In situ Raman monitoring of dielectric-heating-enhanced freeze-drying under different electromagnetic wave frequencies

We studied the effect of dielectric heating on the enhancement of freeze-drying by electromagnetic waves (EMWs) under different frequencies: 2.45 GHz microwaves (MWs), and 27 and 200 MHz radio frequencies (RFs). The irradiation with RFs, particularly at 27 MHz, reduced the duration of freeze-drying by 67%. We further analysed the water structure by in situ Raman spectroscopy during freeze-drying under EMWs. The phase transition from ice to water occurred soon after starting irradiation by MWs at 2.45 GHz, while the ice phase was almost maintained at an RF of 27 MHz.

We studied the effect of dielectric heating on the enhancement of freeze-drying by electromagnetic waves (EMWs) under different frequencies: 2.45 GHz microwaves (MWs), and 27 and 200 MHz radio frequencies (RFs).

136 Efficient in vitro embryo production system using in vivo-matured oocytes from superstimulated Japanese black cows

In this study, we examined whether in vivo matured oocytes collected by ovum pickup (OPU) from superstimulated Japanese black cows can improve the productivity and quality of in vitro-produced embryos. Cows in the stimulated group received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (Day 0), administration of 100μg of GnRH on Day 5, a single administration of 30 Armour units of FSH on the evening of Day 8 and prostaglandin F2α on the evening of Day 10. The progesterone device was removed on the morning of Day11, and then 100μg of GnRH was administered on the morning of Day 12 (0 h). The OPU and IVF were conducted at 25~26 and 30h, respectively. Cows in the control group received no treatment before OPU, and collected oocytes were subjected to in vitro maturation followed by IVF. The cortical granules distribution of oocytes at metaphase II stage, the cleavage pattern of embryos at the first cell cycle, the developmental rate, and the quality of blastocysts were compared between the stimulated and control groups. Oocytes with cortical granules distributing cortical cytoplasm were classified as normal distribution. The cleavage pattern was evaluated at 28h after IVF as follows: embryos with blastomeres of the same size without fragmentation were classified as normal cleavage; embryos with 2 blastomeres and several small fragments, direct cleavage from the one-cell stage to 3 or 4 blastomeres, or 2 blastomeres of different size were classified as abnormal cleavage. The developmental rate to blastocyst stage was measured on Day 9 of culture. The morphological quality of blastocysts was evaluated based on the IETS manual. All data were obtained from more than 3 replicates. In vitro development and cortical granules distribution data were analysed using chi-squared test. Other data were analysed using Student’s t-test. Normal cortical granules distribution rate in the stimulated group was higher than that in the control group (90.3v. 23.1%; P<0.01). Although no differences in the developmental rate to blastocyst stage (51.5v. 58.6%) was observed, the normal cleavage rate (73.4v. 51.2%) and the transferable embryo rate (98.3v. 88.0%) in the stimulated group were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those in the control group. The ratio of embryos from normal cleavage among the transferable embryos in the stimulated group was also significantly higher than in the control group (82.2v. 57.2%; P<0.01). In addition, the freezable embryo ratio (71.7v. 58.1%; P<0.072) and the total production number of embryos per head (28.0v. 15.5; P<0.106) showed a tendency to be higher in the stimulated group than in the control group. These results suggest that high quality embryos can be efficiently produced by the use of in vivo matured oocytes collected by OPU from superstimulated Japanese black cows.

Total hip arthroplasty after a previous pelvic osteotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There are several reports regarding total hip arthroplasty (THA) after a previous pelvic osteotomy (PO). However, to our knowledge, until now there has been no formal systematic review and meta-analysis published to summarize the clinical results of THA after a previous PO. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of results of THA after a previous PO. We focus on these questions as follows: does a previous PO affect the results of subsequent THA, such as clinical outcomes, operative time, operative blood loss, and radiological parameters.

METHODS

Using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, we searched for relevant original papers. The pooling of data was performed using RevMan software (version 5.3, Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). A p-value<0.05 was judged as significant. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for continuous data with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed based on I² using standard χ² test. When I²>50%, significant heterogeneity was assumed and a random-effects model was applied for the meta-analysis. A fixed-effects model was applied in the absence of significant heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that there was no significant difference in postoperative Merle D'Aubigne-Postel score (I²=0%, SMD=-0.15, 95% CI: -0.36 to 0.06, p=0.17), postoperative Harris hip score (I²=60%, SMD=-0.23, 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.05, p=0.10), operative time (I²=86%, SMD=0.37, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.82, p=0.11), operative blood loss (I²=82%, SMD=0.23, 95% CI: -0.17 to 0.63, p=0.25), and cup abduction angle (I²=43%, SMD=-0.08, 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.09, p=0.38) between THA with and without a previous PO. However, cup anteversion angle of THA with a previous PO was significantly smaller than that of without a previous PO (I²=77%, SMD=-0.63, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.13, p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Systematic review and meta-analysis of results of THA after a previous PO was performed. A previous PO did not affect the results of subsequent THA, except for cup anteversion. Because of the low quality evidence currently available, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Raman imaging of carrier distribution in the channel of an ionic liquid-gated transistor fabricated with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Raman images of carriers (positive polarons) at the channel of an ionic liquid-gated transistor (ILGT) fabricated with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) have been measured with excitation at 785 nm. The observed spectra indicate that carriers generated are positive polarons. The intensities of the 1415 cm^-1 band attributed to polarons in the P3HT channel were plotted as Raman images; they showed the carrier density distribution. When the source-drain voltage V_D is lower than the source-gate voltage V_G (linear region), the carrier density was uniform. When V_D is nearly equal to V_G (saturation region), a negative carrier density gradient from the source electrode towards the drain electrode was observed. This carrier density distribution is associated with the observed current-voltage characteristics, which is not consistent with the "pinch-off" theory of inorganic semiconductor transistors.

First isolation of West Nile virus in Zambia from mosquitoes

Mosquito surveillance studies to identify mosquito-borne flaviviruses have identified West Nile Virus (WNV) for the first time in Zambia. The Zambian WNV isolate from Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected in the Western Province was closely related genetically to WNV lineage 2 South African strains which have been previously shown to be highly neuroinvasive. These data provide the first evidence of the circulation of WNV in Zambia and suggest there should be an increased awareness of possible associated human and animal diseases in that country.

QIL1-dependent assembly of MICOS complex-lethal mutation in C19ORF70 resulting in liver disease and severe neurological retardation

Seven subunits of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae junction (CJ) organizing system (MICOS) in humans have been recently described in function and structure. QIL1 (also named MIC13) is a small complex that is crucial for the maintenance and assembling of MICOS. A novel mutation of an essential splice site in the C19orf70 gene encoding QIL1 induces severe mitochondrial encephalopathy, hepatopathy and lactate acidosis consistent with psychomotor retardation. In addition, bilateral kidney stones were observed. Disassembly of MICOS complex subunits displays lack of MIC10-MIC26-MIC27-QIL1 subcomplex, resulting in aberrant cristae structure and a loss of cristae junctions and contact sites. In liver and muscle tissue, the activity of the respiratory chain complexes (OXPHOS) was severely impaired. Defects in MICOS complex do not only affect mitochondrial architecture, but also mitochondrial fusion, metabolic signalling, lipid trafficking and cellular electric homeostasis.

Physical water scarcity metrics for monitoring progress towards SDG target 6.4: An evaluation of indicator 6.4.2 "Level of water stress"

Target 6.4 of the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deals with the reduction of water scarcity. To monitor progress towards this target, two indicators are used: Indicator 6.4.1 measuring water use efficiency and 6.4.2 measuring the level of water stress (WS). This paper aims to identify whether the currently proposed indicator 6.4.2 considers the different elements that need to be accounted for in a WS indicator. WS indicators compare water use with water availability. We identify seven essential elements: 1) both gross and net water abstraction (or withdrawal) provide important information to understand WS; 2) WS indicators need to incorporate environmental flow requirements (EFR); 3) temporal and 4) spatial disaggregation is required in a WS assessment; 5) both renewable surface water and groundwater resources, including their interaction, need to be accounted for as renewable water availability; 6) alternative available water resources need to be accounted for as well, like fossil groundwater and desalinated water; 7) WS indicators need to account for water storage in reservoirs, water recycling and managed aquifer recharge. Indicator 6.4.2 considers many of these elements, but there is need for improvement. It is recommended that WS is measured based on net abstraction as well, in addition to currently only measuring WS based on gross abstraction. It does incorporate EFR. Temporal and spatial disaggregation is indeed defined as a goal in more advanced monitoring levels, in which it is also called for a differentiation between surface and groundwater resources. However, regarding element 6 and 7 there are some shortcomings for which we provide recommendations. In addition, indicator 6.4.2 is only one indicator, which monitors blue WS, but does not give information on green or green-blue water scarcity or on water quality. Within the SDG indicator framework, some of these topics are covered with other indicators.

New insights into the photoswitching mechanisms of normal dithienylethenes

The photoswitching and competitive processes of the referent photochromic diarylethene derivative 1,2-bis(2,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (DTE) and a novel bridged analog DTE-m5 have been investigated by state-of-the-art TD-DFT calculations and ultrafast spectroscopy supported by advanced chemometric data treatments. Focusing on DTE, the overall deactivation pathway of both antiparallel (AP) and parallel (P) conformers of the open form (OF) (1 : 1 in solution) has been resolved and rationalized starting from the Franck-Condon (FC) region to the ground state recovery. For the photo-excited P conformer, after ultrafast relaxation (∼200 fs) towards the S₁ relaxed state, an expected ISC occurred (55 ps) to produce a triplet state, ³P, the latter relaxing within 2.5 μs. Concerning the AP conformer, the photocyclization reaction is reported to proceed immediately (100 fs) starting from the FC region while the relaxed singlet state is populated in parallel. For the first time, we discovered that the latter state evolves through an unexpected ISC process (1 ps) giving rise to a second triplet state,³AP. For DTE-m5, by slightly constraining the molecule with the bridge, this triplet becomes reactive and participates in the formation of 10% of closed form (CF) probably through an adiabatic mechanism. Concerning the photoreversion, in accordance with the literature, we report on a two-step process, a 190 fs vibrational relaxation followed by a 6 ps ring-opening reaction. For the overall species at the singlet or triplet manifold, the use of advanced MCR-ALS allows us to obtain specific spectral signatures. This study is therefore a new step within the comprehension of DTE photochemistry.

Urban growth and water access in sub-Saharan Africa: Progress, challenges, and emerging research directions

For the next decade, the global water crisis remains the risk of highest concern, and ranks ahead of climate change, extreme weather events, food crises and social instability. Across the globe, nearly one in ten people is without access to an improved drinking water source. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are the most affected, having disproportionately more of the global population without access to clean water than other major regions. Population growth, changing lifestyles, increasing pollution and accelerating urbanization will continue to widen the gap between the demand for water and available supply especially in urban areas, and disproportionately affect informal settlements, where the majority of SSA's urban population resides. Distribution and allocation of water will be affected by climate-induced water stresses, poor institutions, ineffective governance, and weak political will to address scarcity and mediate uncertainties in future supply. While attempts have been made by many scientists to examine different dimensions of water scarcity and urban population dynamics, there are few comprehensive reviews, especially focused on the particular situation in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper contributes to interdisciplinary understanding of urban water supply by distilling and integrating relevant empirical knowledge on urban dynamics and water issues in SSA, focusing on progress made and associated challenges. It then points out future research directions including the need to understand how alternatives to centralized water policies may help deliver sustainable water supply to cities and informal settlements in the region.

Electron transport properties in dye-sensitized solar cells with {001} facet-dominant TiO2 nanoparticles

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with reactive {001} facet-dominant TiO₂ have attracted a great deal of attention owing to their high solar cell performance, despite the origin and the variation of the results being controversial. Here, we report the characteristic charge transport properties of DSSCs composed of {001} and {101} facet-dominant TiO₂ nanoparticles in order to explain the origin of solar cell performance. Based on transient photocurrent and photovoltage measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy, the energetics of TiO₂ semiconductors and dye sensitizers are utilized to understand the electron diffusion, recombination, and injection kinetics to determine solar cell performance. Novel strategies to improve DSSC performance by utilizing the characteristics of {001} facet-dominant TiO₂ nanoparticles are proposed, which are (1) enhancement of electron injection and (2) reduction of carrier recombination for J_SC and V_OC improvement, despite the drawback of slower electron diffusion in the mesoporous network of {001} facet-dominant TiO₂.

Characterization of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who meet the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome

Purpose

TAFRO syndrome is a novel disorder manifesting as fever, anasarca, thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency and organomegaly, and its etiology has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to elucidate similarities and differences between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and TAFRO syndrome.

Methods

We examined 46 consecutive patients diagnosed with SLE and determined whether they meet the proposed diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome (2015 version).

Results

Of the 46 patients with SLE, four (8.7%) also met the TAFRO syndrome criteria (TAFRO-like group). All patients in the TAFRO-like group were males, and their mean age was significantly higher than that of the non-TAFRO group (67.5 ± 8.7 vs. 39.3 ± 18.1 years, p = 0.004). C-reactive protein and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly higher, and frequencies of anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies were significantly lower in the TAFRO-like than non-TAFRO group. Elder cases (onset age ≥ 50 years) met significantly more categories of the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome than did those with younger cases.

Conclusions

Several patients with SLE, especially elder cases, showed features similar to those of TAFRO syndrome. Although exclusion of SLE is needed in the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome, TAFRO syndrome-like SLE should be considered.

High and pointed type of femoral localized reaction frequently extends to complete and incomplete atypical femoral fracture in patients with autoimmune diseases on long-term glucocorticoids and bisphosphonates

Once a localized reaction (beaking) was detected, discontinuation of bisphosphonates (BPs) and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved its shape. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete atypical femoral fracture increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required.

INTRODUCTION

Femoral localized reaction (localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex, beaking) is reported to precede atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and to develop in 8-10% of patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids. The aims of the present study were to retrospectively investigate the shapes of localized reaction to consider how to manage the condition.

METHODS

Twenty femora of 12 patients with autoimmune diseases who were on BPs and glucocorticoids exhibited femoral localized reaction. The heights of localized reaction were measured and the shapes classified as pointed, arched, and other. Localized reaction changes were divided into three categories: deterioration, no change, and improvement. A severe form of localized reaction was defined; this was associated with prodromal pain, de novo complete AFF, or incomplete AFF with a fracture line at the localized reaction.

RESULTS

The mean height of localized reaction was 2.3 ± 0.8 mm (range, 1.0-3.7 mm) and the pointed type was 35%. Localized reaction was significantly higher (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.003) and the pointed type more common (78 vs. 27%; p = 0.035) in those with the severe form of localized reaction. Seven patients with localized reactions discontinued BPs just after localized reaction was detected, but five continued on BPs for 2 years. Localized reaction deterioration was more common in patients who continued than discontinued BPs (100 vs. 29%; p = 0.027). After 2 years, all patients had discontinued BPs and localized reaction did not deteriorate further in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Once a localized reaction was detected, discontinuation of BPs and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved it. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete AFF increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required.