Anisotropic multi-step etching for large-area fabrication of surface microstructures on stainless steel to control thermal radiation

Controlling the thermal radiation spectra of materials is one of the promising ways to advance energy system efficiency. It is well known that the thermal radiation spectrum can be controlled through the introduction of periodic surface microstructures. Herein, a method for the large-area fabrication of periodic microstructures based on multi-step wet etching is described. The method consists of three main steps, i.e., resist mask fabrication via photolithography, electrochemical wet etching, and side wall protection. Using this method, high-aspect micro-holes (0.82 aspect ratio) arrayed with hexagonal symmetry were fabricated on a stainless steel substrate. The conventional wet etching process method typically provides an aspect ratio of 0.3. The optical absorption peak attributed to the fabricated micro-hole array appeared at 0.8 μm, and the peak absorbance exceeded 0.8 for the micro-holes with a 0.82 aspect ratio. While argon plasma etching in a vacuum chamber was used in the present study for the formation of the protective layer, atmospheric plasma etching should be possible and will expand the applicability of this new method for the large-area fabrication of high-aspect materials.

Fine mapping of a major quantitative trait locus, qLG-9, that controls seed longevity in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

We fine-mapped a quantitative trait locus, qLG - 9, for seed longevity detected between Japonica-type and Indica-type cultivars. qLG - 9 was mapped in a 30-kb interval of the Nipponbare genome sequence. A quantitative trait locus, qLG-9, for seed longevity in rice has previously been detected on chromosome 9 by using backcross inbred lines derived from a cross between Japonica-type (Nipponbare) and Indica-type (Kasalath) cultivars. In the present study, the chromosomal location of qLG-9 was precisely determined by fine-scale mapping. Firstly, allelic difference in qLG-9 was verified by QTL analysis of an F2 population derived from a cross between Nipponbare and NKSL-1, in which a segment of Kasalath chromosome 9 was substituted in Nipponbare genetic background. Then, we selected F2 plants in which recombination had occurred near qLG-9 and performed F3 progeny testing on these plants to determine the genotype classes of qLG-9. Eventually, qLG-9 was mapped in a 30-kb interval (defined by two markers, CAPSb and CHPa12) of the Nipponbare genome sequence. This allowed us to nominate positional candidate genes of qLG-9. Additionally, we developed near-isogenic lines (NIL) for qLG-9 by marker-assisted selection. qLG-9 NIL showed significantly higher seed longevity than isogenic control of Nipponbare. These results will facilitate cloning of the gene(s) underlying qLG-9 as well as marker-assisted transfer of desirable genes for seed longevity improvement in rice.

Mechanobiological Bone Reaction Quantified by Positron Emission Tomography

While nuclear medicine has been proven clinically effective for examination of the change in bone turnover as a result of stress injury, quantitative correlation between tracer uptake and mechanical stimulation in the human jawbone remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bone metabolism observed by 18F-fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) images and mechanical stimuli obtained by finite element analysis (FEA) in the residual ridge induced by the insertion of a removable partial denture (RPD). An 18F-fluoride PET/CT (computerized tomography) scan was performed to assess the change of bone metabolism in the residual ridge under the denture before and after RPD treatment. Corresponding patient-specific 3D finite element (FE) models were created from CT images. Boundary conditions were prescribed by the modeling of condylar contacts, and muscular forces were derived from the occlusal forces measured in vivo to generate mechanobiological reactions. Different mechanobiological stimuli, e.g., equivalent von Mises stress (VMS), equivalent strain (EQV), and strain energy density (SED), determined from nonlinear FEA, were quantified and compared with the standardized uptake values (SUVs) of PET. Application of increased occlusal force after RPD insertion induced higher mechanical stimuli in the residual bone. Accordingly, SUV increased in the region of residual ridge with higher mechanical stimuli. Thus, with SUV, a clear correlation was observed with VMS and SED in the cancellous bone, especially after RPD insertion (R2 > 0.8, P < 0.001). This study revealed a good correlation between bone metabolism and mechanical stimuli induced by RPD insertion. From this patient-specific study, it was shown that metabolic change detected by PET in the loaded bone, in a much shorter duration than conventional x-ray assessment, is associated with mechanical stimuli. The nondestructive nature of PET/CT scans and FEA could potentially provide a new method for clinical examination and monitoring of prosthetically driven bone remodeling.

Clinical significance of ERG rearrangement subtype and its association with increased p53 expression in Japanese and German prostate cancer

This study investigated differences in prevalence of the androgen-regulated transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and ETS transcription factor family member, v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG) fusion gene (TMPRSS2-ERG fusions) in clinically localized prostate cancer Japanese and German patients. A total of 105 specimens, including 69 Japanese and 36 German patients, were collected. The status of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and correlations of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion with clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemistry were studied. Gene fusions were identified in 20% (14/69) of Japanese and 53% (19/36) of German patients (P < 0.001). The difference in the type of gene fusion between the two ethnic groups was statistically significant (P=0.024). Overexpression of ERG protein was significantly associated with gene fusion. Biochemical recurrence was significantly higher in patients with ERG overexpression than in those without, and not related to TMPRSS2-ERG fusion status. Interestingly, two types of gene fusions (deletion and increase of copy number) were significantly associated with increased p53 expression (P = 0.005). Association of specific gene fusions harboring higher genomic alterations with p53 expression levels suggests that p53 mutation might drive more aggressive arrangements of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in prostate cancer.

KEYWORDS

ERG, p53, prostate cancer, TMPRSS2-ERG fusion.

Single and combined effect of high-frequency loading and bisphosphonate treatment on the bone micro-architecture of ovariectomized rats

Mechanical loading at high frequency affects bone. Whether this also applies to osteoporotic bone, combined or not with bisphosphonate therapy, was investigated in this animal study through imaging. An anabolic effect of high-frequency loading on osteoporotic bone, however non-synergistic with bisphosphonates, was found, thereby revealing its potential for treatment of osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

In an effort to elucidate the effect of high-frequency (HF) loading on bone and to optimize its potential for treatment osteoporosis, this study aimed to investigate the effect of HF loading via whole body vibration (WBV), alone or in association with bisphosphonate treatment (alendronate--ALN), on the micro-architecture of ovariectomy (OVX)-induced compromised bone.

METHODS

Eighty-four female Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (shOVX). OVX animals were treated either with ALN (3 days/week at a dose of 2 mg/kg) or with saline solution. Each group (shOVX, OVX, ALN) was further divided into subgroups relative to the loading status (sham-WBV versus WBV) and the duration of experimental period (4 days versus 14 days). (Sham)WBV loading was applied for 10 min/day using 10 consecutive steps of HF loading (130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150 Hz). Tibial bone structural responses to WBV and/or ALN treatment were analyzed using ex vivo micro-computed tomography.

RESULTS

The animal's hormonal status displayed a major impact on the trabecular and cortical bone structural parameters. Furthermore, mechanical treatment with HF WBV increased the cortical thickness and reduced the medullar area in OVX rats. However, OVX trabecular bone was not affected by HF stimuli. Finally, ALN prevented OVX-associated bone loss, but the association of ALN with WBV did not lead to a synergistic bone response in OVX bone.

CONCLUSIONS

HF WBV mechanical stimulation displayed an anabolic effect on osteoporotic cortical bone, confirming its therapeutic properties for enhancing compromised bone. Additionally, its association with bisphosphonates' administration did not produce any additive effect on the bone micro-architecture in the present study.

High-frequency loading positively impacts titanium implant osseointegration in impaired bone

High-frequency loading via whole body vibration promotes bone formation and increases bone strength. Whether this translates to positive titanium implant osseointegration in osteoporotic bone was explored in this animal study. An anabolic effect of not only bisphosphonate treatment but also high-frequency loading on implant osseointegration in osteoporotic bone was observed.

INTRODUCTION

The present study investigated the impact of high-frequency (HF) loading, applied via whole body vibration (WBV), on titanium implant osseointegration in healthy versus ovariectomy-induced compromised versus pharmacologically treated compromised bone.

METHODS

A custom-made Ti implant was inserted into the metaphyseal tibia of 59 rats and left to heal for either 4 or 14 days. Rats were divided into six groups according to their hormonal and mechanical status. WBV, consisting of 10 consecutive frequency steps at an acceleration of 0.3 g, was applied daily for either 4 or 14 days. Tissue samples were processed for quantitative histology at the tibial cortical and medullar level. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and by post hoc pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

The bone healing response at the interface and surrounding titanium implants was negatively influenced by osteoporotic bone conditions, mainly at the trabecular bone level. Furthermore, the administration of bisphosphonates for preventing the ovariectomy-induced impaired peri-implant response was successful. Finally, the effect of HF WBV loading on the peri-implant bone healing was dependent on the bone condition and was anabolic solely in untreated osteoporotic trabecular bone when applied for an extended period of time.

CONCLUSIONS

The bone healing response to implant installation is compromised in osteoporotic bone conditions, in particular at the trabecular bone compartment. Meanwhile, not only pharmacological treatment but also mechanical loading via HF WBV can exert a positive effect on implant osseointegration in this specific bone micro-environment. The peri-implant cortical bone, however, seems to be less sensitive to HF WBV loading influences.

Relaxation dynamics of liposomes in an aqueous solution

The gel–liquid crystal phase transition has been studied by the temperature and frequency dependent dielectric relaxation behavior of liposomes in an aqueous solution (40 g L⁻¹ DPPC–water mixture).

Experimental splenosis in the liver and lung spread through the vasculature

To demonstrate that intra-organ splenosis can engraft and develop after being distributed through the vasculature, tiny fragments of splenic tissues were injected into the inferior vena cava or the portal vein to induce intrapulmonary and intrahepatic splenosis in rats. After 1 month, splenic autograft structures in the lung and liver were assessed for structure by histology, for immunologic compartments by immunohistochemistry, for phagocytic function by carbon uptake and for vascular formation by Microfil (a silicon rubber compound) injection. Intrapulmonary and intrahepatic splenoses were indeed able to spread through the vasculature. The intrapulmonary splenic autografts were trapped and spread out in the interstitium, without forming a capsule. White pulp was markedly developed, showing lymphocyte aggregations that consisted in B cells surrounding the dilated vessel. Splenic sinuses were not definitively observed. Although macrophages were detected by immunohistochemistry, they showed no indication of having phagocytized carbon particles from the vessels, implying a closed circulation. In contrast, intrahepatic splenic autografts formed well-developed capsules, trabeculae and red pulp with splenic sinuses. Macrophages detected by immunohistochemistry were observed capturing carbon particles, which clearly revealed an open system circulation, as seen in normal rat spleen. The development of white pulp was poor and lymphocytes consisting in B cells aggregated in the peripheral margins. These results demonstrate that intra-organ splenosis can spread through the vasculature and that the morphologic and immunologic structures formed in these regenerated autografts are influenced by the organ vasculature and extracellular matrix wherein the tissue fragments settled.

Resin monomers act as adjuvants in Ni-induced allergic dermatitis in vivo

Resin monomers (RMs) are inflammatory agents and are thought to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, mouse models are lacking, possibly because of the weak antigenicities of RMs. We previously reported that inflammatory substances can promote the allergic dermatitis (AD) induced by intradermally injected nickel (Ni-AD) in mice. Here, we examined the effects of RMs on Ni-AD. To sensitize mice to Ni, a mixture containing non-toxic concentrations of NiCl2 and an RM [either methyl methacrylate (MMA) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)] was injected intraperitoneally or into ear-pinnae intradermally. Ten days later, a mixture containing various concentrations of NiCl2 and/or an RM was intradermally injected into ear-pinnae, and ear-swelling was measured. In adoptive transfer experiments, spleen cells from sensitized mice were transferred intravenously into non-sensitized recipients, and 24 h later NiCl2 was challenged to ear-pinnae. Whether injected intraperitoneally or intradermally, RM plus NiCl2 mixtures were effective in sensitizing mice to Ni. AD-inducing Ni concentrations were greatly reduced in the presence of MMA or HEMA (at the sensitization step from 10 mM to 5 or 50 µM, respectively, and at the elicitation step from 10 µM to 10 or 100 nM, respectively). These effects of RMs were weaker in IL-1-knockout mice and in macrophage-depleted mice. Cell-transfer experiments in IL-1-knockout mice indicated that both the sensitization and elicitation steps depended on IL-1. Challenge with an RM alone did not induce allergic ear-swelling in mice given the same RM + NiCl2 10 days before the challenge. These results suggest that RMs act as adjuvants, not as antigens, to promote Ni-AD by reducing the AD-inducing concentration of Ni, and that IL-1 and macrophages are critically important for the adjuvant effects. We speculate that what were previously thought of as "RM-ACD" might include ACD caused by antigens other than RMs that have undergone promotion by the adjuvant effects of RMs.

Autosomal recessive cystinuria caused by genome-wide paternal uniparental isodisomy in a patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Approximately 20% of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) cases are caused by mosaic paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 11 (pUPD11). Although pUPD11 is usually limited to the short arm of chromosome 11, a small minority of BWS cases show genome-wide mosaic pUPD (GWpUPD). These patients show variable clinical features depending on mosaic ratio, imprinting status of other chromosomes, and paternally inherited recessive mutations. To date, there have been no reports of a mosaic GWpUPD patient with an autosomal recessive disease caused by a paternally inherited recessive mutation. Here, we describe a patient concurrently showing the clinical features of BWS and autosomal recessive cystinuria. Genetic analyses revealed that the patient has mosaic GWpUPD and an inherited paternal homozygous mutation in SLC7A9. This is the first report indicating that a paternally inherited recessive mutation can cause an autosomal recessive disease in cases of GWpUPD mosaicism. Investigation into recessive mutations and the dysregulation of imprinting domains is critical in understanding precise clinical conditions of patients with mosaic GWpUPD.

Clinical outcomes and evaluation of the quality of life of living donors for pediatric liver transplantation: a single-center analysis of 100 donors

There are few reports about the quality of life (QOL) and morbidities of pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) donors. We evaluated the potential morbidities and identified the predictive factors regarding the QOL of living donors after pediatric LDLT. This cross-sectional study was a single-center analysis of 100 donors for pediatric LDLT. The severity of morbidities was assessed with the Clavien classification, the QOL was investigated with the short form-36 (SF-36), and the decision-making process regarding donation was analyzed with questionnaires. The median follow-up period was 3.8 years (range, 2.2-6.0 years). A total of 13% of the donors developed postoperative complications of Clavien grades I (7%), II (3%), and IIIA (3%). There was no grade IV morbidity or mortality. Eighty-one donors responded to the questionnaire and SF-36. The analysis of the questionnaires revealed that the donors had difficulty in the decision-making process, and suggested that it may be necessary to administer multistep informed consent. We identified unique predictive risk factors for lower SF-36 scores in the donors, which were the time to donation (more than 4 weeks) and the predonation self-oriented perception. The donors who have risk factors require enhanced pre- and post-donation psychological care.

JK null alleles identified from Japanese individuals with Jk(a−b−) phenotype

The Kidd blood group system consists of three common phenotypes: Jk(a+b−), Jk(a−b+) and Jk(a+b+), and one rare phenotype, Jk(a−b−). Jka/Jkb polymorphism is associated with c.838G>A (p.Asp280Asn) in exon 9 of the JK (SLC14A1) gene, and the corresponding alleles are named JK*01 and JK*02. The rare phenotype Jk(a−b−) was first found in a Filipina of Spanish and Chinese ancestry, and to date, several JK null alleles responsible for the Jk(a−b−) phenotype have been reported. We report seven novel JK null alleles, 4 with a JK*01 background and 3 with a JK*02 background, identified from Jk(a−b−) Japanese.