First observation of 28O.

Subjecting a physical system to extreme conditions is one of the means often used to obtain a better understanding and deeper insight into its organization and structure. In the case of the atomic nucleus, one such approach is to investigate isotopes that have very different neutron-to-proton (N/Z) ratios than in stable nuclei. Light, neutron-rich isotopes exhibit the most asymmetric N/Z ratios and those lying beyond the limits of binding, which undergo spontaneous neutron emission and exist only as very short-lived resonances (about 10-21 s), provide the most stringent tests of modern nuclear-structure theories. Here we report on the first observation of 28O and 27O through their decay into 24O and four and three neutrons, respectively. The 28O nucleus is of particular interest as, with the Z = 8 and N = 20 magic numbers1,2, it is expected in the standard shell-model picture of nuclear structure to be one of a relatively small number of so-called 'doubly magic' nuclei. Both 27O and 28O were found to exist as narrow, low-lying resonances and their decay energies are compared here to the results of sophisticated theoretical modelling, including a large-scale shell-model calculation and a newly developed statistical approach. In both cases, the underlying nuclear interactions were derived from effective field theories of quantum chromodynamics. Finally, it is shown that the cross-section for the production of 28O from a 29F beam is consistent with it not exhibiting a closed N = 20 shell structure.

Measurements of Strong-Interaction Effects in Kaonic-Helium Isotopes at Sub-eV Precision with X-Ray Microcalorimeters.

We have measured the 3d→2p transition x rays of kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He atoms using superconducting transition-edge-sensor microcalorimeters with an energy resolution better than 6 eV (FWHM). We determined the energies to be 6224.5±0.4(stat)±0.2(syst) eV and 6463.7±0.3(stat)±0.1(syst) eV, and widths to be 2.5±1.0(stat)±0.4(syst) eV and 1.0±0.6(stat)±0.3(stat) eV, for kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He, respectively. These values are nearly 10 times more precise than in previous measurements. Our results exclude the large strong-interaction shifts and widths that are suggested by a coupled-channel approach and agree with calculations based on optical-potential models.

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

Prognostic grade for resecting hepatocellular carcinoma: multicentre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is advancing, but a robust prediction model for survival after resection is not available. The aim of this study was to propose a prognostic grading system for resection of HCC. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicentre study of patients who underwent first resection of HCC with curative intent between 2000 and 2007. Patients were divided randomly by a cross-validation method into training and validation sets. Prognostic factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards model. The predictive model was built by decision-tree analysis to define the resection grades, and subsequently validated. RESULTS: A total of 16 931 patients from 795 hospitals were included. In the training set (8465 patients), four surgical grades were classified based on prognosis: grade A1 (1236 patients, 14.6 per cent; single tumour 3 cm or smaller and anatomical R0 resection); grade A2 (3614, 42.7 per cent; single tumour larger than 3 cm, or non-anatomical R0 resection); grade B (2277, 26.9 per cent; multiple tumours, or vascular invasion, and R0 resection); and grade C (1338, 15.8 per cent; multiple tumours with vascular invasion and R0 resection, or R1 resection). Five-year survival rates were 73.9 per cent (hazard ratio (HR) 1.00), 64.7 per cent (HR 1.51, 95 per cent c.i. 1.29 to 1.78), 50.6 per cent (HR 2.53, 2.15 to 2.98), and 34.8 per cent (HR 4.60, 3.90 to 5.42) for grades A1, A2, B, and C respectively. In the validation set (8466 patients), the grades had equivalent reproducibility for both overall and recurrence-free survival (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This grade is used to predict prognosis of patients undergoing resection of HCC.

Effect of aluminium ion on bioavailability of levofloxacin following oral administration of cilexetil ester of levofloxacin as prodrug in rats.

A prodrug of levofloxacin (LVFX), cilexetil ester of LVFX (LVFX-CLX), was synthesized to examine whether the prodrug can avoid chelate formation with metal cations in the gastrointestinal tract. LVFX-CLX exhibited a 10-times higher partition coefficient than LVFX. In vitro, LVFX was precipitated by 76.1% in the presence of a 10-times higher concentration of aluminium chloride (Al3+), but LVFX-CLX was not. LVFX-CLX was rapidly hydrolyzed enzymatically by rat plasma, intestinal mucosal and liver homogenates at 37 °C, but not by pancreatic enzymes and luminal fluid. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of LVFX-CLX against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were far higher than that of LVFX. In rats, area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to 4 h (AUC0-4h) of LVFX after oral administration of LVFX-CLX was 1.34-fold higher than that after LVFX, though it did not reach significance level. Co-administration of Al3+ with LVFX and LVFX-CLX in rats decreased AUC0-4h of plasma LVFX by 75% and 60%, respectively, however, the AUC0-4h of plasma LVFX after co-administration of LVFX-CLX and Al3+ was 2.2-times higher than that after co-administration of LVFX and Al3+. These results suggested that the use of LVFX-CLX may reduce the modulation of intestinal microflora caused by LVFX and the suppressive effect of Al3+ on intestinal absorption of LVFX.

Amyloid Signature Proteins in Feline Amyloidosis.

In human amyloidoses, amyloid signature proteins (ASPs), such as serum amyloid P component (SAP) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE), are deposited in tissues together with amyloid fibrils and are implicated in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis. Few reports describe ASPs in animals. In this study, we examined feline amyloidosis and performed immunohistochemical and proteomic analyses of SAP, ApoE, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoAI) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoAIV). Ten cases of systemic amyloidosis, three cases of amyloid-producing odontogenic tumour and three cases of islet amyloidosis were used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or proteomic analyses. IHC showed that ApoE was present in amyloid deposits in all samples. ApoAI and ApoAIV differed in the degree of co-deposition with amyloid depending on the type of amyloid and the affected organ. SAP was negative in all amyloid deposits. Proteomic analysis showed that ApoE was present in all samples, but ApoAI and ApoAIV were detected only in some samples and SAP was not detected in any samples. The observation that ApoE was detected in all types of amyloid suggests the involvement of ApoE in the development of feline amyloidosis. ASPs in feline amyloidosis are significantly different from those in human amyloidosis, suggesting that the involvement of ASPs in the pathological condition differs between animal species.

Halo Structure of the Neutron-Dripline Nucleus

The heaviest bound isotope of boron ^{19}B has been investigated using exclusive measurements of its Coulomb dissociation, into ^{17}B and two neutrons, in collisions with Pb at 220 MeV/nucleon. Enhanced electric dipole (E1) strength is observed just above the two-neutron decay threshold with an integrated E1 strength of B(E1)=1.64±0.06(stat)±0.12(sys) e^{2} fm^{2} for relative energies below 6 MeV. This feature, known as a soft E1 excitation, provides the first firm evidence that ^{19}B has a prominent two-neutron halo. Three-body calculations that reproduce the energy spectrum indicate that the valence neutrons have a significant s-wave configuration and exhibit a dineutronlike correlation.

Evaluation of a high-speed but low-throughput RT-qPCR system for detection of SARS-CoV-2.

With the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a high-speed and convenient detection technology should be at the forefront of medical care worldwide. This study evaluated the usefulness of GeneSoC, a compact, high-speed reciprocal flow quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction system, for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The results support the use of this system for the rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2. This approach can contribute to the strategic selection of initial management strategies for patients with COVID-19.

Total tumour volume as a prognostic factor in patients with resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Although total tumour volume (TTV) may have prognostic value for hepatic resection in certain solid cancers, its importance in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains unexplored. This study investigated its prognostic value in patients with resectable CRLM. METHOD: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent hepatic resection for CRLM between 2008 and 2017 in a single institution. TTV was measured from CT images using three-dimensional construction software; cut-off values were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Potential prognostic factors, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were determined using multivariable and Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: Some 94 patients were included. TTV cut-off values for OS and RFS were 100 and 10 ml respectively. Right colonic primary tumours, primary lymph node metastasis and bilobar liver metastasis were included in the multivariable analysis of OS; a TTV of 100 ml or above was independently associated with poorer OS (hazard ratio (HR) 6·34, 95 per cent c.i. 2·08 to 17·90; P = 0·002). Right colonic primary tumours and primary lymph node metastasis were included in the RFS analysis; a TTV of 10 ml or more independently predicted poorer RFS (HR 1·90, 1·12 to 3·57; P = 0·017). The 5-year OS rate for a TTV of 100 ml or more was 41 per cent, compared with 67 per cent for a TTV below 100 ml (P = 0·006). Corresponding RFS rates with TTV of 10 ml or more, or less than 10 ml, were 14 and 58 per cent respectively (P = 0·009). A TTV of at least 100 ml conferred a higher rate of unresectable initial recurrences (12 of 15, 80 per cent) after initial hepatic resection. CONCLUSION: TTV was associated with RFS and OS after initial hepatic resection for CRLM; TTV of 100 ml or above was associated with a higher rate of unresectable recurrence.

ANTECEDENTES: Aunque el volumen total del tumor (total tumour volume, TTV) puede tener valor pronóstico tras la resección hepática (hepatic resection, HR) en algunas neoplasias sólidas, no se conoce su importancia en las metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal (colorectal liver metastases, CRLMs). Este estudio analizó el valor pronóstico del TTV en pacientes con CRLMs resecables. MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes a los que se realizó una HR por CRLMs entre 2008 y 2017 en un solo centro. El TTV se estimó a partir de imágenes de tomografía computarizada utilizando un programa de reconstrucción 3D; se determinaron los valores de corte mediante un análisis de las características operativas del receptor. Se identificaron los posibles factores pronósticos y se calcularon la supervivencia global (overall survival, OS) y la supervivencia libre de recidiva (recurence-free survival, RFS) mediante análisis multivariados y de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 94 pacientes. Los valores de corte del TTV para la OS y la RFS fueron de 100 mL y 10 mL, respectivamente. En el análisis multivariable para la OS, se incluyeron los tumores del colon derecho, las metástasis linfáticas primarias y la metástasis hepática bilobar; un TTV ≥ 100 mL se asoció de forma independiente con una peor OS (cociente de riesgos instantáneos, hazard ratio, HR, 6,34, i.c. del 95% 2,08-17,9; P = 0,002). En el anáisis para la RFS, se incluyeron tumores primarios de colon derecho y las metástasis linfáticas primarias; un TTV ≥ 10 mL predijo de forma independiente una peor RFS (HR 1,90, i.c. del 95% 1,12-3,57; P = 0,017). Las tasas de OS a los 5 años con TTVs ≥ 100 mL versus < 100 mL fueron del 41% versus 67% (P = 0,006); las tasas de RFS respecto a TTVs ≥ 10 mL versus < 10 mL fueron del 14% versus 58% (P = 0,009). Un TTV ≥ 100 mL conllevó una tasa más elevada (80%) de recidivas no resecables después de la HR inicial. CONCLUSIÓN: El TTV se asoció con la RFS y la OS tras la HR por CRLMs; unos valores ≥ 100 mL conllevan una tasa más elevada de recidiva irresecable.

Significance of the surgical hepatic resection margin in patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The impact of a wide surgical margin on the outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been evaluated in relation to the type of liver resection performed, anatomical or non-anatomical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical margin status on outcomes in patients undergoing anatomical or non-anatomical resection for solitary HCC. METHODS: Data from patients with solitary HCC who had undergone non-anatomical partial resection (Hr0 group) or anatomical resection of one Couinaud segment (HrS group) between 2000 and 2007 were extracted from a nationwide survey database in Japan. Overall and recurrence-free survival associated with the surgical margin status and width were evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 4457 patients were included in the Hr0 group and 3507 in the HrS group. A microscopically positive surgical margin was associated with poor overall survival in both groups. A negative but 0-mm surgical margin was associated with poorer overall and recurrence-free survival than a wider margin only in the Hr0 group. In the HrS group, the width of the surgical margin was not associated with patient outcome. CONCLUSION: Anatomical resection with a negative 0-mm surgical margin may be acceptable. Non-anatomical resection with a negative 0-mm margin was associated with a less favourable survival outcome.

ANTECEDENTES: El impacto de un margen quirúrgico (surgical margin, SM) amplio en el resultado de pacientes con carcinoma hepatocelular (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) no ha sido evaluado en relación con el tipo de resección hepática realizada: anatómica o no anatómica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el impacto del estado del SM en los resultados en pacientes sometidos a resección anatómica o no anatómica por un HCC solitario. MÉTODOS: Los datos de pacientes con un HCC solitario sometidos a resección parcial no anatómica (grupo Hr0) o resección anatómica de un segmento de Couinaud (grupo HrS) entre 2000 y 2007 se obtuvieron a partir de una base de datos nacional de Japón. En los grupos Hr0 y HrS se evaluaron la supervivencia global y la supervivencia libre de recidiva asociadas al estado microscópico del SM y a la amplitud del SM. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 4.457 pacientes en el grupo Hr0 y 3.507 en el grupo HrS. Un SM microscópico positivo se asoció con una pobre supervivencia global en ambos grupos. Un SM negativo, pero a una distancia de 0 mm se asoció con una peor supervivencia global y libre de recidiva en comparación con aquellos asociados a un SM más amplio, solo en el grupo Hr0. En el grupo HrS, la amplitud del SM no se asoció con los resultados del paciente. CONCLUSIÓN: La resección anatómica con un SM negativo a una distancia de 0 mm puede ser aceptable. La resección no anatómica con un SM negativo a una distancia de 0 mm se asoció con resultados de supervivencia menos favorables.

Long-Term Results and Follow-Up Examinations after Endovascular Embolization for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The appropriate period of follow-up examinations after endovascular embolization for cerebral aneurysms using time-of-flight MR angiography is not well-known. We retrospectively investigated long-term results after endovascular embolization for unruptured cerebral aneurysms and evaluated the periods from embolization to recanalization and retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2006 and March 2011, one hundred forty-eight unruptured aneurysms were treated with endovascular coil embolization. Among them, we investigated 116 unruptured aneurysms, which were followed up for >5 years. Time-of-flight MR angiography was performed at 1 day, 3-6 months, 1 year after the procedure, and every year thereafter. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 7.0 ± 1.4 years. Recanalization was observed in 19 (16.3%) aneurysms within 2 years. Among them, retreatment for recanalization was performed in 8 (6.8%) aneurysms. No recanalization was detected in any aneurysms that had been stable in the first 2 years after embolization. A larger maximum aneurysm size was significantly correlated with recanalization (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysms in which recanalization was not observed within 2 years after endovascular coil embolization were stable during a mean follow-up of 7 years. This result may be helpful in considering the appropriate span or frequency of follow-up imaging for embolized cerebral aneurysms.

The Prevalence and Prognosis of Sarcopenic Dysphagia in Patients Who Require Dysphagia Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and prognosis of sarcopenic dysphagia in patients who require dysphagia rehabilitation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care acute general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and eight patients referred to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine for dysphagia rehabilitation. MEASUREMENTS: The Food Intake Level Scale (FILS), a 5-step diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenic dysphagia. RESULTS: The study included 72 males and 36 females (mean age, 76±7 years). Comorbid diseases included brain and nervous system disease (36%), cardiovascular disease (25%), respiratory disease (14%), and cancer (11%). Median energy intake was 1159 kcal (interquartile range: 648, 1502). Median FILS at admission and discharge was 4 (interquartile range: 2, 7) and 8 (interquartile range: 5, 8), respectively. Sarcopenic dysphagia was observed in 35 patients (32%). Sarcopenic dysphagia was associated with lower FILS at referral and discharge, lower calf circumference, lower handgrip strength, lower body mass index, lower serum albumin, and higher C-reactive protein at referral. Tongue pressure, energy intake, and Barthel index did not differ significantly between patients with or without sarcopenic dysphagia. Ordered logistic regression analysis of the FILS at discharge adjusted for presence of sarcopenic dysphagia, age, sex, and the FILS at admission revealed that presence of sarcopenic dysphagia (ß=-1.603, 95% confidence intervals= -2.609, -0.597, p=0.002), sex, and the FILS at admission were independently associated with the FILS at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sarcopenic dysphagia in patients who require dysphagia rehabilitation was quite high. Sarcopenic dysphagia was independently associated with poor swallowing function at discharge.

Extraction of the Landau-Migdal Parameter from the Gamow-Teller Giant Resonance in

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.

Pleomorphic Malignant Mesothelioma in a Broiler Breeder Infected with Avian Leucosis Virus Subgroup J.

Avian leucosis virus (ALV) is an oncogenic retrovirus that induces tumours including lymphoid leucosis and myeloid leucosis. Pleomorphic malignant mesothelioma and myelocytoma, which were thought to be induced by ALV subgroup J (ALV-J) infection, were identified in a 432-day-old broiler breeder. The bird showed no clinical signs; however, at necropsy examination there were multiple nodules in the alimentary tract. Microscopical analysis showed that these consisted of pleomorphic cells and myelocyte-like cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the pleomorphic cells were atypical and expressed cytokeratin, vimentin, c-kit, calretinin and ALV. The myelocyte-like cells were also positive for ALV. Retroviral type C particles were observed by electron microscopy. ALV-E and ALV-J nucleotide sequences were detected in DNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded small intestinal tissue. Based on these results, the tumours were diagnosed as pleomorphic malignant mesothelioma and myelocytoma and were thought to have been induced by ALV-J infection. This is the first report of malignant mesothelioma associated with naturally acquired ALV-J infection.

Patellofemoral reconstruction for patellar instability with patella alta in middle-aged patients: Clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Although several surgical treatments for patellar instability with patella alta have been reported, the clinical outcomes and optimal surgical procedures for patellar instability with patella alta in middle-aged patients are still controversial. We hypothesized that optimal surgical procedures for patellar instability with patella alta in middle-aged patients may induce good clinical outcomes with better patellofemoral geometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve middle-aged patients with a mean age of 44 years (range: 40-55 years), who presented with patellar instability and patella alta, were treated with a combination of several surgeries, such as medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, trochleoplasty, lateral release, and three-dimensional transfer of the tibial tuberosity, based on a surgical algorithm. Patellar position and clinical outcomes were evaluated postoperatively. The mean follow-up time was 41.5 months (range: 24-72 months). RESULTS: Patellar position altered from 1.31 (1.21-1.53) preoperatively to 0.88 (0.69-1.06) postoperatively on the Caton-Deschamps Index (p<0.01). The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance altered from 21.8mm (20.1-25.8mm) to 10.3mm (5.1-14.7mm), and patellar tilt ranged from 28.1° (21-40°) to 14.6° (5-28°), respectively (p<0.01). Clinical outcomes on the Lysholm and Kujala scales improved from 43.1 and 38.4 to 86.7 and 78.3, respectively, at final follow-up (p<0.01). Surgical treatment that included trochleoplasty resulted in better outcomes than other surgical combinations without trochleoplasty (p<0.05). Sulcus angle and postoperative patellar tilt improved more in those who underwent trochleoplasty than in those who did not (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Surgical treatment for patellar instability with patella alta in middle-aged patients resulted in improved clinical outcomes. In particular, a combination surgery including trochleoplasty resulted in the greatest improvement in case of severe trochlear dysplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective case series study.

Maximum Occlusal Force and Incident Functional Disability in Older Adults: The Tsurugaya Project.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between maximum occlusal force, which is an objective predictor of masticatory performance, and incident functional disability in an elderly Japanese population. A prospective cohort study was conducted targeting 815 (51.7% female) community-dwelling older adults aged ≥70 y residing in the Tsurugaya district, Sendai, Japan. The outcome measurement was incident functional disability, defined as a first certification of long-term care insurance in Japan, which is determined on the basis of a strictly established, uniform, nationwide standard. During a median follow-up of 7.9 y (interquartile range, 4.8-7.9 y), information on long-term care insurance was obtained from the Sendai Municipal Authority. Bilateral maximum occlusal forces of the participants were measured using a horseshoe-shaped pressure-indicating film, and the participants were categorized into quartiles based on occlusal force. Adjusted hazard ratios for functional disability were estimated with Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, medical history, smoking status, alcohol consumption, duration of education, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, physical functioning, marital status, history of falls, and number of remaining teeth. The multiple-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident functional disability compared to the greatest occlusal force quartile were 1.53 (95% CI, 1.02-2.33), 1.64 (95% CI, 1.06-2.55), and 1.64 (95% CI, 1.01-2.68) for the third, second, and first quartiles, respectively ( P for trend = 0.011). A lower maximum occlusal force was significantly associated with an increased risk of functional disability independently of possible confounders, including the number of remaining teeth. Occlusal force may be a useful indicator of the relationship between oral function and geriatric health. Knowledge Transfer Statement:This prospective cohort study demonstrated that lower maximum occlusal force was associated with an increased risk of functional disability in older adults, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors, including the number of remaining teeth. This strengthens the rationale regarding the association between oral function and geriatric health. Particularly in older adults, occlusal force is reduced by several factors other than tooth loss, such as the absence of a dental prostheses, sarcopenia in the masticatory muscle, poor periodontal condition, and orofacial pain. Our findings suggest that maximum occlusal force may be a useful biomarker associated with diverse parameters aside from the number of remaining teeth.

First Observation of

The most neutron-rich boron isotopes ^{20}B and ^{21}B have been observed for the first time following proton removal from ^{22}N and ^{22}C at energies around 230 MeV/nucleon. Both nuclei were found to exist as resonances which were detected through their decay into ^{19}B and one or two neutrons. Two-proton removal from ^{22}N populated a prominent resonancelike structure in ^{20}B at around 2.5 MeV above the one-neutron decay threshold, which is interpreted as arising from the closely spaced 1^{-},2^{-} ground-state doublet predicted by the shell model. In the case of proton removal from ^{22}C, the ^{19}B plus one- and two-neutron channels were consistent with the population of a resonance in ^{21}B 2.47±0.19 MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold, which is found to exhibit direct two-neutron decay. The ground-state mass excesses determined for ^{20,21}B are found to be in agreement with mass surface extrapolations derived within the latest atomic-mass evaluations.

Association of immunoglobulin G4 and free light chain with idiopathic pleural effusion.

The cause of pleural effusion remains uncertain in approximately 15% of patients despite exhaustive evaluation. As recently described immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory disorder that can affect various organs, including the lungs, we investigate whether idiopathic pleural effusion includes IgG4-associated etiology. Between 2000 and 2012, we collected 830 pleural fluid samples and reviewed 35 patients with pleural effusions undiagnosed after pleural biopsy at Yamaguchi-Ube Medical Center. Importantly, IgG4 immunostaining revealed infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the pleura of 12 patients (34%, IgG4+ group). The median effusion IgG4 level was 41 mg/dl in the IgG4+ group and 27 mg/dl in the IgG4- group (P < 0·01). The light and heavy chains of effusion IgG4 antibodies of patients in the IgG4+ group were heterogeneous by two-dimensional electrophoresis, indicating the absence of clonality of the IgG4 antibodies. Interestingly, the κ light chains were more heterogeneous than the λ light chains. The measurement of the κ and λ free light chain (FLC) levels in the pleural fluids showed significantly different κ FLC levels (median: 28·0 versus 9·1 mg/dl, P < 0·01) and κ/λ ratios (median: 2·0 versus 1·2, P < 0·001) between the IgG4+ and IgG4- groups. Furthermore, the κ/λ ratios were correlated with the IgG4+ /IgG+ plasma cell ratios in the pleura of the IgG4+ group. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of IgG4 in certain idiopathic pleural effusions and provide insights into the diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities of IgG4-associated pleural effusion.