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Background: Computed tomography-defined low skeletal muscle mass is associated with oncological outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. However, its association with the outcomes of hormone-treated metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and psoas muscle parameters. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 121 patients with N1 and/or M1 metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer who underwent primary androgen deprivation therapy between 2005 and 2021, either by administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist/antagonist or by surgical castration accompanied by bicalutamide, a first-generation antiandrogen. Before treatment administration, the psoas muscle index at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (psoas muscle area [cm2]/height2 [m2]) and the mean Hounsfield units of the psoas muscle were evaluated using non-contrast computed tomography and in relation to oncological outcomes. Results: The median follow-up was 56.9 months. Furthermore, during follow-up, 82 (67.7%) and 53 (43.8%) patients progressed to castration-resistant prostate cancer and died, respectively. Multivariate analysis of castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival and overall survival showed significant differences in the Gleason score, clinical N-stage, and psoas muscle index (median cutoff: 3.044 cm2/m2). Conclusions: Pretreatment psoas muscle index is an independent predictor of poor castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival and overall survival in patients with N1 and/or M1 metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are no definitive prognostic factors for patients with pathological Grade Group 5 (pGG 5) prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-associated radical prostatectomy (RARP). This study aimed to explore the prognostic factors among patients with pGG 5 PCa in a large Japanese cohort (MSUG94). Methods: This retrospective, multi-institutional cohort study was conducted between 2012 and 2021 at ten centers in Japan and included 3195 patients. Patients with clinically metastatic PCa (cN1 or cM1) and those receiving neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy were excluded. Finally, 217 patients with pGG5 PCa were analyzed. Results: The median follow-up period was 28.0 months. The 3- and 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) rates of the overall population were 66.1% and 57.7%, respectively. The optimal threshold value (47.2%) for the percentage of positive cancer cores (PPCC) with any GG by systematic biopsy was chosen based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that the prostate-specific antigen level at diagnosis, pT, pN, positive surgical margins (PSMs), lymphovascular invasion, and PPCC were independent prognostic factors for BCRFS. A multivariate analysis revealed that PSMs and PPCC were independent prognostic factors for BCRFS. Using these two predictors, we stratified BCRFS, metastasis-free survival (MFS), and castration-resistant PCa-free survival (CRPC-FS) among patients with pGG 5 PCa. Conclusion: The combination of PSMs and PPCC may be an important predictor of BCRFS, MFS, and CRPC-FS in patients with pGG 5 PCa undergoing RARP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case report of a 19-year-old Japanese female who experienced prolonged toxic encephalopathy with electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities following an overdose of dextromethorphan (DXM), a widely used cough suppressant. The patient ingested a high dosage of DXM in a suicide attempt, along with other over-the-counter medications. She had a history of intermittent DXM abuse, which resulted in mood elevation and hallucinations. The patient exhibited symptoms such as coma, dilated pupils, tachycardia, and hyperthermia. Her consciousness gradually improved after transfer to the psychiatric unit, and she was discharged without any apparent sequelae. The article highlights the potential psychiatric and neurological outcomes of recreational DXM abuse and emphasizes the need for clinicians to remain vigilant. [Extracted from the article]

Backgrounds: Catheter ablation for non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (non‐PAF) remains challenging and more effective strategy has been required to reduce postoperative arrhythmia recurrences. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel extensive ablation strategy for non‐PAF, that is based on a combination of cryoballoon (CBA), radiofrequency (RFA), and Marshall‐vein ethanol ablations (EA‐VOM). Methods: The study was a single‐center, retrospective observational study. We enrolled 171 consecutive patients who underwent de‐novo catheter ablation for non‐PAF under conscious sedation with a novel extensive ablation strategy that included CBA for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and left atrial roof ablation (LARA), RFA for mitral isthmus (MI) ablation, superior vena cava isolation, and other linear ablations and EA‐VOM. Recurrence of atrial arrhythmias over 1 year, procedure outcomes, and procedure‐related complications were investigated. Results: A total of 139 (81.3%) patients remained in sinus rhythm during 1‐year follow‐up. Of the 139 patients, 51 patients (29.8%) received antiarrhythmic drugs. The mean procedure time was 204 ± 45 min. PVI and LARA ablation by CBA and MI block by RFA and EA‐VOM were completed in 171 (100%) and 166 (97.1%) patients, respectively. No serious procedure‐related complications were observed except for one case of delayed pericardial effusion. Conclusion: Approximately 80% of the study patients were AF‐free during 1‐year follow‐up period after a single procedure based on the novel extensive ablation strategy combining CBA, RFA, and EA‐VOM. This strategy for non‐PAF may be preferred in terms of maintenance of sinus rhythm, safety even in high‐risk patients, and relatively short procedure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A quarter of work-related low back pain (LBP) cases result from handling heavy loads in Japan. The maximum weight male/female workers can handle is 40%/24% of their body weight but has set a constant load weight in ISO 11228–1 and NIOSH lifting equation. The preventive effect of the relative weight limit on LBP has not been clarified. This study aimed to identify the effect of relative weight limits set as body weight percentages on LBP prevalence. Methods: Data from 21924 workers were collected via a web-based survey in 2022. The workers were categorized into three groups: group A, "no handling," group B, "handling loads up to 40%/24% or less of body weight," and group C, "handling loads over 40%/24% of body weight." Moreover, they were categorized into eight groups: no handling, 1–5 kg, 5–10 kg, 10–15 kg, 15–20 kg, 20–25 kg, 25–30 kg, and ≥30 kg. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the effects of the limits set to body weight percentages and constant load weights on LBP. Results: In groups A, B, and C, 25.5%, 39.2%, and 47.3% of males or 16.9%, 26.4%, and 38.0% of females had LBP, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of LBP was significantly greater in group B than in group A and even greater in group C. The OR of LBP among workers handling loads under 10 kg was not significantly different compared to no-handling workers. Conclusions: LBP prevalence was greater in group B than in group A but lesser than in group C. Weight limits based on body weight percentages could not eliminate the factor of handling loads. However, handling loads under 10 kg suppressed LBP. Relative weight limits set as body weight percentages were inappropriate and ineffective for preventing LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical significance of this paper is the finding of the coexistence of the mediating and moderating effects of psychological detachment (PD) with respect to the effects of stressors on depression over long intervals. It emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions targeting stressors and PD. Objectives: This study examines the mediating and moderating effects of psychological detachment (PD) based on the stressor-detachment model in the long term. Methods: Two waves of Web-based surveys, 28 months apart, yielded 3556 responses from Japanese workers. Comparisons between models that included mediating and moderating effects of PD and reverse direction mediating effects (strain → PD → stressor) were made by structural equation modeling. Differences in depression as a strain between combinations of high and low stressors and PD were also examined. Results: The best-fitting model was the moderation/reciprocal partial-mediation model. The effect of PD was significant in the group with stable or decreasing stressor. Conclusion: According to the worker's level of stressors, PD, and depression, targeted interventions may effectively prevent physical and mental health problems caused by chronic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We evaluated whether a first‐degree family history (FH) of prostate cancer (PCa) in Japanese patients undergoing robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RP) is correlated with clinicopathological variables and disease progression. Methods: We reviewed consecutive 392 localized PCa patients undergoing robotic‐assisted RP at our institution between 2015 and 2020. Information on FH was obtained via a self‐administered questionnaire. A positive FH was defined as having a first‐degree FH: a father and/or one or more brothers with PCa prior to diagnosis. All patients had clinically localized PCa treated by robotic‐assisted RP. We evaluated the relationship between clinical characteristics, pathological findings, and biochemical progression‐free survival (bPFS) according to first‐degree FH status. Results: Median follow‐up was 20.8 months. FH was identified in 42 (10.7%) patients. Patients in the FH group (median, 64.8 years) were diagnosed at a significantly younger age than patients in the non‐FH (NFH) group (patients without FH) (median, 67.7 years) (p = 0.003). The 5‐year bPFS in the FH and NFH groups was 72.0% and 78.1%, respectively (p = 0.90). A subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) density between the FH group (median, 0.51 ng/ml/cm3) and the NFH group (median, 0.29 ng/ml/cm3) in patients younger than 60 years (p = 0.033). Conclusions: In this RP population, FH of PCa was not associated with worse clinical characteristics, pathological findings, or disease progression. Patients with a FH underwent surgery at a significantly younger age, and among patients <60 years, patients with a FH had significantly higher PSA density compared with patients without a FH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathophysiological difference between aortic atheromas and aneurysms is unknown. We focused on the vasa vasorum (VV), which play a critical role in maintaining aortic homeostasis and are also involved in vascular diseases. We investigated the differences in VV between the atheromas and aneurysms. Human abdominal aortic samples were obtained from patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm during surgery or autopsy cases. Autopsy cases were divided into 2 groups according to atheromas. The VV were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining for von Willebrand factor. Intimal VV increased in both the atheroma and aneurysm groups, medial VV increased, and adventitial VV decreased only in the aneurysm group. We also observed that the medial VV were connected to the adventitial VV in the atheroma group and to intimal VV in the aneurysm group. We suggest the outside-in VV or inside-out VV theories. Atheroma induces hypoxia of aortic walls, and angiogenic factors might induce an increase of intimal VV derived from adventitial VV (outside-in VV). However, adventitial VV decrease induces hypoxia of aortic walls, and angiogenic factors might induce an increase of intimal VV derived from aortic lumen (inside-out VV). These differences of VV may contribute in elucidating the pathophysiology of aortic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare cardiac malformation, that is, usually diagnosed in adulthood. It is rarely diagnosed prenatally. In most cases, surgical resection is recommended soon after the diagnosis has been made due to the risk of arrhythmia and thrombotic events. The present report describes a case of LAAA that was prenatally diagnosed and was asymptomatic postnatally. Imaging revealed the relation of the cardiac and airway structures around the LAAA in detail. The patient underwent surgical resection of the LAAA successfully at 7 months of age and is currently healthy at 5 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenestration closure is considered to remove the persistent right-to-left shunt after the Fontan operation. However, the criteria for effective transcatheter closure of fenestration to avoid both acute and chronic Fontan failure have not been clarified. The objective of this study was to describe the hemodynamic data with test occlusion of the Fontan fenestration for patients who underwent a closure and those who did not, along with subsequent development of Fontan-associated diseases (FAD) at follow-up. This was a retrospective study conducted to assess the outcome of Fontan fenestration closure at Children's Hospital of Michigan over 27 years (1993–2019). The inclusion criteria were patients undergoing cardiac catheterization indicated for Fontan fenestration closure. Data were compared between the two groups: closure and non-closure patients. Baseline characteristics and hemodynamic variables with the fenestration occlusion test were analyzed. The primary outcome was the development of composite events of death/transplant, deteriorated New York Heart Association class symptoms, or FAD. Among the 38 patients who were brought to the catheterization laboratory, 33 received fenestration closure and 5 did not. On a median follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 1 month–12.6 years), the incidence of primary adverse outcomes was 13% (5/38). The incidence of primary outcome was significantly higher in the non-closure group (60% vs. 6%, p < 0.01). The non-closure group had a higher incidence of moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, New York Heart Association class III symptoms, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, furosemide use, and sildenafil use. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the hemodynamic variables associated with the non-closure group were mean left atrial pressure (odds ratio 1.74, p < 0.05) and change of mean Fontan pressure at the balloon occlusion (odds ratio 2.2, p < 0.05). The judgment of fenestration closure appeared appropriate in our cohort. Fontan fenestration closure may not be advisable in cases with a high baseline left atrial pressure or a significant increase in Fontan pressure on balloon occlusion testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported the usefulness of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the assessment of Human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification in breast cancer using formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded sections. In our previous study, we combined HER2/CEP17 ratio (HER2 gene signals to chromosome 17 signals) with ddPCR and tumor content ratio (TCR) of each sample and determined the HER2 status by adopting a two‐dimensional chart. This "ddPCR‐TCR method" showed a high concordance with conventional HER2 status. In this study, we updated our method to assess the HER2 status of breast cancer in a more quantitative manner. We combined obtained data of the ddPCR ratio [Rx] and TCR [x]; we calculated "(Rx − 1)/x + 1" for 41 samples with primary breast cancer and named the value led by this formula as "eHER2 (estimated HER2/CEP17 ratio of a tumor cell)". eHER2 was equivalent to conventional in situ hybridization (ISH) HER2/CEP17 ratio in most cases. eHER2 and ISH ratio showed a strong correlation (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.70, p < 0.0001). The obtained results indicated that eHER2 is a potential tool for HER2 status diagnosis in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subselection inner catheters (Inner‐Cath) are used adjunctively with outer guiding catheters (Outer‐Cath) during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of left ventricular lead placement (LV‐LP) guided by Inner‐Cath alone. Methods: A total of 74 patients undergoing de novo CRT implantation were investigated. LV‐LP was initially guided by Inner‐Cath in 42 patients (Inner‐Cath group) and Outer‐Cath in 32 patients (Outer‐Cath group). In the Inner‐Cath group, a 7Fr Inner‐Cath was advanced to the coronary sinus through a 7 Fr sheath inserted in a subclavian vein. In the Outer‐Cath group, 9Fr or 10Fr Outer‐Caths were used. Success rate of LV‐LP, additional use of inner or outer catheters and procedure‐related complications were compared between groups. Results: LV‐LP was successful in all patients in the Inner‐Cath group, while LV‐LP had to be abandoned in two patients (6.3%) of the Outer‐Cath group due to CS perforation caused by Outer‐Cath manipulation. Procedure time was significantly shorter in the Inner‐Cath group (148 vs. 168 min; p =.024). Deployment of both an inner and outer cath became necessary less frequently for the Inner‐Cath group (4.8% vs. 56.3%; p <.001). Mechanical CS injuries due to guiding catheter manipulation were only observed in the Outer‐Cath group (0% vs. 15.6%, p =.013). Conclusion: LV‐LP guided by Inner‐Cath alone was feasible in over 95% of the patients without severe complications. This methodology for LV‐LP may be preferable in CRT candidates with severe LV dysfunction in terms of shorter procedure time, smaller guiding sheath, and less procedure‐related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists engaged in prostate cancer research have been conducting experiments using two‐dimensional cultures of prostate cancer cell lines for decades. However, these experiments fail to reproduce and reflect the clinical course of individual patients with prostate cancer, or the molecular and genetic characteristics of prostate cancer, the basic requirement for most of the preclinical studies on prostate cancer. The use of human prostate cancer tissues in experiments has enabled the collection and verification of clinically relevant data, including chemical reactions, changes in proteins, and specific gene expression. Tissue recombination models have been employed for studying prostate development, the initiation and progression of prostate cancer, and the tumor microenvironment. Notably, the epithelial–stromal interaction, which might play a critical role in prostate cancer pathogenesis, can be reproduced in this model. Patient‐derived xenograft models have been developed as powerful avatars comprising patient‐derived prostate cancer tissues implanted in immunocompromised mice and could serve as a precision medicine approach for each prostate cancer patient. Spheroid and organoid assays, representative of modern three‐dimensional cultures, can replicate the conditions in human prostate tumors and the prostate organ itself as a miniature model. Although an intact immune system against the tumor is missing from the models aimed at investigating immuno‐oncological reagents in various malignancies, all these experimental models can help researchers in developing new drugs and selecting appropriate treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast fibroadenoma (FA) and phyllodes tumour (PT) often have variations of gene mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) and mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter region (TERTp). TERTp mutation is usually tested by Sanger sequencing. In this study, we compared Sanger sequencing and droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) to measure TERTp mutations in FA and PT samples.Methods: FA and PT samples were collected from 82 patients who underwent surgery at our institution from 2005 to 2016. MED12 mutations for all cases and TERTp mutations for 17 tumours were detected by Sanger sequencing. ddPCR was performed to analyse TERTp mutation in all cases.Results: A total of 75 samples were eligible for analysis. Sanger sequencing detected MED12 mutations in 19/44 FA (42%) and 21/31 PT (68%). Among 17 Sanger sequencing-tested samples, 2/17 (12%) were TERTp mutation-positive. In ddPCR analyses, a significantly greater percentage of PT (19/31, 61%) was TERTp mutation-positive than was FA (13/44, 30%; P = 0.0046). The mutation positivity of TERTp and MED12 did not correlate, in either FA or PT.Conclusions: ddPCR was more sensitive for detecting TERTp mutation than Sanger sequencing, being able to elucidate tumorigenesis in FA and PT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the understanding of hypertension and antihypertensive treatment in Japanese patients (aged <75 years vs. ≥75 years) with blood pressure (BP) targets as per the 2014 Japanese guidelines. Methods: A 10-question survey was administered before and after treatment. Results: Majority of patients aged ≥75 years did not achieve their BP targets (75%); >50% of these patients had little knowledge of hypertension and poor understanding of their physician's explanation of it. Conclusions: Elderly patients with hypertension (aged ≥75 years) require daily BP monitoring and detailed and repeated explanation of hypertension and BP targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an association between obesity and prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness. However, little is known about periprostatic fat (PPF) and its relationship with overall fat deposition in PCa. PPF is thought to contribute to PCa growth and migration via secreted factors and induction of chronic inflammation. We investigated if pre-treatment PPF thickness correlates with overall survival (OS). Methods: We reviewed 85 hormone-naïve men with advanced PCa who had received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). PPF thickness was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compared with subcutaneous fat (SCF) thickness as an internal control. Visceral fat (VF) area measured by computed tomography served as an additional control. We evaluated the relationship between laboratory data, pathology results, and obesity parameters and OS. Results: Median follow-up was 50.6 months. Thirty-six patients died during follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that nadir PSA titer, Gleason score, N stage, M stage, extent of disease by bone scan grade, hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and PPF/SCF ratio were associated with OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that nadir PSA titer, N stage, and PPF/SCF ratio were independent prognostic factors for survival. The 5-year OS in the patients with higher PPF/SCF ratio (≥ 1) and lower PPF/SCF ratio (< 1) was 49.5% and 66.5%, respectively (P = 0.039). Conclusions: Pre-treatment ratio of PPF–to-SCF thickness on MRI is an independent predictor of survival in hormone-naïve men with advanced PCa. This could be useful for predicting which patients are more likely to develop castration-resistant PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is regarded as the standard of treatment for locally advanced lower rectal cancer, although some of these cases are systemic, and distant control may be inadequate. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy could compensate for such shortcomings, potentially yielding better survival outcomes. We aimed to stratify patients into prognostic groups on the basis of preoperative factors, including response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with locally advanced lower rectal adenocarcinoma (clinical stage II/III with high-risk features of distant metastasis) who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (without radiotherapy) followed by curative resection between 2010 and 2017. Reduction in tumor volume (before vs. after neoadjuvant chemotherapy) was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, and a reduction above 60% was defined as a good response. Recurrence and overall survival were evaluated.Results: The cohort comprised 102 patients. Good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with better 5-year recurrence-free survival (good responders: 81.1%, poor responders: 49.0%; p = 0.001) and 5-year overall survival (good responders: 94.9%, poor responders: 80.6%; p = 0.06). In a multivariate analysis, extramural venous invasion on magnetic resonance imaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a tumor volume reduction rate < 60 were found to be significantly and independently associated with worse recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.36-5.50, p = 0.005 and hazard ratio: 3.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.57-7.72, p = 0.002, respectively). Good responders without extramural venous invasion had the best 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival (89.0 and 93.8%, respectively). Poor responders with extramural venous invasion had the worst 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival (21.4 and 50.0%, respectively).Conclusions: Reductions in tumor volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with a better prognosis in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer. Extramural venous invasion was a preoperative prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the blue luminescent silicon nanocrystal (Si-nc) preparation in liquid spin on glass (SOG) by nanosecond laser ablation of the Si target in SOG. The confinement of laser-generated plasma in liquids significantly enhanced the formation of Si-nc. Furthermore, the silicon-dioxide-based SOG inhibited Si-nc aggregation compared to the case of laser ablation in de-ionized water. The silicon-dioxide-based SOG during the solidification process accelerated Si-ncs surface oxidation and passivation. As a result, visible room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of stabilized Si-ncs in solid SOG was achieved with a maximum located at 2.9 eV. This PL spectrum was very similar to that from the Si-nc colloidal solution obtained by laser ablation of the Si target and subsequent aging for six months in de-ionized water. The mathematical description of dynamical Si-nc formation processes within laser plasma confined by liquid SOG was applied to qualitatively describe the obtained results. A Si-nc formation scheme could be described as serial processes of rapid formation and growth of embryotic Si particles, consecutive quick oxidation in SOG, and growth termination by quenching. The quantum confinement size effect and surface/defect states in the surrounding silicon oxide were responsible for efficient blue PL. The solidification of Si-nc in SOG solution enabled the formation of self-supporting films with well-defined Si-nc concentrations that could be simply varied by laser fluence. The controllability of blue luminescent intensity from a film by laser fluence during laser ablation is of significance for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first in a series of three papers aimed at better understanding the processes that lead to nanomaterial formation during laser ablation of solid targets in liquids. Here we study the variation of the target surface morphology versus laser fluence and wavelength in order to suggest an ablation mechanism. A key finding is that an explosive ablation mechanism is prominent for a wide range of laser fluences for all wavelengths tested. Interestingly, however, ultraviolet (355 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) wavelengths show characteristically different explosive behaviors. In the infrared case, numerous large craters with diameters around 20 μm form at localized points within the laser irradiated area. In contrast, ultraviolet ablation results in a striking transition to nanoscale surface roughness across the entire irradiated area. This texture is attributed to spinodal decomposition at the molten target surface. We propose that the wavelength and fluence dependence of the ablation craters can be explained by the amount of energy absorbed in the target. The consequences of the ablation mechanism for nanomaterial synthesis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second in a series of three papers examining nanomaterial formation in laser ablation in liquids (LAL). Here we study the effect of the laser wavelength and fluence on the mass yield and size distribution of nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation of a platinum target immersed in water. For all wavelengths tested, laser fluences in the range of 10–70 J/cm2 resulted in spheroidal, nonagglomerated platinum nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 1 to 30 nm. Nanoparticle size distributions are found to be composed of two modes that are attributed to thermal vaporization and explosive boiling mechanisms. The peak of the smaller size mode remains nearly constant at 3 nm for all laser conditions, which is suggested to be due to the strong confinement of the vapor plume by the liquid. The larger size mode peaks in the range of 5–15 nm with a population that is strongly dependent on the laser parameters. It is concluded that changes in the mean size reported in many earlier studies on LAL of metal targets are a result of the relative quantity of nanoparticles from each mechanism rather than direct control over the ablation process. Additionally, it was observed that the yield of platinum nanoparticles was significantly larger for 1064 nm wavelength at fluences greater than 10 J/cm2. The maximum ablation rate was approximately 4.4 mg/h, with an estimated ablation and collection efficiency of 0.9 μg/J. Dependence of the mass yield on wavelength and fluence is seen to be dependent primarily on the extent of the explosive mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the third paper in our series studying the laser-target-liquid interactions occurring in laser ablation in liquids (LAL). Here, laser ablation of a platinum target in pure water at 355 nm wavelength is studied as a function of laser energy. We describe three distinct reaction regimes between the ablated target species and water at different laser focusing conditions. At low laser fluence (<10 J/cm2), material removal is caused by laser heating of the platinum surface and the primary products are small clusters with a large percentage of platinum atoms in a nonzero oxidation state. At intermediate fluences (10–70 J/cm2), platinum nanoparticles are the primary products. Our previous studies demonstrated that in this fluence regime ablation occurs through both thermal vaporization and explosive ejection of molten droplets. In both cases reactivity is small due to the low reactivity of platinum with water. At high fluences (>70 J/cm2), we find large, faceted particles that are attributed to the drying of PtOx gels formed by reactive plasma etching of the target. Taken together these results demonstrate that significant tunability in the target-liquid interaction is possible during nanomaterial synthesis by LAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long working hours and a lack of sleep have been suggested to negatively affect the safety of workers. Here, we examined the association between long working hours/sleep-related problems and near-misses/injuries in industrial settings using a nationally representative sample of workers in Japan. Based on the composition ratio of workers by industry, sex, and age in Japan, data from a web-based cross-sectional survey for 18,682 participant full-time workers (7,098 female and 11,584 male; mean age, 43.7 [standard deviation 11.1] years) were analyzed. Nearly 30% and 5% of participants reported any types of near-misses during the past six months and injuries during the past year, respectively. For all types of near-misses and some types of injuries, a significant difference in frequency distribution was observed by industry. After adjustment for demographic, job-, and life-related variables, participants who worked long hours (i.e., more than 51 hours per week) were more likely to report job-related near-misses/injuries than those who worked 35–40 hours per week. The presence of sleep-related problems was also significantly related to near-misses and injuries. However, while sleep-related problems were significantly associated with near-misses/injuries in all industries, the association between long working hours and near-misses/injuries differed by industry. Odds ratios for near-misses/injuries were strongly significant in the “transport/postal services” industry for those who worked more than 51 hours per week compared to those who worked 35–40 hours per week. Comprehensive protective measures for workers, including (1) reducing total hours of service/job-related fatigue, (2) maintaining sufficient sleep hours/good sleep, and (3) increasing awareness about the impact of overwork/long working hours and sleep-related problems on workers’ safety among employers, workers, clients/customers, and the general public might be effective for preventing near-misses and injuries in industrial settings among workers, especially those who work long hours in the “transport/postal services” industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few reports have evaluated the long-term outcomes of pathological T1 (pT1) lower rectal cancer (LRC), perhaps because pT1 LRC is classified as TNM stage I if lymph node metastasis (LNM) is absent and stage IIIA if LNM is present. Moreover, it is difficult to diagnose regional LNM preoperatively. This study aimed to clarify the long-term outcomes of radical surgery for pT1 LRC and risk factor(s) for LNM. Additionally, we examined whether preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were predictive of LNM in pT1 LRC.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics, short-term operative outcomes, and long-term survival rates of 155 patients who received radical surgery and were diagnosed with pT1 LRC at our hospital between January 1993 and February 2017.Results: Among patients with pT1 LRC, 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 94.0% and 95.8%, respectively. LNM status was not associated with statistically significant differences in recurrence-free or overall survival. Even in patients with LNM, the recurrence rate was only 9%. Among patients who lacked visible mesorectal lymph nodes on preoperative CT and MRI, LNM rates were 3.5% and 4.3%, respectively.Conclusion: The long-term outcomes after radical surgery for pT1 LRC are satisfactory or good, regardless of the presence or absence of LNM. In patients with pT1 LRC, the absence of visible mesorectal lymph nodes on preoperative CT and MRI is associated with a reduced likelihood of LNM and has a high negative predictive value for LNM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used relatively large number of samples (n = 178) and control region of mtDNA (454bp) to clearify the divergence history of Japanese harbour seals (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri) and phylogenetic relationship between the seals in Japan and other countries. Our results suggested that Japanese harbour seals possibly consisted of more than two lineages and secondary contact of populations after a long isolation. Furthermore, one of the lineage was made only by Japanese harbour seals (Group P1). The proportion of Group P1 was the highest at the South West and gradually decreased towards the North East of Hokkaido, Japan. On the other hand, the haplotypes do not belonged to Group P1 showed close relationship to the seals in the North Pacific. Based on the fossil record of harbour seal in Japan and the range of sea ice during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Group P1 might have entered Japan before the LGM and became isolated due to the geographical boundary, and gradually extended its range from the South West towards the North East of Hokkaido after the disappearance of the sea ice, while the seals which are not in Group P1 immigrated into Japan from the North Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An amino acid-containing elemental diet (ED) does not require digestion for nutritional absorption, making it a good option for patients with gastrointestinal malabsorption. We conducted a randomized trial to confirm that perioperative ED enhanced the recovery of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy. Methods: Patients in the intervention arm received commercially available ED from the day prior to surgery until postoperative day (POD) 3, whereas patients in the control group received a conventional perioperative diet program. To verify the endpoints, 'estimated minimum length of stay in hospital after surgery' (emLOS) was defined as the number of days necessary to reach all the five criteria; namely, 'sufficient oral intake', 'sufficient pain control', 'withdrawal of intravenous alimentation', 'no abnormal findings in routine examinations', and 'no rise in fever'. Results: A total of 102 patients were randomized, 94 of whom were analyzed (ED 45, control 49). There was no morbidity or mortality. Shorter emLOS (POD 4 vs. POD 7; p = 0.018), earlier resumption of sufficient oral intake (POD 3 vs. POD 4; p = 0.034) and faster recovery to defecation (2.2 vs. 3.1 days; p = 0.005) were observed in the ED group vs. the control group. Conclusions: The perioperative ingestion of ED by patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy is safe and can reduce the postoperative hospital stay by supporting the acceleration of oral intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pilot-scale plant to treat concrete sludge and produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and an environmental purification agent (phosphorus adsorbent derived from concrete sludge, PAdeCS®) was designed, constructed, and operated. Concrete sludge from a concrete pile and pole production plant, boiler gas containing CO2, and groundwater were used in the plant. The process involved calcium extraction from concrete sludge into water, followed by reaction of the calcium with CO2to produce crystalline CaCO3. The pilot-scale plant was operated for 1 week, and the mass flows, conversion of CO2to CaCO3, and net CO2emissions of the process were estimated. High-purity CaCO3(>97%) suitable for industrial use was obtained. Based on the power consumption of the process and the amount of CO2sequestered into CaCO3, a net reduction in CO2emissions can be achieved using this process. The produced PAdeCS can be used as an inexpensive substitute for calcium series environmental purification agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypergeometric system and the contiguity operators defined on the space of matrices induce the systems and the contiguity operators on the Grassmannian manifold and on the configuration space where is the group consisting of diagonal matrices of size . The first purpose of this paper is to give a rigorous treatment of these systems and contiguity operators, the second is to derive a condition that the system is reducible, and the third is to derive the contiguity relations and the contiguous relations satisfied by the solutions of the system on or the solutions of the system on [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated from free mating experiments using multiple males and females of the medaka, Oryzias latipes species complex, that lower-latitude males exhibit more active courtship behavior than higher-latitude males. In this study, courtship activeness in males from two latitudinal populations of Northern medaka, Oryzias sakaizumii, was measured in the presence of only one male and one female, where male-male interactions were completely eliminated. We found that males from the low-latitude population performed quick circles (i.e., courtship dance) and approached females more frequently than males from the high-latitude population. Moreover, the low-latitude males tended to start courtships sooner after encountering a female than the high-latitude males. Thus, the latitudinal variation in male courtship activeness persisted even in the absence of rival males. These probably reflect that sexual selection pressures are stronger at low latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because roads through forested sites may affect the soil invertebrate community within the forest, we investigated collembolan community structure at various distances from roads running through subtropical evergreen forests on Okinawa, Japan. We hypothesized that collembolan communities near roads would be deleteriously affected due to the reduction of litter and changes in water conditions, and tree community composition as compared to those in the inner forest. Collembolan densities tended to be lower near roads (up to 1 m inside the forest) than in inner-forest regions (≥20 m from roads). Collembolan species richness in the soil was also affected by distance from the roadside. A decrease in collembolan density was associated with lower soil water content and changes in tree community composition (principally a decrease in Castanopsis sieboldii cover), but the accumulated litter weight had no significant effect, probably because accumulated litter levels were low. The extent of Bray–Curtis dissimilarity between collembolan communities located along roads decreased with distance from the roadside as compared to that of reference sites (>80 m from the roads). Separation of Bray–Curtis dissimilarities into two components revealed that differences between roadside communities and those of reference sites were largely explained by taxonomic turnover (i.e., individuals of certain species at one site were substituted with the same numbers of individuals of different species at another site). The dissimilarities between collembolan community compositions at 1 or 5 m from roadsides as compared to those of reference sites 20 m from roadsides appeared to be attributable to higher density losses of all species found at 1 or 5 m. Distance-based linear modeling showed that the collembolan community composition was associated both with distance from the forest edge and with the index values of tree community structure. Folsomia octoculata served as an inner-forest (≥20 m from the roadside) indicator species. The prevalences of certain dominant species were correlated with the first tree nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) axis. Overall, changes in collembolan communities at forest edges seemed to be caused by diminished soil water content and the presence of tree communities that differed from those in deeper forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid adsorbent materials, prepared from waste cement powder and concrete sludge were assessed for removal of arsenic in the form of arsenic (As(V)) from water. All the materials exhibited arsenic removal capacity when added to distilled water containing 10–700 mg/L arsenic. The arsenic removal isotherms were expressed by the Langmuir type equations, and the highest removal capacity was observed for the adsorbent prepared from concrete sludge with heat treatment at 105 °C, the maximum removal capacity being 175 mg-As(V)/g. Based on changes in arsenic and calcium ion concentrations, and solution pH, the removal mechanism for arsenic was considered to involve the precipitation of calcium arsenate, Ca 3 (AsO 4 ) 2 . The enhanced removal of arsenic for the adsorbent prepared from concrete sludge with heat treatment was thought to reflect ion exchange by ettringite. The prepared adsorbents, derived from waste cement and concrete using simple procedures, may offer a cost effective approach for arsenic removal and clean-up of contaminated waters, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discussed the analytical precision on equations of motion in some practical studies that use 2-D DDA, 2D-Coupled analysis of NMM & DDA, and 3D-DDA. We point out the main reason for numerical instability in DDA is loss of the effective digits when superposing the global stiffness matrix under the variable conditions of large and the small blocks. Categories of analyses are distributed in 2D-DDA static masonry structures such as the Great Pyramid and the Pont du Gard, 2D-DDA dynamic rock fall problems and the sensitivity of its analysis on the velocity ratio and the penalty, earthquake response analysis of rock slopes, 2D-NMM, 2D-coupled analysis of DDA and NMM and 3D-DDA rock fall problem. The selected examples on the Great Pyramid, Pont du Gard and Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom are located in Egypt, France and Cambodia respectively as UNESCO world heritages sites. The authors evaluated the applicability of the methods and the reliability of the results by comparing different methods and site observations from the practical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized to be inflammation-associated degeneration of vascular wall. Neovascularization is regularly found in human AAA and considered to play critical roles in the development and rupture of AAA. However, little is known about lymphangiogenesis in AAA. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in AAA. Abdominal aortic tissue was harvested either from autopsy (control group) and during open-repair surgery for AAA (AAA group). Adventitial lymphatic vasa vasorum was observed in both groups, but seemed to be no significant morphological changes in AAA. Immunohistochemical studies identified infiltration of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE) −1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9-positive macrophages and podoplanin and Prox-1-positive microvessels in the intima/media in AAA wall, where hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1α was expressed. VEGF-C and MMP-9 were not expressed in macrophages infiltrating in the adventitia. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography revealed lymph stasis in intima/medial in AAA. Fluorescence microscopy of the collected samples also confirmed the accumulation of lymph in the intima/media but not in adventitia. These results demonstrate that infiltration of macrophages in intima/media is associated with lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in AAA. Lymph-drainage appeared to be insufficient in the AAA wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for patients with advanced bladder cancer. Since RC is a highly invasive procedure, it is necessary to carefully predict the prognosis before surgery and to determine the surgical indication. According to the results of the retrospective analysis of our 177 RC cases, we found the Hounsfield units of the psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebral level to be a prognostic factor. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that age, sex, clinical T stage, and psoas muscle Hounsfield units were significant preoperative factors for overall survival. Furthermore, risk classification using these four factors was useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with RC. Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for patients with advanced bladder cancer. Since RC is a highly invasive procedure, the surgical indications in an aging society must be carefully judged. In recent years, the concept of "frailty" has been attracting attention as a term used to describe fragility due to aging. We focused on the psoas muscle Hounsfield unit (PMHU) and analyzed its appropriateness as a prognostic factor together with other clinical factors in patients after RC. We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative prognostic factors in 177 patients with bladder cancer who underwent RC between 2008 and 2020. Preoperative non-contrast computed tomography axial image at the third lumbar vertebral level was used to measure the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) and cross-sectional area (mm2) of the psoas muscle. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age, sex, clinical T stage, and PMHU. In multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.734), sex (HR = 2.116), cT stage (HR = 1.665), and PMHU (HR = 1.758) were significant predictors for overall survival. Furthermore, using these four predictors, it was possible to stratify the prognosis of patients after RC. Finally, PMHU was useful as a simple and significant preoperative factor that correlated with prognosis after RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, closely observing the survival curves of these trials showed that the 2-year PSA recurrence-free survival rate of enzalutamide (without docetaxel treatment) or apalutamide-treated patients (approximately 77% and 75%, respectively) is similar or higher than the 2-year radiological/clinical recurrence-free survival rate of these patients (approximately 77% and 70%, respectively) [3,4]. Because of the androgen-AR axis blockade mechanism, enzalutamide and apalutamide reduce PSA production from prostate cancer cells more effectively than does abiraterone. Abbreviation AR androgen receptor ARAT androgen receptor axis-targeted agent Growing evidence showed that the use of next-generation androgen receptor axis-targeted agents (ARATs) and/or docetaxel improves both progression-free and overall survival in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) [1]. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the process of vascular calcification. However, the exact roles of individual MMPs in vascular calcification are poorly understood. To study the putative role of MMP-2 in atherogenic calcification in vivo and in vitro, we investigate whether or not MMP-2 deficiency affects aortic atherosclerotic calcification in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice and cultured smooth muscle cell (SMC) calcification. Methods and results: The area of calcified lesions in aortic intima was significantly larger in MMP-2+/+ Apoe−/− mice at 45 and 60 weeks of age than in MMP-2−/− Apoe−/− mice. In these aortic calcified atherosclerotic lesions, the expression of type II collagen, osteoprotegerin, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and osteocalcin which are chondrocyte maker and bone-related proteins, was observed. MMP-2 deficiency reduced BMP-2 and osteocalcin expression in aortae in Apoe−/− mice at 30 weeks and 45–60-weeks-old, respectively. The expressions of MMP-2 and that of α-SMC actin were observed in chondrocyte-like cells of calcified lesions. Beta-glycerophosphate administration induced calcium deposition in MMP-2+/+ aorta-derived cultured SMCs, and this calcium deposition was significantly suppressed in MMP-2−/− aorta-derived cultured SMCs. Conclusions: These results suggest that MMP-2 may contribute to the mechanisms of calcification associated with atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 56-year-old man with nonischemic cardiomyopathy underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation after endocardial and epicardial radiofrequency catheter ablation for pleomorphic ventricular tachycardia. The myocardial substrate and epicardial fat were comprehensively analyzed with three-dimensional electroanatomic maps, late gadolinium enhanced ex-vivo cardiac magnetic resonance, and histological examination. The association of scar, viable myocardium, and epicardial fat with endocardial and epicardial electrogram voltage and duration was quantitatively defined. This case provides a unique opportunity to explore the reliability of electrical surrogates of scar in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. (PACE 2012;35:e345-e348) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid adsorbents for phosphorus recovery (PAdeCS) werepreparedfrom real concrete sludge sampled from an industrial site that producesconcrete poles and piles. The concrete sludge was diluted with waterat dilution ratios from 1 to 15 to prevent hardening of the cementcomponents. The diluted concrete sludge was then filtered, dried,and used as a solid adsorbent. Two drying methods were examined: naturaldrying under atmospheric conditions and forced drying in an oven at105 °C. The phosphorus recovery performances of prepared adsorbentswere examined using a potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) solution containing 100 mg-P/L (close to the effluentproduced by the sewage sludge dewatering process) as a synthetic forwastewater. All the prepared adsorbents were able to recover phosphorus.Using the forced drying treatment during adsorbent preparation greatlyimproved the rate of phosphorus recovery from solution. The adsorbentprepared with dilution ratio 10 and forced drying exhibited the highestphosphorus recovery performance. The final phosphorus concentrationin solution was 0.83 mg/L, 4 h after addition of the optimized adsorbent,which is extremely promising for application in inexpensive phosphorusrecovery processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the potential benefit of intermittent chemotherapy, and to identify the eligibility criteria offering intermittent chemotherapy to patients with advanced urothelial cancer. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients who responded or had stable disease after receiving 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin, or paclitaxel and carboplatin) were enrolled for a prospective study of intermittent chemotherapy. We evaluated for the duration of chemotherapy holiday, toxicity, quality of life (QOL), and overall survival. Results: The median number of cycles was 7 (range, 3-25). On resumption of treatment after the first chemotherapy holiday, 65% of the patients had partial response, 25% had stable disease, and 10% of the patients developed disease progression. The median duration of chemotherapy holiday was 22 weeks (range, 4-94), and the median chemotherapy holiday rate (CHR) was 0.53 (range, 0.25-0.86). The duration of the first chemotherapy holiday of more than 8 weeks significantly correlated to a high CHR. A response to induction chemotherapy, and normal levels of albumin and hemoglobin significantly correlated with a higher CHR. A significant improvement in fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss was seen in the symptom scales of QLQ-C30 during the chemotherapy holiday. Conclusions: Intermittent chemotherapy is a feasible treatment strategy to balance disease control and QOL in selected patients. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared a solid adsorbent for boron removal usingreal concretesludge. The sludge was diluted with water at dilution ratios from1 to 15. The diluted concrete sludge was then filtered and dried.Two types of drying methods were examined: natural drying under atmosphericconditions and forced drying in an oven at 105 °C. The boronremoval performance was examined using a boric acid solution containing100 mgB/L. All of the adsorbents prepared showed boronremoval capacity. The adsorbent prepared with dilution ratio 10 andforced drying exhibited the highest boron removal capacity; the boronconcentration after 24 h was just 3.33 mg/L, which is below the Japanesestandard for industrial effluent (10 mg/L), and the maximum adsorptioncapacity for boron was 50 mgboron/gadsorbent. The drying method had a significant effect on both the rate andcapacity of boron removal. With natural drying under atmospheric conditions,the adsorption initially proceeded quickly, but the final amount adsorbedwas lower than that for the force-dried adsorbents. The boron removalcan be attributed to ion exchange and uptake of boron in the ettringitephase. These results indicate that boron adsorbents prepared fromconcrete sludge can be applied for the removal of boron from effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the sensational discovery of a living coelacanth off the east coast of South Africa, the geographic distribution of viable coelacanth populations has been a subject of debate. In the past, the coelacanths off the African mainland were thought to be strays from the Comoros because most coelacanths captured were caught in the waters surrounding the Comoros archipelagos. However, in recent years, a large number of coelacanths were captured off the coast of Tanzania, including nine living specimens observed in a remotely operated vehicles survey. Thus, it is possible that there is a reproducing population inhabiting waters off the Tanzania coast. We have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of 21 Tanzanian and 2 Comoran coelacanths and analyzed these sequences together with two additional full mitochondrial genomes and 47 d-loop sequences from the literature. We found that the coelacanth population off the northern Tanzanian coast is genetically differentiated from those of the southern Tanzania coast and the Comoros, whereas no significant genetic differentiation occurs between the latter two localities. The differentiation between the northern and southern Tanzanian coast populations is consistent with the hypothesis that the existence of northward-flowing ocean current along the Tanzanian coast may reduce or prevent gene flow from the northern to the southern population. Finally, we estimated that the population localized to the southern Tanzanian coast and the Comoros diverged from other coelacanths at least 200,000 y ago. These results indicate that the coelacanths off the northern Tanzania coast are not strays but a genetically distinct group. Our study provides important information for the conservation of this threatened "living fossil." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-crystallinity hydroxyapatite (HAP) was prepared from concrete sludge as a recycling method for concrete waste. The HAP was prepared from model samples of concrete sludge and phosphorus wastewater, and its capacity to remove lead from water was investigated. Lead ions were quickly removed by the HAP particles. Some of the prepared HAP samples reduced the lead concentration of the water to within the Japanese standard for industrial effluent (0.1 ppm). The lead removal capacity of the concrete sludge-derived HAP (506 mg/g) was comparable to that of reagent grade HAP. Lead in water was removed in the form of Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2. These results indicate that HAP prepared from concrete sludge can be applied to removal of lead ions from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) enables the visualization of individual molecules present on tissue sections. We attempted to identify and visualize specific markers for aortic atherosclerotic lesions. Methods and results: Atherosclerotic lesions were obtained from aortic roots of apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice at 60 weeks of age and from femoral arteries of humans with peripheral artery occlusive disease. IMS was performed with a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry time-of-flight (TOF)/TOF-type instrument. The molecular ions at m/z 671.6 and 673.6 were found to be specific molecules in the mouse and human lipid-rich regions. These molecules were assigned as cholesterol linoleate (CE 18:2) and cholesterol oleate (CE 18:1). In the case of the human samples, triacylglycerol was also localized in the lipid-rich regions. The distributions of the molecular ions at m/z 804.5 and 832.5 were the same as the distribution of both the mouse and the human SMCs. These molecules were assigned as phosphatidylcholine (PC) (diacyl 16:0/20:4) and PC (diacyl 18:0/20:4). The molecular ion at m/z 566.9 was localized in the mouse calcified regions, and the molecular ions at m/z 539.0 were localized in the human calcified regions. Conclusions: The IMS-based histopathologic examination (IbHE) revealed the characteristic peaks of lipid-rich regions, SMCs, and calcified regions in the atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, IbHE revealed the characteristic distribution of lipids in human atherosclerotic lesions. These data indicate that an IMS-based pathologic approach is of considerable value as a new histopathologic examination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

. Background: The coronary cusps have recently become target sites for radiofrequency catheter ablation of both outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias originating near the coronary cusps (CC-VA) and atrial tachyarrhythmias such as focal atrial tachycardia originating near the noncoronary cusp (NCC-AT). However, the relation between local electrograms recorded at each CC during sinus rhythm and their anatomical position as assessed by aortography has not yet been systematically described. Methods and Results: In 28 patients undergoing RFCA for CC-VA or NCC-AT, amplitudes of the atrial and ventricular potentials at the CCs were measured during sinus rhythm, and the atrial/ventricular (A/V) potential ratio was computed. Relative positions of the CCs were assessed by aortography in 2 X-ray projections. In the right (RCC) and left coronary cusps (LCC), amplitudes of the ventricular potential were larger than those of the atrial potential, leading to an A/V ratio <1 in all patients (0.08 ± 0.10, 0.32 ± 0.21, respectively). In contrast, in the NCC, the amplitude of the atrial potential was larger than the ventricular potential, leading to a higher A/V ratio relative to the CCs (5.7 ± 2.6, P < 0.0001). Aortography demonstrated the rightward and anterior location of the RCC, the leftward and superior location of the LCC, and the inferior and posterior location of the NCC. Conclusions: Awareness of the distinctive local electrogram pattern of each CC and their positions on aortography should lead to safer and more effective catheter ablation at the CCs. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 521-529 May 2011) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of molecular embryology and the coming of the post-genomic era, the molecular mechanisms of morphological evolution have recently begun to be elucidated. Whole genome sequences of many vertebrate species have been determined, and comparative genomics has suggested that one source of biodiversity is conserved non-coding elements (CNEs), which may be involved in generating new networks of gene expression. Nishihara et al. ( Genome Res. 2006; 16, 864) discovered retroposon (AmnSINE1s)-derived CNEs in the human genome, and suggested that the AmnSINE1s obtained their function (i.e., exapted) in a common mammalian ancestor and are involved in generating mammalian-specific morphology. Therefore, investigation of the function of AmnSINE1-derived CNEs in morphogenesis helps us understand the molecular events of how mammals obtained their specific morphological characters by exaptation that occurred when the first mammalian ancestor emerged about 250 Ma (million years ago). Because there are more than 100 AmnSINE1-derived CNE loci in the mammalian genome, a burst of exaptation of AmnSINE1s must have occurred, possibly triggered by the Permian-Triassic mass extinction 250 Ma. In this review, we discuss morphological evolution of the mammalian-specific characters including brain that were exapted after retrotransposition of AmnSINE1s by referring to two CNE loci described by Sasaki et al. ( Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2008; 105, 4220). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although it has been suggested that the renin–angiotensin (RA) system and cathepsins contribute to the development and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque, the interaction of the RA system and cathepsins is unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist, olmesartan, on the levels of cathepsins in brachiocephalic atherosclerotic plaque and plaque stabilization in apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient mice receiving a high-fat diet. Under a high fat diet, treatment with olmesartan (3mg/kg per day) maintained collagen and elastin at high levels and attenuated the plaque development and cathepsin S (Cat S) level in the atherosclerotic plaque of apoE-deficient mice. The administration of olmesartan suppressed the accumulation of macrophages in plaque. Immunoreactivities of Cat S and AT1 were observed in macrophages. The amount of Cat S mRNA and the macrophage-mediated collagenolytic and elastolytic activities in cultured macrophages were increased by exposure to angiotensin II (Ang II), and these effects were diminished by olmesartan and the NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin. These results suggested that Cat S derived from macrophages is involved in the mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, and AT1 blocker maintained the plaque stabilization alongside the suppression of Cat S and macrophage activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, a mobile robot navigation method based on the observation of human walking is presented. The proposed method extracts paths that are frequently used by human and builds a topological map of the environment from the observed human walking paths. Unlike the conventional methods, the proposed method enables us to generate paths which are practical, have no obstacles, and are natural for humans since the paths reflect the motion of persons. For realizing the human observation in a large area, in this paper, multiple vision sensors are placed in space. By using distributed sensors, people can be observed even when the robot is not near them or if they are hidden behind obstacles. Mobile robot navigation based on the topological map is also performed with the support of the distributed sensors. The global position of the mobile robot can be directly measured by using external sensors, which makes the localization problem much easier. Based on the position information, the mobile robot can follow the generated paths and reach the goal point while avoiding obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed at evaluating the usefulness of topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) for predicting the effect of anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. The TOP2A status was examined using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in 14 pre-chemotherapeutic breast cancer tissues, and was also assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 14 pairs of pre- and post-chemotherapeutic breast cancer specimens. TOP2A gene aberration by IHC tended to show a correlation with pathological responses but this was not statistically significant (p=0.060). On the other hand, the low TOP2A/CEP17 ratio correlated with good pathological responses (p=0.012). TOP2A overexpression was not significantly associated with response (p=0.580). Our results thus suggest that the TOP2A/CEP17 ratio may be a useful predictor of the effects of anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although it has been demonstrated that statins stabilize atherosclerotic lesions in animal models of advanced atherosclerosis, there is little evidence to suggest that statins have a preventive effect on plaque rupture itself. In the present study, we examined the effect of fluvastatin on plaque disruption using a simple and quick method of plaque disruption in carotid artery lesions in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice received normal chow and underwent ligation of the left common carotid artery just proximal to its bifurcation. Four weeks later, a polyethylene cuff was placed around the artery immediately proximal to the ligation site. Fluvastatin (10mg/kg per day) was given by oral gavage every day starting at 3 days before cuff placement. The administration of fluvastatin suppressed atherosclerotic plaque disruption accompanied by luminal thrombi by 31.5% compared with controls at 4 days after the cuff was placed at the ligated carotid artery. Fluvastatin administration decreased matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, gelatinolytic activity, endothelial adhesion molecules expression and neutrophil infiltration, and increased type I collagen content in the cuffed region. In summary, fluvastatin was found to prevent plaque disruption through pleiotropic effect on acute inflammation in an animal model using apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A hexagonal-close-packed (hcp), hierarchical amorphous TiO2 nanocolumn array was fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using a PS colloidal monolayer as a template under a high pressure (6.7 Pa) of background oxygen gas. The formation mechanism was investigated, and a model of multidirection glancing deposition was proposed to explain the formation process. This strategy can be extended to the fabrication of similar structures using different materials, Interestingly, this nanostructured array could be transferred to almost any substrate, avoiding restriction of substrate types in fabrication of nanocolumn arrays, which is helpful in the design and creation of nanodevices on various desired substrates. This hierarchical nanocolunin array exhibits excellent superamphiphilicity with both water and oil contact angles of O°, without further UV irradiation. More importantly, the amorphous TiO2 nanocolumn array demonstrates better performance in photocatalytic activity than an anatase nanocolumn array due to its large surface area and special microstructures, suggesting that the surface area of the TiO2 is preferable to its crystal structure for enhancing photocatalytic activity. The combination of superamphiphilicity and photocatalytic activity gives the surface an excellent self-cleaning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]