Highly porous nature of a primitive asteroid revealed by thermal imaging.

Carbonaceous (C-type) asteroids1 are relics of the early Solar System that have preserved primitive materials since their formation approximately 4.6 billion years ago. They are probably analogues of carbonaceous chondrites2,3 and are essential for understanding planetary formation processes. However, their physical properties remain poorly known because carbonaceous chondrite meteoroids tend not to survive entry to Earth's atmosphere. Here we report on global one-rotation thermographic images of the C-type asteroid 162173 Ryugu, taken by the thermal infrared imager (TIR)4 onboard the spacecraft Hayabusa25, indicating that the asteroid's boulders and their surroundings have similar temperatures, with a derived thermal inertia of about 300 J m-2 s-0.5 K-1 (300 tiu). Contrary to predictions that the surface consists of regolith and dense boulders, this low thermal inertia suggests that the boulders are more porous than typical carbonaceous chondrites6 and that their surroundings are covered with porous fragments more than 10 centimetres in diameter. Close-up thermal images confirm the presence of such porous fragments and the flat diurnal temperature profiles suggest a strong surface roughness effect7,8. We also observed in the close-up thermal images boulders that are colder during the day, with thermal inertia exceeding 600 tiu, corresponding to dense boulders similar to typical carbonaceous chondrites6. These results constrain the formation history of Ryugu: the asteroid must be a rubble pile formed from impact fragments of a parent body with microporosity9 of approximately 30 to 50 per cent that experienced a low degree of consolidation. The dense boulders might have originated from the consolidated innermost region or they may have an exogenic origin. This high-porosity asteroid may link cosmic fluffy dust to dense celestial bodies10.

Therapeutic effect of dose-dense paclitaxel plus carboplatin with or without bevacizumab for Japanese patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding chemosensitivity to different therapeutic regimens in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains limited. This study aimed to investigate EOC implementation in daily clinical practice and reveal favorable regimens for EOC among Japanese patients. METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients newly diagnosed with EOC from 2012 to 2021 at our affiliated institutions. We evaluated overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of conventional paclitaxel plus carboplatin (TC) vs. dose-dense TC (ddTC) according to the eligibility of GOG262 and JGOG3016 and those with bevacizumab (BEV) vs. without BEV based on GOG218. Further, we evaluated OS and PFS of ddTC and ddTC + BEV to TC + BEV among patients with stage III/IV. RESULTS: The ddTC group (n = 402) demonstrated longer PFS and OS than the TC group (n = 165) (adjusted hazard ratios [aHRs] [95% confidential intervals (CIs)]: 0.69 [0.55-0.88] and 0.67 [0.50-0.90], respectively). The group with BEV (n = 158) demonstrated a longer PFS than those without BEV (n = 296) (0.74 [0.57-0.95]), but not for OS (0.84 [0.60-1.17]). The ddTC and ddTC + BEV groups (n = 259 and 117) demonstrated no statistically significant differences in PFS and OS than the TC + BEV group (n = 75) (1.09 [0.79-1.50] and 0.74 [0.52-1.08] for PFS and 0.89 [0.59-1.34] and 0.73 [0.50-1.05] for OS, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study may indicate ddTC, BEV, and their combination regimen as the promising first-line chemotherapy option among Japanese patients with advanced EOC.

On the origin and evolution of the asteroid Ryugu: A comprehensive geochemical perspective.

Presented here are the observations and interpretations from a comprehensive analysis of 16 representative particles returned from the C-type asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 mission. On average Ryugu particles consist of 50% phyllosilicate matrix, 41% porosity and 9% minor phases, including organic matter. The abundances of 70 elements from the particles are in close agreement with those of CI chondrites. Bulk Ryugu particles show higher δ18O, Δ17O, and ε54Cr values than CI chondrites. As such, Ryugu sampled the most primitive and least-thermally processed protosolar nebula reservoirs. Such a finding is consistent with multi-scale H-C-N isotopic compositions that are compatible with an origin for Ryugu organic matter within both the protosolar nebula and the interstellar medium. The analytical data obtained here, suggests that complex soluble organic matter formed during aqueous alteration on the Ryugu progenitor planetesimal (several 10's of km), <2.6 Myr after CAI formation. Subsequently, the Ryugu progenitor planetesimal was fragmented and evolved into the current asteroid Ryugu through sublimation.

Ineffectiveness of radiotherapy for the treatment of keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum: A case report.

Keratoacanthoma centrifugum marginatum (KCM) is a rare variant of keratoacantoma (KA). Although KCM shares histological and clinical features with KA, KCM has no tendency of spontaneous regression, and presents with progressive peripheral expansion with a bank-shaped outer wall and concurrent central healing. As such, early diagnosis and proper treatment of the patient are required. However, because of its rarity, previous reports are insufficient to evaluate which treatment should be selected. Here, we report a case of KCM that responded to radiotherapy, but relapsed 6 months later.

Cutaneous plasmacytosis: report of 6 cases with or without systemic involvement.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous plasmacytosis and systemic plasmacytosis are rare entities arising primarily in patients of Japanese descent. The origin and exact pathogenesis are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine clinicopathologic features of cutaneous and systemic plasmacytosis. METHODS: We describe the clinicopathologic features of 6 patients with cutaneous plasmacytosis with or without systemic involvement (male:female = 3:1; mean age: 49.7 years; median age: 50.5 years; age range: 29-64 years). RESULTS: Patients presented clinically with multiple, red-brown infiltrated plaques and flat tumors, mainly located on the trunk. Histology revealed in all cases the presence of clusters of mature plasma cells within the dermis. Lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centers were seen in 3 cases. Five cases showed the expected polyclonal expression of immunoglobulin light chain by the plasma cells, but monoclonality was observed in 1 case, thus showing overlapping features with cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma. One patient revealed overlapping features with multicentric Castleman disease. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study on a relatively small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite typical clinical presentation, some of our patients presented with histopathologic and immunohistochemical features that deviated from the conventional appearance. Our observation confirms and expands previous observations of this elusive entity, suggesting that the spectrum of clinicopathologic presentations may be wider than previously recognized.

Spectrally blue hydrated parent body of asteroid (162173) Ryugu.

Ryugu is a carbonaceous rubble-pile asteroid visited by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. Small rubble pile asteroids record the thermal evolution of their much larger parent bodies. However, recent space weathering and/or solar heating create ambiguities between the uppermost layer observable by remote-sensing and the pristine material from the parent body. Hayabusa2 remote-sensing observations find that on the asteroid (162173) Ryugu both north and south pole regions preserve the material least processed by space weathering, which is spectrally blue carbonaceous chondritic material with a 0-3% deep 0.7-µm band absorption, indicative of Fe-bearing phyllosilicates. Here we report that spectrally blue Ryugu's parent body experienced intensive aqueous alteration and subsequent thermal metamorphism at 570-670 K (300-400 °C), suggesting that Ryugu's parent body was heated by radioactive decay of short-lived radionuclides possibly because of its early formation 2-2.5 Ma. The samples being brought to Earth by Hayabusa2 will give us our first insights into this epoch in solar system history.

Inhaled corticosteroid therapy reduces cytokine levels in sputum from very preterm infants with chronic lung disease.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of inhaled corticosteroid therapy and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (oscillation) on preterm infants with chronic lung disease (CLD). METHODS: Ten infants with CLD who received inhaled corticosteroid therapy were enrolled. Week 1 was defined as the first week of therapy. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12p70 in serial sputum specimens from the infants were determined using a cytometric bead array. RESULTS: The sputum concentrations of IL-8 obtained from the infants during week 3-4 were significantly lower than those obtained before therapy and during week 1-2. The sputum concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 during week 3-4 were significantly lower than the concentrations during week 1-2. The ratio of IL-8 levels during week 1-2 to those before therapy in infants who received oscillation (n = 4) was significantly lower than in those who received intermittent mandatory ventilation (n = 6). CONCLUSION: Inhaled corticosteroids may be associated with a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in sputum from infants with CLD from 2 weeks after the start of therapy. Our further investigations suggest that therapy with oscillation modulated airway inflammation earlier than therapy with intermittent mandatory ventilation.

Male siblings with tibia-metacarpal type of chondrodysplasia punctata without maternal factors.

We report male siblings with tibia-metacarpal type of chondrodysplasia punctata, which was diagnosed by radiographic findings and clinical appearances. This is the first report of siblings without maternal systemic lupus erythematosus or medications during both pregnancies.

Early visual results with the 1CU accommodating intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the clinical outcome after implantation of the 1CU accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) and a foldable acrylic IOL (AcrySof, Alcon). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa Hospital, Ichikawa, and Minami Aoyama Eye Clinics, Tokyo, Yokohama, Japan. METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 16 patients with cataract had phacoemulsification implantation of 1CU accommodating IOL. Twenty eyes of 10 age-matched and sex-matched patients with cataract had the same surgery but with a foldable acrylic IOL. All patients had assessments of the amplitude of accommodation, refraction, uncorrected and best corrected distance and near visual acuity, and distance corrected near visual acuity before surgery up to 12 months after surgery. Contrast visual acuities were measured 1 year after surgery. Anterior segment photography, intraocular pressure measurements, specular microscopy, and computerized topography were also performed. RESULTS: The final best corrected distance visual acuity was above 20/25 in all eyes with the 1CU and the AcrySof IOLs. The mean distance corrected near visual acuity was significantly higher in the 1CU IOL group than in the acrylic IOL group after 3 months. None of the eyes with the AcrySof IOL implants displayed an accommodative response at any examination. The peak mean amplitude of accommodation with the 1CU IOLs was observed at 3 months and was 0.5 diopters +/- 0.44 (SD). Accommodation amplitude declined after 6 months. CONCLUSION: The 1CU IOL provided additional near acuity postoperatively, but the benefit disappeared at 12 months with a concomitant decrease in accommodation amplitude owing to an increase in anterior and posterior capsular opacities.

Early visual results with the rollable ThinOptX intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the clinical and visual outcomes of phacoemulsification and implantation of a rollable intraocular lens (IOL) with a thin optic and compare the results with those of implantation of a foldable acrylic IOL. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Ichikawa General Hospital, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan. METHODS: Sixteen consecutive eyes of 8 patients (4 women, 4 men) with corticonuclear cataract had small-incision clear corneal phacoemulsification with implantation of a rollable ThinOptX IOL (ThinOptX Inc.) in the capsular bag. Twenty eyes of 10 age- and sex-matched patients (5 women, 5 men) with the same diagnosis had phacoemulsification and intracapsular implantation of an AcrySof foldable acrylic IOL (MA60BM, Alcon). The patients' refractive status and uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuities were assessed preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The uncorrected and best corrected near acuities were measured before and 6 months after surgery. Contrast visual acuity was measured with variable contrast charts 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, and the results in the 2 IOL groups were compared. Anterior segment photography, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, specular microscopy, and fundoscopy were done before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: The final best corrected distance acuity was better than 20/25 in all eyes with a ThinOptX IOL and 18 eyes (90%) with an AcrySof IOL. The best corrected near acuity was better than 20/40 in 12 eyes (75%) and 14 eyes (70%), respectively. The mean contrast acuity with charts 2 and 3 was significantly higher in the ThinOptX group than in the AcrySof group at all examinations (P<.05). The final mean postoperative induced astigmatism was 0.06 diopter (D) +/- 0.50 (SD) and 0.25 +/- 0.68 D, respectively (P>.05). There were no differences in IOP or corneal endothelial cell density between the 2 groups at any examination. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: ThinOptX IOL implantation provided best corrected near and distance visual acuities comparable to those provided by the AcrySof IOLs. The significantly higher contrast acuities attained after implantation of the ThinOptX lens may be attributable to its ultrathin properties.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor, mixed connective tissue type, non-phosphaturic variant: report of a case and review of 32 cases from the Japanese published work.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor, mixed connective tissue type (PMTMCT) is a rare neoplasm that can cause tumor-induced osteomalacia due to overproduction of a phosphaturic hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). We report here a case of subcutaneous PMTMCT, non-phosphaturic variant, in the sole. We also review 32 Japanese cases of PMTMCT reported in detail. They occurred in 16 men and 15 women (one was unknown), with ages ranging 20-73 years (median, 48). Tumors were found in soft tissue, bone and sinuses in 17, 11 and four, respectively. A history of long-standing osteomalacia was noted in all cases except two non-phosphaturic variant cases. Serum FGF23 level was elevated in 11 of 12 cases examined. In terms of follow-up information, metastases were found in four patients, and two patients died of disease. In conclusion, PMTMCT is histologically a benign lesion; however, there may be rare metastatic and malignant cases. Wider recognition of the histological features of this unique neoplasm would aid its distinction from the large number of mesenchymal tumors for which it may be mistaken and should enable correct diagnosis of tumors with osteomalacia.

Verrucous spitz nevus in a Japanese female.

A 23-year-old female presented with a reddish-brown dome-shaped hyperkeratotic nodule of 11 × 10 mm on the left lower leg. Dermoscopic examination demonstrated a prominent whitish scaly area with ring-like appearance, pinkish-white structureless areas, a few milia-like cysts, dotted and glomerular vessels, and light brown globules. The lesion was completely excised under the diagnosis of verruca vulgaris or dermatofibroma. Histopathological examination revealed a well-circumscribed symmetric lesion with hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and pseudohorn cysts. The lesion was composed of spindle-shaped and epithelioid melanocytes with large cytoplasm arranged in confluent nests surrounded by stromal fibrosis. Mitotic figures and Kamino bodies were absent. Moderate proliferation of capillaries was found in the papillary dermis. Immunohistochemical staining with melan-A or S-100 was positive for tumor cells, but the staining with HMB-45 was negative. Melan-A staining was weaker in the deeply situated cells than in the superficial ones, which is known as stratification. Finally, we made a diagnosis of verrucous Spitz nevus based on these findings. We should have been aware of the entity of verrucous Spitz nevus as a variant of Spitz nevus and its dermoscopic features in order to reach a correct diagnosis before excision.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in perinatal asphyxia.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) play important roles in the function of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). We investigated the roles of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy following perinatal asphyxia. Serum concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were determined by ELISA in 12 neonates with perinatal asphyxia and 15 controls on the birth day and the next day. Serum MMP-9 concentrations in asphyxiated neonates with neurological sequelae (n=5) were significantly higher than concentration in asphyxiated neonates without sequelae (n=7) and controls on birth day (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). The ratios of serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 on birth day in asphyxiated neonates with neurological sequelae were significantly higher than those in asphyxiated neonates without sequelae (p=0.048). There were no significant differences in the serum MMP-9 concentrations or the ratios of MMP-9/TIMP-1 between asphyxiated neonates with and without neurological sequelae on the day after birth. Our preliminary study suggests that serum MMP-9 levels on birth day are important for predicting neurological prognosis of neonates with asphyxia.

Ultrasonographic findings of facial dysmorphism in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome has characteristic craniofacial dysmorphism with severe fetal growth restriction. We present a case that revealed facial dysmorphism characteristic of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome with two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography. The facial dysmorphic features in the present case were dolichocephaly; high forehead; large rectangular nose continuing to the eyebrows; hypertelorism; short philtrum; carp-shaped mouth; microretrognathia; and large, simply modeled, low-set ears. Chromosome analysis of amniotic fluid cells was 46,XX,del(4)(p15.2), confirming the ultrasonographic result. Examination with two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography is useful to observe the face of fetuses with severe intrauterine growth restriction to diagnose multiple congenital anomaly syndromes.