No association between inactivated influenza vaccination and influenza viral load at diagnosis among young Japanese children: An observational study of the 2013/2014 through 2017/2018 influenza seasons

BACKGROUND

The association between inactivated influenza vaccination and viral load in young children remains unclear.

METHODS

During the 2013/2014 to 2017/2018 influenza seasons in Japan, children under 6 years of age with pre-defined influenza-like illness and influenza-positive status by real-time RT-PCR were recruited at pediatric clinics for this observational study. Influenza viral load was measured for the most predominant subtype/lineage in each season. Using median dichotomized viral load as an outcome, a multilevel logistic regression model was applied to estimate the multivariable adjusted odds ratio (MOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for higher viral load.

RESULTS

A total of 1,185 influenza-positive children were analyzed. The median log10 viral load copy number (copies per milliliter) was 5.5 (interquartile range, 4.6 to 6.1) and did not differ by vaccination status: 5.5 for unvaccinated, 5.7 for one dose, and 5.5 for two doses (p = 0.67). The MOR of vaccinated (one or two doses) versus unvaccinated children was 1.19 (95% CI: 0.86-1.64). Other factors showing significant associations with higher viral load were positive results for A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) in comparison with B/Yamagata. The respective MORs were 3.25 (95% CI: 2.28-4.64) and 1.81 (95% CI: 1.32-2.49). Significantly elevated MORs against higher viral load were also observed for higher body temperature at influenza diagnosis and shorter duration from fever onset to specimen collection.

CONCLUSION

No association was observed between inactivated-influenza vaccination and viral load at influenza-positive diagnosis. Influenza subtype/lineage, body temperature, and time elapsed since fever onset were significantly associated with viral load.

Structural analysis and ionic conduction mechanism of sulfide-based solid electrolytes doped with Br

Sulfide glasses can exhibit notable ionic conductivity because of annealing-associated crystallization. One well-known example is Li7P3S11. Our research showed that adding bromine (Br) to Li3PS4 sulfide glass results in a similar crystal structure and high ionic conductivity comparable to that of another compound Li10GeP2S12. This structure differs from the PS4 anion framework of Li3PS4. In addition, the ionic conductivity decreases owing to a structural transition to the β-phase. Herein, we present our findings on the local structure of Li3PS4 sulfide glass and its crystallized glass ceramic with the addition of Br. This analysis relies on the pair distribution function analysis obtained from high-energy X-ray diffraction. Moreover, using the bond valence sum method, we verified that incorporating Br promotes the formation of Li ionic conduction pathways. Our results indicate that precise control over the anion molecular structure by introducing halogens holds promise for achieving high Li-ion conductivity.

A near dimensionally invariable high-capacity positive electrode material

Delivering inherently stable lithium-ion batteries is a key challenge. Electrochemical lithium insertion and extraction often severely alters the electrode crystal chemistry, and this contributes to degradation with electrochemical cycling. Moreover, electrodes do not act in isolation, and this can be difficult to manage, especially in all-solid-state batteries. Therefore, discovering materials that can reversibly insert and extract large quantities of the charge carrier (Li⁺), that is, high capacity, with inherent stability during electrochemical cycles is necessary. Here lithium-excess vanadium oxides with a disordered rocksalt structure are examined as high-capacity and long-life positive electrode materials. Nanosized Li_8/7Ti_2/7V_4/7O₂ in optimized liquid electrolytes deliver a large reversible capacity of over 300 mAh g^-1 with two-electron V³⁺/V⁵⁺ cationic redox, reaching 750 Wh kg^-1 versus metallic lithium. Critically, highly reversible Li storage and no capacity fading for 400 cycles were observed in all-solid-state batteries with a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. Operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction combined with high-precision dilatometry reveals excellent reversibility and a near dimensionally invariable character during electrochemical cycling, which is associated with reversible vanadium migration on lithiation and delithiation. This work demonstrates an example of an electrode/electrolyte couple that produces high-capacity and long-life batteries enabled by multi-electron transition metal redox with a structure that is near invariant during cycling.

Phonon dispersion curves in the type-I crystalline and molten clathrate compound Eu8Ga16Ge30

The dynamic structure factorS(Q,E), whereQandEare momentum and energy transfer, respectively, has been measured for liquid Eu₈Ga₁₆Ge₃₀(EGG), using inelastic x-ray scattering. The excitation energy of the longitudinal acoustic mode in the liquid was scaled to that in liquid Ba₈Ga₁₆Sn₃₀(BGS) with the effective mass. This result means that the local structure in both liquids are similar. The longitudinal acoustic excitation energy of type-I clathrate compound EGG disperses faster than that in the liquid, suggesting that the interatomic force is weakened on melting. The lower energy excitation was observed in both liquid EGG and liquid BGS. In comparison with the longitudinal phonon dispersion in crystalline clathrate compound EGG obtained by density functional theory-based calculations, the lower energy in the liquid was found to be near the optical mode energy. The result indicates that the lower energy mode arises from the relative motion between Eu and (Ga, Ge) atoms.

Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant isolated in Osaka, Japan

To study vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants isolated in Osaka, Japan, microneutralization tests were performed on serum samples from 32subjects who received a second dose of vaccination, and 10 of those who received the third dose of vaccination. Geometric mean titres (GMTs) for the D614G strain, Alpha variant, Delta variant, and Omicron BA.1 of the subjects after the second dose of vaccination were 19.5, 21.8, 6.3 and 2.0, respectively. The GMT for the Delta variant was significantly lower than that for the D614G strain and Alpha variant, and the GMT for the Omicron BA.1 was significantly lower than that for the Delta variant. Among the subjects who received three doses of vaccination, the GMTs for the Omicron BA.1 (62.8) and BA.2 (38.6) were significantly higher than that for the Omicron BA.1 after the second dose. Thus, in the present study, the second dose of vaccination induced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the reactivity of neutralizing antibodies to the variants was thought to be enhanced by the third dose of vaccination. The serum samples used in this study will be useful in evaluating the reactivity of vaccine-induced antibodies to newly emerging variants.

Adaptive Cation Pillar Effects Achieving High Capacity in Li-Rich Layered Oxide, Li2 MnO3 -LiMeO2 (Me = Ni, Co, Mn)

Intensive research is underway to further enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To increase the capacity of positive electrode materials, Li-rich layered oxides (LLO) are attracting attention but have not yet been put to practical use. The structural mechanisms through which LLO materials exhibit higher capacity than conventional materials remain unclear because their disordered phases make it difficult to obtain structural information by conventional analysis. The X-ray total scattering analysis reveals a disordered structure consisting of metal ions in octahedral and tetrahedral sites of Li layers as a result of cation mixing after the extraction of Li ions. Metal ions in octahedral sites act as rigid pillars. The metal ions move to the tetrahedral site of the Li layer, which functions as a Li-layer pillar during Li extraction, and returns to the metal site during Li insertion, facilitating Li diffusion as an adaptive pillar. Adaptive pillars are the specific structural features that differ from those of the conventional layered materials, and their effects are responsible for the high capacity of LLO materials. An essential understanding of the pillar effects will contribute to design guidelines for intercalation-type positive electrodes for next-generation LIBs.

Experimental evidence of tetrahedral symmetry breaking in SiO2 glass under pressure

Bimodal behavior in the translational order of silicon's second shell in SiO₂ liquid at high temperatures and high pressures has been recognized in theoretical studies, and the fraction of the S state with high tetrahedrality is considered as structural origin of the anomalous properties. However, it has not been well identified in experiment. Here we show experimental evidence of a bimodal behavior in the translational order of silicon's second shell in SiO₂ glass under pressure. SiO₂ glass shows tetrahedral symmetry structure with separation between the first and second shells of silicon at low pressures, which corresponds to the S state structure reported in SiO₂ liquid. On the other hand, at high pressures, the silicon's second shell collapses onto the first shell, and more silicon atoms locate in the first shell. These observations indicate breaking of local tetrahedral symmetry in SiO₂ glass under pressure, as well as SiO₂ liquid.

Phase Control of Solid-Solution Nanoparticles beyond the Phase Diagram for Enhanced Catalytic Properties

The crystal structure, which intrinsically affects the properties of solids, is determined by the constituent elements and composition of solids. Therefore, it cannot be easily controlled beyond the phase diagram because of thermodynamic limitations. Here, we demonstrate the first example of controlling the crystal structures of a solid-solution nanoparticle (NP) entirely without changing its composition and size. We synthesized face-centered cubic (fcc) or hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structured Pd _x Ru_1-x NPs (x = 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6), although they cannot be synthesized as bulk materials. Crystal-structure control greatly improves the catalytic properties; that is, the hcp-Pd _x Ru_1-x NPs exceed their fcc counterparts toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in corrosive acid. These NPs only require an overpotential (η) of 200 mV at 10 mA cm^-2, can maintain the activity for more than 20 h, greatly outperforming the fcc-Pd_0.4Ru_0.6 NPs (η = 280 mV, 9 min), and are among the most efficient OER catalysts reported. Synchrotron X-ray-based spectroscopy, atomic-resolution electron microscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the enhanced OER performance of hcp-PdRu originates from the high stability against oxidative dissolution.

Total x-ray scattering setup for crystalline particles at SPring-8 BL15XU NIMS beamline

We report a total x-ray scattering (TXS) system for structural analysis of crystalline particle materials at the BL15XU NIMS beamline of SPring-8 in Japan. To achieve a high angular resolution over a high Q region up to 25 Å^-1, the TXS system was capable of measuring to 120° at an x-ray energy of 29.02 keV with five CdTe pin detectors. The sample alignment and measuring system were controlled by LabView software. The x-ray pair distribution function (PDF) results for Ni bulk powder and Pt and AgRh nanoparticles were successfully simulated by the PDFgui program. In addition, Rietveld refinement results were also obtained from x-ray diffraction patterns, reflecting long-range order in the Pt nanoparticles. We expect that this TXS system may be useful for understanding structural information of crystalline nanoparticles, including amorphous features at their surface region.

Chemical and Electronic Investigation of Buried NiO1-δ, PCBM, and PTAA/MAPbI3-xClx Interfaces Using Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Identification and profiling of molecular fragments generated over the lifespan of halide perovskite solar cells are needed to overcome the stability issues associated with these devices. Herein, we report the characterization of buried CH₃NH₃PbI_3-xCl_x (HaP)-transport layer (TL) interfaces. By using hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy, we reveal that the chemical decomposition of HaP is TL-dependent. With NiO_1-δ, phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), or poly(bis(4-phenyl) (2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine) (PTAA) as TLs, probing depth analysis shows that the degradation takes place at the interface (HaP/TL) rather than the HaP bulk area. From core-level data analysis, we identified iodine migration toward the PCBM- and PTAA-TLs. Unexpected diffusion of nitrogen inside NiO_1-δ-TL was also found for the HaP/NiO_1-δ sample. With a HaP/PCBM junction, HaP is dissociated to PbI₂, whereas HaP/PTAA contact favored the formation of CH₃I. The low stability of HaP solar cells in the PTAA-TL system is attributed to the formation of CH₃I and iodide ion vacancies. Improved stability observed with NiO_1-δ-TL is related to weak dissociation of stoichiometric HaP. Here, we provide a new insight to further distinguish different mechanisms of degradation to improve the long-term stability and performance of HaP solar cells.

Infectivity assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in samples from patients with COVID-19

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, laboratory diagnosis has mainly been conducted using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Detecting the presence of an infectious virus in the collected sample is essential to analyze if a person can transmit infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there have been no quantitative investigations conducted for infectious SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples. Therefore, in the present study, a rapid and simple focus-forming assay using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was developed to quantify infectious SARS-CoV-2 titers in 119 samples (n = 52, nasopharyngeal swabs [NPS]; n = 67, saliva) from patients with COVID-19. Furthermore, the study findings were compared with the cycle threshold (Ct) values of real-time RT-PCR. The infectious virus titers in NPS samples and Ct values were inversely correlated, and no infectious virus could be detected when the Ct value exceeded 30. In contrast, a low correlation was observed between the infectious virus titers in saliva and Ct values (r = -0.261, p = 0.027). Furthermore, the infectious virus titers in the saliva were significantly lower than those in the NPS samples. Ten days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, the infectious virus was undetectable, and Ct values were more than 30 in NSP and saliva samples. The results indicate that patients whose symptoms subsided 10 days after onset, with Ct values more than 30 in NSP and saliva samples, were less likely to infect others.

Correction: On the electronic structure and hydrogen evolution reaction activity of platinum group metal-based high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles

Correction for ‘On the electronic structure and hydrogen evolution reaction activity of platinum group metal-based high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles’ by Dongshuang Wu et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 12731–12736, DOI: 10.1039/D0SC02351E.

Highly Stable and Active Solid-Solution-Alloy Three-Way Catalyst by Utilizing Configurational-Entropy Effect

Since 1970, people have been making every endeavor to reduce toxic emissions from automobiles. After the development of a three-way catalyst (TWC) that concurrently converts three harmful gases, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs), and nitrogen oxides (NO_x ), Rh became an essential element in automobile technology because only Rh works efficiently for catalytic NO_x reduction. However, due to the sharp price spike in 2007, numerous efforts have been made to replace Rh in TWCs. Nevertheless, Rh remains irreplaceable, and now, the price of Rh is increasing significantly again. Here, it is demonstrated that PdRuM ternary solid-solution alloy nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit highly durable and active TWC performance, which will result in a significant reduction in catalyst cost compared to Rh. This work provides insights into the design of highly durable and efficient functional alloy NPs, guiding how to best take advantage of the configurational entropy in addition to the mixing enthalpy.

Efficient overall water splitting in acid with anisotropic metal nanosheets

Water is the only available fossil-free source of hydrogen. Splitting water electrochemically is among the most used techniques, however, it accounts for only 4% of global hydrogen production. One of the reasons is the high cost and low performance of catalysts promoting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we report a highly efficient catalyst in acid, that is, solid-solution Ru‒Ir nanosized-coral (RuIr-NC) consisting of 3 nm-thick sheets with only 6 at.% Ir. Among OER catalysts, RuIr-NC shows the highest intrinsic activity and stability. A home-made overall water splitting cell using RuIr-NC as both electrodes can reach 10 mA cm⁻²_geo at 1.485 V for 120 h without noticeable degradation, which outperforms known cells. Operando spectroscopy and atomic-resolution electron microscopy indicate that the high-performance results from the ability of the preferentially exposed {0001} facets to resist the formation of dissolvable metal oxides and to transform ephemeral Ru into a long-lived catalyst.

Ru is one of the most active metals for oxygen evolution reaction, but it quickly dissolves in acidic electrolyte particularly in nanosized form. Here, the authors show that coral-like solid-solution Ru‒Ir consisting of 3 nm-thick sheets with only 6 at% Ir is a long-lived catalyst with high activity.

A Genome Epidemiological Study of SARS-CoV-2 Introduction into Japan

After the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan on 15 January 2020, multiple nationwide COVID-19 clusters were identified by the end of February. The Japanese government focused on mitigating the emerging COVID-19 clusters by conducting active nationwide epidemiological surveillance. However, an increasing number of cases continued to appear until early April 2020, many with unclear infection routes and no recent history of travel outside Japan. We aimed to evaluate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome sequences from the COVID-19 cases that appeared until early April 2020 and to characterize their genealogical networks in order to demonstrate possible routes of spread in Japan. Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from patients, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed. Positive RNA samples were subjected to whole-genome sequencing, and a haplotype network analysis was performed. Some of the primary clusters identified during January and February 2020 in Japan descended directly from the Wuhan-Hu-1-related isolates from China and other distinct clusters. Clusters were almost contained until mid-March; the haplotype network analysis demonstrated that the COVID-19 cases from late March through early April may have created an additional large cluster related to the outbreak in Europe, leading to additional spread within Japan. In conclusion, genome surveillance has suggested that there were at least two distinct SARS-CoV-2 introductions into Japan from China and other countries.IMPORTANCE This study aimed to evaluate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome sequences from COVID-19 cases and to characterize their genealogical networks to demonstrate possible routes of spread in Japan. We found that there were at least two distinct SARS-CoV-2 introductions into Japan, initially from China and subsequently from other countries, including Europe. Our findings can help understand how SARS-CoV-2 entered Japan and contribute to increased knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 in Asia and its association with implemented stay-at-home/shelter-in-place/self-restraint/lockdown measures. This study suggested that it is necessary to formulate a more efficient containment strategy using real-time genome surveillance to support epidemiological field investigations in order to highlight potential infection linkages and mitigate the next wave of COVID-19 in Japan.

Crystalline to amorphous transformation in solid-solution alloy nanoparticles induced by boron doping

We synthesized a palladium-ruthenium-boron (Pd-Ru-B) solid-solution ternary alloy. Elemental mappings confirmed successful alloying of B with Pd-Ru body without changing the particle sizes, demonstrating the first discovery of this ternary alloy. Pair distribution function analysis revealed a drastic decrease in atomic correlation in Pd-Ru nanoparticles by B doping. This result gives the first example of structural transformation from crystalline to amorphous in solid-solution alloy nanoparticles induced by the doping of light elements.

Dimer rattling mode induced low thermal conductivity in an excellent acoustic conductor

A solid with larger sound speeds usually exhibits higher lattice thermal conductivity. Here, we report an exception that CuP₂ has a quite large mean sound speed of 4155 m s⁻¹, comparable to GaAs, but single crystals show very low lattice thermal conductivity of about 4 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at room temperature, one order of magnitude smaller than GaAs. To understand such a puzzling thermal transport behavior, we have thoroughly investigated the atomic structures and lattice dynamics by combining neutron scattering techniques with first-principles simulations. This compound crystallizes in a layered structure where Cu atoms forming dimers are sandwiched in between P atomic networks. In this work, we reveal that Cu atomic dimers vibrate as a rattling mode with frequency around 11 meV, which is manifested to be remarkably anharmonic and strongly scatters acoustic phonons to achieve the low lattice thermal conductivity.

CuP2 has a puzzling thermal transport behavior, with low thermal conductivity but quite large mean sound speeds. Here, the authors conduct a systematical study of the atomic structure and lattice dynamics of CuP2 to reveal the origin, finding a dimer rattling behavior.

Comparison of immunogenicity between candidate influenza A(H3N2) virus vaccine strains in Japan: A randomized controlled trial using a monovalent vaccine of A/Saitama/103/2014 (CEXP-002) and A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (X-263)

BACKGROUND

For the 2017-18 influenza season, A/Saitama/103/2014 (CEXP-002) (Saitama strain) was antigenically more similar to prior circulating strains than A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (X-263) (Hong Kong strain) in a ferret model and was selected as the A(H3N2) vaccine virus strain in Japan. However, the Saitama strain grew poorly, and the Japanese government switched to the Hong Kong strain, raising public concerns of poor effectiveness. To enhance understanding of the correlation between antigenicity in experimental models and immunogenicity, as a surrogate measure of vaccine effectiveness, in the human population, we compared the immunogenicity of specially-prepared single dose monovalent influenza A(H3N2) vaccines containing the Saitama or the Hong Kong strain.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial of 100 healthy adults aged 20-64 years (n = 50/group) was conducted. Virus neutralization assay was performed on sera from days 0 (pre-vaccination) and 21 (post-vaccination). Geometric mean titer (GMT), mean fold rise (MFR), seroconversion proportion (SCP), and seroprotection proportion (SPP) were calculated for vaccine strains and a representative circulating A(H3N2) virus strain (A/Osaka/188/2017).

RESULTS

For the Hong Kong strain, post-vaccination GMT was significantly higher in the Hong Kong vaccine recipients (1:546 vs 1:260, p < 0.01), but MFR, SCP, and SPP were similar for both vaccine groups. For the Saitama strain, post-vaccination GMT (1:116 vs 1:61, p = 0.01) and SPP (86% vs 68%, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the Hong Kong vaccine recipients, but MFR and SCP were similar for both vaccine groups. Against A/Osaka/188/2017, post-vaccination GMT and MFR were similar in both vaccine groups, but SCP (32% vs 4%, p < 0.01) and SPP (28% vs. 6%, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the Hong Kong vaccine recipients.

CONCLUSION

The Hong Kong vaccine induced better or equivalent immunogenicity in comparison to the Saitama vaccine. Our trial showed that antigenic similarity in experimental models does not necessarily correlate with immunogenicity in the human population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN000029293.

On the electronic structure and hydrogen evolution reaction activity of platinum group metal-based high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles

We report the synthesis of high-entropy-alloy (HEA) nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of five platinum group metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt) through a facile one-pot polyol process. We investigated the electronic structure of HEA NPs using hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which is the first direct observation of the electronic structure of HEA NPs. Significantly, the HEA NPs possessed a broad valence band spectrum without any obvious peaks. This implies that the HEA NPs have random atomic configurations leading to a variety of local electronic structures. We examined the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and observed a remarkably high HER activity on HEA NPs. At an overpotential of 25 mV, the turnover frequencies of HEA NPs were 9.5 and 7.8 times higher than those of a commercial Pt catalyst in 0.05 M H2SO4 and 1.0 M KOH electrolytes, respectively. Moreover, the HEA NPs showed almost no loss during a cycling test and were much more stable than the commercial Pt catalyst. Our findings on HEA NPs may provide a new paradigm for the design of catalysts.

Calculation of total scattering from a crystalline structural model based on experimental optics parameters

Total scattering measurements enable understanding of the structural disorder in crystalline materials by Fourier transformation of the total structure factor, S(Q), where Q is the magnitude of the scattering vector. In this work, the direct calculation of total scattering from a crystalline structural model is proposed. To calculate the total scattering intensity, a suitable Q-broadening function for the diffraction profile is needed because the intensity and the width depend on the optical parameters of the diffraction apparatus, such as the X-ray energy resolution and divergence, and the intrinsic parameters. X-ray total scattering measurements for CeO₂ powder were performed at beamline BL04B2 of the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility in Japan for comparison with the calculated S(Q) under various optical conditions. The evaluated Q-broadening function was comparable to the full width at half-maximum of the Bragg peaks in the experimental total scattering pattern. The proposed calculation method correctly accounts for parameters with Q dependence such as the atomic form factor and resolution function, enables estimation of the total scattering factor, and facilitates determination of the reduced pair distribution function for both crystalline and amorphous materials.

First isolation of human adenovirus type 85 by molecular analysis of adenoviruses in cases of urethritis

Introduction. Human adenovirus (HAdV) has been reported as a potential cause of sexually transmitted urethritis.Aim. We aimed to investigate HAdVs associated with urethritis in Osaka, Japan through molecular characterization.Methodology. Urine samples were obtained from male patients with urethritis from 2015 to 2018. Molecular analysis of the isolated strains and follow-up real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of the clinical samples were performed.Results. The isolates were classified into five types belonging to species D (18 cases) or E (one case). HAdV-85 (species D) was detected for the first time in a urethritis case. Follow-up examination demonstrated that HAdV was isolated from urine samples half a month after the first sampling in four cases, and that viral DNA could be detected after 1 month in two cases.Conclusion. The HAdV types detected from urethritis cases were related to respiratory and ocular HAdV infections, while a novel HAdV type identified as a cause of conjunctivitis also causes urethritis. Sexual contact should be avoided for 1 month after HAdV genital infection.

Surface morphology smoothing of a 2 inch-diameter GaN homoepitaxial layer observed by X-ray diffraction topography

We investigated the surface morphology changes in a 2 inch-diameter, c-plane, free-standing GaN wafer using X-ray diffraction topography in a grazing-incidence geometry. We observed a decrease in the peak intensity and increase in the full width at half maximum of the GaN 112̄4 Bragg peak after the deposition of a homoepitaxial layer on the same GaN wafer. However, the lattice plane bending angles did not change after homoepitaxial layer deposition. Distorted-wave Born approximation calculations near the total external reflection condition revealed a decrease in the X-ray incidence angle of the 112̄4 Bragg peak after the homoepitaxial layer deposition. The decrease in both X-ray penetration and incidence angle induced broader and weaker diffraction peaks from the surface instead of the bulk GaN.

We investigated the surface morphology changes in a 2 inch-diameter, c-plane, free-standing GaN wafer using X-ray diffraction topography in a grazing-incidence geometry.

Hydrogen absorption and desorption on Rh nanoparticles revealed by in situ dispersive X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

To unveil the origin of the hydrogen-storage properties of rhodium nanoparticles (Rh NPs), we investigated the dynamical structural change of Rh NPs using in situ dispersive X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS). The variation of the Rh–Rh interatomic distance and Debye–Waller factor of Rh NPs with a size of 4.0 and 10.5 nm during hydrogen absorption and desorption suggested that they have a different mechanism for hydrogen absorption, which is that the hydrogen absorption on the inner site has a greater contribution than that on a surface for Rh 4.0 nm. In the case of Rh 10.5 nm, it is opposed to Rh 4.0 nm. This study demonstrates a powerful in situ XAFS method for observing small local structural changes of metal nanoparticles and its importance for understanding of the hydrogen-absorption properties of Rh NPs with an interesting hydrogenation mechanism.

To unveil the origin of the hydrogen-storage properties of rhodium nanoparticles (Rh NPs), we investigated the dynamical structural change of Rh NPs using in situ dispersive X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS).

Discovery of face-centred cubic Os nanoparticles

The first example of the crystal structure control of Os is reported. The fcc-structured Os nanoparticles were synthesized using an Os acetylacetonate complex as a precursor although the fcc structure does not exist in the bulk state.

Tuning of structural, optical band gap, and electrical properties of room-temperature-grown epitaxial thin films through the Fe2O3:NiO ratio

We have investigated the structural, optical band gap, and electrical properties of (Fe₂O₃)_0.5x:(NiO)_{1 − 0.5x} (x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7) epitaxial thin films grown on an atomically smooth substrate at room temperature. With increasing Fe₂O₃ content, the rock-salt structure of the thin films transformed to a spinel structure above x = 0.6. In terms of the local structure, the increased ratio of Fe²⁺ ions to Fe³⁺ ions indicates that the octahedral sites of FeO were continuously transformed into distorted octahedral and tetrahedral sites. On the other hand, the NiO matrix was not affected by the local structure change. Chemical composition of Fe₂O₃:NiO affected the crystal structure, the electrical conductivity and the optical band gap of direct transition (3.35 to 2.99 eV).

Correlation between the electronic/local structure and CO-oxidation activity of Pd x Ru1-x alloy nanoparticles

Pd _x Ru_1-x nanoparticles (NPs) were observed to display enhanced CO oxidation activity with the maximum performance obtained at the composition x = 0.5. To unveil the origin of this superior CO oxidation activity, we investigated the local structure, valence state, and electronic properties of Pd _x Ru_1-x NPs using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques. Site specific information obtained from X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy revealed that the local disorder around Pd and Ru atoms and their valence state can be systematically tuned by varying the Pd composition. Furthermore, the XAFS results indicated a strong correlation among the structural and valence state and the observed CO oxidation catalytic properties of Pd _x Ru_1-x NPs. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) analysis suggested that the capability of CO oxidation requires an optimum balance between the adsorption and desorption energy for CO adsorption and eventually conversion to CO₂. A comparison between the experimental valence band (VB) HAXPES spectra of Pd _x Ru_1-x NPs and the linear combination of VB HAXPES spectra of Pd and Ru NPs revealed that the charge transfer from Pd to Ru occurs in the Pd _x Ru_1-x alloy at intermediate compositions, causing electron enrichment of the Ru surface. In addition, the maximum red-shift in the edge-position relative to that of bulk Pd/Ru and high structural disorder were observed for the PdRu alloy at the intermediate composition. This coupled behavior of structure and electronic properties followed the experimental trend of CO oxidation activity in this system.

Lattice-plane bending angle modulation of Mg-doped GaN homoepitaxial layer observed by X-ray diffraction topography

We have studied the lattice-plane modulation of Mg-doped GaN homoepitaxial layers by X-ray diffraction topography.

Time-resolved pair distribution function analysis of disordered materials on beamlines BL04B2 and BL08W at SPring-8

A dedicated apparatus has been developed for studying structural changes in amorphous and disordered crystalline materials substantially in real time. The apparatus, which can be set up on beamlines BL04B2 and BL08W at SPring-8, mainly consists of a large two-dimensional flat-panel detector and high-energy X-rays, enabling total scattering measurements to be carried out for time-resolved pair distribution function (PDF) analysis in the temperature range from room temperature to 873 K at pressures of up to 20 bar. For successful time-resolved analysis, a newly developed program was used that can monitor and process two-dimensional image data simultaneously with the data collection. The use of time-resolved hardware and software is of great importance for obtaining a detailed understanding of the structural changes in disordered materials, as exemplified by the results of commissioned measurements carried out on both beamlines. Benchmark results obtained using amorphous silica and demonstration results for the observation of sulfide glass crystallization upon annealing are introduced.

Lepidocrocite-Type Titanate Formation from Isostructural Prestructures under Hydrothermal Reactions: Observation by Synchrotron X-ray Total Scattering Analyses

The formation of titanium dioxides, such as rutile and anatase, is known to proceed through the formation of a lepidocrocite-type layered structure under hydrothermal conditions, but the nucleation of this intermediate is still not understood well. Here, the nucleation of lepidocrocite-type layered titanates under hydrothermal conditions is observed by tracking the structural changes by in situ time-resolved pair distribution function analyses. We found that titanate clusters or corrugated layered prestructures having <1 nm domains with lepidocrocite-type connectivity were formed even before thermal treatment in alkaline aqueous solution. Upon thermal treatment, a two-dimensional layered structure grew directly from the prestructure, not from the amorphous polymeric hydroxide dissolved in the solution. Thus, we conclude that the formation of the lepidocrocite-like prestructure is the key for forming a layered titanate under hydrothermal conditions.

Size effects on rhodium nanoparticles related to hydrogen-storage capability

To unveil the origin of the hydrogen-storage properties of rhodium nanoparticles (Rh NPs), we investigated the electronic and crystal structures of the Rh NPs using various synchrotron based X-ray techniques. Electronic structure studies revealed that the hydrogen-storage capability of Rh NPs could be attributed to their more unoccupied d-DOSs than that of the bulk near the Fermi level. Crystal structure studies indicated that lattice distortion and mean-square displacement increase while coordination number decreases with decreasing particle size and the hydrogen-absorption capability of Rh NPs improves to a greater extent with increased structural disorder in the local structure than with that in the mean structure. The smallest Rh NPs, having the largest structural disorder/increased vacancy spaces and the smallest coordination number, exhibited excellent hydrogen-storage capacity. Finally, from the bond-orientational order analysis, we confirmed that the localized disordering is distributed more over the surface part than the core part and hydrogen can be trapped on the surface part of Rh NPs which increases with a decrease in NP diameter.

Characterization of a 4-inch GaN wafer by X-ray diffraction topography

We have investigated the crystal quality of a 4-inch GaN wafer by X-ray diffraction topography.

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction characterization of the inheritance of GaN homoepitaxial thin films grown on selective growth substrates

The structural characteristics of a selective growth GaN substrate were inherited from an Al₂O₃ substrate and then transferred to homoepitaxial thin films.

Human monoclonal antibodies neutralizing influenza virus A/H1N1pdm09 and seasonal A/H1N1 strains - Distinct Ig gene repertoires with a similar action mechanism

Influenza virus causes acute respiratory infection in humans, and is a major public health concern globally. Antibodies play a central role in host protection against influenza virus. We isolated human monoclonal antibodies (hMAb) 206-2-4 and 201-6-8 by a human hybridoma protocol that neutralized various but distinct influenza virus (IFV) A/H1N1 strains, including 2009 pandemic strains. The half-inhibitory concentration of 206-2-4 and 201-6-8 against A/H1N1pdm09 strains was 2-100ng/mL and 5-20μg/mL, respectively. Prophylactic and therapeutic potencies of 206-2-4 were demonstrated in a mouse model of IFV infection at i.p. dosages of 0.25 and 2.5mg/kg, respectively, suggesting that 206-2-4 is one of the most potent hnMAbs against IFV reported thus far. The Ig genes of 206-2-4 and 201-6-8 were originated from distinct germ line repertoires, and accompanied by 63 and 23 somatic hypermutations, respectively. The hemagglutination inhibitory activity indicated that the mechanism of neutralization was to interfere the virus-receptor interaction. The binding epitope of the two antibodies was mapped to hemagglutinin 1 (HA1) amino acid residues 111-120. Additional interaction between the antibody and the HA1 globular head was necessary for neutralization. Such hnMAbs bearing distinct binding epitope have been rarely reported. The potency is likely due to the coverage of a wide surface area of HA protein by these hnMABs. IFV is a highly variable. Our knowledge on the mechanisms by which these cross-reactive hnMAbs function should help design a novel immunogen for the development of a vaccine effective against broader spectrum of IFV strains.

Surveillance of Adenovirus Respiratory Infections in Children from Osaka, Japan

Human adenovirus (HAdV) strains isolated from respiratory specimens of 139 children were analyzed to evaluate the endemic situation of HAdV infections in Osaka, Japan, between 2008 and 2015. The cases increased during spring and winter, and the infections were confirmed mainly in children aged ≤ 5 years, comprising 91.9% of the total population examined. Molecular typing of the isolates revealed that the most common types belonged to HAdV-B and -C. Co-infection of HAdV-C1 and -C2 was also confirmed in a case. The median age of HAdV-E cases was higher than that of the HAdV-B and -C cases. These results revealed age and seasonal distribution of respiratory HAdV infections in children from Osaka, and indicate that majority of these children might have acquired immunity through endemic HAdV infection before reaching school age.

FOXO3 is essential for CD44 expression in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal types of cancer and the 5-year survival rate is only 5%. Several studies have suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be involved in recurrence and metastasis and so it is essential to establish an approach targeting CSCs. Here we have demonstrated that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) suppressed CD44 expression and the properties of CSCs in PDAC. Microarray analysis suggested that cGMP inhibited Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), which is known as a tumor suppressor. Surprisingly, our data demonstrated that FOXO3 is essential for CD44 expression and the properties of CSCs. Our data also indicated that patients with high FOXO3 activation signatures had poor prognoses. This evidence suggested that cGMP induction and FOXO3 inhibition could be ideal candidates for pancreatic CSC.

Trivalent influenza vaccine-induced antibody response to circulating influenza a (H3N2) viruses in 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons

To evaluate antibody response induced by trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) against circulating influenza A (H3N2) strains in healthy adults during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, a hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assay was utilized to calculate geometric mean antibody titer (GMT), seroprotection rate (post vaccination HI titers of ≥1 :40), and seroresponse rate (4-fold increase in antibody level). In the 2010/11 season, GMT increased 1.8- to 2.0-fold following the first dose of TIV against 3 circulating strains and 2.2-fold following the second compared to before vaccination. The seroresponse rate ranged from 22% to 26% following the first dose of TIV and from 31% to 33% following the second (n = 54 ). The seroprotection rate increased from a range of 6% to 13% to a range of 26% to 33% following the first dose of TIV and to a range of 37% to 42% following the second (n = 54 ). In the 2011/12 season, GMT increased 1.4-fold against A/Osaka/110/2011 and 1.8-fold against A/Osaka/5/2012. For A/Osaka/110/2011, the seroresponse rate was 29%, and the seroprotection rate increased from 26% to 55% following vaccination (n = 31 ). For A/Osaka/5/2012, the seroresponse rate was 26%, and the seroprotection rate increased from 68% to 84% following vaccination (n = 31 ). HI assays with reference antisera demonstrated that the strains in the 2011/12 season were antigenically distinct from vaccine strain (A/Victoria/210/2009). In conclusion, the vaccination increased the seroprotection rate against circulating H3N2 strains in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. Vaccination of TIV might have potential to induce reactive antibodies against antigenically distinct circulating H3N2 viruses.

Detection of respiratory viruses in gargle specimens of healthy children

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Gargle samples were collected from children and tested respiratory viruses.

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In 45(45/200; 22.5%) episodes, some respiratory viruses detected without symptoms.

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Under asymptomatic conditions, detected viruses were mainly RVs and EV/RV untyped.

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PIVs, RSV and hCoV OC43 were detected only when clinical symptom was seen.

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Asymptomatic infections may play an important role in the viral circulation.

Background

Respiratory tract viral infection is one of the most common and important diseases in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are often used to detect viruses in samples, it is difficult to interpret the clinical significance of PCR positivity, which may reflect a past, imminent or active asymptomatic infection due to their high sensitivity. Although single respiratory viruses have been detected in samples from children with symptoms, other respiratory viruses can also be detected simultaneously. However, the clinical importance of these findings for the symptoms is not known.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children without any symptoms such as acute respiratory illness and/or fever.

Study design

From week twenty-five 2013 to week twenty-six 2014, gargle samples were collected from children once a week and these samples were subjected to real-time PCR to detect respiratory viruses. On each sampling day, we asked the parents about their children’s health condition.

Results

Among the 286 samples collected, 200 were from asymptomatic children. In the asymptomatic condition, human parechovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus 229E and HKU1 were observed in 45 episodes. In samples from symptomatic children, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus OC43 were detected in addition to those mentioned above.

Conclusions

Various viruses of different species were detected in the specimens from the children regardless of their health status. It might be speculated that host factors such as the function of the immune system influence the clinical outcome of the infection. However, this needs to be studied further.

Efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to metformin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label, long-term extension study

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to metformin versus metformin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved inadequate glycaemic control on metformin (500 or 750 mg/day) + diet/exercise.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind trial, 288 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM received either 12.5 or 25 mg alogliptin once daily + metformin or placebo + metformin for 12 weeks. Thereafter, 276 patients continued on one of the two alogliptin dosages + metformin in an open-label extension for 40 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint in the randomized, double-blind phase was the change in HbA1c from baseline (week 0) to the end of treatment (week 12). The primary endpoint during the long-term extension phase was adverse events.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks both dosages of alogliptin + metformin produced significantly greater changes from baseline in HbA1c than placebo (metformin monotherapy: with changes in LS means - 0.55 and - 0.64% vs. 0.22%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Incidences of adverse effects were comparable between groups, with no increases in hypoglycaemia. Over 52 weeks, there were no safety or tolerability concerns with alogliptin when added to metformin.

CONCLUSIONS

Alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg once daily was safe and effective when added to metformin (500 or 750 mg/day) in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on metformin alone.

Isolation and characterization of a novel recombinant human adenovirus species D

A novel recombinant human adenovirus (HAdV) species D was isolated from the stool of a pharyngitis patient in Japan and genetic characterization was performed by sequencing variable regions between HAdV types. The nucleotide sequences of the penton base gene and loops 1 and 2 in the hexon gene showed 100% identity with that of the recently identified HAdV-56. Although we observed greatest identity for the entire hexon gene sequence with that of HAdV-56, we noted even greater similarity between the partial nucleotide sequence of the conserved region 4 and that of HAdV-37. Furthermore, the fibre gene and early region 3 sequences were completely identical to that of HAdV-37. These results suggest that the strain is a novel adenovirus related to HAdV-37 and HAdV-56.

GPR40-induced insulin secretion by the novel agonist TAK-875: first clinical findings in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

Free fatty acids act as signalling molecules for modulating insulin secretion, and their insulinotropic effects are glucose-dependent and mediated through G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40). This mechanism is a potential target for new treatments for managing diabetes. In this study, we present the first clinical data for TAK-875, a novel highly selective, orally bioavailable GPR40 agonist, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled by diet or exercise therapy.

METHODS

This was an exploratory phase II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of TAK-875 100 and 400 mg, and placebo, all administered once daily for 2 weeks.

RESULTS

After 2 weeks of treatment, TAK-875 produced marked glucose lowering effects in a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as evidenced by mean ± SE intergroup differences in plasma glucose AUC(0-3 h) of -12.98 ± 1.48 (p < 0.0001) and -8.12 ± 1.49 mmol·h/l (p < 0.0001), for TAK-875 400 mg vs. placebo and TAK-875 100 mg vs. placebo, respectively, and 2 h plasma glucose [-4.95 ± 0.71 (p < 0.0001) and -3.21 ± 0.71 mmol/l (p < 0.0001), respectively]. This was accompanied by a significant increase in insulin AUC(0-3 h) [34.68 ± 12.16 (p < 0.01) and 31.49 ± 12.20 (p < 0 · 05) µIU·h/ml, respectively]. Improvement in glycaemic profile was mirrored by a significant change in fasting plasma glucose [-2.37 ± 0·27 (p < 0.0001) and -1.88 ± 0.27 mmol/l (p < 0.0001), respectively]. No cases of hypoglycaemia were observed despite the significant reduction in plasma glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

These exploratory findings provide evidence of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic potential of the GPR40 agonist TAK-875, and the promising clinical changes support future longer term clinical investigation.

Efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to pioglitazone in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label long-term extension study

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to pioglitazone versus pioglitazone monotherapy, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved inadequate glycaemic control on pioglitazone plus diet/exercise.

METHODS

Patients were stabilized on pioglitazone 15 or 30 mg/day plus diet/exercise during a 16-week screening period. Patients with HbA1c of 6.9-10.4% were randomized to 12 weeks' double-blind treatment with alogliptin 12.5 or 25 mg once daily or placebo, added to their stable pioglitazone regimen. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 12. Patients had an option to continue in a 40-week, open-label extension study, with those originally randomized to alogliptin remaining on the same dosage regimen while patients treated with placebo were randomly allocated to alogliptin 12.5 or 25 mg (added to their stable pioglitazone).

RESULTS

The change from baseline in HbA1c after 12 weeks was significantly greater with alogliptin 12.5 mg added to pioglitazone and alogliptin 25 mg added to pioglitazone than with placebo added to pioglitazone (-0.91 and -0.97% vs. -0.19%; p < 0.0001). Responder rates (HbA1c <6.9% and HbA1c <6.2%) and changes in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels showed a similar positive trend in terms of glycaemic control. The benefits seen with alogliptin were sustained during the 40-week extension period. Alogliptin added to pioglitazone was generally well tolerated; hypoglycaemia was infrequent and increases in body weight were minor.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily alogliptin was effective and generally well tolerated when given as add-on therapy to pioglitazone in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved inadequate glycaemic control on pioglitazone plus lifestyle measures. Clinical benefits were maintained for 52 weeks.

Antibodies against swine influenza virus neutralize the pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1

The most effective method for the prevention of influenza infection would be prophylaxis with a safe and effective vaccine and anti-viral materials. After vaccination, neutralizing antibodies are generated by plasma cells following various immune responses, thus resulting in protection against an infectious agent expressing the same antigens. However, in the case of novel or unknown pathogens, the onset of immune responses is occasionally delayed, thus resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Antibodies are therefore considered to play an important role in preventing infectious diseases. Furthermore, antibodies are used for additional purposes, including diagnosis and immunotherapy. In the beginning of spring 2009, an outbreak of influenza in North America was caused by a novel strain of influenza virus, designated pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009. Initially, most people had low immunity against this pathogen, resulting in the worldwide spread of the infection to produce a so-called 'pandemic'. We herein report the generation of 'immunoglobulin yolk (IgY)' neutralizing antibodies against the pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 from ostrich eggs immunized with a swine influenza virus vaccine strain. Using this simple method, a large amount of specific antibody against the influenza virus was produced by one female ostrich. An enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay and immunocytochemistry indicated that the IgY from the immunized ostrich eggs possessed strong cross-reactivity to the pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 2009, as well as to the swine influenza virus. Moreover, the hemaggregation activities of the erythrocytes induced by pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus were inhibited by the ostrich antibodies generated by swine virus immunization. In addition, the cytopathological effects on MDCK cells of infection with pandemic virus were clearly inhibited in co-cultures with the antibodies, indicating the neutralizing of viral infectivity in the cells. In conclusion, we have succeeded in the mass production of neutralizing antibodies against pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1 2009 using ostrich eggs immunized with swine influenza virus antigens. This enables the cost-effective production of effective antibodies, which could be applied to facial masks and air-conditioning filters in order to prevent populations from acquiring pandemic influenza virus A/H1N1.