Metallic phase in the metal-intercalated higher fullerene Rb8.8(7)C84

A new material of higher fullerene, RbxC84, was synthesized by intercalating Rb metal into C-84 crystals. The RbxC(84) crystals showed a simple cubic (sc) structure with lattice constant, a, of 16.82 (2) angstrom at 6.5 K, and 16.87 (2) angstrom at 295 K. The Rietveld refinements were achieved with the space group, Pa (3) over bar, based on a model that the C-2 axis of D2d-C84 aligned along [111]. The sample composition was determined to be Rb-8.8(7) C-84. The ESR spectrum at 303 K was composed of a broad peak with peak-to-peak linewidth Delta H-pp of 220 G, and a narrow peak with Delta H-pp of 24 G. Temperature dependence of the broad peak clearly showed a metallic behavior. The metallic behavior was discussed based on a theoretical calculation. This finding of new metallic phase in a higher fullerene is the first step for a development of new types of fullerene materials with novel physical properties such as superconductivity.</p

Effects of the length of friendship on self-disclosure with the same-sex close friend

The present study examined the effects of the length of friendship on self-disclosure with a same-sex close friend. Perceptions-of-Risk-in-Intimacy Scale (Pilkington & Richardson, 1988) and Self-Disclosure-with-the-Same-Sex-Close-Friend Scale (developed by the authors, revising scale items used by Tagawa et al. ) were administered to female undergraduates (N=330). The result of principal component analysis (with promax rotations) of Self-Disclosure Scale indentified 11 salient aspects of selfdisclosure with the same-sex close friend. The results of ANOVAs and correlational analyses indicated that perceptions of risk in intimacy inhibited self-disclosure in the short term stage. The significance of the research in the close relationships process (Levinger, 1974) was discussed

患者の希望を地域につなぐための患者状態とニーズ

目的：急性期医療を受ける患者の地域での生活を視野に入れた看護を展開するために患者の情報と看護の視点について明らかにすることを目的とした． 方法：特定機能病院に勤務する中堅以上の看護師３３名を対象に，地域での生活を視野に入れた患者の情報と看護の視点についてフォーカス・グループ・インタビューを行い分析した． 結果及び考察：急性期医療を受ける患者の地域での生活に必要な情報と看護の視点として，コアカテゴリー《地域での生活を可能にするニーズ》が抽出された．さらに地域での生活を可能にするための状態とニーズとして【身体・生理的な状態とニーズ】，【生活の自立と安全の状態とニーズ】，【病気の受け入れと心理的反応の状態とニーズ】，【社会的環境の状態とニーズ】，【医療・療養への自己決定の状態とニーズ】の５つのカテゴリーに分類された．これらより，患者の暮らしの希望，療養の目標，５つの視点の状態からニーズを導き看護を展開する看護の過程として，“Nursing Care for Patient Goals（” NCPG）を構造化した． 結論：地域包括ケアシステムの中において急性期医療を受ける患者の情報と看護の視点として地域での生活を可能にするための５つの状態とそのニーズが重視されていた．Objective : The aim of this study was to identify information and care perspectives of nurses for patients leaving an acute care hospital for life in the community, and to consider appropriate nursing care in the community-based integrated care system. Method : Focus group interviews were conducted with 33 nurses working in an acute care hospital. The data were analyzed using qualitative inductive analysis. Results & Discussion : The core category “Needs to enable patients to live in the community” was extracted as the information and care perspective necessary for patients receiving acute care to leave hospital for life in the community. The information and care perspectives were classified into five conditions : physical/physiological condition and needs, life independence and safety status and needs, acceptance of/emotions about illness and needs, social environment and needs, and decision-making and needs. “Nursing Care for Patient Goals” was structured as a nursing process. Conclusion : We identified five conditions and their needs that would enable patients receiving acute care to leave hospital for life in the community

急性期医療を受ける患者の願い

目的：患者の地域での暮らしの希望と療養上の目標を中心に構造化した看護のプロセス”Nursing Care for Patient Goals”（NCPG）に患者の視点から示唆を得るため急性期医療を受ける患者が看護師に知ってほしい情報と療養の目標に対して求める看護を明らかにした． 方法：１特定機能病院において入院中または入院予定の20歳以上の患者を対象として質問紙調査を２回（2017年，2018年）に実施した．調査内容は基本属性，調査Ⅰ（2017年）は先行研究を基に抽出した患者情報23項目について看護師に知って欲しいと思う程度，最も大事と思う項目とその選択理由，調査Ⅱ（2018年）は自分の療養の目標について求める看護であった．統計分析は記述統計，因子分析，t 検定を用いた．自由記述によるデータは質的記述的分析を行った． 結果：調査Ⅰの有効回答数は448名で，看護師に知ってほしい自分の情報として【第１因子：社会的役割と環境】【第２因子：病気の理解・受け入れと心理】【第３因子：身体的状態と生活の仕方】【第４因子：暮らしの希望と自己決定】が抽出された．65歳未満と比較して65歳以上の対象者は第１因子が高い傾向にあった．また第４因子を最も大事と思う項目の選択理由について， “希望・目標がなきゃ生きていけない” という表現が特徴として出された．調査Ⅱの有効回答数は416名で，多数の対象者が自分の目標を医療者と共有することが重要だと感じており，受けたい看護として，傍にいて寄り添う看護，治療・症状への専門的な看護，地域での暮らしの自立への看護が抽出された． 結論：患者の視点から看護師に知ってほしい情報として４つの因子と自分の目標を分ってほしいとする対象者の願いは，希望と目標を基盤としたNCPG の考え方と一致しており，目標達成のために受けたい看護の３つの視点が示唆された．Objective : This study aimed to identify information on care of patients receiving acute care for life in community from the patientsʼ perspective and to obtain suggestions for “Nursing Care for Patient Goals”（NCPG）. Method : The subjects were patients receiving acute care and aged 20 years and above. They were given self-administered questionnaires. Survey Ⅰ（2017）consisted of a questionnaire that was based on previously collected qualitative data and comprised 23 Likert-scale questions and free descriptive questions on the reasons for selecting the most important item. Survey Ⅱ（2018）consisted of questionnaire that was comprised of three Likert-scale questions on goals and a free descriptive question on care for the achievement of goals. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and t-test. Data from free-text descriptions were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. Results : Survey Ⅰ : data from 448 valid responses were subjected to factor analysis to determine the factor structure. The following factors were identified from the patientsʼ perspectives: 1） social role and environment, 2） understanding/acceptance and psychological state, 3） physical condition and life, and 4） hope and decision-making for life. In addition, a qualitative and inductive approach was employed to analyze participantsʼ descriptive responses about the reason for selecting the most important item. The characteristic description of why participants selected “hope and decision-making of life” was “I cannot live without hope.” Survey Ⅱ : data from 416 valid responses were analyzed. The majority of participants felt it was important to share their goals with their healthcare professionals. A qualitative and inductive approach was employed to analyze the participantsʼ descriptive responses to care for goals achievement. The care desired by participants was categorized as “being with”, “professional care”, and “self-care support”. Conclusion : The factors that patients wanted nurses to know were consistent with the components of “NCPG.” The care that patients desire to achieve their goals was clarified

Worldwide trends in population-based survival for children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with leukaemia, by subtype, during 2000–14 (CONCORD-3) : analysis of individual data from 258 cancer registries in 61 countries

Background Leukaemias comprise a heterogenous group of haematological malignancies. In CONCORD-3, we analysed data for children (aged 0–14 years) and adults (aged 15–99 years) diagnosed with a haematological malignancy during 2000–14 in 61 countries. Here, we aimed to examine worldwide trends in survival from leukaemia, by age and morphology, in young patients (aged 0–24 years). Methods We analysed data from 258 population-based cancer registries in 61 countries participating in CONCORD-3 that submitted data on patients diagnosed with leukaemia. We grouped patients by age as children (0–14 years), adolescents (15–19 years), and young adults (20–24 years). We categorised leukaemia subtypes according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC-3), updated with International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition (ICD-O-3) codes. We estimated 5-year net survival by age and morphology, with 95% CIs, using the non-parametric Pohar-Perme estimator. To control for background mortality, we used life tables by country or region, single year of age, single calendar year and sex, and, where possible, by race or ethnicity. All-age survival estimates were standardised to the marginal distribution of young people with leukaemia included in the analysis. Findings 164563 young people were included in this analysis: 121328 (73·7%) children, 22963 (14·0%) adolescents, and 20272 (12·3%) young adults. In 2010–14, the most common subtypes were lymphoid leukaemia (28205 [68·2%] patients) and acute myeloid leukaemia (7863 [19·0%] patients). Age-standardised 5-year net survival in children, adolescents, and young adults for all leukaemias combined during 2010–14 varied widely, ranging from 46% in Mexico to more than 85% in Canada, Cyprus, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Australia. Individuals with lymphoid leukaemia had better age-standardised survival (from 43% in Ecuador to ≥80% in parts of Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia) than those with acute myeloid leukaemia (from 32% in Peru to ≥70% in most high-income countries in Europe, North America, and Oceania). Throughout 2000–14, survival from all leukaemias combined remained consistently higher for children than adolescents and young adults, and minimal improvement was seen for adolescents and young adults in most countries. Interpretation This study offers the first worldwide picture of population-based survival from leukaemia in children, adolescents, and young adults. Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with leukaemia continue to have lower survival than children. Trends in survival from leukaemia for adolescents and young adults are important indicators of the quality of cancer management in this age group.peer-reviewe

Subjective Wellbeing and Related Factors of Older Adults Nine and a Half Years after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Coastal Area of Soma City

This study examined older adults&rsquo; subjective wellbeing and related factors in the coastal area of Soma City nine and a half years after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). Data were collected from 65- to 84-year-old residents and 1297 participants via a questionnaire from October to November 2020. The participants were divided into two groups: housing complexes and non-housing complexes. The dependent variable was subjective wellbeing assessed via Lawton&rsquo;s Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). Using multivariate regression analysis, the factors most strongly related to a low PGCMS score for both groups were poor health conditions, difficulties resting while asleep, poor financial wellbeing, inability to chew certain foods, and fear of solitary death. The GEJE experience was further distinguished in the housing complex group by the loss of an important non-family individual; for the other group, important factors were female gender, junior high school education level or lower, limited social networks, and deterioration of a family member&rsquo;s health. Older adults&rsquo; subjective wellbeing in Soma City was low after nine and a half years following the GEJE. For disaster victims and their families in both groups, it is crucial to implement measures such as long-term, continuous physical and mental health support

Age-Related Changes of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Japanese Children

Background: Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is an important factor in immunomodulation. The expression of TGFβ1 has been shown to be influenced by the C-509 T polymorphism in the TGFβ1 gene. We investigated age-related changes of plasma TGFβ1 levels in a birth-cohort study. In addition, the genotypes of the C-509 T polymorphism were investigated in allergic and non-allergic subjects. Methods: Sixty-four neonates who met the following criteria were enrolled in this cohort study: 1) full-term vaginally delivery; 2) underwent DNA polymorphism analysis; and 3) questionnaire forms were filled out by parents at 0, 6 and 14 months of age. The umbilical cord blood at 0 months and peripheral blood at 6, and 14 months were collected. Plasma TGFβ1 levels were measured at 0, 6 and 14 months of age. Genomic DNA was extracted from their umbilical cord blood. The genotype of the subjects was examined for the presence of C- 509 T. Results: The plasma TGFβ1 level at 6 months was the highest of the 3 measurements (at 0, 6, and 14 months of age). The TGFβ1 levels at 14 months in allergic subjects were significantly higher than those in non-allergic subjects (p = 0.03). All subjects with bronchial asthma (n = 3) had the TT genotype of the C-509 T polymorphism. Conclusions: The plasma TGFβ1 levels change with age. In addition, TGFβ1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma

Mutation Type and Intracranial Aneurysm Formation in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Background Screening for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in patients with risk factors of IA is recommended. However, genetic risk factors of IA in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) remain unclear, and genotype–phenotype relationships in IAs in patients with ADPKD have not been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the associations between germline mutations and IA formation in patients with ADPKD. Methods A total of 135 patients with ADPKD who were evaluated for ADPKD mutations were examined for IA formation in this single‐center observational study. Results The incidence of de novo IA formation was 1.3% per patient‐year. Age at IA diagnosis was younger in patients with frameshift (median, 36 years; P=0.003) and splicing mutations (median, 43 years; P=0.046) than in patients with substitutions (median, 63 years). Multivariable analyses showed that IA was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.32 [95% CI, 1.10–10.01]; P=0.03), a family history of IA or subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR, 3.05 [95% CI, 1.07–8.71]; P=0.04), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.54–0.87]; P=0.002), and splicing mutations (OR, 9.30 [95% CI, 1.71–50.44]; P=0.01). Splicing mutations showed a significant association with IA formation even in subcohorts with minimal risk factors for IA, such as age <50 years (OR, 19.52 [95% CI, 3.22–118.51]; P=0.001), nonhypertension (OR, 49.28 [95% CI, 3.60–673.98]; P=0.004), and nonsmoking behavior (OR, 27.79 [95% CI, 3.49–221.21]; P=0.002). Conversely, substitutions showed significant associations with IA formation in subcohorts such as age ≥50 years (OR, 8.66; 95% CI, 1.43–52.51; P=0.02) and chronic kidney disease stages 4 and 5 (OR, 10.70 [95% CI, 1.05–108.75]; P=0.045). Conclusions Genetic analyses in patients with ADPKD could contribute to IA screening and could be useful for evaluating the prognosis, including complications. IA screening should be recommended for patients with ADPKD who have splicing and frameshift mutations and for older patients or patients with advanced ADPKD who have substitutions

Metabolomic Characterization of Knockout Mutants in Arabidopsis: Development of a Metabolite Profiling Database for Knockout Mutants in Arabidopsis

Despite recent intensive research efforts in functional genomics, the functions of only a limited number of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genes have been determined experimentally, and improving gene annotation remains a major challenge in plant science. As metabolite profiling can characterize the metabolomic phenotype of a genetic perturbation in the plant metabolism, it provides clues to the function(s) of genes of interest. We chose 50 Arabidopsis mutants, including a set of characterized and uncharacterized mutants, that resemble wild-type plants. We performed metabolite profiling of the plants using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. To make the data set available as an efficient public functional genomics tool for hypothesis generation, we developed the Metabolite Profiling Database for Knock-Out Mutants in Arabidopsis (MeKO). It allows the evaluation of whether a mutation affects metabolism during normal plant growth and contains images of mutants, data on differences in metabolite accumulation, and interactive analysis tools. Nonprocessed data, including chromatograms, mass spectra, and experimental metadata, follow the guidelines set by the Metabolomics Standards Initiative and are freely downloadable. Proof-of-concept analysis suggests that MeKO is highly useful for the generation of hypotheses for genes of interest and for improving gene annotation. MeKO is publicly available at http://prime.psc.riken.jp/meko/.This article is published as Fukushima, Atsushi, Miyako Kusano, Ramon Francisco Mejia, Mami Iwasa, Makoto Kobayashi, Naomi Hayashi, Akiko Watanabe-Takahashi et al. "Metabolomic characterization of knockout mutants in Arabidopsis: development of a metabolite profiling database for knockout mutants in Arabidopsis." Plant physiology 165, no. 3 (2014): 948-961. doi:10.1104/pp.114.240986. Posted with permission. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited