Impact of the lateral skeletal stability following bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular asymmetry.

This study evaluated the stability of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) associated with positional plagiocephaly and temporal and masseter muscles using posteroanterior cephalogram analysis and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). This retrospective cohort study included 31 patients who underwent BSSRO for mandibular asymmetry. The cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) and the cephalic index were used as indicators of positional plagiocephaly. The distance from the vertical reference line to the menton (Me) was measured on posteroanterior cephalograms immediately and 1 year after surgery, and postoperative stability was assessed. Temporal and masseter muscles were constructed from 3D-CT data and their volumes were measured. Simple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between postoperative changes in the vertical reference line to the Me and the CVAI (R = 0.56, p = 0.001), the amount of surgical movement in the vertical reference line to the Me (R = 0.41, p = 0.023), and the variable temporal muscle volume (R = 0.27, p = 0.028). There was no significant correlation between postoperative changes in the vertical reference line to the Me and the cephalic index (R = 0.093, p = 0.62) and variable masseter muscle volume (R = 0.16, p = 0.38). According to multivariate analysis, CVAI (p = 0.003) and amount of surgical movement in the vertical reference line to the Me (p = 0.014) were significant predictors of postoperative change in the vertical reference line to the Me. Positional plagiocephaly and amount of surgical movement influence lateral skeletal stability following BSSRO for mandibular asymmetry.

Particle-size dependent structural transformation of skyrmion lattice.

Magnetic skyrmion is a topologically protected particle-like object in magnetic materials, appearing as a nanometric swirling spin texture. The size and shape of skyrmion particles can be flexibly controlled by external stimuli, which suggests unique features of their crystallization and lattice transformation process. Here, we investigated the detailed mechanism of structural transition of skyrmion lattice (SkL) in a prototype chiral cubic magnet Cu2OSeO3, by combining resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS) experiment and micromagnetic simulation. This compound is found to undergo a triangular-to-square lattice transformation of metastable skyrmions by sweeping magnetic field (B). Our simulation suggests that the symmetry change of metastable SkL is mainly triggered by the B-induced modification of skyrmion core diameter and associated energy cost at the skyrmion-skyrmion interface region. Such internal deformation of skyrmion particle has further been confirmed by probing the higher harmonics in the RSXS pattern. These results demonstrate that the size/shape degree of freedom of skyrmion particle is an important factor to determine their stable lattice form, revealing the exotic manner of phase transition process for topological soliton ensembles in the non-equilibrium condition.

Topological metastability supported by thermal fluctuation upon formation of chiral soliton lattice in [Formula: see text].

Topological magnetic structure possesses topological stability characteristics that make it robust against disturbances which are a big advantage for data processing or storage devices of spintronics; nonetheless, such characteristics have been rarely clarified. This paper focused on the formation of chiral soliton lattice (CSL), a one-dimensional topological magnetic structure, and provides a discussion of its topological stability and influence of thermal fluctuation. Herein, CSL responses against change of temperature and applied magnetic field were investigated via small-angle resonant soft X-ray scattering in chromium niobium sulfide ([Formula: see text]). CSL transformation relative to the applied magnetic field demonstrated a clear agreement with the theoretical prediction of the sine-Gordon model. Further, there were apparent differences in the process of chiral soliton creation and annihilation, discussed from the viewpoint of competing between thermal fluctuation and the topological metastability.

Health-related quality of life in patients with lower rectal cancer after sphincter-saving surgery: a prospective 6-month follow-up study.

This longitudinal descriptive study examined whether rectal cancer patients report changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over a 6-month period after different types of sphincter-saving surgery (SSS): intersphincteric resection (ISR), ultra-low anterior resection (ULAR) and low anterior resection (LAR). It also compares HRQOL among the three groups of patients. Seventy-three patients from two hospitals in Japan completed questionnaires on HRQOL and defecation symptoms immediately before surgery and 1 and 6 months afterwards. Results showed that ISR patients had significantly worse HRQOL scores than ULAR and LAR patients and more defecation symptoms that persisted during the 6 months post-SSS. Thus, patients undergoing ISR require psychological and social support, including skills in competent self-management, during the early post-operative period. Furthermore, defecation problems substantially influence HRQOL. The first month post-SSS is particularly challenging. The assumption that HRQOL is better after SSS compared to living with a permanent stoma might not be valid.

Femtosecond mode-locked Nd(3+)-doped Ba(Zr,Mg,Ta)O(3) ceramic laser.

We have demonstrated continuous wave (CW) laser operation and the first, to the best of our knowledge, sub-200 fs mode-locked laser operation of Nd(3+)-doped Ba(Zr,Mg,Ta)O(3) ceramic. Its disordered crystalline nature exhibits a broad gain bandwidth of 30 nm with a high-emission cross section. It also has higher thermal and mechanical properties than Nd:glass. In CW operation, a maximum output power of 1.5 W under 6.2 W of absorbed pump power was obtained. In mode-locked operation, a pulse duration of 196 fs with an average power of 60 mW was successfully achieved. The laser spectrum straddled both fluorescence peaks of A-site and B-site Nd(3+) ions.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels at birth between monochorionic diamniotic twins with and without selective intrauterine growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN: Blood samples were collected from 73 monochorionic diamniotic twins without twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Two groups were studied on the basis of fetal ultrasonographic findings: 16 twins with and 57 twins without selective intrauterine growth restriction. Selective intrauterine growth restriction was defined as an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile in one twin at 18 to 26 weeks of gestation. Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were measured. RESULT: Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction were significantly higher than in those without selective intrauterine growth restriction. Selective intrauterine growth restriction was independently associated with increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. CONCLUSION: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels at birth are elevated in monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction.

Spin-orbital superstructure in strained ferrimagnetic perovskite cobalt oxide.

We have investigated the Co-3d spin-orbital state in a thin film of perovskite LaCoO3 to clarify the origin of strain induced spontaneous magnetization (T(C)=94 K) by means of x-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, and magnetization measurements. A lattice distortion with the propagation vector (1/4 -1/4 1/4) and an anomalous activation of optical phonons coupled to Co-3d orbital are observed below 126 K. Combined with the azimuthal angle analysis of superlattice reflection, we propose that the ordering of Co-3d orbital promoted by an epitaxial strain produces a unique ferrimagnetic structure.

Origin of the large polarization in multiferroic YMnO3 thin films revealed by soft- and hard-X-ray diffraction.

We investigated the magnetic structure of an orthorhombic YMnO(3) thin film by resonant soft x-ray and hard x-ray diffraction. We observed a temperature-dependent incommensurate magnetic reflection below 45 K and a commensurate lattice-distortion reflection below 35 K. These results demonstrate that the ground state is composed of coexisting E-type and cycloidal states. Their different ordering temperatures clarify the origin of the large polarization to be caused by the E-type antiferromagnetic states in the orthorhombic YMnO(3) thin film.

Displacement-type ferroelectricity with off-center magnetic ions in perovskite Sr(1-x)Ba(x)MnO3.

We report a ferroelectric transition driven by the off-centering of magnetic Mn(4+) ions in antiferromagnetic Mott insulators Sr(1-x)Ba(x)MnO(3) with a perovskite structure. As x increases, the perovskite lattice shows the typical soft-mode dynamics, as revealed by the momentum-resolved inelastic x-ray scattering and far-infrared spectroscopy, and the ferroelectricity shows up for x ≥ 0.45. The observed polarization is comparable to that for a prototypical ferroelectric BaTiO(3). We further demonstrate that the magnetic order suppresses the ferroelectric lattice dilation by ∼70% and increases the soft-phonon energy by ∼50%, indicating the largest magnetoelectric effects yet attained.

Time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy of self-trapped excitons in ladder type Br-bridged Pt complexes.

The out-of-phase and in-phase ladder type Br-bridged Pt complexes are investigated by time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy in pico- and femtosecond time regions. The observed luminescence spectra have peaks at 0.87 and 0.94 eV in out-of-phase and in-phase materials, respectively, and are assigned to self-trapped excitons. The wave-packet oscillations in self-trapped excitons (STE) are observed in both materials. The time-evolution curves are analyzed in terms of the secondary radiation theory of strongly coupled electron-phonon system. The period and dephasing time of oscillations as well as the lifetime and spectral shape of the STE luminescence are determined. The fast dephasing or cooling of the wave-packet motion observed in the in-phase type complex is ascribed to inter-chain interactions within the ladder.

Peierls mechanism of the metal-insulator transition in ferromagnetic hollandite K2Cr8O16.

Synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiment shows that the metal-insulator transition occurring in a ferromagnetic state of a hollandite K(2)Cr(8)O(16) is accompanied by a structural distortion from the tetragonal I4/m to monoclinic P112(1)/a phase with a √2×√2×1 supercell. Detailed electronic structure calculations demonstrate that the metal-insulator transition is caused by a Peierls instability in the quasi-one-dimensional column structure made of four coupled Cr-O chains running in the c direction, leading to the formation of tetramers of Cr ions below the transition temperature. This provides a rare example of the Peierls transition of fully spin-polarized electron systems.

Population-based study of asymptomatic infection with Chlamydia trachomatis among female and male students.

There are few epidemiological studies of asymptomatic chlamydial infection among students in non-medical settings with minimal bias and improved accuracy; thus, useful data from screening among students are limited. We aimed to obtain accurate epidemiological information about asymptomatic chlamydial infection among students in non-medical settings. A population-based cross-sectional survey of 10,440 >or=18-year-old asymptomatic students who volunteered for a urine screening test for chlamydia was conducted. The prevalences of asymptomatic infection were 9.5% for women and 6.7% for men. Multivariate analysis revealed the risk factors to be a lifetime history of >or=4 sexual partners for women (odds ratio [OR] 3.17) and inconsistent condom use for men (OR 4.18). For both sexes, younger age at first intercourse was associated with a higher rate of inconsistent condom use. This study produced accurate epidemiological information on asymptomatic chlamydial infection. These results may contribute to the establishment of preventive countermeasures against such infection.

Local electrophoresis deposition of nanomaterials assisted by a laser trapping technique.

We describe a novel local deposition technique for nanoparticles using electrophoresis deposition assisted by laser trapping. A solution containing nanometer scale colloidal Au particles was placed between a conductive substrate and a cover glass coated with an indium thin oxide film. Laser spots focused on the substrate gathered the nanoparticles around the spots, and the nanoparticles were then deposited on the substrate by controlling the electric potential between the substrate and the cover glass. A dots array and line patterning of the deposited Au nanoparticles were successfully demonstrated. Furthermore, by using a solution containing colloidal DNA, we were able to obtain a dots array of the DNA. This technique will be very useful for applications in micro-and nanodevices.

Novel orbital ordering induced by anisotropic stress in a manganite thin film.

A novel structure of orbital ordering is found in a Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 thin film, which exhibits a clear first-order transition, by synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements. Lattice parameters vary drastically at the metal-insulator transition at 170 K (= T(MI)), and superlattice reflections appear below 140 K (= T(CO)). The electronic structure between T(MI) and T(CO) is identified as A-type antiferromagnetic with a d(x2-y2) ferro-orbital ordering. The new type of antiferro-orbital ordering characterized by the wave vector (1/4 1/4 1/2) in cubic notation emerges below T(CO). The accommodation of the large lattice distortion at the first-order phase transition and the appearance of the novel orbital ordering are brought about by the anisotropy in the substrate, a new parameter for the phase control.

Immunohistochemical study of autoimmune pancreatitis using anti-IgG4 antibody and patients' sera.

AIMS: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), characterized by raised serum IgG4 levels, is frequently complicated by disorders of extrapancreatic organs. The aim of the present study was to examine immunohistochemically which extrapancreatic organs are affected, and whether an autoantibody to such organs is present in the serum of AIP patients. METHODS: Various tissues/organs obtained from AIP patients were studied immunohistochemically with an anti-IgG4 antibody. To examine the presence of an autoantibody in the serum of AIP patients, sera were incubated with various normal organs/tissues extracted for other diseases, followed by detection with an anti-IgG4 antibody. Sera were also examined before and after glucocorticoid therapy. RESULTS: Marked infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells was observed in the pancreas, liver, bile duct and salivary gland of many of the AIP patients examined. The normal epithelia of the pancreatic ducts, bile ducts, gallbladder and salivary gland ducts reacting with the patients' sera were detectable by the anti-IgG4 antibody. Following glucocorticoid therapy the IgG4 antibody from the patients' sera showed decreased reactivity with these tissues. CONCLUSIONS: AIP may also affect extrapancreatic organs, the serum of AIP patients may contain an IgG4 autoantibody to various organs and glucocorticoid therapy may improve such disorders.

Efficacy of famotidine and omeprazole in healing symptoms of non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: randomized-controlled study of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and pathophysiology of non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease differs from erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. There is a possibility that non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease treatment requires a different regimen/approach but it is not yet acknowledged. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of famotidine and omeprazole in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, especially non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, open-label trial was conducted. Fifty-four gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients were assigned to treatment with famotidine at a dosage of 20 mg twice daily; or omeprazole, 20 mg once daily, for a period of 8 weeks. The Short Form-36 Health Survey and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale administered at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment as well as a symptom questionnaire were conducted daily. RESULTS: Short Form-36 revealed that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease has severe impact on health-related quality of life. Thirty-nine subjects (77%) were endoscopically diagnosed as non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The mean Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale abdominal pain, and indigestion score of non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease significantly improved in famotidine-treated patients (P < 0.05), but not in the omeprazole. There was no significant change regarding improved heartburn symptoms of non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease between treatments in the daytime or night-time. CONCLUSION: Famotidine and omeprazole were both effective in improving symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, particularly non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Association between endometriosis and genetic polymorphisms of the estradiol-synthesizing enzyme genes HSD17B1 and CYP19.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent disease, is believed to be influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Here, we evaluated whether the risk and severity of endometriosis are associated with polymorphisms in estradiol-synthesizing enzyme genes: the Ser312Gly polymorphism in 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) and the Arg264Cys polymorphism in cytochrome P450, subfamily XIX (CYP19). METHODS: All participants underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, and the stage of endometriosis was determined according to the Revised American Fertility Society classification. Of the 138 women enrolled, 59 had no endometriosis, 21 had stage I, 10 had stage II, 23 had stage III and 25 had stage IV. SNPs were discriminated by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. RESULTS: Individuals having at least one A-allele (A/G or A/A genotype) of HSD17B1 showed a significantly increased risk of endometriosis (A/G genotype: adjusted OR, 3.06; 95%CI 1.21-7.74; A/A genotype: adjusted OR, 3.02; 95%CI 1.08-8.43). There was a significant trend associating A/G + A/A genotypes with severity of endometriosis (P for trend < 0.01). No statistically significant association was found for the CYP19 polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for association between the Ser312Gly polymorphism in HSD17B1 and endometriosis was found in a Japanese population. The A-allele of HSD17B1 appears to confer higher risk for endometriosis.

Flow-cytometric analysis on cytotoxic effect of thimerosal, a preservative in vaccines, on lymphocytes dissociated from rat thymic glands.

There is a concern on the part of public health community that adverse health consequence by thimerosal, a preservative in vaccines for infants, may occur among infants during immunization schedule. Therefore, the cytotoxic action of thimerosal was examined on lymphocytes dissociated from thymic glands of young rats using a flow cytometer and respective fluorescent probes for monitoring changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential, and for discriminating intact living cells, apoptotic living cells and dead cells. Incubation with thimerosal at 3 microM or more (up to 30 microM) for 60 min depolarized the membranes, associated with increasing the [Ca2+]i. Thimerosal at 30 microM induced an apoptotic change in membranes of almost all living cells. Furthermore, the prolonged incubation with 30 microM thimerosal induced a loss of membrane integrity, leading to cell death. Since the blood concentration of thimerosal after receiving vaccines is theoretically submicromolar, it may be unlikely that thimerosal affects lymphocytes of infants.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, T1 and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) polymorphisms and urothelial cancer risk with tobacco smoking.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between the genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, T1 and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genes and urothelial cancer risk in relation to smoking status. In this study, 325 Japanese patients with urothelial transitional cell carcinoma and 325 healthy controls were compared for frequencies of GSTM1, T1 and NAT2 genotypes. The frequencies of GSTM1 null genotype and NAT2 slow genotype were significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.87, adjusted OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.69-5.63, individually). Furthermore, the risk of GSTM1 null genotype and NAT2 slow genotype was higher among smokers (adjusted OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01-2.15, adjusted OR 4.28, 95% CI 1.96-9.36, individually). The regression analysis of cancer risk as a function of the amount of smoking showed that the susceptibility of people who had GSTM1 null genotype increased from 45 pack-years, while the susceptibility of people with NAT2 intermediate or slow genotype increased rapidly from 25 pack-years, compared with non-smokers. A multiplicative interaction between NAT2 intermediate or slow genotype and pack-years of smoking was found (P<0.001), but GSTM1 null genotype was not (P=0.06). Our results indicate that the GSTM1 null genotype and NAT2 intermediate or slow genotype are associated with an increased risk of urothelial cancer in relation to smoking amounts. Furthermore, the interaction between NAT2 intermediate or slow genotype and pack-years of smoking has a strong impact on urothelial cancer.

Burnout and work environments of public health nurses involved in mental health care.

AIMS: (1) To examine whether prevalence of burnout is higher among community psychiatric nurses working under recently introduced job specific work systems than among public health nurses (PHNs) engaged in other public health services. (2) To identify work environment factors potentially contributing to burnout. METHODS: Two groups were examined. The psychiatric group comprised 525 PHNs primarily engaged in public mental health services at public health centres (PHCs) that had adopted the job specific work system. The control group comprised 525 PHNs primarily engaged in other health services. Pines' Burnout Scale was used to measure burnout. Respondents were classified by burnout score into three groups: A (mentally stable, no burnout); B (positive signs, risk of burnout); and C (burnout present, action required). Groups B and C were considered representative of "burnout". A questionnaire was also prepared to investigate systems for supporting PHNs working at PHCs and to define emergency mental health service factors contributing to burnout. RESULTS: Final respondents comprised 785 PHNs. Prevalence of burnout was significantly higher in the psychiatric group (59.2%) than in the control group (51.5%). Responses indicating lack of job control and increased annual frequency of emergency overtime services were significantly correlated with prevalence of burnout in the psychiatric group, but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of burnout is significantly higher for community psychiatric nurses than for PHNs engaged in other services. Overwork in emergency services and lack of job control appear to represent work environment factors contributing to burnout.