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The chirality of spherical liquid crystal droplets was investigated in this study. We report the effect of confinement on blue phase III (BPIII) spheres. We investigated the behaviours of the spher...

The present study investigated the possible risk factors, including relationship/HLA matching between donor and recipient, and immunosuppressive therapies on the recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) after liver transplantation (LT). Subjects were 197 recipients of LT for PSC, among whom 180 surviving more than 1 year after LT were further analyzed for risk factors of recurrence. The 5- and 10-year patient- and graft survival rates were 83% and 68%, and 71% and 62%, respectively. The overall PSC recurrence rate was 25% with a 5- and 10-year graft survival rate of 34% and 18%, which was significantly lower than the survival rate of those without recurrence (P 0.001). Univariate analysis identified the following as risk factors for recurrence: donor age (P 0.001), cyclosporine use (P = 0.012), mono or no immunosuppressive agent (P 0.001), postoperative biliary complication (P 0.001), and active intestinal bowel disease after LT (P 0.001). Among these factors, donor age ≥45 years [hazard ratio (HR), 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-2.69; P = 0.003] and mono or no immunosuppressive agent 1-year after LT (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.23-3.45; P = 0.011) were identified as independent risk factors in the final multivariate Cox regression model. The results were similar in sub-analysis for ABO-identical/compatible adult living donor LT cases.

In this study, we examined machine extraction of polymer data from tables in scientific articles. The extraction system consists of five processes: table extraction, data formatting, polymer name r...

The photo-induced isomerization of an azobenzene unit not only induces a phase transition between two different phases but also brings about marked changes of physical properties in solids and liquid crystals. We prepared a homologous series of symmetric liquid crystal trimers that possess an azobenzene unit, 4,4′-bis{9-[4-(5-hexylpyrimidin-2-yl)phenyloxy]alkyloxy}azobenzene (I-n: n = 7–11). We investigated their phase transition properties and those of their binary mixtures with a host liquid crystal. Trimers I-8, I-9, I-10 and I-11 exhibited nematic phases whereas trimer I-7 showed no liquid-crystalline properties. Trimers I-9, I-10 and I-11 were found to produce chiral conglomerates in the achiral smectic phase of their mixtures with the host liquid crystal under UV irradiation. Furthermore, odd-membered liquid crystal trimers I-9 and I-11 induced grain boundaries between smectic blocks. We explain the phase transition phenomena in terms of guest–host interactions between the photo-induced cis-trimer and its surrounding host liquid-crystalline molecules.

Spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking in self-assembled achiral trimers under a nonequilibrium state induces supramolecular chirality, which is stabilized by a polymer network to produce a homochiral material. Chirality is transferred to the polymer film in the course of polymerization of achiral reactive monomers on the surface.

Highlights • We presented a novel anatomic variation of intrahepatic biliary tree, which had never been reported. • The computerized overlay visualization of MRCP and 3-D CT helped biliary anatomical understanding for operation planning. • Precise preoperative evaluation helped safe living donor surgery and living donor liver transplantation., Introduction Anatomic variations of the biliary tree are common, making precise anatomic evaluation important before hepatobiliary surgery. Presentation of case A 52-year-old woman with no medical history was admitted to our hospital for a live-liver donation to her husband. During her evaluation, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed a previously unknown anatomic variation in her biliary system. Segment 2 of the bile duct (B2) independently drained into the posterior branch and formed a common channel (B2+posterior) before joining the anterior branch. Then, bile duct segments 3 and 4 (B3+4) drained into this B2+posterior+anterior channel to form a common hepatic duct. The computerized overlay features shown by MRCP and three-dimensional computed tomography clarified this anatomic variation. A right lobe donor graft was then obtained successfully, with intraoperative cholangiography confirming that the donated graft had two bile duct orifices (i.e., posterior and anterior branches). We thus avoided surgical missteps that would have disallowed bile drainage of B2 and B3+4 into the common hepatic duct. Discussion Precise evaluation is mandatory for hepatobiliary surgical planning to rule out, or discover, challenging bile duct anatomy. Conclusion Preoperative computerized overlay visualization of MRCP and computed tomography allowed definition of a previously unknown biliary tree variation.

Background Chronic high Epstein-Barr virus loads (CHEBV) are commonly observed in pediatric liver transplant patients. However, it is unclear how CHEBV impacts the liver graft. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical and pathological impacts of CHEBV on the liver graft. Methods From 2012 through 2020, we retrospectively investigated 46 pediatric liver transplant patients (under 16 years old) who survived ≥ 6 months. The patients were divided into two groups: CHEBV group (EBV DNA >10,000 IU/mL of whole blood for ≥ 6 months) and NCHEBV group (patients who did not meet CHEBV criteria). Tacrolimus was reduced to 5,000 IU/mL. Blood biochemistry date and pathological findings, obtained at the time of protocol and episodic biopsy, were compared between the two groups. Results Out of 46 patients, 28 CHEBV and 18 NCHEBV patients were enrolled. The blood biochemical examination did not show a significant difference between the two groups. In addition, no significant differences between the two groups were found in the pathological findings, including frequency of late acute rejection and the progression of fibrosis at the time of both protocol and episodic biopsy. Appropriate adjustment of immunosuppression for CHEBV management may have contributed to the prevention of the progression of fibrosis. Conclusion CHEBV had little adverse effect on the liver graft. Graft fibrosis might have been avoided through optimal dose modification of tacrolimus. Further long-term monitoring is necessary because CHEBV may affect the pediatric liver graft in the long term. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), anastomotic biliary stricture is a serious and refractory complication. In this study, we reviewed the transition of post-LDLT anastomotic biliary strictures and evaluated long-term outcomes of stent placement inside the bile duct, which is referred to as an "inside-stent." Of 805 consecutive adult LDLT recipients in our institution (2000-2018), we reviewed 639 patients with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction and analyzed chronological changes of post-LDLT biliary strictures. Moreover, we focused on the year 2006 when various surgical modifications were introduced and compared the details of post-LDLT biliary strictures before and after 2006, especially focusing on the long-term outcome of inside-stent placement. The proportion of left lobe grafts had increased from 1.8% before 2005 to 39.3% after 2006 (P < 0.001) to maximize the living donor safety. Overall, post-LDLT anastomotic biliary strictures occurred in 21.3% of the patients with a median follow-up period of 106.1 months, which was decreased from 32.6% before 2005 to 12.8% after 2006 (P < 0.001). Anastomotic biliary strictures were less frequent in patients with left lobe grafts than with right lobe grafts (9.4% versus 25.4%; P < 0.001). The overall technical success rate of inside-stent placement was 82.4%, with an improvement from 75.3% before 2005 up to 95.7% after 2006 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the stricture resolution rate remained high at approximately 90% throughout the observation period. Increased use of left lobe grafts with several surgical modifications significantly reduced post-LDLT anastomotic biliary strictures, leading to favorable long-term outcomes of inside-stent placements for this condition.

Liquid crystal oligomers have a supermolecular structure in which two or more mesogenic units are interconnected through flexible spacers. They can form various molecular packing structures...

We prepared a homologous series of H-shaped liquid crystals I-n and investigated their phase transition properties using optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All the compounds ...

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of pretreatments on outcomes after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods From February 1999 to March 2015, 223 patients underwent LDLT for HCC. Until December 2006, there was no restriction in patient selection criteria regarding the number and size of tumors, following which we implemented the Kyoto criteria (tumor number ≤10, maximal diameter ≤5 cm, and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin ≤400 mAU/ml) since January 2007. Results Of 223 patients, 156 had a history of pretreatments. Among 101 patients meeting the Milan criteria at the initial diagnosis, 38 progressed to beyond the criteria at liver transplantation (LT). Twenty-two out of 38 met the Kyoto criteria, and their survival and recurrence rates were significantly better than those of patients exceeding the Kyoto criteria (P = 0.004 and 0.035, respectively). Regarding the number of pretreatments (0 vs. 1-4 vs. ≥5), recurrence rate was significantly higher in the ≥5 pretreatments group than the 0 group. However, for patients meeting the Kyoto criteria, there were no significant differences in recurrence rates between these three groups. Conclusion Better outcomes will be achieved by performing LT for HCCs meeting the Kyoto criteria even after repeated pretreatments.

A flexible liquid-crystalline trimer in the optically isotropic chiral conglomerate phase catalyzes the direct aldol reaction of acetone with benzaldehyde. We report that the trimer exhibiting a porous surface acts as an enzyme-mimetic catalyst.

We prepared two achiral H-shaped liquid crystals, 4,4′-bis(7-{2-[4-(4-cyanophenyl)phenyloxycarbonyl]-5-octyloxyphenyloxycarbonyl}heptyloxy)biphenyl (I) and 4,4′-bis(7-{2-[4-(4-cyanophenyl)phenyloxycarbonyl]-5-octyloxyphenyloxycarbonyl}heptyloxy)octafluorobiphenyl (II), and investigated their phase transition properties using optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Both compounds exhibit a monotropic nematic (N) phase with compound I showing a higher Iso–N transition temperature than compound II. The phase transition behavior reveals that the molecules of both compounds form a rod-like shape instead of an H shape in the N phase. They exhibit monotropic blue phase III in their mixtures with a chiral compound. Furthermore, both compounds I and II are characterized by an electric-field-induced chiral nematic phase. When applying an AC electric field on homogeneously aligned sample cells of each compound in its nematic phase, the molecules reorient perpendicular to the substrate. Upon removing the electric field, the molecules align once again parallel to the substrate; however, this time their nematic texture changes to one consisting of domains with opposite helical handedness. We establish that coupling of the on/off switching of the electric field and the surface anchoring is responsible for breaking the mirror symmetry in the nematic phase of the flexible achiral liquid crystal oligomer.

We prepared a homologous series of achiral liquid crystal trimers (I-n) in which two phenylpyrimidine units and one biphenyl unit were connected via flexible spacers, and investigated the physical properties. All the trimers possessing odd-numbered methylene spacers exhibited soft crystalline chiral conglomerate phases. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that they have an intercalated layer structure. On the other hand, the trimers possessing even-numbered spacers showed nematic and smectic C phases. We investigated the surface structures of odd-membered trimers in the soft crystalline phases using scanning electron microscopy. Trimers I-3 and I-5 were found to form cylindrical tubes, whereas trimers I-7, I-9 and I-11 toroidal pits. We discuss the formation of diverse supramolecular architectures in terms of the anisotropy of the chirality transfer.

A simple DoA estimation technique that virtually reduces the noise sensitivity of the classical Prony method is presented. With the discriminant test that detects the potential outliers, the proposed scheme provides a better RMSE in the classical Prony DoA estimation with a low computational cost. Unlike the traditional enhancement techniques for classical Prony, where a priori order information is necessary for the proper operations, the proposed technique works without such explicit information. The discriminant uses a predetermined threshold value, which is chosen to effectively eliminate the undesirable outliers in the 8-element uniform array. Simulations show that the RMSE reduces to the close level of LS-Prony characteristics, while some of the estimation results are discarded by the discriminant test.

The interfacial properties and water-in-CO

Aim Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation is rare but fatal. Therefore, it is important to identify possible risk factors before transplantation. Although it has been suggested that donor-dominant one-way human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching of three loci (HLA-A/B/DR) is associated with the occurrence of GVHD, the precise significance of HLA matching including HLA-C/DQ/DP remains unclear. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the impact of donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at six HLA loci at the allele level on GVHD using clinical registry data from 1759 cases who underwent living donor liver transplantation between June 1990 and June 2019. We extracted cases with donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at the antigen level and reconfirmed them at the allele level using preserved DNA samples. Results Three of four cases (75%) who developed GVHD showed donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at three HLA-A/B/DR loci. These cases also showed donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at HLA-C/DQ/DP. Three of six cases (50%) with donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at three loci of HLA-A/B/DR developed GVHD. Notably, none of the cases with donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at one or two HLA-A/B/DR loci developed GVHD, irrespective of matching status at HLA-C/DQ/DP. The HLA matching status at the antigen level was revised in 22 of 56 cases, following reconfirmation at the allele level. Conclusions Pairing of donors and recipients with donor-dominant one-way HLA matching at three HLA-A/B/DR loci should be avoided to prevent GVHD. No impact of HLA-C/DQ/DP on GVHD was identified. For liver transplantation, HLA genotypes should be determined at the allele level.

To facilitate potential applications of water-in-supercritical CO

A Japanese man in his 60s presented with complaints of epigastric pain and weight loss. A gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple gastric ulcers and an irregular mound located on the wall of the lower gastric body along the greater curvature, which was suspected to be cancerous. A biopsy revealed that it was a Group 2 tumor even though the biopsy was repeated 4 times. He was referred to our hospital and 3 biopsies were performed. The final result classified the tumor as Group 4. The patient underwent surgery and the pathological examination revealed an extremely well-differentiated adenocarcinoma( EWDA). An EWDA is characterized by a well-formed mucinous gland with little or no nuclear atypia, which makes preoperative biopsy diagnosis difficult.

BACKGROUND In the field of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), it is important to ensure donor's psychological well-being. We report on clinical features and long-term outcomes of LDLT donors who developed psychiatric disorders after their donor operations. Additionally, we compare patient backgrounds, as well as surgical and perioperative aspects between LDLT donors with and without postoperative psychiatric complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between November 1998 and March 2018, we identified 254 LDLT donors at our hospital. Among these, we investigated those who had newly developed psychiatric complications and required psychiatric treatment after donor operation. RESULTS The median duration of follow-up was 4 years. Sixty-five donors were lost to follow-up. Eight donors (3.1%) developed postoperative psychiatric complications, including major depressive disorder in 4, panic disorder in 2, conversion disorder and panic disorder in 1, and adjustment disorder in 1. The median duration from donor surgery to psychiatric diagnosis was 104.5 days (range, 12 to 657 days) and the median treatment duration was 18 months (range, 3 to 168 months). Of those, 3 donors required psychiatric treatment over 10 years, and 4 donors remained under treatment. The duration of hospital stay after donor operation was significantly longer and perioperative complications with Clavien classification greater than grade IIIa were more frequent in donors with psychiatric complications than in those without psychiatric complications (P=0.02 and P=0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for psychiatric disorders by psychiatrists and psychologists are important during LDLT donor follow-up. Minimization of physiological complications might be important to prevent postoperative psychiatric complications in LDLT donors.

We prepared some blue phase (BP) materials with different concentrations of reactive monomers. They exhibited a cubic blue phase (cubic BP) or blue phase III (BPIII). We obtained their polymer-stabilised cubic BP and BPIII liquid crystals using photo-polymerisation. The temperature ranges of both BPs widened with increasing monomer concentration. After removing the low-molecular-weight materials, we observed the remaining polymer networks using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We investigated the relationship between the polymer-stabilised BP (PS-BP) temperature range and polymer network morphology. The polymer network derived from the non-stabilised PS-BPIII exhibited µm-sized pores. Increasing the monomer concentration, the BPIII temperature range widened from 13 K to more than 49 K and the pore size dramatically decreased from several µm to about 100 nm. On the other hand, periodic nanoporous structures were partially observed even for the PS-cubic BP. The nanoporous structures were spread to the whole area for the PS-cubic BP with a wide BP temperature range. Furthermore, we discuss how the polymer network stabilises BPIII.

To facilitate potential applications of water-in-supercritical CO2 microemulsions (W/CO2 μEs)efficient and environmentally responsible surfactants are required with low levels fluorination. As wellas being able to stabilize water-CO2 interfaces, these surfactants must also be economical, prevent bioaccumulation and strong adhesion, deactivation of enzymes, and also be tolerant to high salt environments.Recently, an ion paired catanionic surfactant with environmentally-acceptable fluorinated C6-tails wasfound to be very effective at stabilizing W/CO2 μEs with high water-to-surfactant molar ratios (W0) up to~50 (Sagisaka, M. et al. Langmuir, 2019, 35, 3445–3454). As the cationic and anionic constituentsurfactants alone did not stabilize W/CO2 μEs, this was the first demonstration of surfactant synergisticeffects in W/CO2 microemulsions. The aim of this new study is to understand the origin of these intriguingeffects by detailed investigations of nanostructure in W/CO2 microemulsions using high pressure smallangle neutron scattering (HP-SANS). These HP-SANS experiments have been used to determine theheadgroup interfacial area and volume, aggregation number and effective packing parameter (EPP). TheseSANS data suggest the effectiveness of this surfactant originates from increased EPP and decreasedhydrophilic/CO2-philic balance, related to a reduced effective headgroup ionicity. This surfactant bearsseparate C6F13-tails and oppositely-charged headgroups, and was found to have a EPP value similar tothat of a double C4F9-tail anionic surfactant (4FG(EO)2), which was previously reported to be one of mostefficient stabilizers for W/CO2 μEs (maximum W0 = 60-80). Catanionic surfactants based on this newdesign will be key for generating super-efficient W/CO2 μEs with high stability and water solubilization.

Preoperative anemia was reportedly associated with increased morbidity and mortality after various types of surgeries. However, its impact on the outcomes after liver transplantation has not been thoroughly investigated. We retrospectively investigated the clinical outcome of 216 consecutive adult patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation at our institute between January 2010 and June 2017 and stratified them according to the hemoglobin level before transplant. Risk factors for 90-day patient mortality, especially infection-related mortality and early graft loss, were evaluated. We found that patients with preoperative hemoglobin below 10 g/dl required more intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusions (p = 0.002) and had significantly higher early 90-day postoperative mortality rate (p = 0.007), particularly infection-related mortality (p = 0.002), lower overall graft, and patient survival rates (p = 0.007, p = 0.013, respectively). Preoperative hemoglobin below 10 g/dl was an independent risk factor for increased post-transplant 90-day patient mortality (OR 2.92, p = 0.02), infection-related mortality (OR 6.81, p = 0.02), and early graft loss (OR 3.26, p = 0.01). Preoperative hemoglobin level below 10 g/dl is associated with poorer short-term outcomes after liver transplantation and should be corrected preoperatively if possible through safe and effective treatment modalities.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of donor age on recipient outcome after living-donor partial liver transplantation (LDLT). BACKGROUND Donor age is a well-known prognostic factor in deceased donor liver transplantation; however, its role in LDLT remains unclear. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 315 consecutive cases of primary adult-to-adult LDLT in our center between April 2006 and March 2014. Recipients were divided into 5 groups according to the donor age: D-20s (n = 60); D-30s (n = 72); D-40s (n = 57); D-50s (n = 94); and D-60s (n = 32). The recipient survival and the association with various clinical factors were investigated. RESULTS Recipient survival proportions were significantly higher in D-20s compared with all the other groups (P = 0.008, < 0.001, < 0.001, and = 0.006, vs D-30s, -40s, -50s, and -60s, respectively), whereas there was no association between recipient survival and their own age. There are 3 typical relationships between donors and recipients in adult-to-adult LDLT: from child-to-parent, between spouses/siblings, and from parent-to-child. The overall survival in child-to-parent was significantly higher than in spouses/siblings (P = 0.002) and in parent-to-child (P = 0.005), despite significantly higher recipient age in child-to-parent [59 (42-69) years, P < 0.001]. Contrastingly, parent-to-child exhibited the lowest survival, despite the youngest recipient age [26 (20-43) years, P < 0.001]. In addition, younger donor age exhibited significantly better recipient survival both in hepatitis C virus-related and in non-hepatitis C virus diseases. Univariate and multivariate analyses both demonstrated that donor age and graft-type (right-sided livers) are independent prognostic factors for recipient survival. CONCLUSIONS Donor age is an independent, strong prognostic factor in adult-to-adult LDLT.

We prepared some achiral flexible liquid crystal oligomers possessing an octafluorobiphenyl unit and investigated their phase transition properties using polarising optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All the compounds showed nematic phases. The trimer with even-numbered spacers was found to exhibit coexistence of the nematic regions and the chiral nematic regions with opposite twist senses of a sample contained in a homogeneous aligned cell during a cooling process, whilst that with odd-numbered spacers did not. We discuss how the even-numbered trimer produces the helical state.

We prepared an achiral taper-shaped liquid crystal in which cyanobiphenyl, phenylpyrimidine, and 1,4-diphenyl-2,3-difluorobenzene units are connected to 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid via flexible spacers. We then investigated its liquid-crystalline properties using polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The compound was found to exhibit an intercalated smectic A phase. An electro-optical switching accompanying a ferroelectric-type polarization peak was observed in the SmA phase. There is a single peak per half-cycle, which is delayed with respect to the zero-crossing point of the applied electric field. The electric response appears when the applied field is larger than a certain value. Therefore, the electric response is attributed to the electric-field induced polarization. The polar switching is explained in terms of the existence of polar smectic clusters in which the molecules organize in a head-to-tail alignment. Coupling of a taper-shaped structure and phenylpyrimidine–cyanobiphenyl interaction organizes a polar order parallel to the layer normal in the SmA phase.

Previous studies [Langmuir, 2014, 30, 21, 6057–6063, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017,19, 23869–23877] have shown that surfactants bearing highly-methylated alkyl tails (so-called “hedgehog” groups) are able to reduce the limiting surface tension at the aqueous critical micelle concentration (CMC) to γCMC ~24 mN m−1, which is considerably lower than for common n-alkyl tail surfactants (30–40 mN m−1). In the quest to develop even more effective and efficient non-fluorinated surfactants, this study introduces new amphiphiles having double and triple hedgehog tails and examines relationships between surfactant structure and aqueous solution properties. Of particular interest are links between γCMC, the effective hydrophobic-tail layer density (ρlayer) and total number of carbon and silicon atoms in the hydrophobic tails (NC+Si). Interestingly, γCMC is seen to depend on ρlayer rather than NC+Si, and ρlayer ~0.63 g cm−3 appears to be an optimal surface layer density for promoting low γCMC. For a surfactant bearing trimethysilyl (TMS) chain tips, exchanging the surfactant counterions from Na+ to Mg2+ reduced γCMC from 23.8 mN m−1 to 21.5 mN m−1, which is very low for a hydrocarbon surfactant, and comparable to typical fluorinated surfactants. A new measure of the ability of different surfactants to lower surface tension is proposed, which is helpful for targeting low surface energy (tension) non-fluorinated surfactants. In terms of both γCMC and CMC TMS-terminal tips are shown to be key groups for promoting hydrophobicity and/or low surface tensions.

With an aim to control the surface hydrophobicity and water adhesion, as observed on various natural surfaces, novel 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) monomers having one and two 3-trimethylsilylpropyl (TMS) groups were synthesized and subjected to electropolymerization to form surface coatings. The monomer ProDOT is employed owing to its tendency to form fibrous structures by electropolymerization [T. Darmanin, F. Guittard, Mater. Chem. Phys. 146 (2014) 6–11], whereas the TMS groups generate very low surface energies comparable to short chain fluorocarbons [N. M. Kovalchuk, et al., Colloids Surfaces A 604 (2020) 125277.]. It is shown that even though these two types of monomer lead to fibrous structures, the dimensions of the fibers as well as the wetting properties are different. The monomer with only a single TMS group (ProDOTSiMe3) generates extremely long nanofibers with only low surface roughness. The resulting surfaces have extremely high apparent contact angles (θw) up to 141.7° and strong water adhesion, similar to rose petals or gecko feet. On the other hand, the analogue with two TMS groups (ProDOT(SiMe3)2) forms short nanofibers but with extremely high surface roughness. The resulting surfaces are superhydrophobic with θw > 160° and ultra-low water adhesion (hysteresis and sliding angles < 1°), similar to lotus leaves. These results point to interesting applications offering control over water adhesion whilst maintaining high hydrophobicity.

Chirality induces structural frustration in liquid crystal systems, producing various kinds of chiral frustrated phases, for example, twist grain boundary (TGB) phases, blue phases (BPs) and dark conglomerate (DC) phases. Almost all molecules exhibiting these frustrated phases have a rigid shape. Especially, a bent–core unit is regarded as a key structure for BPs and DC phases. This paper describes that some flexible liquid crystal oligomers being far from a rigid bent–core molecule stabilise these phases. The LC oligomers have a supermolecular structure in which mesogenic units are connected via flexible spacers. By designing intermolecular interactions, they can exhibit various molecular packing structures in the liquid-crystalline phases as follows: chiral dimers inducing TGB phases, U-shaped and T-shaped oligomers stabilising BPs and achiral liquid crystal trimers exhibiting DC phases. I discuss how the designed liquid crystal oligomers produce the chiral frustrated phases.

Using our designed ternary system consisting of a semiperfluorinated smectic liquid crystal and two nematic liquid crystals, we investigated their phase transition behaviour using polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. A mixture containing 20 mol% of the semiperfluorinated compound was found to exhibit the following unusual phase sequence: isotropic liquid - isotropic liquid + smectic A phase - nematic phase - unidentified frustrated phase (X) - modulated phase (Y) - modulated phase (Z). The frustrated phase showed a fan-shaped texture characteristic of a smectic phase, but no peak corresponding to the layer spacing was detected. No difference was found in the shearing stress between the high-temperature N phase and the frustrated phase, but electro-optical switching observed in the N phase was not detected in the frustrated phase. We discuss how the molecules organize the unusual phase transition behaviour.

Introduction: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is very rare, and only a few reports have described its treatment. Furthermore, no report to date has described the performance of liver transplantation for the treatment of BCS associated with HES. We herein describe a 54-year-old man who underwent deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for treatment of BCS associated with HES. Case: A 54-year-old man was found to have an increased eosinophil count during a medical check-up. After exclusion of hematopoietic neoplastic diseases and secondary eosinophilia, idiopathic hypereosinophilia was diagnosed. Oral prednisolone was administered to the patient, and his eosinophil count immediately decreased to a normal level. He had an uneventful course without complications for 11 months but then presented with bloating and malaise. Imaging studies including ultrasonography, enhanced computed tomography, and angiography revealed BCS associated with HES. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt failed because of complete obstruction of the hepatic veins. Therefore, the patient was introduced to our hospital for liver transplantation. DDLT was performed with venovenous bypass 1 month after the patient was placed on the DDLT waiting list. The explanted hepatic veins were completely occluded and organized. The patient’s eosinophil count was maintained at a normal level with prednisolone treatment after DDLT. Conclusions: Liver transplantation can be a treatment option for BCS associated with HES if neoplastic diseases and secondary eosinophilia have been excluded. Life-long oral steroid therapy is required to control HES even after liver transplantation., ファイル公開：2020-11-01

High-water-content water-in-supercritical CO

Purpose Novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) are pressing priorities. We previously reported that CD26/DPP-4 inhibition attenuated ischemia-reperfusion injury, acute rejection and chronic fibrosis in mouse lung transplantation (LTx), and in our recent clinical study, a CD26/DPP-4 inhibitor improved CLAD-free survival (ISHLT 2020 abstract). To elucidate the mechanism of CD26/DPP-4 inhibitors in LTx, and apply them in the clinic, we investigated CD26 expression in CLAD clinical specimens. Methods Among patients who underwent LTx in our institution, we retrieved pathological specimens from re-LTx and autopsy cases. We also included two native lung samples from LTx recipients. We performed hematoxylin-eosin and Elastica-Masson staining and immunohistochemistry using a CD26 antibody. We evaluated the pathological findings and clinical characteristics. Results We evaluated 11 patients (6 females, 5 males) with a median age of 43 (8-58) years. The pathological samples were nine allografts and two native lung specimens. Of the allografts, six were obtained at autopsy, performed 38 (12-71) [median (range)] months after LTx, and three were obtained by resection during re-LTx, performed 20 (17-59) months after the initial LTx. Seven patients had diabetes mellitus, but none received CD26/DPP-4 inhibitors. Seven patients (four autopsy and three re-LTx cases) had CLAD with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) pathology. Immunohistochemistry revealed clusters of CD26+ epithelial cells adjacent to the BO lesions or in the obstructed bronchial lumen in six of the seven CLAD patients. One CLAD patient without CD26 expression died from lung cancer, rather than CLAD, which was diagnosed at autopsy. In the non-CLAD or native lung samples, the CD26+ epithelial cell clusters were not detected. Conclusion Clusters of CD26+ epithelial cells were detected in CLAD, but not non-CLAD, samples. CD26 might be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CLAD.

Water-in-supercritical CO2 microemulsions formed using the hybrid F-H surfactant sodium 1-oxo-1-[4-(perfluorohexyl)phenyl]hexane-2-sulfonate, FC6-HC4, have recently been shown to have the highest water-solubilizing power ever reported. FC6-HC4 demonstrated the ability to outperform not only other surfactants but also other FCm-HCn analogues containing different fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon chain lengths (Sagisaka, M. et al. Langmuir 2015, 31, 7479-7487). With the aim of clarifying the key structural features of this surfactant, this study examined the phase behavior and water/supercritical CO2 aggregate formation of 1-oxo-1-[4-(perfluorohexyl)phenyl]hexane (Nohead FC6-HC4), which is an FC6-HC4 analogue but now, interestingly, without the sulfonate headgroup. Surprisingly, Nohead FC6-HC4, which would not normally be identified as a classic surfactant, yielded transparent single-phase W/CO2 microemulsions with polar cores able to solubilize a water-soluble dye, even at pressures and temperatures so low as to approach the critical point of CO2 (e.g., ∼100 bar at 35 °C). High-pressure small-angle scattering (SANS) measurements revealed the transparent phases to consist of ellipsoidal nanodroplets of water. The morphology of these droplets was shown to be dependent on the pressure, Nohead FC6-HC4 concentration, and water-to-surfactant molar ratio. Despite having almost the same structure as Nohead FC6-HC4, analogues containing both shorter and longer hydrocarbons were unable to form W/CO2 microemulsion droplets. This shows the importance of the role of the hydrocarbon chain in the stabilization of W/CO2 microemulsions. A detailed examination of the mechanism of Nohead FC6-HC4 adsorption onto the water surface suggests that the hexanoyl group protrudes into the aqueous core, allowing for association between the carbonyl group and water.

Background Smaller size grafts for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can enhance donor safety and expand donor availability. We previously reported that modulation of portal venous pressure (PVP) was key for successful LDLT with small grafts, and that it actively lowered graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) for adult-to-adult LDLT. This retrospective study investigated the outcome of LDLT using small grafts with PVP modulation. Method This study analyzed 221 adult LDLT patients between March 2008 and December 2013 and divided them into 3 groups based on GRWR: large (L), GRWR ≥ 0.8% ( n = 154), medium (M), ≥ 0.7% GRWR n = 38); and small (S) GRWR n = 29). Donor and recipient factors, PVP, pressure gradient between PVP and central venous pressure (CVP), occurrence of small for size syndrome (SFSS), ascites, and posttransplant laboratory data were compared across the 3 groups. Patient and graft survival were compared using Kaplan–Meier methods. Results There was no difference in patient or graft survival between the 3 groups. Amount of posttransplant ascites and posttransplant International Normalized Ratio were similar, but the S and M groups had more prolonged cholestasis. SFSS was identified in 17%, 13%, and 13% in the S, M, and L groups, respectively ( P = NS). Patients with a final PVP of ≤15 mmHg had better survival than patients with a final PVP of >15 mmHg ( P 40 years old, final PVP of >15 mmHg, and pressure gradient of PVP-CVP >5 mmHg were risk factors for inferior patient survival. Conclusion We achieved satisfactory outcomes in LDLT with GRWR as low as 0.6% using PVP modulation. Thus, we currently set a lower limit of GRWR at 0.6% while protecting donor safety and expanding donor availability.

Dark conglomerates of domains with opposite handedness, which are designated dark conglomerate phases (DC phases), have attracted much attention. We prepared an achiral liquid crystal trimer, 4,4'-bis{9-[4-(5-octyloxypyrimidin-2-yl)phenyloxy]nonyloxy}biphenyl (I-9), and investigated the physical properties. A droplet of trimer I-9 formed a conventional nematic phase on cooling from the isotropic liquid, and then changed to an optical isotropic phase with homochirality. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the isotropic phase has an intercalated layer structure with a correlation length of 95 nm. We prepared binary mixtures with a nematic liquid crystal, 4'-hexyloxy-4-cyanobiphenyl (6OCB). The mixtures containing 30-75 mol % of 6OCB exhibited smectic phases above the isotropic phase. We investigated mesogenic properties of trimer I-n (n = 5-9) depending on the parity of the linking group. Only trimer I-9 possessing the longest odd-numbered spacers showed the chiral isotropic phase, suggesting that a rigid bent structure is not necessary for the appearance of the isotropic phase. The experimental results reveal that trimer I-9 exhibits a soft crystalline DC phase representing a new modification of chiral symmetry breaking in lamellar liquid crystal phases.

We prepared an asymmetric liquid crystal dimer possessing a terminal hydroxyl group, 2-{4-{7-[4-(4-cyanophenyl)phenyloxy]heptyloxy}phenyl}-5-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)pyrimidine, and investigated the phase transition behaviour using polarising optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The compound exhibited an enantiotropic nematic phase. On cooling, two distinct domains were formed during the nematic-to-crystal phase transition. During heating, one domain melted at 126.4°C to the N phase, whereas the other domain changed to the N phase at 144.6°C. Therefore, the crystal and nematic phases coexisted at a temperature of 18.2 K. The coexistence behaviour characteristics depend on the cooling rate. We discuss the manner in which intermolecular interactions affect the phase transition behaviour.

We prepared conventional nematic mixtures doped with asymmetric dimers I-n in which phenylpyrimidine and cyanobiphenyl units are connected via a flexible spacer. A chiral dopant was added to the nematic liquid crystal to produce a blue phase material. We investigated the phase transition behaviour depending on the linking chain parity. Among chiral mixtures doped with a concentration lower than 5 wt% of I-n, those doped with an even-membered dimer show a higher upper-limit temperature of an amorphous blue phase (BPIII) than those with an odd-membered dimer. Some even-membered dimers were found to induce a metastable chiral nematic phase above BPIII. The application of an electric field in the high-temperature chiral nematic (N*H) phase changed it to the nematic phase, which did not reverse to the N*H phase, but changed to BPIII upon removal of the electric field. A considerable difference was found between the electro-optical behaviours in the induced BPIII and the original BPIII. Among chiral mixtures mixed with a concentration higher than 60 wt% of I-n, mixtures containing an odd-membered dimer exhibit BPIII with wide temperature ranges without a chiral nematic (N*) phase. However, the mixtures containing an even-membered dimer show an N* phase without BPIII. We examine the mechanism by which the asymmetric dimers affect the double-twist structure in BPIII.

Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, Tokyo Metro) comprises nine lines operating over 195.1km and 179 stations, and is used by 7.07 million passengers per day. Tokyo Metro operates on the belief that security equals safety plus service. In regard to safety, special effort is devoted toward countermeasures for natural disasters. In light of recent extreme weather events, countermeasures for heavy rains are particularly important. It was reported in the updated expectations for flood damage published in 2009 that metropolitan area's 17 lines and 97 stations and 147km of the tunnels will be completely submerged underwater. In response to expectations, we are developing and installing various waterproofing facilities at all tunnel entrances, ventilation openings, underground station entrances and other openings. Among these, underground station entrances are expected to suffer the most damage. Most Tokyo Metro station entrances are situated on sidewalks, there are many obvious spatial restrictions. In light of these restrictions, conventional waterproofing doors (hinged doors that apply positive pressure against floodwater pressure) cannot be used to improve all entrances, thus we have continued to develop counterpressure doors, hinged double doors, shutters, bi-fold doors and other types of waterproofing doors that fit the environments of individual entrances. In addition, few of the many buildings to which Tokyo Metro tunnels connect underground are prepared for the updated expectations for flood damage, meaning that Tokyo Metro must take action on its own property to prevent flood water inundation from such buildings. This means taking flood control measures in underground concourses with severe spatial limitations. Thus, we have developed counterpressure sliding doors capable of withstanding water pressure from flooding up to 15 m deep. This report describes updated expectations for floods, Tokyo Metro's improvement policy and descriptions of various types of underground waterproofing doors and the performance required of them.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by lysosomal accumulation of free cholesterol in macrophages within multiple organs. Infantile-onset NPC often presents with jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly from birth, but these symptoms usually improve during early childhood, and it rarely progresses to liver failure. We report three cases from different hospitals in Japan; the patients developed neonatal-onset NPC, and liver transplantation (LT) was performed as a life-saving procedure. LT was performed at 19 days, 59 days, and 4 months of age, respectively. The last patient was diagnosed with NPC before LT, while the first two patients were diagnosed with neonatal hemochromatosis at LT. In these two patients, the diagnosis of NPC was made more than a year after LT. Even though oral administration of miglustat was started soon after the diagnosis of NPC, all patients showed neurological regression and required artificial respiratory support. All patients survived more than one year after LT; however, one patient died due to tracheal hemorrhage at 4.5 years of age, and another one patient was suspected as recurrence of NPC in liver graft. In conclusion, while LT may be a temporary life-saving measure in patients with neonatal-onset NPC leading to liver failure, the outcome is poor especially due to neurological symptoms. A preoperative diagnosis is thus critical.

Prophylactic measures are used to reduce DNHB after HBsAg-negative patients receive anti-HBc-positive liver grafts. This study investigated the incidence of DNHB and clinical outcomes in pediatric LT recipients under HBIG prophylaxis, with or without hepatitis B vaccination. Between 1995 and 2013, 51 HBsAg-negative pediatric recipients underwent living-donor LT from anti-HBc-positive donors. The median (range) age was 4 (0.1-17) years, 23 (45%) were male, and 71% were negative for both anti-HBc and anti-HBc. During a median follow-up of 12.1 (0.06-19.9) years, 13 (25.4%) developed DNHB; 7 of the 13 achieved HBsAg seroconversion after administration of LAM or ETV. Among studied patients, 20 (39%) received hepatitis B vaccination, and 2 of them (10%) developed DNHB. At last follow-up, 41% (21/51) discontinued HBIG either after successful HBV vaccination (n = 17) or retransplantation with anti-HBc-negative grafts (n = 4). In conclusion, pediatric LT recipients of anti-HBc-positive grafts, most of them were naive to HBV infection, were at high risk of DNHB, and consistent monitoring for the early detection of DNHB was necessary. A combination use of post-LT vaccination is promising prophylactic strategy against DNHB.

Background The impact of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility and positive lymphocyte cross-match (LCM) on organ transplantation is well-recognized particularly in kidney and heart transplantation; however, it is still debatable in liver transplantation (LT). So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of HLA mismatch and positive LCM on the outcome of LT. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of all adult recipients who underwent living donor LT at our institute between January 2010 and July 2016. We excluded all ABO blood group incompatible LDLT patients and patients with incomplete data regarding HLA genotyping (n = 134). The type and degree of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DR, HLA-DQ mismatch and LCM were assessed in each donor-recipient pair and their relationship to the occurrence of rejection, CMV infection and graft survival was evaluated. Results A higher percentage (>50%) of donor-recipient pairs had 1 HLA mismatch at each locus in the host-vs-graft direction and seventeen recipients (13%) had positive LCM. Human leukocyte antigen mismatch and positive LCM were not correlated with increased incidence of acute rejection (P = .37, P = .6, respectively), CMV infection post-transplant (P = .52, P = .76, respectively), or graft failure (HR 1.22, P = .68 and HR 1.73, P = .34, respectively). Conclusion Positive LCM and HLA mismatches did not affect the overall graft survival after adult-to-adult LDLT and should not be considered as contraindications for liver transplantation.

LT has contributed to an elevation in cure rates for patients with unresectable HB; however, patients with recurrent HB after LT have poor prognosis. To analyze the prognostic and therapeutic factors that influence the clinical outcome of patients with HB receiving LT, we retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with HB who underwent LT between 1997 and 2015. The 5-year OS rate of all patients was 69.6±9.7%. The 5-year OS rate of 11 patients receiving salvage LT for recurrent tumor after a primary resection was comparable to that of 13 patients receiving primary LT. Among 12 evaluable patients receiving primary LT, six of 10 patients with a decline of serum AFP >95% at LT are currently alive and in remission, whereas two patients with a decline of AFP ≤95% experienced post-LT relapse. Among 9 evaluable patients receiving salvage LT, all three patients with any decline of AFP at LT are currently alive in remission, and three of six patients with no response to pre-LT salvage chemotherapy are also alive and in remission. Response to chemotherapy may be a reliable marker for prediction of post-LT relapse, even for patients receiving salvage LT.

Aim Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after liver transplantation in HBV patients, or in HBV negative recipients of anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) positive grafts, has been prevented by prophylactic use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and/or nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NA). Vaccination against HBV is an alternative that may provide a chance to discontinue prophylaxis by producing anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibodies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 40 HBV positive recipients (HBV+ group) and 27 HBV negative recipients of anti-HBc positive grafts (HBV−/anti-HBc+ graft group), who were administrated double-dose hepatitis B vaccination. Recipients were regarded as responders when anti-HBs greater than 100 IU/L was maintained for 6 months or more without HBIG. Response rates of vaccine and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results Eighteen of the 40 patients in the HBV+ group (45%) and 18 of the 27 patients in the HBV−/anti-HBc+ graft group (67%) responded to vaccination after a median of four and three times, respectively. Younger age was the only independent factor associated with vaccine response in the HBV−/anti-HBc+ graft group (P = 0.03), whereas no factor was found to be an independent predictor for vaccine response in the HBV+ group. Among the 18 responders in the HBV+ group, 17 remained without NA or HBIG 8.2 years after the start of vaccination. Ten of those required periodic booster vaccination. All 18 responders in the HBV−/anti-HBc+ graft group remained free from HBV prophylaxis 6.2 years after the start of vaccination. Conclusion Younger recipients have a greater chance to develop sufficient anti-HBs after double-dose HBV vaccination, leading to discontinue HBV prophylaxis.