Electron transport properties in dye-sensitized solar cells with {001} facet-dominant TiO2 nanoparticles

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with reactive {001} facet-dominant TiO₂ have attracted a great deal of attention owing to their high solar cell performance, despite the origin and the variation of the results being controversial. Here, we report the characteristic charge transport properties of DSSCs composed of {001} and {101} facet-dominant TiO₂ nanoparticles in order to explain the origin of solar cell performance. Based on transient photocurrent and photovoltage measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy, the energetics of TiO₂ semiconductors and dye sensitizers are utilized to understand the electron diffusion, recombination, and injection kinetics to determine solar cell performance. Novel strategies to improve DSSC performance by utilizing the characteristics of {001} facet-dominant TiO₂ nanoparticles are proposed, which are (1) enhancement of electron injection and (2) reduction of carrier recombination for J_SC and V_OC improvement, despite the drawback of slower electron diffusion in the mesoporous network of {001} facet-dominant TiO₂.

Characterization of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who meet the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome

Purpose

TAFRO syndrome is a novel disorder manifesting as fever, anasarca, thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency and organomegaly, and its etiology has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to elucidate similarities and differences between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and TAFRO syndrome.

Methods

We examined 46 consecutive patients diagnosed with SLE and determined whether they meet the proposed diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome (2015 version).

Results

Of the 46 patients with SLE, four (8.7%) also met the TAFRO syndrome criteria (TAFRO-like group). All patients in the TAFRO-like group were males, and their mean age was significantly higher than that of the non-TAFRO group (67.5 ± 8.7 vs. 39.3 ± 18.1 years, p = 0.004). C-reactive protein and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly higher, and frequencies of anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies were significantly lower in the TAFRO-like than non-TAFRO group. Elder cases (onset age ≥ 50 years) met significantly more categories of the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome than did those with younger cases.

Conclusions

Several patients with SLE, especially elder cases, showed features similar to those of TAFRO syndrome. Although exclusion of SLE is needed in the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome, TAFRO syndrome-like SLE should be considered.

High and pointed type of femoral localized reaction frequently extends to complete and incomplete atypical femoral fracture in patients with autoimmune diseases on long-term glucocorticoids and bisphosphonates

Once a localized reaction (beaking) was detected, discontinuation of bisphosphonates (BPs) and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved its shape. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete atypical femoral fracture increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required.

INTRODUCTION

Femoral localized reaction (localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex, beaking) is reported to precede atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and to develop in 8-10% of patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids. The aims of the present study were to retrospectively investigate the shapes of localized reaction to consider how to manage the condition.

METHODS

Twenty femora of 12 patients with autoimmune diseases who were on BPs and glucocorticoids exhibited femoral localized reaction. The heights of localized reaction were measured and the shapes classified as pointed, arched, and other. Localized reaction changes were divided into three categories: deterioration, no change, and improvement. A severe form of localized reaction was defined; this was associated with prodromal pain, de novo complete AFF, or incomplete AFF with a fracture line at the localized reaction.

RESULTS

The mean height of localized reaction was 2.3 ± 0.8 mm (range, 1.0-3.7 mm) and the pointed type was 35%. Localized reaction was significantly higher (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.003) and the pointed type more common (78 vs. 27%; p = 0.035) in those with the severe form of localized reaction. Seven patients with localized reactions discontinued BPs just after localized reaction was detected, but five continued on BPs for 2 years. Localized reaction deterioration was more common in patients who continued than discontinued BPs (100 vs. 29%; p = 0.027). After 2 years, all patients had discontinued BPs and localized reaction did not deteriorate further in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Once a localized reaction was detected, discontinuation of BPs and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved it. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete AFF increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required.

Hetero-epitaxial growth control of single-crystalline anatase TiO2 nanosheets predominantly exposing the {001} facet on oriented crystalline substrates

Well-controlled TiO₂ nanosheet growth was achieved by applying a proper crystalline orientation of substrates as a hetero-epitaxial growth strategy.

Clinical analysis of patients treated with afatinib for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A Nagano Lung Cancer Research Group observational study

BACKGROUND

Afatinib has been available in Japan for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) since May 2014. We conducted an observational study in patients treated with afatinib in Nagano prefecture, focusing on response and associated toxicities.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical records of NSCLC patients treated with afatinib between May 2014 and February 2015.

RESULTS

The records of a total of 73 patients (27 men, 46 women) with a median age of 69 years (range: 42-85 years) were analyzed. Afatinib was administered to 11 patients as a first-line therapy, but it was predominantly administered as a fifth-line or beyond therapy (32 cases, 43.8%). The overall response rates for afatinib as a first-line therapy and beyond second-line therapy were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.2-100.0%) and 27.1% (95% CI: 14.5-39.7%), respectively. The main toxicities grade >3 included diarrhea (8.2%), skin rash (6.8%), nausea (6.8%), and appetite loss (6.8%). A low body surface area (BSA) (<1.5m²) was significantly associated with a higher frequency of diarrhea grade >2, compared with a higher BSA (≥ 1.5m²). Forty-eight patients (63.0%) were treated without a dose reduction of afatinib.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the survival benefit with afatinib remains unclear, our observational analysis demonstrated the feasibility of using afatinib for EGFR-mutated NSCLC in clinical practice. In particular, a relatively high level of drug delivery is possible. In addition, a lower BSA may be a predictor of diarrhea in patients treated with afatinib.

Oxytocin efficacy is modulated by dosage and oxytocin receptor genotype in young adults with high-functioning autism: a 24-week randomized clinical trial

Recent studies have suggested that long-term oxytocin administration can alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, factors influencing its efficacy are still unclear. We conducted a single-center phase 2, pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial in young adults with high-functioning ASD, to determine whether oxytocin dosage and genetic background of the oxytocin receptor affects oxytocin efficacy. This trial consisted of double-blind (12 weeks), open-label (12 weeks) and follow-up phases (8 weeks). To examine dose dependency, 60 participants were randomly assigned to high-dose (32 IU per day) or low-dose intranasal oxytocin (16 IU per day), or placebo groups during the double-blind phase. Next, we measured single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). In the intention-to-treat population, no outcomes were improved after oxytocin administration. However, in male participants, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores in the high-dose group, but not the low-dose group, were significantly higher than in the placebo group. Furthermore, we examined whether oxytocin efficacy, reflected in the CGI-I scores, is influenced by estimated daily dosage and OXTR polymorphisms in male participants. We found that >21 IU per day oxytocin was more effective than ⩽21 IU per day, and that a SNP in OXTR (rs6791619) predicted CGI-I scores for ⩽21 IU per day oxytocin treatment. No severe adverse events occurred. These results suggest that efficacy of long-term oxytocin administration in young men with high-functioning ASD depends on the oxytocin dosage and genetic background of the oxytocin receptor, which contributes to the effectiveness of oxytocin treatment of ASD.

Long-Lasting Production of TGF-β1 by Alveolar Macrophages Exposed to Low Doses of Asbestos without Apoptosis

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) exposed to asbestos are well known to produce TNF-α, which induces the production of TGF-β1, leading to lung fibrogenesis. The present study examines the production of TGF-β1 by AMs exposed to chrysotile B asbestos (CH) in vivo or in vitro and the relationship between TGF-β1 production and apoptosis in cultures of AMs. Rats instilled with CH via the trachea showed increases in TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (B ALF) 1 day after the instillation, followed by increases in TGF-β1 and apoptotic cells 5 days after. The AMs from these BALFs produced a significantly increased amount of TGF-β1 in culture compared to those from the control rats. The addition of 2.5 μg/cm2 of CH augmented the production of TGF-β1 by the AMs from the control to the same level as produced by the AMs from the CH-treated rats. The apoptosis of AMs was not induced at 2.5 μg/cm2 of CH, but was drastically induced at over 12.5 μg/cm2. In contrast, the production of TGF-β1 by AMs peaked at around 2.5 μg/cm2 of CH, and it lasted for 11 days. In addition, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL increased in the AMs surviving under the exposure to CH. Taken together, these results indicate that AMs can autonomously, without other pulmonary cells, acquire the lasting ability to produce TGF-β1 independently of apoptosis under low exposure to CH. The AMs with the lasting production of TGF-β1 may contribute not only to lung fibrosis but also to immune suppression.

Tissue engineering a human phalanx

A principal purpose of tissue engineering is the augmentation, repair or replacement of diseased or injured human tissue. This study was undertaken to determine whether human biopsies as a cell source could be utilized for successful engineering of human phalanges consisting of both bone and cartilage. This paper reports the use of cadaveric human chondrocytes and periosteum as a model for the development of phalanx constructs. Two factors, osteogenic protein-1 [OP-1/bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7)], alone or combined with insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), were examined for their potential enhancement of chondrocytes and their secreted extracellular matrices. Design of the study included culture of chondrocytes and periosteum on biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA)-poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and subsequent implantation in athymic nu/nu (nude) mice for 5, 20, 40 and 60 weeks. Engineered constructs retrieved from mice were characterized with regard to genotype and phenotype as a function of developmental (implantation) time. Assessments included gross observation, X-ray radiography or microcomputed tomography, histology and gene expression. The resulting data showed that human cell-scaffold constructs could be successfully developed over 60 weeks, despite variability in donor age. Cartilage formation of the distal phalanx models enhanced with both OP-1 and IGF-1 yielded more cells and extracellular matrix (collagen and proteoglycans) than control chondrocytes without added factors. Summary data demonstrated that human distal phalanx models utilizing cadaveric chondrocytes and periosteum were successfully fabricated and OP-1 and OP-1/IGF-1 accelerated construct development and mineralization. The results suggest that similar engineering and transplantation of human autologous tissues in patients are clinically feasible. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The cumulative incidence of and risk factors for latent beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases taking long-term glucocorticoids and bisphosphonates

SUMMARY

The incidence of beaking, which has been reported to precede atypical femoral fracture, was high and increased over 2 years in patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking bisphosphonates and glucocorticoids. Regular femoral X-rays are strongly recommended to screen for beaking, and bisphosphonate drug holidays should be considered.

INTRODUCTION

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been recently recognized as complications associated with bisphosphonate (BP) use. AFFs are considered to be stress fractures; localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex is often present at the fracture site; this thickening is termed "beaking." Beaking has been reported to precede AFF. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the incidence of latent beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids and to identify risk factors for beaking.

METHODS

A total of 125 patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking BPs and glucocorticoids was included; 116 patients underwent X-rays and analysis of serum and urine bone metabolic markers annually for 2 years. Mean patient age was 54.5 years; there were 105 (90.5%) females and the mean duration of disease was 13.2 years. Focal lateral cortical thickening in femoral X-rays was defined as beaking.

RESULTS

Beaking was detected in 15 femora of 10 patients (8.0%) at the time of recruitment. Over the 2-year observation period, the incidence of beaking increased to 21 femora of 12 patients (10.3%), and a complete AFF at the location of beaking occurred in one patient. Beaking was associated with a longer duration of BP treatment (6.1 ± 1.0 years vs. 5.0 ± 2.9 years, p = 0.01). Age 40-60 years, BP therapy ≥4 years, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with beaking.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of beaking was high, and increased over 2 years, in patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking BPs and glucocorticoids. Regular femoral X-rays are strongly recommended to screen for beaking. Long-term BP/glucocorticoid use was a risk factor for beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases; BP drug holidays should be considered.

Measurement and comparison of individual external doses of high-school students living in Japan, France, Poland and Belarus-the 'D-shuttle' project

Twelve high schools in Japan (of which six are in Fukushima Prefecture), four in France, eight in Poland and two in Belarus cooperated in the measurement and comparison of individual external doses in 2014. In total 216 high-school students and teachers participated in the study. Each participant wore an electronic personal dosimeter 'D-shuttle' for two weeks, and kept a journal of his/her whereabouts and activities. The distributions of annual external doses estimated for each region overlap with each other, demonstrating that the personal external individual doses in locations where residence is currently allowed in Fukushima Prefecture and in Belarus are well within the range of estimated annual doses due to the terrestrial background radiation level of other regions/countries.

Specific electronic absorptions of alternate layered nanostructures of two metal oxides synthesized via a thiol–ene click reaction

Absorption properties of alternate stacked structures of niobate and tungstate nanosheets were continuously altered by a change of the interlayer distance.

Randomized controlled comparative study on effect of training to improve lower limb motor paralysis in convalescent patients with post-stroke hemiplegia

[Purpose] The motor paralysis-improving effect on the hemiplegic lower limb was compared among mirror therapy, integrated volitional-control electrical stimulation, therapeutic electrical stimulation, repetitive facilitative exercises, and the standard training method in post-stroke hemiplegia patients. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty one stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward were randomly allocated to the above 5 treatment groups. Each patient performed functional training of the paralytic lower limb for 20 minutes a day for 4 weeks, and changes in the lower limb function were investigated using the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set. [Results] The hip and knee joint functions did not significantly improve in the standard training control group, but significant improvements were observed after 4 weeks in the other intervention groups. Significant improvement was noted in the ankle joint function in all groups. [Conclusion] Although the results were influenced by spontaneous recovery and the standard training in the control group, the hip and knee joints were more markedly improved by the interventions in the other 4 groups of patients with moderate paralysis, compared to the control group.

A new case of UDP-galactose transporter deficiency (SLC35A2-CDG): molecular basis, clinical phenotype, and therapeutic approach

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of hereditary metabolic diseases characterized by abnormal glycosylation of proteins and lipids. Often, multisystem disorders with central nervous system involvement and a large variety of clinical symptoms occur. The main characteristics are developmental delay, seizures, and ataxia. In this paper we report the clinical and biochemical characteristics of a 5-year-old girl with a defective galactosylation of N-glycans, resulting in developmental delay, muscular hypotonia, epileptic seizures, inverted nipples, and visual impairment. Next generation sequencing revealed a de novo mutation (c.797G > T, p.G266V) in the X-chromosomal gene SLC35A2 (solute carrier family 35, UDP-galactose transporter, member A2; MIM 300896). While this mutation was found heterozygous, random X-inactivation of the normal allele will lead to loss of normal SLC35A2 activity in respective cells. The functional relevance of the mutation was demonstrated by complementation of UGT-deficient MDCK-RCA(r) and CHO-Lec8 cells by normal UGT-expression construct but not by the mutant version. The effect of dietary galactose supplementation on glycosylation was investigated, showing a nearly complete normalization of transferrin glycosylation.

Specific overexpression of tumour necrosis factor-α-induced protein (TNFAIP)9 in CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: comparative analysis with TNFAIP3

The tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced proteins (TNFAIP)9 and TNFAIP3 play an important pathogenic role in murine arthritis. To clarify their pathophysiological roles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we examined their expression and localization in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). TNFAIP9 and TNFAIP3 mRNA expression was determined in PBMC of RA patients and healthy subjects (control). Flow cytometry was used to analyse the main TNFAIP9- and TNFAIP3-expressing cell populations. TNFAIP9 and TNFAIP3 mRNA expression levels were examined in vitro on CD14(+) cells stimulated with TNF-α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression levels of TNFAIP9 and TNFAIP3 mRNA were also measured before and 12 weeks after treatment with tocilizumab and abatacept. TNFAIP9 expression was significantly higher, while TNFAIP3 expression was lower in PBMC of RA (n=36) than the control (n=24) (each P < 0.05). TNFAIP9 was expressed on CD14(+) cells, especially in human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR)(+) CD14(bright) CD16(-) cells, while TNFAIP3 was expressed mainly on CD3(+) T cells. TNF-α and LPS induced TNFAIP9 and TNFAIP3 in human CD14(+) monocytes in vitro. Treatment with tocilizumab (n=13), but not abatacept (n=11), significantly reduced TNFAIP9 mRNA expression in PBMC, which was associated with reduction in the number of circulating CD14(bright) monocytes. The expression of TNFAIP9 in CD14(+) cells was specifically elevated in patients with RA, regulated by TNF-α and LPS, and suppressed by tocilizumab, while TNFAIP3 in PBMC showed different localization and induction patterns.

TMEM165 Deficiency: Postnatal Changes in Glycosylation

Congenital disorders of glycosylation form a rapidly growing group of inherited metabolic diseases. As glycosylation affects proteins all over the organism, a mutation in a single gene leads to a multisystemic disorder. We describe a patient with TMEM165-CDG with facial dysmorphism, nephrotic syndrome, cardiac defects, enlarged cerebral ventricles, feeding problems, and neurological involvement. Having confirmed the diagnosis via prenatal diagnostics, we were able to observe the glycosylation right from birth, finding a pathological pattern already on the first day of life. Within the next few weeks, hypoglycosylation progressed to less sialylated and then also to hypogalactosylated isoforms. On the whole, there has not been much published evidence concerning postnatal glycosylation and its adaptational process. This is the first paper reporting changes in glycosylation patterns over the first postnatal weeks in TMEM165-CDG.

Effects of clinical practice focusing on level-3 OSCE items

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of clinical training focusing on level-3 OSCE (analytical and therapeutic skills) items, and compared the achievement levels of physical (PT) and occupational (OT) therapist students. [Subjects] A total of 282 (165 PT and 117 OT) students enrolled at our university between 2008 and 2010 were studied. [Methods] OSCE scores were compared between before and after clinical training focusing on level-3 OSCE items, and between PT and OT students. [Results] Scores for 5 out of the 6 level-3a items were significantly higher after than before clinical training. Increases in scores of 2 or 3 level-3b and −3c items were also observed after clinical training. There were no marked differences between PT and OT students in scores for level-3a, −3b, and −3c items before clinical training. In contrast, after clinical training, OT students’ scores for 3a and 3c items related to dressing were higher than those of PT students, and the latter’s scores for 3b items related to transfer were higher than those of the former. [Conclusion] The results suggest level-3 OSCE items are effectively taught during clinical training.