Influence of Humidity on Layer-by-Layer Growth and Structure in Coordination Networks.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials because of their high designability of pores and functionalities. Especially, MOF thin films and their properties have been investigated toward applications in nanodevices. Typically, MOF thin films are fabricated by using a bottom-up method such as layer-by-layer (LbL) growth in air. Because the water molecules can coordinate and be replaced with organic linkers during synthesis, humidity conditions will be expected to influence the LbL growth processes. In this study, we fabricated MOF thin films composed of Zn2+, tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin (TCPP), and 4,4'-bipyridyl (bpy) at 10 and 40% relative humidity (RH) conditions. Then, we investigated the humidity effects on chemical compositions of TCPP and bpy, periodic structure, orientation, and surface morphology. At high RH, coordination replacement of water with the organic linkers becomes more competitive than that at low RH, resulting in a different TCPP/bpy composition ratio between the two RH conditions. Also, more frequent coordination replacements of water with the organic linkers at high RH led to the formation of phases other than that observed at low RH, loss of growth orientation, and rough surface. The findings clarified the importance of controlling the RH condition during LbL growth to obtain the desired coordination networks.

Local alternating heat and cold stimulation affects hemodynamics and oxygenation in fatigued muscle tissue and autonomic nervous activity: a single-arm interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Local alternating heat and cold stimulation as an alternative to contrast bath may cause intermittent vasoconstriction and vasodilation, inducing a vascular pumping effect and consequently promoting increased tissue blood flow and oxygenation. This study aimed to examine the effects of local alternating heat and cold stimulation, using a wearable thermal device, on the hemodynamics of fatigued muscle tissue and autonomic nervous activity. METHODS: Twenty healthy individuals experienced fatigue in the periarticular muscles of the shoulder joint due to a typing task. Local alternating heat and cold stimulations were then applied to the upper trapezius muscle. Muscle hardness was measured using a muscle hardness meter, and muscle tissue hemodynamics and oxygenation were evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy before and after the stimulation. Autonomic nervous activity was also evaluated using heart rate variability. RESULTS: Alternating heat and cold stimulation decreased muscle hardness of the fatigued trapezius muscle from 1.38 ± 0.15 to 1.31 ± 0.14 N (P < 0.01). The concentration of total hemoglobin in the trapezius muscle tissue increased from - 0.21 ± 1.36 to 2.29 ± 3.42 µmol/l (P < 0.01), and the tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation also increased from 70.1 ± 5.4 to 71.1 ± 6.0% (P < 0.05). Additionally, the heart rate variability parameter, which is an index of sympathetic nervous activity, increased from 3.82 ± 2.96 to 6.86 ± 3.49 (P < 0.01). A correlation was found between increased tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation and increased parameters of sympathetic nervous activity (r = 0.50, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local alternating heat and cold stimulation affected the hemodynamic response in fatigued muscle tissue and autonomic nervous activity. This stimulation is more efficient than conventional contrast baths in terms of mobility and temperature control and has potential as a new versatile therapeutic intervention for muscle fatigue. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR (UMIN000040087: registered on April 7, 2020, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000045710 . UMIN000040620: registered on June 1, 2020, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046359 ).

Femoral Shaft Fracture Developed Late-Onset Infection in 27 Years after Intramedullary Nailing: A Case Report.

Postoperative late-onset infections more than 1 year after intramedullary nail surgery for femoral shaft fractures are very rare. We show an extremely rare case of developed late-onset infection 27 years after surgery, report on risk factors for late-onset infection, and infer why the infection occurred.

Detection of stellar light from quasar host galaxies at redshifts above 6.

The detection of starlight from the host galaxies of quasars during the reionization epoch (z > 6) has been elusive, even with deep Hubble Space Telescope observations1,2. The current highest redshift quasar host detected3, at z = 4.5, required the magnifying effect of a foreground lensing galaxy. Low-luminosity quasars4-6 from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP)7 mitigate the challenge of detecting their underlying, previously undetected host galaxies. Here we report rest-frame optical images and spectroscopy of two HSC-SSP quasars at z > 6 with the JWST. Using near-infrared camera imaging at 3.6 and 1.5 µm and subtracting the light from the unresolved quasars, we find that the host galaxies are massive (stellar masses of 13 × and 3.4 × 1010 M☉, respectively), compact and disc-like. Near-infrared spectroscopy at medium resolution shows stellar absorption lines in the more massive quasar, confirming the detection of the host. Velocity-broadened gas in the vicinity of these quasars enables measurements of their black hole masses (1.4 × 109 and 2.0 × 108 M☉, respectively). Their location in the black hole mass-stellar mass plane is consistent with the distribution at low redshift, suggesting that the relation between black holes and their host galaxies was already in place less than a billion years after the Big Bang.

[A case of autopsy-confirmed duodenal perforation due to calcium polystyrene sulfonate].

A 77-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital because of jaundice. He was diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and was admitted to our hospital because of liver failure. After admission, we observed conservative liver disease, but the liver damage did not improve and gradually worsened. Renal function deteriorated during liver failure. Hyperkalemia presented due to renal dysfunction. Hence, calcium polystyrene sulfonate (CPS) was initiated. He died because of liver failure although hyperkalemia improved. An autopsy revealed ulcer perforation with CPS crystals in the duodenum. A basic substance considered a crystal of CPS was found by hematoxylin and eosin staining from the ulcer adjacent to the perforation and the exudate attached to the peritoneum. Furthermore, a large amount of CPS crystals were found in the ascites. A final diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation peritonitis due to CPS was made. Gastrointestinal perforation due to CPS is presumed as a direct mucosal injury due to the drug, most of which is the sigmoid colon of elderly patients. Upper gastrointestinal tract perforation is extremely rare. We experienced a case of autopsy in which duodenal perforation due to CPS was pathologically confirmed. CPS is a widely used drug for renal disorders, but it has a risk of gastrointestinal injury. Therefore, a potential gastrointestinal mucosal injury should be considered when using CPS.

Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging with Acetic Acid Spray for Superficial Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors Based on the Mucin Phenotype.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) based on the mucin phenotype using magnifying narrow-band imaging with acetic acid spray (MA-NBI) and evaluate the efficacy of MA-NBI in differentiating gastric-type (G-type) from intestinal-type (I-type) lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 59 resected SNADETs in 59 patients who underwent MA-NBI. We evaluated surface patterns using MA-NBI to differentiate G-type from I-type lesions. Surface structures were classified into three patterns: tubular, villous, or oval structures. Lesions displaying a single pattern among the three patterns were classified as monotype, whereas those displaying multiple surface patterns were classified as mixed type. In addition, lesions with disorganized and unclear structures with irregular margins were classified as irregular surface structures. RESULTS: In total, 32 (54%), 26 (44%), and 1 (2%) lesions were classified as Vienna category 3, 4, and 5 tumors, respectively, whereas 49 (83%) and 10 (17%) were classified as I- and G-type lesions, respectively. Oval structures were more frequently observed in G-type lesions (70%), whereas tubular structures were more frequently observed in I-type lesions (78%) (p < 0.001). Category 4 and 5 lesions had significantly higher mixed and irregular surface structure rates than category 3 lesions (41 vs. 6%, p = 0.003 and 81 vs. 3%, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: MA-NBI can distinguish the mucin phenotypes of SNADETs and may facilitate histological grade diagnosis.

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of a Dimerized Trinuclear Ni String Complex, [Ni6Cl2(dpa)8](I5)2·0.25I2 (dpa- = 2,2'-Dipyridylamide Anion).

Metal string complexes, linearly aligned transition metal arrays coordinated with the multidentate organic ligands, have gained much attention both in unique electronic/structural properties and in potential applications as conductive molecular nanowires. Here we report on a dimerized NiII trinuclear complex, [Ni6Cl2(dpa)8](I5)2·0.25I2 (dpa- = 2,2'-dipyridylamide anion). X-ray structural analysis revealed that two trinuclear moieties are bridged by a Cl anion to form a dimerized string structure. This is the first example of two Ni string complexes that are connected. In the electronic absorption and Raman spectra, characteristic absorption bands and a vibration mode based on the dimer string structure were observed. In the solid state, dimer complexes align in one dimension in an MMMXMMMX (M = metal, X = halogen) manner, leading to the intra- and interdimer antiferromagnetic interactions.

Sorafenib Rechallenge and Sorafenib after Lenvatinib Failure in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with multiple lung metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma, and lenvatinib was initiated. Three months later, the response was progressive disease. Sorafenib therapy as a second-line drug was started. Three months later, the lung metastases had shrunk. After the sorafenib failure, the patient received regorafenib treatment for six months until failure. After the regorafenib failure, sorafenib rechallenge therapy as a fourth-line treatment was initiated. The sorafenib rechallenge, which continued for two months, induced a partial response. Sorafenib after lenvatinib failure and sorafenib rechallenge may be a good option, but further prospective studies are needed.

A fat containing combined neuroendocrine carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver: A case report.

A 79-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of increased hepatobiliary enzyme levels. Dynamic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a liver tumor measuring 60mm containing fat foci at the cranial aspect of the tumor. We diagnosed the patient with hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and fat deposition, and performed a caudate lobe resection. Pathology examination revealed two intermingled components: moderately differentiated HCC with fat deposition and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Primary combined NEC and HCC is extremely rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of combined NEC and HCC including a fat component. HCC is the most common primary hepatic malignancy with fat. HCC might include fat, even if HCC coexists with another type of cancer. The imaging characteristics of and HCC with another type of cancer vary depending on the amount of each component. We should not simply diagnose such tumors as HCC, but think about the possibilities of HCC with another type of cancer, because there is a fat component.

[Prediction of pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if the difference in serum amylase levels prior to, and two hours following, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), or the ratio of the two-hour post-ERCP amylase level to the pre-ERCP amylase level was a better predictor of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study of consecutive patients, who underwent ERCP between April 2015 and August 2018. Serum amylase was measured before and two hours following ERCP. We compared the difference and the ratio of the two levels in predicting PEP using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1029 patients underwent ERCP, with PEP occurring in 118 (11.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that an elevated two-hour post-ERCP serum amylase level was a significant predictor of PEP. ROC analysis of the difference and the ratio of the two levels found good performance for both parameters, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.861 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.823-0.900) and 0.847 (95% CI, 0.809-0.886), respectively. The difference between the values was a significantly more effective predictor of PEP, based on the AUC analysis (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The difference between pre and two-hour post-ERCP amylase levels is a better predictor of PEP than the ratio of the two.

Modular Cavities: Induced Fit of Polar and Apolar Guests into Halogen-Based Receptors.

Neutral triangular macrocyclic compounds, [PdX2(4,7-phen)]3·(DMF)3·Et2O (X = Cl, Br; 4,7-phen = 4,7-phenanthroline; DMF = N, N'-dimethylformamide; Et2O = diethyl ether), were synthesized, and their molecular structures were characterized. Solution-state 1H NMR results suggested the formation of metal-ligand bonds, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography revealed clear triangular structures. A detailed examination of the structures indicated the formation of two kinds of cavities in the solid state, where a triangular unit works as a halogen-based receptor for polar and apolar solvents through weak hydrogen-bonding and dipole-dipole interaction.

Effects of parabens on apoptosis induced by serum-free medium.

Alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acids (parabens), an endocrine disrupter, are used as preservatives in cosmetics and foods. In this study, to understand the relationship between parabens and differentiation in infants, the effects of parabens on apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in PC12 cells were investigated. In addition, apoptosis-related factors were assayed. As results, a tendency toward enhancement of apoptosis was observed in the cells cultured in the serum-free medium with methylparaben, and this tendency was suggested to be related to the contents of BAD, a pro-apoptotic protein. Butylparaben did not show any tendency to enhance apoptosis.

In vitro reconstruction of a three-dimensional mouse hematopoietic microenvironment in the pore of polyurethane foam.

Hematopoietic stem cells exist in specific niches in the bone marrow, and generate either more stem cells or differentiated hematopoietic progeny. In such microenvironments, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions are as important as soluble factors such as cytokines. To provide a similar environment for in vitro studies, a three-dimensional culture technique is necessary. In this manuscript, we report the development of a three-dimensional culture system for murine bone marrow mononuclear cells (mBMMNCs) using polyurethane foam (PUF) as a scaffold. The mBMMNCs were inoculated into two kinds of PUF disks with different surface properties, and cultured without exogenous growth factors. After seeding the inside of the PUF pores with mBMMNCs, PUF disks were capable of supporting adherent cell growth and continuous cell production for up to 90 days. On days 21-24, most nonadherent cells were CD45 positive, and some of the cells were of the erythroid type. From comparisons of the cell growth in each PUF material, the mBMMNC culture in PUF-W1 produced more cells than the PUF-R4 culture. However, the mBMMNC culture in PUF-W1 had no advantages over PUF-R4 with regard to the maintenance of immature hematopoietic cells. The results of scanning electron microscopy and colony-forming assays confirmed the value of the different three dimensional cultures.

On fair, effective and efficient REDD mechanism design.

The issues surrounding 'Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation' (REDD) have become a major component of continuing negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This paper aims to address two key requirements of any potential REDD mechanism: first, the generation of measurable, reportable and verifiable (MRV) REDD credits; and secondly, the sustainable and efficient provision of emission reductions under a robust financing regime.To ensure the supply of MRV credits, we advocate the establishment of an 'International Emission Reference Scenario Coordination Centre' (IERSCC). The IERSCC would act as a global clearing house for harmonized data to be used in implementing reference level methodologies. It would be tasked with the collection, reporting and subsequent processing of earth observation, deforestation- and degradation driver information in a globally consistent manner. The IERSCC would also assist, coordinate and supervise the computation of national reference scenarios according to rules negotiated under the UNFCCC. To overcome the threats of "market flooding" on the one hand and insufficient economic incentives for REDD on the other hand, we suggest an 'International Investment Reserve' (IIR) as REDD financing framework. In order to distribute the resources of the IIR we propose adopting an auctioning mechanism. Auctioning not only reveals the true emission reduction costs, but might also allow for incentivizing the protection of biodiversity and socio-economic values. The introduced concepts will be vital to ensure robustness, environmental integrity and economic efficiency of the future REDD mechanism.

Effects of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane on apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in PC12 cells.

The effects of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, one of the endocrine disrupters, widely used for agricultural and medicinal purpose, on apoptosis in PC12 cells were investigated using western blotting analysis and reverse transcriptase-DNA polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Apoptosis is a fundamental process necessary for development of individuals and organs. Although gamma -HCH at high concentration did not have an effect on cell viability and apoptosis, DNA fragmentation was slightly enhanced, and apoptotic factors; Bax, Bad, cytochrome c and caspase-3 showed tendency to increase by the addition of a low dose of gamma-HCH to the cell medium. However these changes were not statistically significant. It was concluded that gamma -HCH did not affect on apoptosis in the PC12 cell line system, although gamma -HCH has been reported to induce apoptosis in other cell lines.

Asphericity in supernova explosions from late-time spectroscopy.

Core-collapse supernovae (CC-SNe) are the explosions that announce the death of massive stars. Some CC-SNe are linked to long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and are highly aspherical. One important question is to what extent asphericity is common to all CC-SNe. Here we present late-time spectra for a number of CC-SNe from stripped-envelope stars and use them to explore any asphericity generated in the inner part of the exploding star, near the site of collapse. A range of oxygen emission-line profiles is observed, including a high incidence of double-peaked profiles, a distinct signature of an aspherical explosion. Our results suggest that all CC-SNe from stripped-envelope stars are aspherical explosions and that SNe accompanied by GRBs exhibit the highest degree of asphericity.