Anatase and rutile titanium oxide nanoparticles induce acute kidney injury by coadministration with paraquat, cisplatin or 5-aminosalicylic acid.

Nanoparticles are used in a variety of fields; for example, titanium oxide nanoparticles are used in paints, food additives, cosmetics, and sunscreen materials. Although the use of titanium oxide nanoparticles is regulated, their safety has not been established. Furthermore, the interaction between titanium oxide nanoparticles and various chemical substances and pharmaceuticals is unknown. We co-administered rutile-type titanium oxide nanoparticles (nTR) or anatase-type titanium oxide nanoparticles (nTA) to mice together with paraquat (PQ), cisplatin (CDDP), or anti-5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), and investigated the extent, if any, of liver and kidney injury. As a result, when nTA and nTR were administered alone, no increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are indicators of liver damage, or urea nitrogen (BUN), which is an indicator of kidney damage. Next, nTA and nTR were co-administered with PQ, CDDP or 5-ASA. Although no increase in ALT or AST was observed, BUN levels increased significantly and acute kidney injury was induced. The findings suggested that titanium oxide nanoparticles induce acute kidney injury through their interaction with chemicals and drugs.

Electro-optic Bdot probe measurement of magnetic fluctuations in plasma.

We propose a combined use of a Pockels electro-optic sensor with a pickup loop coil (Bdot probe) for the measurement of magnetic fluctuations in plasmas. In this method, induced fluctuating voltage on the coil loop is converted into an optical signal by a compact electro-optic sensor in the vicinity of the measurement point and is transferred across optical fiber that is unaffected by electric noise or capacitive load issues. Compared with conventional Bdot probes, the electro-optic Bdot probe (1) is electrically isolated and free from noise pickup caused by the metallic transmission line and (2) can be operated at a higher-frequency range because of the smaller capacitance of the operation circuit, both of which are suitable for many plasma experiments. Conversely, the sensitivity of the current electro-optic Bdot probe arrangement is still significantly lower than that of conventional Bdot probes. A preliminary measurement result with the electro-optic Bdot probe showed the detection of a magnetic fluctuation signal around the cyclotron frequency range in the RT-1 magnetospheric plasma experiment.

A levitated magnetic dipole configuration as a compact charged particle trap.

As a magnetic confinement configuration for electron-positron pair-plasmas, the APEX collaboration [T. S. Pedersen et al., New J. Phys. 14, 035010 (2012)] plans to construct a compact levitated dipole experiment with a high-temperature superconducting coil. In order to realize stable levitation of the dipole field coil, a simple feedback-controlled levitation system was constructed with conventional analog circuits. We report the properties of a prototype levitation system using a permanent magnet and compare its behavior to predictions from a stability analysis. We also present a practical review needed for the construction of a compact levitated dipole trap system based on the work of Morikawa et al. [Teion Kogaku, J. Cryo. Soc. Jpn. 39, 209 (2004)]. Numerical orbit analysis suggests improved confinement properties of charged particles in a dipole field trap by replacing the permanent magnet with a levitated superconducting coil magnet. Such a compact dipole field configuration is potentially applicable to the confinement of various charged particles including positrons and electrons.

Lossless Positron Injection into a Magnetic Dipole Trap.

The high-efficiency injection of a low-energy positron beam into the confinement volume of a magnetic dipole has been demonstrated experimentally. This was accomplished by tailoring the three-dimensional guiding-center drift orbits of positrons via optimization of electrostatic potentials applied to electrodes at the edge of the trap, thereby producing localized and essentially lossless cross-field particle transport by means of the E×B drift. The experimental findings are reproduced and elucidated by numerical simulations, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the process. These results answer key questions and establish methods for use in upcoming experiments to create an electron-positron plasma in a levitated dipole device.

Confinement of Positrons Exceeding 1 s in a Supported Magnetic Dipole Trap.

An ensemble of low-energy positrons injected into a supported magnetic dipole trap can remain trapped for more than a second. Trapping experiments with and without a positive magnet bias yield confinement times up to τ_{A}=(1.5±0.1) and τ_{B}=(0.28±0.04) s, respectively. Supported by single-particle simulations, we conclude that the dominant mechanism limiting the confinement in this trap is scattering off of neutrals, which can lead to both radial transport and parallel losses onto the magnet surface. These results provide encouragement for plans to confine an electron-positron plasma in a levitated dipole trap.

Condyloma Acuminata of the Urethra in a Male Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease associated with human papilloma virus (HPV). CA occurring in the urethra is rare and has not been reported in male renal transplant recipients. In addition, despite immunosuppressive conditions and increased risk of HPV-related malignant neoplasms in transplant recipients, HPV testing in male transplant recipients has been uncommon. Here we report a case of urethral CA in a male deceased donor renal transplantation recipient and discuss the importance of HPV testing in male transplant recipients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old male deceased donor renal transplant recipient presented with miction pain 5 years after the transplantation. He reported repeated urinary tract infections with no sexual contact since the renal transplantation. Multiple papillary tumors in his penile urethra were detected by cystoscopy, and a biopsy sample was pathologically diagnosed with CA. Transurethral tumor resection was performed, and the tumors were completely resected. Additional HPV risk type screening with a urethral smear sample showed the prevalence of low-risk HPV. Although tacrolimus was switched to everolimus and imiquimod cream was administered, the tumors recurred 6 months after the resection, and a second resection was performed. No further recurrence has been observed for 1 year to date. CONCLUSION: As the urethral CA was possibly related to immunosuppressive conditions and a risk for HPV-related malignant neoplasm, the case required careful diagnosis, including HPV risk type. The methodology of sampling for HPV testing in men has not been established. This case suggests the necessity for further discussion about HPV testing in male transplant recipients.

Slow Progression of Aortic Calcification Is a Potential Benefit of Pre-emptive Kidney Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Pre-emptive kidney transplantation (PKT) is expected to improve graft and cardiovascular event-free survival compared with standard kidney transplantation. Aortic calcification is reported to be closely associated with renal dysfunction and cardiovascular events; however, its implication in PKT recipients remains incompletely explored. This aim of this study was to evaluate whether PKT confers a protective effect on aortic calcification, renal function, graft survival, and cardiovascular event-free survival. METHODS: One hundred adult patients who underwent renal transplantation between January 1996 and March 2016 at Hirosaki University Hospital and Oyokyo Kidney Research Institute were included. Among them, 19 underwent PKT and 81 patients underwent pretransplant dialysis. We retrospectively compared pretransplant and post-transplant aortic calcification index (ACI), renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), and graft and cardiovascular event-free survivals between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The median age of this cohort was 45 years. Preoperative ACI was significantly lower in PKT recipients. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding postoperative eGFR, graft survival, and cardiovascular event-free survival. However, the ACI progression rate (ΔACI/y) was significantly lower in PKT recipients than in those who underwent pretransplant dialysis. Higher ACI was significantly associated with poor cardiovascular event-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: PKT is beneficial in that it contributes to the slow progression of after transplantation. Although we could not observe significant differences in graft and cardiovascular event-free survivals between the 2 groups, slow progression of aortic calcification showed a potential to decrease cardiovascular events in PKT recipients during long-term follow-up.

Electro-optic probe measurements of electric fields in plasmas.

The direct measurements of high-frequency electric fields in a plasma bring about significant advances in the physics and engineering of various waves. We have developed an electro-optic sensor system based on the Pockels effect. Since the signal is transmitted through an optical fiber, the system has high tolerance for electromagnetic noises. To demonstrate its applicability to plasma experiments, we report the first result of measurement of the ion-cyclotron wave excited in the RT-1 magnetosphere device. This study compares the results of experimental field measurements with simulation results of electric fields in plasmas.

Chaos of energetic positron orbits in a dipole magnetic field and its potential application to a new injection scheme.

We study the behavior of high-energy positrons emitted from a radioactive source in a magnetospheric dipole field configuration. Because the conservation of the first and second adiabatic invariants is easily destroyed in a strongly inhomogeneous dipole field for high-energy charged particles, the positron orbits are nonintegrable, resulting in chaotic motions. In the geometry of a typical magnetospheric levitated dipole experiment, it is shown that a considerable ratio of positrons from a ^{22}Na source, located at the edge of the confinement region, has chaotic long orbit lengths before annihilation. These particles make multiple toroidal circulations and form a hollow toroidal positron cloud. Experiments with a small ^{22}Na source in the Ring Trap 1 (RT-1) device demonstrated the existence of such long-lived positrons in a dipole field. Such a chaotic behavior of high-energy particles is potentially applicable to the formation of a dense toroidal positron cloud in the strong-field region of the dipole field in future studies.

Safety and Effectiveness of Marginal Donor in Living Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the safety and feasibility of living kidney transplantation from marginal donors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2006 and March 2015, we performed 61 living related renal transplantations at two renal transplantation centers. Marginal donors were defined as those who were older than 70 years or who had hypertension, reduced renal function, body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2), or mildly impaired glucose tolerance. We retrospectively compared renal function and graft survival between marginal and standard living donor kidney transplantations. To evaluate renal function, creatinine clearance (CCr) was preoperatively used for donors, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was postoperatively used for donors and recipients. RESULTS: Among 61 donors, 14 (23%) met the marginal criteria, the major reason being hypertension (91%). The mean age tended to be higher in the marginal group. Preoperative eGFR was significantly lower in the marginal group, whereas postoperative renal function decline ratio at two years was not significantly different between the groups (67% vs 67%, P = .960). Five-year graft survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups. However, recipient eGFR 1 year after kidney transplantation was lower in the marginal group than in the standard group (44 ± 8 vs 55 ± 9 in eGFR, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding donor renal function. Careful marginal donor selection can be safe and feasible for donors and recipients of living kidney transplantation; however, it may have a negative impact on recipient renal function.

Assessing age-related change in Japanese mental foramen opening direction using multidetector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate how the opening direction of the mental foramen (MF) changes with age in a Japanese population using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Post-mortem MDCT scans of 121 Japanese subjects (66 males and 55 females) were carried out where all subjects possessed at least twenty teeth, including molar teeth, in the upper and lower jaws. Two angles of the mental foramen opening were measured, namely the superior-inferior angle in the coronal plane and anterior-posterior angle in the transverse plane, on the CT reconstructed images. The associations between age and these two angles were evaluated using a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: For male subjects, the relationship between the superior-inferior angle and age was a quadratic curve (p < 0.001). This angle increased until the subject reached their early 50s and then the angle decreased with age. In the transverse plane, there was a linear relation between the anterior-posterior angle and age (p=0.002).It was noted also that the angle decreased with age. By contrast, however, no significant associations between the two angles and age for either measurement were noted for female subjects. This study demonstrated that the opening direction of the mental foramen changes with age in Japanese male subjects. By contrast this change in the opening direction of the mental foramen was not demonstrated in Japanese female subjects. In male subjects, the opening direction moves superiorly until the individual reaches their early 50s, and then moves inferiorly with advancing age. It also shifts from a posterior to an anterior position with age. CONCLUSION: These observed change differ from the results of previous studies. The findings could be useful for forensic science as they demonstrate a change in the position of mental foramen in a sample of contemporaneous male Japanese subjects.

Structural basis of pathogen recognition by an integrated HMA domain in a plant NLR immune receptor.

Plants have evolved intracellular immune receptors to detect pathogen proteins known as effectors. How these immune receptors detect effectors remains poorly understood. Here we describe the structural basis for direct recognition of AVR-Pik, an effector from the rice blast pathogen, by the rice intracellular NLR immune receptor Pik. AVR-PikD binds a dimer of the Pikp-1 HMA integrated domain with nanomolar affinity. The crystal structure of the Pikp-HMA/AVR-PikD complex enabled design of mutations to alter protein interaction in yeast and in vitro, and perturb effector-mediated response both in a rice cultivar containing Pikp and upon expression of AVR-PikD and Pikp in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. These data reveal the molecular details of a recognition event, mediated by a novel integrated domain in an NLR, which initiates a plant immune response and resistance to rice blast disease. Such studies underpin novel opportunities for engineering disease resistance to plant pathogens in staple food crops.

Evaluation of a personal identification method using the fusion function of CT images and dental radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: We applied the fusion function of dental analysis software to examine whether the anatomical relationships of tooth roots when compared between reconstructed post-mortem CT (PMCT) and dental radiographs can aid dental identification. METHODS: One PMCT image taken from a cadaver (43-year-old male; Cadaver 1) was compared with 64 digital dental radiographs of the left and right upper and lower molars from Cadaver 1 and 30 other cadavers. Five corresponding anatomical reference points were marked on each image. After adjusting the angle and magnification using the fusion function, the automatically calculated error in pixels was determined five times for each of four sites on the images. RESULTS: Comparison of the PMCT image with the dental radiographs from the other cadavers revealed obvious discrepancies in the anatomical positioning of the teeth. When t-tests were applied to the data from any of the four sites, the error in pixels was found to be significantly smaller (p < 0.001) between Cadaver 1 and the other cadaver images. The average error in pixels between the PMCT and dental radiographs was smaller in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw. CONCLUSIONS: This method uses corresponding reference points on two images to calculate the error between the regions that contain all points. This feature also makes it possible to compare images taken with different modalities. The demand for a dental identification method involving PMCT is likely to increase, and we expect that the accuracy of dental identification will improve by using radiological images.

Post-transplant renal function and cardiovascular events are closely associated with the aortic calcification index in renal transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: The aortic calcification index (ACI) is reported to be closely associated with renal dysfunction and cardiovascular events; however, its implication in renal transplant recipients has not been well examined. In this study, we investigated the relationship between pretransplant ACI, ACI progression, post-transplant renal function, and post-transplant cardiovascular events in renal transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study from June 1996 to Jan 2012 included 61 renal transplant recipients (living donors, 47; cadaveric donors, 14). The median follow-up period was 60 months. ACI was quantitatively measured on abdominal computed tomography. The relationship between age, dialysis period, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and pre- and post-transplant ACI was longitudinally evaluated. Risk factors for post-transplant ACI progression were determined by logistic regression analysis. Patient background and the incidence of post-transplant cardiovascular events were also assessed. RESULTS: The pretransplant ACI (median 4.2%) significantly correlated with age at transplant, dialysis period, and diabetes mellitus. ACI gradually increased up to 2.8 times at 10 years after transplantation. Post-transplant eGFR significantly correlated with ACI progression in patients with chronic kidney disease of stage ≥ 3. Logistic regression analyses showed that age at transplantation, post-transplant period, cadaveric donors, and post-transplant chronic kidney disease stage 3 were risk factors for post-transplant ACI progression. The pretransplant ACI was higher (median 66%) in 3 patients who experienced post-transplant cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: ACI progression closely correlates with age and post-transplant renal function. A high pretransplant ACI is a risk factor for post-transplant cardiovascular events in renal transplant recipients.

Three-dimensional visualization of composite fillings for dental identification using CT images.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to discriminate between enamel and composite resins by differences in Hounsfield units shown on 16 section multidetector CT (MDCT) images taken of unidentified bodies. METHODS: First, we determined the Hounsfield units of composite resins in 15 extracted human teeth. We then filled a single cavity prepared in each of the teeth with one of five different types of composite resins, and scanned the teeth using our routine post-mortem CT protocol for the head and neck. Obtained data were transferred to a radiological workstation and reconstructed. Furthermore, post-mortem CT images of the head of three unidentified bodies were reconstructed in the same manner. RESULTS: Four types of composite resins containing radio-opaque fillers showed a constant value of 4000 HU, and one radiolucent composite resin showed values in the range of 660-800 HU in the extracted teeth. Pixels at 4000 HU indicated that the composite resins were selected and visualized as three-dimensional colour images. Composite resins could be visualized on reconstructed images of the three unidentified bodies, and the sites visualized matched those noted on the forensic dental charts. CONCLUSIONS: Discriminating enamel and composite resins containing radio-opaque materials was difficult because of their similar Hounsfield unit values. However, we did succeed in visualizing the composite resins despite limitations of the CT scale. CT reconstructed images can contribute to dental identification, particularly in cases where it is difficult to detect composite resins on external investigation, and these images can be prepared during routine dental identification work.

A switch from conventional twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily extended-release tacrolimus in stable kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Extended-release tacrolimus (TAC-ER) was developed to provide a more convenient treatment compliance and improve safety by avoiding toxic peak levels. We prospectively evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a 1:1 dose switch from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily TAC-ER in stable kidney transplant recipients and assessed their satisfaction with the regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tacrolimus was switched to TAC-ER (1:1 dose) in 12 kidney transplant recipients with stable renal function from March 2010 to August 2011. The posttransplantation follow-up period was 7.6 ± 4.3 years (range 1.5-13.2 years). No patient had diabetes mellitus in this group. We evaluated the tacrolimus trough levels, serum creatinine, potassium, glucose, glycohemoglobin (HbA1c), and urine protein concentrations once a month from 6 months prior to 1 year after switching. A satisfaction survey for TAC-ER treatment was performed 3 months after the switch. The questionnaire included administration compliance questions such as "forget to take less often," "easy to carry," "easy to store," and "general satisfaction." RESULTS: After the switch to TAC-ER, we observed a quick and sustained 25% decrease in TAC trough levels from 4.8 ± 1.0 to 3.6 ± 0.8 (P = .0002). No significant differences in serum creatinine, potassium, glucose, HbA1c, or urine protein concentration were observed during the 14.6 ± 2.6 months' follow-up period. No recipient experienced acute rejection. The satisfaction survey demonstrated that the stable kidney transplant recipients were satisfied with the switch. CONCLUSIONS: A switch from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily TAC-ER (1:1 dose) was safe and effective. TAC-ER can improve treatment compliance in stable kidney transplant recipients.

Elevated anti-tuberculous glycolipid antibody titres in healthy adults and tuberculosis patients in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses to tuberculous-glycolipid antigen (TBGL-IgG and -IgA) in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients and healthy controls in Thailand. DESIGN: Anti-TBGL antibody titres and other TB related markers were measured in the serum samples of 24 adults with pulmonary TB (PTB), 28 healthy adults (HA), 23 children with TB (CTB) and 24 healthy children (HC). RESULT: Both TBGL-IgG and -IgA titres were significantly higher only in adult PTB cases compared to controls (P < 0.001 for all). TBGL-IgG was highly sensitive (92%) in PTB patients, but frequent positive proportions of TBGL-IgG (46%) and -IgA (36%) in HAs were the cause of low specificities of TBGL-IgG (54%) and -IgA (64%); that of TBGL-IgG+IgA (75%) was the highest. Antibody titres were positively correlated in TBGL-IgG+IgA double-positive HAs (HA+, 7/28, P < 0.01), but not in HA- (P > 0.05). Serum IgG and IgA levels were not correlated with TBGL-IgG or -IgA levels (P > 0.05). KL-6 and leptin levels were normal and were not different between HA+ and HA-, indicating absence of active TB in HAs. CONCLUSION: Enhanced TBGL-IgG+IgA responses in HAs could indicate latent TB infection. Careful follow-up studies in HAs could clarify the significance of elevated TBGL antibodies as early disease markers.

SU-E-J-31: Direct Point Dose Verification Using IGRT for Actual Beam Delivery.

PURPOSE: In radiation therapy, treatment planning for patients is performed using pre-acquired CT images. However, many patients with head-and-neck (H&N) cancer have tumor shrinkage and/or weight loss during their treatment course. Daily positional error of patients also causes unexpected deviations from the planning. Thus, it is essential to evaluate actual delivered dose for accurate clinical dosimetric consequence. In this study, actual delivered dose for an H&N site was determined by direct point dose measurement with metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) detectors using IGRT procedure. We experimentally evaluated usefulness of the IGRT procedure for accurate irradiations. METHODS: Treatment processes from planning to beam delivery were performed for an H&N site of an anthropomorphic phantom. The MOSFET detectors were fixed inside the phantom in advance. Then, the anthropomorphic phantom was immobilized with a mould and mask and scanned by simulation-CT. Beam irradiation condition was field size of 12 cm × 12 cm, gantry angle of 0°, 90° and 330°, and 6 MV X-ray. Dose distribution was calculated with superposition algorithm with 2 mm calculation grid. Before the dose measurement, the anthropomorphic phantom was positioned using a localization system of mega-voltage cone-beam CT (MVCBCT). The MOSFET detectors were exposed five times according to a treatment plan. Measured doses with the MOSFET detectors were compared with calculated doses. RESULTS: Using the MVCBCT, the set-up of the anthropomorphic phantom was achieved within 1 mm in all directions of anterior/posterior, left/right, and superior/inferior. The calculated doses agreed well to the measured doses within ±3% even in evaluated region with high dose gradient. CONCLUSIONS: The actual delivered dose for an H&N site of an anthropomorphic phantom was evaluated experimentally with the MOSFET detectors. The IGRT procedure was useful for accurate irradiations.

Magnetospheric vortex formation: self-organized confinement of charged particles.

A magnetospheric configuration gives rise to various peculiar plasma phenomena that pose conundrums to astrophysical studies; at the same time, innovative technologies may draw on the rich physics of magnetospheric plasmas. We have created a "laboratory magnetosphere" with a levitating superconducting ring magnet. Here we show that charged particles (electrons) self-organize a stable vortex, in which particles diffuse inward to steepen the density gradient. The rotating electron cloud is sustained for more than 300 s. Because of its simple geometry and self-organization, this system will have wide applications in confining single- and multispecies charged particles.

Structural transformations and anomalous viscosity in the B2O3 melt under high pressure.

Liquid B2O3 represents an archetypical oxide melt with a superhigh viscosity at the melting temperature. We present the results of the in situ x-ray diffraction study and the in situ viscosity measurements of liquid B2O3 under high pressure up to 8 GPa. Additionally, the 11B solid state NMR spectroscopy study of B2O3 glasses quenched from the melt at five different pressures has been carried out. Taken together, the results obtained provide understanding of the nature of structural transformations in liquid B2O3. The fraction of the boroxol rings in the melt structure rapidly decreases with pressure. From pressures of about 4.5 GPa, four-coordinated boron states begin to emerge sharply, reaching the fraction 40%-45% at 8 GPa. The viscosity of the B2O3 melt along the melting curve drops by 4 orders of magnitude as the pressure increases up to 5.5 GPa and remains unchanged on further pressure increase.