Molecular Evolution of GII.P31/GII.4_Sydney_2012 Norovirus over a Decade in a Clinic in Japan

Norovirus (NoV) genogroup II, polymerase type P31, capsid genotype 4, Sydney_2012 variant (GII.P31/GII.4_Sydney_2012) has been circulating at high levels for over a decade, raising the question of whether this strain is undergoing molecular alterations without demonstrating a substantial phylogenetic difference. Here, we applied next-generation sequencing to learn more about the genetic diversity of 14 GII.P31/GII.4_Sydney_2012 strains that caused epidemics in a specific region of Japan, with 12 from Kyoto and 2 from Shizuoka, between 2012 and 2022, with an emphasis on amino acid (aa) differences in all three ORFs. We found numerous notable aa alterations in antigenic locations in the capsid region (ORF2) as well as in other ORFs. In all three ORFs, earlier strains (2013-2016) remained phylogenetically distinct from later strains (2019-2022). This research is expected to shed light on the evolutionary properties of dominating GII.P31/GII.4_Sydney_2012 strains, which could provide useful information for viral diarrhea prevention and treatment.

Improved Measurements of Muonic Helium Ground-State Hyperfine Structure at a Near-Zero Magnetic Field

Muonic helium atom hyperfine structure (HFS) measurements are a sensitive tool to test the three-body atomic system and bound-state quantum electrodynamics theory, and determine fundamental constants of the negative muon magnetic moment and mass. The world's most intense pulsed negative muon beam at the Muon Science Facility of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex allows improvement of previous measurements and testing further CPT invariance by comparing the magnetic moments and masses of positive and negative muons (second-generation leptons). We report new ground-state HFS measurements of muonic helium-4 atoms at a near-zero magnetic field, performed for the first time using a small admixture of CH_{4} as an electron donor to form neutral muonic helium atoms efficiently. Our analysis gives Δν=4464.980(20)  MHz (4.5 ppm), which is more precise than both previous measurements at weak and high fields. The muonium ground-state HFS was also measured under the same conditions to investigate the isotopic effect on the frequency shift due to the gas density dependence in He with CH_{4} admixture and compared with previous studies. Muonium and muonic helium can be regarded as light and heavy hydrogen isotopes with an isotopic mass ratio of 36. No isotopic effect was observed within the current experimental precision.

Sapovirus infections in Japan before and after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic: An alarming update

An increasing trend of sapovirus (SaV) infections in Japanese children during 2009-2019, particularly after the introduction of the voluntary rotavirus (RV)-vaccination program has been observed. Herein, we investigated the epidemiological situation of SaV infections from 2019 to 2022 when people adopted a precautionary lifestyle due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and RV vaccines had been implemented as routine vaccines. Stool samples were collected from children who attended outpatient clinics with acute gastroenteritis and analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to determine viral etiology. Among 961 stool samples, 80 (8.3%) were positive for SaV: 2019-2020 (6.5%), 2020-2021 (0%), and 2021-2022 (12.8%). The trend of SaV infection in Japanese children yet remained upward with statistical significance (p = 0.000). The major genotype was GI.1 (75%) which caused a large outbreak in Kyoto between December 2021 and February 2022. Phylogenetic, gene sequence and deduced amino acid sequence analyses suggested that these GI.1 strains detected in the outbreak and other places during 2021-2022 or 2019-2020 remained genetically identical and widely spread. This study reveals that SaV infection is increasing among Japanese children which is a grave concern and demands immediate attention to be paid before SaV attains a serious public health problem.

Outbreak of human astroviruses 1 and Melbourne 2 in acute gastroenteritis pediatric patients in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021

BACKGROUND

Human astrovirus (HAstV) infection is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis in young children. The present study reports the outbreak of HAstV in children with acute gastroenteritis in Kyoto, Japan, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021.

METHODS

A total of 61 stool samples were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis who visited a pediatric outpatient clinic in Maizuru city, Kyoto, Japan from July to October, 2021. HAstV was screened by RT-PCR, and the genotypes were identified by nucleotide sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Of 61 cases of acute gastroenteritis, 20 were mono-infected with HAstV alone. In addition, mixed infection of HAstV and NoV, and HAstV and RVA were also detected in 15 and 1 cases, respectively. Of 36 HAstV strains detected in this outbreak, 29 and 7 were HAstV1 and MLB2 genotypes, respectively. All HAstV1 strains were closely related to the HAstV1 reported from Thailand and Japan in 2021 and all of them belonged to subgenotype HAstV1a. Among MLB2, they were most closely related to the MLB2 strains reported from China in 2016 and 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

After the kindergartens and schools were re-opened at the middle of 2021 in Japan, an outbreak of HAstV was reported. Control measures against the COVID-19 pandemics might affect the spread of diarrheal virus infection. Here we report the outbreak of HAstV1 and MLB2 in Kyoto, Japan, during COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Study of the N=32 and N=34 Shell Gap for Ti and V by the First High-Precision Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Measurements at BigRIPS-SLOWRI

The atomic masses of ^{55}Sc, ^{56,58}Ti, and ^{56-59}V have been determined using the high-precision multireflection time-of-flight technique. The radioisotopes have been produced at RIKEN's Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) and delivered to the novel designed gas cell and multireflection system, which has been recently commissioned downstream of the ZeroDegree spectrometer following the BigRIPS separator. For ^{56,58}Ti and ^{56-59}V, the mass uncertainties have been reduced down to the order of 10 keV, shedding new light on the N=34 shell effect in Ti and V isotopes by the first high-precision mass measurements of the critical species ^{58}Ti and ^{59}V. With the new precision achieved, we reveal the nonexistence of the N=34 empirical two-neutron shell gaps for Ti and V, and the enhanced energy gap above the occupied νp_{3/2} orbit is identified as a feature unique to Ca. We perform new Monte Carlo shell model calculations including the νd_{5/2} and νg_{9/2} orbits and compare the results with conventional shell model calculations, which exclude the νg_{9/2} and the νd_{5/2} orbits. The comparison indicates that the shell gap reduction in Ti is related to a partial occupation of the higher orbitals for the outer two valence neutrons at N=34.

β-Delayed One and Two Neutron Emission Probabilities Southeast of ^{132}Sn and the Odd-Even Systematics in r-Process Nuclide Abundances

The β-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. β-delayed two-neutron emission (β2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak β2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on β-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

Role of rotavirus vaccination on G9P[8] rotavirus strain during a seasonal outbreak in Japan

Although two live oral rotavirus (RV) vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, play a critical role toward reducing disease severity, hospitalization, and death rate in RV infections, regular monitoring of vaccine effectiveness (VE) is yet necessary because the segmented genome structure and reassortment capability of RVs pose considerable threats toward waning VE. In this study, we examined the VE by a test-negative study design against G9P[8]I2 strain during a seasonal outbreak in February-May, 2018, in an outpatient clinic in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It remains important because G9P[8]I2 strain remains partially heterotypic to these vaccines and predominating in post-vaccination era. During year-long surveillance, RV infections were detected only from February to May. During this outbreak, 33 (42.3%) children out of 78 with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remained RV-positive, of which 29 (87.8%) children were infected with G9P[8]I2. Two immunochromatographic (IC) assay kits exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity to detect G9P[8]I2 strain. Only 23.2% children were found to be vaccinated. Yet, significant VE 69.7% (95% CI: 2.5%-90.6%) was recognized against all RV strains that increased with disease severity. Similar significant VE 71.8% (95% CI: 1%-92%) was determined against G9P[8]I2 strain. The severity score remained substantially low in vaccinated children. Our data reveal that vaccine-preventable G9P[8]I2 strain yet may cause outbreak where vaccination coverage remains low. Thus, this study emphasizes the necessity of global introduction of RV-vaccines in national immunization programs of every country.

Probing the Symmetry Energy with the Spectral Pion Ratio

Many neutron star properties, such as the proton fraction, reflect the symmetry energy contributions to the equation of state that dominate when neutron and proton densities differ strongly. To constrain these contributions at suprasaturation densities, we measure the spectra of charged pions produced by colliding rare isotope tin (Sn) beams with isotopically enriched Sn targets. Using ratios of the charged pion spectra measured at high transverse momenta, we deduce the slope of the symmetry energy to be 42<L<117  MeV. This value is slightly lower but consistent with the L values deduced from a recent measurement of the neutron skin thickness of ^{208}Pb.

Genomic analysis of group A rotavirus G12P[8] including a new Japanese strain revealed evidence for intergenotypic recombination in VP7 and VP4 genes

Group A rotavirus is a leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis worldwide. In this study, the first complete coding sequences of 11 RNA segments of human group A rotavirus G12P[8] in Japan were determined by an unbiased viral metagenomics. Its genomic constellation (VP7-VP4-VP6-VP1-VP2-VP3-NSP1-NSP2-NSP3-NSP4-NSP5 genes) was identified as G12-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. When performing the genetic analysis, we discovered an intergenotypic recombination event in the pig group A rotavirus G12P[8] strain BUW-14-A008. The novel recombination was found between two different genotypes G12 and G3 in the VP7 gene, and P[8] and P[13] in the VP4 gene.

A novel three-dimensional visualization system revealed an essential adaptive angiogenic response during the early phase of pulmonary hypertension

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure with progressive narrowing or occlusion of the pulmonary artery. However, the assessment of vascular remodeling is mostly limited to averaged increases in wall thickening, and even the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), remains incompletely understood; Although abundantly expressed VEGF is expected to elicit angio-obliteration and the knockout of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) prevents PH in mice, VEGF inhibitor Sugen exacerbates hypoxia (Hx)-induced PH model, which is referred to as VEGF paradox.

Purpose

To analyze three-dimensional (3D) spatiotemporal changes of pulmonary microstructure and function, which reflect the disease activity and lead to resolve the paradox.

Methods and results

We developed a novel 3D visualization system of microstructural networks in whole mouse organ with single-cell resolution, using combined tissue clearing technique called CUBIC and multiphoton excitation microscope. The system enabled the simultaneous 3D evaluation of microvascular structure, invaded macrophages and fibrosis with effective penetration of several mm (whole organ). Three-dimensional observations of PH mice models including Hx, Sugen/Hx, and human-like Alk1+/− hereditary PH models, revealed that not only inward (negative) microvessel remodeling with stenosis, but also marked elongation of microvascular ECs, was evident except Sugen/Hx model at the early phase, which had not been detected by 2D histological sections. Comparable transcriptome analysis revealed that PGC1α, which regulates HIF-independent VEGF expression and angiogenesis, plays an important role in the characteristic response for mitochondrial and microvascular maintenance. PGC1α was up-regulated in the early phage in Hx and Alk1+/− PH models with microvascular angiogenetic change, whereas Sugen/Hx-model did not increase PGC1α expression and did not show microvascular remodeling. Furthermore pulmonary ECs-specific PGC1α-deficient mice exacerbated Hx-PH model with decreased VEGF expression and microvessel density, and administration of Baicalin, a flavonoid enhancing PGC1α expression, ameliorated Hx-PH model with increased VEGF expression.

Conclusions

The 3D visualization system disclosed an unexpected change of angiogenic microvascular structure in the early phage of PH, which is regulated by EC PGC1α. Microvascular angiogenesis which is induced by up-regulation in PGC1α -VEGF pathway is a crucial factor for compensation of PH in the early phase, which provides a potential novel therapeutic target for PH.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): JSJP

Comparison of prostate verification with implanted gold markers in tissue surrounding the prostate and pelvic bony anatomy for external beam radiation therapy following low-dose-rate brachytherapy: a prospective clinical trial

We aimed to investigate whether gold marker implantation in the tissue surrounding the prostate could accurately monitor setup errors during external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) following low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy. Thirty-eight patients had confirmed intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer and received EBRT following LDR brachytherapy. In >175 computed tomography imaging sessions, the average values of the weekly setup error during EBRT to the prostate centroid at the time of gold marker matching in the surrounding tissue of the prostate and pelvic bone matching were measured and then compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Gold marker matching in the surrounding tissue of the prostate estimated setup errors better than those estimated by bone matching (3D displacement = 2.7 ± 2.0 vs 3.8 ± 2.6 mm, P < 0.01). Overall, the standard deviation of systematic (Σ) and random (σ) setup error was lower with gold marker matching than with bone matching (3D displacement = 1.8 and 1.1 mm vs 2.1 and 1.6 mm, respectively). With gold marker matching, the setup error of the position of the prostate centroid was smaller, and the optimal setup margin was lower than that with bone matching (2Σ + 0.7σ and 2.5Σ + 0.7σ of 3D displacement = 4.3 and 5.2 mm vs 5.3 and 6.4 mm, respectively). This high-precision radiotherapy approach placing gold markers in the surrounding tissue of the prostate can allow more accurate setup during EBRT following LDR brachytherapy.

Sequential Nature of (p,3p) Two-Proton Knockout from Neutron-Rich Nuclei

Twenty-one two-proton knockout (p,3p) cross sections were measured from neutron-rich nuclei at ∼250  MeV/nucleon in inverse kinematics. The angular distribution of the three emitted protons was determined for the first time, demonstrating that the (p,3p) kinematics are consistent with two sequential proton-proton collisions within the projectile nucleus. Ratios of (p,3p) over (p,2p) inclusive cross sections follow the trend of other many-nucleon removal reactions, further reinforcing the sequential nature of (p,3p) in neutron-rich nuclei.

Metastable States of ^{92,94}Se: Identification of an Oblate K Isomer of ^{94}Se and the Ground-State Shape Transition between N=58 and 60

Here we present new information on the shape evolution of the very neutron-rich ^{92,94}Se nuclei from an isomer-decay spectroscopy experiment at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory at RIKEN. High-resolution germanium detectors were used to identify delayed γ rays emitted following the decay of their isomers. New transitions are reported extending the previously known level schemes. The isomeric levels are interpreted as originating from high-K quasineutron states with an oblate deformation of β∼0.25, with the high-K state in ^{94}Se being metastable and K hindered. Following this, ^{94}Se is the lowest-mass neutron-rich nucleus known to date with such a substantial K hindrance. Furthermore, it is the first observation of an oblate K isomer in a deformed nucleus. This opens up the possibility for a new region of K isomers at low Z and at oblate deformation, involving the same neutron orbitals as the prolate orbitals within the classic Z∼72 deformed hafnium region. From an interpretation of the level scheme guided by theoretical calculations, an oblate deformation is also suggested for the ^{94}Se_{60} ground-state band.

Fragmentation of Single-Particle Strength around the Doubly Magic Nucleus ^{132}Sn and the Position of the 0f_{5/2} Proton-Hole State in ^{131}In

Spectroscopic factors of neutron-hole and proton-hole states in ^{131}Sn and ^{131}In, respectively, were measured using one-nucleon removal reactions from doubly magic ^{132}Sn at relativistic energies. For ^{131}In, a 2910(50)-keV γ ray was observed for the first time and tentatively assigned to a decay from a 5/2^{-} state at 3275(50) keV to the known 1/2^{-} level at 365 keV. The spectroscopic factors determined for this new excited state and three other single-hole states provide first evidence for a strong fragmentation of single-hole strength in ^{131}Sn and ^{131}In. The experimental results are compared to theoretical calculations based on the relativistic particle-vibration coupling model and to experimental information for single-hole states in the stable doubly magic nucleus ^{208}Pb.

Echocardiographic assessment of right heart size and function in dogs with pulmonary valve stenosis

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of right heart remodeling and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in dogs with pulmonary valve stenosis (PS). We also sought to evaluate repeatability of several measurements of severity of PS, right heart size, and RV function in dogs with PS.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

Several indices of right atrial (RA) size and RV size and function were prospectively evaluated in 48 dogs with PS. Regression analysis was used to determine if indices of right heart size and function were independently associated with maximum transpulmonary pressure gradient (max PG) and adverse clinical findings (exercise intolerance, syncope, or right heart failure). Eight dogs underwent a second echocardiogram performed by the same operator to assess repeatability of the echocardiographic indices, which was quantified by coefficient of variation (CV) and repeatability coefficient.

RESULTS

Increased RA size (81%), increased RV wall thickness (83%), and decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE [81%]) were common. Right atrial size, end-diastolic RV area, and RV wall thickness were independently associated with max PG. Decreased TAPSE was independently associated with adverse clinical findings. All indices except RA area (18.6%) and RV systolic velocity (20.7%) had CVs <15%. Repeatability coefficients are available to help distinguish a true change versus measurement variability during serially obtained exams.

CONCLUSIONS

Right heart remodeling and RV dysfunction are common in dogs with PS and are associated with echocardiographic and clinical severity. Results support the quantitative assessment of right heart size and function in dogs with PS.

Radiofrequency identification tag system improves the efficiency of closed vitrification for cryopreservation and thawing of bovine ovarian tissues

PURPOSE

A radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag system was designed to streamline cryopreservation and thawing procedures. This study evaluated the usefulness of the RFID tag system for improving the efficiency of cryopreserving/thawing bovine ovarian tissue by the closed vitrification protocol.

METHODS

Six participants carried out closed vitrification and thawing of bovine ovarian tissues procedures using either the conventional or the new RFID tag method, and the time required to perform each step of the respective methods was measured. After normality of data was confirmed by the Shapiro-Wilk test, the significance of differences was assessed by the unpaired t test.

RESULTS

When closed vitrification was performed, the time required for each step showed a significant difference between the two methods (t(4) = 2.938, p = 0.042, d = 2.40), and the total cryopreservation time was 11 min shorter using the RFID tag system. When thawing was performed, the time required for each step also showed a significant difference between the two methods (t(4) = 2.797, p = 0.049, d = 2.28), and the total thawing time was 2 min shorter using the RFID tag system.

CONCLUSION

The RFID tag system tested in this study seems to be suitable for managing biological samples stored in liquid nitrogen. Adoption of an RFID tag system by fertility centers may not only improve the efficiency of cryopreserving/thawing reproductive tissues but could also reduce human error.

Improved Value for the Gamow-Teller Strength of the ^{100}Sn Beta Decay

A record number of ^{100}Sn nuclei was detected and new isotopic species toward the proton dripline were discovered at the RIKEN Nishina Center. Decay spectroscopy was performed with the high-efficiency detector arrays WAS3ABi and EURICA. Both the half-life and the β-decay end point energy of ^{100}Sn were measured more precisely than the literature values. The value and the uncertainty of the resulting strength for the pure 0^{+}→1^{+} Gamow-Teller decay was improved to B_{GT}=4.4_{-0.7}^{+0.9}. A discrimination between different model calculations was possible for the first time, and the level scheme of ^{100}In is investigated further.

Proton Shell Evolution below ^{132}Sn: First Measurement of Low-Lying β-Emitting Isomers in ^{123,125}Ag

The β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of neutron-rich ^{123,125}Ag isotopes is investigated at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN, and the long-predicted 1/2^{-} β-emitting isomers in ^{123,125}Ag are identified for the first time. With the new experimental results, the systematic trend of energy spacing between the lowest 9/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} levels is extended in Ag isotopes up to N=78, providing a clear signal for the reduction of the Z=40 subshell gap in Ag towards N=82. Shell-model calculations with the state-of-the-art V_{MU} plus M3Y spin-orbit interaction give a satisfactory description of the low-lying states in ^{123,125}Ag. The tensor force is found to play a crucial role in the evolution of the size of the Z=40 subshell gap. The observed inversion of the single-particle levels around ^{123}Ag can be well interpreted in terms of the monopole shift of the π1g_{9/2} orbitals mainly caused by the increasing occupation of ν1h_{11/2} orbitals.

Prominence of Pairing in Inclusive (p,2p) and (p,pn) Cross Sections from Neutron-Rich Nuclei

Fifty-five inclusive single nucleon-removal cross sections from medium mass neutron-rich nuclei impinging on a hydrogen target at ∼250  MeV/nucleon are measured at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Systematically higher cross sections are found for proton removal from nuclei with an even number of protons as compared to odd-proton number projectiles for a given neutron separation energy. Neutron removal cross sections display no even-odd splitting, contrary to nuclear cascade model predictions. Both effects are understood through simple considerations of neutron separation energies and bound state level densities originating in pairing correlations in the daughter nuclei. These conclusions are supported by comparison with semimicroscopic model predictions, highlighting the enhanced role of low-lying level densities in nucleon-removal cross sections from loosely bound nuclei.

A Case of Feline T-cell Lymphoma with Tropism for Striated Muscle and Peripheral Nerve

An 11-year-old female American shorthair cat was presented with a 3-month history of hindlimb ataxia and knuckling of the left forelimb. Clinical abnormalities included weight loss, hyperaesthesia of the neck and back, cardiac murmur and systemic muscle atrophy. The cat died 10 days after the initial presentation and a necropsy examination was performed. Grossly, extensive pale lesions were seen in the wall of the left ventricle and the septum of the heart. There were no detectable masses in the heart, skeletal muscles or peripheral nerves. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse, extensive infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells in the heart; the cardiac muscles were markedly degenerate and atrophic and were replaced by the neoplastic cells. Neoplastic cells with similar morphology were seen in all specimens of the skeletal muscles and peripheral nerves. Clonality analysis of the paraffin wax-embedded heart tissue revealed a monoclonal rearrangement of the gene encoding the T-cell receptor γ chain. Based on these findings, the case was diagnosed as T-cell lymphoma with tropism for striated muscle and peripheral nerve.

New precise measurements of muonium hyperfine structure at J-PARC MUSE

High precision measurements of the ground state hyperfine structure (HFS) of muonium is a stringent tool for testing bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory, determining fundamental constants of the muon magnetic moment and mass, and searches for new physics. Muonium is the most suitable system to test QED because both theoretical and experimental values can be precisely determined. Previous measurements were performed decades ago at LAMPF with uncertainties mostly dominated by statistical errors. At the J-PARC Muon Science Facility (MUSE), the MuSEUM collaboration is planning complementary measurements of muonium HFS both at zero and high magnetic field. The new high-intensity muon beam that will soon be available at H-Line will provide an opportunity to improve the precision of these measurements by one order of magnitude. An overview of the different aspects of these new muonium HFS measurements, the current status of the preparation for high-field measurements, and the latest results at zero field are presented.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Erratum: Persistence of the Z=28 Shell Gap Around ^{78}Ni: First Spectroscopy of ^{79}Cu [Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 192501 (2017)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.192501.

Prostate-specific antigen nadir within 12 months as an early surrogate marker of biochemical failure and distant metastasis after low-dose-rate brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer

Prostate-specific antigen nadir (nPSA) after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer has been investigated as a predictor. However, nPSA usually requires several years, limiting its clinical utility. We investigated the significance of nPSA within 12 months (nPSA12) after low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR-PB) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on treatment outcomes. Between 2006 and 2014, 663 patients with prostate cancer were treated with LDR-PB or EBRT at two institutions. Four hundred and seventy-four men received LDR-PB and 189 men received EBRT, without androgen deprivation therapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for biochemical failure (BF)-free survival (BFFS) and distant metastasis (DM)-free survival (DMFS) analyses, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed. The median follow-up was 61.3 months. The median nPSA12 in the LDR-PB and EBRT cohorts was 0.7 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The 7-year BFFS and DMFS rates in LDR-PB patients with nPSA12 ≤ 0.7 ng/mL were 99.1% and 99.5%, respectively; when nPSA12 was >0.7 ng/mL, they were 90.2% and 94.8%, respectively. In EBRT patients with nPSA12 ≤ 1.0 ng/mL, BFFS and DMFS rates were 85.4% and 98.5%, respectively; when nPSA12 was >1.0 ng/mL, they were 67.1% and 87.2%, respectively. nPSA12 was an independent predictor of BF and DM in both cohorts (LDR-PB, P = 0.004 and 0.020, respectively; EBRT, P = 0.005 and 0.041, respectively). The nPSA12 after LDR-PB or EBRT is significantly associated with treatment outcomes of prostate cancer. Higher nPSA12 may identify patients at high risk of relapse who might benefit from salvage treatment.

Acute Inflammatory Syndrome Paradoxically Induced by De Novo Purine Inhibitors Synthesis Before Renal Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and mizoribine (MZR) are increasingly used as immunosuppressive agents for organ transplantation and chronic inflammation. We report a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who had an acute inflammatory syndrome triggered by preoperative immunosuppression therapy with both MMF and MZR.

CASE REPORT

A 41-year-old woman with IgA nephropathy was referred to our department for living donor renal transplantation. She had rheumatoid arthritis that was adequately treated with prednisolone 5 mg once a day and salazosulfapyridine 2000 mg once a day. MMF 1000 mg twice a day was started for desensitization therapy. Three days later, the patient developed arthritis in the joints of her left hand and elevated inflammatory markers. On day 7, MMF was switched to MZR 150 mg 3 times a day. However, the symptoms extended to both shoulders and the joints of the right foot; MZR was discontinued. The arthritis and inflammatory markers improved. Two months later, the patient was rechallenged with MMF followed by MZR, resulting in a similar clinical course as previously. Tacrolimus (TAC) 3 mg twice a day and everolimus (EVL) 0.5 mg twice a day were introduced as alternative immunosuppressant therapies. No arthritis occurred. ABO-compatible living donor renal transplantation was successfully performed. The patient received TAC, EVL, prednisolone, rituximab, and basiliximab, and her postoperative course was uneventful without arthritis or rejection. At 9 months postoperatively, the serum creatinine was 0.79 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute inflammatory syndrome is an extremely rare complication triggered by preoperative immunosuppression therapy. If antimetabolites cannot be used in immunologically high-risk patients, transplantation becomes very difficult. Clinicians should keep in mind this paradoxical reaction.

Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Japan during 2014-2015: Characterization of re-emerging G2P[4] after rotavirus vaccine introduction

Rotavirus vaccines have been available in Japan since 2011. This study conducted to monitor the trend of group A rotavirus (RVA) genotypes 3 years after vaccine introduction. A total of, 539 fecal samples were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in six regions during July 2014-June 2015. Among them, 178 samples (33.0%) were positive for RVA. The most predominant genotype was G1P[8] (35.9%) followed by G2P[4] (26.4%), G9P[8] (21.3%), G3P[8] (4.5%), and G3P[9] (4.5%). The detection rate of G2P[4] was increased soon after vaccine introduction. Sequence analyses of VP7 and VP4 genes of the representative G2P[4] strains were found to be clustered in sub-lineage IVa of lineage IV. It is noteworthy that one amino acid substitution in the antigenic epitope (Q114P) of VP4 gene was found in representative G2P[4] strains of the current study. However, it is unclear whether the change in antigenic epitope is due to the effect of vaccination or due to natural variation, warranting further continuous monitoring of rotavirus evolution after vaccine introduction.

β-γ and isomeric decay spectroscopy of 168Dy

This contribution will report on the experimental work on the level structure of 168Dy. The experimental data have been taken as part of the EURICA decay spectroscopy campaign at RIBF, RIKEN in November 2014. In the experiment, a 238U primary beam is accelerated up to 345 MeV/u with an average intensity of 12 pnA. The nuclei of interest are produced by in-flight fission of 238U impinging on Be target with a thickness of 5 mm. The excited states of 168Dy have been populated through the decay from a newly identified isomeric state and via the β decay from 168Tb. In this contribution, scientific motivations, experimental procedure and some preliminary results for this study are presented.

Isomeric 26Al beam production with CRIB

We performed an experiment to measure proton resonant elastic scattering of a mixed 26m,gAl beam with a thick target in inverse kinematics by using CNS RI beam sep-arator, located at RIKEN Nishina Center. It aimed to search for strong proton resonances and determine level properties of low spin-parity states in 27Si. Diagnosis of the 26mAl purity of the beam by annihilation radiation are discussed.

Effects of rapid or slow body weight reduction on intramuscular protein degradation pathways during equivalent weight loss on rats

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of short-term fasting-induced rapid weight loss with those of slower but equivalent body weight loss induced by daily calorie restriction on muscle protein degradation pathways and muscle protein content. Male Fischer rats were subjected to either 30 % calorie restriction for 2 weeks to slowly decrease body weight (Slow) or 3-day fasting to rapidly decrease body weight by a comparable level of that of the Slow group (Rapid). The final body weights were about 15 % lower in both the Slow and Rapid groups than in the Con group (p<0.001). The total protein content and wet weight of fast-twitch plantaris muscle, but not slow-twitch soleus muscle, were significantly lower in the Rapid group compared with the control rats fed ad libitum. Substantial increases in the expression ratio of autophagosomal membrane proteins (LC3-II/-I ratio) and polyubiquitinated protein concentration, used as biomarkers of autophagy-lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome activities, respectively, were observed in the plantaris muscle of the Rapid group. Moreover, the LC3-II/-I ratio and polyubiquitinated protein concentration were negatively correlated with the total protein content and wet weight of plantaris muscle. These results suggest that short-term fasting-induced rapid body weight loss activates autophagy-lysosome and ubiquitin-proteasome systems more strongly than calorie restriction-induced slower weight reduction, resulting in muscular atrophy in fast-twitch muscle.

Discovery of ^{72}Rb: A Nuclear Sandbank Beyond the Proton Drip Line

In this Letter, the observation of two previously unknown isotopes is presented for the first time: ^{72}Rb with 14 observed events and ^{77}Zr with one observed event. From the nonobservation of the less proton-rich nucleus ^{73}Rb, we derive an upper limit for the ground-state half-life of 81 ns, consistent with the previous upper limit of 30 ns. For ^{72}Rb, we have measured a half-life of 103(22) ns. This observation of a relatively long-lived odd-odd nucleus, ^{72}Rb, with a less exotic odd-even neighbor, ^{73}Rb, being unbound shows the diffuseness of the proton drip line and the possibility of sandbanks to exist beyond it. The ^{72}Rb half-life is consistent with a 5^{+}→5/2^{-} proton decay with an energy of 800-900 keV, in agreement with the atomic mass evaluation proton-separation energy as well as results from the finite-range droplet model and shell model calculations using the GXPF1A interaction. However, we cannot explicitly exclude the possibility of a proton transition between 9^{+}(^{72}Rb)→9/2^{+}(^{71}Kr) isomeric states with a broken mirror symmetry. These results imply that ^{72}Kr is a strong waiting point in x-ray burst rp-process scenarios.

Persistence of the Z=28 Shell Gap Around ^{78}Ni: First Spectroscopy of ^{79}Cu

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of ^{79}Cu is performed at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN. The nucleus of interest is produced through proton knockout from a ^{80}Zn beam at 270  MeV/nucleon. The level scheme up to 4.6 MeV is established for the first time and the results are compared to Monte Carlo shell-model calculations. We do not observe significant knockout feeding to the excited states below 2.2 MeV, which indicates that the Z=28 gap at N=50 remains large. The results show that the ^{79}Cu nucleus can be described in terms of a valence proton outside a ^{78}Ni core, implying the magic character of the latter.

Clinical pattern of primary systemic therapy and outcomes of estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: a review of a single institution

PURPOSE

In the management of estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer (ER+HER2-MBC) patients, endocrine therapy (ET) is preferred to chemotherapy (CT) as a primary systemic therapy (PST) when tumor burden is not high. However, there are no definite criteria for choosing a PST, transitioning from ET to CT or using maintenance ET subsequent to CT.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 311 ER+HER2-MBC patients who underwent CT from September 2002 to December 2016 and assessed their outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 311 patients, 178 (57%) received ET as a PST (ET-first group), and 133 (43%) received CT prior to ET (CT-first group). The ET-first group showed a median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of MBC (OS_MBC) of 1593 days, and the median OS from the initiation of CT (OS_CT) was 938 days. Patients with visceral involvement, liver metastasis, soft tissue metastasis, ≥3 organ involvement, or primary advanced BC at the MBC diagnosis showed a significantly higher tendency to be assigned to the CT-first group (P < 0.01 for any visceral involvement, P < 0.05 for all others). Maintenance ET was available in 74 (55.6%) patients in the CT-first group, who showed a significantly better OS_MBC and OS_CT than patients without maintenance ET (median OS_MBC 1423 and 867 days, respectively, P < 0.0001; median OS_CT 1350 and 637 days, respectively, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest the possibility for changing the treatment paradigm of patients with ER+HER2-MBC, so a randomized prospective study is warranted to determine the optimum sequence of systemic therapies.

Shell Evolution towards ^{78}Ni: Low-Lying States in ^{77}Cu

The level structure of the neutron-rich ^{77}Cu nucleus is investigated through β-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of the RIKEN Nishina Center. Ions of ^{77}Ni are produced by in-flight fission, separated and identified in the BigRIPS fragment separator, and implanted in the WAS3ABi silicon detector array, surrounded by Ge cluster detectors of the EURICA array. A large number of excited states in ^{77}Cu are identified for the first time by correlating γ rays with the β decay of ^{77}Ni, and a level scheme is constructed by utilizing their coincidence relationships. The good agreement between large-scale Monte Carlo shell model calculations and experimental results allows for the evaluation of the single-particle structure near ^{78}Ni and suggests a single-particle nature for both the 5/2_{1}^{-} and 3/2_{1}^{-} states in ^{77}Cu, leading to doubly magic ^{78}Ni.

Quantitative analysis of genitourinary toxicity after iodine-125 brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer: Followup of the International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score

PURPOSE

To analyze genitourinary toxicity by followup of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) after prostate brachytherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Six hundred eighty patients were treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. IPSS, OABSS, and two categories of IPSS questions (storage symptom score [IPSS-S] and voiding symptom score [IPSS-V]) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median followup was 54 months (range, 24-108). All scales showed rapid increases followed by gradual decreases. The median times to IPSS peak and resolution were 1 and 6 months, respectively. The resolution rates of IPSS, IPSS-S, IPSS-V, and OABSS at the last followup were 84.2%, 86.3%, 89.5%, and 83.0%, respectively. The difference between IPSS baseline and peak was greater for larger preimplant prostate volumes (≥25 mL, p = 0.004). The time to resolution was longer for higher biologic effective dose (BED) (≥210 Gy, p = 0.019 [IPSS]), in those with larger prostate volumes (≥25 mL, p = 0.025 [OABSS]), in younger patients (younger than 70 years, p = 0.043 [IPSS-S]), and in those with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use (p = 0.049 [IPSS-V]). Urge incontinence, included in the OABSS, was observed more commonly in older patients (75 years and older, p = 0.018), with ADT use (p < 0.001), and for higher BED (≥210 Gy, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The IPSS and OABSS showed similar patterns of change. Urinary symptoms improved more rapidly in those with high baseline IPSS levels. The OABSS was useful for following urinary symptoms after prostate brachytherapy. Age, ADT use, preimplant prostate volume, and BED were significantly associated with urinary outcomes.

Importance of absorbable surgical sutures for the prevention of stitch abscess after surgery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background

To elucidate the significance of absorbable surgical sutures in the occurrence of stitch abscess after surgery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Material and Methods

The subjects were 251 patients who underwent excision and/or reconstruction and/or neck dissection for oral SCC using absorbable surgical sutures. Detection rates and characteristics of patients with stitch abscess were retrospectively evaluated by comparing between our present and previous data.

Results

There was only one stitch abscess among the 251 patients. A significant difference in the incidence of stitch abscess was found between the present data and our previous data. Of course, no significant correlations were found between the occurrence of stitch abscess using absorbable surgical sutures and the various factors seen in our previous analysis.

Conclusions

A complete switch of surgical sutures from silk to absorbable surgical sutures is needed for surgery in patients with oral SCC.

Key words:Stitch abscess, oral cancer, occurrence, absorbable surgical sutures, silk suture.

94 β-Decay Half-Lives of Neutron-Rich _{55}Cs to _{67}Ho: Experimental Feedback and Evaluation of the r-Process Rare-Earth Peak Formation

The β-decay half-lives of 94 neutron-rich nuclei ^{144-151}Cs, ^{146-154}Ba, ^{148-156}La, ^{150-158}Ce, ^{153-160}Pr, ^{156-162}Nd, ^{159-163}Pm, ^{160-166}Sm, ^{161-168}Eu, ^{165-170}Gd, ^{166-172}Tb, ^{169-173}Dy, ^{172-175}Ho, and two isomeric states ^{174m}Er, ^{172m}Dy were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, providing a new experimental basis to test theoretical models. Strikingly large drops of β-decay half-lives are observed at neutron-number N=97 for _{58}Ce, _{59}Pr, _{60}Nd, and _{62}Sm, and N=105 for _{63}Eu, _{64}Gd, _{65}Tb, and _{66}Dy. Features in the data mirror the interplay between pairing effects and microscopic structure. r-process network calculations performed for a range of mass models and astrophysical conditions show that the 57 half-lives measured for the first time play an important role in shaping the abundance pattern of rare-earth elements in the solar system.

Time-Reversal Measurement of the p-Wave Cross Sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He Reaction for the Cosmological Li Problem

The cross sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction for p-wave neutrons were experimentally determined at E_{c.m.}=0.20-0.81  MeV slightly above the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) energy window for the first time on the basis of the detailed balance principle by measuring the time-reverse reaction. The obtained cross sections are much larger than the cross sections for s-wave neutrons inferred from the recent measurement at the n_TOF facility in CERN, but significantly smaller than the theoretical estimation widely used in the BBN calculations. The present results suggest the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction rate is not large enough to solve the cosmological lithium problem, and this conclusion agrees with the recent result from the direct measurement of the s-wave cross sections using a low-energy neutron beam and the evaluated nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.1.