Precision wavelength measurement of the 14.4 keV Mössbauer photon

The wavelength of the 14.4 keV Mössbauer photon has been determined by using undulator radiation and diffraction of FZ silicon crystals. For the wavelength determination a goniometer equipped with a laser rotary encoder and a sine-bar angle optical interferometer was developed; a temperature-monitoring system and X-ray optics related to the experiment were also developed. The mean wavelength was 0.08602557 nm with an uncertainty of 0.6 p.p.m., derived from 16 measurements of three pieces of FZ Si(840) crystals.

Nuclear resonance scattering of synchrotron radiation by 40K

We have observed the excitation of the 29.83 keV nuclear level of the radioactive 40K nuclide, which level is not populated by any radioactive source, by synchrotron radiation for the first time. The absolute energy of the level of 29.834+/-0.011 keV and the half-life of 4.13+/-0.12 ns were obtained from our measurements. Our success in observing the nuclear excitation of radioactive 40K in a KCl powder sample shows the possibility for study of the local vibrational states and the electronic states of potassium in various areas of research.

[A comparative study; one week treatment versus two weeks treatment with lansoprazol, amoxycillin and clarythromycin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patient with gastric and duodenal ulcer]

The combination therapy of lansoprazol (LPZ), amoxycillin (AMPC), and clarythromycin (CAM) (LAC regimen) is one of the most effective eradication regimen of Helicobacter pylori (HP) positive ulcer patients, but the optimal treatment period of this therapy is still pending. The aim of this study was to assess the optimal treatment period of this regimen. One hundred and six patients who diagnosed as HP positive gastric and duodenal ulcer since August 1996 were randomized to one-week treatment group (group 1) or to two-weeks treatment group (group 2): LPZ 30 mg once daily, AMPC 1500 mg twice daily, CAM 800 mg twice daily. Both group received four weeks LPZ treatment (30 mg once daily) following the each combination therapy. The eradication rate of HP was 82.1% (43/56) in group 1 and 85.7% (36/42) in group 2. There was no statistical significant difference between two groups (p = 0.636). Although both treatment regimen was very useful for eradicating HP in the HP positive ulcer patients, one week LAC regimen would be better choice judging from the cost benefit.

X-ray diffraction with a Bragg angle near pi/2 and its applications

X-ray dynamical diffraction phenomena at a Bragg angle near pi/2 are studied. The X-ray transmissivity as well as the reflectivity from the (991) lattice plane of a silicon thin plate is observed. It agrees fairly well with the diffraction pattern calculated on the basis of the Darwin approach. The possibility is discussed whether a set of two crystal plates arranged face to face, in which the diffraction condition with a Bragg angle near pi/2 is satisfied, may be used as a very high resolution monochromator.

X-ray parametric scattering by a diamond crystal

Spontaneous X-ray parametric scattering from a diamond single crystal has been observed at the Photon Factory. The high perfection of the diamond single crystal and the small angular divergence of synchrotron radiation has enabled down-converted X-ray photon pairs to scatter into two small solid angles which satisfy the phase-matching condition. High-efficiency noise reduction was performed using avalanche photodiode detectors with good time resolution.

X-ray characterization of alpha-Fe(2)O(3) single crystals containing 2.2% and 95% (57)Fe

alpha-Fe(2)O(3) single crystals containing 2.2% and 95% (57)Fe isotopes were characterized by means of X-ray topography, the diffraction rocking curve and the integrated intensity. These crystals were revealed to be nearly perfect and suitable for a further nuclear-resonant Bragg-scattering study.

A methylation imprint mark in the mouse imprinted gene Grf1/Cdc25Mm locus shares a common feature with the U2afbp-rs gene: an association with a short tandem repeat and a hypermethylated region

We identified a sperm-specific methylation imprint mark (Site II) associated with a short tandem repeat sequence and a site/region methylated in both gametes (Site I) in the Grf1 locus on mouse chromosome 9, which shared a common feature with the U2afbp-rs gene. Sites or regions of gamete-specific methylation in imprinted genes are strong candidates for carrying information regarding the parental origin of alleles. The gamete-specific methylation pattern of Sites I and II was conserved after fertilization, but attained the somatic cell pattern by the blastocyst stage. In primordial germ cells, Site I was methylated, but Site II was unmethylated in both male and female embryos, suggesting that the sperm-specific methylation imprint mark in Site II was established during spermatogenesis. These common features in methylation imprint regions may be a clue to identifying regions carrying primary information for the imprinting regulation.

Two-photon correlations in X-rays from a synchrotron radiation source

The intensity correlation experiment using visible light performed by Hanbury Brown & Twiss [Nature (London) (1956), 177, 27-29] is extended to X-ray wavelengths. Correlations of 14.4 keV X-ray photons from a synchrotron radiation source are observed by the coincidence counting technique. The high brilliance of synchrotron radiation available in the Tristan main ring enables the observation of two-photon correlations with a reasonable measurement time.

[Two-peak monoclonal protein (IgA kappa and IgG kappa) in non-Hodgkin lymphoma]

A 72-year-old man was admitted because of general weakness. On physical examination, marked splenomegaly was found. Blood tests revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia and two-peak hypergammaglobulinemia composed of kappa type IgG and IgA monoclonal proteins. Peripheral blood and bone marrow (BM) contained abnormal lymphocytes including plasmacytoid lymphocytes and/or plasma cells. Pathological examination of the biopsied BM showed non-Hodgkin lymphoma consistent with the lymphoplasmacytoid type. Immunohistochemical staining revealed two different populations of cells, one with IgG and the other with IgA; no cell stained both and no solitary cluster of either IgG or IgA positive cell was seen. The surface phenotype of the lymphoma cells was CD19+, CD20+, HLADR+. Double immunofluorescence staining of the BM smear showed IgG or IgA positive plasma cells, whereas small lymphocytes were negative for IgG and IgA. Analysis of immunoglobulin genes in the BM cells showed 2 rearranged bands in each of heavy chain genes and kappa light chain genes. The patient was treated with modified MVCP therapy and the two monoclonal proteins decreased in parallel with the improvement of splenomegaly. These findings strongly suggest that the two-peak monoclonal protein was produced by monoclonal lymphoma cells. The patients has been disease-free without any therapy since August, 1995.

[An investigation of the factors influencing serum pepsinogen levels--sex, age, smoking, drinking]

BACKGROUND

Until now, the influence of sex, age, smoking, drinking on serum pepsinogen levels has been assessed by single regression analysis. However, the influence of those factors on pepsinogen levels should be assessed exactly by multiple regression analyses.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

891 subjects were collected from by questionnaire and serum tests. Analyses were done with serum pepsinogen I (PG I), pepsinogen II (PG II) and pepsinogen I/II ratio (PG I/II) as a criterion variable and as categorized explanatory variables, sex, age, current or past smoking habit, and current drinking habit. And analyses are done by Mann-Whitney U test, correlation coefficient, single regression method, multiple regression method.

RESULTS

PG I level is significantly higher in men than in women by Mann-Whitney U test. But the effect of sex factor is not remarkable by multiple regression analyses. PG II level increased and PG I/II level decreased with progression of age by all analyses methods. Current or past smoking elevates PG I level by Mann-Whitney U test, but current smoking dose and past smoking amount showed no dose-dependent associations with PG I level. Current drinking elevates PG I level by Mann-Whitney U test, but current drinking dose showed no dose-dependent associations with PG I. However, the effects of current smoking and current drinking to serum PG levels is not so large by multiple regression analyses.

CONCLUSION

The effects of sex, current smoking and current drinking to serum PG levels are not remarkable by multiple regression analyses. Significantly, PG II level increased and PG I/II level decreased with progression of age. Therefore it may not be necessary to consider the effects of sex, smoking habit and drinking habit when serum pepsinogen levels are used as markers for gastric cancer.

[A case of leiomyosarcoma as a mediastinal tumor excised by bilateral thoracotomy]

Leiomyosarcoma as a mediastinal tumor is so rare that no more than 6 and 12 cases have so far been reported in and out Japan, respectively. The patient was 74-year-old male. While treated at the outpatient clinic of our university hospital for low back pain, he was referred to our department because of a shadow of the mediastinum on chest roentgenogram. A fist-sized tumor was found located in the posterior mediastinum behind the heart. Since it was difficult to make a preoperative definitive diagnosis, it was excised by bilateral thoracotomy. Histologically, it was compatible with sarcoma and a definitive diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was made based on electron microscopic findings.

[Systematic diagnosis and treatment method for temporomandibular disorders--new chart for primary diagnosis and treatment]

In this study, the classification of temporomandibular disorders of Japanese Society for Temporomandibular Joint was subdivided into ten types for the purpose of connecting directly with treatment, then a new chart for primary diagnosis and treatment were expressed. Ten types, i.e. type I (masticatory muscle disorders), type II (micro traumatic synovitis), type IIIc- (disk disorders except internal derangement; open lock, eminense click and crepitus), type IIIc+ (internal derangement; disc anterior displacement with reduction), type III L (internal derangement; disc anterior displacement without reduction, type IVo (osteoarthrosis with no TMJ symptoms), type IVp (osteoarthrosis with TMJ pain and no disc disorders), type IVc- (osteoarthrosis with crepitus, eminense click and open lock), type IVc+ (osteoarthrosis with internal derangement; disc anterior displacement with reduction), type IV L (osteoarthrosis with internal derangement; disc anterior displacement without reduction) 605 patients who visited our clinic from January 1994 to June 1994 were classified by the new chart for primary diagnosis; type I: 37 cases, type II: 142 cases, type IIIc-:56 cases, type III c+: 215 cases, type III L: 82 cases, type IVo: 8 cases, type IVp: 11 cases, type IVc-: 10 cases, type IV+: 19 cases, type IVL: 25 cases.

Morphologic changes in the pancreas detected by screening ultrasonography in a mass survey, with special reference to main duct dilatation, cyst formation, and calcification

Subclinical morphologic changes in the pancreas detected by screening ultrasonography of 130,951 subjects were analyzed in relation to their incidence and background factors. Main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation, cystic lesion, and calcification were found in 644 (0.49%), 271 (0.21%) and 65 (0.05%) patients, respectively. The incidence of MPD dilatation and calcification was significantly higher in men (p < 0.0001), whereas cystic lesion was significantly more frequent in women (p < 0.01). Age-dependent increase in the incidence of MPD dilatation and cystic lesion was observed in both sexes whereas that of calcification was observed only in men. Further detailed examinations for 312 randomly selected patients with these findings revealed that 97% of MPD dilatation, 95% of cystic lesion, and 86% of calcification were correctly identified by ultrasonography. Finally, 18 (5.8%) patients with chronic pancreatitis, 16 (5.1%) with neoplastic cysts, 3 with mucin-producing tumors, and 3 with carcinomas (0.96%, respectively) were detected. On the other hand, in 84.0% of MPD dilatation, 87.4% of cystic lesion, and 50.0% of calcification, we could not attribute their etiology to any known pancreatic disease. It is indicated that aging and gender are major clinically related factors of these changes.

[Transient pure red cell aplasia in an adult with acute parvovirus B19 infection: observation of PVB19 DNA by polymerase chain reaction, viral antibody and erythroid cells in the bone marrow]

A 35-year-old female was referred to our hospital for fever and anemia. Physical examination was unremarkable. Complete blood count revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia and reticulocytopenia. The bone marrow cellularity was normal. Some giant pronormoblasts were seen but other erythroid cells were absent. No stainable iron was seen. Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) DNA was detectable by polymerase chain reaction. Anti-PVB19 IgM-antibody was also positive in the serum on admission. Antibodies against rubella, measles, mumps, EB virus and HBs were negative and HBs antigen was also negative. Thus the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia complicated with pure red cell aplasia secondary to PVB19 infection was made. The PVB19 DNA was still positive on days 6 and 11, suggesting that PVB19 virus persists as long as 3 weeks after the onset of PVB19 infection. However, the erythroid cells had recovered by day 6 after admission suggesting that the development of IgM antibody successfully protected the erythroid cells from infection by the residual PVB19. Hence, careful observation for PVB19 DNA and the antibody may be necessary if immunodeficient patients developed anemia of unknown etiology.

Multiple myeloma complicated by congestive heart failure following first administration of recombinant alpha-interferon

A 59-year-old female was admitted to Tsukuba University Hospital and diagnosed as IgA-lambda multiple myeloma (stage IIIA). No cardiovascular disorder with the exception of minor ischemic changes in ECG was revealed before treatment. Recombinant human alpha-interferon (IFN) at a dose of 3 million units combined with melphalan and prednisolone was administrated. Sixteen hours after the first administration of IFN, IFN was suspended by the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Treatment with diuretics and catecholamine products showed almost complete recovery from CHF in 3 weeks. An adverse reaction to IFN was strongly suspected as the cause of CHF.

A new liver functional study using Tc-99m DTPA-galactosyl human serum albumin: evaluation of the validity of several functional parameters

Several parameters calculated with a new functional imaging agent for the liver, Tc-99m DTPA-galactosyl human serum albumin, were evaluated in 9 patients with liver cirrhosis, one with hepatocellular carcinoma, and five with both liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. LU3, which represents the cumulative uptake of the tracer from 3 to 4 minutes after injection, showed a strong correlation (r = 0.858, p = 0.0001) with LHL15, which represents the count ratio for the liver to sum for the liver and heart 15 minutes after injection of the tracer. It also showed a strong correlation (r = -0.896, p = 0.0001) with the indocyanine green retention rate (ICGR15). Regional ICGR15 is therefore calculable from the regional LU3. GSAR15, which represents the radioactivity of the tracer retained in the blood 15 minutes after injection, showed a strong correlation (r = 0.878, p = 0.0001) with HH15, which represents the count ratio for the heart 15 minutes after injection of the tracer divided by the count for the heart 3 minutes after injection. In conclusion, LU3 and GSAR15 are interesting and promising parameters for assessing liver function.

Predominant expression of lambda light chain in adult cases with non-T-cell acute lymphocytic and chronic myelogenous leukemia in lymphoid blast crisis

The authors investigated cytoplasmic immunoglobulins of the leukemic cells from 20 adult cases with non-T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and from three cases with chronic myelogenous leukemia in lymphoid blast crisis using immunoelectron microscopy. They also studied these cases using various monoclonal antibodies. Of the 23 examined cases, nine were negative for both heavy and light chains of immunoglobulins; the authors defined these as common ALL. Two cases were positive for the mu chain but were negative for light chains; the authors defined these as pre-B-cell ALL. The remaining 12 cases were positive for either kappa or lambda light chains; these were defined as B-cell ALL. Of the 12 cases positive for light chains, 11 were positive for the lambda chain. Seven cases of the 11 positive cases for the lambda chain were negative for heavy chains. Eleven cases were positive either for both My4 and My9 or for one of the two antibodies. From these results, the authors conclude the following: (1) the ratio of pre-B-cell ALL among non-T-cell ALL cases (two of 23 cases) was lower in adults than in children; (2) of the light chain-positive cases, the lambda light chain-positive cases predominated (11 of 12 cases); (3) heavy chain-negative, lambda chain-positive cases (seven cases) were observed; and (4) one half of the leukemia cases showed dual phenotypes of B-cell and myeloid cell lineages.