Possible High T_{c} Superconductivity in La_{3}Ni_{2}O_{7} under High Pressure through Manifestation of a Nearly Half-Filled Bilayer Hubbard Model

Inspired by a recent experiment showing that La_{3}Ni_{2}O_{7} exhibits high T_{c} superconductivity under high pressure, we theoretically revisit the possibility of superconductivity in this material. We find that superconductivity can take place, which is somewhat similar to that of the bilayer Hubbard model consisting of the Ni 3d_{3z^{2}-r^{2}} orbitals. Although the coupling with the 3d_{x^{2}-y^{2}} orbitals degrades superconductivity, T_{c} can still be high enough to understand the experiment thanks to the very high T_{c} reached in the bilayer Hubbard model.

One-leg standing time is a simple measure for loss of skeletal muscle mass and fat deposition in muscle: the J-SHIPP study

BACKGROUNDS

One-leg standing time (OLST) has been frequently used physical performance measure; however, what muscular characteristics OLST represents remains uncertain.

AIM

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between OLST and muscle characteristics to clarify the possibility of using OLST as a physical performance measure.

METHODS

Study participants comprised 1144 older adults aged 65 years or older. Computed tomography images provided mid-thigh skeletal muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value. OLST was measured for a maximum of 60 s. Static postural instability was assessed using a posturography.

RESULTS

A frequency of OLST < 20 s was increased by quartiles of muscle cross-sectional area (Q1: 33.6, Q2: 12.8, Q3: 13.6, Q4: 11.9%, P < 0.001) and mean attenuation value (Q1: 32.3, Q2: 21.7, Q3: 14.3, Q4: 7.7%, P < 0.001). Results of the multinomial regression analysis indicated that muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value were independently associated with an OLST of less than 20 s. The crude odds ratio of OLST less than 20 s for the lowest quartiles of both cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value was 4.19 (95% CI: 3.01 - 5.84). The cross-sectional area of muscles with greater fat deposition was inversely associated with OLST, while that with smaller fat deposition showed a positive association with OLST, indicating why mean attenuation value and cross-sectional area were independently associated with OLST. No clear relationship was observed with static postural instability.

CONCLUSION

OLST was a simply measurable quantifiable physical measure representing the loss of muscle mass and quality in older adults.

Episodic ataxia type 2 with a novel missense variant (Leu602Arg) in CACNA1A

Autosomal dominant episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is caused by variants in CACNA1A. We examined a 20-year-old male with EA symptoms from a Japanese family with hereditary EA. Cerebellar atrophy was not evident, but single photon emission computed tomography showed cerebellar hypoperfusion. We identified a novel nonsynonymous variant in CACNA1A, NM_001127222.2:c.1805T>G (p.Leu602Arg), which is predicted to be functionally deleterious; therefore, this variant is likely responsible for EA2 in this pedigree.

Large Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy Induced by an Intersite Charge Transfer in Strained EuVO2H Films

Perovskite oxides ABO3 continue to be a major focus in materials science. Of particular interest is the interplay between A and B cations as exemplified by intersite charge transfer (ICT), which causes novel phenomena including negative thermal expansion and metal-insulator transition. However, the ICT properties were achieved and optimized by cationic substitution or ordering. Here we demonstrate an anionic approach to induce ICT using an oxyhydride perovskite, EuVO2H, which has alternating layers of EuH and VO2. A bulk EuVO2H behaves as a ferromagnetic insulator with a relatively high transition temperature (TC) of 10 K. However, the application of external pressure to the EuIIVIIIO2H bulk or compressive strain from the substrate in the thin films induces ICT from the EuIIH layer to the VIIIO2 layer due to the extended empty V dxy orbital. The ICT phenomenon causes the VO2 layer to become conductive, leading to an increase in TC that is dependent on the number of carriers in the dxy orbitals (up to a factor of 4 for 10 nm thin films). In addition, a large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy appears with the ICT for the films of <100 nm, which is unprecedented in materials with orbital-free Eu2+, opening new perspectives for applications. The present results provide opportunities for the acquisition of novel functions by alternating transition metal/rare earth layers with heteroanions.

Case report: Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by a missense variant (p.Arg89Trp) in the valosin-containing protein gene

Frontotemporal dementia and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 6, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 14, is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by various mutations in the valosin-containing protein gene. In this report, we examined a 51-year-old female Japanese patient with frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The patient began noticing gait disturbances at the age of 45 years. Neurological examination at the age of 46 years met the Awaji criteria for clinically probable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. At the age of 49 years, she tended to have poor mood and an aversion to activity. Her symptoms gradually worsened. She required a wheelchair for transport and had difficulty communicating with others because of poor comprehension. She then began to frequently exhibit irritability. Eventually, she was admitted to the psychiatric hospital because uncontrollable violent behavior throughout the day. Longitudinal brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed progressive brain atrophy with temporal dominance, non-progressive cerebellar atrophy, and some non-specific white matter intensities. Brain single photon emission computed tomography showed hypoperfusion in the bilateral temporal lobes and cerebellar hemispheres. Clinical exome sequencing revealed the presence of a heterozygous nonsynonymous variant (NM_007126.5, c.265C>T; p.Arg89Trp) in the valosin-containing protein gene, which was absent in the 1000 Genomes Project, the Exome Aggregation Consortium Database, and the Genome Aggregation Database, and was predicted to be "damaging" by PolyPhen-2 and "deleterious" using SIFT with a Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion score of 35. We also confirmed the absence of this variant in 505 Japanese control subjects. Therefore, we concluded that the variant in the valosin-containing protein gene was responsible for the symptoms of this patient.

Associations between adiponectin and leptin levels and skeletal muscle mass and myosteatosis in older adults: The Shimanami Health Promoting Program study

AIM

Identifying plasma molecules associated with skeletal muscle properties can elucidate the pathophysiology of sarcopenia. Because adipocytokines are a promising candidate marker, the current study aimed to clarify the possible associations between adiponectin and leptin levels and mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value, which are indices of muscle mass and fat deposition in muscle, respectively.

METHODS

The current study included 1440 older Japanese adults (mean age 69.3 years). Mid-thigh skeletal muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value were evaluated through computed tomography scan. A low attenuation value showed a greater fat deposition in muscle. Circulating adiponectin and leptin levels were assessed using blood specimens collected during the baseline investigation.

RESULTS

Plasma leptin level was inversely correlated with muscle cross-sectional area, but not with attenuation value. The association with cross-sectional area was independent of possible confounding factors including body size (Q1: reference; Q2: β = -0.032, P = 0.033; Q3: β = -0.064, P < 0.001; Q4: β = -0.111, P < 0.001). In contrast, adiponectin level was independently and inversely associated with attenuation value (Q1: reference; Q2: β = -0.044, P = 0.122; Q3: β = -0.080, P = 0.006; Q4: β = -0.159, P < 0.001), but not with cross-sectional area. These associations between adipocytokine levels and muscle properties were independent of abdominal fat area and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

There were adiposity- and insulin resistance-independent associations between adipocytokines levels and skeletal muscle mass and fat deposition in muscle, suggesting an involvement of adipocytokines in muscle properties. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.

Bioimpedance phase angle is independently associated with myosteatosis: The Shizuoka study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Phase angle (PhA) calculated from the resistance and reactance measured using a bioimpedance device was suggested to represent the degree of fat deposition in muscle (myosteatosis), though no direct evidence is available. We aimed to clarify the possible association between PhA and skeletal muscle myosteatosis in community-dwelling middle-aged to older adults.

METHODS

Participants consisted of 424 Japanese (aged ≥50 years). Leg PhA and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The mean attenuation values and cross-sectional area of the mid-thigh skeletal muscle were calculated from computed tomography images and considered as indexes of myosteatosis and skeletal muscle mass, respectively.

RESULTS

Leg PhA was positively associated with SMI, and cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value at mid-thigh. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for possible covariates identified leg PhA (β = 0.214) and SMI (β = 0.260) as independent factors of mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area (P < 0.001), while leg PhA (β = 0.349, P < 0.001) but not SMI (P = 0.645) was associated with mean attenuation value. Similar results were observed in the analysis in the older (≥65 years) subpopulation. The combination of low SMI and low leg PhA showed stepwise association with cross-sectional area, while only individuals with low leg PhA had lower mean attenuated value.

CONCLUSIONS

Leg PhA was independently associated with mean attenuated value of the mid-thigh skeletal muscle, suggesting that the assessment of PhA in combination with SMI could provide additional information for the evaluation of muscle properties.

P-039 Male age is associated with sperm DNA integrity: Selection of high DNA integrity sperm by microfluidics sorting is critical to clinical outcomes in older patients

Study question

Does sperm DNA integrity affect clinical outcomes of ICSI?

Summary answer

Use of high DNA integrity sperm selected by microfluidics sperm sorting results in lower miscarriage rates in the patients of 39-years old and more.

What is known already

High sperm DNA damage is associated with decreased normal fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy rates, and an increased miscarriage rate. On the other hand, oocytes from older women have decreased pregnancy rate, and increased miscarriage rate because of possibility of low ability to repair sperm with DNA fragmentation, and dramatical increases of aneuploidy as women age. A microfluidic sperm selection chamber (MSS, ZyMōt™; DxNow) is a device designed to collect sperm with higher chromatin integrity than density gradient centrifugation (DGC).

Study design, size, duration

Sperm analysis was performed by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and comet assay in the same sample of 15 cases between October 2020 and February 2021. ICSI outcomes by DGC and MSS were compared with blastocyst development, and pregnancy rates in vitrified-thawed single blastocyst transfers cycle for 518 cases between August 2018 and May 2021.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

SCD test was optimized as a rapid procedure, with sperm showing a halo deemed normal, and those without a halo abnormal. Comet assay results were analyzed using CometScore 2.0, with comparison of %Tail DNA. ICSI outcomes were analyzed using multiple logistics regressions of male and female ages.

Main results and the role of chance

We found a positive correlation between male age and sperm DNA fragmentation rates in raw semen using SCD test (r = 0.70) and Comet assay (r = 0.42). Higher DNA integrity sperm could select using MSS than DGC. In this study with ICSI outcomes, 170 of 318 (53.5%) blastocyst transfers resulted in pregnancy, and 49 (28.8%) subsequently miscarried. The data were classified according to less than or more than 39 years old of male age detected by multiple logistics regressions. In patients with ≥39 years of male age, the female age was significantly higher and blastocyst and pregnancy rates were significantly lower, and the miscarriage rate was significantly higher than &lt;39 years of male age. Since sperm DNA fragmentation increased in accordance with male age, we compared MSS and DGC in the patients with male age ≥39 years. There was no significant difference in blastocyst, pregnancy, and miscarriage rates in female age &lt;39 years. While in ≥ 39 years of female age, blastocyst and pregnancy rates in MSS were not significantly different from DGC, but the miscarriage rate in MSS was significantly lower than in DGC (27.3 vs. 57.1%).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The sample size for each study was small. Analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation and samples in ICSI outcomes were not the same. The retrospective nature of ICSI outcomes in this study does not allow controlling of unknown confounders.

Wider implications of the findings

Sperm DNA fragmentation depended on male age affected fertility outcomes. However, when male age is higher, masking the effect of male age by female age. In this study, we found out the improvement of ICSI outcome by using high DNA integrity sperm selected by MSS in both ≥39 years.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

High-Pressure and High-Temperature Synthesis of Anion-Disordered Vanadium Perovskite Oxyhydrides

Crystallographic order-disorder phenomena in solid state compounds are of fundamental interest due to intimate relationship between the structure and properties. Here, by using high-pressure and high-temperature synthesis, we obtained vanadium perovskite oxyhydrides Sr_1-xNa_xVO_3-yH_y (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) with an anion-disordered structure, which is different from anion-ordered SrVO₂H synthesized by topochemical reduction. High-pressure and high-temperature synthesis from nominal composition SrVO₂H yielded the anion-disordered perovskite SrVO_3-yH_y (y ∼ 0.4) with a significant amount of byproducts, while Na substitution resulted in the almost pure anion-disordered perovskite Sr_1-xNa_xVO_3-yH_y with an increased amount of hydride anion (y ∼ 0.7 for x = 0.2). The obtained disordered phases for x = 0.1 and 0.2 are paramagnetic with almost temperature-independent electronic conductivity, whereas anion-ordered SrVO₂H is an antiferromagnetic insulator. Although we obtained the anion-disordered perovskite under high pressure, a first-principles calculation revealed that the application of pressure stabilizes the ordered phase due to a reduced volume in the ordered structure, suggesting that a further increase of the pressure or reduction of the reaction temperature leads to the anion ordering. This study shows that anion ordering in oxyhydrides can be controlled by changing synthetic pressure and temperature.

Premature atrial contractions with multiple patterns of aberrant conduction followed by torsade de pointes in a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica: A case report

RATIONALE

Recent studies have shown that QT interval prolongation is associated with disease severity and predicts mortality in systemic inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines released from synovial tissues in rheumatoid arthritis, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, could have direct effects on cardiac electrophysiology, particularly changes in the expression and function of potassium and calcium channels, resulting in QT interval prolongation on surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and an increased predisposition to develop lethal ventricular arrhythmias. However, reports on torsade de pointes (TdP) due to acquired long QT syndrome in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are limited.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 85-year-old Japanese woman with active PMR developed first syncope.

DIAGNOSIS

Frequent premature atrial contractions (PACs) with multiple patterns of aberrant conduction, QT interval prolongation, and morphological T-U wave variability followed by TdP were documented. PACs were the first beat of TdP.

INTERVENTIONS

Amiodarone, together with magnesium and potassium, was intravenously administered. However, TdP resulted in a ventricular arrhythmic storm, for which sedation with mechanical ventilatory support, temporary overdrive cardiac pacing, and intravenous landiolol administration in addition to multiple direct current shocks were effective.

OUTCOMES

Approximately 2 years later, the patient was treated with amiodarone, propranolol, and prednisolone. She did not undergo implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and was quite well, with no recurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

LESSONS

IL-6 hyperproduction in inflamed tissues has been widely confirmed in PMR. Frequent PACs with various patterns of aberrant conduction, QT interval prolongation, and morphological T-U wave variability followed by TdP, for which IL-6-mediated enhancement of L-type Ca2+ current and inhibition of the rapid component of the delayed rectifier K+ current are the most likely mechanisms, were documented in an elderly Japanese woman with PMR. ECG may be recorded once in patients with active PMR even when these patients do not complain of palpitation or syncope. If QT interval prolongation or arrhythmia, including even PACs, is observed, follow-up ECG may be warranted, particularly for patients with some risk factors for QT prolongation that could lead to TdP, such as advanced age, female sex, hypopotassemia, and polypharmacy.

Visualization of the strain-induced topological phase transition in a quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe3

Control of the phase transition from topological to normal insulators can allow for an on/off switching of spin current. While topological phase transitions have been realized by elemental substitution in semiconducting alloys, such an approach requires preparation of materials with various compositions. Thus it is quite far from a feasible device application, which demands a reversible operation. Here we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to visualize the strain-driven band-structure evolution of the quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe₃. We demonstrate that it undergoes reversible strain-induced topological phase transitions from a strong topological insulator phase with spin-polarized, quasi-one-dimensional topological surface states, to topologically trivial semimetal and band insulating phases. The quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe₃ provides a suitable platform for engineering the topological spintronics, for example as an on/off switch for a spin current that is robust against impurity scattering.

Enhanced Magnetic Interaction by Face-Shared Hydride Anions in 6H-BaCrO2H

Studies on magnetic oxyhydrides have been almost limited to perovskite-based lattices with corner-sharing octahedra with a M-H-M (M: transition metal) angle of θ ∼ 180°. Using a high-pressure method, we prepared BaCrO₂H with a 6H-type hexagonal perovskite structure with corner- and face-sharing octahedra, offering a unique opportunity to investigate magnetic interactions based on a θ ∼ 90° case. Neutron diffraction for BaCrO₂H revealed an antiferromagnetic (AFM) order at T_N ∼ 375 K, which is higher than ∼240 K in BaCrO_3-xF_x. The relatively high T_N of BaCrO₂H can be explained by the preferred occupancy of H^- at the face-sharing site that provides AFM superexchange in addition to AFM direct exchange interactions. First-principles calculations on BaCrO₂H in comparison with BaCrO₂F and BaMnO₃ further reveal that the direct Cr-Cr interaction is significantly enhanced by shortening the Cr-Cr distance due to the covalent nature of H^-. This study provides a useful strategy for the extensive control of magnetic interactions by exploiting the difference in the covalency of multiple anions.

Low Carotid Flow Pulsatility Index Correlates With the Presence of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Background

We assessed cases of incidental unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) discovered on screening magnetic resonance angiography to identify hemodynamic and atherosclerotic risk factors.

Methods and Results

The data of 1376 healthy older subjects (age range, 31–91 years) without cerebro‐ or cardiovascular diseases who underwent brain magnetic resonance angiography as part of a medical checkup program at a health screening center were examined retrospectively. We looked for an increase in classical risk factors for UIAs (age, sex, hypertension, and smoking) and laboratory data related to lifestyle diseases among subjects with UIAs. Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity, central systolic blood pressure, radial augmentation index, and carotid flow pulsatility index were also compared between those with and without UIAs. We found UIAs in 79 (5.7%) of the subjects. Mean age was 67.1±9.0 years, and 55 (70%) were women. Of the 79 aneurysms, 75 (95%) were in the anterior circulation, with a mean diameter of 3.1 mm (range, 2.0–8.0 mm). Subjects with UIAs were significantly older and had more severe hypertension. The carotid flow pulsatility index was significantly lower in subjects with UIAs and negatively and independently correlated with UIAs. Tertile analysis stratified by carotid flow pulsatility index revealed that subjects with lower indices had higher levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusions

The presence of UIAs correlated with lower carotid flow pulsatility index and elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in the data from a population of healthy older volunteers. A reduced carotid flow pulsatility index may affect low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation by some molecular pathways and influence the development of cerebral aneurysms. This may guide aneurysm screening indications for institutions where magnetic resonance angiography is not routine.

A rare case of neurosarcoidosis occurred only in the medulla oblongata mimicking malignant brain tumor

Background:

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder characterized by noncaseating epithelioid granulomas. However, neurosarcoidosis occurring only in the medulla oblongata is very rare and lacks specific imaging and clinical features. We report a rare case of neurosarcoidosis arising from the medulla oblongata alone, suggesting the significance of pathological findings for accurate diagnosis.

Case Description:

A 78-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital with a 3-month history of progressive numbness in bilateral lower extremities and gait disturbance. Neurological examination on admission showed mild bilateral paired paralysis of the lower limbs (manual muscle test: right 2/V; left 4/V) and marked numbness in the right lower limb. Neuroimaging revealed a solid mass with clear boundaries in the dorsal medulla oblongata appearing hypointense on T1-weighted imaging (WI), hyperintense on T2-WI, and hypointense on diffusion WI (DWI), with strong enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced T1-WI. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed moderately elevated levels of protein and lymphocytic cells. Biopsy to determine the exact diagnosis revealed histological findings of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas and inflammatory infiltration, consistent with sarcoidosis. Postoperatively, corticosteroid therapy with prednisolone was initiated as soon as possible, resulting in marked reductions in lesion size. Follow-up neuroimaging after 12 months showed no signs of recurrence.

Conclusion:

Neurosarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose from routine neuroimaging and laboratory findings. Accurate diagnosis requires careful identification of clinical signs, hypointensity on DWI, and morphological findings from surgical biopsy.

Association of Creatinine-to-Cystatin C Ratio with Myosteatosis and Physical Performance in Older Adults: The Japan Shimanami Health Promoting Program

OBJECTIVE

Sarcopenia is a risk factor for poor outcomes in older adults. Identification of plasma markers may facilitate screening of sarcopenia. We previously reported that creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio is a simple marker of muscle mass. To further assess the clinical relevance of the creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio, we investigated its association with myosteatosis and physical performance.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional analysis of the dataset obtained from a Japanese population consisting of 1468 older (≥60 years of age) community residents.

METHODS

The mean attenuation values of the skeletal muscle calculated from computed tomography images of the midthigh were used as an index of myosteatosis, while the cross-sectional area of the muscle was used as a proxy for muscle mass. Physical performance was assessed by 1-leg standing time.

RESULTS

Creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio was positively associated with the cross-sectional area of muscle fiber-rich muscles, while it showed an inverse association with fat-rich muscle areas, resulting in the positive association between creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio and the mean attenuation value of the skeletal muscle [creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio quartiles (Q), Q1: 47.4 ± 4.8, Q2: 48.9 ± 4.4, Q3: 49.8 ± 4.1, Q4: 50.9 ± 3.7, P < .001]. The results of the linear regression analysis adjusted for major covariates (including muscle cross-sectional area) identified creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio as an independent determinant of the mean attenuation value (Q1: reference, Q2: β = 0.07, P = .019, Q3: β = 0.11, P < .001, Q4: β = 0.16, P < .001). Low creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio was independently associated with 1-leg standing time, although the association was attenuated substantially by adjusting for skeletal muscle cross-sectional area and mean attenuation value.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio was associated with myosteatosis in older adults, independent of the muscle mass. Creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio may serve as a convenient marker of sarcopenia.

Evidence for a higher-order topological insulator in a three-dimensional material built from van der Waals stacking of bismuth-halide chains

Low-dimensional van der Waals materials have been extensively studied as a platform with which to generate quantum effects. Advancing this research, topological quantum materials with van der Waals structures are currently receiving a great deal of attention. Here, we use the concept of designing topological materials by the van der Waals stacking of quantum spin Hall insulators. Most interestingly, we find that a slight shift of inversion centre in the unit cell caused by a modification of stacking induces a transition from a trivial insulator to a higher-order topological insulator. Based on this, we present angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy results showing that the real three-dimensional material Bi₄Br₄ is a higher-order topological insulator. Our demonstration that various topological states can be selected by stacking chains differently, combined with the advantages of van der Waals materials, offers a playground for engineering topologically non-trivial edge states towards future spintronics applications.

A multi-centre, retrospective case series of oocyte cryopreservation in unmarried women diagnosed with haematological malignancies

STUDY QUESTION

Is oocyte cryopreservation an applicable option for fertility preservation in unmarried patients with haematological malignancies?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Oocyte cryopreservation via the vitrification method is accessible and may be considered an option for fertility preservation in unmarried patients with haematological malignancies.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Haematological malignancies are most commonly observed amongst adolescent and young adult women. Although the survival rate and life expectancy of those with haematological malignancies have improved, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may impair their reproductive potential. Oocyte cryopreservation is thus an ideal option to preserve their fertility.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

This study retrospectively evaluated 193 unmarried patients (age: 26.2 ± 0.4 years) with haematological malignancies, who consulted for oocyte cryopreservation across 20 different fertility centres in Japan between February 2007 and January 2015. The primary outcome measures were the oocyte retrievals and oocyte cryopreservation outcomes. The secondary outcome measures were the outcomes following oocyte warming for IVF.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

The patients had commenced ovarian stimulation cycles via antagonist, agonist, natural and minimal methods for oocyte retrievals, defined according to the treatment strategy of each respective fertility centre. A vitrification method using the Cryotop safety kit was used for oocyte cryopreservation. ICSIs were used for insemination of warmed oocytes. The endometrial preparation method for embryo transfer was hormonal replacement therapy, except in the case of a patient who underwent a spontaneous ovulatory cycle.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Among 193 patients, acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 45, 23.3%) was most common, followed by acute lymphoid leukaemia (n = 38, 19.7%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 30, 15.5%). In total, 162 patients (83.9%) underwent oocyte retrieval, and oocytes were successfully cryopreserved for 155 patients (80.3%). The mean number of oocyte retrieval cycles and cryopreserved oocytes were 1.7 ± 0.2 and 6.3 ± 0.4, respectively. As of December 2019, 14 patients (9.2%) had requested oocyte warming for IVF. The survival rate of oocytes after vitrification-warming was 85.2% (75/88). The rates of fertilisation and embryo development were 80.0% (60/75) and 46.7% (28/60), respectively. Ten patients (71.4%) had successful embryo transfers, and seven live births (50.0%) were achieved.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study was limited by its retrospective nature. Additionally, there remains an insufficient number of cases regarding the warming of vitrified oocytes to reliably conclude whether oocyte cryopreservation is effective for patients with haematological malignancies. Further long-term follow-up study is required.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Oocyte retrieval and oocyte cryopreservation were accessible for patients with haematological malignancies; however, the number of oocyte retrievals may have been limited due to the initiation of cancer treatments. Acceptable embryonic and pregnancy outcomes could be achieved following oocyte warming; therefore, our results suggest that oocyte cryopreservation can be considered an option for fertility preservation in patients with haematological malignancies.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Unilateral lower limb atrophy associated with glomus tumors: a case report

Background

Glomus tumors are soft tissue neoplasms comprised of glomus cells, vasculature, and smooth muscle cells, which occur commonly in a single subungual area of the digits, and their main clinical features include severe paroxysmal pain, localized tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old Japanese man had suffered from chronic progressive paroxysmal shooting pain in his right leg since childhood. He avoided putting weight on his right foot whenever he walked. The frequency of paroxysmal pain and the number of tender points both gradually increased with age, and his right leg gradually atrophied. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremity demonstrated multiple gadolinium-enhanced nodules that corresponded with his tender points. Excisional biopsy relieved his pain and provided a histopathological diagnosis of glomus tumors.

Conclusion

This case suggests that small glomus tumors located in deep tissue may cause disuse atrophy because of their long delay before diagnosis. Clinicians should consider the potential for glomus tumors when patients exhibit unilateral lower limb muscular atrophy with pain.

Strain-induced creation and switching of anion vacancy layers in perovskite oxynitrides

Perovskite oxides can host various anion-vacancy orders, which greatly change their properties, but the order pattern is still difficult to manipulate. Separately, lattice strain between thin film oxides and a substrate induces improved functions and novel states of matter, while little attention has been paid to changes in chemical composition. Here we combine these two aspects to achieve strain-induced creation and switching of anion-vacancy patterns in perovskite films. Epitaxial SrVO₃ films are topochemically converted to anion-deficient oxynitrides by ammonia treatment, where the direction or periodicity of defect planes is altered depending on the substrate employed, unlike the known change in crystal orientation. First-principles calculations verified its biaxial strain effect. Like oxide heterostructures, the oxynitride has a superlattice of insulating and metallic blocks. Given the abundance of perovskite families, this study provides new opportunities to design superlattices by chemically modifying simple perovskite oxides with tunable anion-vacancy patterns through epitaxial lattice strain.

Casein Hydrolysate Containing Milk-Derived Peptides Reduces Facial Pigmentation Partly by Decreasing Advanced Glycation End Products in the Skin: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Casein hydrolysate has been shown to improve arterial stiffness as estimated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in untreated hypertensive patients. Facial pigmentation is associated with atherosclerosis, both of which are supposed to be modulated by tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). However, effects of casein hydrolysate on facial pigmentation and AGEs remain largely unknown. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated whether and how casein hydrolysate improves facial pigmentation in 80 nonhypertensive Japanese patients. Study participants were randomly assigned to receive either active tablets containing casein hydrolysate or placebo for 48 weeks. Facial pigmentation area, baPWV, and skin accumulation levels of AGEs were evaluated by Robo Skin Analyzer RSA50S II, volume-plethysmographic apparatus, and AGE Reader, respectively, at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Treatment with casein hydrolysate, but not placebo significantly reduced triglycerides and facial pigmentation area. There were significant differences of changes in triglycerides, facial pigmentation area, skin accumulation levels of AGEs, and baPWV between the two groups. Furthermore, changes in triglycerides and skin accumulation levels of AGEs were positively and independently associated with those in facial pigmentation area, whereas changes in baPWV were not. This study suggests that casein hydrolysate reduces facial pigmentation area in nonhypertensive participants partly by decreasing skin accumulation levels of AGEs. Clinical-Trials.gov ID: UMIN000027675.

Prevention of dental caries by eating vegetables at the beginning of a meal in Japanese children

Backgrounds

Dental caries is still a worldwide serious problem among children. Previous studies showed that higher consumption of vegetables prevents dental caries. Eating order habits, such as eating vegetables at the beginning of a meal, called “Vege-first”, may increase the amount of vegetable consumption, and in turn, prevent dental caries. We used cross-sectional data in our previous study to show the association between “Vege-first” and dental caries. However, the causal relationship of “Vege-first” on dental caries is not clear. The aim of this study to investigate the effect of “Vege-first” on dental caries, using cohort data of Japanese elementary students.

Methods

We used cohort data from 2015 to 2016 by the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD) study, a population-based study of all first- and Second- grade students in Adachi City, Tokyo, Japan. The number of DMFT (decayed, missed due to decay, and filled teeth) in 2016 was used as an outcome. Poisson regression analyses were applied to determine the independent association between keeping the “Vege-first” habit over one year and the number of DMFT in 2016 after controlling for the effects of a child's sex, parental marital status, socioeconomic status, and child's dental caries status in 2015.

Results

Of 3,164 valid participants, 45.0% had dental caries and 6.3% kept the “Vege-first” habit. Children who kept the “Vege-first” habit had fewer DMFTs in 2016 than children who did not (p &lt; 0.001). After controlled for covariates, children with having a continuous “Vege-first” habit were still significantly and independently decreased the number of DMFT in 2016 (Incidence-rate ratios=0.87 (95% confidential interval [0.75-0.98])).

Conclusions

This study showed that having the continuous “Vege-first” habit was associated with preventive dental caries even after accounting for socioeconomic status. Health policy introducing the “Vege-first” habit may be effective to prevent pediatric dental caries.

Key messages

The practice of eating vegetables at the beginning of a meal, called “Vege-first” may increase vegetable consumption and reduce dental caries. The continuous habit of 'Vege-first' was effective in preventing a child’s dental caries even if after accounting for socioeconomic status.

Evaluating a child-rearing family friendly community from user’s aspect in Japan

Backgrounds

In Japan, some parents with an infant have limited network with others and are feeling anxious and less confident about their child rearing. Many measures for promoting a child-rearing family friendly community are implemented to promote families' healthy development in communities. However, a situation surrounding child-rearing in a community is diverse. The aim of this study is to examine possible indices to monitor and evaluate child-rearing family friendly community.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study with using two kinds of data in one city in Japan. The first one was public data providing information about physical environment related to child-rearing of each community. The second data was on questionnaire answered by a parent of infants from 3 months to 48 months through 2013 to 2019. We merged two kinds of data and examined the association between environment and parents' willingness to raise up children in their community (4 scales) by mixed effect regression model stratified by age of months (under 1 year, 1- and 2-years and 3-years).

Results

Targets of analysis included 2,952 parents of infant under 1 year, 2,342 of 1- and 2-years and 1,977 of 3-year. For parents of infant of 1- and 2-years and 3-years, the closer a child-rearing support center was, the bigger the willingness to raise up a child in their community (β[95%CI]:-0.007[-0.014-/-0.0004], -0.007[-0.012/-0.002, respectively). Also, for parents of 1- and 2-years infant, the closer the park was, the bigger the willingness (-0.014[-0.028/-0.0008]). On the other hand, for parents of infant under 1 year, environment was not statistically significant on their willingness.

Conclusions

It was indicated that user's easiness to visit a consulting space or playing place such as a child-rearing support center or a park become one of indicators for evaluating child-rearing family friendly community in Japan.

Key messages

Child-rearing family friendly environment in a community should be evaluated from the user’s aspect. Further studies including evaluation quality of places or services are needed.

The effects of paternal childcare in early childhood on later behavioral problems in Japan

Background

Parenting by primary caregivers in early childhood is important for the psycho-social development of children. Previous studies reported that the effect of maternal childcare on child behavioral problems. However, the research about the paternal childcare was limited. This study aims to clarify the impact of paternal childcare during infant-period on behavioral problems in later childhood, in terms of 1) childcare hours and 2) type of involvement in childcare.

Methods

We used the data of the Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century (2001-2006), which was a population-based survey in Japan. We analyzed 35,082 samples, excluding single parents. Paternal childcare was assessed by the following; paternal childcare hours on weekdays or weekends at 18 months old, and frequency of each type of childcare (feeding, diaper change, bathing, putting the child to sleep, playing at home, and taking the child outside) at 6 and 18 months old. We evaluated child behavioral problems by the caregiver's answer at 5 years old. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted for analysis.

Results

Children with paternal childcare for ≥ 6 hours on weekends at 18 months old were had fewer behavioral problems at 5 years old than children with paternal childcare for &lt; 4 hours (odds ratio (OR): 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77 to 0,89), while there was no clear association between paternal childcare hours on weekdays and child outcomes. Children with frequent paternal childcare at 6 and 18 months old also had fewer behavioral problems than children with less paternal childcare (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.90). Some types of paternal childcare (feeding, playing at home, and taking the child outside) strongly reduced child behavioral problems at 5 years old, and dose-effect relations were observed (p for trend &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions

Paternal childcare for a longer time on weekends in the infant-period could reduce the child behavioral problems at 5 years old.

Key messages

High paternal involvement in childcare during infant age, such as taking the child outside the home on weekends, could have protective effects on behavioral problems in later childhood. The promotion of paternal involvement in childcare in early childhood should be useful for adequate child development.

Publisher Correction: A weak topological insulator state in quasi-one-dimensional bismuth iodide

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Epitaxial Stabilization of SrCu3O4 with Infinite Cu3/2O2 Layers

We report the epitaxial thin-film synthesis of SrCu₃O₄ with infinitely stacked Cu₃O₄ layers composed of edge-sharing CuO₄ square planes, using molecular-beam epitaxy. Experimental and theoretical characterizations showed that this material is a metastable phase that can exist by applying tensile biaxial strain from the (001)-SrTiO₃ substrate. SrCu₃O₄ shows an insulating electrical resistivity in accordance with the Cu²⁺ valence state revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. First-principles calculations also indicated that the unoccupied d_3z²-r² band becomes substantially stabilized owing to the absence of apical anions, in contrast to A₂Cu₃O₄Cl₂ (A = Sr, Ba) with an A₂Cl₂ block layer and therefore a trans-CuO₄Cl₂ octahedron. These results suggest that SrCu₃O₄ is a suitable parent material for electron-doped superconductivity based on the Cu₃O₄ plane.

Auraptene in the Peels of Citrus Kawachiensis (Kawachibankan) Contributes to the Preservation of Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study in Healthy Volunteers

OBJECTIVES

Dementia, which is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, is a major concern in aging societies. Although a number of treatments have been approved, an effective therapy to prevent the disorder is lacking. A supplement that improves cognitive function would benefit patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether auraptene, a citrus coumarin, has a protective effect on cognitive decline.

DESIGN

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study SETTING: Outpatient medical check-up program for cognitive disorders PARTICIPANTS: 84 adult volunteers (they are cognitively normal) met inclusion and exclusion criteria to participate.

INTERVENTION

42 participants received auraptene enriched (containing 6.0 mg/day of auraptene) test juice, and another participants received placebo juice.

MEASUREMENTS

1) Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Screen using the 10-word immediate recall test. 2) The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Cognitive assessment ware carried out baseline and at 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Auraptene enriched test juice did not improve cognitive function after 24 weeks compared with baseline data. However, there was a significant difference in the percentage change in cognitive function between the test and placebo orange juice groups (6.3 ± 18.9 vs. -2.4 ± 14.8, P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant independent relationship between the percentage change in the 10-word immediate recall test score and test juice consumption including baseline 10-word immediate recall test score in all subjects.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to assess the effectiveness of auraptene in the prevention of cognitive decline. Our results suggest that auraptene is a safe supplement for the prevention of cognitive decline.

The association between eating vegetables at start of meal and dental caries among Japanese children

Background

Dental caries is still serious problem among Japanese children. Previous studies suggested that higher consumption of vegetables prevent dental caries. Eating order habit, such as eating vegetables at start of meal, called “Vege-first”, may increase the amount of vegetable consumption, and in turn, prevent dental caries. However, no published studies have examined the impact of “Vege-first” habit on dental caries. The aim of this study to investigate the association between “Vege-first” and dental caries among Japanese children.

Methods

We used the 2015 cross-sectional data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD) study, a population-based study of all first-grade students in Adachi City, Tokyo, Japan. The number of DMFT (decayed, missed due to decay, and filled teeth) was used as an outcome. Poisson regression analyses were applied to determine the independent association between “Vege-first” habit and the number of DMFT after controlling for the effects from child’s sex, parents’ marital status, socioeconomic status, and frequency of tooth brushing, drinking sweet beverages, and snacking.

Results

Of 3,689 valid Japanese children participants, 38.2% had DMFT and 11.6% were having the “Vege-first” habit. The number of DMFT decreased linearly with “Vege-first” habit (p &lt; 0.001). After controlled for covariates, the number of DMFT was still significantly and independently decreased with “Vege-first” habit (prevalence ratio=0.89 (95% confidential interval [0.81-0.98])).

Conclusions

This study showed that having the “Vege-first” habit was associated with dental caries even accounting for socioeconomic status, dental health behavior, and dietary habits. Health policy introducing “Vege-first” habit may be effective to prevent pediatric dental caries.

Key messages

Eating habit which vegetables at start of meal called “Vege-first” may increase the amount of vegetable consumption and possibly reduce dental caries. The habituation of Vege-first was likely to reduce child’s dental caries even accounting for socioeconomic status, dental health behavior and dietary habits.

Multiple intra-articular injections of allogeneic bone marrow-derived stem cells potentially improve knee lesions resulting from surgically induced osteoarthritis: an animal study

AIM

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have several properties that may support their use as an early treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the role of multiple injections of allogeneic bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) to alleviate the progression of osteoarthritic changes in the various structures of the mature rabbit knee in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient OA model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two months after bilateral section of the ACL of Japanese white rabbits aged nine months or more, either phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or 1 x 10⁶ MSCs were injected into the knee joint in single or three consecutive doses. After two months, the articular cartilage and meniscus were assessed macroscopically, histologically, and immunohistochemically using collagen I and II.

RESULTS

Within the PBS injection (control group), typical progressive degenerative changes were revealed in the various knee structures. In the single MSC injection (single group), osteoarthritic changes were attenuated, but still appeared, especially in the medial compartments involving fibrillation of the articular cartilage, osteophyte formation in the medial plateau, and longitudinal tear of the meniscus. In the multiple-injections group, the smoothness and texture of the articular cartilage and meniscus were improved. Histologically, absence or reduction in matrix staining and cellularity were noticeable in the control and single-injection groups, respectively, in contrast to the multiple-injections group, which showed good intensity of matrix staining and chondrocyte distribution in the various cartilage zones. Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring showed significantly better results in the multiple-injections group than in the other groups. Immunohistochemically, collagen I existed superficially in the medial femoral condyle in the single group, while collagen II was more evident in the multiple-injections group than the single-injection group.

CONCLUSION

A single injection of MSCs was not enough to restore the condition of osteoarthritic joints. This is in contrast to multiple injections of MSCs, which had the ability to replace lost cells, as well as reducing inflammation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:824-831.

Large Enhancement of Thermoelectric Efficiency Due to a Pressure-Induced Lifshitz Transition in SnSe

The Lifshitz transition, a change in Fermi surface topology, is likely to greatly influence exotic correlated phenomena in solids, such as high-temperature superconductivity and complex magnetism. However, since the observation of Fermi surfaces is generally difficult in the strongly correlated systems, a direct link between the Lifshitz transition and quantum phenomena has been elusive so far. Here, we report a marked impact of the pressure-induced Lifshitz transition on thermoelectric performance for SnSe, a promising thermoelectric material without a strong electron correlation. By applying pressure up to 1.6 GPa, we have observed a large enhancement of the thermoelectric power factor by more than 100% over a wide temperature range (10-300 K). Furthermore, the high carrier mobility enables the detection of quantum oscillations of resistivity, revealing the emergence of new Fermi pockets at ∼0.86  GPa. The observed thermoelectric properties linked to the multivalley band structure are quantitatively reproduced by first-principles calculations, providing novel insight into designing the SnSe-related materials for potential valleytronic as well as thermoelectric applications.

Rotational acetabular osteotomy for symptomatic hip dysplasia in patients younger than 21 years of age: seven- to 30-year survival outcomes

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) for symptomatic hip dysplasia in patients aged younger than 21 years at the time of surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 31 patients (37 hips) aged younger than 21 years at the time of surgery retrospectively. There were 29 female and two male patients. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 17.4 years (12 to 21). The mean follow-up was 17.9 years (7 to 30). The RAO was combined with a varus or valgus femoral osteotomy or a greater trochanteric displacement in eight hips, as instability or congruence of the hip could not be corrected adequately using RAO alone.

RESULTS

The mean Merle d'Aubigné clinical score improved significantly from 15.4 to 17.2 (p < 0.0001). The mean centre-edge (CE) angle improved from -2.6° to 26°, the mean acetabular roof angle improved from 3.0° to 5.2°, and the mean head lateralization index improved from 0.68 to 0.62. Progression of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was seen in seven hips, but no patient underwent total hip arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

RAO is an effective form of correction for a severely dysplastic hip in adolescent and young adult patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:390-395.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical study of the effect of pork collagen peptide supplementation on atherosclerosis in healthy older individuals

We examined whether baPWV could be affected by pork collagen peptide (CP) ingestion. Seventy subjects were randomized into two groups (2.5 g/day CP and 2.5 g/day placebo). A significant reduction in baPWV was observed in the CP group compared to the placebo group. This study demonstrated that pork CP may contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis in elderly.

Magnetic order of Nd5Pb3 single crystals

We report millimeter-sized Nd₅Pb₃ single crystals grown out of a Nd-Co flux. We experimentally study the magnetic order of Nd₅Pb₃ single crystals by measuring the anisotropic magnetic properties, electrical resistivity under high pressure up to 8 GPa, specific heat, and neutron single crystal diffraction. Two successive magnetic orders are observed at T _N1  =  44 K and T _N2  =  8 K. The magnetic cells can be described with a propagation vector [Formula: see text]. Cooling below T _N1, Nd1 and Nd3 order forming ferromagnetic stripes along the b-axis, and the ferromagnetic stripes are coupled antiferromagnetically along the a-axis for the [Formula: see text] magnetic domain. Cooling below T _N2, Nd2 orders antiferromagnetically to nearby Nd3 ions. All ordered moments align along the crystallographic c-axis. The magnetic order at T _N1 is accompanied by a quick drop of electrical resistivity upon cooling and a lambda-type anomaly in the temperature dependence of specific heat. At T _N2, no anomaly was observed in electrical resistivity but there is a weak feature in specific heat. The resistivity measurements under hydrostatic pressures up to 8 GPa suggest a possible phase transition around 6 GPa. Our first-principles band structure calculations show that Nd₅Pb₃ has the same electronic structure as does Y₅Si₃ which has been reported to be a one-dimensional electride with anionic electrons that do not belong to any atom. Our study suggests that R ₅Pb₃ (R  =  rare earth) can be a materials playground for the study of magnetic electrides. This deserves further study after experimental confirmation of the presence of anionic electrons.

Risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Aims

To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the time of ACL reconstruction was compared with that at second-look arthroscopy. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ACL reconstruction technique, meniscal conditions, and other variables were assessed by regression analysis as risk factors for progression of damage to the articular cartilage.

Results

In the medial compartment, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that partial medial meniscectomy (odds ratio (OR) 6.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11 to 22.04, p = 0.001), pivot-shift test grade at the final follow-up (OR 3.53, CI 1.39 to 8.96, p = 0.008), BMI (OR 1.15, CI 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.015) and medial meniscal repair (OR 3.19, CI 1.24 to 8.21, p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for progression of cartilage damage. In the lateral compartment, partial lateral meniscectomy (OR 10.94, CI 4.14 to 28.92, p < 0.001) and side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at follow-up (OR 0.63, p = 0.001) were significant risk factors.

Conclusion

Partial meniscectomy was found to be strongly associated with the progression of articular cartilage damage despite r anatomical ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:285–93.

Retreat from Stress: Rattling in a Planar Coordination

Thermoelectric devices convert heat flow to charge flow, providing electricity. Materials for highly efficient devices must satisfy conflicting requirements of high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity in caged compounds is known to be suppressed by a large vibration of guest atoms, so-called rattling, which effectively scatters phonons. Here, the crystal structure and phonon dynamics of tetrahedrites (Cu,Zn)₁₂ (Sb,As)₄ S₁₃ are studied. The results reveal that the Cu atoms in a planar coordination are rattling. In contrast to caged compounds, chemical pressure enlarges the amplitude of the rattling vibration in the tetrahedrites so that the rattling atom is squeezed out of the planar coordination. Furthermore, the rattling vibration shakes neighbors through lone pairs of the metalloids, Sb and As, which is responsible for the low thermal conductivity of tetrahedrites. These findings provide a new strategy for the development of highly efficient thermoelectric materials with planar coordination.

An ovine model of cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction

Unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) reconstruction was performed in forty-eight sheep, to evaluate an absorbable tibial fixation device (Gunze Ltd. Japan/Zimmer Japan). Forty-four (91.6%) were available for end-point evaluation. A medial subpatellar arthrotomy was utilized with graft placement accomplished using the Acufex Graftmaster system (Acufex, Mansfield, MA). A prosthesis was implanted consisting of looped superficial flexor tendon autograft joined to a Leeds- Keio ligament (LK-15). Femoral fixation was accomplished with an endobutton and tibial fixation with staples. Individuals were required to weight-bear immediately following recovery from anaesthesia and in so doing mimic the early mobilization practices currently in vogue in humans following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

An analgesia protocol involving intraarticular sensory blockade and intravenous agents was utilized and appeared effective in the provision of adequate levels of comfort post- operatively. The model has allowed a significant amount of relevant data to be obtained prior to clinical trials in humans.

Cruciate ligament reconstruction in human patients is often with a view to returning the patient to strenuous athletic endeavour. This paper is presented, not only as a means of displaying what technologies are currently in use in the human patient, but also as a means of suggesting to colleagues, in both the medical and veterinary professions, how research into cruciate reconstruction, using animal models, might be performed with peri-operative care of the animal being of paramount importance.