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Background: Patients with overweight reportedly have more comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, and longer operating times as well as more blood loss during surgery compared with those with normal weight. However, the impact of overweight on the short-term outcome after transthoracic esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. We hypothesized that overweight has a negative impact on short-term surgical outcomes after esophagectomy for patients with ESCC. Methods: A total of 304 patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy for ESCC were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI) was classified into three categories, <18.49, 18.50-24.99, and >25.00 (kg/m), defined as low, normal, and high BMI, respectively, according to the World Health Organization criteria. We investigated the association of BMI status with patient demographics and surgical outcomes after esophagectomy for patients with ESCC. In addition, overall survival and relapse-free survival stratified by BMI were compared. Results: Fifty-nine (19.4 %) and 41 (13.4 %) patients were classified to low BMI and high BMI, respectively. The high-BMI group had significantly higher comorbidity rates of diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.01) and anastomotic leakage ( p = 0.011) than the normal-BMI group. There were no significant association between high BMI and another various complications except for an anastomotic leakage, severe complications defined by Clavien-Dindo classification and in-hospital mortality. In multivariate analysis, high BMI was a significant risk factor for anastomotic leakage ( p = 0.030, hazard ratio; 3.423, 95%CI; 1.128-10.38). On the other hand, no significant association was observed between low BMI and short surgical outcomes. There were no significant differences in overall and relapse-free survival among the three BMI groups in univariate and multivariate analysis ( p = 0.128 and p = 0.584, respectively). Conclusion: The surgical treatment should not be denied for patients with ESCC due to overweight and underweight. However, intraoperative prevention and postoperative careful monitoring for anastomotic leakage might be required after esophagectomy for overweight patients with ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The changes in length on the two opposite sides of etiolated radish (Raphanus sativus) hypocotyls prior to, and following gravitropic stimulation, were measured using an infrared-imaging system. It was observed that the growth suppression on the upper side began first at least 10min after the onset of gravitropic stimulation, and after 30min the acceleration in growth on the lower side started. The gravitropic curvature was steadily induced from 10min. When radish hypocotyls were switched from a vertical to horizontal position for different durations and then replaced to the vertical position, the growth suppression on the gravity-stimulated (upper) side was observed in all cases, but the acceleration in growth on the opposite (lower) side appeared only in continuously gravity-stimulated seedlings, although it occurred later than the growth suppression on the upper side. These results suggest that the suppression in growth on the upper side of the hypocotyls is a direct effect of gravitropic stimulation, but not the acceleration on the lower side. When 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (4-MTBI), which has an inhibitory activity against radish hypocotyl growth, was applied on the one side of radish hypocotyls and then the 4-MTBI-applied side or opposite side was placed in a horizontal position, the former showed greater bending than the control, suggesting that the growth suppression on the upper side is enhanced and maintained with MTBI application there. In the latter case, the seedlings showed less bending than the control, suggesting a decrease in growth on the lower side with MTBI application. All the results suggest that gravitropism of radish hypocotyls may be caused by an increase in growth-inhibiting substance(s) induced with gravitropic stimulation in the upper side, inducing growth inhibition there. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This study investigated the impact and short-term surgical outcomes of two different main energy devices for robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The outcomes of robotic gastrectomy with ultrasonic shears and those of robotic gastrectomy with conventional forceps were compared.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 171 patients who underwent robotic distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. We classified patients into the ultrasonic shears (US) and Maryland bipolar (MB) forceps groups according to the main energy device used for robotic gastrectomy.Results: We extracted 58 patients from the US group and 58 patients from the MB forceps groups using propensity score matching. The total console time (310 min [interquartile range (IQR), 253-369 min] and 332 min, [IQR, 294-429 min]; p = 0.022) and the console time to gastrectomy (222 min [IQR, 177-266 min] and 247 min [IQR, 208-321 min]; p = 0.004) were significantly shorter in the US group than in the MB forceps group. Less blood loss occurred in the US group than in the MB forceps group (20 mL [IQR, 10-40 mL] and 30 mL [IQR, 16-80 mL]; p = 0.014). The postoperative complication rate and postoperative hospital stay length were similar between groups. A multivariate multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the use of an ultrasonically activated device was one an independent factor that reduced the operative time of robotic gastrectomy.Conclusion: Using ultrasonic shears as the main energy device may contribute to better surgical outcomes after robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology and composition of tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) thin films prepared by electron-beam (EB) evaporation and radio-frequency sputtering (SP) were investigated by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), X-ray reflectometry (XRR), atomic force microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). GIXRD revealed an amorphous nature for both films, and XRR showed that the density of the Ta 2 O 5 -EB films was lower than that of the Ta 2 O 5 -SP films; both films have lower density than the bulk value. A larger amount of molecular water and peroxo species were detected for the Ta 2 O 5 -EB films by FTIR performed in ambient atmosphere. XPS analyses performed in vacuum confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups, but no trace of chemisorbed molecular water was detected. In addition, a higher oxygen nonstoichiometry (higher O/Ta ratio) was found for the EB films. From these results, we conclude that the oxygen nonstoichiometry of the EB film accounted for its lower density and higher amount of absorbed molecular water. The results also suggest the importance of understanding the dependence of the structural and chemical properties of thin amorphous oxide films on the deposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The mesentery of the jejunum (MJ) of the Roux limb is conventionally divided when Roux-en-Y reconstruction is performed after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). However, the impact of dividing or preserving the MJ on anastomotic leakage (AL) at the esophagojejunostomy (EJS) site after minimally invasive total gastrectomy for GC is unclear.Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 226 patients with GC who underwent EJS after laparoscopic or robotic total gastrectomy, including preservation of the MJ (n = 87) and division of the MJ (n = 137). The prevalence of anastomotic complications at the EJS and short-term outcomes were compared between groups using propensity score (PS) matching.Results: After PS matching, 69 patients were selected for the preserving and dividing MJ groups. There were no significant intergroup differences in patient backgrounds, including oncological stage, body mass index, and gender ratio. After PS matching, overall and severe complications after surgery were compared between the preserving and dividing MJ groups (21.7% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.554 and 8.7% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.137, respectively). However, the rate of AL at the EJS was significantly lower in the preserving than that in the dividing MJ group (1.4% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.017). In addition, the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the preserving than that in the dividing MJ group (13.0 days vs. 16.0 days, p = 0.005).Conclusions: Preserving the MJ significantly reduced AL at the EJS after minimally invasive total gastrectomy for GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Raphanusanin is a light-induced growth inhibitor involved in inhibition of hypocotyl growth in response to unilateral blue light illumination in radish seedlings. To understand better the role of raphanusanin in growth inhibition, we randomly analyzed raphanusanin-induced genes using a modified DD-RT-PCR (differential display RT-PCR) approach. The differential expression RT-PCR approach resulted in identification of four known candidate genes, of which three encoded functional proteins known to be related to responsiveness to diverse environmental stimuli. One of these genes appeared to be an essential element in the inhibition of hypocotyl growth, and was named RsCSN3 (a homologue of subunit 3 of the COP9 signalosome). During the growth inhibition that was observed within minutes of irradiation, the expression of the RsCSN3 gene was increased by phototropic stimulation, as well as by raphanusanin treatment, suggesting that this gene is involved in light-induced growth inhibition. In addition, down-regulation of the RsCSN3 transcript, that is specifically expressed at 60min after the onset of stimulation under blue light, green light, and raphanusanin treatment, shows a functional correlation with the phototropic response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metal chalcogenide-based mixed ionic–electronic conductors such as Ag2S and Cu2S can be specifically architected for application in nanoelectronic devices. We present a template-confined synthesis of metal chalcogenide (e.g., Ag2S, Cu2S) nanowires for mixed conductor-based nanoelectronics. First, the metal nanowire array was electroplated into pores of a porous alumina membrane. Anodic polarization was then used to transform the metal into the metal sulfide in aqueous hydrosulfide (HS−) solutions. The as-synthesized mixed conductors'' hetero-nanowire array was characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Electronic transport measurements show non-linear and reproducible electrical switching characteristics. The high and low resistance states can be reversibly changed by altering the polarity of the applied voltage between the bottom and top electrodes. The electrical-switching behavior is attributed to electric-field-induced accumulation and dissolution of metallic conducting pathways inside the mixed conductors'' nanowires. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract Highlights • We discovered a new chemotype, 7-carboxamide morphinan derivatives as opioid antagonist. • This chemotype is suitable for acting on peripherally. • From our results, compounds which have over 100 of PSA values are difficult to pass BBB. • Naldemedine showed dual actions in one dose, inhibiting constipation and nausea/vomiting induced by opioids. Abstract Structure-activity relationship studies of several morphinan derivatives were conducted to obtain dual antagonists for μ- and δ-opioid receptors. We discovered peripherally restricted dual antagonists for μ/δ-opioid receptors as a new chemotype with a morphinan scaffold, which are orally available and do not easily pass the blood–brain barrier. As we expected, some of these compounds inhibit opioid-induced constipation and emesis/vomiting with limited potential to interfere the analgesic effects of morphine. Among them, naldemedine was selected as a potential drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three-terminal structures have an advantage over two-terminal structures in logic applications and neuromorphic circuits, However, three-terminal operation based on Valence Change RAM still requires a larger gate bias to form/dissolve a conductive path between the source and the drain, especially for turning off. Here, reduction in gate bias and gate leakage current in nonvolatile operation of oxygen vacancy drift-controlled three-terminal ReRAM is demonstrated by W/Ti (gate)/TaO x (resistance switching layer)/Pt (source), Pt (drain) structure. Introduction of a Ti thin layer between W and TaO x layers prevents a conductive channel formation between gate and source/drain electrodes. Consequently, as-fabricated high resistance between gate and source/drain is kept, resulting in smaller gate leakage current. We also achieved interface engineering on a sidewall structure of Pt (source)/SiO 2 (insulator)/Pt (drain) multi-layer, reducing in an operating bias from 10 V to 4 V or less. Highlights • Oxygen vacancy drift controlled three-terminal ReRAM with a smaller gate bias (<4 V) • Oxygen vacancy drift controlled three-terminal ReRAM with a smaller gate leakage current (negligibly small) • An oxidized TiO x layer under bias prevents the complete formation of a conducting path between the gate and the source/drain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new sesquiterpene with an α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety, artabolide (1), and three known derivatives 2–4 were isolated from Artemisia absinthium. The structure of 1 was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analyses, and the absolute configuration was determined using the modified Mosher's method and X-ray crystal structural analysis. Approximately 2.5 μg/plant treatment of artabolide (1) exhibited ca. 50% inhibition of polar auxin transport in radish hypocotyls, while 2–4 showed no significant inhibitory activity. Therefore, these results support the importance of the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety for the inhibition of polar auxin transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have employed terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to investigate the chloride ion (Cl−) concentration in concrete structures. Cement paste and mortar samples with different Cl− concentrations were prepared and their absorption coefficients were measured in the sub-terahertz frequency range. In both cases, the absorption coefficient increases with the increase in Cl− concentration and a good linear relationship between them is observed. Our results demonstrate that the THz-TDS could be a valuable tool to monitor and inspect the Cl− concentration in concrete structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Green rice leafhoppers (Nephotettix cincticeps) secrete watery and coagulable saliva in the feeding process. In our study, the watery salivary secretion was concentrated by ultrafiltration from “fed diet” and subjected to SDS-PAGE. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the most predominant band at 84kDa (designated NcSP84) was analyzed by Edman degradation. This sequence was completely consistent with the most abundant protein in the salivary gland extracts, which was separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence, the complete cDNA of this protein was cloned by 5′- and 3′-RACE using degenerate primers. The deduced NcSP84 contained an open reading frame of 2061bp encoding a putative 687 amino acids with a putative signal sequence composed of 19 amino acids. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of NcSP84 did not share statistically significant homology with any sequences in public databases. Motif search predicted that this protein had EF-hands, the most common motif found in Ca2+ -binding proteins. As predicted, NcSP84 exhibited Ca2+-binding activity. The SDS-PAGE mobility of purified NcSP84 bound to Ca2+ tended to decline discretely, depending on the concentration of CaCl2 with which it was mixed for 1h before adding SDS buffer. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that the NcSP84 gene and gene product were expressed and stored in type III cells, which are the largest lobes in the primary salivary glands. The NcSP84 protein was detected in the phloem sap of rice exposed to leafhoppers, verifying that the NcSP84 protein was injected into the sieve tubes. These results suggest that NcSP84 could be secreted into the sieve tubes during feeding, which might bind Ca2+ ions that flow into sieve tubes in response to stylet puncturing. This might suppress sieve-element clogging and facilitate continuous ingestion from sieve tubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps has a laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) in its salivary glands and saliva, possibly playing an important role in detoxifying plant phenolics and in salivary sheath coagulation during feeding. We aimed to clarify the function of saliva-specific laccase in a vascular-feeding insect, N. cincticeps, for which we cloned 2 cDNAs (NcLac1S and NcLac1G) from the salivary glands and 1 cDNA (NcLac2) from the epidermis. The NcLac1S, NcLac1G, and NcLac2 transcripts encoded 701-, 792-, and 729-amino-acid proteins, respectively. The putative proteins encoded by NcLac1S and NcLac2 were predicted to be soluble, whereas that encoded by NcLac1G was hydrophobic and predicted to have a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that NcLac1S was expressed exclusively, and at a much higher level than NcLac1G and NcLac2 in the salivary glands. NcLac1G was also expressed in the epidermis, midgut, and Malpighian tubules. NcLac2 expression was highest in the epidermis. In situ hybridization revealed NcLac1S expression in the V-cells of the salivary glands, having proven laccase activity. Expression of NcLac1G and NcLac2 were not detected clearly in all cells in the salivary glands. Therefore, NcLac1S is responsible for the laccase activity detected in the salivary glands and saliva of this insect. This is the first report on gene cloning of salivary laccase from a vascular-feeding insect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The role of ß-glucosidase during the phototropic response in maize (Zea mays) coleoptiles was investigated. Unilateral blue light illumination abruptly up-regulated the activity of ß-glucosidase in the illuminated halves, 10min after the onset of illumination, peaking after 30min and decreasing thereafter. The level of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), which is released from DIMBOA glucoside (DIMBOA-Glc) by ß-glucosidase, and its degradation compound 6-methoxy-benzoxazolinone (MBOA) were elevated within 30min in the illuminated halves as compare to the shaded halves, prior to the phototropic curvature. Furthermore, ß-glucosidase inhibitor treatment significantly decreased the phototropic curvature and decreased growth suppression in the illuminated sides. These results suggest that blue light induces the activity of ß-glucosidase in the illuminated halves of coleoptiles causing an increase in DIMBOA biosynthesis and the growth inhibition that leads to a phototropic curvature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a clinical mishap based on sample contamination of cytological specimens. Bronchial lavage fluid collected from three male patients was submitted to a pathological institute for cytological diagnosis and to the clinical laboratory in the hospital for tuberculosis screening. Cytological slides of two patients were diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma and lobectomy was carried out on one patient. However, diagnosis of the surgical specimen was tuberculoma. To resolve the discrepancy, genome DNA was isolated from patients'' blood, cytological slide glasses and the mycobacterial culture tubes. Analysis of mitochondrial hyper-variable sequence and microsatellite revealed sample contamination in the cytological slide of the tuberculoma patient. DNA from the mycobacterial culture tubes showed identical results with the cytological slides, suggesting that the contamination occurred at the bed-side. Preservation of part of cytological specimen will be a help to avoid dispute between pathological laboratory and hospital over responsibility of incident. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] P2X 3 receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel, mainly localized on peripheral sensory neurons. Currently, several clinical trials are being conducted with P2X 3 receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic pain or cough. To identify a P2X 3 lead compound, we reexamined the HTS evaluation compounds and selected dioxotriazine derivatives from which we identified a hit compound. As a result of the hit-to-lead SAR, we obtained lead compound 1 which had a moderate inhibitory effect on P2X 3 receptors (IC 50 , 128 nM). Further improvement of the potency and PK profiles of this lead compound finally led to the selected compound 74 (P2X 3 IC 50 , 16.1 nM; P2X 2/3 IC 50 , 2931 nM), which demonstrated a strong analgesic effect against allodynia on oral administration in the rat partial sciatic nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain (ED 50 , 3.1 mg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pyrropyrazolone derivatives as a P2X3 receptor antagonist were synthesized. • The SAR studies were started from hit compound 3 with reference to the previous reported SAR studies from hit compound 1. • Orally bioavailable compound (S)- 42 was discovered. • Compound (S)- 42 showed the analgesic effect almost same as pregabalin by increasing the dosage. The P2X3 receptor is an attractive target for the treatment of pain and chronic coughing, and thus P2X3 antagonists have been developed as new therapeutic drugs. We previously reported selective P2X3 receptor antagonists by derivatization of hit compound 1. As a result, we identified hit compound 3 , the structure of which was similar to hit compound 1. On the basis of SAR studies of hit compound 1 , we modified hit compound 3 and compound 42 was identified as having analgesic efficacy by oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]