Elastic and magnetoelastic properties of TbMnO3single crystal by nanosecond time resolved acoustics and first-principles calculations.

Time resolved pump and probe acoustics and first-principles calculations were employed to assess elastic properties of the TbMnO3perovskite manganite having orthorhombic symmetry. Measuring sound velocities of bulk longitudinal and shear acoustic waves propagating along at least two different directions in the high symmetry planes (100), (010) and (001), provided a powerful mean to selectively determine the six diagonal elastic constantsC11= 227 GPa,C22= 349 GPa,C33= 274 GPa,C44= 71 GPa,C55= 57 GPa,C66= 62 GPa. Among the three remaining off-diagonal ones,C23= 103 GPa was determined with a bissectrice direction. Density functional theory calculations with colinear spin-polarized provided complementary insights on their optical, elastic and magnetoelastic properties.

Effect of insulation with bubble wrap and an absorbent pad on heat loss in anaesthetised cats.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of insulating the limbs and thorax of cats with a combination of bubble wrap and an absorbent, plastic-lined pad in reducing heat loss during ovariohysterectomy. Methods: A preliminary study was performed to compare heat loss of 1 L bags of Hartmann's solution heated to 38°C which were either wrapped in two layers of bubble wrap and an absorbent pad (n = 6) or were unwrapped (n = 6). Bags were allowed to cool in a temperature-controlled room and the temperature of the bags was measured every 10 minutes for 60 minutes. The clinical study, included 16 intact female cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. The cats were premedicated with I/M morphine and either medetomidine or dexmedetomidine, and anaesthesia was induced with I/V propofol and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Cats were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n = 8) whose limbs and thorax wrapped with two layers of bubble wrap and an absorbent pad immediately after induction, or the control group (n = 8) which were unwrapped. Body temperature (measured with an oesophageal temperature probe), heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure and partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 were recorded immediately after induction (T start), before surgery started (T surgery), and at the end of isoflurane administration (T end). The times from T end to extubation, from T end to when the cat could maintain sternal recumbency and from T end to when the cat was able to stand, were also recorded. Results: In the preliminary study of heat loss by fluid bags, the mean temperature at 60 minutes was higher in wrapped bags (35.4 (SD 0.2)°C) compared to unwrapped bags (33.0 (SD 0.3)°C; p < 0.01). For cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, mean body temperature of wrapped cats was higher than that of unwrapped cats both at T surgery (36.0 (SE 0.3) vs. 34.5 (SE 0.3)°C; p = 0.001) and at T end (37.2 (SE 0.5) vs. 36.0 (SE 0.5)°C; p = 0.01). Wrapped cats regained the ability to stand more rapidly that unwrapped cats (26.4 (SE 5.8) vs. 47.0 (SE 5.8) minutes p = 0.01). Conclusions: Wrapping the limbs and thorax of cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy in a combination of bubble wrap and absorbent pads reduced heat loss, which in turn improved recovery time from general anaesthesia. Clinical relevance: This inexpensive and practical method may reduce perioperative hypothermia, in cats undergoing abdominal surgery.

Associations between capsular serotype, multilocus sequence type, and macrolide resistance in Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from Japanese infants with invasive infections.

SUMMARY Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus; GBS) isolates (n = 150) from infants with invasive infections between 2006 and 2011 were analysed for capsular serotype, multilocus sequence type, and antibiotic susceptibility. In cases with late-onset disease (n = 115), primary meningitis was predominant (62.6%), but represented only 39.1% in cases with early-onset disease (n = 23). The most common serotype was III (58.7%), followed by Ia (21.3%) and Ib (12.7%). Sequence types (STs) of serotype III strains included ST17 (50.0%), ST19 (26.1%), ST335 (18.2%), ST27 (4.5%), and ST1 (1.1%). Predominant STs of serotypes Ia and Ib were ST23 (81.3%) and ST10 (84.2%), respectively. No penicillin-resistant strains were detected, but 22·0% of strains had mef(A/E), erm(A), or erm(B) genes, which mediate macrolide resistance. A new ST335, possessing an mef(A/E) gene belonging to clonal complex 19 gradually increased in frequency. Improved prevention of invasive GBS infections in infants requires timely identification, and ultimately vaccine development.

Hemodynamic stabilizing effects of L-carnitine in chronic hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The effects of L-carnitine on the hemodynamic state of chronic hemodialysis patients have been debated. In order to clarify the effect of administered L-carnitine on cardiac function and hypotensive episodes during the hemodialysis procedure, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed for 3 months. METHODS AND RESULTS: TWENTY STABLE OUTPATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: controls (placebo) and treated patients (L-carnitine 900 mg p.o. daily). After 3 months, cardiac function was reevaluated by echocardiography, and hypotensive episodes during hemodialysis were assessed. Free and acyl carnitine levels increased significantly from 22.3 ± 7.1 to 140.3 ± 57.5 µmol/l and from 15.8 ± 2.8 to 94.8 ± 50.4 µmol/l, respectively, in the treated group. The ejection fraction significantly increased from 61.8 ± 16.0 to 64.4 ± 13.8% (p < 0.05) in the treated group. However, there was no difference in other echocardiographic parameters between the two groups. Hypotensive episodes significantly decreased from 4.0 ± 1.7 to 1.3 ± 0.9 times per month (p < 0.05), although patients' body weight did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Beneficial effects of L-carnitine on the hemodynamic state of chronic hemodialysis patients were observed. L-Carnitine supplementation might be considered especially for chronic hemodialysis patients with unstable hemodynamic conditions.

Mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with long-term oral intake of geniposide, an ingredient of herbal medicine.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare disease, characterised by thickening of the wall of the right hemicolon with calcification of mesenteric veins. However, the aetiology remains unknown. AIM: To investigate the possible association of herbal medicines with IMP. METHOD: The clinical data of four of our own patients were collected. Furthermore, we searched for previous reports about similar patients with detailed descriptions of herbal prescriptions that they had taken. We compared herbal ingredients to identify the toxic agent as a possible aetiological factor. RESULTS: Clinical data on a total of 25 patients were summarised. Mean age was 61.8 years and there was female predominance (6 men and 19 women). The used Kampo prescription, the number of cases, and the mean duration of use were as follows: kamisyoyosan in 12 cases for 12.8 years, inshin-iseihaito in 5 cases for 13.4 years, orengedokuto in 4 cases for 14.3 years, inchinkoto in 1 case for 20 years, kamikihitou in 1 case for 19 years, seijobofuto in 1 case for 10 years and gorinsan in 1 case for an unknown duration. Only one ingredient, sansisi, was common to the herbal medicines of all 25 patients. This crude drug called geniposide in English is a major constituent of the Gardenia fruits. CONCLUSION: The long-term use of geniposide in herbal medicines appears to be associated with mesenteric phlebosclerosis.

Effectiveness of the analysis of craniofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway morphology in the treatment of children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In general, no consensus has been reached regarding the diagnostic criteria for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in children and the criteria for selecting treatment are inconsistent. Therefore, the craniofacial and pharyngeal airway morphology of OSAS in children who had undergone drug therapy (non-op group) and OSAS in children who had undergone both drug therapy and surgical therapy (adenotonsillectomy) (op group) were compared. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of craniofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway morphology analysis in the treatment of children with OSAS. METHODS: The craniofacial and pharyngeal airway morphology of the control group, the non-op group and the op group were compared to examine the differences of each group. The comparison used Mann-Whitney's U test. RESULTS: A comparison between the non-op and the op groups showed significant differences in the facial axis, mandibular plane angle, ramus plane to the SN (porion and orbit) point, point Pog (pogonion) to the McNamara line, anteroposterior dysplasia indicator (APDI), D-AD1 [the distance between the posterior nasal spine (PNS) point and the nearest adenoid tissue, measured along the PNS-Ba (basion) point plane], D-AD2 (the distance between the PNS point and the nearest adenoid tissue, measured along a line from the PNS point perpendicular to the S (sella turcica)-Ba point plane), upper pharynx and soft palatal length. The op group showed significantly lower values of APDI than the non-op group, indicating that the op group showed a significant occlusion of class II, and that the mandibular bone was positioned posteriorly relative to the maxillary bone. CONCLUSIONS: The op group showed a significant posterior position and backward rotation of the mandibular bone, stenosis of the nasopharyngeal airway and an elongated soft palate compared with the non-op group, and it was speculated that there was a high probability of the necessity of surgical therapy (adenotonsillectomy) when a morphological factor played a major role as a cause of obstructive sleep apnoea. We recommend craniofacial morphology analysis and pharyngeal airway morphology analysis in the diagnosis and treatment planning of OSAS children.

Predominant Dissemination of PVL-Negative CC89 MRSA with SCCmec Type II in Children with Impetigo in Japan.

Background. The ratio of CA-MRSA in children with impetigo has been increasing in Japan. Methods. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of 136 S. aureus isolates from children with impetigo were studied. Furthermore, molecular epidemiological analysis and virulence gene analysis were performed. Results. Of the 136 S. aureus isolates, 122 (89.7%) were MSSA and 14 (10.3%) were MRSA. Of the 14 MRSA strains, 11 belonged to CC89 (ST89, ST91, and ST2117) and carried diverse types of SCCmec: type II (IIb: 3 strains; unknown subtype: 4 strains), type IVa (2 strains), and unknown type (2 strains). The remaining three strains exhibited CC8 (ST-8)-SCCmec type VIa, CC121 (ST121)-SCCmec type V, and CC5 (ST5)-nontypeable SCCmec element, respectively. None were lukS-PV-lukF-PV gene positive. Gentamicin- and clarithromycin-resistant strains were frequently found in both MRSA and MSSA. Conclusions. PVL-negative CC89-SCCmec type II strains are the most predominant strains among the CA-MRSA strains circulating in the community in Japan.

Magnetic field induced dehybridization of the electromagnons in multiferroic TbMnO3.

We have studied the impact of the magnetic field on the electromagnon excitations in TbMnO3 crystal. Applying a magnetic field along the c axis, we show that the electromagnons transform into pure antiferromagnetic modes, losing their polar character. Entering in the paraelectric phase, we are able to track the spectral weight transfer from the electromagnons to the magnon excitations and we discuss the magnetic excitations underlying the electromagnons. We also point out the phonons involved in the phase transition process. This reveals that the Mn-O distance plays a key role in understanding the ferroelectricity and the polar character of the electromagnons. Magnetic field measurements along the b axis allow us to detect a new electromagnon resonance in agreement with a Heisenberg model.

A nationwide survey for prevalence of hepatitis E virus antibody in qualified blood donors in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In previous studies, we reported the transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) by transfusion, and the frequent detection of HEV markers in Japanese blood donors with elevated ALT levels. For the current study, we carried out a nationwide survey of the prevalence of IgG anti-HEV in qualified blood donors throughout Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 12,600 samples from qualified blood donors were collected from seven blood centres (1800 per centre) representing nearly all regions of Japan. Samples were from age- and sex-matched blood donors who tested negative for all the current blood screening tests. The samples were screened using the in-house IgG anti-HEV ELISA. Sequentially, the positive samples were tested by the commercial IgG anti-HEV ELISA. RESULTS: Of 12,600 samples, 431 (3·4%) were regarded as positive for IgG anti-HEV. The prevalence of IgG anti-HEV was higher in eastern Japan (5·6%) than in western Japan (1·8%) (P<0·001), and was also age-dependent and higher in men (3·9%) than in women (2·9%) (P=0·002). CONCLUSION: The spread of the domestic infection of HEV was observed in qualified blood donors in Japan. A higher prevalence of IgG anti-HEV was observed in male donors, older donors and in donors residing in eastern Japan. Further studies are necessary to clarify the potential risk of transfusion-transmission of HEV in Japan.

Functional and histological properties of caudal intraparietal area of macaque monkey.

In our previous studies, we found that cells in the caudal intraparietal (CIP) area of the macaque monkey selectively responded to three-dimensional (3D) features, such as the axis and surface orientations, and we suggested that this area played a crucial role in 3D vision. In this study, we investigated (1) whether cells in CIP respond to other 3D features, such as curvature, and (2) whether CIP has any histological property to distinguish it from neighboring areas. Curvatures defined by a random-dot stereogram were presented on a display while the monkey performed a fixation task. The shape and amount of curvature were manipulated by two independent variables, shape index and curvedness, respectively. Two-way ANOVA showed that 19 out of 56 visually responsive cells (34.0%) showed the main effect of shape index. We tentatively designated these cells as 3D curvature-selective (3DCS). Of these, six 3DCS cells showed the main effects of shape index and curvedness, whereas 13 showed the main effect of shape index only. In both types of 3DCS cells, preferred shape indices calculated from tuning curves at two levels of curvedness matched well. These results indicate that the majority of 3DCS cells responded equally to a particular shape of curvatures with different curvedness levels. An immunohistochemical study showed that the recording sites of 3DCS cells were in a cortical region characterized by a dense SMI-32 immunoreactivity in the caudal portion of the lateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS), which suggests that this region is comparable to the lateral occipital parietal (LOP) designated in the caudal IPS previously. Further investigations showed that this region was separated from LIPv, the ventral subdivision of lateral intraparietal (LIP) located rostral to CIP/LOP. These results suggest that CIP is a cortical area distinct from LIP histologically as well as functionally.

Clinical outcome and prognostic factors in borderline tumors of the ovary. Results from 17 years' experience in the Kinki District of Japan (1990-2006).

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The clinical characteristics and long-term prognostic factors of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) were evaluated. METHODS: Data from patients who were treated for BOTs in the Kinki District of Japan from 1990 to 2006 were revieved. Two hundred and twenty-two cases were retrospectively investigated for stage, surgical procedure, histopathological features, adjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis. RESULTS: FIGO stages included 212 patients with Stage I disease, three with Stage II and seven with Stage III. One hundred and sixty-nine cases were diagnosed as mucinous tumor, 47 were serous, and six were others. Radical surgery was performed in 136 patients and conservative surgery in 86 patients. Only two patients showed invasive peritoneal implants. Forty patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The survival rate was 95% at ten-years. Statistical analysis showed that earlier stage, absence of residual tumors, peritoneal implants, ovarian stromal involvement, and negative peritoneal cytology were associated with significantly better overall survival. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of patients with BOT is excellent. There are insufficient data to support a role for aggressive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for the possibility of prolonged survival.

Interaction between desialylated hepatitis B virus and asialoglycoprotein receptor on hepatocytes may be indispensable for viral binding and entry.

The cellular receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has not yet been identified. The purpose of this study was to address the possibility of participation by desialylated HBV and the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) exclusively expressed on liver parenchymal cells, in infection. Assays for viral binding and entry were performed by culturing a hepatoblastoma cell line, HepG2, and HBV particles derived from the HBV carrier in the presence or absence of neuraminidase (NA). Viral binding and entry were clearly enhanced in the presence of NA, and the enhancement of the binding could be blocked by asialo-fetuin and ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). In addition, covalently closed circular (CCC)-DNA, as a marker of infectivity, was detected in the presence of NA, but not in its absence. The optimal concentration of NA raised infectivity more than 1000 times. We concluded that this method makes it feasible to evaluate the infectivity of HBV in vitro and that ASGP-R may be a specific HBV receptor once viral particles are desialylated.

Vertical-cavity organic lasers with distributed-feedback structures based on active Bragg reflectors.

Optically pumped organic thin-film lasers were fabricated by stacking top and bottom Bragg reflectors with an inner-cavity active layer between the reflectors. We observed single-longitudinal-mode laser operation at 555 nm by doping pyrromethene-567 dye into all the stacked layers. The threshold of the laser was 30% less than that of a laser operated with nondoped Bragg reflectors, which was in good agreement with calculations.

Prevention of the rehaemorrhage of bleeding peptic ulcers: effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication and acid suppression.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the consequences of Helicobacter pylori eradication and acid suppression on rehaemorrhage caused by bleeding peptic ulcers. METHODS: A total of 320 patients who had been diagnosed with bleeding peptic ulcers between January 1994 and December 2001 were included in the study. Cases between 1994 and 1997, prior to the introduction of eradication therapy, were assigned to group A, whereas those between 1998 and 2001, after the eradication therapy, were assigned to group B. RESULTS: Of the 320 cases, 162 were designated as group A (113 gastric ulcers and 49 duodenal ulcers) and 158 as group B (116 and 42, respectively). Rehaemorrhage occurred in 24 cases (15%) and five cases (3%) in groups A and B, respectively, presenting a significantly decreased rate of rehaemorrhage in group B. Among those without eradication, rehaemorrhage was observed in 15 of 128 cases (12%) that received treatment with histamine(2)-receptor antagonist (famotidine), and 14 of 142 cases (10%) treated with proton-pump inhibitors, with no significant difference between the two. CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori eradication lowered the rates of rehaemorrhage. Treatment with histamine(2)-receptor antagonist or proton-pump inhibitors did not produce a difference in the rate of rehaemorrhage.

Effects of antioxidative agents on apoptosis induced by ischaemia-reperfusion in rat intestinal mucosa.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We have previously demonstrated that ischaemia-reperfusion induces apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate that reactive oxygen species enhanced intestinal apoptosis after ischaemia-reperfusion, we examined whether antioxidants reduced apoptosis. METHODS: Rats were infused through a duodenal tube with antioxidative agents, glutathione, rebamipide and dymethylsulfoxide during 2 h before an ischaemic insult. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion. Apoptosis was evaluated by percentage fragmented DNA (fragmented DNA/total DNA) and immunochemical staining. RESULTS: Increase in apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa after ischaemia-reperfusion was attenuated by intraduodenal infusion of antioxidative agents, but was not completely abolished. CONCLUSION: Scavenging effects of the antioxidative agents attenuated increases in intestinal apoptosis, indicating that oxidative stress after ischaemia-reperfusion plays an important role in induction of apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa.

Laparoscope-assisted distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in a 76-year-old man with situs inversus totalis.

We report a case of a 76-year-old man with situs inversus totalis (SIT) who developed early gastric cancer. He was successfully treated by laparoscope-assisted distal gastrectomy for the gastric cancer. This case suggests that patients with SIT with malignancy could also undergo laparoscopic surgery. To the best of our knowledge, no case of laparoscopic surgery for malignant neoplasms associated with SIT has been reported in the English literature. We therefore believe this is the first case report.

Craniofacial morphology in preschool children with sleep-related breathing disorder and hypertrophy of tonsils.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to examine craniofacial morphology, pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position in preschool children with sleep-related breathing disorder associated with hypertrophy of tonsils (SBDT). Thirty-eight preschool children, mean age 4.7 y, with SBDT and with an apnoea index (AI) of 0 < AI < 5, were divided into two groups. One consisted of 15 children with sleep-related breathing disorder (SBD) and more than 75% of the tonsils visible (GIII) and the other of 23 children with SBD and 25-75% of the tonsils visible (GII). The control group consisted of 31 children without ear, nose and throat disease and with GI (barely visible) tonsils. Compared with the controls, GIII children had a retrognathic mandible, a large posterior facial height, a large interincisal angle with retroclined lower incisors, a narrow pharyngeal airway space, an anterior tongue base position and a long soft palate. Compared with the controls, GII children had a large anterior lower facial height and a short nasal floor. However, like the controls, GII children did not have a retrognathic mandible. CONCLUSION: The findings show that children with SBDT display a characteristic facial appearance at an early age. Since the condition has an effect on growth, it needs to be prevented by controlling morphology and function at the preschool age.