Towards tailoring hydrophobic interaction with uranyl(VI) oxygen for C-H activation

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) has a uranyl(VI) binding hotspot where uranium is tightly bound by three carboxylates. Uranyl oxygen is "soaked" into the hydrophobic core of BSA. Isopropyl hydrogen of Val is trapped near UO22+ and upon photoexcitation, C-H bond cleavage is initiated. A unique hydrophobic contact with "yl"-oxygen, as observed here, can be used to induce C-H activation.

Preliminary studies of XANES and DFT calculation of Ru extraction by imino-diacetamide and related compounds

We connected three research fields on Ru extraction, XANES, and DFT calculation and elucidate the sequence of distribution ratio (D) and their reactions. The magnitude order of the distribution ratio, D(Ru), from acids, HCl > H2SO4 > HNO3 > HClO4, by IDOA indicates to extract readily the stable Ru-Cl ions. The XANES signals, which suggests the electrical charge of Ru(III) extracted into the organic phase, supports the ion-pairing extraction of the anionic Ru-Cl complex with an extractant protonated. Ru(III) in other acids might be extracted by solvation of extractant, thus ion-pair extraction is stronger than solvation in Ru extraction. According to the D(Ru), the same extractant trend, NTAamide > MIDOA > IDOA, as the energy gap of HOMO and LUMO by DFT calculation is found, which suggests that DFT calculation can give the relative magnitude of each D(M) value when extractant and metal in an extraction are determined.

Extraction of Rh(III) from hydrochloric acid by protonated NTAamide(C6) and analogous compounds and understanding of extraction equilibria by using UV spectroscopy and DFT calculations

Extraction of Rh from hydrochloric acid is conducted using NTAamide(C6) (N,N,N´,N´,N´´,N´´-hexahexyl-nitrilotriacetamide) and other related compounds. We use the ion-pair extraction of anionic species of Rh-chloride and protonated extractant. Rh ions exist as Rh(Cl)n(H2O)6-n (n ≤ 5) and the tertiary nitrogen atom in an extractant are protonated to produce a quaternary amine in acidic condition. The D(Rh) values are changeable because the Rh-Cl-H2O complex forms from + 3 to - 2 valency. Rh-chloride ion with a peak of spectrum at 504 nm can be extracted effectively, where RhCl4(H2O)- and RhCl5(H2O)2- exist from Density functional theory calculation and UV spectrum. The maximum distribution ratio (D) of Rh(III) is 16, and 85 mM Rh can be extracted from 1 M HCl dissolving 96 mM, due to less third phase formation. Approximate 80% of Rh can be stripped by the water-soluble reagents having the activities of neutralization and solvation. The figure for the Graphical Index saved in the JPEG, PNG or TIFF format at 300 dpi should be pasted with the size adjusted to the frame below (5 cm long and 8 cm wide).

Conformation, hydration, and ligand exchange process of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes in aqueous solution: Free-energy calculations by a combination of molecular-orbital theories and different solvent models

Distribution of solvent molecules near transition-metal complex is key information to comprehend the functionality, reactivity, and so forth. However, polarizable continuum solvent models still are the standard and conventional partner of molecular-orbital (MO) calculations in the solution system including transition-metal complex. In this study, we investigate the conformation, hydration, and ligand substitution reaction between NO₂ ^- and H₂ O in aqueous solution for [Ru(NO)(OH)(NO₂ )₄ ]^2- (A), [Ru(NO)(OH)(NO₂ )₃ (ONO)]^2- (B), and [Ru(NO)(OH)(NO₂ )₃ (H₂ O)]^- (C) using a combination method of MO theories and a state-of-the-art molecular solvation technique (NI-MC-MOZ-SCF). A dominant species is found in the complex B conformers and, as expected, different between the solvent models, which reveals that molecular solvation beyond continuum media treatment are required for a reliable description of solvation near transition-metal complex. In the stability constant evaluation of ligand substitution reaction, an assumption that considers the direct association between the dissociated NO₂ ^- and complex C is useful to obtain a reliable stability constant.

Fully Chelating N3O2-Pentadentate Planar Ligands Designed for the Strongest and Selective Capture of Uranium from Seawater

Based on the unique fivefold equatorial coordination of UO₂²⁺, water-compatible pentadentate planar ligands, H₂saldian and its derivatives, were designed for the strong and selective capture of UO₂²⁺ in seawater. In the simulated seawater condition (0.5 M NaCl + 2.3 mM HCO₃^-/CO₃^2-, pH 8), saldian^2- shows the strongest complexation with UO₂²⁺ to form UO₂(saldian) (log β₁₁ = 28.05 ± 0.07), which is more than 10 order of magnitude greater than amidoxime-based or -inspired ligand systems most commonly employed for U capture from seawater. Good selectivity for UO₂²⁺ from other metal ions coexisting in seawater was also demonstrated.

Drug-coated balloon versus drug-eluting stent following orbital atherectomy for calcified coronary artery: one-year outcomes of a retrospective cohort study

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for calcified coronary artery remains challenging in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era. The effectiveness of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and orbital atherectomy system (OAS) is unknown.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center study, we compared the use of DCBs with second- and third-generation DESs following orbital atherectomy (OA) for calcified de novo coronary lesions. All patients underwent PCI with intravascular imaging. The primary endpoint was major cardiac event, that was a composite of cardiac death, death for unknown cause, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization at 1 year.

Results

Between June 2018 and December 2019, 107 patients with coronary lesions were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups: 23 patients in DCB group and 84 patients in DES group. The post-procedure segment percentage diameter stenosis was 23.1% (interquartile range [IQR], 17.7 to 32.5) with DCB versus 14.4% (IQR, 10.0 to 21.2) with DES (P<0.001). Overall adverse event rate for PCI procedure was low: one dissection with DES group, no persistent slow/no-flow, and no perforation with both group. The primary endpoint was not significantly different between 2 groups [DES: 6.0% (5/84), DCB: 0.0% (0/23), log-rank P=0.24].

Conclusions

In calcified coronary artery disease, using DCB following OA is as safe and effective as using DES following OA with respect to 1-year clinical outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Density Functional Theory Study on the 193Ir Mössbauer Spectroscopic Parameters of Vaska's Complexes and Their Oxidative Adducts

In the present study, density functional theory (DFT) calculation was applied to Vaska's complexes of formula trans-[Ir^IX(CO)(PPh₃)₂] and their oxidative adducts with small molecules (YZ) including H₂, i.e., trans-[Ir^IIIClYZ(CO)(PPh₃)₂], to successfully correlate the electronic states of the complexes with the corresponding ¹⁹³Ir Mössbauer spectroscopic parameters. After confirming the reproducibility of the DFT methods for elucidating the equilibrium structures and ¹⁹³Ir Mössbauer isomer shifts of the octahedral Ir complexes, the isomer shifts and quadrupole splitting values of Vaska's complexes and their oxidative adducts were calculated. A bond critical point analysis revealed that the tendency in the isomer shifts was correlated with the strength of the covalent interaction in the coordination bonds. In an electric field gradient (EFG) analysis of the oxidative adducts, the sign of the principal axis was found to be positive for the complex with YZ = Cl₂ and negative for the complex with YZ = H₂. This reversal of the sign of the EFG principal axis was caused by the difference in the electron density distribution for the coordination bonds between Ir and YZ, according to a density of states analysis.

The SπRIT time projection chamber

The Superconducting Analyzer for MUlti-particles from RAdioIsotope (SAMURAI) Pion-Reconstruction and Ion-Tracker Time Projection Chamber (SπRIT TPC) was designed to enable measurements of heavy ion collisions with the SAMURAI spectrometer at the RIKEN radioactive isotope beam factory and provides constraints on the equation of state of neutron-rich nuclear matter. The SπRIT TPC has a 50.5 cm drift length and an 86.4 × 134.4 cm² pad plane with 12 096 pads that are equipped with the generic electronics for TPCs. The SπRIT TPC allows for an excellent reconstruction of particles and provides isotopic resolution for pions and other light charged particles across a wide range of energy losses and momenta. The details of the SπRIT TPC are presented, along with discussion of the TPC performance based on cosmic rays and charged particles emitted in heavy ion collisions.

Probing the Symmetry Energy with the Spectral Pion Ratio

Many neutron star properties, such as the proton fraction, reflect the symmetry energy contributions to the equation of state that dominate when neutron and proton densities differ strongly. To constrain these contributions at suprasaturation densities, we measure the spectra of charged pions produced by colliding rare isotope tin (Sn) beams with isotopically enriched Sn targets. Using ratios of the charged pion spectra measured at high transverse momenta, we deduce the slope of the symmetry energy to be 42<L<117  MeV. This value is slightly lower but consistent with the L values deduced from a recent measurement of the neutron skin thickness of ^{208}Pb.

Effect of Oxygen-Donor Charge on Adjacent Nitrogen-Donor Interactions in Eu3+ Complexes of Mixed N,O-Donor Ligands Demonstrated on a 10-Fold [Eu(TPAMEN)]3+ Chelate Complex

To reduce high-level radiotoxic waste generated by nuclear power plants, highly selective separation agents for minor actinides are mandatory. The mixed N,O-donor ligand N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(6-carboxypyridin-2-yl)methyl]ethylenediamine (H₄TPAEN; 1) has shown good performance as a masking agent in Am³⁺/Eu³⁺ separation studies. Adjustments on the pyridyl backbone to raise the hydrophilicity led to a decrease in selectivity and a decrease in M³⁺-N^am interactions. An enhanced basicity of the pyridyl N-donors was given as a cause. In this work, we examine whether a decrease in O-donor basicity can promote the M³⁺-N^am interactions. Therefore, we replace the deprotonated "charged" carboxylic acid groups of TPAEN^4- by neutral amide groups and introduce N,N,N',N'-tetrakis[(6-N″,N''-diethylcarbamoylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]ethylenediamine (TPAMEN; 2) as a new ligand. TPAMEN was crystallized with Eu(OTf)₃ and Eu(NO₃)₃·6H₂O to form positively charged 1:1 [Eu(TPAMEN)]³⁺ complexes in the solid state. Alterations in the M-O/N bond distances are compared to [Eu(TPAEN)]^- and investigated by DFT calculations to expose the differences in charge/energy density distributions at europium(III) and the donor functionalities of the TPAEN^4- and TPAMEN. On the basis of estimations of the bond orders, atomic charges spin populations, and density of states in the Eu and potential Am and Cm complexes, the specific contributions of the donor-metal interaction are analyzed. The prediction of complex formation energy differences for the [M(TPAEN)]^- and [M(TPAMEN)]³⁺ (M³⁺ = Eu³⁺, Am³⁺) complexes provide an outlook on the potential performance of TPAMEN in Am³⁺/Eu³⁺ separation.

Utility of computed tomography and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose with positron emission tomography/computed tomography for distinguishing appendiceal mucocele caused by mucinous adenocarcinoma from other pathologies

AIM

Differentiating appendiceal mucocele with mucinous adenocarcinoma from other pathologies before surgery is difficult. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of CT and ¹⁸ F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT for differentiating mucinous adenocarcinoma of appendiceal mucocele from other pathologies.

METHOD

The study included 25 patients who underwent surgery for clinically diagnosed appendiceal mucoceles detected on CT at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Among these patients, 19 underwent FDG-PET/CT preoperatively. We compared features of the CT imaging findings and maximum standard uptake values (SUV_max ) detected by FDG-PET/CT between mucocele with mucinous adenocarcinoma and other pathologies.

RESULTS

A total of 13 men (52%) and 12 women (48%) were included in this study, with a median age of 65 years (range 34-83). There were six patients (24%) with pathologically confirmed mucinous adenocarcinoma, 15 patients (60%) with appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and four patients (16%) with simple mucocele caused by chronic inflammation. On the CT findings, wall irregularity was the only significant feature for the two groups in this study (83.3% vs 0.0%, P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the SUV_max levels on PET/CT between the two groups (100.0% vs 20.0%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Distinguishing between mucocele with mucinous adenocarcinoma and other pathologies using imaging modalities is challenging. Our results suggest that wall irregularity on CT and elevated SUV_max on PET/CT are useful factors that can be employed for such discrimination.

Effects of preceding endoscopic treatment on laparoscopic surgery for early rectal cancer

AIM

Endoscopic treatment for rectal cancer, such as endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, causes inflammation, oedema and fibrosis in the surrounding tissue. However, little is known about the effect of these endoscopic therapies on salvage laparoscopic rectal surgery. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to analyse the effect of preceding endoscopic treatment on the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

METHOD

We analysed 53 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer with clinical Tis or T1 at our department between May 2011 and June 2019. Data from 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery after preceding endoscopic treatment (Group E + S) were compared with those of 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery alone (Group S).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to preoperative details. The mean operative time tended to be longer in Group E + S, and the volume of intra-operative blood loss was greater in Group E + S than in Group S (median 63 ml vs 10 ml, P = 0.049). There were no significant differences between the groups in other surgical parameters or oncological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery after endoscopic treatment for rectal cancer may be difficult due to an increased risk of intra-operative bleeding. Long-term prognosis after surgery was not affected by preceding endoscopic treatment in rectal cancer.

The ER-associated protease Ste24 prevents N-terminal signal peptide-independent translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Soluble proteins destined for the secretory pathway contain an N-terminal signal peptide that induces their translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The importance of N-terminal signal peptides for ER translocation has been extensively examined over the past few decades. However, in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a few proteins devoid of a signal peptide are still translocated into the ER and then N-glycosyl-ated. Using signal peptide-truncated reporter proteins, here we report the detection of significant translocation of N-terminal signal peptide-truncated proteins in a yeast mutant strain (ste24Δ) that lacks the endopeptidase Ste24 at the ER membrane. Furthermore, several ER/cytosolic proteins, including Sec61, Sec66, and Sec72, were identified as being involved in the translocation process. On the basis of screening for 20 soluble proteins that may be N-glycosylated in the ER in the ste24Δ strain, we identified the transcription factor Rme1 as a protein that is partially N-glycosylated despite the lack of a signal peptide. These results clearly indicate that some proteins lacking a signal peptide can be translocated into the ER and that Ste24 typically suppresses this process.

Bone strength of the proximal femur in healthy subjects with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

We compared the bone strength measured via quantitative computed tomography-based finite element method (QCT/FEM) between healthy adults with and without ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). No statistically significant difference was observed in the bone strength between healthy adults with and without OPLL. Hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with the systemic bone strength.

INTRODUCTION

Although patients with OPLL have been reportedly associated with increased level of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), little is known about the bone strength in OPLL subjects. The aim of this study is to investigate the bone strength measured via QCT/FEM in healthy subjects with OPLL using the medical check-up data, including whole-body CT scans.

METHODS

We examined 796 participants (529 men and 267 women) who underwent CT scans in a single health center between January 2008 and May 2009. We identified OPLL in whole spine and divided the subjects into two groups: non-OPLL and OPLL groups. We calculated the predicted bone strength (PBS) of the proximal femur using QCT/FEM and examined the bone mineral status of the calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). We compared the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-four subjects (9.3%; 57 men and 17 women) were diagnosed with OPLL in the whole spine. The OPLL group was significantly older than the non-OPLL group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the PBS and the QUS parameters between the non-OPLL and OPLL groups in both sexes. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was noted in the PBS and the QUS parameters between two groups in age- and gender-matched analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that hyperostosis of the posterior longitudinal ligament in OPLL may not be associated with bone strength and bone mineral status at the extremities.

Vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure, focusing on the accessory middle colic artery and vein

AIM

Recently, the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) has been recognized as the vessel that supplies blood to the splenic flexure. However, the positional relationship between the AMCA and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) has not been evaluated. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the AMCA and the splenic flexure vein (SFV).

METHOD

Two hundred and five patients with colorectal cancer who underwent enhanced CT preoperatively were enrolled in the present study. The locations of the AMCA and IMV were evaluated, focusing on the positional relationship between the vessels and pancreas - below the pancreas or to the dorsal side of the pancreas.

RESULTS

The AMCA was observed in 74 (36.1%) patients whereas the SFV was found in 177 (86.3%) patients. The left colic artery (LCA) was the major artery accompanying the SFV in 87 (42.4%) of patients. The AMCA accompanied the SFV in 65 (32.7%) patients. In 15 (7.8%) patients, no artery accompanied the SFV. The origin of the AMCA was located on the dorsal side of the pancreas in 15 (20.3%) of these 74 patients. Similarly, the destination of the IMV was located on the dorsal side of the pancreas in 65 (31.7%) of patients.

CONCLUSION

The SFV was observed in most patients, and the LCA or AMCA was the common accompanying artery. In some patients these vessels were located on the dorsal side of the pancreas and not below it. Preoperative evaluation of this anatomy may be beneficial for lymph node dissection during left-sided hemicolectomy.

Incidence of and risk factors for lymphocele formation after lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for rectal cancer: a retrospective study

AIM

Pelvic lymphocele is a common complication that develops after pelvic lymph node dissection. The incidence of pelvic lymphocele formation has been reported to be 10.5-51% after gynaecological or urological procedures. However, no evidence has been reported thus far with regard to the development of pelvic lymphocele following lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) for low rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for lymphocele formation after LPND for low rectal cancer and to examine its clinical management.

METHOD

We retrospectively analysed the incidence of and risk factors for pelvic lymphocele formation after LPND for rectal cancer in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2017. We also compared the size of the lymphocele between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients by using CT volumetry and examined its clinical management.

RESULTS

A total of 30 out of 98 patients (30.8%) developed pelvic lymphocele after rectal LPND. The number of resected nodes was significantly higher in patients with a pelvic lymphocele (P < 0.01). The median volume was significantly higher in patients with symptomatic pelvic lymphocele (P = 0.011). Among the nine symptomatic patients, two underwent CT-guided drainage, one underwent transurethral ureteral stent placement and one underwent laparoscopic marsupialization.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to keep in mind the possibility of pelvic lymphocele formation during follow-up of patients who undergo LPND, and to consider an appropriate treatment when these patients are symptomatic.

Complexation and bonding studies on [Ru(NO)(H2O)5]3+ with nitrate ions by using density functional theory calculation

Complexation reactions of ruthenium–nitrosyl complexes in HNO₃ solution were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations in order to predict the stability of Ru species in high-level radioactive liquid waste (HLLW) solution. The equilibrium structure of [Ru(NO)(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₂] obtained by DFT calculations reproduced the experimental Ru–ligand bond lengths and IR frequencies reported previously. Comparison of the Gibbs energies among the geometrical isomers for [Ru(NO)(NO₃)_x(H₂O)_5−x]^(3−x)+/− revealed that the complexation reactions of the ruthenium–nitrosyl complexes with NO₃⁻ proceed via the NO₃⁻ coordination to the equatorial plane toward the Ru–NO axis. We also estimated Gibbs energy differences on the stepwise complexation reactions to succeed in reproducing the fraction of Ru–NO species in 6 M HNO₃ solution, such as in HLLW, by considering the association energy between the Ru–NO species and the substituting ligands. Electron density analyses of the complexes indicated that the strength of the Ru–ligand coordination bonds depends on the stability of the Ru species and the Ru complex without NO₃⁻ at the axial position is more stable than that with NO₃⁻, which might be attributed to the difference in the trans influence between H₂O and NO₃⁻. Finally, we demonstrated the complexation kinetics in the reactions x = 1 → x = 2. The present study is expected to enable us to model the precise complexation reactions of platinum-group metals in HNO₃ solution.

Density functional study on the complexation of [Ru(NO)(H₂O)₅]³⁺ with NO₃⁻ ions reproduced the stabilities of the geometrical isomers and the stepwise substitution reactivities by combining the association energy with the leaving/entering ligands.

Obstruction is associated with perineural invasion in T3/T4 colon cancer

AIM

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a risk factor for recurrence and metastasis and consequently leads to decreased survival in patients with various malignancies. Recent studies showed that stent placement in obstructive colon cancer increases the frequency of PNI. We hypothesized that mechanical stress including obstruction itself may be associated with PNI.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed 496 patients with pathological T3 or T4 colon cancer who did not receive preoperative treatment. Data were collected from medical charts and pathological findings. The relationships between PNI and other clinicopathological factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

PNI was observed in 239 (48%) patients. Obstruction was markedly more frequent in PNI-positive cancer (39%) than in PNI-negative cancer (24%, P = 0.0003). Multivariate analyses identified obstruction as one of the significant factors associated with PNI (OR 1.68, P = 0.028). Moreover, in 414 patients without distant metastasis who underwent complete resection, PNI was an independent factor associated with poor recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 2.35, P = 0.003). The coexistence of PNI and obstruction resulted in greater decreases in recurrence-free survival than PNI-negative and/or non-obstructive cases.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that obstruction is associated with PNI and consequently contributes to an increased postoperative recurrence in colon cancer.

Network meta-analysis of the relative efficacy of bariatric surgeries for diabetes remission

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leads to a higher remission rate for type 2 diabetes mellitus than non-surgical treatment. However, it remains unsolved which surgical procedure is the most efficacious. This network meta-analysis aimed to rank surgical procedures in terms of diabetes remission.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We electronically searched for randomized controlled trials in which at least one surgical treatment was included among multiple arms and the diabetes remission rate was included in study outcomes. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework. The hierarchy of treatments was expressed as the surface under the cumulative ranking curve value. Results of the analysis of 25 eligible randomized controlled trials that covered non-surgical treatments and eight surgical procedures (biliopancreatic diversion [BPD], BPD with duodenal switch, Roux-en Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass [mini-GBP], laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, greater curvature plication and duodenal-jejunal bypass) showed that BPD and mini-GBP had the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curve values among the eight surgical treatments.

CONCLUSION

Current network meta-analysis indicated that BPD or mini-GBP achieved higher diabetes remission rates than the other procedures. However, the result needs to be interpreted with caution considering that these procedures were in the minority of bariatric surgeries.

Evaluation of the vascular anatomy of the left-sided colon focused on the accessory middle colic artery: a single-centre study of 734 patients

AIM

Surgery for colorectal cancer located in the splenic flexure is difficult to perform because of the complex anatomy. Recently, in addition to the middle colic artery and left colic artery (LCA), the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) has been recognized as a feeding artery for the left-sided colon. This study aimed to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure focusing on the AMCA in a large number of patients.

METHOD

A total of 734 patients who underwent CT before surgery for colorectal cancer were enrolled. We retrospectively evaluated the vascular anatomy using both two- and three-dimensional CT angiography.

RESULTS

The AMCA existed in 36.4% of the cases (n = 267). In many cases, it originated from the superior mesenteric artery (n = 228, 85.4%). The AMCA had a common trunk with the transverse pancreatic artery in 54 patients (20.2%). The frequency of the presence of the AMCA was associated with the branching pattern of the LCA, and was more frequent when the LCA was absent (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of the AMCA is not rare and the AMCA has some branching patterns; therefore, recognizing it preoperatively and intra-operatively is important, being especially careful when the LCA is absent.

Computational chemical analysis of Eu(iii) and Am(iii) complexes with pnictogen-donor ligands using DFT calculations

We demonstrated density functional calculations of Eu(iii) and Am(iii) complexes with pnictogen-donor (X) ligands, (CH3)2X-CH2-CH2-X(CH3)2 (X = N, P, As and Sb). We investigated the optimized structures of the complexes and the Gibbs energy differences in the complex formation reactions. The results indicated that the N- and P-donor ligands exhibit Am(iii) ion selectivity over Eu(iii) ions; especially, the P-donor ligand showed the highest selectivity. The tendency of the Am(iii)/Eu(iii) selectivity by the pnictogen-donor ligands was found to be comparable to that of the soft acid classification in the hard and soft acids and bases rule. Mulliken's spin population analysis indicated that the bonding properties between the metal ion and the pnictogen atoms correlated with the Am(iii)/Eu(iii) selectivity. In particular, the participation of f-orbital electrons of the metal ion in the covalency was indicated to play an important role in the selectivity.

Extraction of the Landau-Migdal Parameter from the Gamow-Teller Giant Resonance in ^{132}Sn

The key parameter to discuss the possibility of the pion condensation in nuclear matter, i.e., the so-called Landau-Migdal parameter g^{'}, was extracted by measuring the double-differential cross sections for the (p,n) reaction at 216  MeV/u on a neutron-rich doubly magic unstable nucleus, ^{132}Sn with the quality comparable to data taken with stable nuclei. The extracted strengths for Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions from ^{132}Sn leading to ^{132}Sb exhibit the GT giant resonance (GTR) at the excitation energy of 16.3±0.4(stat)±0.4(syst)  MeV with the width of Γ=4.7±0.8  MeV. The integrated GT strength up to E_{x}=25  MeV is S_{GT}^{-}=53±5(stat)_{-10}^{+11}(syst), corresponding to 56% of Ikeda's sum rule of 3(N-Z)=96. The present result accurately constrains the Landau-Migdal parameter as g^{'}=0.68±0.07, thanks to the high sensitivity of the GTR energy to g^{'}. In combination with previous studies on the GTR for ^{90}Zr and ^{208}Pb, the result of this work shows the constancy of this parameter in the nuclear chart region with (N-Z)/A=0.11 to 0.24 and A=90 to 208.

Serum cytokine concentrations, chorioamnionitis and the onset of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationships between serum cytokine concentrations and chorioamnionitis (CAM) and CAM-related bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.

METHODS

Serum was collected at 0 and 7 days after birth from 36 premature infants born at <32 weeks of gestation. We examined the relationships between 30 cytokine concentrations and CAM, BPD, and other perinatal factors.

RESULTS

On day 0, GM-CSF, IL-15, IL-17, IL-2, IL-2R, VEGF, and MIG concentrations were significantly higher in the CAM group (n = 17) than in the non-CAM group (n = 19). These concentrations had decreased by day 7 and were similar in both groups. The IL-12p70 concentration on day 0 was significantly lower in the BPD group (n = 16) than in the non-BPD group (n = 15). BPD incidence was similar between the CAM and non-CAM groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the hypothesis that intrauterine inflammation is not a primary risk factor for BPD. The immunological environment at birth or soon after, rather than intrauterine fetal inflammation (e.g., CAM), is a primary risk factor for BPD onset in preterm infants. Decreased inflammatory responses are particularly relevant, as indicated by the relationship between BPD and low serum IL-12p70 concentrations on day 0.

Development of a Hybrid Artificial Liver using a Polyurethane Foam/Hepatocyte-Spheroid Packed-Bed Module

Primary dog hepatocytes spontaneously formed spheroids in the pores of polyurethane foam (PUF) within 1–2 days of stationary culture. The spheroids, about 100–150 μm in diameter, partly attached to the surface and immobilized inside these pores.

The lidocaine disappearance rate decreased to about 4 μg/105 viable cells/day for 10 days, while in the PUF/spheroid culture the rate was maintained at almost the initial level of 8 μg/105 viable cells/day for 10 days. Then, two scales of PUF packed-bed modules were designed. A small module (PUF volume; 14.5 cm3) was used for in vitro culture to investigate optimum culture conditions, and a large module (PUF volume; 300 cm3) was designed for dog experiments. Hepatocytes inoculated in these modules also formed spheroids and maintained almost the same activity of albumin secretion rate (111 μg/cm3 PUF/day in the small module and 87.7 μg/cm3 PUF/day in the large module). These results indicate that the PUF packed-bed module containing hepatocyte-spheroids is promising as a hybrid artificial liver

Conditions Required for a Hybrid Artificial Liver Support System using a PUF/Hepatocyte-Spheroid Packed-Bed Module and it's use in Dogs with Liver Failure

We studied the effects of a hybrid artificial liver support system we developed on dogs with hepatic failure. The system consisted of a multi-channel polyurethane foam packed-bed culture module, including primary dog hepatocyte spheroids.

Blood ammonia was well metabolized by 20 g hepatocytes, but the other functions such as glucose concentration, total bile acid concentration, and survival time required 30 g hepatocytes to improve conditions. We found that we should use a culture substratum that easily forms spheroids, and that an artificial liver module should be used as soon as possible after spheroid formation by hepatocytes in the module.

Can radiological technologists serve as primary screeners of low-dose computed tomography for the diagnosis of lung cancer?

BACKGROUND

The Accreditation Council for Lung Cancer CT Screening of Japan established guidelines for the certification of Radiological Technologists in 2009.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the trends in examination pass rates of the Radiological Technologists and discuss the reasons.

METHODS

The cohort comprised 1593 Radiological Technologists (as examinees) based on 10-year of data (with a total of 17 examination runs). First, the examinees' written test results were analyzed. Second, an abnormal finding detection test was conducted using >100 client PCs connected to a dedicated server containing low-dose lung cancer CT screening images of 60 cases. The passing scores were correct answer rate >60% and sensitivity (TP) of >90%, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 1243 examinees passed with an overall rate of 78%. The average pass rate for the written test was 91%, whereas that for the abnormal findings detection test was 85%. There was a moderate correlation between the test pass rate and average years of clinical experience of the examinees for the abnormal findings detection test (R = 0.558), whereas no such correlation existed for the written test (R = 0.105).

CONCLUSIONS

In order for accredited Radiological Technologists to serve as primary screeners of low-dose computed tomography, it is important to revise the educational system according to current standard practices.

Occlusal Support, Dysphagia, Malnutrition, and Activities of Daily Living in Aged Individuals Needing Long-Term Care: A Path Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the interrelationships among occlusal support, dysphagia, malnutrition, and activities of daily living in aged individuals needing long-term care.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study and path analysis.

SETTING

Long-term health care facilities, acute care hospitals, and the community.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred and fifty-four individuals aged ≥ 65 years with dysphagia or potential dysphagia in need of long-term care.

MEASUREMENTS

The modified Eichner Index, Dysphagia Severity Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, and Barthel index.

RESULTS

The participants included 118 males and 236 females with a mean (standard deviation) age of 83 (8) years. A total of 216 participants had functional occlusal support with or without dentures. Of the total participants, 73 were within normal limits regarding the severity of dysphagia, 119 exhibited dysphagia without aspiration, and 162 exhibited dysphagia with aspiration. Only 34 had a normal nutritional status, while 166 participants were malnourished, and 154 were at risk of malnutrition. The median Barthel index score was 30. Path analysis indicated two important findings: occlusal support had a direct effect on dysphagia (standard coefficient = 0.33), and dysphagia was associated directly with malnutrition (standard coefficient = 0.50). Dysphagia and malnutrition were associated directly with impaired activities of daily living (standard coefficient = 0.57, 0.22).

CONCLUSION

In aged individuals needing long-term care, occlusal support is associated directly with dysphagia and indirectly with malnutrition and activities of daily living via dysphagia.

Impact of body mass index and metabolic phenotypes on coronary artery disease according to glucose tolerance status

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the impact of obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI), and a metabolically unhealthy phenotype on the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) according to glucose tolerance status.

METHODS

. Metabolically unhealthy individuals were defined as those with one or more of the following conditions: hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia and/or low HDL cholesterol. A Cox proportional hazards regression model identified variables related to CAD incidence.

RESULTS

The prevalences of obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes and diabetes were 21%, 34% and 53%, whereas those for metabolically unhealthy people were 43%, 60% and 79%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that a metabolically unhealthy phenotype increases hazard ratios (HRs) for CAD compared with a metabolically healthy phenotype, regardless of glucose tolerance status (normal glucose tolerance: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.32-2.95; prediabetes: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.85-4.55; diabetes: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.18-3.06). HRs for CAD among metabolically unhealthy non-obese diabetes patients and obese diabetes patients with a metabolically unhealthy status were 6.14 (95% CI: 3.94-9.56) and 7.86 (95% CI: 5.21-11.9), respectively, compared with non-obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance and without a metabolically unhealthy status.

CONCLUSION

A metabolically unhealthy state can associate with CAD independently of obesity across all glucose tolerance stages. Clinicians may need to consider those with at least one or more conditions indicating a metabolically unhealthy state as being at high risk for CAD regardless of glucose tolerance status.