Structural and Thermal Properties in Formamidinium and Cs-Mixed Lead Halides

Formamidinium [FA, HC(NH₂)₂⁺] lead iodide and its cation mixture have attracted interest as potentials in applications for efficient solar cells superior to well-known methylammonium lead iodide. We investigated the crystal structure and thermodynamic properties of high-quality single crystals of FA_1-xCs_xPbI₃ for x = 0 and 0.1 through X-ray diffraction and heat capacity measurements. Both α-FA_0.9Cs_0.1PbI₃ as well as α-FAPbI₃ crystallize in a cubic Pm3̅m structure with orientationally disordered FA molecules confined in the nondistorted Pb-I framework. In FAPbI₃, we observed a second-order transition at 280 K and two first-order transitions at 141.2 and 130.2 K in between β- and γ-phases instead of the previously known single β-γ transition. After doping with 10% Cs, the multiple first-order transitions disappeared, leading to phase transitions emerging at 300 and 149 K with second-order character. We moreover observed low-energy localized modes for both compounds, which is presumably tied to anomalous thermal motion, rattling, of the FA molecule.

Global searches for microalgae and aquatic plants that can eliminate radioactive cesium, iodine and strontium from the radio-polluted aquatic environment: a bioremediation strategy

The Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011 released an enormously high level of radionuclides into the environment, a total estimation of 6.3 × 10¹⁷ Bq represented by mainly radioactive Cs, Sr, and I. Because these radionuclides are biophilic, an urgent risk has arisen due to biological intake and subsequent food web contamination in the ecosystem. Thus, urgent elimination of radionuclides from the environment is necessary to prevent substantial radiopollution of organisms. In this study, we selected microalgae and aquatic plants that can efficiently eliminate these radionuclides from the environment. The ability of aquatic plants and algae was assessed by determining the elimination rate of radioactive Cs, Sr and I from culture medium and the accumulation capacity of radionuclides into single cells or whole bodies. Among 188 strains examined from microalgae, aquatic plants and unidentified algal species, we identified six, three and eight strains that can accumulate high levels of radioactive Cs, Sr and I from the medium, respectively. Notably, a novel eustigmatophycean unicellular algal strain, nak 9, showed the highest ability to eliminate radioactive Cs from the medium by cellular accumulation. Our results provide an important strategy for decreasing radiopollution in Fukushima area.

Clinicogenetic study of PINK1 mutations in autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism

The authors performed PINK1 mutation analysis of 51 families with autosomal recessive Parkinson disease (ARPD). They found two novel PINK1 mutations: one was a homozygous deletion (13516-18118del) and the other a homozygous missense mutation (C388R). Clinically, the patients with the deletion had dementia. Thus, early-onset PD with dementia may be considered PINK1-linked parkinsonism. Furthermore, patients with PINK1 mutations form 8.9% of parkin- and DJ-1-negative ARPD families.

Acute facial diplegia and hyperreflexia: A Guillain-Barre syndrome variant

Two patients with acute facial diplegia and hyperreflexia are described. Both patients had serologic evidence of preceding Campylobacter jejuni infection and antiganglioside IgG antibodies as well as other laboratory and electrophysiologic findings suggesting Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). IV immunoglobulin produced recovery. Hyperreflexia does not necessarily exclude the diagnosis of a GBS variant. Antiganglioside antibodies can help with diagnosis in difficult cases.

Graph-theoretical analysis of tunneling electron transfer in large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon networks

Effect of a single nitrogen atom substitution to a number of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules was calculated systematically, and it was found that especially in parallelogram-type PAH abnormal electron transfer (called tunneling electron transfer, TET) was observed. That is, fairly large amount of pi-electron is withdrawn to an electronegative nitrogen atom from almost the farthest end of a conjugated aromatic hydrocarbon molecule, leaving almost no change in the interior of the molecule. This change can be simulated by the Kekulé structure counting for subgraphs of the parent molecule.

Mental disturbances during isolation in bone marrow transplant patients with leukemia

The mental status of 39 leukemia patients, who received bone marrow transplants (BMT), was studied during the period of isolation. Mental disorders (diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria) occurred in 16 patients (41%) during the observation period. The most frequent diagnoses were adjustment disorders, with anxiety and/or depression. Logistic regression analysis suggested higher Tension-Anxiety score in the Profile of Mood States (POMS) prior to isolation (P = 0.011), donation of the bone marrow from unrelated subjects (P = 0.026) and in female patients (P = 0.033). The results are preliminary, but indicate a high frequency of mental disturbances and highlight the importance of psychiatric intervention in BMT patients. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 315-318.

Amount of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in meat detected by nested PCR

The incidence and quantity of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in beef, pork, and chicken meat were determined and compared with that of the total enterotoxigenic and nonenterotoxigenic C. perfringens. The method for the detection and quantification of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens consisted of a combination of the most probable number (MPN) method and a nested polymerase chain reaction after culturing of the sample. The results obtained by this method for inoculated meat samples were significantly correlated with those obtained by the plate count method. When the method was applied to the detection and quantification of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens found in randomly selected meat samples, the organism was found in 2% of the beef pieces (< 10(2) MPN/100 g) and 12% of the chicken pieces (< 10(2)-4.3 x 10(2) MPN/100 g) out of the 50 pieces of each meat tested. No enterotoxigenic C. perfringens was found in pork. Total C. perfringens was found in 16% of the beef (< 10(2)-4.3 x 10(2) MPN/100 g), 10% of the pork (< 10(2) MPN/100 g), and 84% of the chicken (< 10(2)-9.3 x 10(3) MPN/100 g) when 50 pieces of each meat was tested by the conventional MPN method. As shown in the above methods, the majority of cells were not enterotoxigenic cells in the population of C. perfringens. A small number of enterotoxigenic cells of C. perfringens co-existed with a large number of nonenterotoxigenic cells in the same meat sample.

Possibilities and limitations of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

To date, the accepted criteria for endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer have been: a) elevated-type mucosal cancer less than 2 cm in size, and b) depressed-type mucosal cancer without ulceration less than 1 cm in size. In this study, we attempted to expand these indications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with early gastric cancer who did not meet the above criteria underwent endoscopic treatment, and were divided into four groups: those with elevated tumours larger than 2 cm with submucosal invasion (group 1 a); those without submucosal invasion (group 1 b); those with depressed tumours larger than 1 cm (group 2); and those with ulcerated tumours (group 3). The patients were treated with endoscopic resection using a two-channel scope, followed by additional laser irradiation or heater-probe coagulation (combination therapy) if residual cells were found. Follow-up was by endoscopy and biopsy for more than two years.

RESULTS

Endoscopic treatment was effective in 87% of the patients (52 of 60), half of whom required combination therapy. In submucosal cancers, endoscopic treatment was effective in 76% of patients (13 of 17). However, tumours with deep invasion into the submucosa could not be cured. Mucosal cancers larger than 20 mm could be completely resected in 44% of patients (eight of 18) using endoscopic resection, but all five patients with tumours larger than 30 mm had incomplete resections.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that complete resection using endoscopic resection alone is possible in early gastric cancers measuring up to 30 mm in diameter. Tumours larger than 30 mm, and those with deep submucosal invasion, cannot be curatively treated by the current endoscopic modalities.

Anaplastic Ki-1-positive large cell lymphoma of the pancreas: a case report and review of the literature

A case of Ki-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the pancreas is presented. The patient complained of abdominal pain and was jaundiced. Examination of a biopsy specimen obtained by duodenal endoscopy revealed malignant lymphoma, and surgery confirmed a large mass located in the region from the intra-pancreatic tissue around the lower common bile duct to the peri-pancreatic lymph nodes. Histologically, this tumor was composed mainly of large and giant neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemically, these cells were diffusely positive for Ki-1 and CD45RO antigens, indicating the features of Ki-1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma with a T-cell phenotype among non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The histologic types of the majority of malignant lymphomas of the pancreas reported previously were considered to be diffuse-type non-Hodgkin lymphoma (probably with predominance of the B-cell phenotype), except for a single Japanese lymphoma case with a T-cell phenotype. This is therefore the first known case of Ki-1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the pancreas.

Most probable number method combined with nested polymerase chain reaction for detection and enumeration of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in intestinal contents of cattle, pig and chicken

The most probable number (MPN) method combined with a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) for the detection and enumeration of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in the intestinal contents of cattle, pig and chicken was examined. Ten-fold serial dilutions of samples were added to three tubes of enrichment medium, which were incubated at 37 degrees C for 20-24 hr, and the C. perfringens enterotoxin gene was detected by nested PCR from the enrichment culture without isolating the organism. The results obtained by this method with artificially contaminated intestinal contents were significantly correlated with those obtained by a plate count method. When the method was applied to the detection and enumeration of indigenous enterotoxigenic C. perfringens, the organism was found in two, two and three samples of 10 intestinal contents of cattle, pig and chicken, respectively. Most of the positive samples contained fewer than 10 MPN/g of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens, except one sample of chicken, which contained 1.5 x 10(2) MPN/g. The MPN method combined with nested PCR is easy to perform and may be a useful tool for the detection and enumeration of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens in intestinal contents.

Modulation of in vivo immune response by selective depletion of neutrophils using a monoclonal antibody, RP-3. I. Inhibition by RP-3 treatment of the priming and effector phases of delayed type hypersensitivity to sheep red blood cells in rats

Recent studies on neutrophils have revealed that these cells produce various cytokines, and may be involved in regulation of the immune response. We examined whether neutrophils are involved in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to SRBC in rats by selective depletion of in vivo neutrophils using a mAb designated RP-3. When the rats had been treated with RP-3 at the time of priming with SRBC, DTH to these cells was inhibited. Furthermore, RP-3 treatment was effective in inhibiting the effector phase of the DTH response to SRBC. When spleen cells from rats that had been treated with RP-3 at the time of immunization were used for local transfer of DTH, footpad swelling was significantly less than that induced by spleen cells from the RP-3-untreated immune rats.

Modulation of in vivo immune response by selective depletion of neutrophils using a monoclonal antibody, RP-3. I. Inhibition by RP-3 treatment of the priming and effector phases of delayed type hypersensitivity to sheep red blood cells in rats

Recent studies on neutrophils have revealed that these cells produce various cytokines, and may be involved in regulation of the immune response. We examined whether neutrophils are involved in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to SRBC in rats by selective depletion of in vivo neutrophils using a mAb designated RP-3. When the rats had been treated with RP-3 at the time of priming with SRBC, DTH to these cells was inhibited. Furthermore, RP-3 treatment was effective in inhibiting the effector phase of the DTH response to SRBC. When spleen cells from rats that had been treated with RP-3 at the time of immunization were used for local transfer of DTH, footpad swelling was significantly less than that induced by spleen cells from the RP-3-untreated immune rats.

A novel tumor-associated protein: clinical significance of serum levels in various clinical conditions with special reference to gynecological malignant diseases

A novel tumor-associated protein (TAP), that was originally detected immunologically through the use of a monospecific antiserum against a placental antigen, was quantified by means of the rocket technique of Laurell. Four hundred and fifty-seven serum samples were obtained from healthy female subjects (55), and patients with leiomyomas (162), benign ovarian tumors (78), pelvic endometriosis (45), cervical cancer (73), endometrial cancer (18) and ovarian cancer (26), respectively. Statistical analysis showed that TAP exhibited the closest relationship in ovarian cancer patients in whom the appearance of TAP and its high level were most prominent. The present preliminary study suggests the clinical usefulness of this protein as a clinical adjunct for the management of ovarian cancer.

A case report of juvenile polyposis with adenomatous change and a review of 34 cases reported in Japan

It has recently come to be thought that cases of juvenile polyposis have a natural tendency to develop adenoma and/or carcinoma. Here we present a case of juvenile polyposis coli with adenomatous change in a 21-year-old male, with a review of 34 cases of juvenile polyposis in the Japanese literature, and discuss the pathogenetic development of the polyps and their malignant potential. In this case, focal or entire adenomatous areas were found in large part of the polyps in the resected sigmoid colon and rectum, though these findings had not been recognized in 23 polypectomy specimens from the rectum 10 months prior to the operation. It was suggested that adenomatous change developed quickly in a very short time.

Pigmentary dysplasias in long survivors with mosaic trisomy 18: report of two cases

We describe two patients, a 19-year-old girl and a 19-year-old boy, with mosaic trisomy 18 and pigmentary dysplasias. Both patients had profound growth and mental retardation, marked kyphoscoliosis, bushy eyebrows, bulbous nose, simple ears, and joint contractures - clinical manifestations of long survivors with mosaic or non-mosaic trisomy 18. In addition, the boy showed total asymmetry. Pigmentary dysplasias of the skin with hypopigmented whorls and streaks, initially absent or overlooked at the ages 2 and 15 years, were detected on close examination. It is advisable to check closely every long survivor with mosaic or purportedly non-mosaic trisomy 18 for pigmentary dysplasias.

Quantitative analysis of a novel pregnancy-associated protein in trophoblastic diseases, normal pregnancy and healthy female subjects

By means of the Laurell rocket technique, a novel pregnancy-associated protein was measured in the serum of patients with trophoblastic diseases as well as in pregnant women. In 52 normally-menstruating women, the serum levels were below the detection limit in 40 (76.9%); 50 women (96.2%) had levels of less than 2.0 U/ml, and none had levels above 2.1 U/ml. Of 25 patients with a hydatidiform mole, 23 (92.0%) had elevated levels (greater than 2.2 U/ml). In 84 healthy pregnant women, the levels rose from being undetectable before 5 weeks to a plateau in the second trimester. The results suggest that the appearance of this protein in serum is associated with trophoblastic activity.

[A complete response in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung to combination chemotherapy by cisplatin and vindesine]

A 75-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for further investigation of a large mass shadow in the left hilum that was seen on an X-ray film of his chest. Cytological examination of his sputum revealed keratinized squamous cell carcinoma and combination chemotherapy using cisplatin and vindesine was administered. Later, both a chest X-ray and a CT scan showed a remarkable reduction in the size of the lung cancer. Complete response was obtained on the 90th hospital day, and was maintained with UFT administration. No sign of recurrence has been observed for over 9 months.

Measurement of the alpha 2 component of a novel oncodevelopmental antigen by a rapid electroimmunoassay

A method was required for the quantification of a novel oncodevelopmental antigen which increases in the serum of pregnant women as well as patients with ovarian cancer. The native antigen is composed of two components having alpha 2 and beta electrophoretic mobilities. An assay method, involving electroimmunodiffusion according to Laurell, was developed for the measurement of the alpha 2 component of the antigen. The method is sufficiently sensitive to determine significant differences in the levels of antigen in the serum of non-pregnant and pregnant subjects, and patients with ovarian cancer. In addition to routine quantitation, the technique will also be an indispensable analytical tool in the purification of the protein.

Detection of a pregnancy-associated protein

Monospecific antiserum was produced with the use of a placental extract showing high activity of a proteinase which hydrolyses a synthetic substrate, N-benzoyl-D,L-arginine p-nitroanilide, used for measuring tryptic activity. An immunological study showed that antibodies were not generated against the component with this activity but against an antigen which was not related to several well-known pregnancy-associated proteins. Pregnancy sera contained an antigen which immunologically was completely identical to the antigen of placental origin. Single radial immunodiffusion showed an elevated level of reactive antigen in pregnant subjects: 70% of 333 cases were positive. Cross-reacting antigen was also detected in sera as well as ascitic fluid from cases of advanced ovarian cancer. Sephadex G-200 gel filtration indicated that the antigen has an apparent molecular weight of 94000, and immunoelectrophoresis showed the molecule to be of beta-mobility. These properties suggest that the substance may represent an additional pregnancy-associated protein entity. Partial purification and some immunological properties of this antigen are described.

Interferon activity and its characterization in the sera of patients with head and neck cancer

The interferon (IFN) assay of the sera from the 40 patients with head and neck cancer was performed by the plaque-reduction assay with vesicular stomatitis virus in FL cells derived from human amniotic membrane. The patients mainly had Stage III or IV lesion without distant metastasis, and previously had not received any cancer therapy. All of the patients were histologically diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. When the serum IFN activity was characterized by acid treatment, significant increases of IFN-alpha/beta/gamma (n = 24, P less than 0.05) and acid-labile IFN (n = 24, P less than 0.001), and significant decrease of acid-stable IFN (n = 24, P less than 0.001) in the cancer patients of 50-to-79-year age group were found, as compared with those in the normal controls of the same age group (n = 20). When IFN titers including various immunologic parameters of the patients and normal controls were simultaneously assayed prior to the beginning of the cancer therapy, the titers of IFN-alpha/beta/gamma, acid-stable IFN, and acid-labile IFN were significantly correlated with some immunologic parameters such as natural killer (NK) activity, the absolute number of T gamma lymphocytes, the percentages of beta- and gamma-globulin, and the amounts of IgA, IgG, IgM, and beta 2 microglobulin. To define further the nature of this IFN, both sera of the patients and normal donors of 50-to-79-year age group were characterized by a neutralization assay with an antiserum to HuIFN-alpha and HUIFN-beta. The IFN activity left when the testing sera were neutralization with these antisera was expressed as gamma-like IFN. The titers of gamma-like IFN in the sera of patients (n = 24, P less than 0.0001) showed a highly significant increase as compared with the normal controls (n = 20). When the correlation between prognosis of the disease and titers of serum IFN were investigated by measuring gamma-like IFN and acid-stable IFN in the sera of patients, all of nine patients with good prognosis after the cancer treatment showed significant decreased levels of gamma-like IFN (P less than 0.01) and acid-stable IFN (P less than 0.05) as compared with those on the time before cancer therapy. On the other hand, titers of gamma-like IFN in the sera of six patients with recurrent disease showed a significant increase as compared with those on the IFN measurement before cancer therapy (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of intradermal administration of streptococcal preparation OK-432 on interferon and natural killer cell activities in patients with oral cancer

The streptococcal preparation OK-432 was used by intradermal administration as an immunotherapy in 18 patients with oral cancer, and the sera from patients during OK-432 treatment were serially assayed for interferon (IFN) activity by the plaque-reduction method with vesicular stomatitis virus in FL cells derived from human amniotic membrane. The type of serum IFN was characterized by acid-treatment and neutralization test with anti-IFN-alpha and anti-IFN-beta antisera. IFN-gamma was expressed for its titer as the residual IFN activity after neutralization with both antisera. An intradermal injection of OK-432 transiently induced IFN activity and 3 patterns in the type and level of the produced IFN were observed. Although most of the patients induced IFN-gamma and acid-stable IFN or only IFN-gamma, 2 patients seemed to be unresponsive to OK-432. When we examined the relationship between natural killer (NK) activity and IFN titer, a sharply declined NK activity was found immediately post OK-432 administration, and then NK activity stayed around the pretreatment level. Most of the tested patients' induced IFN-gamma, preceding the step toward the gradual increase in NK activity, decreased with OK-432. However, even in the patients showing no IFN induction with OK-432, a significant decrease of NK activity occurred.