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The Hayabusa2 spacecraft explored asteroid Ryugu and brought its surface materials to Earth. Ryugu samples resemble Ivuna-type (CI) chondrites—the most chemically primitive meteorites—and contain secondary phyllosilicates and carbonates, which are indicative of aqueous alteration. Understanding the conditions (such as temperature, redox state and fluid composition) during aqueous alteration is crucial to elucidating how Ryugu evolved to its present state, but little is known about the temporal changes in these conditions. Here we show that calcium carbonate (calcite) grains in Ryugu and Ivuna samples have variable 18O/16O and 13C/12C ratios that are, respectively, 24–46‰ and 65–108‰ greater than terrestrial standard values, whereas those of calcium–magnesium carbonate (dolomite) grains are much more homogeneous, ranging within 31–36‰ for oxygen and 67–75‰ for carbon. We infer that the calcite precipitated first over a wide range of temperatures and oxygen partial pressures, and that the proportion of gaseous CO2/CO/CH4 molecules changed temporally. By contrast, the dolomite formed later in a more oxygen-rich and thus CO2-dominated environment when the system was approaching equilibrium. The characteristic isotopic compositions of secondary carbonates in Ryugu and Ivuna are not observed for other hydrous meteorites, suggesting a unique evolutionary pathway for their parent asteroid(s).The asteroid Ryugu experienced aqueous alteration under changing temperature and redox conditions, according to an isotopic analysis of secondary calcite and dolomite grains in samples from Ryugu obtained by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft.

Initial analyses showed that asteroid Ryugu’s composition is close to CI (Ivuna-like) carbonaceous chondrites (CCs) – the chemically most primitive meteorites, characterized by near-solar abundances for most elements. However, some isotopic signatures (for example, Ti, Cr) overlap with other CC groups, so the details of the link between Ryugu and the CI chondrites are not yet fully clear. Here we show that Ryugu and CI chondrites have the same zinc and copper isotopic composition. As the various chondrite groups have very distinct Zn and Cu isotopic signatures, our results point at a common genetic heritage between Ryugu and CI chondrites, ruling out any affinity with other CC groups. Since Ryugu’s pristine samples match the solar elemental composition for many elements, their Zn and Cu isotopic compositions likely represent the best estimates of the solar composition. Earth’s mass-independent Zn isotopic composition is intermediate between Ryugu/CC and non-carbonaceous chondrites (NCs), suggesting a contribution of Ryugu-like material to Earth’s budgets of Zn and other moderately volatile elements. A comparison of copper and zinc isotopic measurements between the Ryugu samples and various carbonaceous chondrites excludes any genetic link between the two except for the CI (Ivuna-type) chondrites. Ryugu-like material might have accounted for ~5% of Earth’s mass.

We report initial analyses showed that asteroid Ryugu’s composition is close to CI (Ivuna-like) carbonaceous chondrites (CCs) – the chemically most primitive meteorites, characterized by near-solar abundances for most elements. However, some isotopic signatures (for example, Ti, Cr) overlap with other CC groups, so the details of the link between Ryugu and the CI chondrites are not yet fully clear. Here we show that Ryugu and CI chondrites have the same zinc and copper isotopic composition. As the various chondrite groups have very distinct Zn and Cu isotopic signatures, our results point at a common genetic heritage between Ryugu and CI chondrites, ruling out any affinity with other CC groups. Since Ryugu’s pristine samples match the solar elemental composition for many elements, their Zn and Cu isotopic compositions likely represent the best estimates of the solar composition. Earth’s mass-independent Zn isotopic composition is intermediate between Ryugu/CC and non-carbonaceous chondrites (NCs), suggesting a contribution of Ryugu-like material to Earth’s budgets of Zn and other moderately volatile elements.

We have conducted a NanoSIMS-based search for presolar material in samples recently returned from C-type asteroid Ryugu as part of JAXA's Hayabusa2 mission. We report the detection of all major presolar grain types with O- and C-anomalous isotopic compositions typically identified in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites: 1 silicate, 1 oxide, 1 O-anomalous supernova grain of ambiguous phase, 38 SiC, and 16 carbonaceous grains. At least two of the carbonaceous grains are presolar graphites, whereas several grains with moderate C isotopic anomalies are probably organics. The presolar silicate was located in a clast with a less altered lithology than the typical extensively aqueously altered Ryugu matrix. The matrix-normalized presolar grain abundances in Ryugu are 4.8\\(^+4.7_-2.6\\) ppm for O-anomalous grains, 25\\(^+6_-5\\) ppm for SiC grains and 11\\(^+5_-3\\) ppm for carbonaceous grains. Ryugu is isotopically and petrologically similar to carbonaceous Ivuna-type (CI) chondrites. To compare the in situ presolar grain abundances of Ryugu with CI chondrites, we also mapped Ivuna and Orgueil samples and found a total of SiC grains and 6 carbonaceous grains. No O-anomalous grains were detected. The matrix-normalized presolar grain abundances in the CI chondrites are similar to those in Ryugu: 23 \\(^+7_-6\\) ppm SiC and 9.0\\(^+5.3_-4.6\\) ppm carbonaceous grains. Thus, our results provide further evidence in support of the Ryugu-CI connection. They also reveal intriguing hints of small-scale heterogeneities in the Ryugu samples, such as locally distinct degrees of alteration that allowed the preservation of delicate presolar material.

The water submersion test (W-test) has the risk of overlooking air leaks during lung resection. We assessed the relationship between alveolar air leakage and intrathoracic gas concentrations as a novel intraoperative air leak detection method. We compared the W-test results with intrathoracic gas concentrations of desflurane, oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2), prospectively measured using a gas analyser built-in into the anaesthesia machine before and after lung resection. Eighty-eight patients were included; 32 patients had a positive W-test, 31 of whom had elevated levels of all three gases. Eight of the 56 W-test negative patients had elevated levels of all three gases and were positive in a reconfirmation W-test. After repair, 27/31 patients demonstrated negative W-tests, but two patients with elevated levels of all three gases concentrations had postoperative air leaks. When intrathoracic O2 concentration increased, all patients showed an air leak. Conversely, no air leak was detected when intrathoracic concentrations without O2 were measured. We found a positive correlation (correlation coefficients: desflurane, r = 0.84; O2, r = 0.80; CO2. r = 0.77) between the number of bubbles observed in the W-test and gas concentrations. Intrathoracic gas concentration measurements could be a useful alternative or complementary method to the W-test for detecting intraoperative alveolar air leaks. Given that high concentration O2 is frequently use for reinflate the collapsed lungs, intrathoracic O2 measurement could be the most effective way to detect alveolar leakage.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associated factors of insulation failure (IF) in reusable endoscopic instruments. The insulation coating of reusable endoscopic instruments underwent routine visual checks, hand washing to remove visible stains, and mechanized sterilization. We recorded the cleaning number and usage period of all instruments. The instruments were tested for IF using a detector. IF was found in eight of 69 devices (11.6%). Examining by clinical specialty, we found IF in 4 of 28 gastrointestinal (14.3%), 3 of 20 gynecological (15.0%), 1 of 12 urological (8.3%), and none of the nine thoracic devices. The median distance from the tip to the damaged part was 5 cm (3–5 cm). In the IF and the intact groups, the period of use [7 years (6–8) versus 7 years (4–8), P = 0.90] and the number of cleanings [281 (261–323) versus 261 (179–320), P = 0.27] were not significantly different. The IF group included products of three different companies; however, six of the eight (75.0%) were from the same company. Cleaning methods and usage period have a lower impact on IF. The use of reusable forceps as a monopolar device was found to pose a higher risk, requiring regular assessments.

Background Bone marrow transplantation has been employed as a regenerative treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, in clinical practice, obtaining a sufficient volume of bone marrow aspirate under general anesthesia can sometimes be challenging. Currently, there is no established method to predict the quantity and quality of bone marrow that can be harvested preoperatively. We hypothesized that these parameters could be inferred from preoperative bone scintigraphy uptake. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between bone marrow quantity and quality and the uptake observed on preoperative bone scintigraphy. Methods This retrospective study included 145 consecutive patients with ONFH who underwent bone marrow transplantation between 2009 and 2014. The edges of the ilium were manually delineated on the images obtained by combining bone scintigraphy and computed tomography. The average pixel value within this delineated area was calculated. We analyzed correlations between the average pixel value on bone scintigraphy for both ilium and the quantity of bone marrow collected from the ilium, as well as the CFU-Fs obtained from 600μl of concentrated bone marrow. Results Sixty-two patients were excluded due to insufficient data on bone scintigraphy and colony-forming unit of fibroblasts (CFU-Fs), leaving 83 patients for final analysis. The mean bone marrow quantity, CFU-Fs per 600μl, and the pixel value of bone scintigraphy were 227 ml (range, 6–400), 42 (range, 4–200), and 109 (range, 28–730), respectively. A significant correlation was found between the pixel value and bone marrow quantity (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r  = 0.24, p  < 0.05), while no significant relationship was observed with CFU-Fs. Conclusions Patients with low bone scintigraphy uptake require careful consideration as an adequate amount of bone marrow may not be obtainable.

BackgroundHumidifier lung (HFL) is a rare subtype of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP); understanding of the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics is limited. To clarify the phenotype of HFL, this study compared HFL with the more established summer-type HP (SHP).MethodsThis nationwide survey of patients with HFL was conducted in 214 participating facilities across Japan from January 2011 to December 2021. Clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were comparatively evaluated between patients diagnosed with HFL and those with SHP.ResultsOverall, 430 HFL and 784 SHP cases were identified, with an increasing trend over time and a marked rise in HFL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Detailed data from 278 HFL and 220 SHP cases showed that HFL patients were older and predominantly male. HFL exhibited higher serum C-reactive protein levels but lower Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and surfactant protein D levels than SHP (all p<0.0001).Chest CT in both cohorts included ground-glass opacities and mosaic attenuation; centrilobular ground-glass nodules were less frequent in HFL, which more frequently showed airspace consolidation.Histopathology demonstrated alveolitis in both with more intra-alveolar organisation and fewer epithelioid cell granulomas in HFL.Cluster analysis identified an HFL cluster with either Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)-like or organising pneumonia-like high-resolution CT findings and normal KL-6, hence diagnosis can be challenging. Conversely, the major cluster of SHP showed typical CT features and elevated KL-6.ConclusionsHFL exhibits distinct clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics compared to SHP, suggesting a unique subtype. This holds relevance for diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes.

Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the lung (ABLL) is a rare congenital anomaly. Surgical resection is the standard treatment to prevent complications like hemoptysis. Right-sided ABLL, often characterized by longer and more complex vascular anatomy, poses a higher risk of bleeding. Preoperative planning and embolization techniques are crucial for successful surgical outcomes. This case of right-sided ABLL is presented to emphasize the importance of these strategies. A 55-year-old woman experienced right lower abdominal pain. Incidental findings on computed tomography revealed an abnormal vessel supplying segment 10 of the right lower lobe, diagnosed as ABLL. To minimize intraoperative hemorrhage, preoperative embolization with a vascular plug was performed. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was subsequently undertaken. The aberrant artery was divided with an endoscopic stapler, and a wedge resection of the affected lung was performed. This case report demonstrates the benefits of combining embolization and surgical resection for right-sided ABLL. This approach would reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of single-inhaler triple therapy on selecting treatment for lung cancer and the perioperative period in lung cancer patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <1.5 L. Methods: All patients had baseline FEV1 < 1.5 L. The therapeutic drug for COPD, fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol, was initiated 2 weeks preoperatively and continued until 3 months postoperatively. Radical surgery was actively recommended for patients with an FEV1 ≥ 1.5 L after COPD treatment; otherwise, palliative surgery and postoperative complication risks were discussed. Results: Among 675 lung cancer patients, 214 (31.7%) had COPD, 41 of whom with FEV1 < 1.5 L were enrolled. After triple-inhaler therapy, FEV1 improved to ≥1.5 L in 63.4% of patients. Significant differences in the Brinkman index (840 vs. 1120, p = 0.0058) and radical resection (88.5% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.0030) were observed between patients with FEV1 ≥ 1.5 L and <1.5 L post-treatment. Pneumonia and home oxygen therapy occurred in two cases (4.9%) and one case (2.4%), respectively, all of which were patients with FEV1 < 1.5 L post-treatment. Among patients undergoing anatomical lung resection, triple-inhaler therapy significantly improved not only post-inhalation FEV1 (1.26 vs. 1.55 L, p < 0.0001), but also FEV1 at 3 months postoperatively compared to the value before inhalation (1.31 vs. 1.26 L, p = 0.042). Conclusions: Preoperative triple therapy in lung cancer patients with untreated COPD and FEV1 < 1.5 L improved respiratory function and increased the feasibility of performing radical resection surgery. Furthermore, it was considered safe and effective, indicating the potential to maintain preoperative respiratory function without increasing perioperative complications.