Quantifying Carbon Active Sites Chemisorbing Hydrogen on Oxygen Containing Activated Carbons during Heat Treatment in Hydrogen Atmosphere.

Carbon edge sites have been widely studied because of their importance in surface reactivity and electronic properties. The surface chemistry of the carbon edge sites is relevant to various reactions, and carbon active sites are key topics in many applications. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) techniques are used to clarify the fate of oxygen atoms present as CO-yielding functional groups on the activated carbon during heat treatment in hydrogen with an argon balance atmosphere. It has been elucidated that CO is decomposed, H2O is released by a reduction reaction with atmospheric H2, and CO2 is evolved by secondary reactions from the CO-yielding functional groups during TPR. Atmospheric H2 consumption during TPR is observed and its rate is characterized. The amounts of carbon active sites are quantified by determining the amount of H2 chemisorbed onto the carbon surfaces. Finally, it is quantitatively determined that the active sites that chemisorb hydrogen are generated after the decomposition of CO and CO2 caused by secondary reactions between ca. 700 and 1100 K from the CO-yielding functional groups. The origin of these CO-yielding functional groups is generally attributed to phenol/ether groups. In addition to these oxygen-containing functional group decompositions, some free sites on the edge sites are activated for H2 chemisorption by heat treatment between ca. 700 and 1100 K.

Children's decision making in cancer therapy: A long-term observational study.

BACKGROUND: The survival rate of children with cancer has increased substantially in recent years. Shared decision making (i.e., the ability of children with cancer to express their will and share it with medical personnel) has become a particularly important issue. The nature and developmental processes of children's decision making in hospital should be understood. There is, however, a lack of research in this area. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative observational study, within the context of medical anthropology, in a hospital pediatric ward in Japan. We investigated the nature and development of decision making among seven children aged 5-12 years with hematologic cancers. We recorded their everyday behaviors, interactions, narratives, and events in the ward. The recording was conducted systematically and it was analyzed thematically using both variable-oriented and process-oriented modes to assess causal relationships between phenomena. RESULTS: The thematic analysis identified three thematic scenes in which children developed their will regarding cancer treatment: (1) adjusting to hospital life; (2) forming friendships with other children; and (3) communicating with medical personnel. Sharing information, building trusting relationships, and sharing treatment goals with medical personnel were identified as forms of children's participation in medical decision making. Through cultivated friendships, children's peer groups were sources of resilience and strength in overcoming difficulties in hospital life. CONCLUSIONS: The development of children's decision making in a pediatric oncology ward was based on various rich human relationships. Such relationships should be promoted to improve shared decision making substantially.

Genetic variants of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 1A1, 1A6, and 1A9 in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques.

1. In the cynomolgus macaque, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) 1As have similar molecular and enzymatic characteristics to those of their human orthologs. However, genetic polymorphisms in major cynomolgus UGT1A1/6/9 have not been investigated. 2. We re-sequenced UGT1A1, UGT1A6, and UGT1A9 in 186 cynomolgus macaques (bred in Cambodia, China, or Indonesia) and 54 rhesus macaques and found 15, 13, and 26 non-synonymous variants, respectively. 3. Of these UGT1A1, UGT1A6, and UGT1A9 variants, respectively, 10, 9, and 12 were unique to cynomolgus macaques; 4, 1, and 2 were unique to rhesus macaques; and 1, 2, and 5 were found in both cynomolgus and rhesus macaques. The frequency of the UGT1A1 mutation G69R was 23%, 28%, and 63% in cynomolgus macaques bred in Cambodia, China, and Indonesia, respectively, and 97% in rhesus macaques. 4. The O-glucuronidation activities of liver microsomes from cynomolgus and rhesus macaques with respect to estradiol, serotonin, and propofol were measured. Among these activities, liver microsomes from cynomolgus macaques heterozygous for UGT1A1 G69R (n = 11) showed significantly reduced estradiol 3-O-glucuronidation activities compared with those from wild-type animals (n = 38). 5. These results suggest genetic variants such as UGT1A1 G69R could influence the UGT1A1-mediated glucuronidation of drugs in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques.

Association between the social isolation and depressive symptoms after the great East Japan earthquake: findings from the baseline survey of the TMM CommCohort study.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation and mental health issues have become a severe problem in disaster areas in the Great East Japan Earthquake. This study examined whether the combination of the house damage and social isolation or the combination of the death of family members and social isolation is associated with depressive symptoms among survivors using the baseline study data of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based Cohort Study (TMM CommCohort Study). METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from a baseline survey of 48,958 participants (18,423 males, 30,535 females; aged 60.1 ± 11.2 years) to examine the association between social isolation measured by the Lubben social network scale 6 (LSNS-6) and depressive symptoms measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Scale (CES-D). The presence of social isolation and depressive symptoms was defined by an LSNS-6 score of < 12 and a CES-D score of ≥16, respectively. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) [AOR (95% CI)] for depressive symptoms according to sex in the social isolation in comparison to without social isolation, and the associations of the combination of the house damage or the death of family members and social isolation and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Social isolation was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (males: OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.72-2.04, females: OR = 2.13; 95% CI = 2.00-2.26). Both males and females respondents with severe house damage and social isolation had a greater risk of depressive symptoms in comparison to those with an undamaged house and without social isolation (males: OR = 3.40; 95% CI = 2.73-4.24, females: OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 2.46-3.46). The risk of depressive symptoms was also higher in both males and females respondents with the death of family members and social isolation in comparison to those without the death of family members and without social isolation (males: OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.90-2.50, females: OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 2.35-2.88). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that a combination of social isolation and severe house damage and the death of family members caused by a large-scale natural disaster was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms although the interaction was not statistically significant.

2D Photonic Colloidal Liquid Crystals Composed of Self-Assembled Rod-Shaped Particles.

Photonic crystals, characterized by their periodic structures, have been extensively studied for their ability to manipulate light. Typically, the development of 2D photonic crystals requires either sophisticated equipment or precise orientation of spherical nanoparticles. However, liquid-crystalline (LC) materials offer a promising alternative, facilitating the formation of periodic structures without the need for complex manipulation. Despite this advantage, the development of 2D photonic periodic structures using LC materials is limited to a few colloidal nanodisk liquid crystals. Herein, 2D photonic colloidal liquid crystals composed of biomineral-based nanorods and water is reported. The soft photonic materials with 2D structure by self-assembled LC colloidal nanorods are unique and a new class of photonic materials different from conventional solid 2D photonic materials. These colloids exhibit bright structural colors with high reflectance (>50%) and significant angular dependency. The structural colors are adjusted by controlling the concentration and size of the LC colloidal nanorods. Furthermore, mechanochromic hydrogel thin films with 2D photonic structure are developed. The hydrogels exhibit reversible mechanochromic properties with angular dependency, which can be used for an advanced stimuli responsible sensor.

Children's cognition and attitudes during long-term cancer treatment: an ethnographic study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment for children is typically long-term and difficult, and the experience is unique for each child. When designing child-centred care, individuals' values and preferences are considered equally important as the clinical evidence; therefore, understanding children's thoughts and attitudes while they receive long-term treatment could offer valuable insights for better clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted long-term consecutive participatory observations and interviews with seven children, who were hospitalised and receiving cancer treatment for the first time. The daily observational data on those children's discourses, behaviours and interactions with health professionals were systematically collected and thematically examined. The analysis was expanded to explore significant narratives for each child to capture their narrative sequence over time. RESULTS: The initial analysis identified 685 narrative indexes for all observation data, which were categorised into 21 sub-codes. Those sub-codes were assembled into five main themes by thematic analysis: making promises with health professionals, learning about the treatment procedures through participation, taking care of oneself, increasing the range of activities one can perform and living an ordinary life. CONCLUSION: We observed a forward-looking attitude toward understanding cancer, accepting treatment and looking forward to the future among children undergoing in-hospital cancer treatment. In addition, the children developed cognitively, affectively and relationally throughout cancer treatment processes. These findings have implications for better clinical practice in child-centred care, including children's participation in shared decision-making in paediatric oncology.

Nanostructure Control in Zinc Oxide Films and Microfibers through Bioinspired Synthesis of Liquid-Crystalline Zinc Hydroxide Carbonate; Formation of Free-Standing Materials in Centimeter-Level Lengths.

Free-standing zinc oxide in the forms of films and fibrous materials are expected to be used as functional devices such as piezoelectric devices and catalyst filters without being limited by the growth substrate. Herein, a synthetic morphology-control method for 2D and 1D free-standing ZnO materials with ordered and nanoporous structures by conversion of liquid-crystalline (LC) zinc hydroxide carbonate (ZHC) nanoplates is reported. As a new colloidal liquid crystal, the LC ZHC nanoplate precursors are obtained by a biomineralization-inspired method. The approach is to control the morphology and crystallographic orientation of ZHC crystals by using acidic macromolecules. Their nano-scale and oriented structures are examined. The LC oriented ZHC nanoplates have led to the synthesis of free-standing films and microfibers of ZHC in centimeter-level lengths, with the successful thermal conversion into free-standing films and microfibers of ZnO. The resultant ZnO films and ZnO microfibers have nanoporous structures and preferential crystallographic orientations that preserve the alignment of ZHC nanoplates before conversion.

Parental Decision-Making in Cancer Therapy: A Long-Term Observational Study.

Parental participation in shared decision-making in children's cancer therapy is essential because parents advocate for and support their children's wishes. However, little research has focused on this issue. We conducted a longitudinal observational study of 7 parents whose child had received their first cancer treatment. We recorded parents' behaviors, interactions, and narratives in 1 pediatric ward and 2 outpatient clinics. The recordings were systematically conducted and thematically analyzed using variable-oriented and process-oriented modes to assess the causal relationships among phenomena. We found 4 themes describing the processes by which parents developed and participated in shared decision-making. The first 2 themes reflected the development of reciprocal parental relationships and parent-other child relationships. These 2 types of relationship generated mutual trust and a sense of solidarity among parents (the third theme). This, in turn, became the foundation for parents to share decision-making with health care professionals (the fourth theme).

Association between the extent of house collapse and urine sodium-to-potassium ratio of victims affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: a cross-sectional study.

People who experience natural disasters have a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the association between the extent of house collapse and urine sodium-to-potassium (UNa/K) ratio of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake victims. We used the baseline survey data of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Community-Based Cohort Study of 29 542 individuals (aged 20-74 years) residing in the affected areas. The UNa/K ratio was calculated using spot urinary electrolyte values. Analysis of covariance was used to calculate the multivariate-adjusted geometric means of the UNa/K ratio in the following groups stratified according to the self-reported extent of house collapse: total collapse (TC), half collapse (HC), partial collapse (PC), and no damage (ND). Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for a high UNa/K ratio were calculated using logistic regression. The TC, HC, PC, and ND groups comprised 5 359 (18.1%), 3 576 (12.1%), 7 331 (24.8%), and 13 276 (44.9%) participants, respectively. The TC (3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.28-3.38), HC (3.37; 3.30-3.43), and PC (3.32; 3.28-3.37) groups had significantly higher multivariate-adjusted geometric means of the UNa/K ratio than the ND (3.24; 3.21-3.27) group. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for a high UNa/K ratio in the TC, HC, and PC groups vs. the ND group were 1.07 (0.99-1.15), 1.20 (1.11-1.31), and 1.20 (1.12-1.28), respectively. Similar associations between house collapse and UNa/K ratio were observed for both sexes. We report that victims of a natural disaster tend to have a diet with high sodium-to-potassium ratio.

Proton pump inhibitors affect capecitabine efficacy in patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

The association between capecitabine efficacy and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is controversial. Here, we determined whether co-administration of PPIs affects the real-world effectiveness of capecitabine. This retrospective observational study included consecutive patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer (CRC) who received adjuvant capecitabine monotherapy or CapeOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) between January 2009 and December 2014 at nine participating institutions. The primary endpoint was the difference in relapse-free survival (RFS) between patients who received PPIs and those who did not and was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Overall survival (OS) was the secondary endpoint. Multivariable analysis of RFS and OS was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model, propensity score adjustment, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses. Data from 606 patients were evaluated, 54 of whom had received a PPI. PPI-treated patients tended to have poorer RFS and OS than patients treated without PPIs. The hazard ratio for RFS with capecitabine monotherapy was 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.22-5.07). These results were consistent with sensitivity analyses performed using propensity score adjustment and IPTW methods. Co-administration of PPIs may reduce the effectiveness of capecitabine and negatively impact patients with stage II-III CRC.

Association between the Co-administration of Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonists and the Effectiveness of Capecitabine in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Propensity Score Analysis.

Background: The association between the effectiveness of capecitabine and the concomitant administration of gastric acid suppressants remains controversial. We aimed to clarify whether the effectiveness of capecitabine is affected by the co-administration of histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) in early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) patients using real-world data. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included consecutive patients with stage II-III CRC who received either capecitabine monotherapy or the CapeOX regimen (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) as adjuvant therapy between January 2009 and December 2014 in Japan. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Additionally, multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, propensity score adjustment, and inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses were performed. Results: In total, 552 patients were included in this study, of which 30 were co-administered H2RAs. RFS at five years was 76.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.2-88.1%) and 79.8% (95% CI: 76.0-83.0%) in the H2RA and non-H2RA groups, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score-adjusted analyses showed that the co-administration of H2RAs was associated with a poor RFS among those receiving capecitabine monotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.01; 95% CI: 0.86-4.70 and HR, 1.81; 95% CI: 0.77-4.22, respectively). In contrast, these results were inconsistent with the group receiving the CapeOX regimen. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that the co-administration of H2RAs may not reduce the effectiveness of capecitabine therapy in patients with early-stage CRC. To confirm this relationship, a prospective study with a pharmacokinetic approach is needed.

Distribution and metabolism of selenohomolanthionine labeled with a stable isotope.

The distribution and metabolism of selenohomolanthionine (4,4'-selenobis[2-aminobutanoic acid], SeHLan), a newly identified selenoamino acid in selenized Japanese pungent radish, were evaluated by administering 77Se-labeled SeHLan at a dose of 25 µg/kg body weight in rats. Exogenous 77Se of SeHLan was preferably distributed to the kidneys and remained in the intact form for up to 6 h after dosing. The accumulation in the kidneys is one of the specific characteristics of SeHLan, differing from other selenoamino acids, such as selenomethionine and Se-methylselenocysteine, which preferably accumulate in the pancreas. The intact form of SeHLan was detected in the serum and kidney supernatant but not in the urine, suggesting that the amount of exogenous Se that was distributed to the kidneys was within metabolic capacity. Indeed, the exogenous Se was converted into two urinary metabolites, Se-methylseleno-N-acetyl-galactosamine and trimethylselenonium. Exogenous Se was also detected in several selenoproteins, including selenoprotein P and extracellular glutathione peroxidase. SeHLan is expected to be a potential supplemental source of Se because its distribution differs from that of selenomethionine and Se-methylselenocysteine.

Synthesis and transistor application of the extremely extended phenacene molecule, [9]phenacene.

Many chemists have attempted syntheses of extended π-electron network molecules because of the widespread interest in the chemistry, physics and materials science of such molecules and their potential applications. In particular, extended phenacene molecules, consisting of coplanar fused benzene rings in a repeating W-shaped pattern have attracted much attention because field-effect transistors (FETs) using phenacene molecules show promisingly high performance. Until now, the most extended phenacene molecule available for transistors was [8]phenacene, with eight benzene rings, which showed very high FET performance. Here, we report the synthesis of a more extended phenacene molecule, [9]phenacene, with nine benzene rings. Our synthesis produced enough [9]phenacene to allow the characterization of its crystal and electronic structures, as well as the fabrication of FETs using thin-film and single-crystal [9]phenacene. The latter showed a field-effect mobility as high as 18 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), which is the highest mobility realized so far in organic single-crystal FETs.

Inverse correlation between stroke and urinary 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid, an acrolein-glutathione metabolite.

BACKGROUND: We found previously that increases in plasma levels of protein-conjugated acrolein and polyamine oxidases, enzymes that produce acrolein, are good biomarkers for stroke. The aim of this study was to test whether 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (3-HPMA), an acrolein-glutathione metabolite, was increased in the urine of stroke patients. METHODS: The level of 3-HPMA in urine was measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Stroke (78 subjects) was divided into 52 cerebral infarction (CI) and 26 cerebral hemorrhage (CH) on the basis of clinical information including brain imaging. RESULTS: A major acrolein derivative in urine is 3-HPMA. Being different from the results of PC-Acro in plasma, 3-HPMA in urine decreased following stroke. The median value of µmol 3-HPMA/g creatinine (Cre) for 90 control subjects was 2.83, while that for 78 stroke patients was 1.56. The degree of the decrease in 3-HPMA was similar in both CI and CH patients. Furthermore, the median value of µmol 3-HPMA/g Cre in 56 patients with lesions ≥ 1cm in diameter (1.39) was significantly lower than that in 20 patients with lesion <1cm in diameter (2.16). CONCLUSION: Inverse correlation between stroke and urinary 3-HPMA was observed. The results suggest that stroke is aggravated when nervous system tissues have a reduced level of glutathione.

Comparison of selenohomolanthionine and selenomethionine in terms of selenium distribution and toxicity in rats by bolus administration.

The distribution and metabolism of selenohomolanthionine (4,4'-selenobis[2-aminobutanoic acid], SeHLan), a newly identified selenoamino acid in selenized Japanese pungent radish, were compared with those of selenomethionine (SeMet) in rats. Either selenoamino acid was injected intravenously at a bolus dose of 1.0 mg Se/kg body weight. SeMet was preferably accumulated in the pancreas, increasing the serum amylase level, an index of pancreatic damage. SeHLan was preferably accumulated in the kidneys, raising the serum creatinine level, an index of kidney damage. On the other hand, the levels of two major urinary selenometabolites, i.e., Se-methylseleno-N-acetyl-galactosamine and trimethylselenonium, were comparable between SeHLan- and SeMet-administered rats, suggesting that there may be no differences in the efficiency of metabolism of these two selenoamino acids to the urinary selenometabolites despite the difference in distribution. SeHLan is expected to be a potential supplemental source of Se without inducing the onset of pancreatic damage. The specific toxicity of SeHLan to the kidneys may be avoided if its dose is lower than the one used in the present study.