Discovery of New Isotope

The new isotope ^{241}U was synthesized and systematic atomic mass measurements of nineteen neutron-rich Pa-Pu isotopes were performed in the multinucleon transfer reactions of the ^{238}U+^{198}Pt system at the KISS facility. The present experimental results demonstrate the crucial role of the multinucleon transfer reactions for accessing unexplored neutron-rich actinide isotopes toward the N=152 shell gap in this region of nuclides.

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.

Elective intubation for laser retinopexy treatment of severe ROP is not associated with increased morbidity or length of stay.

BACKGROUND: Laser retinopexy is the current standard treatment for babies with type I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). No guidelines exist for respiratory management during this procedure. Although neonatologists prefer to avoid intubation to prevent delays in extubation, feeding and discharge, ophthalmologists often request intubation, because sedation alone may lead to respiratory collapse. Little evidence is available regarding which treatment provides the most benefit to vulnerable infants. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated relevant associations or underlying conditions that may help guide decision-making in respiratory management during laser retinopexy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to analyze data from babies who underwent retinopexy from 2006 to 2011 at the Montefiore Medical Center. The main outcome measures included respiratory support before, during and after laser therapy; time from treatment to extubation; and time from treatment to discharge. RESULTS: The main outcomes were analyzed in four groups: never intubated (n = 27), emergently intubated (n = 7), already intubated (n = 8) and electively intubated (n = 28). No significant differences were observed in the number of pre-operative apneic/bradycardic events, postoperative time to extubation, time to discharge and delays in feeding among groups. CONCLUSIONS: No specific comorbid conditions were found to predict a need for intubation. Elective intubation did not cause delays in feedings, extubation or discharge. A selective approach to respiratory support would result in 20% of initially non-intubated patients requiring emergent intubation.

Anti-drug antibodies of IL-23 inhibitors for psoriasis: a systematic review.

Anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) can form with certain biological medications, but their clinical significance is not fully understood. ADA formation in psoriasis patients treated with IL-23 inhibitors was evaluated, looking at the incidence of ADAs, impact on clinical outcomes and association with adverse events. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases yielded 318 articles, which were manually reviewed. A total of 19 articles met the eligibility criteria. The incidence of ADAs with the IL-23 inhibitors was as follows: 4.1-14.7% with guselkumab, 141-31% with risankizumab and 6.51-18% with tildrakizumab. The incidence of neutralizing antibodies ranged from 01-0.6% with guselkumab, 21-16% with risankizumab and 2.5 to 3.2% with tildrakizumab. There was no evidence of reduced efficacy of psoriasis treatment with ADA presence alone. However, some studies found a reduction in clinical response with high ADA titres or with the presence of neutralizing antibodies. A few studies reported that patients with ADAs to guselkumab and risankizumab had a higher incidence of injection site reactions (ISRs). There do not appear to be other adverse events associated with ADAs with IL-23 inhibitors. Testing for presence of ADAs alone in this patient group does not appear to be predictive of treatment response. Clinically, it may be more productive to test for neutralizing antibodies or ADA titre values, although further investigation is required to show a definitive correlation.

Properties of

Mass-separated ^{187}Ta_{114} in a high-spin isomeric state has been produced for the first time by multinucleon transfer reactions, employing an argon gas-stopping cell and laser ionization. Internal γ rays revealed a T_{1/2}=7.3±0.9 s isomer at 1778±1 keV, which decays through a rotational band with perturbations associated with the approach to a prolate-oblate shape transition. Model calculations show less influence from triaxiality compared to heavier elements in the same mass region. The isomer-decay reduced E2 hindrance factor f_{ν}=27±1 supports the interpretation that axial symmetry is approximately conserved.

High-stability, high-voltage power supplies for use with multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrographs.

Achieving the highest possible mass resolving power in a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer requires very high-stability power supplies. To this end, we have developed a programmable high-voltage power supply that can achieve long-term stability in the order of parts-per-million. Herein, we present the design of a stable high-voltage system and bench-top stability measurements up to 1 kV; a stabilization technique can, in principle, be applied up to 15 kV or more. We demonstrate that in the ≤1 Hz band, the output stability is at the level of 1 part per million (ppm) for 1 h, with only slightly more output variation across 3 days. We further demonstrate that the output is largely free of noise in the 1 Hz-200 Hz band. We also demonstrate settling to the ppm level within 1 min following a 100 V step transition. Finally, we demonstrate that when these power supplies are used to bias the electrodes of a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph, the measured time-of-flight is stable at the ppm-level for at least 1 h.

Strong magnetoelectric coupling in mixed ferrimagnetic-multiferroic phases of a double perovskite.

Exploring new magnetic materials is essential for finding advantageous functional properties such as magnetoresistance, magnetocaloric effect, spintronic functionality, and multiferroicity. Versatile classes of double perovskite compounds have been recently investigated because of intriguing physical properties arising from the proper combination of several magnetic ions. In this study, it is observed that the dominant ferrimagnetic phase is coexisted with a minor multiferroic phase in single-crystalline double-perovskite Er2CoMnO6. The majority portion of the ferrimagnetic order is activated by the long-range order of Er3+ moments below TEr = 10 K in addition to the ferromagnetic order of Co2+ and Mn4+ moments arising at TC = 67 K, characterized by compensated magnetization at TComp = 3.15 K. The inverted magnetic hysteresis loop observed below TComp can be described by an extended Stoner-Wohlfarth model. The additional multiferroic phase is identified by the ferroelectric polarization of ~0.9 µC/m2 at 2 K. The coexisting ferrimagnetic and multiferroic phases appear to be strongly correlated in that metamagnetic and ferroelectric transitions occur simultaneously. The results based on intricate magnetic correlations and phases in Er2CoMnO6 enrich fundamental and applied research on magnetic materials through the scope of distinct magnetic characteristics in double perovskites.

First Direct Mass Measurements of Nuclides around Z=100 with a Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrograph.

The masses of ^{246}Es, ^{251}Fm, and the transfermium nuclei ^{249-252}Md and ^{254}No, produced by hot- and cold-fusion reactions, in the vicinity of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure, have been directly measured using a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. The masses of ^{246}Es and ^{249,250,252}Md were measured for the first time. Using the masses of ^{249,250}Md as anchor points for α decay chains, the masses of heavier nuclei, up to ^{261}Bh and ^{266}Mt, were determined. These new masses were compared with theoretical global mass models and demonstrated to be in good agreement with macroscopic-microscopic models in this region. The empirical shell gap parameter δ_{2n} derived from three isotopic masses was updated with the new masses and corroborates the existence of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure for Md and Lr.

The Effect of Intraoperative Nefopam Administration on Acute Postoperative Pain and Chronic Discomfort After Robotic or Endoscopic Assisted Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute postoperative pain and chronic discomfort are reported after robotic or endoscopic thyroidectomy. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, and double-blinded clinical trial was to investigate whether intraoperative infusion of nefopam decreases acute postoperative pain and chronic discomfort following either a robotic or endoscopic thyroidectomy via the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA). METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups: The control group (n = 29) or the nefopam group (n = 29). Patients in each group were infused with the same volume of saline or nefopam (0.2 mg/kg bolus, 120 µg/kg/h continuous infusion) during surgery. Acute postoperative pain, the need for rescue analgesics, and other postoperative adverse effects were assessed at 1, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Chronic pain and discomfort was recorded at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Patients in the nefopam group reported lower pain scores in the neck, as well as the axilla and anterior chest areas at 1, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, when compared with the control group (P < 0.05 at each time points). Rescue analgesics were required less in the nefopam group than in the control group (1.4 [1] vs. 2.3 [1.5]; P = 0.001). The degree of chronic pain and discomfort were relatively lower in the nefopam group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We report that intravenous nefopam infusion during surgery decreased acute postoperative pain and the need for rescue analgesics, as well as chronic discomfort, following BABA robotic or endoscopic thyroidectomy without adverse events.

Giant Anisotropic Magnetocaloric Effect in Double-perovskite Gd2CoMnO6 Single Crystals.

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is described by the change in temperature of a material by magnetic field variation and is a crucial subject in magnetism; it is motivated by the desire to enhance energy-efficient magnetic refrigeration for clean technology. Despite the recent discovery of the giant cryogenic MCE in double perovskites, the role of magnetic anisotropy has not yet been clearly discussed, because of the averaging effect of polycrystalline samples. Here, we investigated the anisotropic MCE in the single-crystal double perovskite Gd2CoMnO6. In addition to the ferromagnetic order of the Co2+ and Mn4+ moments, the large Gd3+ moments align below T Gd = 21 K, exhibiting an isotropic nature. Because of the intricate temperature development of magnetically hysteretic behaviour and metamagnetism, the change in magnetic entropy along the c-axis appears to be relatively small. On the contrary, the smaller but almost reversible magnetization perpendicular to the c-axis leads to a large MCE with a maximum entropy change of 25.4 J/kg·K. The anisotropic MCE generates a giant rotational MCE, estimated as 16.6 J/kg·K. Our results demonstrate the importance of magnetic anisotropy for understanding the MCE and reveal essential clues for exploring suitable magnetic refrigerant compounds aiming at magnetic functional applications.

Association Studies of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Gene Polymorphisms With Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation Recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) belong to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of proteins. This study was performed to evaluate the association of BMP gene polymorphisms with acute renal allograft rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD) in Koreans. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-one patients who had kidney transplantation procedures were recruited. Transplantation outcomes were determined in terms of AR and GD criteria. We selected six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs1979855 (5' near gene), rs1049007 (Ser87Ser), rs235767 (intron), rs1005464 (intron), rs235768 (Arg190Ser), and rs3178250 (3; untranslated region). RESULTS: Among the six SNPs tested, the rs235767, rs1005464, and rs3178250 SNPs were significantly associated with AR (P < .05). The rs1049007 and rs235768 SNPs also showed an association with GD (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these results suggest that the BMP2 gene polymorphism may be related to the development of AR and GD in kidney transplant recipients.

The 100 Most-Cited Articles Focused on Ultrasound Imaging: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Purpose The number of citations that an article has received reflects its impact on a particular research area. The aim of this study was to identify the 100 most-cited articles focused on ultrasound (US) imaging and to analyze the characteristics of these articles. Methods We determined the 100 most-cited articles on US imaging via the Web of Science database, using the search term. The following parameters were used to analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles: publication year, journal, journal impact factor, number of citations and annual citations, authors, department, institution, country, type of article, and topic. Results The number of citations for the 100 most-cited articles ranged from 1849 to 341 (median: 442.0) and the number of annual citations ranged from 108.0 to 8.1 (median: 22.1). The majority of articles were published in 1990 - 1999 (39 %), published in radiology journals (20 %), originated in the United States (45 %), were clinical observation studies (67 %), and dealt with the vessels (35 %). The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California and the Research Institute of Public Health at the University of Kuopio (n = 4 each) were the leading institutions and Salonen JT and Salonen R (n = 4 each) were the most prolific authors. Conclusion Our study presents a detailed list and analysis of the 100 most-cited US articles, which provides a unique insight into the historical development in this field.

Everolimus-Induced Systemic Serositis After Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report.

Although everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, has been used as a potent immunosuppressive agent in organ transplantation, data regarding its adverse effect profile compared with that of sirolimus in clinical circumstances are limited. A 50-year-old man who underwent simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation 14 months previously was admitted with large pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and ascites. Laboratory findings and cultures for possible infectious causes were all negative. Pericardial window surgery with drainage of the pericardial fluid was performed on day 3. Pleural and pericardial biopsy revealed non-specific inflammation without evidence of malignant cells. Everolimus was discontinued and replaced by mycophenolate mofetil on day 4. Significant clinical improvement was observed after discontinuation of everolimus, and follow-up echocardiography and chest radiography showed no recurrence of the pericardial or pleural effusion after discharge.

The effect of low-volatile organic compounds, water-based paint on aggravation of allergic disease in schoolchildren.

Whether indoor painting aggravates preexisting allergic diseases remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of new classroom painting on aggravation of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Studied school was previously painted with conventional water-based paint 20 years ago and had natural ventilation system. We identified a total of 172 children aged 10-12 years with allergic diseases in 17 classrooms, which were allocated to newly painted rooms with low-volatile organic compounds (VOC), water-based paint, or existing rooms. After painting, there was no intervention or internal airflow to influence indoor air environment in both classrooms. We prospectively assessed the symptom severity and serious events of allergic diseases between both classrooms at baseline and after one and eight weeks after painting. At one and eight weeks, there were no significant changes in the Childhood Asthma Control Test scores, the fractional nitric oxide levels, lung function in asthmatic children in either classroom. There were also no significant changes in the severity score of AR or AD, or serious events in all allergic diseases. These findings suggest classroom painting with this new paint at the levels encountered in this study might not be a major aggravating factor for school-aged children with allergic diseases.

Measurement of levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

SETTING: The role of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To examine the value of FeNO as a biomarker for PTB. DESIGN: Baseline FeNO levels were compared in 69 PTB patients and 118 healthy controls. The correlation between baseline FeNO levels and clinical variables of tuberculosis were studied. FeNO levels were checked twice in the PTB group, at diagnosis and after 2 months of anti-tuberculosis medication, and factors affecting changes in FeNO levels after treatment were analysed. RESULTS: FeNO levels were not significantly different in the PTB group and controls (mean ± standard deviation 27.7 ± 17.6 parts per billion [ppb] vs. 27.0 ± 10.8 ppb, P = 0.531). In a multivariate regression analysis, no variable was shown to affect FeNO levels at diagnosis. FeNO levels did not significantly change after 2 months of treatment (26.8 ± 18.3 ppb vs. 24.0 ± 10.7 ppb, P = 0.257). Only PTB with a high FeNO level (>25 ppb) was related to a decline in FeNO levels after 2 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: FeNO levels do not appear to be affected in PTB patients.

A Promoter Polymorphism in the CD46 Complement Regulatory Protein Gene Is Associated With Acute Renal Allograft Rejection.

OBJECTIVES: CD46 molecule (complement regulatory protein [CD46]), known as a human cell surface receptor, plays an important role in complement and T-cell regulation for organ transplantation. This study was performed to evaluate the association of promoter polymorphism (rs2796267, -496 A/G) of the CD46 gene with acute renal allograft rejection (AR), late acute rejection (LAR), and graft loss (GL) in Korean patients. METHODS: A total of 334 patients with kidney transplants were recruited. Transplantation outcomes were determined in terms of AR, LAR, and GL criteria. The promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of CD46 was genotyped by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The rs2796267 SNP exhibited significant differences between the AR group and non-AR group (codominant1 model, P = .012; odds ratio [OR], 0.47 [95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.84]; dominant model, P = .012; OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.29-0.86]; and allele distribution, P = .034; OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43-0.94]). In addition, the SNP also exhibited significant associations with LAR (codominant2 model, P = .041; OR, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.02-0.92]; recessive model, P = .005; OR, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.02-0.94]; and allele distribution, P = .038; OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.35-0.97]). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the promoter polymorphism (rs2796267, -496 A/G) CD46 gene may be related to susceptibility of AR in Korean kidney transplantation recipients.

Association Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-4 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Acute Rejection and Graft Dysfunction After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine genotypes have previously been studied in patients undergoing solid organ transplantation; certain polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of acute rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD). Allograft outcomes determined, in part, by alloimmune responses is mainly mediated by T-cell responses, activated and driven by cytokines. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is one such cytokine, which exerts its biological effects through binding to the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) complex on target cells. In the present study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the IL-4 and/or IL-4R gene were associated with susceptibility to acute AR and GD after kidney transplantation. METHODS: We analyzed 2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of IL-4 (rs2243250 and rs2070874) and 3 SNPs of IL-4R (rs1801275, rs2107356, and rs1805010) in 344 kidney transplant recipients. These patients included 62 of whom had developed AR and 215 of whom had GD in 1 year after kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The AR group included 62 patients (45 men and 17 women). There was a statistically significant difference in the male-to-female ratio and the use of tacrolimus in the AR group. The GD group included 215 patients. Patients who developed GD were more likely to be older and have an underlying cause of end-stage renal disease that was unknown compared with patients who did not have GD, the cause of which was typically known. Among the SNPs examined, 1 of the SNPs in the IL-4R gene (ie, rs1801275) showed a statistical association with AR (co-dominant model, P = .061; dominant model, P = .019; and log-addictive model, P = .029). In addition, 1 of the IL-4R SNPs (ie, rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD (dominant model, P = .034). No significant difference in the IL-4 genotype was observed between the AR/GD and non-AR/non-GD subjects. CONCLUSIONS: One IL-4R gene polymorphism (rs1801275) was associated with AR. In addition, a separate IL-4R SNP (rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD after kidney transplantation.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Polymorphisms and New-Onset Diabetes After Kidney Transplantation in Korean Renal Transplant Subjects.

BACKGROUND: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a serious metabolic complication that may follow renal transplantation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to insulin insufficiency and beta-cell dysfunction in a rat model. The MMP-2 concentrations were lower in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the plasma MMPs levels were related to diabetes. Similar to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and insulin secretion dysfunction occur in patients with the development of NODAT. Therefore, we examined the association between NODAT and 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the 3 genes of MMPs that might be related to NODAT. METHODS: A total of 309 renal transplant recipients without a history of diabetes were included in this study. DNA was extracted from the blood samples of recipients, and we analyzed the association between the development of NODAT and a panel of 11 SNPs within 3 MMP genes (MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3). RESULTS: In terms of allele frequencies, rs243849*C (MMP-2) was significantly higher in patients with NODAT. Two of the 11 (18.1%) SNPs were significantly associated with NODAT development after adjusting for age, sex, and tacrolimus usage: MMP-2 (rs1132896) and MMP-2 (rs243849). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, these 2 SNPs were significantly associated with the development of NODAT in the codominant and recessive or codominant and dominant models. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2 gene rs1132896 and rs243849 polymorphisms may serve as genetic markers for the development of NODAT. The exact molecular mechanisms still must be clarified.