule. CD spectra of the synthesized analogs suggest that, once synthesized, the replacement did not affect the three dimensional structure. The inhibitory effects on the twitch contractions of the rat diaphragm showed that the hydroxyl group at side chains of Hyp residues are not essential for the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We compared two health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments used for cancer patients [the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G)] to identify which instrument cancer patients most preferred. Methods: Adult cancer patients who had received cancer treatments within the previous 2 years ( n = 395) completed both surveys; participants assessed the importance, necessity, and appropriateness of each as an indicator of their quality of life. Results: The patients significantly preferred the FACT-G over the EORTC QLQ-C30 as a more important (effect size (ES) = 0.37, P < 0.001), necessary (ES = 0.18, P < 0.001), and appropriate questionnaire (ES = 0.14, P = 0.005). The subgroups of patients with good performance status, and those who reported low levels of work disruption, significantly preferred the FACT-G more than the other. The corresponding correlation coefficients were the following: physical functioning and well-being subscale, r = 0.65; emotional functioning and well-being subscale, r = 0.60; social functioning and social/family well-being subscale, r = 0.00; and role functioning and functional well-being subscale, r = 0.41. Conclusions: We recommend using the FACT-G if the performance status of the subject is good, e.g., in outpatient or cancer survivor surveys, based on the observed patient preferences. When performance status is not good, an instrument should be chosen after considering the differences between their scale structures and social domains and based on the availability of disease-specific modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N -Trichloroacetyl analogs of N -acetylmannosamine 1-phosphate repeating units, which are found in capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis serotype A, were successfully obtained via solid-phase synthesis using an oxazaphospholidine monomer. The introduction of the trichloroacetyl group into the amino group of mannosamine resulted in the stabilization of the reaction intermediates. Monosaccharide, disaccharide, and tetrasaccharide derivatives were obtained and isolated. This is the first example to demonstrate the synthesis of the N -acylated mannosamine 1-phosphate structure having no less than four phosphate linkages. [Display omitted] • N -Trichloroacetyl analogs of N -acetylmannosamine 1-phosphate repeating units were obtained. • Solid-phase synthesis using an oxazaphospholidine monomer was conducted. • Trichloroacetyl group stabilized the reaction intermediates. • Monosaccharide, disaccharide, and tetrasaccharide derivatives were obtained and isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context A recent mixed-methods study to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive regional palliative care program, the Japan Outreach Palliative Care Trial of the Integrated Model study, achieved broad positive outcomes at a regional level. This is a secondary analysis of patient outcomes. Objectives The primary aims were to explore: 1) the changes in domains of patient-reported quality of care and quality of life after interventions, and 2) the changes in quality of care and quality of life of patients with different characteristics (i.e., performance status, age, and anticancer treatment). Methods A region-representative sample of metastatic/locally advanced cancer patients in outpatient settings participated in questionnaire surveys before and after regional intervention. Responses were obtained from 859 of 1880 and 857 of 2123 in the pre- and postintervention surveys, respectively. Results All subdomain scores of the quality of care, except for help with decision making, significantly improved in the postintervention survey. The percentages of the patients who reported that improvement was necessary decreased from 13% to 5.0%. Although there were no or only a marginally significant difference in total and subdomain scores of quality of life between preintervention and postintervention surveys, the subgroups of patients with a poor performance status and those receiving no anticancer treatment achieved a significant improvement in the quality of life. Conclusion Although average changes in patient-reported outcomes were relatively small in the total sample of patients, the intervention seemed to provide tangible benefits for the patients with poor general conditions. A future regional intervention trial should include patient outcomes in those with a poor general condition to evaluate the net effects of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants' ability to recognize uncanny human faces increases during the first year of life. In turn, their ability to recognize faces of other species declines at almost the same period (perceptual narrowing). In the current study, we aimed to clarify the relationship between the perception of uncanniness of faces and perceptual narrowing in infants and adults. We used the "uncanny valley task," in which the participants were required to discriminate the faces of humans and monkeys by different eye size. Results showed that 3- to 5-month-old infants could not discriminate either monkey or human faces by eye size, whereas 6- to 8-month olds could. Adults showed higher discrimination performance for human than monkey faces and perceived the human faces with extremely large or small eyes as exceedingly eerie. Our results suggest that perception of uncanniness of faces is formed after perceptual narrowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Pain is still a major problem for cancer patients, and the effect of a population-based approach on patients' experience of pain is not fully understood. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to clarify the changes in pain intensity in outpatients before and after a regional palliative care program. The secondary aim was to clarify the prevalence of patients who had unmet needs for pain treatment and to clarify the reasons for not wanting pain treatment. Subjects and methods: A regional palliative care program was implemented in four regions of Japan. A region-representative sample of metastatic/locally advanced cancer patients in outpatient settings took part in questionnaire surveys before and after the regional intervention. Responses were obtained from 859 from 1,880 and 857 from 2,123 in the preintervention and postintervention surveys, respectively. Results: After a regional palliative care program, neither worst, average, nor least pain levels in outpatients changed significantly. A total of 134 patients (16 %) reported that they needed more pain treatment. There were various reasons for not wanting pain treatment, namely, minimum interference with daily life, general nonpreference for medicines, longstanding symptoms before the diagnosis of cancer, concerns about tolerance and addiction, and experienced neuropsychiatric symptoms under current medications. Conclusion: The regional palliative care program failed to demonstrate improvement of the pain intensity of cancer outpatients. One possible interpretation is that they are less likely to be regarded as target populations and that the study population experienced generally well-controlled pain. Future study including patients with more severe pain is needed, but to improve pain levels of cancer outpatients, intensive, patient-directed intervention seems to be more promising than region-based intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven analogs of μ-conotoxin GIIIA (μ-GIIIA), a specific blocker of muscle sodium channels, were synthesized by replacing stepwise the three cystine residues with Ala. The circular dichroism spectra of the analogs suggested that the deletion of disulfide bonds gradually randamized a conformation. The inhibitory effects on the twitch contractions of the rat diaphragm showed that the deletion of one disulfide bond reduced the potency to less than 1 % of control. Monocyclic analogs and a linear analog were almost inactive. Therefore, all three disulfide bridges are essential for stabilizing the specific conformation of μ-GIIIA to show biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New high-speed CCC system rotates neighboring columns in the opposite direction. [•] Partition efficiencies between type-J and type-I planetary motions were compared. [•] Separation of sugar derivatives was achieved in upper and lower phase mobiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We investigate whether 3–8-month old infants perceive curved illusory contour. [•] Only 7–8-month-old infants perceive the illusory contour with phase difference. [•] They could perceive curved illusory contour with neon color spreading same as adult. [•] They have ability to perceive nonrigid motion from that illusory contour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Japan Outreach Palliative Care Trial of Integrated Model (OPTIM) study, a mixed-methods study to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive regional palliative care program, revealed that the program provided broad positive outcomes at the regional level: increased home death, palliative care use, patient- and family-reported qualities of care, and health care professionals' difficulties. Not all participants however obtained positive outcomes and thus exploring the reasons why expected outcomes were observed in individual levels could be of value.Aims: The primary aims were to explore why expected outcomes were not obtained in individual participants, and the perceived changes in daily practices of physicians and nurses were explored.Subjects and Methods: Postintervention questionnaire survey on 857 patients, 1,137 bereaved family members, 706 physicians, and 2,236 nurses were analyzed.Results: The reasons for not achieving home deaths included unexpected rapid deterioration, caregivers unavailable, concerns about adequate responses to sudden changes, and physical symptoms uncontrolled, while lack of physician availability at home and lack of information from physicians were less frequently reported. The reasons for not receiving specialized palliative care services were the lack of recommendations from physicians and no information about palliative care services. The reason for evaluating the quality of palliative care as not high was that clinicians tried to relieve symptoms, but there were limited effects and insufficient time. Many physicians and nurses reported that they became more aware of palliative care, that the availability of palliative care specialists and knowledge about palliative care improved, and that they cooperated with other regional health care providers more easily.Conclusion: The OPTIM study seemed to succeed in optimizing physician availability at home, improves physician information about home care, achieved maximum efforts to relieve patient distress by clinicians, and increased communication among regional health care professionals. To achieve further better outcomes, multiple interventions to the health care system to be performed on the basis of a comprehensive regional palliative care program are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is known that subjective contours are perceived even when a figure involves motion. However, whether this includes the perception of rigidity or deformation of an illusory surface remains unknown. In particular, since most visual stimuli used in previous studies were generated in order to induce illusory rigid objects, the potential perception of material properties such as rigidity or elasticity in these illusory surfaces has not been examined. Here, we elucidate whether the magnitude of phase difference in oscillation influences the visual impressions of an object's elasticity (Experiment 1) and identify whether such elasticity perceptions are accompanied by the shape of the subjective contours, which can be assumed to be strongly correlated with the perception of rigidity (Experiment 2). Methodology/Principal Findings: In Experiment 1, the phase differences in the oscillating motion of inducers were controlled to investigate whether they influenced the visual impression of an illusory object's elasticity. The results demonstrated that the impression of the elasticity of an illusory surface with subjective contours was systematically flipped with the degree of phase difference. In Experiment 2, we examined whether the subjective contours of a perceived object appeared linear or curved using multi-dimensional scaling analysis. The results indicated that the contours of a moving illusory object were perceived as more curved than linear in all phase-difference conditions. Conclusions/Significance: These findings suggest that the phase difference in an object's motion is a significant factor in the material perception of motion-related elasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the general tendency of hydrophobicity-toxicity relationship of amyloid β peptide, we have previously found that the replacement of Asn of amyloid β(25-35) peptide with Ala yielded a more hydrophobic but less toxic analog and that of Met gave a less hydrophobic but more toxic one. To reveal the unique role of these two residues in the neurotoxicity of amyloid β(1-42) peptide, the major peptide constituent of amyloid plaques in human brain, we synthesized two analogs N27A and M35A in which Asn and Met of amyloid β(1-42) peptide was replaced with Ala, respectively. The former showed much weaker toxicity than the native peptide, while the latter showed almost an equivalent toxicity, indicating that the side chain amide group of Asn has an essential role for the toxicity of amyloid β peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our goal was to better facilitate the desire of terminally ill patients to die in a favorite place, which may not always be the case for patients admitted to palliative care units. Our aims were to assess the perspectives of bereaved family members about (1) available and preferred places of care when their ill loved one was admitted to a palliative care unit and (2) why patients preferred to live at home but could not. Methods: A questionnaire was answered by 407 of 663 bereaved family members of cancer patients who were admitted to 95 inpatient palliative care units in Japan. Results: Seventy-three percent of respondents answered that a palliative care unit was the only available option. Patients lacking other places for care preferred their home (49%), a hospital (26%), or a long-term care facility (28%). Only 9% retrospectively considered that living at home was feasible for the following reasons: anxiety about the patient's deteriorating physical condition (85%), insufficient care at home compared to a hospital (84%), imminent hospitalization (63%), and the patient's concern about being burdensome (60%). Conclusion: Seventy-three percent of terminally ill cancer patients admitted to palliative care units had no other options for care. Improving outpatient treatment at palliative care units and establishing a palliative care system in patients' homes would greatly benefit patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of radial and volar perilunate trans-scaphoid fracture dislocation in which the proximal fragment of the scaphoid was dislocated dorsally is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly 1,2-trans-selective synthesis of glycosyl boranophosphate derivatives by glycosylation of dimethyl boranophosphate with glycosyl iodides was developed. A study on the reaction mechanism indicated that the stereoselectivity of the reactions is controlled by neighboring group participation. The resultant glycosyl boranophosphate triesters were converted into the corresponding boranophosphate diesters and condensed with appropriately protected monosaccharides to give disaccharides linked with an anomeric boranophosphate linkage. Furthermore, the disaccharides worked as precursors of the corresponding phosphodiester-linkcd disaccharides. The whole synthesis of boranophosphate-linked disaccharides and their conversion to the phosphodiestcr-linked disaccharides were accomplished in good yields without loss of stereopurity at the anomeric position, indicating that the method is useful to synthesize diastereopure glycosyl phosphate-containing biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cigarette smoking adversely affects endochondral ossification during the course of skeletal growth. Among a plethora of cigarette chemicals, nicotine is one of the primary candidate compounds responsible for the cause of smoking-induced delayed skeletal growth. However, the possible mechanism of delayed skeletal growth caused by nicotine remains unclarified. In the last decade, localization of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a specific receptor of nicotine, has been widely detected in non-excitable cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that nicotine affect growth plate chondrocytes directly and specifically through nAChR to delay skeletal growth. Methodology/Principal Findings: We investigated the effect of nicotine on human growth plate chondrocytes, a major component of endochondral ossification. The chondrocytes were derived from extra human fingers. Nicotine inhibited matrix synthesis and hypertrophic differentiation in human growth plate chondrocytes in suspension culture in a concentration-dependent manner. Both human and murine growth plate chondrocytes expressed alpha7 nAChR, which constitutes functional homopentameric receptors. Methyllycaconitine (MLA), a specific antagonist of alpha7 nAChR, reversed the inhibition of matrix synthesis and functional calcium signal by nicotine in human growth plate chondrocytes in vitro. To study the effect of nicotine on growth plate in vivo, ovulation-controlled pregnant alpha7 nAChR +/- mice were given drinking water with or without nicotine during pregnancy, and skeletal growth of their fetuses was observed. Maternal nicotine exposure resulted in delayed skeletal growth of alpha7 nAChR +/+ fetuses but not in alpha7 nAChR -/- fetuses, implying that skeletal growth retardation by nicotine is specifically mediated via fetal alpha7 nAChR. Conclusions/Significance: These results suggest that nicotine, from cigarette smoking, acts directly on growth plate chondrocytes to decrease matrix synthesis, suppress hypertrophic differentiation via alpha7 nAChR, leading to delayed skeletal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 4-O-Thiocarbamoylmethyl-Neu5Ac2en 3 has strong inhibitory activity toward human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV-1) sialidase compared with the parent Neu5Ac2en 2. We synthesized analogs having thiocarbamoylethyl- 4 and thiocarbamoylpropyl group 5 at the C-4 position of 2. The inhibition degrees of 4 and 5 were weaker than that of thiocarbamoylmethyl analog 3, indicating a remarkable effect of the carbon chain length in thiocarbamoylalkyl groups at the C-4 position on inhibitory activities against hPIV-1 sialidase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To assess the reliability of quality indicators of end-of-life cancer care (QI-EOL) and evaluate the quality of end-of-life cancer care in general wards by using QI-EOL. Methods: A retrospective chart review study was conducted on patients with cancer who died in general wards ( n = 104) and the palliative care unit (PCU; n = 200) between September 2004 and February 2006 at a regional cancer center in Japan. Herein, we measured QI-EOL, which was developed to evaluate the quality of end-of-life cancer care based on medical charts. We preliminarily assessed the interrater reliability of QI-EOL and subsequently compared the percentages of QI-EOL documented between settings. Results: The reliability of QI-EOL was assured in 27 of 29 indicators ( κ > 0.40 or agreement > 90%). For the reliable indicators, we found wide variation in the percentages of QI-EOL documented, ranging from 0% to 98% in general wards. Thirteen of 27 indicators were significantly less documented in general wards than in PCU. Presence of delirium or agitation was less documented (15% in general wards, 55% in PCU, p < 0.001), although presence of pain (92%, 93%, p = 1.000) and dyspnea (78%, 78%, p = 1.000) were similarly documented. Observation and oral care (22%, 62%, p < 0.001) differed significantly. Patient's (29%, 45%, p = 0.009) and family's (30%, 45%, p = 0.014) preferred place of care were infrequently documented. For psychosocial and spiritual concerns, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: QI-EOL is generally a reliable quality measure instrument. We found the need for improvements of end-of-life cancer care in general wards using the QI-EOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a rare case of radial perilunate trans-styloid fracture dislocation, in which the scaphoid invaginated radially into the fractured radial styloid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium deposition in the skin, known as calcinosis cutis, is an uncommon disorder caused by an abnormal deposit of calcium phosphate in the skin. We report a case of idiopathic calcinosis cutis in fingertip treated with surgical excision followed by the occlusive dressing using aluminum foil, and obtained significant pain relief and round-shaped fingertip which looked normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To explore new inhibitors of the sialidase of human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV-1), a series of novel Neu5Ac2en derivatives were synthesized. Thus, 8,9-O-isopropylidene-4-O-2-propynyl-Neu5Ac2en methyl ester 8 was subjected to a Sonogashira coupling reaction with a variety of heteroaryl halides to produce a series of 4-O-(3-heteroaryl-2-propynyl) compound 9. Treatment of 9 with 80% acetic acid followed by alkaline hydrolysis afforded deprotected Neu5Ac2en compounds. The 4-epi-analogs of this type of Neu5Ac2en were synthesized in a similar manner. Compound 5d showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 1.2μM) against hPIV-1 sialidase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]