Geometric Engineering of Seiberg-Witten Theories with Massive Hypermultiplets

We analyze the geometric engineering of the N=2 SU(2) gauge theories with $1\leq N_f\leq 3$ massive hypermultiplets in the vector representation. The set of partial differential equations satisfied by the periods of the Seiberg-Witten differential is obtained from the Picard-Fuchs equations of the local B-model. The differential equations and its solutions are consistent with the massless case. We show that the Yukawa coupling of the local A-model gives rise to the correct instanton expansion in the gauge theory, and propose the pattern of the distribution of the world-sheet instanton number from it. As a side result, we obtain the asymptotic form of the instanton number in the gauge theories with massless hypermultiplets.Comment: 35 pages, 3 figures, (v2) clarifying comments, additional reference

A Realization of N=1 SW(3/2,2){\cal SW}(3/2,2) Algebras with Wolf Spaces

We find out that some unitary minimal models of the N=1 ${\cal SW}(3/2,2)$ superconformal algebra can be realized as the level one coset models based on the Wolf spaces $SU(n)/(SU(n-2)\times SU(2))$. We obtain the expression of the fermionic current with the conformal weight 5/2 in the algebra. Then, these models are twisted to give the topological conformal field theories.Comment: 7 pages, references added, published versio

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Bone Fusion in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Study DesignRetrospective case series.PurposeTo examine the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for bone fusion in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using local bone grafting.Overview of LiteratureSeveral authors have reported the efficacy of PRP for bone union in animal models. However, the use of PRP for bone fusion in TLIF surgery has not been fully explored.MethodsTwenty patients underwent single-level TLIF surgery because of L4 spondylolisthesis. An interbody fusion cage and local bone were used in nine patients (control group) and an interbody fusion cage, local bone, and PRP were used in 11 patients (PRP group). PRP was prepared from the patients' blood samples (400 mL) immediately before surgery. The duration of bone union and postoperative bone fusion rate were assessed using plain radiography at every 3 months postoperatively and computed tomography at 12 or 24 months postoperatively, respectively. Lower back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness were evaluated using the visual analog scale preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.ResultsThe platelet count was 8.7 times higher in PRP than in blood. The bone union rate was significantly superior in the PRP group than in the control group (91% and 77%, respectively; p=0.035), whereas the average duration of bone union was not significantly different between the groups (7.7±0.74 and 10.0±2.00 months, respectively; p=0.131). There was no significant difference in lower back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness in both groups during follow-up (p>0.05).ConclusionsOur study suggests that the use of PRP in TLIF surgery increases bone fusion rate

High-dose Dexamethasone Therapy as the Initial Treatment for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Protocol for a Multicenter, Open-label, Single Arm Trial

Standard therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has not been established. We are conducting a multicenter, prospective trial to determine the efficacy and safety of short-term, high-dose dexamethasone therapy in ITP patients aged 18-80 years with platelet counts of <20, 000 /μL, or with <50, 000/ μL and bleeding symptoms. The primary endpoints of this trial are the proportion of responses (complete plus partial response) on day 180 (day 46+180) after the completion of the 46-day high-dose dexamethasone therapy. The results of this investigation of the effectiveness and safety of this regimen will be essential for the establishment of standard therapy for ITP

Comparing serial X-ray crystallography and microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) as methods for routine structure determination from small macromolecular crystals.

Innovative new crystallographic methods are facilitating structural studies from ever smaller crystals of biological macromolecules. In particular, serial X-ray crystallography and microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) have emerged as useful methods for obtaining structural information from crystals on the nanometre to micrometre scale. Despite the utility of these methods, their implementation can often be difficult, as they present many challenges that are not encountered in traditional macromolecular crystallography experiments. Here, XFEL serial crystallography experiments and MicroED experiments using batch-grown microcrystals of the enzyme cyclophilin A are described. The results provide a roadmap for researchers hoping to design macromolecular microcrystallography experiments, and they highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods. Specifically, we focus on how the different physical conditions imposed by the sample-preparation and delivery methods required for each type of experiment affect the crystal structure of the enzyme

Neonatal skin dysbiosis to infantile atopic dermatitis: Mitigating effects of skin care

Aoyama R., Nakagawa S., Ichikawa Y., et al. Neonatal skin dysbiosis to infantile atopic dermatitis: Mitigating effects of skin care. Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology , (2024); https://doi.org/10.1111/all.16095

Urinary excretion of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid in middle-aged and elderly general population of Japan

Nagoya University, Department of Medical Technology金沢大学附属病院薬剤部Limited data are available on the background levels of exposure to synthetic pyrethroid (PYR) in Japan, despite their frequent application for agriculture and indoor extermination and possible effects of chronic and/or low-dose PYR exposure on human health. This study was conducted to describe the level and distribution of one of the major PYR metabolites, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), in urine samples collected from a general population in Japan. The subjects were 535 individuals (184 men and 351 women; 61.5±9.8 years of age, mean±S.D.) residing in a town in Hokkaido, a dairy and agricultural area. Urinary 3-PBA was found detectable in 98% of samples above the limit of detection of 0.02 μg/l. The geometric mean values of urinary 3-PBA in occupationally exposed farmers (n=87) and the remaining general group without occupational exposure (n=448) were 0.38 and 0.29 μg/l, respectively, ranging from <LOD to 17.09 μg/l. No significant differences in urinary 3-PBA concentrations were shown between these two groups. Moreover, 3-PBA concentrations were found comparable to those reported in some countries. The present study is, to our knowledge, the first report of a biological monitoring study of urinary 3-PBA, which elucidated the background environmental exposure level of PYR in the Japanese general population without occupational exposure. Further nationwide studies covering different seasons and age distribution are needed to monitor the urinary 3-PBA levels in Japan