Nagoya University

A 34-year-old Japanese man presented with blurred vision, headache, nausea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and severe renal dysfunction. Thrombotic microangiopathy was initially suspected to have been caused by malignant hypertension. Antihypertensive medications did not improve his thrombocytopenia or renal dysfunction, and other diseases causing thrombotic microangiopathy were ruled out. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. A renal biopsy revealed an overlap of thrombotic microangiopathy and C3 glomerulopathy. Genetic testing revealed c.848A>G (p.Asp283Gly), a missense heterozygous variant in the gene encoding complement factor I. Overlapping atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy with complement factor I mutation is very rare, especially in Japan.

A 61-year-old man presented with massive epistaxis, amaurosis, nausea, and severe headache. A detailed examination revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage and prolactinoma. Angiography showed a small internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm and inadequate collateral circulation; thus, uncomplicated coil embolization was performed. Considering the side effects of medication, such as cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, the patient was followed up for asymptomatic prolactinoma without medication after discharge. At 40 months later, aneurysm recurrence was confirmed. Flow diverter device placement was performed, and the outcomes were excellent. In the present report, we described a rare case of a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm in an untreated prolactinoma and discussed the literature. Fullsize Image

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) in infants are reportedly rare at 0.5% to 4.5% of all aneurysms. Furthermore, subarachnoid hemorrhage in infants younger than three months are even rarer as it has been reported in approximately 20 cases only till date. A 3-month-old infant with seizures and impaired consciousness was admitted to our hospital. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) revealed a dissecting aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 13 mm in the right M2. Internal trapping using detachable coil were successfully performed, following which he was discharged without significant neurological deficit after one month of onset. Thus, we have reported a rare case of a large ruptured dissecting IA in a 3-month-old infant, in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), successfully treated with an endovascular therapy, along with a literature review. Fullsize Image

The correlated sampling method is applied to the continuous Markov-chain Monte-Carlo (CMMC) method to efficiently perform sensitivity analysis of input parameters such as the failure rate of safety components. In the correlated sampling method, the original and the perturbed samples are assumed to trace an identical accident sequence, but the weight of the perturbed sample is adjusted to incorporate the variation of input data. The present method is applied to the sensitivity analysis of the safety evaluation of spent fuel pools. The result indicates that the sensitivity analysis for the CMMC coupling method can be efficiently carried out using the correlated sampling method.

Liquid-phase synthesis is suitable for controlling the morphological and structural properties of functional inorganic materials and such control is important because they strongly affect the functionality of the product. Cobalt-based materials is one group of materials that requires control of powder morphology and structure. Cobalt is an important metal element used in various industrial fields such as secondary batteries, superalloys, permanent magnets, hard metals, and catalysts. The ever-growing demand of cobalt highlights that there is an urgent necessity to develop high quality material synthesis methods and to secure cobalt resources for countries that rely on import like Japan. Especially, technologies to recycle cobalt in a form reusable for secondary batteries and catalysts are desired because further increase in demand is anticipated. Meanwhile, spherical porous tricobalt tetroxide secondary particles obtained by calcination of spherical cobalt carbonate precursors have been reported to be promising materials for battery applications. Moreover, porous metal cobalt obtained by hydrogen reduction of tricobalt tetroxide is known to be effective for catalyst applications. However, conventional methods to synthesize spherical cobalt carbonate requires addition of additives in the reaction mixtures or otherwise requires hydrothermal treatment in pressure vessels. These are unfavorable to develop a practical and sustainable process for cobalt-based material production and recycling. In this study, a facile room temperature synthesis method to prepare spherical cobalt carbonate precursors from solutions of cobalt chloride and ammonium hydrogen carbonate that does not require any additives or hydrothermal treatment is developed by optimizing the carbonate solution concentration, carbonate/cobalt salt molar ratio, and stirring time during reaction. Furthermore, we succeeded in obtaining porous tricobalt tetroxide and porous metal cobalt that carry on the exterior spherical morphology of the original cobalt carbonate precursor by calcination and hydrogen reduction. The developed process shall contribute to realize high quality cobalt-based material production and recycling. Fullsize Image

Ti implants used for the treatment of bones and teeth damaged by diseases and accidents must exhibit excellent bone-bonding ability. To develop novel Ti alloys with bone-bonding ability superior to that of conventional Ti alloys, we prepared alloy films of Ti and Ca, especially Ca is an essential element in the human body and the inorganic components of bones, via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Ti–Ca alloy films with various Ca concentrations were fabricated using different arrangements of Ti and Ca sources. The crystal and surface structures as well as in vitro bone-bonding ability of Ti–Ca alloy films with Ca concentrations of 6, 27, and 38 mass% were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the abovementioned Ti–Ca alloy films exhibit an amorphous structure. Results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that oxides and hydroxides of Ti and Ca were present on the surfaces of the Ti–Ca alloy films. In a simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion test, hydroxyapatite precipitated first on the surface of the Ti–27 mass%Ca alloy film, whereas the Ti–38 mass%Ca alloy film peeled off during immersion in the SBF solution. Immersion test in simulated body fluid. Fullsize Image

A non‐solvated alkyl‐substituted Al(I) anion dimer was synthesized by a reduction of haloalumane precursor using a mechanochemical method. The crystallographic and theoretical analysis revealed its structure and electronic properties. Experimental XPS analysis of the Al(I) anions with reference compounds revealed the lower Al 2p binding energy corresponds to the lower oxidation state of Al species. It should be emphasized that the experimentally obtained XPS binding energies were reproduced by delta SCF calculations and were linearly correlated with NPA charges and 2p orbital energies.

This study investigates the correlation between players’ prosocial behavior in computer games and their well-being in real life. Participants were invited to engage in a simple computer game where their task was to assist others in enhancing their mobility to reach the goal. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the characteristics of this supportive behavior in the game could predict the participants’ well-being in real life. Participants’ prosociality was evaluated from two perspectives: a subjective evaluation of their prosocial behavior in daily life, as measured by the Altruistic Personality Scale (APS), and the number of assists provided in the game. While controlling for key demographic variables, the study examined the effect of participants’ prosociality on their level of well-being. The results revealed that players who exhibited more prosocial behavior in the game also reported higher levels of well-being outside the game context.

In this study, AMF colonization in the soil of coffee farms adopting organic and conventional agricultural practices was observed in two different sites. Variation of AMF types, density, and inoculation in the coffee roots was observed throughout the wet filtration method. Although we found the infection of the root in coffee roots from both organic and conventional farming systems, in the organic farming system, we found higher variation in AMF types than in the conventional farming system. Sustainable land management is crucial to maintain the existence of soil microorganisms that are important for plant growth.

Appreciation of cultural practices related to sago by indigenous peoples in the framework of rural development in Indonesia is still very limited. Rural development is currently based more on a modernization approach that focuses on economic growth with outsider control that results in massive industrial development without considering the conditions of the region, socio-culture, and the environment, including the neglect of indigenous peoples. This paper aims to critique the sago-based rural development approach and provide perspective on how indigenous tourism can be an alternative in supporting rural development by focusing on sustainable pillars and, at the same time, restoring lost connections through indigenous ways.

A series of enantiopure triptycene-based one-handed helical ladder polymers containing π-extended achiral segments with naphthalene, fluorene, and carbazole spacers was synthesized through quantitative and chemoselective ladderization of the corresponding precursor polymers with random-coil conformations. The helical handedness (right- or left-handed) and geometry (loose coil or ribbon) of the resulting ladder polymers were readily modulated by tuning the structure of the achiral spacers despite the incorporation of the same point chirality of the triptycene unit. All the helical secondary structures are stable and robust due to the shape-persistent ladder structures, showing the characteristic and environment-independent chiroptical properties.

Large-eddy simulation (LES) coupling with a non-adiabatic flamelet progress variable (NA-FPV) approach with reconstructed flamelet chemistry states is employed to simulate the hot coke oven gas (HCOG) reforming process. In the NA-FPV model, the chemistry states are first computed based on the correction factor for enthalpy defects and then modified by substituting the species statistics in the maximum heat loss state with those of less heat release to compensate for the unphysical results. The numerical results of LES coupling this NA-FPV model have been compared with the experimental measurement data in terms of temperature and yields, and reasonable agreements have been achieved. According to the LES results, it is seen O2 only participates in the combustion process in the upper stream and the combustion process which mainly consumes H2 and CO is to provide the other reforming process with heat and steam. In the upper and middle streams, the main HCOG jet is wrapped by the swirling high-temperature combustion products, and the reforming process primarily takes place by consuming CH4, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and steam, while considerable H2, CO, and CO2 are produced. It is observed that accompanying the reforming process C2H2 is generated and it peaks in the middle stream, thus it is considered soot is formed in the complex reactions.

Conodonts are tooth-like apparatuses of extinct marine animals and their geochemical composition is a key tool in reconstructions of paleo-marine environmental conditions. Previous geochemical studies focused on conodont fossils with weak thermal maturation from shallow-marine sedimentary rocks. However, the geochemical features of conodont fossils in pelagic deep-sea sedimentary rocks, which are suitable for reconstructions of paleo-environmental conditions of pelagic Panthalassa, are poorly understood. This study presents geochemical data of conodont fossils from the Triassic deep-sea pelagic sedimentary rocks from the Inuyama area, central Japan and examines their potential as a paleo-environmental indicator. The examined conodonts were composed of fluorapatite and possessed almost the same major elemental fractions as conodonts from Early Triassic limestone. Concentrations of REEs in conodonts in the pelagic deep-sea sedimentary rocks (~1000 ppm in average) are much higher than that of the conodonts from limestone (~89 ppm in average). Cathodoluminescence images and elemental mapping of conodont cross-sections reveal that conodonts in pelagic deep-sea sedimentary rocks have a few μm-thick REEs-rich layers composed of diagenetically precipitated euhedral apatite at the surfaces of the denticles and along cracks. Furthermore, Y/Ho ratios and Ce anomalies of the conodont fossils are different from those of modern seawater and, instead, are similar to those of the surrounding siliceous sedimentary matrix. These results suggest that their REE signatures were acquired from the surrounding siliceous material during diagenesis. The Ce anomalies of conodonts could reflect the presence of Fe-Mn oxides at the paleo-sea floor and indirectly record the redox condition of paleo-ocean floor.

Purpose To investigate the incidence of intraocular inflammation (IOI) and its risk factors following intravitreal injections of brolucizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in Japan. Methods A total of 1351 Japanese consecutive patients with nAMD who were treated with brolucizumab from May 2020 to May 2022 at 14 institutions were examined. The variables analyzed were the number of brolucizumab injections, time to onset of IOI, and risk factors. Results IOI developed in 152 eyes (11.3%). Retinal vasculitis and/or retinal occlusion (RV and/or RO) occurred in 53 eyes (3.9%). Ninety-four patients received bilaterally, bilateral IOI occurred in 5 patients (5.3%). Sixteen eyes (1.2%) had irreversible visual acuity loss and nine eyes (0.67%) had visual loss of 3 lines or more due to RV and/or RO. The cumulative IOI incidence was 4.5%, 10.3%, and 12.2% at 30, 180, and 365 days (1-year), respectively. Prior history of IOI (including RV) and/or RO (odds ratio[OR], 5.41; P = 0.0075) and female sex (OR, 1.99; P = 0.0004) were significantly associated with IOI onset. Conclusion The 1-year cumulative incidence of IOI in Japanese nAMD patients treated with brolucizumab was 12.2%. Prior history of IOI (including RV) and/or RO and female sex were significant risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and phase angle (PhA), an indicator of muscle quality. This cross-sectional study enrolled outpatients who visited a memory clinic at the Nagoya University hospital from January 2016 to June 2022. We enrolled 153 participants with body composition measurements. Inclusion criteria were a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 20–30 and a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) or amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The background characteristics of the participants were compared according to AD and aMCI. Next, linear regression analysis was performed with PhA as the objective variable. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed for AD diagnosis. PhA was lower in the AD group (P = 0.009). In linear regression analysis, PhA consistently decreased with worsening ADAS score. In logistic regression analysis, high PhA was associated with absence of AD. Gender-specific analyses showed these associations existed only in men. Our study of patients with AD and aMCI found that PhA decreased with worsening of cognitive function. Compared with aMCI, AD was associated with significantly lower PhA. Our results strengthen the limited evidence in the literature showing that low muscle quality is associated with poor cognitive function.

To examine whether adherence to a low-iodine diet (LID) enhances the therapeutic efficacy of radioiodine therapy (RAI) in Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GH) in iodine-rich areas. We retrospectively evaluated 185 patients with GH from Aichi (n = 114) and Hokkaido (n = 71) Prefectures. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with GH who underwent RAI between December 2012 and March 2022 were divided into subgroups based on pretreatment with anti-thyroid drug (ATD) or potassium iodide (KI). Patients were followed up with LID from 18 days (group A) or 7 days (group H) before RAI to 3 days after RAI. The dose of radioactive iodine 131 (131I) was adjusted to deliver > 100 Gy to the thyroid. The associations between urinary iodine concentration on UIC2 vs. 24hRU and UIC2 vs. the 1-year RAI success rate (SR) were investigated. Compared with UIC1, UIC2 was significantly decreased in all subgroups (P < 0.01). An inverse correlation between UIC2 and 24hRU was observed in the four groups; however, the difference was insignificant. The SR in groups A and H was 85% and 89%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed no association between UIC2 and SR in each group. Additionally, stratification of the 185 patients into quartiles using UIC2 yielded no significant differences in SR (p = 0.79). LID sufficiently reduced UIC in patients undergoing RAI. Although a lower UIC2 may increase 24hRU, it did not increase the success of RAI. The benefit of LID in enhancing the efficacy of RAI in GH treatment remains uncertain.

We construct a consistent dimer model having the same symmetry as its characteristic polygon. This produces examples of non-commutative crepant resolutions of non-toric non-quotient Gorenstein singularities in dimension 3.