Metal-Organic Crystallized Glasses: Microstructure Formation and Their Properties.

Partial crystallization within a glass matrix to form microcrystalline domains offers a pathway to glass-ceramic materials with properties distinct from those of both the parent glass and crystalline phases. This concept has been limited to inorganic glasses. Here, we introduce metal-organic crystallized glasses (MOCGs), prepared by controlling the crystallization process within metal-organic framework (MOF) glasses, and explore their properties.

Characterization of nuclease stability and poly(A)-binding protein binding activity of chemically modified poly(A) tail for applications.

The poly(A) tail plays a crucial role in mRNA stability and translation efficiency. Chemical modification of the poly(A) tail is a promising approach for stabilizing mRNA against deadenylation. In this study, we investigated the effect of poly(A) chemical modifications using phosphorothioate (PS), 2'-fluoro (2'-F), 2'--methyl (2'-OMe), and 2'--methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) modifications.

Intratumoral hemorrhage from brain metastases following nivolumab therapy for malignant melanoma: illustrative case.

Background: Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive type of cancer that frequently causes brain metastases, leading to poor outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as nivolumab, play a crucial role in treating metastatic melanoma, yet intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a rare but serious complication. Although pseudoprogression and hyperprogressive disease are recognized phenomena associated with ICIs, the precise mechanisms connecting ICIs to ICH are not yet fully understood.

Bilateral vas deferens suturing to prevent inguinal hernias after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral vas deferens sutures in preventing postoperative inguinal hernia after prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included 282 patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent open or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between July 2012 and July 2023. The inguinal hernia incidence rates were compared between the vas deferens suture group (141 patients, May 2017 to July 2023) and the control group (141 patients, July 2012 to April 2017).

Influence of alkali metal cations on the local structure of amorphous precursors during zeolite crystallization.

Structure-directing agents are commonly used to regulate the structure of zeolites. In addition to organic structure-directing agents, alkali metal cations have been found to exhibit strong structure-directing abilities. However, the specific influence of alkali metal cations on zeolite formation remains unclear.

Impact of Temperature on Zeolitization Elucidated by High-Energy X-ray Total Scattering Measurement.

Zeolites are generally synthesized by the hydrothermal method, where temperature is an important parameter. Previous studies have shown that aging can accelerate the synthesis of zeolites; however, while the phenomena have been well investigated, the medium-range structural evolution of the aluminosilicate species during zeolite synthesis has not yet been fully understood, leaving the underlying mechanism unclear. Herein, zeolite X (FAU-type framework) is selected as an example to reveal the role of temperature in zeolitization, and the structural evolutions during the induction and crystallization processes of zeolite X under different temperatures are comparatively investigated by the advanced high-energy X-ray total scattering (HEXTS) technique, combined with UV-Raman spectroscopy and HEXTS.

Liquid Coordination Polymers with Anhydrous Proton Conductivity.

Liquid states in coordination polymers (CPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically considered transient intermediates in the crystal-to-glass transformations of organic-inorganic hybrid materials. However, their potential as functional materials has remained largely unexplored. Inspired by the unique properties of ionic liquids, organic liquids, and liquid metals, we explore liquid CPs as a platform for novel functionalities distinct from those of their crystalline and glass counterparts.

Evaluation of Optimal Sequential Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Treated With First-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: A Multicenter Collaborative Study.

Background: Few studies have provided a comprehensive analysis of sequential treatment strategies for locally advanced and metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC). This study assessed treatment patterns, prognostic factors, and optimal sequencing strategies in patients receiving first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (1 L-PBC).

Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study analyzed 212 la/mUC patients who initiated 1 L-PBC.

Optimal Cystoscopic Surveillance Schedule Following Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has shown an increasing incidence, with intravesical recurrence (IVR) being a common postoperative challenge following radical nephroureterectomy. Although current guidelines recommend cystoscopic surveillance based on risk stratification, these recommendations are weak and may not adequately address IVR-specific risk factors or optimal surveillance intervals.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 700 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy between 2012 and 2021.

Facile DNA chemical ligation under mild conditions enabled by 1-cyano-4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium tetrafluoroborate (CDAP).

We report the chemical ligation of DNA using 1-cyano-4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium tetrafluoroborate (CDAP). CDAP promoted DNA ligation without depurination or undesired side reactions to the nucleobase. Ligation of 3'-phosphate and 5'-hydroxyl termini was achieved at low temperatures with good yield.

Comparative adverse event profiles of triplet therapy versus docetaxel-based therapy in patients with metastatic prostate cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

Background: To compare adverse event (AE) profiles between patients with prostate cancer receiving triplet therapy (docetaxel, androgen receptor signaling inhibitors [ARSIs], and androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]) and those receiving docetaxel-based therapy (docetaxel and ADT). Additionally, we sought to identify risk factors for severe AEs associated with these treatment regimens.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter study, we included 359 patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who were treated with docetaxel.

Evaluating CRPC Definition: Comparing Upfront ARSI and Conventional Hormonal Therapy for Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC) in Real World Propensity Score Matched Cohort.

Introduction: The biology of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) status between conventional hormonal therapy and upfront androgen signaling inhibitor (ARSI) treatment might be different, and the biological status of prostate cancer after failure of sequential ARSI in conventional hormonal therapy would be the same as CRPC in upfront ARSI. In this study, we evaluate our proposed definition of CRPC in our cohort with propensity score-matched analysis.

Patients And Methods: A total of 885 patients diagnosed with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) who received conventional hormonal therapy, upfront androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) with or without docetaxel therapy at Jikei University Hospital and its affiliated institutions, were included in this study.

PSA Absolute Value Versus PSA Response Rate: Which Is More Valuable for Estimating Survival Outcomes With ARPI Treatment for Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC) in Real-World Analyses?

Introduction: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics serve as valuable surrogate markers for estimating survival outcomes in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treated with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI). While both the PSA response rate and absolute PSA value are typically assessed, determining which marker holds greater significance in real-world clinical settings is a critical clinical question. In this study, we compare the PSA response rate and absolute PSA value 3 months after the initiation of doublet ARPI therapy to identify which serves as a more effective surrogate marker in practice.

Booster effect of the fourth dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs are at greater risk of severe COVID-19 than the general population. In particular, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are known to have lower seropositivity after basal doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and the strategy of administering booster doses in these immunocompromised individuals has been promoted worldwide.

Methods: This study evaluated the effect of a fourth dose (D4) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in Japanese KTRs.

Chirality and Polarity Modulation in Semiconductive Zinc(II) Coordination Polymers Containing Thiolate-Based Ligands.

Recently, chiral semiconductors have attracted considerable attention owing to their potential applicability in optoelectronics and spintronics. In this study, homochiral and heterochiral semiconductive Zn(II) coordination polymers [Zn(tbbt)(()-mba)]·solvent (Htbbt = 4,4'-thiobisbenzenethiol, mba = methylbenzylamine, = , , ) were systematically synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that and ( = Kwansei Gakuin framework), of type [Zn(tbbt)(()-mba)]·()-mba, obtained from enantiopure ()-mba and ()-mba isomers, exhibited chiral-nonpolar homochiral one-dimensional (1D) structures with mba lattice solvents, comprising left- and right-handed helical chains, respectively.

Assistance from a mixing zone model to perform aortic femoral perfusion strategy with severe atherosclerotic and artheromic aortic disease for endoscopic minimally invasive redo mitral valve repair.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for redo mitral valve surgery in the presence of severe atheroma and atherosclerotic diseased atherosclerotic and artheromic aorta presents significant challenges and increases the risk of postoperative cerebral infarction. At our institution, to mitigate the risk of postoperative cerebral complications, we employ a strategy combining antegrade and retrograde perfusion during MICS for patients with atherosclerotic and artheromic aorta. However, the mixing zone during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with combined antegrade and retrograde perfusion has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Novel Preoperative Immune Prognostic Index for Predicting Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background/aim: The lung immune prognostic index (LIPI), which is determined by assessing the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in conjunction with the level of lactate dehydrogenase, predicts outcomes in various cancers. Its utility as a preoperative biomarker in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients remains unexplored.

Patients And Methods: This is a retrospective study of UTUC patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy.

Extracting accurate PDF data from in situ environment of materials using X-ray diffractometer.

Pair distribution function (PDF) analysis is a technique traditionally used at synchrotron radiation facilities, but it is now possible to obtain adequate measurements using laboratory-based equipment as well. In addition, cryo-furnaces that enable in situ measurements while controlling temperature have been well established for some time. PDF analysis requires data from a wide range of reciprocal space, along with measurements at short wavelengths.

Isepamicin alone as antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate needle biopsy: "Do we still need levofloxacin? ".

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether conventional levofloxacin (LVFX) administration is unnecessary for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy (TRP-Bx) in view of the increase in LVFX-resistant Escherichia coli and appropriate use of antibiotics. The study included 636 cases undergoing TRP-Bx, divided into two groups based on the prophylactic antibiotic regimen. Group 1 (n = 308) received both oral levofloxacin (LVFX) 500 mg and intravenous isepamicin (ISP) 400 mg.

Clinical outcomes and treatment patterns of maintenance avelumab in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a multicenter collaborative study.

Background: The JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) with maintenance avelumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma UC (la/mUC) who achieved disease control following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (1 L-PBC). However, real-world data on eligibility, utilization, and outcomes of maintenance avelumab therapy remain limited.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with la/mUC who received 1 L-PBC.

Local structure of amorphous sulfur in carbon-sulfur composites for all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.

All-solid-state (ASS) batteries are a promising solution to achieve carbon neutrality. ASS lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries stand out due to their improved safety, achieved by replacing organic solvents, which are prone to leakage and fire, with solid electrolytes. In addition, these batteries offer the benefits of higher capacity and the absence of rare metals.

Use of Internet/Application-Based E-consults by General Practitioners in Japan to Resolve Patients' Problems: A Descriptive Observational Study.

Introduction Electronic consultations (e-consults) refer to digital health technologies that enhance clinical information sharing and improve patients' access to expert healthcare providers. This study aims to describe the current utilization of the Internet/application-based e-consult system and to assess how effectively it resolves clinical questions. Methods Participants were general practitioners (GPs) who had installed the e-consult platform on their personal computers or cell phones.

Early radiological reduction of periventricular anastomosis after direct bypass surgery for adult moyamoya disease.

Objective: Periventricular anastomosis (PA), a recently recognized cause of hemorrhage in moyamoya disease, is reducible after bypass surgery. The timing of the reduction, however, remains poorly understood. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate radiological reduction of PA occurring within 48 hours after surgery and to identify factors associated with reduction.

Iron redox effect on the structure and viscosity of a sodium silicate glass and melt.

The viscosity of silicate melts is one of the most important physical properties for understanding high-temperature phenomena in magmatic systems and material processing. The effects of composition and temperature on viscosity have long been elucidated. Although iron ions are the main components of magmatic systems, their influence on viscosity remains unclear because the behavior of iron is complicated; iron ions have two redox states, Fe3+ and Fe2+.

Significance of Targeted Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Using Rectal-culture Selective Screening Media Prior to Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To examine whether antimicrobial prophylaxis based on screening rectal cultures using selective media prevented acute bacterial prostatitis following transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB).

Methods: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 403 patients undergoing TRPB with low risks of infectious complications. Patients were randomized into a cultured group (CG) or no cultured group (NCG).