Photoemission Orbital Tomography Using a Robust Sparse PhaseLift.

Photoemission orbital tomography (POT) from photoelectron momentum maps (PMMs) is a powerful technique that visualizes the shape of the molecular orbitals (MOs) of molecular films. For further utilization of POT, a simple and low-cost method of POT is highly required. Here, we propose a new POT method based on the PhaseLift algorithm (PhaseLift POT). This method utilizes a lifting procedure to convert the PMM, which is a second-order polynomial of MO coefficients, into a first-order polynomial of the lifted MO coefficients and further relaxes the equality constraint for a given PMM. We also established a method to improve the accuracy of phase retrieval from the noisy PMM data by using sparsity for MO coefficients (sparse PhaseLift POT). These methods make it possible to reconstruct the three-dimensional MOs, including phases of the wave function, directly from a single experimental PMM. This method can also precisely determine the adsorption-induced molecular deformations with an accuracy of 0.05 [Å]. Furthermore, the robust sparse PhaseLift POT is robust against unavoidable noise in the experimental PMMs due to the relaxation of the matching condition for a given PMM. Therefore, this will be an innovative tool for POT, especially for analyzing the dynamics of the molecules during the chemical reaction and excitation processes.

Dose-Response Relationships between Diet Quality and Mortality among Frail and Non-Frail Older Adults: A Population-Based Kyoto-Kameoka Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Although better diet quality is inversely associated with mortality risk, the association between diet quality and mortality remains unclear in frail and non-frail older adults. Thus, we aimed to examine this association in older Japanese adults. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We used the data of 8,051 Japanese older adults aged ≥65 years in the Kyoto-Kameoka study. MESUREMENTS: Dietary intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was evaluated by calculating the adherence scores to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (range, 0 [worst] to 80 [best]), which were stratified into quartiles. Frailty status was assessed using the validated self-administered Kihon Checklist (KCL) and the Fried phenotype (FP) model. Survival data were collected between February 15, 2012 and November 30, 2016. Statistical analysis was performed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis and the spline model. RESULTS: During the median 4.75-year follow-up (36,552 person-years), we recorded 661 deaths. After adjusting for confounders, compared with the bottom adherence score quartile, the top quartile was associated with lower hazard ratio (HR) of mortality in frailty (HR, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.00) and non-frailty, as defined by the KCL (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52-1.01). In the spline model, regardless of frailty status defined by the KCL and FP model, adherence score showed a strongly dose-dependent inverse association with mortality up to approximately 55 points; however, no significant differences were observed thereafter. This association was similar to the results obtained in individuals with physical, cognitive, and depression as domains of KCL in the spline model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate an L-shaped association between diet quality and mortality in both frail and non-frail individuals. This study may provide important knowledge for improving poor diet quality in older individuals with frailty or domains of frailty.

Predicting the Readmission and Mortality in Older Patients Hospitalized with Pneumonia with Preadmission Frailty.

BACKGROUND: In older people, frailty has been recognized as an important prognostic factor. However, only a few studies have focused on multidimensional frailty as a predictor of mortality and readmission among inpatients with pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the association between preadmission frailty and clinical outcomes after the hospitalization of older patients with pneumonia. DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Acute phase hospital at Kobe, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: The present study included 654 consecutive older inpatients with pneumonia. MEASUREMENTS: Frailty status before admission was assessed using total Kihon Checklist (KCL) score, which has been used as a self-administered questionnaire to assess comprehensive frailty, including physical, social, and cognitive status. The primary outcome was a composited 6-month mortality and readmission after discharge. RESULTS: In total, 330 patients were analyzed (median age: 79 years, male: 70.4%, median total KCL score: 10 points), of which 68 were readmitted and 10 died within 6 months. After multivariate analysis, total KCL score was associated with a composited 6-month mortality and readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.12; p = 0.006). The cutoff value for total KCL score determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 15 points (area under the curve = 0.610). The group with a total KCL score ≥ 15 points had significantly higher readmission or mortality rates than the groups with a total KCL score < 15 points (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preadmission frailty status in older patients with pneumonia was an independent risk factor for readmission and survival after hospitalization.

Muscle Evaluation and Hospital-Associated Disability in Acute Hospitalized Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the association of muscle evaluation, including muscle ultrasound, with hospital-associated disability (HAD), focusing on ADL categories. DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We recruited patients aged 65 years or older who were admitted to the geriatric ward of an acute hospital between October 2019 and September 2021. MEASUREMENTS: Handgrip strength, bioimpedance analyzer-determined skeletal muscle mass, bilateral thigh muscle thickness (BATT), and the echo intensity of the rectus femoris on muscle ultrasound were performed as muscle assessments. HAD was evaluated separately for mobility impairments and self-care impairments. RESULTS: In total, 256 individuals (mean age, 85.2 years; male sex, 41.8%) were analyzed. HAD in mobility was more common than HAD in self-care (37.5% vs. 30.0%). Only BATT was independently associated with HAD in mobility in multiple logistic regression analysis. There was no significant association between muscle indicators and HAD in self-care. CONCLUSION: A lower BATT was associated with a higher prevalence of HAD in mobility, suggesting the need to reconsider muscle assessment methods in hospitalized older adults. In addition, approaches other than physical may be required, such as psychosocial and environmental interventions to improve HAD in self-care.

Prediction of pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron-emission tomography.

AIM: To determine whether the pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can be predicted using 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron-emission tomography (F-18 FDG-PET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with PDAC who underwent only neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before surgery were enrolled in the study. All patients had F-18 FDG-PET examinations before NAC. The resected specimen was pathologically evaluated according to the Classification of Pancreatic Carcinoma (7th edn). Patients were categorised into a non-response group and a response group based on the pathological findings. The non-response group (Grades 1a and 1b) showed ≤50% necrosis in the specimen, while the specimens of the response group (Grades 2-3) showed >50% necrosis. The maximum standardised uptake values (SUVmax) of the tumours on F-18 FDG-PET were measured. The mean values of SUVmax were compared between the two groups. The diagnostic performance of SUVmax in distinguishing the two groups was also evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: The mean SUVmax of the response group was higher than that of the non-response group (9.00 ± 1.78 versus 4.26 ± 2.35; p<0.001). The optimal cut-off value of SUVmax was 9.28 for distinguishing the two groups. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the prediction in the response group were 80%, 95.7%, and 92.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SUVmax on F-18 FDG-PET may be useful as a biomarker to predict the pathological response to NAC in patients with PDAC.

Adequate Protein Intake on Comprehensive Frailty in Older Adults: Kyoto-Kameoka Study.

OBJECTIVES: Defining an adequate protein intake in older adults remains unresolved. We examined the association between calibrated protein intake and comprehensive frailty by sex in the Kyoto-Kameoka study. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of baseline data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included 5679 Japanese participants aged 65 years or older. METHODS: Calibration coefficients were estimated from food frequency questionnaires and 7-day dietary records as a reference. Comprehensive frailty was evaluated using the 25-item Kihon Checklist (KCL) and defined as a total KCL score of ≥7points. Sex-specific calibrated protein intakes were presented as % of energy, per kg of actual body weight (BW), and per kg of ideal BW. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that calibrated protein intake is inversely associated with comprehensive frailty. The association between protein intake and comprehensive frailty was also evaluated using curve fitting with non-linear regression, a weak U-shaped association was found in males and an L-shaped association in females. Men had a low prevalence of frailty at a calibrated protein intake of 15-17% energy from protein, 1.2 g/kg actual BW/day, or 1.4 g/kg ideal BW/day, and women had a low prevalence of frailty at 17-21% energy from protein or 1.6 g/kg ideal BW/day, with the prevalence of frailty remaining unchanged at higher protein intakes. Meanwhile, the inverse relationship between protein intake per ABW and frailty showed a gradual decrease at 1.4 g/kg ABW/day for protein in women. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: A non-linear relationship was found between calibrated protein intake and frailty, with a U-shaped association in men and an L-shaped association in women. Adequate protein intake in healthy Japanese older adults was higher than the current recommended daily allowance.

AmABCB1, an alkaloid transporter from seeds of Argemone mexicana L (Papaveraceae).

MAIN CONCLUSION: An ABCB-type transporter for sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid, was isolated from Argemone mexicana seeds. An ABCB-type transporter, AmABCB1, was identified in a transcriptome from unfolding seedlings of A. mexicana by its amino acid sequence identity to previously characterized alkaloid transporters from Coptis japonica and Thalictrum minus. Expression analysis revealed mature seeds as its main location; meanwhile, in vitro assays in yeast cells showed that AmABCB1 had uptake and efflux activities for sanguinarine and berberine, respectively.

Effect of therapeutic plasma exchange on phenytoin plasma concentration in patients receiving intravenous fosphenytoin therapy.

We report for patients with encephalitis treated with plasma exchange (PE) and fosphenytoin. In patient 1, phenytoin levels decreased on the maintenance dose, and the phenytoin concentration was <10 µg/mL on day 12 of administration. In patient 2, the phenytoin levels was <10 µg/mL on day 4. Increasing the fosphenytoin dose pushed the phenytoin level into therapeutic range. There were no differences between the areas under the concentration-time curve of phenytoin with and without PE. We previously reported a decline in phenytoin levels after prolonged use of fosphenytoin. Therefore, dose adjustment of fosphenytoin in patients undergoing PE may be unnecessary.

Association of Lower-Extremity Muscle Performance and Physical Activity Level and Intensity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Doubly Labeled Water and Accelerometer Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine if there is a relationship between lower-extremity muscle performance (LEMP) and physical activity, especially the physical activity level (PAL) value, in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community-based. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 54 community-dwelling and independent middle-aged and older individuals (aged 54-89 years). MEASUREMENTS: Physical activity level was calculated from the total energy expenditure of each participant obtained using the doubly labeled water method (PALDLW) and estimated basal metabolic rate. Daily step count and intensity of physical activity was monitored with a triaxial accelerometer, and LEMP was assessed using the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (STS-5) and vertical jumping (VJ). RESULTS: The results of STS-5 nearly negatively correlated with those of PALDLW when analysing the middle-aged and older man and woman, separately. VJ positively correlated with PALDLW when analysing the middle-aged and older men and woman, separately. The relationship between LEMP (e.g. STS-5 and VJ) and PAL were maintained, regardless of sex and body composition. PALDLW was significantly positively correlated with LPA, MVPA, and steps, and significantly negatively correlated with sedentary time. The relationship PALDLW and steps was described as following equation: PALDLW = 0.0000392 × steps +1.531. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that PALDLW is a key contributor to increasing LEMP among middle-aged and older adults. Maintaining high PALDLW may be beneficial to independent living, and participation in recreational and social activities in middle-aged and older adults.

Susceptibility of patients receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies to scabies.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a contagious dermatosis. The risk factors for its transmission remain unclear. A scabies outbreak, involving patients who were receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies, occurred at our hospital. METHODS: The outbreak population was analysed to determine whether the incidence of scabies was higher among contact patients receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies. RESULTS: A patient with crusted scabies was the index case, and 18 of 78 contact healthcare workers (HCWs) and 22 of 135 contact patients were diagnosed with classical scabies. Ten of 17 contact patients with haematological malignancies and 12 of 118 contact patients with other diseases were infected with scabies. The incidence rate was significantly higher among the patients with haematological malignancies (P<0.001). The patients with haematological malignancies had a significantly lower mean minimum neutrophil count than those with other diseases (1159/µL vs 3761/µL, P=0.0012). Most haematological patients did not require special nursing assistance, suggesting that the higher incidence of scabies among these patients resulted from their immunodeficiency rather than greater skin-to-skin contact with infected HCWs. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that patients receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies are more susceptible to scabies than patients with other diseases, and require stricter protection.

Design of a Peptide-Based Electronegative Hydrogel for the Direct Encapsulation, 3D Culturing, in Vivo Syringe-Based Delivery, and Long-Term Tissue Engraftment of Cells.

Soft materials that facilitate the three-dimensional (3D) encapsulation, proliferation, and facile local delivery of cells to targeted tissues will aid cell-based therapies, especially those that depend on the local engraftment of implanted cells. Herein, we develop a negatively charged fibrillar hydrogel based on the de novo-designed self-assembling peptide AcVES3-RGDV. Cells are easily encapsulated during the triggered self-assembly of the peptide leading to gel formation. Self-assembly is induced by adjusting the ionic strength and/or temperature of the solution, while avoiding large changes in pH. The AcVES3-RGDV gel allows cell-material attachment enabling both two-dimensional and 3D cell culture of adherent cells. Gel-cell constructs display shear-thin/recovery rheological properties enabling their syringe-based delivery. In vivo cellular fluorescence as well as tissue resection experiments show that the gel supports the long-term engraftment of cells delivered subcutaneously into mice.

Subcapsular beaded appearance of the kidney on contrast-enhanced CT: indicative of dilated subcapsular lymphatics?

AIM: To assess the renal subcapsular beaded appearance (RSBA) seen on contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 2,020 consecutive MDCT examinations with both non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced procedures were assessed retrospectively to identify interconnecting lobular structures in the renal subcapsular area that created a beaded appearance on contrast-enhanced CT. Positive cases were investigated for CT attenuation on unenhanced CT and were then compared with fat-suppressed heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and follow-up CT if available. The degree of RSBA occupying the renal periphery was evaluated using a three-grade system (Grade I: <25%, Grade II: 25-75%, Grade III: >75% of surface involvement). Only Grades II and III were defined as a positive RSBA. Possible associated findings such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), renal atrophy, and liver cirrhosis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The RSBA was positive in 33 (1.63%) of patients and was more commonly found in patients in their seventies (39.4%) with male predominance (male:female ratio, 7:3; p=0.005). Of 33 positive cases, five showed low CT attenuation predominance, 25 showed iso-attenuation, and three showed high attenuation on unenhanced CT. In five positive cases, T2-weighted MRI showed markedly high signal intensity, suggesting prominent capsular lymphatic structures. The RSBA was associated with hypertension (p=0.001) and CKD (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: The MRI findings suggested that the RSBA probably reflects dilated subcapsular lymphatics. Knowledge of this CT finding is clinically important because it might be misinterpreted as other pathological findings.