Effect of Average Grain Size on the Uniformity and Ferroelectricity of BTO/PSX Thin Films Processed by Low-Temperature Solution Method.

In this study, we utilized 50 nm BaTiO3 (BTO) nanoparticles and polysiloxane (PSX) with a higher concentration of methyl and silica groups to fabricate insulating layers at a low curing temperature of 100 °C using a solution-based method. This approach aims to enhance film uniformity while retaining the ferroelectric properties. Consequently, we maintained a minimal leakage current in thin-film transistors (TFTs) while achieving transfer characteristics characterized by a distinct hysteresis. Moreover, we verified the presence of ferroelectricity in 50 nm BTO nanoparticles. Compared with prior research, we confirm that decreasing nanoparticle size effectively reduces film roughness but also leads to a reduction in polarization intensity due to smaller diameter BTO nanoparticles. Additionally, a higher proportion of methyl and silica groups effectively lowers the curing temperature of PSX. At the same time, the hydrogen ions released in the polycondensation reaction can also effectively suppress the oxygen vacancies at the interface between dielectric and channel layers, improving the TFT electrical characteristics.

Effectiveness and Changes in Brain Functions by an Occupational Therapy Program Incorporating Mindfulness in Outpatients with Anxiety and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the efficacy of an 8-week occupational therapy program incorporating mindfulness (MOT) as a form of psychiatric rehabilitation to ameliorate residual social and occupational impairment in patients with anxiety disorders and depression. The objective was to evaluate the effects of MOT on their personal well-being and to assess the impact of MOT on brain function using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). METHODS: This study was a randomized, wait-list control trial with assessments performed at baseline, post-intervention (9 weeks), and follow-up (18 weeks) in outpatients with anxiety disorders and depression. The MOT was conducted in small groups, comprising eight weekly 1.5-h sessions. The primary outcome was the mean score change between the pre- and post-interventions with Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR) scale. Other clinical assessments and qEEG served as secondary and biological outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (mean age: 44.1) were included in the analysis. The MOT group demonstrated a significantly improved QPR compared to the control group after adjusting for baseline covariates (p < 0.01). This improvement was sustained for 9 weeks after the 8-week intervention. In the qEEG analysis, a significant increase in current source density in the ß2 band of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was observed in the MOT group compared to the control group (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that MOT improves subjective well-being and potentially, global function. This suggests that MOT may serve as a viable option for those whose symptoms have abated but who still struggle with social and occupational functioning.

High-k Solution-Processed Barium Titanate/Polysiloxane Nanocomposite for Low-Temperature Ferroelectric Thin-Film Transistors.

Ferroelectric nanoparticles have attracted much attention for numerous electronic applications owing to their nanoscale structure and size-dependent behavior. Barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles with two different sizes (20 and 100 nm) were synthesized and mixed with a polysiloxane (PSX) polymer forming a nanocomposite solution for high-k nanodielectric films. Transition from the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase of BTO with different nanoparticle dimensions was evaluated through variable-temperature X-ray diffraction measurement accompanied by electrical analysis using capacitor structures. A symmetric single 200 peak was constantly detected at different measurement temperatures for the 20 nm BTO sample, marking a stable cubic crystal structure. 100 nm BTO on the other hand shows splitting of 200/002 peaks correlating to a tetragonal crystal form which further merged, thus forming a single 200 peak at higher temperatures. Smaller BTO dimension exhibits clockwise hysteresis in capacitance-voltage measurement and correlates to a cubic crystal structure which possesses paraelectric properties. Bigger BTO dimension in contrast, demonstrates counterclockwise hysteresis owing to their tetragonal crystal form. Through further Rietveld refinement analysis, we found that the tetragonality (c/a) of 100 nm BTO decreases at a higher temperature which narrows the hysteresis window. A wider hysteresis window was observed when utilizing 100 nm BTO compared to 20 nm BTO even at a lower loading ratio. The present findings imply different hysteresis mechanisms for BTO nanoparticles with varying dimensions which is crucial in understanding the role of how the BTO size tunes the crystal structures for integration in thin-film transistor devices.

Divergence of dose-response with asenapine: a cluster analysis of randomized, double-blind, and placebo control study.

BACKGROUND: Differences in psychiatric background and dose-response to asenapine in patients with schizophrenia were examined based on efficacy and safety, using data obtained in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with schizophrenia were classified into three clusters by a cluster analysis based on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) subscores at baseline, using the data from a 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PANSS Marder factor scores were calculated for each cluster. The efficacy of 10 or 20 mg/day of asenapine on PANSS score was used as the primary endpoint, with the incidence of adverse events evaluated as the secondary endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 529 asenapine-treated patients were classified into 3 clusters: Cluster-P with the higher scores in positive symptoms, disorganized thoughts, and hostility/excitement, Cluster-N with higher scores in negative symptoms, and Cluster-L with overall lower scores. In Cluster-N and Cluster-L, both 10 and 20 mg/day groups showed significant improvement in PANSS scores, while only the 20 mg/day group showed a significant difference in Cluster-P. Cluster-N and Cluster-L had differences in the incidence of adverse events, but this was not seen in Cluster-P. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of asenapine 10 and 20 mg/day differed between the 3 clusters of patients. This suggests that background information regarding baseline psychiatric symptoms may affect the therapeutic response in patients with schizophrenia.

Histologic Distribution and Characteristics on MR Imaging of Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide in Ethyl-nitrosourea-induced Endogenous Rat Glioma.

PURPOSE: (1) To evaluate the enhancement patterns of an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent (USPIO-CA) compared with those of a gadolinium-based contrast agent (Gd-BCA). (2) To compare the histologic distribution of USPIO-related iron particles (USPIO-IPs) with the USPIO-enhancement area in the early vascular and in the cellular imaging phase (E- and L-phase, respectively) after intravenous CA administration. METHODS: We performed USPIO-enhanced MRI of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced endogenous rat glioma, including spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted images (T1WIs) and gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) T2-weighted images (T2WIs), before and at 3-6 h after USPIO-CA administration for E-phase images. For L-phase images, MRI was performed at 16-19 and 62-69 h after administration. Two observers determined the USPIO-enhancement area on E-phase images and Gd-enhancement areas. We compared the USPIO-enhancement size (USPIO-ES) and Gd-ES on SE T1WIs, and the hypo-intense USPIO-ES on GRE T2WIs and Gd-ES using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In addition, two raters visually evaluated the correspondence between the histologic distribution of USPIO-IPs and the USPIO-enhancement area on corresponding GRE T2WIs at each phase using a 3-rating scale. RESULTS: Significantly smaller hyper-intense, hypo-intense and combined hyper-/hypo-intense areas were observed on USPIO-enhanced SE T1WIs compared with Gd-enhanced images (all P < 0.001). The hypo-intense USPIO-ES on GRE T2WIs was significantly smaller than the Gd-ES (P = 0.001). The distribution of USPIO-IPs on histopathological specimen and USPIO-enhancement on GRE T2WIs exhibited poor agreement in 5 of 9 tumors with enhancement from rats sacrificed early. The distribution of microglia containing USPIO-IPs corresponded with the pattern of USPIO-enhancement in the 2 tumors with late enhancement. CONCLUSION: The enhancement pattern and size of USPIO-CA in a rat glioma model were statistically different from those of Gd-BCA. Our histological data suggests that USPIO-enhanced MRI offers vascular bed imaging in E-phase and might depict the intra-tumoral distribution of immune effector cells in L-phase.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension associated with cerebral venous thrombosis detected by a sudden seizure: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is rare but can lead to life-threatening complications including cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). The concurrence of CVT and SIH raises questions regarding priority. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed sudden left-sided hemiparesis and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She experienced progressive orthostatic headaches over the prior 2 weeks. Imaging showed thrombosis in the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses, bilateral subdural hematomas, and a cervicothoracic cerebrospinal fluid leak. Low molecular weight heparin was administered, but it was discontinued 2 days later due to subarachnoid hemorrhage. She was transferred to our hospital where an epidural blood patch was applied immediately, which resulted in complete symptom relief. CONCLUSION: CVT is a rare complication of SIH that may result in devastating consequences. Treatment of SIH should be the primary focus. Prompt diagnosis and EBP application can result in a good outcome.

Distribution of rotavirus genotypes in Japan from 2015 to 2018: Diversity in genotypes before and after introduction of rotavirus vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Diversity in group A rotavirus (RVA) strains after introduction of RV-vaccines remains an emerging concern worldwide. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of RVA genotypes in Japanese children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) from 2015 to 2018. In addition, a comparison of the genotypes in pre-vaccination (2006-2012) and post-vaccination (2012-2018) periods was conducted to understand the impact of these vaccines on genotype distribution. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected regularly from outpatient clinics in six localities: Hokkaido, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Osaka, Kyoto, and Saga. RVA were screened and genotyped by RT-PCR and sequence-based genotyping. RESULTS: During the period 2015-2018, RVA was detected in 307 (19.7%) samples out of 1557 specimens: 29.9% (95% CI: 25.8% to 34.3%), 17.9% (95% CI: 14.7% to 21.5%), and 13% (95% CI: 10.3% to 16.0%) were detected RVA-positive in 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, respectively. The average detection of RVA in pre-vaccination (2006-2012) and post-vaccination (2012-2018) era remained almost similar (18%-20%). The G2P[4]I2 (52.1%, 95% CI: 43.5%-60.6%) remained the most common genotype in 2015-2016, whereas G8P[8]I2 (55.9%, 95% CI: 45.2%-66.2%) dominated in 2016-2017. In 2017-2018, G9P[8]I2 (42.0%, 95% CI: 30.5%-53.9%) prevailed, followed by G9P[8]I1 (23.0%, 95% CI: 14.0%-34.2%). The detection rate of some common genotypes of pre-vaccination era like G1P[8] and G3P[8] has been reduced after introduction of RV-vaccine, whereas genotypes that were sporadic before the introduction of vaccines like G2P[4], G2P[8], G9P[8] and G8P[8] were emerged/reemerged in post-vaccination period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presented the diversity in circulating RVA genotypes in Japan before and after introduction of RV-vaccines. Sudden emergence of DS-1-like (I2) unusual strains in post-vaccination era remains alarming. Continuous monitoring of RVA genotypes is therefore indispensable to refine future vaccine strategy.

Combination treatment with the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil and a neuraminidase inhibitor in a mouse model of influenza A virus infection.

OBJECTIVES: Baloxavir marboxil (formerly S-033188) is a first-in-class, orally available, cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor licensed in Japan and the USA for the treatment of influenza virus infection. We evaluated the efficacy of delayed oral treatment with baloxavir marboxil in combination with a neuraminidase inhibitor in a mouse model of lethal influenza virus infection. METHODS: The inhibitory potency of baloxavir acid (the active form of baloxavir marboxil) in combination with neuraminidase inhibitors was tested in vitro. The therapeutic effects of baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir phosphate, or combinations thereof, were evaluated in mice lethally infected with influenza virus A/PR/8/34; treatments started 96 h post-infection. RESULTS: Combinations of baloxavir acid and neuraminidase inhibitor exhibited synergistic potency against viral replication by means of inhibition of cytopathic effects in vitro. In mice, baloxavir marboxil monotherapy (15 or 50 mg/kg twice daily) significantly and dose-dependently reduced virus titre 24 h after administration and completely prevented mortality, whereas oseltamivir phosphate treatments were not as effective. In this model, a suboptimal dose of baloxavir marboxil (0.5 mg/kg twice daily) in combination with oseltamivir phosphate provided additional efficacy compared with monotherapy in terms of virus-induced mortality, elevation of cytokine/chemokine levels and pathological changes in the lung. CONCLUSIONS: Baloxavir marboxil monotherapy with 96 h-delayed oral dosing achieved drastic reductions in virus titre, inflammatory response and mortality in a mouse model. Combination treatment with baloxavir acid and oseltamivir acid in vitro and baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir phosphate in mice produced synergistic responses against influenza virus infections, suggesting that treating humans with the combination may be beneficial.

In vitro characterization of baloxavir acid, a first-in-class cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor of the influenza virus polymerase PA subunit.

Cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) resides in the PA subunit of the influenza virus and mediates the critical "cap-snatching" step of viral RNA transcription, which is considered to be a promising anti-influenza target. Here, we describe in vitro characterization of a novel CEN inhibitor, baloxavir acid (BXA), the active form of baloxavir marboxil (BXM). BXA inhibits viral RNA transcription via selective inhibition of CEN activity in enzymatic assays, and inhibits viral replication in infected cells without cytotoxicity in cytopathic effect assays. The antiviral activity of BXA is also confirmed in yield reduction assays with seasonal type A and B viruses, including neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant strains. Furthermore, BXA shows broad potency against various subtypes of influenza A viruses (H1N2, H5N1, H5N2, H5N6, H7N9 and H9N2). Additionally, serial passages of the viruses in the presence of BXA result in isolation of PA/I38T variants with reduced BXA susceptibility. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses with reverse genetics demonstrate the mechanism of BXA action via CEN inhibition in infected cells. These results reveal the in vitro characteristics of BXA and support clinical use of BXM to treat influenza.

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.

Molecular Epidemiological Traits of Group A Rotaviruses in Japanese Children During Transitional Period of Rotavirus Vaccine Implementation, 2011 - 2014.

BACKGROUND: Group A rotavirus (RVA) vaccines have been introduced in Japan since 2011. To investigate the molecular epidemiological traits of RVA during the transitional period of rotavirus vaccine implementation in Japan, this study was undertaken by following up three-decade long surveillance conducted in the same regions. METHODS: RVA were screened and genotyped by RT-PCR from diarrheal samples collected from non-hospitalized patients in six localities (Hokkaido, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Osaka, Kyoto, and Saga) during 2011 - 2014. Selected samples were sequenced to elucidate the evolutionary trend. RESULTS: Among 1858 specimens, the detection rate of RVA declined to 4.0% in 2013 - 2014 from 17.9% in 2011 - 2012 and 22.1% in 2012 - 2013. G1P[8] was the most predominant genotype in the first two years accounting for more than half, and G9P[8] showed the highest detection rate as 35.0% in the last year. Interestingly, the proportional rate of G2 strains in the studied period increased from 0% to 25%. VP6 genotyping revealed that DS-1 like reassortant G1P[8] strains were detected all over Japan and their prevalence fluctuated greatly from 35.0% to 89.5%. Sequence analysis of VP6 showed that strains in the current strains were closely related but distinct from the original reference strains, namely Wa and DS-1. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rates of RVA, their GP combinations, prevalence of reassortant strains varied greatly after the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in Japan. Continuous monitoring is warranted to refine future vaccine strategy.

Expression of Prostatic Acid Phosphatase in Rat Circumvallate Papillae.

ATP and its metabolites are important for taste signaling in taste buds, and thus a clearance system for them would play critical roles in maintenance of gustatory function. A previous report revealed that mRNAs for ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) were expressed by taste cells of taste buds, and NT5E-immunoreactivity was detected in taste cells. However, there was no information on PAP-immunoreactivity in taste buds. In this study, we examined the expression profile of PAP in rat taste buds. In the isolated rat taste buds, we detected expression of mRNA for PAP, but NT5E was not detected differing from the case of mouse ones (Dando et al., 2012, J Neuroscience). On immunohistochemical analysis, PAP-immunoreactivity was found predominantly in NTPDase2-positive type I and SNAP25-positive type III taste cells, while there were no apparent signals of it in PLC-ß2-positive type II, α-gustducin-positive type II, AADC-positive type III and 5HT-positive type III ones. As for NT5E, we could not detect its immunoreactivity in rat taste buds, and co-localization of it with any taste cell markers, although mouse taste buds expressed NT5E as reported previously. These findings suggest that PAP expressed by type I and one of type III taste cells of rats may contribute to metabolic regulation of the extracellular levels of adenine nucleotides in the taste buds of circumvallate papillae, and the regulating mechanisms for adenine nucleotides in taste buds might be different between rats and mice.

Prevention of the exposure by cyclophosphamide oral tablet.

BACKGROUND: Unintended exposure to antitumor agents from an oral medicine may place healthcare workers and patients taking medicine at risk. In this study, the exposure to blister pack by CP (cyclophosphamide) and appropriate preventive procedures were examined. FINDINGS: CP detected inside the blister pack of the tested seven lots by LC-MS/MS ranged from 8.2 to 199.6 ng. Raman imaging clearly showed that CP ingredient was completely covered by the tablet coating layer and had not leached out of the tablet. In addition, the amount of CP detected inside the vials was suppressed under the lower detection limit until day 28, and only 6.0 ng was detected only at day 56. CONCLUSIONS: Various amounts of CP were contaminated to not only the inside of the blister pack but also the outside. This contamination may be caused not only by the manufacturing environment but also by the CP oral tablets themselves through volatilization of CP. Refrigerated storage of CP oral tablets may protect healthcare workers and patients from contact with CP.

Efficacy and safety of fosphenytoin for acute encephalopathy in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fosphenytoin (fPHT) for the treatment of seizures in children with acute encephalopathy. METHODS: Using responses from physicians on the Annual Zao Conference on Pediatric Neurology mailing list we chose patients who met the following criteria: clinical diagnosis of acute encephalopathy and use of intravenous fPHT for the treatment of seizures. We divided the patients into two groups: acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) and other encephalopathies. The efficacy of fPHT was considered effective when a cessation of seizures was achieved. RESULTS: Data of 38 children were obtained (median age, 27 months). Eighteen children were categorized into the AESD group and 20 into the other encephalopathies group. fPHT was administered in 48 clinical events. The median loading dose of fPHT was 22.5 mg/kg and was effective in 34 of 48 (71%) events. The rate of events in which fPHT was effective did not differ according to the presence or absence of prior antiepileptic treatment, subtype of acute encephalopathy, or the type of seizures. One patient experienced apnea and oral dyskinesia as adverse effects of fPHT, whereas arrhythmia, hypotension, obvious reduction of consciousness, local irritation, phlebitis and purple grove syndrome were not observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: fPHT is effective and well tolerated among children with acute encephalopathy.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Möbius syndrome in a children's hospital.

BACKGROUND: Möbius syndrome is a congenital disorder with facial and abducens palsy. Although a few case series studies have examined comorbid conditions in Möbius syndrome, follow-up and outcome data are sparse. OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Möbius syndrome. METHODS: Clinical data were reviewed for 10 patients. Neonatal history, neurological examination, comorbid anomalies, medical home care, outcomes, and neuroimaging were summarized. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 7.3 ± 6.2 years. On neurological examination, absent blink reflex, jaw ankylosis, absent gag reflex, and tongue atrophy were frequently observed. Poland anomaly and clubfoot were present in three and six patients, respectively. Specific therapies required for patients included medical home care (six patients), suction apparatus (six), tube feeding (five), gastrostomy (two), tracheostomy (three), oxygen therapy (three), and home ventilator (two). Punctate calcification in the brainstem was observed in four patients. Pontine and medulla hypoplasia were detected on the basis of anteroposterior diameter in four and seven patients, respectively. Two patients had congenital hydrocephalus with aqueductal stenosis. Global developmental delay occurred in five patients. Three patients died. CONCLUSION: The rate of both the use of home medical devices and death was high in our patients. Möbius syndrome is extremely diverse, not only in clinical manifestation, but also outcome. Early multidisciplinary intervention is important to ensure an optimal outcome. Aqueductal stenosis is an occasional comorbid anomaly resulting from midbrain abnormality.

Three clusters of Saffold viruses circulating in children with diarrhea in Japan.

Saffold virus (SAFV) is a newly discovered human virus in the genus Cardiovirus, family Picornaviridae. The virus was first described from fecal specimens of a child with fever of unknown origin in 2007. A total of 454 fecal specimens were collected from children with diarrhea attended clinics in Japan, 2010-2011, 7 (1.5%) were positive for SAFV. Mixed-infections of SAFV and other enteric viruses (rotavirus, norovirus, and bocavirus) were found in four out of seven cases, while monoinfection by SAFV alone was detected in three cases. In addition to diarrhea, fever and vomiting were observed in three children and mild dehydration in one case. No particular symptoms of cough and rhinorrhea were noted. Analysis of partial VP1 nucleotide sequence of 7 Japanese SAFV strains revealed that 5 SAFV sequences were most closely related with SAFV2 reference strains, but separated into SAFV2-A (3 strains) and SAFV2-B (2 strains). In addition, the other two strains were classified as SAFV3. Our results indicated that SAFVs (SAFV2 and SAFV3) were circulated in children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan during 2010 and 2011 epidemic season.

Reemergence of new variant G3 rotavirus in Japanese pediatric patients, 2009-2011.

The molecular epidemiology and characterization of rotaviruses obtained from non-hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in five different prefectures (Hokkaido, Saga, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto) from July 2009 to June 2011 was investigated. Among 831 fecal specimens tested, rotavirus was found in 165 specimens (19.9%). The rotavirus detection rate in 2010-2011 (23.3%) was higher than those in 2009-2010 (16.0%). The highest prevalence of rotavirus was found in children aged 12 to 23 months. Rotavirus could be detected throughout the 8 month period with a peak in April. We found that G3P[8] was the most prevalent genotype (54.5%), followed by G1P[8] (29.1%), G9P[8] (9.1%), G3P[4] (3.0%), G2P[4] (2.5%), G1P[4] (1.2%), and G4P[8] (0.6%), respectively. Interestingly, G3 strains emerged as the most predominant genotype and replaced G1 rotavirus which had been reported as the most predominant genotype in the previous studies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that G3 rotavirus strains were closely related to the "new variant G3" 5091 strain, which emerged in Japan in 2003-2004. A significant increase in the prevalence of rotavirus G3 found in this study indicates that rotavirus G3 strain is the major cause of infection in five geographical areas of Japan and may distribute globally in the near future.

Gelatin microspheres: correlation between embolic effect/degradability and cross-linkage/particle size.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the embolic effect and degradability of gelatin microspheres (GMS) using various degrees of cross-linkage and particle sizes in rabbit renal artery embolization. METHODS: Four types of GMS were used, as follows: 2 types of cross-linkage and 2 types of particle size. Twenty-four rabbits (6 in each group) were used for the renal artery embolization. Renal angiography was performed before and after embolization of right renal artery. Follow-up renal angiography was performed 2 days (n = 2), 5 days (n = 2), and 15 days (n = 2) after embolization in each group, and then kidneys were removed for histopathological evaluation. Vascular areas of the angiography were measured by Image J software, and the reperfusion rate was calculated. In renal specimens, residual GMS were checked and the degree of degradation was classified according to a 4-point scale. RESULTS: The mean amounts of large- and small-particle-size GMS injected were 15.0 and 34.3 mg, respectively. Tissue necrosis was confirmed in each group; however, no difference was observed among groups. Renal reperfusion was observed more with small GMS than with large GMS. Renal reperfusion was also observed more with low cross-linked GMS than with high cross-linked GMS. In histopathological specimens, large GMS were confirmed in lobar artery, and small GMS were confirmed in lobular artery. Low cross-linked GMS completely degraded 15 days after embolization. In contrast, high cross-linked GMS were persistent 15 days after embolization. CONCLUSION: Degree of cross-linkage and particle size affected degradability and reperfusion.

Detection and genetic characterization of norovirus infections in children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan, 2007-2009.

BACKGROUND: Noroviruses are a major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of norovirus gastroenteritis in Japan. METHODS: A total of 954 fecal specimens collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis from five different regions (Tokyo, Sapporo, Saga, Osaka, and Maizuru) of Japan during 2007-2009 were identified by multiple RT-PCR and semi-nested PCR. RESULTS: Norovirus was detected in a relatively high detection rate (26.6%; 254 of 954). Of the identified NoV, 9.5% (91 of 954) were positive by semi-nested PCR. Norovirus GII (97.3%) was more prevalent than GI (2.7%). Norovirus infections were very common in the patients aged 12-23 months (44.5%; 113 of 254). Winter month seasonality supported norovirus infection in Japan. All 7 GI sequences (100%) detected only in 2007-2008 clustered with Chiba 407 known as GI.4 genotype. Most of the norovirus GII sequences in 2007-2008 belonged to GII.4 (77.9%), followed by GII.14 (11.9%), and GII.3 and GII.6 (5.1% each). In 2008-2009, norovirus sequences were classified into eight distinct genotypes (GII.1, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.7, GII12, and GII.14). GII.4/2006b variant was responsible for 100% among the detected GII.4 strains in both seasons. Interestingly, GII.6/GII.14 recombinant strains emerged, for the first time in Japanese children, as the second prevalent genotype (11.9%) in 2007-2008 and then dropped rapidly to 2.3% in a year after. In addition, GII.b/GII.3 and GII.4/GII.3 recombinant strains that had been described previously were also found in this study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to demonstrate the co-circulation of the predominant GII.4/2006b variant and the emerging GII.6/GII.14 recombinant strains and supports the importance of norovirus as a causative agent of diarrhea in Japanese children with acute gastroenteritis.