Demonstration of nuclear gamma-ray polarimetry based on a multi-layer CdTe Compton camera

To detect and track structural changes in atomic nuclei, the systematic study of nuclear levels with firm spin-parity assignments is important. While linear polarization measurements have been applied to determine the electromagnetic character of gamma-ray transitions, the applicable range is strongly limited due to the low efficiency of the detection system. The multi-layer Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) Compton camera can be a state-of-the-art gamma-ray polarimeter for nuclear spectroscopy with the high position sensitivity and the detection efficiency. We demonstrated the capability to operate this detector as a reliable gamma-ray polarimeter by using polarized 847-keV gamma rays produced by the [Formula: see text]([Formula: see text]) reaction. By combining the experimental data and simulated calculations, the modulation curve for the gamma ray was successfully obtained. A remarkably high polarization sensitivity was achieved, compatible with a reasonable detection efficiency. Based on the obtained results, a possible future gamma-ray polarimetery is discussed.

Experimental and Clinical Investigation of Cytokines in Migraine: A Narrative Review

The role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of migraines is increasingly being recognized, and cytokines, which are important endogenous substances involved in immune and inflammatory responses, have also received attention. This review examines the current literature on neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of migraine. Elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels have been identified in non-invasive mouse models with cortical spreading depolarization (CSD). Various mouse models to induce migraine attack-like symptoms also demonstrated elevated inflammatory cytokines and findings suggesting differences between episodic and chronic migraines and between males and females. While studies on human blood during migraine attacks have reported no change in TNF-α levels and often inconsistent results for IL-1β and IL-6 levels, serial analysis of cytokines in jugular venous blood during migraine attacks revealed consistently increased IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In a study on the interictal period, researchers reported higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to controls and no change regarding IL-1β levels. Saliva-based tests suggest that IL-1β might be useful in discriminating against migraine. Patients with migraine may benefit from a cytokine perspective on the pathogenesis of migraine, as there have been several encouraging reports suggesting new therapeutic avenues.

β-Delayed One and Two Neutron Emission Probabilities Southeast of ^{132}Sn and the Odd-Even Systematics in r-Process Nuclide Abundances

The β-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities (P_{1n} and P_{2n}) of 20 neutron-rich nuclei with N≥82 have been measured at the RIBF facility of the RIKEN Nishina Center. P_{1n} of ^{130,131}Ag, ^{133,134}Cd, ^{135,136}In, and ^{138,139}Sn were determined for the first time, and stringent upper limits were placed on P_{2n} for nearly all cases. β-delayed two-neutron emission (β2n) was unambiguously identified in ^{133}Cd and ^{135,136}In, and their P_{2n} were measured. Weak β2n was also detected from ^{137,138}Sn. Our results highlight the effect of the N=82 and Z=50 shell closures on β-delayed neutron emission probability and provide stringent benchmarks for newly developed macroscopic-microscopic and self-consistent global models with the inclusion of a statistical treatment of neutron and γ emission. The impact of our measurements on r-process nucleosynthesis was studied in a neutron star merger scenario. Our P_{1n} and P_{2n} have a direct impact on the odd-even staggering of the final abundance, improving the agreement between calculated and observed Solar System abundances. The odd isotope fraction of Ba in r-process-enhanced (r-II) stars is also better reproduced using our new data.

Involvement of Peripheral Monocytes with IL-1β in the Pathogenesis of West Syndrome

Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of West syndrome (WS). Inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β(IL-1β), have been reported to be associated with epilepsy. However, the assessment of cytokine changes in humans is not always simple or deterministic. This study aimed to elucidate the immunological mechanism of WS. We examined the intracellular cytokine profiles of peripheral blood cells collected from 13 patients with WS, using flow cytometry, and measured their serum cytokine levels. These were compared with those of 10 age-matched controls. We found that the WS group had significantly higher percentages of inter IL-1β, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA)-positive monocytes, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in their CD8+ T cells than the control group. Interestingly, the group with sequelae revealed significantly lower levels of intracellular IFN-γ and IL-6 in their CD8+ T and CD4+ T cells, respectively, than the group without sequelae. There was no correlation between the ratios of positive cells and the serum levels of a particular cytokine in the WS patients. These cytokines in the peripheral immune cells might be involved in the neuroinflammation of WS, even in the absence of infectious or immune disease. Overall, an immunological approach using flow cytometry analysis might be useful for immunological studies of epilepsy.

Late bedtime reflects QTA30 anxiety symptoms in adolescents in a school checkup

BACKGROUND

In adolescence, physical symptoms may develop due to psychosocial problems but such problems are not fully evaluated in school medical checkups. The aim of this study was to compare lifestyle factors with psychosomatic symptoms in adolescents using the subscales of the Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) in school health checkups.

METHODS

The QTA30 was used in checkups for 3,414 students from the fifth grade of primary school to the third grade of junior high school in south Wakayama prefecture. The QTA is a self-completed questionnaire with five subscales of physical symptoms, depression symptoms, self-efficacy, anxiety symptoms, and family function. Each subscale is divided into three groups of clinical, borderline, and healthy, based on the subscale score. Subscale scores were compared with lifestyle items of gender, grade, habits, life events, and school attendance.

RESULTS

The clinical rate for all subscales was significantly higher for a higher grade (P < 0.001). Anxiety symptoms were correlated with physical symptoms (r = 0.560). Anxiety and physical symptoms were significantly higher for students who went to bed at a later time with no absences in the last month and who had problems with friends and teachers (both P < 0.001). Family function correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0.418) but not with other subscales. Study time was most related to self-efficacy (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The QTA30 subscale scores facilitated detection of psychosomatic stress and latent risks of psychosomatic disease at an early stage. Thus, the use of the QTA30 in a school medical checkup may permit early intervention for psychosomatic stress in adolescents.

Role of Neuroinflammation and Blood-Brain Barrier Permutability on Migraine

Currently, migraine is treated mainly by targeting calcitonin gene-related peptides, although the efficacy of this method is limited and new treatment strategies are desired. Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. In patients with migraine, peripheral levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α, are known to be increased. Additionally, animal models of headache have demonstrated that immunological responses associated with cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. Furthermore, these inflammatory mediators might alter the function of tight junctions in brain vascular endothelial cells in animal models, but not in human patients. Based on clinical findings showing elevated IL-1β, and experimental findings involving IL-1β and both the peripheral trigeminal ganglion and central trigeminal vascular pathways, regulation of the Il-1β/IL-1 receptor type 1 axis might lead to new treatments for migraine. However, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is not expected to be affected during attacks in patients with migraine.

High mobility group box 1 and angiogenetic growth factor levels in children with central nerve system infections

INTRODUCTION

To clarify the pathology of children with acute encephalopathy and other neurological disorders, the involvement of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which is a representative of danger-associated molecular patterns, and angiogenesis-related growth factors were investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants were 12 children with acute encephalopathy (influenza, rotavirus, and others), 7 with bacterial meningitis, and 6 with epilepsy disease (West syndrome). Twenty-four patients with non-central nervous system (CNS) infections as a control group were admitted to our hospital. We examined the levels of HMGB1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and other cytokines in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subjects.

RESULTS

Serum and CSF HMGB1 levels were significantly higher in the encephalopathy and meningitis groups than in the West syndrome and control groups. CSF HMGB1 levels correlated with those of interleukin-6 and -8. CSF HMGB1 and VEGF levels were correlated, and PDGF showed a positive relationship.

CONCLUSION

HMGB1 and angiogenesis-related growth factors appear to play pivotal roles in the pathophysiology of CNS infections.

Complementary and Integrative Medicines as Prophylactic Agents for Pediatric Migraine: A Narrative Literature Review

Complementary and integrative medicines (CIMs) are increasingly used as a preventive antimigraine therapy. In this review, we aimed to summarize the evidence for the efficacy and safety of eight CIMs (riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, melatonin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combination therapy of feverfew, vitamin D, and ginkgolide B) in pediatric migraine prevention. The level of evidence for riboflavin was relatively high; it was investigated by many studies with five/seven studies demonstrating its efficacy. Five studies investigated the use of melatonin, with one reporting negative results. There was insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Combination therapy showed positive potential; however, reports on the individual antimigraine effects of the CIMs were lacking. A definitive conclusion was not reached regarding the specific integrative drugs clinicians should choose for pediatric migraines, owing to low-quality evidence and a limited number of studies. Integrative medications are becoming more common for pediatric migraine prevention as they do not produce serious side effects, and underlying research data suggest their efficacy in preventing migraine. Additional studies are warranted to confirm the role of CIMs in treating patients with migraines.

A Review on the Triggers of Pediatric Migraine with the Aim of Improving Headache Education

Although migraines are common in children and adolescents, they have a robustly negative impact on the quality of life of individuals and their families. The current treatment guidelines outline the behavioral and lifestyle interventions to correct common causative factors, such as negative emotional states, lack of exercise and sleep, and obesity; however, the evidence of their effectiveness is insufficient. To create a plan for disseminating optimal pediatric headache education, we reviewed the current evidence for factors correlated with migraine. We assessed three triggers or risk factors for migraines in children and adolescents: stress, sleep poverty, and alimentation (including diet and obesity). While there is a gradual uptick in research supporting the association between migraine, stress, and sleep, the evidence for diet-related migraines is very limited. Unless obvious dietary triggers are defined, clinicians should counsel patients to eat a balanced diet and avoid skipping meals rather than randomly limiting certain foods. We concluded that there is not enough evidence to establish a headache education plan regarding behavioral and lifestyle interventions. Clinicians should advise patients to avoid certain triggers, such as stress and sleep disorders, and make a few conservative dietary changes.

Utility of the QTA30 in a school medical checkup for adolescent students

BACKGROUND

In adolescence, physical symptoms may develop due to psychosocial problems, but such problems are not fully evaluated in school medical checkups. The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of students with high and low scores on the Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) in a school health checkup.

METHODS

The QTA30 (a self-completed questionnaire) was used in checkups for 3,414 students from the 5th grade of primary schools to the 3rd grade of junior high schools in south Wakayama Prefecture. The students were divided into groups with high (QTA30 ≥ 37) and low (QTA30 < 37) risk for psychosomatic disorder. Eleven items, including gender, grade, lifestyle habits, and life events, were compared between these groups, and in subgroups with and without recent absence from school.

RESULTS

The QTA30 response rate was 87.9%. The high-risk group had significantly more 3rd grade students (P< 0.001), females (P< 0.001), problems with teachers or friends (P< 0.001), and experience of bullying (P< 0.001), in addition to game playing for ≥2 h (P< 0.001), late bedtime (P< 0.001), and many absences (P< 0.001). Students in the high-risk group with no absences for 1 month regardless of age still had a late bedtime and problems with friends, and 76.4% of the high-risk students had not visited a medical institution.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the QTA30 facilitated detection of psychosomatic stress in school medical checkups, with latent risks of truancy detectable at an early phase. The QTA30 may thus be useful in early intervention for psychosomatic stress of adolescents.

Clinical Features and Burden Scores in Japanese Pediatric Migraines With Brainstem Aura, Hemiplegic Migraine, and Retinal Migraine

BACKGROUND

Migraines are a broad spectrum of disorders classified by the type of aura with some requiring attentive treatment. Vasoconstrictors, including triptans, should be avoided in the acute phase of migraines with brainstem aura, in hemiplegic migraine, and in retinal migraine. This study investigated the characteristics and burden of these migraines.

METHODS

Medical charts of 278 Japanese pediatric patients with migraines were retrospectively reviewed. Migraine burden of migraines with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraines, and retinal migraine was assessed using the Headache Impact Test-6™ (HIT-6) and the Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment scale (PedMIDAS).

RESULTS

Of 278 patients screened, 12 (4.3%) patients with migraines with brainstem aura (n = 5), hemiplegic migraines (n = 2), and retinal migraine (n = 5) were enrolled in the study. All patients had migraine with/without typical aura, whereas some patients had coexisting migraine with another type of headache (chronic tension-type headache in 3 patients, and 1 each with frequent episodic tension-type headache, headache owing to medication overuse, and chronic migraine). Migraines with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraines, and retinal migraine patients with coexisting headaches had higher HIT-6 or PedMIDAS scores, whereas migraines with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraines, and retinal migraine patients without coexisting headache did not show high HIT-6 or PedMIDAS scores.

CONCLUSION

All migraines with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraines, and retinal migraine patients experienced migraine with or without typical aura, and some patients having other coexisting headaches also had high PedMIDAS and HIT-6 scores. PedMIDAS and HIT-6 should not be considered diagnostic indicators of migraines with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraines, or retinal migraine. In clinical practice for headaches in children, careful history taking and proactive assessment of the aura are needed for accurate diagnosis of migraines with brainstem aura, hemiplegic migraines, and retinal migraine.

Effectiveness of low-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic agent in pediatric migraine

BACKGROUND

Riboflavin may prevent migraine episodes; however, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness in pediatric populations. This study investigated the effectiveness of riboflavin and clinical predictors of response in children with migraines.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 68 Japanese children with migraines, of whom 52 also exhibited another type of headache. Patients received 10 or 40 mg/day of riboflavin. We evaluated the average migraine frequency per month as a baseline and after 3 months of riboflavin therapy to determine the effectiveness and clinical predictors of response.

RESULTS

The frequency of migraine episodes was significantly lower at 3 months than at baseline (median, [interquartile range], 5.2 (3-7) vs. 4.0 (2-5); p < 0.01). Twenty-five patients (36.7%) showed 50% or greater reduction in episode frequency (responders), while 18 (26.5%) showed a 25%-50% reduction. We compared responders (n = 25) and non-responders (n = 43) and found no significant differences in sex, familial history, riboflavin dose, migraine type (i.e., presence or absence of aura), age at headache onset, or age at consultation. However, non-responders were more likely to have co-morbid non-migraine headaches (odds ratio, 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-13.33; p = 0.02); this variable was also significant in a multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.16-12.6; p = 0.03). Of the co-morbid headache types, only tension headaches were significant (odds ratio, 0.176; 95% CI, 0.04-0.73; p = 0.013). No adverse effects of riboflavin were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose riboflavin is safe and modestly effective for migraines in children. It may be especially beneficial for children without other co-morbid headache types.

Granzyme A Participates in the Pathogenesis of Infection-Associated Acute Encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine whether granzymes are implicated in the pathogenesis of infection-associated acute encephalopathy (AE).

METHODS

We investigated granzyme and cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute encephalopathy or complex febrile seizures (cFS). A total of 24 acute encephalopathy patients and 22 complex febrile seizures patients were included in the present study. Levels of granzymes A and B were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were assessed using the Bio-Plex suspension array system.

RESULTS

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of granzyme A were significantly higher, and those of TNF-α and IL-1RA were significantly lower in the AE group than in the cFS group; however, no significant differences in the levels of granzyme B, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were observed between the 2 groups. In addition, no significant differences in granzyme A, granzyme B, or cytokine levels were observed between acute encephalopathy patients with and those without neurologic sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the involvement of granzyme A in the pathogenesis of acute encephalopathy.

A familial case of overgrowth syndrome caused by a 9q22.3 microdeletion in a mother and daughter

Microdeletions in the 9q22.3 chromosomal region can cause macrosomia with characteristic features, including prenatal-onset overgrowth, metopic craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, developmental delay, and intellectual disability, in addition to manifestations of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Haploinsufficiency of PTCH1 may be responsible for accelerated overgrowth, but the mechanism of macrosomia remains to be elucidated. We report a familial case with a 9q22.3 microdeletion, manifesting with prenatal-onset overgrowth in a mother and post-natal overgrowth in her daughter. Although both were clinically diagnosed with NBCCS, they had characteristic features of 9q22.3 microdeletion, especially the daughter. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization analysis revealed a 4.0 Mb deletion of chromosome 9q22.3 in both individuals. Among the 11 reported patients of overgrowth and/or macrosomia, a 550 Kb region encompassing PTCH1, C9orf3, FANCC, and 5 miRNAs is the most commonly deleted region. The let-7 family miRNAs, which are involved in diverse cellular processes including growth and tumor processes, were identified in the deleted regions in 10 of 11 patients. Characteristic features of 9q22.3 microdeletion might be associated with decreased expression of let-7.

Antiepileptic drug-induced psychosis associated with MTHFR C677T: a case report

Background

Various antiepileptic drugs can potentially cause psychiatric side effects in patients with epilepsy, but the precise mechanism of these actions remains unknown. In recent years, the common polymorphism C677T in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has attracted attention for its role in the onset of psychiatric diseases. MTHFR and several vitamins (as cofactors) are crucial for remethylation of homocysteine via folate and homocysteine metabolism. We report a case of a Japanese patient who presented with reversible schizophrenia-like symptoms during antiepileptic drug therapy.

Case presentation

Our patient had frontal lobe epilepsy and had been treated with several antiepileptic drugs since the age of 13 years. He developed auditory hallucinations and multiple personalities at 17 years of age, several months after the initiation of phenytoin and phenobarbital, despite these antiepileptic drugs being used within the therapeutic ranges. Genetic analysis revealed that he was homozygous for the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR. Hyperhomocysteinemia, hypomethionemia, and multiple vitamin deficiencies, including folate, riboflavin, and pyridoxal, were identified at the age of 23 years. Vitamin supplementation and alteration of the antiepileptic drugs improved his psychotic symptoms. Multiple vitamin deficiencies with homozygous MTHFR C677T should be considered in patients presenting with schizophrenia-like symptoms during antiepileptic drug therapy.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antiepileptic drug-induced psychosis associated with homozygous C677T and multiple vitamin deficiencies. Our findings will contribute to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of the psychiatric side effects of antiepileptic drugs and lead to improved medical management for patients with epilepsy.

Serial Analysis of Multiple Serum Cytokine Responses to Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Therapy in Patients With West Syndrome

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy is effective for West syndrome; however, the underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. This study explored this mechanism in 5 Japanese patients with West syndrome, injected with ACTH for 28 days. Serum samples were obtained before and 30, 120, and 720 minutes after ACTH injection divided into an "early" (1-4 days) and a "late" (10-28 days) group. Responses to ACTH over time were analyzed by measuring the levels of 27 cytokines. In the early group, serum levels of interleukins-5, -9, and -17, basic fibroblast growth factor, interferon (IFN-γ), IFN-γ-inducible protein 10, chemokine ligand (CCL) 3 and 4, and platelet-derived growth factor were higher in all patients before ACTH administration than in the 720-minute time point. In the late group, no definite trend was observed except for decreased CCL2 levels after ACTH administration. These changes may correlate with mechanisms underlying the anticonvulsant effects of ACTH.

Diagnosing eosinophilic asthma using a multivariate prediction model based on blood granulocyte responsiveness

BACKGROUND

The identification of inflammatory asthma phenotypes, using sputum analysis, has proven its value in diagnosis and disease monitoring. However due to technical limitations of sputum analysis, there is a strong need for fast and noninvasive diagnostics. This study included the activation state of eosinophils and neutrophils in peripheral blood to phenotype and monitor asthma.

OBJECTIVES

To (i) construct a multivariable model using the activation state of blood granulocytes, (ii) compare its diagnostic value with sputum eosinophilia as gold standard and (iii) validate the model in an independent patient cohort.

METHODS

Clinical parameters, activation of blood granulocytes and sputum characteristics were assessed in 115 adult patients with asthma (training cohort/Utrecht) and 34 patients (validation cohort/Oxford).

RESULTS

The combination of blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, Asthma Control Questionnaire, medication use, nasal polyposis, aspirin sensitivity and neutrophil/eosinophil responsiveness upon stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine was found to identify sputum eosinophilia with 90.5% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity in the training cohort and with 77% sensitivity and 71% specificity in the validation cohort (relatively high percentage on oral corticosteroids [OCS]).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed prediction model identifies eosinophilic asthma without the need for sputum induction. The model forms a noninvasive and externally validated test to assess eosinophilic asthma in patients not on OCS.

Two-Proton Radioactivity of ^{67}Kr

In an experiment with the BigRIPS separator at the RIKEN Nishina Center, we observed two-proton (2p) emission from ^{67}Kr. At the same time, no evidence for 2p emission of ^{59}Ge and ^{63}Se, two other potential candidates for this exotic radioactivity, could be observed. This observation is in line with Q value predictions which pointed to ^{67}Kr as being the best new candidate among the three for two-proton radioactivity. ^{67}Kr is only the fourth 2p ground-state emitter to be observed with a half-life of the order of a few milliseconds. The decay energy was determined to be 1690(17) keV, the 2p emission branching ratio is 37(14)%, and the half-life of ^{67}Kr is 7.4(30) ms.

Decays of the Three Top Contributors to the Reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} High-Energy Spectrum, ^{92}Rb, ^{96gs}Y, and ^{142}Cs, Studied with Total Absorption Spectroscopy

We report total absorption spectroscopy measurements of ^{92}Rb, ^{96gs}Y, and ^{142}Cs β decays, which are the most important contributors to the high energy ν[over ¯]_{e} spectral shape in nuclear reactors. These three β decays contribute 43% of the ν[over ¯]_{e} flux near 5.5 MeV emitted by nuclear reactors. This ν[over ¯]_{e} energy is particularly interesting due to spectral features recently observed in several experiments including the Daya Bay, Double Chooz, and RENO Collaborations. Measurements were conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory by means of proton-induced fission of ^{238}U with on-line mass separation of fission fragments and the Modular Total Absorption Spectrometer. We observe a β-decay pattern that is similar to recent measurements of ^{92}Rb, with a ground-state to ground-state β feeding of 91(3)%. We verify the ^{96gs}Y ground-state to ground-state β feeding of 95.5(20)%. Our measurements substantially modify the β-decay feedings of ^{142}Cs, reducing the β feeding to ^{142}Ba states below 2 MeV by 32% when compared with the latest evaluations. Our results increase the discrepancy between the observed and the expected reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} flux between 5 and 7 MeV, the maximum excess increases from ∼10% to ∼12%.

Candidate Resonant Tetraneutron State Populated by the ^{4}He(^{8}He,^{8}Be) Reaction

A candidate resonant tetraneutron state is found in the missing-mass spectrum obtained in the double-charge-exchange reaction ^{4}He(^{8}He,^{8}Be) at 186  MeV/u. The energy of the state is 0.83±0.65(stat)±1.25(syst)  MeV above the threshold of four-neutron decay with a significance level of 4.9σ. Utilizing the large positive Q value of the (^{8}He,^{8}Be) reaction, an almost recoilless condition of the four-neutron system was achieved so as to obtain a weakly interacting four-neutron system efficiently.

Isomer decay spectroscopy of 164Sm and 166Gd: midshell collectivity around N=100

Excited states in the N=102 isotones 166Gd and 164Sm have been observed following isomeric decay for the first time at RIBF, RIKEN. The half-lives of the isomeric states have been measured to be 950(60) and 600(140) ns for 166Gd and 164Sm, respectively. Based on the decay patterns and potential energy surface calculations, including β6 deformation, a spin and parity of 6- has been assigned to the isomeric states in both nuclei. Collective observables are discussed in light of the systematics of the region, giving insight into nuclear shape evolution. The decrease in the ground-band energies of 166Gd and 164Sm (N=102) compared to 164Gd and 162Sm (N=100), respectively, presents evidence for the predicted deformed shell closure at N=100.

Well developed deformation in 42Si

Excited states in (38,40,42) Si nuclei have been studied via in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy with multinucleon removal reactions. Intense radioactive beams of ^{40}S and (44)S provided at the new facility of the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory enabled γ-γ coincidence measurements. A prominent γ line observed with an energy of 742(8) keV in (42) Si confirms the 2(+) state reported in an earlier study. Among the γ lines observed in coincidence with the 2^{+} → 0+ transition, the most probable candidate for the transition from the yrast 4(+) state was identified, leading to a 4(1)+) energy of 2173(14) keV. The energy ratio of 2.93(5) between the 2(1)+ and 4(1)(+) states indicates well-developed deformation in (42) Si at N = 28 and Z = 14. Also for 38,40)Si energy ratios with values of 2.09(5) and 2.56(5) were obtained. Together with the ratio for (42)Si, the results show a rapid deformation development of Si isotopes from N = 24 to N = 28.

Structural evolution in the neutron-rich nuclei ¹⁰⁶Zr and ¹⁰⁸Zr

The low-lying states in ¹⁰⁶Zr and ¹⁰⁸Zr have been investigated by means of β-γ and isomer spectroscopy at the radioactive isotope beam factory (RIBF), respectively. A new isomer with a half-life of 620 ± 150 ns has been identified in ¹⁰⁸Zr. For the sequence of even-even Zr isotopes, the excitation energies of the first 2⁺ states reach a minimum at N = 64 and gradually increase as the neutron number increases up to N = 68, suggesting a deformed subshell closure at N = 64. The deformed ground state of ¹⁰⁸Zr indicates that a spherical subshell gap predicted at N = 70 is not large enough to change the ground state of ¹⁰⁸Zr to the spherical shape. The possibility of a tetrahedral shape isomer in ¹⁰⁸Zr is also discussed.

β-decay half-lives of very neutron-rich Kr to Tc isotopes on the boundary of the r-process path: an indication of fast r-matter flow

The β-decay half-lives of 38 neutron-rich isotopes from (36)Kr to (43)Tc have been measured; the half-lives of (100)Kr, (103-105)Sr, (106-108)Y, (108-110)Zr, (111,112)Nb, (112-115)Mo, and (116,117)Tc are reported here. The results when compared with previous standard models indicate an overestimation in the predicted half-lives by a factor of 2 or more in the A≈110 region. A revised model based on the second generation gross theory of β decay better predicts the measured half-lives and suggests a more rapid flow of the rapid neutron-capture process (r-matter flow) through this region than previously predicted.

Neuroendocrine-Immune Modulation May Be Useful for Allograft-Specific Immunosuppression in Small Bowel Transplantation

PURPOSE

The authors have previously demonstrated that the neuropeptide bombesin (BBS) prevented allograft mucosal atrophy under tacrolimus (TRL) immunosuppression for rats small bowel transplantation (SBT). The present study investigated whether BBS had immunosuppressive effects on small bowel allografts.

METHODS

Allogeneic SBT was performed heterotopically in rats (n = 12) that received daily administration of 0.1 mg/kg/d TRL from postoperative day 0 to day 14. Rats divided into two groups of six rats each were administered BBS or normal saline as a control. Biopsy of the allograft was performed from the stomal site on postoperative days 6, 10, and 14. The state of the graft mucosal villi was evaluated by H & E staining and TUNEL immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

By postoperative day 14, extensive mucosal destruction accompanied by heavy transmural cellular infiltration had developed in the control group. Lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrated the lamina propria of the allograft without the distorting villous architecture in the BBS group. The TUNEL index of graft mucosa in the control group was 1.26% +/- 0.37% (mean +/- SD) and that in the BBS group, 0.59% +/- 0.20%, respectively (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect of bombesin on transplanted allografts, which might dramatically reduce the dose of TRL required for postoperative immunosuppression.

Deep vein thrombosis in a tetraparesic patient with mental retardation: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a tetraparesic patient, a member of a population in which DVT is reportedly rare.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year old tetraparesic resident of a developmental centre suddenly developed swelling of one leg. Her plasma D-dimer level was 751 (normal<500) ng ml-1. A Doppler ultrasound revealed femoral vein thrombosis. She usually spent 10-12 hours daily in a chair. For menstrual problems, she had received oral contraceptives (OC) for 23 months. She had no other genetic or acquired predisposition to DVT. She was anti-coagulated for 6 months and the OC was discontinued. She recovered without complications. Her DVT was probably caused by her immobility, prolonged sitting and OC.

CONCLUSION

DVT may develop in tetraparesic patients if they are exposed to additional prothrombotic factors. OC should be prescribed cautiously to such people. Relevant literature, prevention and treatment are discussed.

Maternal serum Ca125 and Ca15-3 antigen levels in normal and pathological pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of maternal serum CA125 and CA15-3 concentrations for discriminating pathological from normal pregnancies.

METHODS

Serum samples from 120 women, in whom pregnancy outcome was pathological, i.e. spontaneous abortion, fetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, chromosomal and structural abnormalities, and (pre)eclampsia, were assessed for CA125 and CA15-3 and compared with levels found in 350 women with a normal pregnancy outcome matched for age and duration of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Maternal CA125 serum values were significantly higher in the first and the third trimester of pregnancy (median 23.0 and 21.0 U/ml; p < 0.00001 and p < 0.001, respectively), compared to those in the second trimester (median 14.0 U/ml), but not significantly different from those obtained in pathological pregnancies. Maternal serum CA15-3 values were significantly higher during the third trimester (median 26.0 U/ml) compared to the first and second trimester of pregnancy (median 14.0 and 15.0 U/ml; p < 0.0001); CA15-3 serum levels in normal and pathological pregnancies showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Maternal serum levels of CA125 are higher during the first and third trimester of pregnancy. CA15-3 maternal serum levels are higher during the third trimester compared to the first and second trimester. Maternal CA125 and CA15-3 serum levels showed no relation with a pathological outcome of pregnancy.