The surface composition of asteroid 162173 Ryugu from Hayabusa2 near-infrared spectroscopy

The near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu, the target of the Hayabusa2 sample-return mission, is thought to be a primitive carbonaceous object. We report reflectance spectra of Ryugu's surface acquired with the Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRS3) on Hayabusa2, to provide direct measurements of the surface composition and geological context for the returned samples. A weak, narrow absorption feature centered at 2.72 micrometers was detected across the entire observed surface, indicating that hydroxyl (OH)-bearing minerals are ubiquitous there. The intensity of the OH feature and low albedo are similar to thermally and/or shock-metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. There are few variations in the OH-band position, which is consistent with Ryugu being a compositionally homogeneous rubble-pile object generated from impact fragments of an undifferentiated aqueously altered parent body.

The geomorphology, color, and thermal properties of Ryugu: Implications for parent-body processes

The near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid 162173 Ryugu is thought to have been produced from a parent body that contained water ice and organic molecules. The Hayabusa2 spacecraft has obtained global multicolor images of Ryugu. Geomorphological features present include a circum-equatorial ridge, east-west dichotomy, high boulder abundances across the entire surface, and impact craters. Age estimates from the craters indicate a resurfacing age of [Formula: see text] years for the top 1-meter layer. Ryugu is among the darkest known bodies in the Solar System. The high abundance and spectral properties of boulders are consistent with moderately dehydrated materials, analogous to thermally metamorphosed meteorites found on Earth. The general uniformity in color across Ryugu's surface supports partial dehydration due to internal heating of the asteroid's parent body.

Costochondral Grafting for Nasal Airway Reconstruction in an Infant With Frontonasal Dysplasia

Frontonasal dysplasia (FND) is a congenital malformation of the central portion of the face, including the eyes, nose, and forehead. Owing to its rarity and wide spectrum of phenotypes, the optimal timing and technique of surgery remain controversial. Here, we report a case of a patient with FND, who presented with respiratory distress. The deformed nostrils were so small that the patient could not normally breathe through the nose immediately after birth. Rhinoplasty using a costochondral graft was performed at 16 months of age. After surgery, the nostrils enlarged and the appearance of the nose improved. Although congenital nasal deformity is frequently corrected during adolescence, surgery at an early stage can be considered when important issues are noted, such as inability to breathe through the nose.

Efficacy and safety of sirolimus treatment for intractable lymphatic anomalies: A study protocol for an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, prospective study (SILA)

Introduction

Lymphatic anomalies (LAs) refer to a group of diseases involving systemic dysplasia of lymphatic vessels. These lesions are classified as cystic lymphatic malformation (macrocystic, microcystic or mixed), generalized lymphatic anomaly, and Gorham–Stout disease. LAs occur mainly in childhood, and present with various symptoms including chronic airway problems, recurrent infection, and organ disorders. Individuals with LAs often experience progressively worsening symptoms with a deteriorating quality of life. Although limited treatment options are available, their efficacy has not been validated in prospective clinical trials, and are usually based on case reports. Thus, there are no validated standards of care for these patients because of the lack of prospective clinical trials.

Methods

This open-label, single-arm, multicenter, prospective study will assess the efficacy and safety of a mammalian target of the rapamycin inhibitor sirolimus in the treatment of intractable LAs. Participants will receive oral sirolimus once a day for 52 weeks. The dose is adjusted so that the nadir concentration remains within 5–15 ng/ml. The primary endpoint is the response rate of radiological volumetric change of the target lesion confirmed by central review at 52 weeks after treatment. The secondary endpoints are the response rates at 12 and 24 weeks, respiratory function, pleural effusion, ascites, blood coagulation parameters, bleeding, pain, quality of life, activities of daily living, adverse events, side effects, laboratory examinations, vital signs, and pharmacokinetic data.

Results

This is among the first multicenter studies to evaluate sirolimus treatment for intractable LAs, and few studies to date have focused on the standard assessment of the efficacy for LAs treatment. Our protocol uses novel, uncomplicated methods for radiological assessment, with reference to the results of our previous retrospective survey and historical control data from the literature.

Conclusions

We propose a multicenter study to investigate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus for intractable LAs (SILA study; trial registration UMIN000028905). Our results will provide pivotal data to support the approval of sirolimus for the treatment of intractable LAs.

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This is among the first multicenter studies to evaluate sirolimus for intractable LAs.

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The study design is useful for evaluating sirolimus treatment in LAs.

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Our study protocol uses novel, uncomplicated methods of radiological assessment.