Designing the ammonium cation to achieve a higher hydrophilicity of bistriflimide-based ionic liquids

Development of water soluble bistriflimide-based ionic liquids and molecular dynamics simulations to unveil the underlying molecular details.

Enhanced dissolution of ibuprofen using ionic liquids as catanionic hydrotropes

Ionic liquids as powerful hydrotropes for ibuprofen, where both cation and anion may contribute to the hydrotropic mechanism in a synergistic manner.

A Case of Successful Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation Using the Injured Pancreas Graft

OBJECTIVE

Graft injuries sometimes occur and may cause complications such as the leakage of pancreatic secretions, which is often lethal. We report our experience of a case of successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation using injured pancreas graft.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The recipient was a 57-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and the donor was a 30-year-old man with a brain injury. In the donation, the pancreas parenchyma, splenic artery, and gastroduodenal artery were injured iatrogenically. We therefore reconstructed these arteries using vessel grafts and then performed simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

RESULTS

Five days after transplantation, we noted a high titer of amylase in the ascites; therefore, we performed an urgent laparotomy. The origin of the amylase was the injured pancreatic parenchyma, and continued washing and drainage were carried out. We reconstructed the duodenojejunostomy using the Roux-en-Y technique to separate the passage of food from the pancreas graft to prevent injury to other organs due to exposure to pancreatic secretions. Thereafter, we inserted a decompression tube into the anastomosis thorough the blind end of the jejunum. Finally, we inserted 3 drainage tubes for lavage. Following this procedure, the patient recovered gradually and no longer required hemodialysis and insulin therapy. She was discharged from our hospital 56 days after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

The restoration of the injured graft was possible by management of pancreatic secretions and use of the donor's vessel grafts. Shortage of donors is a problem throughout the world; thus, it is important to use injured grafts for transplantation if possible.

Role of Neuron-Glial Interaction Mediated by IL-1β in Ectopic Tooth Pain

Although many reports have demonstrated that ectopic pain develops in the orofacial region following tooth pulp inflammation, which often causes misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment for patients with pulpitis, the precise mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, we hypothesized that the functional interaction between satellite glial cells and neurons mediated by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) is involved in ectopic orofacial pain associated with tooth pulp inflammation. The digastric muscle electromyogram (D-EMG) activity elicited by capsaicin administration into the maxillary second molar tooth pulp was analyzed to evaluate the noxious reflex and was significantly increased in rats with inflammation of the maxillary first molar (M1) versus rats injected with saline. A significant increase in the expression of connexin43 (Cx43), a gap junction containing protein, was observed in activated satellite glial cells surrounding second molar-innervating neurons in the TG after M1 pulpitis. Daily administration of Gap26, a Cx43 mimetic peptide and inhibitor, in the TG significantly suppressed the enhancement of capsaicin-induced D-EMG activity and the percentage of Fluoro-Gold (FG)-labeled cells encircled by glial fibrillary acid protein-immunoreactive (IR) + Cx43-IR cells after M1 pulp inflammation ( P < 0.01). The percentage of FG-labeled cells encircled by glial fibrillary acid protein-IR + IL-1β-IR cells, IL-1 type I receptor-IR cells labeled with FG, and TRPV1-IR cells labeled with FG significantly increased after M1 pulp inflammation ( P < 0.01). Daily administration of IL-1ra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, into the TG significantly reduced the enhancement of capsaicin-induced D-EMG activity and the percentage of TRPV1-IR neurons labeled with FG after M1 pulp inflammation ( P < 0.01). The present findings suggest that satellite glial cell is activated in the TG via activated gap junctions composed of Cx43 following tooth pulp inflammation, which leads to the hyperactivation of remote neurons via IL-1β mechanisms and results in ectopic tooth pulp pain in the adjacent tooth.

Theoretical study on the need for laser iridotomy in an implantable collamer lens with a hole using computational fluid dynamics

PurposeAlthough one of the advantages of the Hole-ICL implantation is that laser iridotomy (LI) is unnecessary, the evidence have not been reported from the viewpoint of aqueous humor circulation. We investigated the effect of laser iridotomy (LI) on the fluid dynamics of aqueous humor in an implantable collamer lens (ICL) with a central hole, that is, a Hole-ICL using computational fluid dynamics.MethodsA fluid dynamics simulation was performed using the thermal-hydraulic analysis software FloEFD (Mentor Graphics Corp.). For the simulation, three-dimensional eye models with a conventional ICL (Model ICM, STAAR SURGICAL) and a Hole-ICL were used. The LI diameters were 250 and 500 μm. The flow distribution between the anterior surface of the crystalline lens and the posterior surface of the ICL was also calculated.ResultsThe flow velocity 0.25 mm in front of the center of the crystalline lens in the Hole-ICL without LI, with LI of 250 μm, and with LI of 500 μm was 1.48 × 10^-1, 1.20 × 10^-1, and 4.52 × 10^-2 mm/s, respectively. The flow velocity in the conventional ICL without LI, with LI of 250 μm, and with LI of 500 μm was 1.21 × 10^-5, 3.60 × 10^-4, and 6.33 × 10^-4 mm/s, respectively.ConclusionsThese results suggest that there is less need for LI in a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens with a central hole from the viewpoint of aqueous humor circulation, although the results can be considered only in an ideal condition and further studies are needed to clarify the effect of LI in clinical practice.

High efficiency penetration of antibody-immobilized nanoneedle thorough plasma membrane for in situ detection of cytoskeletal proteins in living cells

Background

The field of structural dynamics of cytoskeletons in living cells is gathering wide interest, since better understanding of cytoskeleton intracellular organization will provide us with not only insights into basic cell biology but may also enable development of new strategies in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy, fields in which cytoskeleton-dependent dynamics play a pivotal role. The nanoneedle technology is a powerful tool allowing for intracellular investigations, as it can be directly inserted into live cells by penetrating through the plasma membrane causing minimal damage to cells, under the precise manipulation using atomic force microscope. Modifications of the nanoneedles using antibodies have allowed for accurate mechanical detection of various cytoskeletal components, including actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments. However, successful penetration of the nanoneedle through the plasma membrane has been shown to vary greatly between different cell types and conditions. In an effort to overcome this problem and improve the success rate of nanoneedle insertion into the live cells, we have focused here on the fluidity of the membrane lipid bilayer, which may hinder nanoneedle penetration into the cytosolic environment.

Results

We aimed to reduce apparent fluidity of the membrane by either increasing the approach velocity or reducing experimental temperatures. Although changes in approach velocity did not have much effect, lowering the temperature was found to greatly improve the detection of unbinding forces, suggesting that alteration in the plasma membrane fluidity led to increase in nanoneedle penetration.

Conclusions

Operation at a lower temperature of 4 °C greatly improved the success rate of nanoneedle insertion to live cells at an optimized approach velocity, while it did not affect the binding of antibodies immobilized on the nanoneedle to vimentins for mechanical detection. As these experimental parameters can be applied to various cell types, these results may improve the versatility of the nanoneedle technology to other cell lines and platforms.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-016-0226-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The longitudinal mental health impact of Fukushima nuclear disaster exposures and public criticism among power plant workers: the Fukushima NEWS Project study

BACKGROUND

The Fukushima Daiichi and Daini Nuclear Power Plant workers experienced multiple stressors as both victims and onsite workers after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear accidents. Previous studies found that disaster-related exposures, including discrimination/slurs, were associated with their mental health. Their long-term impact has yet to be investigated.

METHOD

A total of 968 plant workers (Daiichi, n = 571; Daini, n = 397) completed self-written questionnaires 2-3 months (time 1) and 14-15 months (time 2) after the disaster (response rate 55.0%). Sociodemographics, disaster-related experiences, and peritraumatic distress were assessed at time 1. At time 1 and time 2, general psychological distress (GPD) and post-traumatic stress response (PTSR) were measured, respectively, using the K6 scale and Impact of Event Scale Revised. We examined multivariate covariates of time 2 GPD and PTSR, adjusting for autocorrelations in the hierarchical multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

Higher GPD at time 2 was predicted by higher GPD at time 1 (β = 0.491, p < 0.001) and discrimination/slurs experiences at time 1 (β = 0.065, p = 0.025, adjusted R 2 = 0.24). Higher PTSR at time 2 was predicted with higher PTSR at time 1 (β = 0.548, p < 0.001), higher age (β = 0.085, p = 0.005), and discrimination/slurs experiences at time 1 (β = 0.079, p = 0.003, adjusted R 2 = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher GPD at time 2 was predicted by higher GPD and discrimination/slurs experience at time 1. Higher PTSR at time 2 was predicted by higher PTSR, higher age, and discrimination/slurs experience at time 1.

Measurement of neutral gas pressure in the D-module of GAMMA 10/PDX by using ASDEX type fast ionization gauge

In the divertor simulation experiments in the GAMMA 10/PDX tandem mirror, pressure of the neutral gas was investigated by using a fast ionization gauge. The gauge was absolutely calibrated for hydrogen gas by using a capacitance manometer. Change of the gauge sensitivity due to the magnetic field of GAMMA 10/PDX was also evaluated. The typical gas pressure measured in detached plasma experiments was 0.1-10 Pa. The degree of plasma detachment determined from the reduction of heat flux was enhanced as the gas pressure increases. Rapid increase of the gas pressure under the plasma flow was also observed.

Electromagnetic Fields Inhibit Endothelin-1 Production Stimulated by Thrombin in Endothelial Cells

Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation has been found to induce arteriolar dilatation, but the mechanism of action remains largely unknown. This study investigated the effect of EMF radiation on the production of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, by cultured endothelial cells. EMF radiation reduced ET-1 basal levels in human umbilical vein and microvascular endothelial cells, but failed to reduce ET-1 basal levels in bovine and human aortic endothelial cells. EMF radiation significantly inhibited thrombin-stimulated ET-1 production in all four endothelial cell types in a dose-dependent manner. EMF radiation significantly inhibited thrombin-induced endothelin-1 mRNA expression in all four cell types. The inhibitory effect of EMF radiation on ET-1 production was abolished by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (10−3 mol/l). These results demonstrate that EMF radiation modulates ET-1 production in cultured vascular endothelial cells and the inhibitory effect of EMF radiation is, at least partly, mediated through a nitric oxide-related pathway.

Angiographic A-V Shunt during Interventional Thrombolysis for Acute Cerebral Embolism

In order to predict the post-therapeutic hemorrhagic complication of interventional thrombolysis, we retrospectively examined angiographic findings and other factors in 44 patients with acute cerebral embolism. All patients were super selectively catheterized within 5 hours of onset and received a fixed regimen of urokinase or t-PA, unless recanalization was achieved or deterioration was apparent before total infusion. Immediate post-therapeutic CT scan revealed hematoma within the basal ganglia in 10 patients (group 1) and no hemorrhage in the remaining 34 (group 2). A series of angiograms during the therapy showed A-V shunt from lenticulostriate arteries to thalamostriate vein in 7 of 10 cases in group 1; no case in group 2 was accompanied by such abnormal shunt.

Prognosis after the therapy was worse in group 1 than in group 2. No other factors, such as therapeutic timing after the disease onset or total doses of urokinase or t-PA infused, differed between the two groups. These findings indicate that angiographic A-V shunt during therapy is a predictive sign of a high incidence of hemorrhagic complication.

We recommend performing several angiographic controls during therapy and when A-V shunt is detected, the therapy should be discontinued to prevent hemorrhage which leads to a poor prognosis.

Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota prevents the onset of physical symptoms in medical students under academic examination stress

This pilot study investigated the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on psychological, physiological, and physical stress responses in medical students undertaking an authorised nationwide examination for promotion. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 24 and 23 healthy medical students consumed a fermented milk containing LcS and a placebo milk, respectively, once a day for 8 weeks until the day before the examination. Psychophysical state, salivary cortisol, faecal serotonin, and plasma L-tryptophan were analysed on 5 different sampling days (8 weeks before, 2 weeks before, 1 day before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the examination). Physical symptoms were also recorded in a diary by subjects during the intervention period for 8 weeks. In association with a significant elevation of anxiety at 1 day before the examination, salivary cortisol and plasma L-tryptophan levels were significantly increased in only the placebo group (P<0.05). Two weeks after the examination, the LcS group had significantly higher faecal serotonin levels (P<0.05) than the placebo group. Moreover, the rate of subjects experiencing common abdominal and cold symptoms and total number of days experiencing these physical symptoms per subject were significantly lower in the LcS group than in the placebo group during the pre-examination period at 5-6 weeks (each P<0.05) and 7-8 weeks (each P<0.01) during the intervention period. Our results suggest that the daily consumption of fermented milk containing LcS may exert beneficial effects preventing the onset of physical symptoms in healthy subjects exposed to stressful situations.

Exploring the mineral-water interface: reduction and reaction kinetics of single hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles

Here we show that particle impact chronoamperometry allows the quantitative electrochemical characterization of individual mineral nanoparticles with adequate proton concentrations. Through this approach, we extract the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reductive dissolution of single hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles.

In spite of their natural and technological importance, the intrinsic electrochemical properties of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles are not well understood. In particular, particle agglomeration, the presence of surface impurities, and/or inadequate proton concentrations are major obstacles to uncover the fundamental redox activities of minerals in solution. These are particularly problematic when samples are characterized in common electrochemical analyses such as cyclic voltammetry in which nanoparticles are immobilized on a stationary electrode. In this work, the intrinsic reaction kinetics and thermodynamics of individual hematite nanoparticles are investigated by particle impact chronoamperometry. The particle radius derived from the integrated area of spikes recorded in a chronoamperogram is in excellent agreement with electron microscopy results, indicating that the method provides a quantitative analysis of the reduction of the nanoparticles to the ferrous ion. A key finding is that the suspended individual nanoparticles undergo electrochemical reduction at potentials much more positive than those immobilized on a stationary electrode. The critical importance of the solid/water interface on nanoparticle activity is further illustrated by a kinetic model. It is found that the first electron transfer process is the rate determining step of the reductive dissolution of hematite nanoparticles, while the overall process is strongly affected by the interfacial proton concentration. This article highlights the effects of the interfacial proton and ferrous ion concentrations on the reductive dissolution of hematite nanoparticles and provides a highly effective method that can be readily applied to study a wide range of other mineral nanoparticles.

Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Paraclinoid Aneurysms: Single-Center Experience with 400 Cases and Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Paraclinoid aneurysms have been increasingly treated endovascularly. The natural history of these aneurysms has gradually been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for these aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 377 patients with 400 paraclinoid aneurysms treated between January 2006 and December 2012. Their clinical records, endovascular reports, and radiologic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Because aneurysms ≥7 mm are at higher risk of rupture, we classified aneurysms as small (<7 mm) or large (≥7 mm).

RESULTS

Overall, 115 of the 400 aneurysms (28.8%) were large (≥7 mm). Thromboembolic complications were found significantly more often with large aneurysms than with small ones (7.4% vs 1.0%, P = .001). Hemorrhagic complications were found only with small aneurysms (0.7%). The 6-month morbidity rates were similar for small (1.0%) and large (0.8%) aneurysms. Immediate angiographic outcomes were similar (P = .37), whereas recurrences and retreatment occurred more frequently with large aneurysms (P = .001 and P = .007, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that aneurysm size was the only independent predictor for recurrence (P = .005). Most recurrences (81%) were detected by scheduled angiography at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Aneurysm size influenced the type of complication (thromboembolic or hemorrhagic) and the recurrence rate. Given the approximately 1% annual rupture rate for aneurysms ≥7 mm, analysis of our data supports the rationale of using prophylactic endovascular treatment for unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms ≥7 mm.

Viscosity minima in binary mixtures of ionic liquids + molecular solvents

The viscosity (η) of four binary mixtures (ionic liquids plus molecular solvents, ILs+MSs) was measured in the 283.15 < T/K < 363.15 temperature range. Different IL/MS combinations were selected in such a way that the corresponding η(T) functions exhibit crossover temperatures at which both pure components present identical viscosity values. Consequently, most of the obtained mixture isotherms, η(x), exhibit clear viscosity minima in the studied T-x range. The results are interpreted using auxiliary molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data in order to correlate the observed η(T,x) trends with the interactions in each mixture, including the balance between electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding.

P-ρ-T measurements of H2O up to 260 GPa under laser-driven shock loading

Pressure, density, and temperature data for H2O were obtained up to 260 GPa by using laser-driven shock compression technique. The shock compression technique combined with the diamond anvil cell was used to assess the equation of state models for the P-ρ-T conditions for both the principal Hugoniot and the off-Hugoniot states. The contrast between the models allowed for a clear assessment of the equation of state models. Our P-ρ-T data totally agree with those of the model based on quantum molecular dynamics calculations. These facts indicate that this model is adopted as the standard for modeling interior structures of Neptune, Uranus, and exoplanets in the liquid phase in the multi-Mbar range.

Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Molecular Diagnosis of Choroideremia

We screened patients with choroideremia using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and identified a novel mutation and a known mutation in the CHM gene. One patient presented an atypical fundus appearance for choroideremia. Another patient presented macular hole retinal detachment in the left eye. The present case series shows the utility of NGS-based screening in patients with choroideremia. In addition, the presence of macular hole in 1 of the 2 patients, together with a previous report, indicated the susceptibility of patients with choroideremia to macular hole.

Electrolyte ion adsorption and charge blocking effect at the hematite/aqueous solution interface: an electrochemical impedance study using multivariate data analysis

A model-free multivariate analysis using singular value decomposition is employed to refine an equivalent electrical circuit model in order to probe the electrochemical properties of the hematite/water interface in dilute NaCl and NH4Cl solutions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The result shows that the surface protonation is directly related to the mobility and trapping of charge carriers at the mineral surface. Moreover, the point of zero charge can be found at pH where the charge transfer resistance is the highest, in addition to the minimum double layer capacitance. The inner-sphere interaction of the NH4(+) ion with the surface is indicated by an increase of capacitance for charge carrier trapping from the protonated surface as well as lower double layer capacitance and open circuit potential. It is clear that the intrinsic electrochemical activity of hematite depends on the degree of surface (de)protonation and other inner-sphere adsorption, as these processes affect the charge carrier density in the surface state. This work also highlights an important synergistic effect of the two spectral analyses that enables EIS to be utilized in an in-depth investigation of mineral/water interfaces.

Application of vasopressin radioimmunoassay to clinical study: role of vasopressin in hypo- and hypernatremia and some other disorders of water metabolism

Plasma and urinary arginine vasopressin (AVP) in normal subjects and in patients with various water metabolism disorders was measured using a sensitive, specific radioimmunoassay. The AVP plasma levels in normal subjects were 3.1 +/- 1.2 pg/ml. The parallel changes in plasma osmolality, plasma AVP concentration, and urinary osmolality were observed after water load. In patients with various kinds of hyponatremia and impaired water excretion, plasma AVP concentrations were within or over normal levels, suggesting that persistent secretion of AVP may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hyponatremia. Variable levels of plasma AVP were observed in patients with essential hypernatremia, which in turn suggested that osmoreceptors may be selectively damaged in some patients, and that ADH-secreting neurons are also involved in others. Our radioimmunoassay facility made it possible for us to measure plasma and urinary DDAVP in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.

A thermophysical and structural characterization of ionic liquids with alkyl and perfluoroalkyl side chains

Novel fluorinated ionic liquids composed of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations and perfluoroalkylsulfonates or perfluoroalkylcarboxylates anions were investigated from thermodynamic, thermophysical and simulation perspectives.

CT enteroclysis/enterography findings in drug-induced small-bowel damage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the CT enteroclysis (CTE)/enterography findings of patients with small-bowel mucosal damage induced by aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and to compare these findings with the duration of drug use and endoscopic findings.

METHODS

CTE findings of 11 patients (22 lesions) with drug-induced small-bowel damage were reviewed, including 8 NSAID users and 3 aspirin users. Three patients were short-term users (6 months or shorter) and eight were long-term users (3 years or longer). Nine patients also underwent videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) or double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

RESULTS

Small-bowel abnormalities were visible in 8 of 11 patients (73%) on CTE. Multiple lesions were seen in five patients, including all short-term users. Lesions were classified into three types. Type 1 (mucosal patchy enhancement) was found in four of eight patients (50%, 12 lesions) all were short-term users. Small erosions with mild oedema/redness were shown by DBE. Type 2 (homogeneous hyperenhancement) was found in two of eight patients (25%, four lesions) who were long-term users. Large ulcers with marked oedema/redness were shown by DBE. Type 3 (stratification enhancement) was found in four of eight patients (50%, six lesions), both short-term and long-term users. Annular or large ulcers with strictures were shown by VCE or DBE.

CONCLUSION

On CTE, Type 1 lesions in patients with mostly short-term aspirin or NSAID use, Type 2 lesions in patients with long-term use and Type 3 lesions in both types of patients were detected. CTE may have usefulness for the detection of mild damage.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Small-bowel abnormalities owing to aspirin or NSAID present with three different patterns on CTE.