Reactive sputtering of SnS thin films using sulfur plasma and a metallic Tin target: achieving stoichiometry and large grains.

Tin sulfide (SnS) is a promising earth-abundant and non-toxic material for photovoltaic applications; however, its practical use has been hindered by difficulties in achieving both stoichiometric composition and large grain sizes in thin films-factors critical for improving device performance. This study presents a unique strategy for fabricating high-quality SnS thin films with controlled stoichiometry and micron-scale grains using a metallic tin target and sulfur plasma (S-plasma). Unlike conventional approaches that rely on toxic H₂S gas, this method employs a S-plasma to enhance sulfur reactivity and mitigate sulfur deficiencies during film deposition.

Tryptophan promotes sperm hyperactivation in hamsters via 5-hydroxytryptamine biosynthesis within sperm.

L-tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid, is a precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; also known as serotonin) that promotes mammalian sperm hyperactivation. Since mammalian sperm contain Trp hydroxylase (TPH), they may contribute to 5‑HT biosynthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of Trp on hamster sperm hyperactivation and determine whether sperm are involved in 5-HT biosynthesis.

Fluorescence by 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX varies in tumor and normal tissues during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Partial nephrectomy is the gold standard for small renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), introduced in 2004, has gained acceptance as a minimally invasive approach. Determining resection margins in complex cases remains a challenge.

Direct comparison of the structural dynamics between spontaneous and ligand-induced folding of staphylococcal nuclease.

Despite numerous studies focusing on the folding mechanism of globular proteins as well as ligand-induced folding of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), a unified framework for understanding both types of folding mechanisms has remained elusive. To explore the similarities and differences in the structural dynamics of spontaneous versus ligand-dependent folding, we investigated the folding dynamics of staphylococcal nuclease (SNase) in the presence and absence of the substrate analog adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate (prAp). We employed equilibrium and kinetic measurements, using fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy, to study the folding of SNase coupled with the binding of prAp as a function of ligand and urea concentrations, including conditions favoring either conformational selection (CS; folding before binding) or induced fit (IF; binding before folding) scenarios.

Unconventional and Powerful Ion Sources for Solid-State Ion Exchange, CuSO and CuPO: Exemplified by the Synthesis of Metastable β-CuGaO from Stable β-LiGaO.

This study introduces a new method for synthesizing Cu-containing metastable phases through ion exchange. Traditionally, CuCl has been used as a Cu ion source for solid-state ion exchanges; however, its thermodynamic driving force is often insufficient for complete ion exchange with Li-containing precursors. First-principles calculations have identified CuSO and CuPO as more powerful alternatives, providing a higher driving force than CuCl.

Enhancing Proton Mobility in Silicophosphoric Acid by Replacing Si with Al.

Electrochemical devices that can operate at temperatures of 200-300 °C are expected to become the next-generation energy conversion devices in fuel cells and electrosynthesis, which are important for achieving carbon neutrality. Proton conductors based on phosphate glasses are being developed as candidate materials for such devices. We recently developed a glass proton conductor by using silicophosphoric acid based on the idea of solidifying phosphoric acid with silicon as a cross-linking glass framework.

The Development of IgE Multiple Myeloma Following Treatment for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer.

This case report documents the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) in a 74-year-old man following treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer. It is important to include MM in the differential diagnosis when the patient presents with nonspecific symptoms such as back pain, anemia, and renal impairment in the absence of a prominent increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The present case was diagnosed as IgE MM with a poor prognosis.

Intravesical Infection Stones Caused by Magnetic Beads.

The presence of an intravesical foreign body is a rare condition concerning the diseases of the urinary system. Intravesical foreign bodies may cause hematuria and bladder perforation, which are difficult to diagnose and treat. There are various types of foreign bodies in the bladder; however, magnetic beads are rare.

[A Case of Secondary Syphilis Mimicking a Penile Cancer with Lymph Node Metastases].

A 42-year-oldman visited our hospital because of gradually worsening penile swelling over 3 weeks. A hard mass on the glans was palpated; however, we were unable to observe it due to severe phimosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed enlargement of glans and swelling of bilateral inguinal lymph nodes as both showed a low signal intensity on T2-weightedimaging, a high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted imaging, and a low signal intensity on the apparent diffusion coefficient map.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic umbilical resection of urachal remnants: a feasible surgical method.

Background: To date, there is no standard established laparoscopic surgical method for managing urachal remnants because of their rarity, and several questions remain unanswered. Are there any problems for considering the operative indications about patients' factors for example, body mass index and so on? This study aimed to determine the feasible surgical method for managing urachal remnants and presents the operative outcomes of our cases in relation to the findings from the existing literature.

Methods: We analyzed the data of 16 patients (7 women and 9 men; age range, 19-48 years) who underwent surgery for urachal remnants between January 2013 and March 2019 at our institution.

A case of testicular torsion successfully treated with tunica albuginea incision and tunica vaginalis patch.

Previous studies indicated the occurrence of compartment syndrome after testicular detorsion. In such cases, testicular blood flow may improve with tunica albuginea incision. A 14-year-old man presented with right-sided testicular torsion.

Abdominal wall abscess resembling urachal carcinoma caused by ileal diverticulitis.

Introduction: We report a rare case of abdominal wall abscess caused by ileal diverticulitis that developed along the midline below the umbilicus and resembled a urachal carcinoma.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old woman with diabetes presented with abdominal enlargement below the umbilicus. Computed tomography revealed a well-enhanced mass, which was visualized on magnetic resonance imaging as a continuous mass connected to the restiform structure, extending from the umbilicus to the bladder.

Plasma progastrin-releasing peptide level shows different predictive profiles for treatment response by androgen receptor axis-targeted agents in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: The neuroendocrine (NE) pathway cannot be ignored as a mechanism for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. The neuromediator, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) may be involved in the aberrant activation of the normal androgen receptor (AR) and increased AR variants. This study focused on plasma levels of progastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) and examined the treatment outcomes with androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents.

Successful management of ureteral injury after gender-affirming laparoscopic hysterectomy: A case report.

Introduction And Importance: A two-step process involving ureteral stenting and surgical repair is generally recommended to manage a delayed diagnosis of postoperative ureteral injury; however, retrograde stenting is often difficult.

Case Presentation: A 35-year-old female-to-male transgender person who underwent laparoscopic gender-affirming total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy developed right ureteral injury at 2 months postoperatively. Initially, the stenting guidewire could not pass through the stenotic tract and was diverted into the abdominal cavity.

Phase Transformation of Metastable CuZnGeO with a Wurtz-Kesterite Structure at Elevated Temperatures.

The thermal stability and high-temperature phase transformation of metastable CuZnGeO were investigated in an Ar atmosphere by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, and high-temperature X-ray diffraction. Three Cu-deficient CuZnGeO phases with a wurtzite-related structure were observed, with varying amounts of copper deficiency. The metastable CuZnGeO was stable at approximately 275 °C and transformed into intermediate phases.

A case of self-inserted foreign body in the urinary bladder: Usefulness of three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography for surgery planning.

Retrieving intravesical foreign bodies warrants open cystotomy; therefore, preoperative evaluation of the material, size, shape, and location is essential for surgical planning. A 79-year-old man presented with dysuria and admitted inserting a jump rope into his urethra. Reconstructed three-dimensional computed tomography showed an entangled jump rope; therefore an endoscopic surgery was deemed unsuitable.

Efficacy of cabozantinib therapy for brain metastases from renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction: We report two cases of renal cell carcinoma with brain metastases that showed remarkable responses to cabozantinib.

Case Presentation: (Case 1) A 70-year-old man with cT3aN0M0 clear cell renal cell carcinoma underwent radical nephrectomy and developed multiple brain metastases 2 months postoperatively. The brain lesions regressed after stereotactic radiotherapy followed by ipilimumab plus nivolumab therapy, but a new brain metastasis that caused hemiplegia developed after 6 months and showed no response to stereotactic radiotherapy.

A case of renal trauma successfully treated by close monitoring of intravesical pressure and subsequent intervention.

Management of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) due to renal injury is important. A 21-year-old man was taken to an emergent care unit with grade IV right kidney trauma and hypovolemic shock due to a road traffic injury. Despite twice targeted transcatheter arterial embolization of a renal artery, intravesical pressure increased and blood pressure was difficult to maintain.

Direct evaluation of hole effective mass of SnS-SnSe solid solutions with ARPES measurement.

Valence band dispersions of single-crystalline SnSSe solid solutions were observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The hole effective masses, crucial factors in determining thermoelectric properties, were directly evaluated. They decrease slightly with increasing Se content in the low Se composition range but sharply in the high Se composition range.

Anhydrous Silicophosphoric Acid Glass: Thermal Properties and Proton Conductivity.

Anhydrous silicophosphoric acid glass with an approximate composition of H Si P O was synthesized and its thermal and proton-conducting properties were characterized. Despite exhibiting a glass transition at 192 °C, the supercooled liquid could be handled as a solid up to 280 °C owing to its high viscosity. The glass and its melt exhibited proton conduction with a proton transport number of ∼1.

A case of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with vena cava thrombus responding to presurgical avelumab, and axitinib.

Introduction: We report a case of renal cell carcinoma with vena cava thrombus showing a marked reduction with presurgical avelumab plus axitinib, facilitating nephrectomy with thrombectomy.

Case Presentation: A 50-year-old man was taken to emergent care unit due to spontaneous renal rupture and was diagnosed to have left-sided renal cell carcinoma with level IV tumor thrombus. After hemostasis was obtained via transcatheter arterial embolization, avelumab plus axitinib was introduced because upfront surgery was deemed unfeasible due to poor performance status and possible retroperitoneal tumor dissemination.