Threshold temperature of superfluorescence generation in CuCl quantum dots under resonant excitation of excitons and resonant two-photon excitation of biexcitons.

We studied the threshold temperature of superfluorescence (SF) generation with regard to biexcitons in CuCl quantum dots (QDs) under resonant two-photon excitation of biexcitons and resonant excitation of excitons to demonstrate the influence of initial population densities in the QDs on SF generation. As a result, the threshold temperature under the resonant excitation of excitons was higher than that under the two-photon excitation of biexcitons. This indicates that the high density of excited dots facilitates the rapid establishment of coherence among the dots, overcoming disadvantages of incomplete population inversion and formation process of biexcitons. We performed a theoretical calculation of the time profiles of the biexcitonic emission based on semiconductor luminescence equations. The experimentally obtained temperature dependence of the time profiles was qualitatively reproduced by calculating their dependence on the dephasing rate. In addition, we estimated the temperature dependence of the phase relaxation time of the biexcitons in the CuCl QDs by analyzing the temperature dependence of SF.

Two Cases of Increased Gastrointestinal Polyps in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis following Antiacid Agent Intake.

Introduction: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, is an autosomal dominant inherited condition caused by germline mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. It is characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of colorectal adenomatous polyps, which, if left untreated, can eventually develop into colorectal carcinomas. Representative extracolonic tumors in FAP include multiple duodenal adenomas and desmoid tumors. Moreover, multiple fundic gland polyps are frequently identified in the stomachs of patients with FAP. Case Presentation: Herein, we report the two cases. A 52-year-old woman who underwent total colectomy for FAP, and pancreatoduodenectomy was initiated on esomeprazole for the treatment of anastomotic erosion. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed 42 months later showed an increased number and size of gastric fundic gland polyps, which subsequently decreased after replacing esomeprazole with ranitidine. Similarly, a 39-year-old woman with FAP was initiated on vonoprazan for the treatment of reflux symptoms. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy performed 14 months later indicated an increase in the number of gastric fundic gland polyps and colorectal polyps, which subsequently decreased after vonoprazan discontinuation. In these two cases, the increase and decrease in the number and size of fundic gland polyps and colon adenoma were associated with serum gastrin levels. Conclusion: Gastric fundic gland polyps and colon polyps may rapidly increase in number and size due to increased gastrin levels induced by proton pump inhibitor/potassium-competitive acid blocker use. Hence, these drugs should be prescribed with caution.

Comprehensive signal detection of delirium-associated medication using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System.

OBJECTIVE: Several medications are associated with delirium; however, studies with adequate statistical power are limited, and it is difficult to determine the effects of the various concomitant medications used in clinical practice. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the safety signals of delirium-associated drugs using a spontaneous adverse event reporting system. METHOD: The JAPIC AERS (Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System pre-processed by the Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center) was used for the analysis in this pharmacovigilance study. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) for delirium was adjusted for using multivariate logistic regression analysis with sex, age, indication, and melatonin receptor agonist use, and 22 drug categories were targeted as covariates. RESULTS: After excluding patients with missing information, 7,527,568 patients were included in the study. Delirium signals were detected even after adjusting for covariates in 17 drug categories, including benzodiazepines (adjusted ROR, 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-1.89), opioids (adjusted ROR, 4.42; 95% CI, 4.21-4.64), and tricyclic antidepressants (adjusted ROR, 2.44; 95% CI, 2.20-2.71). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that many drug classes, such as benzodiazepines, are independent risk factors for delirium and strengthen the evidence of an association between delirium and medications.

Long-term prognosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal cancer in older adult patients.

BACKGROUND: The validity of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in older individuals with comorbidities remains unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ESD and additional treatment for ESCC in older adult patients. METHODS: The clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of 398 consecutive older adult patients (≥ 65 years) with 505 lesions who underwent ESD for ESCC at the Hiroshima University Hospital between September 2007 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Additionally, the prognoses of 381 patients who were followed up for > 3 years were assessed. RESULTS: The mean patient age and procedure time were 73.1 ± 5.8 years and 77.1 ± 43.5 min, respectively. The histological en bloc resection rate was 98% (496/505). Postoperative stenosis, perforation, pneumonia, and delayed bleeding were conservatively treated in 82 (16%), 19 (4%), 15 (3%), and 5 (1%) patients, respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 78.9% and 98.0%, respectively (mean follow-up time: 71.1 ± 37.3 months). Multivariate analysis showed that age and the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of physical status class ≥III (hazard ratio: 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.59, p = 0.0392) were independently associated with overall survival. A significantly lower overall survival rate was observed in the high-risk follow-up group than in the low-risk follow-up and high-risk additional treatment groups (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference in disease-specific survival was observed among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is safe for ESCC treatment in patients aged ≥ 65 years. However, additional treatments should be considered based on the patient's general condition.

Analysis of anti-tumor effect and mechanism of GLS1 inhibitor CB-839 in colorectal cancer using a stroma-abundant tumor model.

BACKGROUND: Glutaminase 1 (GLS1), a key enzyme in glutamine metabolism in cancer cells, acts as a tumor promoter and could be a potential therapeutic target. CB-839, a GLS1-specific inhibitor, was developed recently. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the anti-tumor effects and mechanism of action of CB-839 in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Using the UCSC Xena public database, we evaluated GLS1 expression in various cancers. Immunostaining for GLS1 was performed on 154 surgically resected human CRC specimens. Subsequently, we examined the GLS1 mRNA expression levels in eight CRC cell lines and evaluated the association between GLS1 expression and CB-839 efficacy. To create a reproducible CRC model with abundant stroma and an allogeneic immune response, we co-transplanted CT26 and stem cells into BALB/c mice and treated them with CB-839. Finally, RNA sequencing of mouse tumors was performed. RESULTS: Database analysis showed higher GLS1 expression in CRC tissues than in normal colon tissues. Clinical samples from 114 of the 154 patients with CRC showed positive GLS1 expression. GLS1 expression in clinical CRC tissues correlated with vascular invasion. CB-839 treatment inhibited cancer cell proliferation depending on GLS1 expression in vitro and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in the CRC mouse model. RNA sequencing revealed that CB-839 treatment inhibited stromal activation, tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. These findings were validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical specimen analysis. CONCLUSIONS: GLS1 expression in CRC plays important roles in tumor progression. CB-839 has inhibitory effects on cancer proliferation and the tumor microenvironment.

Effects of transmembrane serine protease 4 on the survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The transmembrane serine protease 4 (TMPRSS4) gene is upregulated in various human cancers. However, its biological functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remain unclear. We examined the expression of TMPRSS4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery. METHODS: The TMPRSS4 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 81 PDAC patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We analyzed the association between the TMPRSS4 expression and clinicopathological factors, the recurrence-free survival (RFS), and the overall survival (OS) and examined the effect of TMPRSS4 expression on cell migration and sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil. RESULTS: The expression rate of TMPRSS4 in the samples was 62.9% (51/81). The TMPRSS4 expression was not correlated with any clinicopathological feature. The five-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in the TMPRSS4-positive group than in the TMPRSS4-negative group. On a multivariate analysis, TMPRSS4 positivity, poorly differentiated histology, and non-adjuvant chemotherapy predicted a poor OS, while TMPRSS4 positivity and poorly differentiated histology predicted a poor RFS. TMPRSS4-silenced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells showed higher sensitivity to 5- fluorouracil than did the control siRNA-transfected cells. CONCLUSIONS: TMPRSS4 can be considered a prognostic factor and therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Effect of physical frailty on maximum phonation time in community-dwelling older individuals who visited a neurology outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND: Maximum phonation time (MPT) is used to assess speech and other oral rehabilitation-related issues. Various factors contribute to MPT decline in older individuals. Although the impact of physical frailty on MPT has been suggested, this has not been conclusively determined. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between MPT and physical frailty in community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years who were independently mobile. MPT-associated factors were investigated. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analysed the clinical data of 122 patients (age [interquartile range]: 80.0 [74.0-83.0] years) without dementia who visited a neurology department between 1 February 2021 and 31 January 2023. Investigated factors included age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, smoking history, grip strength, functional independence measure, vital capacity, oral diadochokinesis, MPT and the Japanese Cardiovascular Health Study score. Physical frailty was assessed based on the total score from five items (weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness and low physical activity). The relationship between MPT and physical frailty was examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The MPT was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.347, p < .01) and physical frailty (r = -0.681, p < .01) and positively correlated with vital capacity (r = 0.474, p < .01) and height (r = 0.248, p < .01). The hierarchical multiple regression analysis, conducted with MPT as the dependent variable, demonstrated that physical frailty (ß = -.59, 95% confidence interval: -0.74 to 0.43, p < .001) had a strong influence on MPT. CONCLUSION: In older individuals, MPT is associated with physical frailty. When assessing MPT in clinical settings, it is advisable to perform a concurrent assessment of physical frailty.

Effects of root-colonizing fungi on pioneer Pinus thunbergii seedlings in primary successional volcanic mudflow on Kuchinoerabu Island, Japan.

Root-colonizing fungi, such as mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophyte fungi, are often found on pioneer plant species during early primary succession. However, little is known about which fungal species are responsible for the establishment of pioneer plants when these symbionts colonize simultaneously. We investigated the root-colonizing fungal communities of Pinus thunbergii that established prior to lichens, bryophytes, and short-lived herbaceous plants in a primary successional volcanic mudflow site on Kuchinoerabu Island, Japan. We collected a total of 54 current-year and 1- to 2-year-old seedlings. The colonization of root fungi was evaluated by direct observation of key structures (e.g., mantle, arbuscule, microsclerotia, and hyphae) and molecular analysis. Of the 34 current-year seedlings collected, only 12 individuals were colonized by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. By contrast, all 1- to 2-year-old seedlings were colonized by ECM fungi. Seedlings colonized by pine-specific ECM fungi, specifically Rhizopogon roseolus and Suillus granulatus, showed higher nitrogen and phosphorus contents in their needles compared to non-ECM seedlings. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophyte fungi were found in only two and three individuals, respectively. The high density of mycophagous deer on Kuchinoerabu-jima may contribute to the favored dispersal of ECM fungi over other root-colonizing fungi. In conclusion, the seedling establishment of P. thunbergii at the volcanic mudflow may be largely supported by ECM fungi, with negligible effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes.

Clinicopathological and genomic features of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas in nondrinker, nonsmoker females.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is sometimes detected in non-drinker and non-smoker females who are considered to have very low risk of ESCC development in daily practice. This study examined the clinicopathological and genomic characteristics of ESCCs in females with no history of drinking and smoking. METHODS: The sample comprised 118 ESCC lesions occurring in 95 female patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection at our department between January 2008 and December 2019. The patients were categorized into two groups: 51 lesions in 49 patients with no history of drinking and smoking (nondrinker/nonsmoker [NDNS] group) and 69 lesions in 45 patients with a history of drinking or smoking (drinker/smoker [DS] group). We analyzed the differences in clinicopathological and cancerous genomic characteristics between the groups. Significant genomic alterations were validated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression revealed that older age, fewer multiple Lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs), and reflux esophagitis (RE) were independently associated with the occurrence of ESCCs in the NDNS group. ESCC lesions in the NDNS group were predominantly located in the mid-thoracic esophagus, posterior wall side, with 0-IIa, the aspect ratio of the lesion >2 (vertical/horizontal), and endoscopic keratinization. Genetic analysis showed that CDKN2A driver alterations were significantly more frequent and KMT2D alterations were significantly less frequent in the NDNS group than in the DS group. KMT2D alterations were strongly correlated with immunostaining. CONCLUSION: Older nondrinker, nonsmoker females with RE and fewer multiple LVLs may develop longitudinal 0-IIa ESCC with keratinization of the posterior wall of the mid-thoracic esophagus. ESCCs in nondrinker, nonsmoker females had fewer KMT2D alterations and more CDKN2A alterations, which may be a biomarker for treatment.

Verrucous gastritis-like lesion in intramucosal Helicobacter pylori-uninfected signet ring cell carcinoma with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.

In Japan, accessible Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication therapy is associated with an increase in the prevalence of gastric cancers (GCs) in Hp uninfected stomachs. Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is the most common of these GCs. Intramucosal SRCC with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDA) occurring in Hp uninfected gastric mucosa is rare; furthermore, many Hp uninfected pure SRCCs exhibit discoloration and flat or slightly depressed lesions, and morphological elevation is relatively rare. We report a case of intramucosal SRCC with PDA with an elevated, verrucous gastritis-like lesion in a 57-year-old male patient. In the present case, the PDA area showed dense tumor cell growth and coexisting desmoplastic and fibrotic reactions. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining identified extensive fibromuscular obliteration with smooth muscle bundles extending from the muscularis mucosa into the lamina propria. The patient underwent curative endoscopic submucosal dissection. The reporting and analysis of such rare cases may lead to a better understanding of the characteristics of advanced Hp uninfected GCs.

Is polypharmacy a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in older adults? A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of aspiration pneumonia and the number of medicines prescribed increase with older age. Many medicines pose a risk for aspiration pneumonia, especially those that decrease swallowing function. Older adults with polypharmacy often receive a combination of these medicines. This study aimed to clarify whether polypharmacy is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. METHODS: Older adults aged ≥ 65 years receiving oral medicines were included in this case-control study. Patients hospitalized for pneumonia served as the case group, and other age-matched hospitalized patients served as the control group. Patient data were collected retrospectively, and logistic regression analysis was performed using items that showed significant differences in the univariate analysis as explanatory variables. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of medicines was not a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia; however, it was associated with the Functional Oral Intake Scale score, male sex, body mass index, and number of comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Although polypharmacy is often defined only by the number of medicines, it is not a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. A detailed comparison of prescription medicines between the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups is necessary.

Gastric Adenocarcinoma with Enteroblastic Differentiation Resected through Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Case Report.

Introduction: Gastric adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation (GAED) is a rare histological type of gastric adenocarcinoma that occurs in the stomach and is known for its aggressive behavior. GAED is diagnosed histopathologically and is often advanced at the time of diagnosis. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 70-year-old male with a 20-mm superficial depressed lesion on the anterior wall of the antrum. Histological examination of the endoscopic submucosal dissection specimen revealed that the tumor was composed of dilated or slit-like branching tubules; additionally, the tumor cells had clear cytoplasm resembling that of the fetal digestive tract. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for Glypican-3 and alpha-fetoprotein. A pathological diagnosis of GAEDs was established. GAED was found in approximately 30% of all the tumor cells and showed lymphatic invasion. The patient has been under recurrence-free follow-up for approximately 1 year after the endoscopic submucosal dissection. Conclusion: In order to detect a large number of cases, immunostaining should be aggressively performed if morphological findings are suspicious for GAED.

Colonic invasive adenocarcinoma with squamoid morules: A case report.

Colorectal adenomas with squamoid morules are rare; however, colorectal adenocarcinomas are even rarer. Herein, we present a case of colorectal adenocarcinoma with squamoid morules arising from the transverse colon. A 60-year-old Japanese man underwent a colonoscopy, and a Type 0-Is polyp was detected in the transverse colon. The endoscopic findings suggested a high possibility of carcinoma invasion into the deep submucosa. However, endoscopic mucosal resection was performed due to the patient's preference. Histopathologically, the tumor cells mostly formed atypical glandular structures corresponding to adenocarcinomas. Solid nests were observed in parts of the tumor, composed of round, small to short spindles. Immunohistochemically, p63 was positive in some areas, CK20 was negative, and the Ki-67 positive cell rate was almost zero, suggesting a squamoid morule. Based on the above findings, colorectal adenocarcinoma with a squamoid morule was diagnosed; only the fifth case was reported worldwide. Squamoid morules should be carefully differentiated from squamous components of adenosquamous carcinomas.

Evaluation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by maximal inspiratory pressure and diaphragmatic excursion with ultrasound sonography.

BACKGROUND: Decreased respiratory muscle strength and muscle mass is key in diagnosing respiratory sarcopenia. However, the role of reduced diaphragm activity, expressed as the maximal level of diaphragmatic excursion (DEmax), in diagnosing respiratory sarcopenia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize patients with COPD and low DEmax and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), a measure of inspiratory muscle strength, and assess the role of DEmax in respiratory sarcopenia. METHODS: Patients with COPD underwent spirometry, exercise tolerance (VO2peak) test, and MIP measurement. DEmax and sternocleidomastoid thickness at the maximal inspiratory level (TscmMIL) were assessed using ultrasound sonography. RESULTS: Overall, 58 patients with COPD (median age, 76 years; median %FEV1, 51.3 %) were included, 28 of whom showed a %MIP of ≥80 %, defined as having preserved MIP. Based on the %MIP of 80 % and median value of DEmax (48.0 mm) as thresholds, the patients were stratified into four groups: both-high (n = 18), %MIP-alone low (n = 11), DEmax-alone low (n = 10), and both-low (n = 19) groups. The both-low group exhibited the lowest %FEV1, Δinspiratory capacity, VO2peak, and TscmMIL, and these values were significantly lower than those of the both-high group. Except for %FEV1, these values were significantly lower in the both-low group than in the %MIP-alone low group despite adjusting DEmax level for body mass index. CONCLUSION: Measuring DEmax along with MIP can characterize patients with COPD, reduced exercise capacity, and decreased accessory respiratory muscle mass and can help diagnose respiratory sarcopenia.

Kinesin Family Member B18 Is Related to Gastric Mucin Phenotype and Contributes to Gastric Cancer Progression by Regulating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a common health concern worldwide and is the third leading cause of death in Japan. It can be broadly classified into gastric and intestinal mucin phenotypes using immunohistochemistry. We previously reported numerous associations of kinesin family member (KIF) genes and mucin phenotypes with GC. However, no previous studies have reported on the importance of KIF18B in GC using immunostaining. Thus, in this study, we investigated the expression and functions of KIF18B, which is highly expressed in gastric mucin phenotype GC. METHODS: We performed RNA-seq of gastric and intestinal mucin type GCs, and clinicopathological studies of the KIF18B we found were performed using 96 GC cases. We also performed functional analysis using GC-derived cell lines. RESULT: RNA-seq showed the upregulation of matrisome-associated genes in gastric mucin phenotype GC and a high expression of KIF18B. KIF18B was detected in 52 of the 96 GC cases (54%) through immunohistochemistry. Low KIF18B expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (p < 0.01). Other molecules that were significantly associated with KIF18B were MUC5AC and claudin 18; these were also significantly associated with the gastric mucin phenotype. KIF18B small interfering RNA (siRNA)-transfected GC cells showed greater growth and spheroid colony formation than the negative control siRNA-transfected cells. Furthermore, expression of snail family transcriptional repressor 1 and cadherin 2 was significantly increased and that of cadherin 1 was significantly decreased in KIF18B siRNA-transfected GC cells. CONCLUSION: These findings not only suggest that KIF18B may be a useful prognostic marker, but also provide insight into the pathogenesis of the GC phenotype.

Quantitative trait loci mapping of innate fear behavior in day-old F2 chickens of Japanese Oh-Shamo and White Leghorn breeds using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing.

Understanding the genetic mechanisms that underlie innate fear behavior is essential for improving the management and performance of the poultry industry. This study aimed to map QTL associated with innate fear responses in open field (OF) and tonic immobility (TI) tests, using an F2 chicken intercross population between 2 behaviorally distinct breeds: the aggressive Japanese Oh-Shamo (OSM) and the docile White Leghorn T-line (WL-T). Genome-wide QTL analysis for the OF and TI traits was conducted using 2,109 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). While several suggestive QTL were identified for TI and OF traits at genome-wide 20% significance threshold levels, the analysis revealed 2 significant QTL for 2 OF traits (total distance and maximum speed) at genome-wide 5% significance threshold levels. These significant QTL were located between 12.34 and 30.49 megabase (Mb) on chromosome 1 and between 40.02 and 63.38 Mb on chromosome 2, explaining 6.75 to 7.40% of the total variances. These findings provide valuable insights for the poultry industry, particularly in refining chicken management strategies and informing targeted breeding efforts.

Analysis of Cation Composition in Dolomites on the Intact Particles Sampled from Asteroid Ryugu.

Characterization of the elemental distribution of samples with rough surfaces has been strongly desired for the analysis of various natural and artificial materials. Particularly for pristine and rare analytes with micrometer sizes embedded on specimen surfaces, non-invasive and matrix effect-free analysis is required without surface polishing treatment. To satisfy these requirements, we proposed a new method employing the sequential combination of two imaging modalities, i.e., microenergy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) and Raman micro-spectroscopy. The applicability of the developed method is tested by the quantitative analysis of cation composition in micrometer-sized carbonate grains on the surfaces of intact particles sampled directly from the asteroid Ryugu. The first step of micro-XRF imaging enabled a quick search for the sparsely scattered and micrometer-sized carbonates by the codistributions of Ca2+ and Mn2+ on the Mg2+- and Fe2+-rich phyllosilicate matrix. The following step of Raman micro-spectroscopy probed the carbonate grains and analyzed their cation composition (Ca2+, Mg2+, and Fe2+ + Mn2+) in a matrix effect-free manner via the systematic Raman shifts of the lattice modes. The carbonates were basically assigned to ferroan dolomite bearing a considerable amount of Fe2+ + Mn2+ at around 10 atom %. These results are in good accordance with the assignments reported by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, where the thin-sectioned and surface-polished Ryugu particles were applicable. The proposed method requires neither sectioning nor surface polishing; hence, it can be applied to the remote sensing apparatus on spacecrafts and planetary rovers. Furthermore, the non-invasive and matrix effect-free characterization will provide a reliable analytical tool for quantitative analysis of the elemental distribution on the samples with surface roughness and chemical heterogeneity at a micrometer scale, such as art paintings, traditional crafts with decorated shapes, as well as sands and rocks with complex morphologies in nature.

Fine-grained interplanetary dust input during the Turonian (Late Cretaceous): evidence from osmium isotope and platinum group elements.

The Turonian age (~ 90-94 Ma) was the hottest geological interval in the Cretaceous and also marked by the K3 event, a pronounced enrichment of 3He in pelagic sediments (i.e., massive input of extraterrestrial materials). Here, we present Os isotopic (187Os/188Os) and platinum group element (PGE) data from Turonian sedimentary records. After a sharp unradiogenic shift during the end-Cenomanian oceanic anoxic event 2, the 187Os/188Os ratios declined continuously throughout the Turonian, which could be ascribed to the formations of several large igneous provinces (LIPs). Because the interval with the most unradiogenic 187Os/188Os ratios (i.e., enhanced LIP volcanism) does not correspond to the warmest interval during the mid-Cretaceous, additional sources of CO2, such as subduction zone volcanism or the kimberlite formation, may explain the Cretaceous Thermal Maximum. As Os isotope ratios do not show any sharp unradiogenic shifts and PGE concentrations do not exhibit a pronounced enrichment, an influx of fine-grained cosmic dust to the Earth's surface, possibly from the long-period comet showers, can be inferred at the time of the 3He enrichment during the mid-Turonian K3 event. Our findings highlight the different behaviors of 3He and PGE information in the sedimentary rocks during the input of fined-grained extraterrestrial materials.

IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 3 is associated with cancer stemness and survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of malignancy, with poor prognosis and rising incidence. IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 3 (IQGAP3) is a member of the IQGAPs family of scaffolding proteins that govern multiple cellular activities like cytoskeletal remodeling and cellular signal transduction. This study aimed to analyze the expression and biological function of IQGAP3 in PDAC. METHODS: We analyzed IQGAP3 expression in 81 PDAC samples by immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit IQGAP3 expression in PDAC cell lines. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis of IQGAP3 showed that 54.3% of PDACs were positive for cytoplasmic expression of IQGAP3, with no expression found in non-neoplastic tissue. Furthermore, IQGAP3 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor in our immunostaining-based studies and analyses of public databases. Our cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas database indicated that IQGAP3 is co-localized with kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1), which we previously reported as a cancer stem cell-associated protein. IQGAP3 siRNA treatment decreased PDAC cell proliferation and spheroid colony formation via ERK and AKT pathways. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IQGAP3, a transmembrane protein, is involved in survival and stemness and may be a promising new therapeutic target for PDAC.

Water circulation in Ryugu asteroid affected the distribution of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in returned sample.

Studies of material returned from Cb asteroid Ryugu have revealed considerable mineralogical and chemical heterogeneity, stemming primarily from brecciation and aqueous alteration. Isotopic anomalies could have also been affected by delivery of exogenous clasts and aqueous mobilization of soluble elements. Here, we show that isotopic anomalies for mildly soluble Cr are highly variable in Ryugu and CI chondrites, whereas those of Ti are relatively uniform. This variation in Cr isotope ratios is most likely due to physicochemical fractionation between 54Cr-rich presolar nanoparticles and Cr-bearing secondary minerals at the millimeter-scale in the bulk samples, likely due to extensive aqueous alteration in their parent bodies that occurred [Formula: see text] after Solar System birth. In contrast, Ti isotopes were marginally affected by this process. Our results show that isotopic heterogeneities in asteroids are not all nebular or accretionary in nature but can also reflect element redistribution by water.