Midorigaoka Hospital

The iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly homolog 1 (ISCA1) is a ubiquitous protein conserved in various organisms. Previous work has shown that a pigeon ISCA1 (clISCA1) forms columnar oligomers in the 2Fe-2S cluster-bound state, the length of which has been known to change in response to magnetic fields. However, whether this unique property is conserved in ISCA1 proteins of other species, particularly humans (hsISCA1), is unclear. Moreover, a recent study revealed that clISCA1 binds to not only Fe-S clusters but also mononuclear iron atoms, which may impart some magnetic properties to clISCA1. In this study, the electron spin resonance revealed that hsISCA1 also binds to mononuclear iron atoms. Moreover, the magnetic responses of Fe-S cluster-unbound ISCA1s (Fe-ISCA1s), which bind only mononuclear iron atoms, were inspected by small-angle X-ray scattering analyses for pigeon (Fe-clISCA1) and human (Fe-hsISCA1). The results indicated that Fe-hsISCA1 formed columnar oligomers under geomagnetic conditions, whereas Fe-clISCA1 formed dumbbell-like oligomers. When a magnetic field (180 mT) was applied, the Fe-hsISCA1 oligomer was shortened within 1 min and gradually elongated again after 10 min. This result indicates that mononuclear iron atoms contribute to the magnetically induced structural ordering of ISCA1, whereas the contribution of the Fe-S clusters to the columnarization of ISCA1 varies among species. Although the physiological role of the magnetic properties of ISCA1 is not yet elucidated, this study demonstrated that the magnetic field responsiveness of ISCA1 is conserved in humans. The magnetic field responsiveness may be a hidden fundamental property of ISCA1 that is maintained even if the Fe-S cluster is released.

Fabrication of pores at the atomic scale remains a significant challenge in modern nanotechnology, hindering the study of ion transport and molecular dynamics in confined spaces. Here, we introduce a chemically controllable break-membrane approach that enables the repeated formation and closure of nanoscale pores in SiNx membranes through manipulating the in-pore electrochemical reaction conditions by transmembrane voltage. Ionic current measurements reveal distinct conductance features that are consistent with ion dehydration and transport through highly confined channels approaching sub-nanometer dimensions. The scalable nature of this platform, which allows multiple pores to be actuated simultaneously, offers a powerful tool for probing ion transport and fluid dynamics in extreme confinement. Beyond advancing fundamental understanding of ion transport and fluid dynamics, this chemically driven membrane system holds promise for applications in single-molecule sensing, neuromorphic computing, and nanoreactor design.

Solvothermal MgV 2 O 4 spinel forms a more ordered structure and improves Mg 2+ conduction, enabling higher energy density based on a capacity of 175 mAh g −1 at 2 V in Mg rechargeable batteries than the mechanically milled one.

Polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR) analyzes surface and interfacial structures of materials. For the SHARAKU reflectometer at the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility in the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex, precise measurements under weak magnetic fields, which are critical for modern spintronics, have long been challenging. To address this issue, we developed a precise weak-field sample environment equipped with a newly designed coil system. The magnetic field at the sample position can be applied within the surface/interface plane, either in the scattering plane (horizontal configuration) or perpendicular to it (vertical configuration). The horizontal configuration achieved high polarization efficiency across a stable field range, whereas the vertical configuration enabled the experiments to cross zero into negative fields. We demonstrated the instrument’s capability by resolving the remanent magnetic structure of an Fe film. Its applicability to soft matter was proven through analysis of a cellulose thin film with roughness using magnetic contrast variation PNR. In this case, precise weak-field control is essential to tune the magnetic contrast from the reference layer beneath the soft film. These results establish the system as a versatile platform for future PNR and polarized off-specular scattering experiments across a wide range of materials.

The coexistence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and metal oxides accelerates the degradation of organic pollutants by the formation of peroxides on the metal oxide surface. Peroxide-modified titanium oxides are activated by light and exhibit excellent oxidation performance. However, the reaction mechanism has not been fully investigated because the amount of peroxide on TiO2 is limited. In this study, we developed titanate nanotubes (TNTs) as supports for titanium peroxide formation owing to their large surface area. Treating TNTs with H2O2 formed titanium peroxide on their surface while maintaining the nanotube morphology. Peroxide-modified TNTs (H2O2-TNTs(X)) exhibited a clear decolorization ability for rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The reaction rate constant of TNTs treated with a 30 wt% H2O2 aqueous solution was 20 times higher than that of pristine TNTs under simulated solar irradiation. During the decolorization of the RhB solution, H2O2-treated TNTs selectively deethylated the RhB molecules under visible-light irradiation. Experiments and comprehensive analyses revealed that the deethylation reaction was driven by photogenerated O2•-, holes, and photoexcited Ti peroxide species on the H2O2-treated TNTs. This study provides an effective strategy for the visible-light-responsive, selective oxidation of organic substrates using H2O2.

Background & Objectives: Candida albicans is an opportunistic commensal fungus that becomes pathogenic when there is an immune disorder or physiological change. The resulting infection, called candidiasis, is acute or subacute and can affect various organs. Poor personal hygiene is a predisposing factor, especially in genital infections. This study aims to determine the presence and prevalence of Candida albicans in the urine of premenstrual girls aged 10-14 years at SMPN 1 Ciamis. Method: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. Sampling was performed using purposive sampling, with a total of 23 samples collected. The samples were examined at the Parasitology Laboratory of STIKes Muhammadiyah Ciamis. Results: The results of the study of 23 samples found 3 samples (13%) positive for Candida albicans, 2 samples (9%) positive for Candida tropicalis, and 18 samples (78%) showed no fungal growth. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, poor personal hygiene can influence Candida albicans fungal infection, especially in premenstrual adolescent girls aged 10-14 years.

The clinical course of pyogenic spondylodiscitis varies based on its etiology. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only 7 cases of spondylodiscitis caused by Klebsiella oxytoca. This bacterium typically affects patients with underlying comorbidities or develops as a secondary infection. This case illustrates a rare instance of lumbar spondylodiscitis caused by Klebsiella oxytoca. A direct biopsy via endoscopic surgery may be beneficial when multiple bacterial culture investigations yielded negative results. It is important to recognize that identifying the causative pathogen is crucial when initiating antibiotic therapy for spondylodiscitis.