Control of Polar/Antipolar Layered Organic Semiconductors by the Odd-Even Effect of Alkyl Chain

Some rodlike organic molecules exhibit exceptionally high layered crystallinity when composed of a link between π-conjugated backbone (head) and alkyl chain (tail). These molecules are aligned side-by-side unidirectionally to form self-organized polar monomolecular layers, providing promising 2D materials and devices. However, their interlayer stacking arrangements have never been tunable, preventing the unidirectional arrangements of molecules in whole crystals. Here, it is demonstrated that polar/antipolar interlayer stacking can be systematically controlled by the alkyl carbon number n, when the molecules are designed to involve effectively weakened head-to-head affinity. They exhibit remarkable odd-even effect in the interlayer stacking: alternating head-to-head and tail-to-tail (antipolar) arrangement in odd-n crystals, and uniform head-to-tail (polar) arrangement in even-n crystals. The films show excellent field-effect transistor characteristics presenting unique polar/antipolar dependence and considerably improved subthreshold swing in the polar films. Additionally, the polar films present enhanced second-order nonlinear optical response along normal to the film plane. These findings are key for creating polarity-controlled optoelectronic materials and devices.

Comprehensive Application of XFEL Microcrystallography for Challenging Targets in Various Organic Compounds

There is a growing demand for structure determination from small crystals, and the three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) technique can be employed for this purpose. However, 3D ED has certain limitations related to the crystal thickness and data quality. We here present the application of serial X-ray crystallography (SX) with X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) to small (a few μm or less) and thin (a few hundred nm or less) crystals of novel compounds dispersed on a substrate. For XFEL exposures, two-dimensional (2D) scanning of the substrate coupled with rotation enables highly efficient data collection. The recorded patterns can be successfully indexed using lattice parameters obtained through 3D ED. This approach is especially effective for challenging targets, including pharmaceuticals and organic materials that form preferentially oriented flat crystals in low-symmetry space groups. Some of these crystals have been difficult to solve or have yielded incomplete solutions using 3D ED. Our extensive analyses confirmed the superior quality of the SX data regardless of crystal orientations. Additionally, 2D scanning with XFEL pulses gives an overall distribution of the samples on the substrate, which can be useful for evaluating the properties of crystal grains and the quality of layered crystals. Therefore, this study demonstrates that XFEL crystallography has become a powerful tool for conducting structure studies of small crystals of organic compounds.

Supermicrovascular anastomosis training using chicken wings and colored water

Plastic surgeons require experience in supermicroscopic vascular anastomosis. Herein, we report a simple, rapid, and cost-effective training method using chicken wings and colored water. The avian ventral metacarpal artery was selected for dissection and anastomosis to mimic supermicrosurgery. Over 14 weeks (one anastomosis per day), the ulnar artery in 100 chicken wings was exposed by dissection, cut proximally, and injected with blue food dye-colored water by an inexperienced surgeon. After ligating the artery branches, it was cut and subjected to end-to-end anastomosis. Next, colored water was injected into the ulnar artery to check for suture sufficiency. The vessel was re-dissected to inspect the lumen and sutures qualitatively. Of the 100 wings, the first and last 20 wings' ventral metacarpal artery dissection, anastomosis times, and leakage frequency were compared. Avian ventral metacarpal artery diameter was recorded, and the cumulative anastomosis time where individual anastomosis times started decreasing was determined. Leakage rates before and after this point were compared. The avian ventral metacarpal artery diameter was 0.7-0.8 mm. The last 20 wings had significantly shorter median dissection times (12:27 vs. 17:45 min), anastomosis times (9:02 vs. 12:29 min), and leakage rates (15% vs. 70%); more even stitching and parallel ligature points; and less vessel layer inversion than the first 20 wings. After a cumulative anastomosis time of 10 h 26 min, individual times sharply decreased, and the leakage rate decreased significantly (58.3% vs. 23.8%). The proposed method significantly improved supermicrosurgical anastomosis. Thus, we believe that this method will help surgeons improve their supermicrosurgical skills.

Ambipolar Nickel Dithiolene Complex Semiconductors: From One- to Two-Dimensional Electronic Structures Based upon Alkoxy Chain Lengths

Air-stable single-component ambipolar organic semiconductors that conduct both holes and electrons are highly desired but have been rarely realized. Neutral nickel bis(dithiolene) complexes are promising candidates that fulfill the stringent electronic requirements of shallow HOMO levels and deep LUMO levels, which can reduce the carrier injection barrier to overcome the work function of gold electrodes and ensure air stability. However, most nickel bis(dithiolene) analogs that have been characterized as ambipolar semiconductors have twisted molecular structures that hinder the effective intermolecular interactions required for carrier conduction. To address this issue, we synthesized planar alkoxy-substituted nickel bis(dithiolene) analogs that facilitate dense packing with effective intermolecular interactions. Remarkably, changing the methoxy substituents to ethoxy or propoxy groups led to a dramatic change in the packing mode, from one-dimensional to herringbone-like, while maintaining effective intermolecular interactions. These materials overcome the usual trade-off between crystallinity and solubility; they are highly crystalline, even in their film forms, and are highly soluble in organic solvents. They are therefore readily solution-processable to form semiconducting layers with well-defined and well-ordered structures in field-effect transistors. Devices based on these compounds exhibited efficient ambipolar characteristics, even after several months of exposure to air, achieving high carrier mobilities of up to 10^-2 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and large on/off ratios of up to 10⁵, which are the top-class performances achieved for a single-component ambipolar semiconductor material driven in air.

Small-molecule ambipolar transistors

Ambipolar transistor properties have been observed in various small-molecule materials. Since a small energy gap is necessary, many types of molecular designs including extended π-skeletons as well as the incorporation of donor and acceptor units have been attempted. In addition to the energy levels, an inert passivation layer is important to observe ambipolar transistor properties. Ambipolar transport has been observed in extraordinary π-electron systems such as antiaromatic compounds, biradicals, radicals, metal complexes, and hydrogen-bonded materials. Several donor/acceptor cocrystals show ambipolar transport as well.

Meniscus-controlled printing of single-crystal interfaces showing extremely sharp switching transistor operation

Meniscus, a curvature of droplet surface around solids, takes critical roles in solution-based thin-film processing. Extension of meniscus shape, and eventual uniform film growth, is strictly limited on highly lyophobic surfaces, although such surface should considerably improve switching characteristics. Here, we demonstrate a technique to control the solution meniscus, allowing to manufacture single-crystalline organic semiconductor (OSC) films on the highest lyophobic amorphous perfluoropolymer, Cytop. We used U-shaped metal film pattern produced on the Cytop surface, to initiate OSC film growth and to keep the meniscus extended on the Cytop surface. The growing edge of the OSC film helped maintain the meniscus extension, leading to a successive film growth. This technique facilitates extremely sharp switching transistors with a subthreshold swing of 63 mV dec^-1 owing to the effective elimination of charge traps at the semiconductor/dielectric interface. The technique should expand the capability of print production of functional films and devices.

Two-dimensional radical–cationic Mott insulator based on an electron donor containing neither a tetrathiafulvalene nor tetrathiapentalene skeleton

We have succeeded in developing a two-dimensional radical–cationic Mott insulator that does not contain a 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene moiety.

Regioisomeric control of layered crystallinity in solution-processable organic semiconductors

The construction and control of 2D layered molecular packing motifs with functionally substituted π-electron cores are crucial for developing organic electronic materials and devices. We investigated a regioisomeric structure–property relationship in high-performance and solution-processable layered organic semiconductors based on mono-octyl-substituted benzothieno[3,2-b]naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene (mono-C8-BTNT). We demonstrated that an isomorphous bilayer-type layered herringbone packing motif is obtainable in a series of four positional isomers of mono-C8-BTNTs whose π-electron core is substituted by an octyl chain at one of the four most peripheral positions with roughly keeping the rod-like molecular shape. These regioisomeric compounds exhibited systematic variations in the solvent solubility and liquid-crystalline phase transitions at elevated temperatures. The analysis of intermolecular interaction energies in the crystals based on dispersion-corrected DFT calculations revealed that the crystals of 2- and 8-mono-C8-BTNTs are more stable than those of 3- and 9-mono-C8-BTNTs owing to the higher ordering of alkyl chain layers in the crystals. Such differences of the stability in their crystal formation are closely correlated with TFT performances, where the single-crystal devices of the 2- and 8-mono-C8-BTNTs substituted at the most peripheral positions exhibit high-performance TFT characteristics with a mobility of approximately 10 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹.

An isomorphous bilayer-type layered herringbone crystal packing is reported for a series of four positional isomers of mono-C8-BTNTs, where the single-crystal devices with the isomers exhibit high-performance TFT characteristics.

Architecting layered molecular packing in substituted benzobisbenzothiophene (BBBT) semiconductor crystals

The construction of layered molecular packing structures in a non-layered crystalline material, benzobisbenzothiophene (BBBT), was achieved by employing long-alkyl and phenyl substituents, leading to high-performance organic thin-film transistors.

New π-extended catecholato complexes of Pt(ii) and Pd(ii) containing a benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) moiety: synthesis, electrochemical behavior and charge transfer properties

Benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) and derivatives have received increasing attention as organic field-effect transistor materials and molecular conductors. This report presents the first synthesis of metal complexes involving a BTBT moiety, which was achieved by complexation of 2,2'-bipyridyl complexes of Pt(ii) and Pd(ii) with dihydroxy-substituted BTBT (1) as a new π-extended catecholato ligand (^tBu₂Bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dipyridyl). The resulting complexes M(^tBu₂Bpy)(O₂BTBT) (M = Pt (3Pt) and Pd (3Pd)) were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and cyclic voltammetry. The electron donating ability of BTBT was substantially enhanced upon including two oxygen substituents followed by metal coordination. This enabled chemical oxidation of 3Pt and 3Pd with a mild chemical oxidant (ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate) and formation of the one-electron-oxidized state. While 3Pt and 3Pd exhibited an absorption band originating from a catecholate → Bpy ligand-to-ligand charge transfer transition typical of this class of catecholato complexes, the radical cations exhibited a unique π-π* intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transition absorption in which the π and π* orbitals were the newly incorporated benzothienothiophene-based donor and semiquinonato-based acceptor, respectively. The BTBT⁺ skeleton was electronically divided into two sites by the present chemical modification. The ICT properties of the complexes were found to be modulated by varying the metal ions. These findings offer a new approach to molecular design for (semi)conducting materials using optical properties.

Di- and tetramethoxy benzothienobenzothiophenes: substitution position effects on the intermolecular interactions, crystal packing and transistor properties

The relationship between the structure and transistor properties of novel benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) derivatives with 2,3-dimethoxy and 2,3,7,8-tetramethoxy groups was investigated.

Construction of three-dimensional anionic molecular frameworks based on hydrogen-bonded metal dithiolene complexes and the crystal solvent effect

Three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded anionic molecular frameworks based on a metal dithiolene complex were constructed with a significant solvent effect.

Improved stability of a metallic state in benzothienobenzothiophene-based molecular conductors: an effective increase of dimensionality with hydrogen bonds

A dihydroxy-substituted benzothienobenzothiophene, BTBT(OH)₂, was synthesized, and its charge-transfer (CT) salt, β-[BTBT(OH)₂]₂ClO₄, was successfully obtained. Thanks to the introduced hydroxy groups, a hydrogen-bonded chain structure connecting the BTBT molecules and counter anions was formed in the CT salt, which effectively increases the dimensionality of the electronic structure and consequently leads to a stable metallic state.

Air-stable ambipolar organic transistors based on charge-transfer complexes containing dibenzopyrrolopyrrole

A charge-transfer complex of DBPP and DMDCNQI shows air-stable ambipolar transistor characteristics.

Predicting delayed pressure ulcer healing using thermography: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether thermography can be used to detect latent inflammation in pressure ulcers and predict pressure ulcer prognosis in a clinical setting.

METHOD

For this cohort study, we recruited 35 patients with stage II-IV pressure ulcers on the torso, who underwent thermographic assessment on discovery of their pressure ulcer. The patients were followed up for at least 3 weeks. Thermography was performed immediately after dressing removal. Pressure ulcers were classified into two groups depending on whether or not the wound site temperature was lower or higher than the periwound skin: the low temperature group and the high temperature group respectively. A generalised estimation equation was used to estimate the relative risk of delayed healing of pressure ulcers, comparing wounds with high temperatures and low temperatures.

RESULTS

Of the 35 patients, 21 had 'low temperature' wounds and 14 had 'high temperature' wounds at baseline. Two patients in the high temperature group presented with overt infection, and were excluded from further analysis. Twenty-two pressure ulcers were considered to heal 'normally' (that is, the wound area reduced by 30% or more within 3 weeks) and 16 did not heal. The baseline DESIGN score (a measure of gross wound status) did not differ in any subscales between the high and low temperature groups. The relative risk for delayed healing in high temperature cases was 2.25 (95% confidence intervals; 1.13-4.47, p=0.021). Sensitivity was 0.56, specificity was 0.82, positive predictive value was 0.75, and negative predictive value was 0.67.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that using thermography to classify pressure ulcers according to temperature could be a useful predictor of healing at 3 weeks, even though wound appearances may not differ at the point of thermographical assessment. The higher temperature in the wound site, when compared with periwound skin, may imply the presence of critical colonisation, or other factors which disturb the wound healing.

Cellular and molecular features of lipoma tissue: comparison with normal adipose tissue

BACKGROUND

Involvement of adipose-derived stem/progenitor/stromal cells (ASCs) in the development of lipomas has been suggested, but the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of this tumour remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse cellular and transcriptional characteristics of lipoma tissue compared with normal adipose tissue, further to delineate differentiating features.

METHODS

For lipoma or normal adipose tissues, we used a new whole-mount staining enabling three-dimensional imaging of nonfixed and nonfrozen adipose tissue. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction for obesity-related genes were performed as well as comparative assay of the proliferative and adipogenic capacity of ASCs.

RESULTS

A large number of small adipocytes surrounded by CD34+/lectin- ASCs and increased numbers of Ki67+/CD34+ ASCs indicated enhanced adipogenesis in lipoma compared with normal adipose tissue. In contrast, cellular apoptosis was not enhanced in lipoma, suggesting that the enlargement of lipoma tissue may be due to a positive balance of adipocyte turnover (accelerated adipogenesis combined with nonenhanced apoptosis). Leptin mRNA was upregulated in lipoma, while adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and glucose transporter 1 mRNA were downregulated and there were no apparent changes in hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. These results suggested dysfunction of lipoma adipocytes similar to that in obesity, but indicated that lipoma tissue lacked several obesity-related phenomena such as ischaemia (hypoxia), macrophage infiltration, inflammatory reactions and enhanced glycolysis. ASCs from lipoma and normal adipose tissue showed similar proliferative and adipogenic capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that lipoma tissue shows a positive balance of adipocyte turnover involving proliferating ASCs and several transcriptional differences from adipose tissue enlargement in obesity.

[Temporary placement of inferior vena cava filter prior to transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hepatocellular carcinoma with IVC tumor thrombus--prevention of pulmonary tumor emboli after TAE]

A 66-year-old-man with a right huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) extending into both the right portal vein and the right atrium underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) via the right hepatic artery. Prior to the TAE, a temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was placed suprarenally for prevention of pulmonary tumor emboli. When we replaced the temporary IVC filter with a new one 7 days after the TAE, the filter which was pulled out of the IVC captured a fragment of the tumor thrombus. A histopathological specimen demonstrated only ghost cells. The patient has been followed at our outpatient clinic without any tumor thrombus or pulmonary infarction for 13 months after this procedure.

A lateral ventricular gliosarcoma arising in an ependymoma

OBJECTIVE

We describe a 29-year-old man with gliosarcoma in the lateral ventricle.

CASE

The patient presented with headache and impairment of consciousness. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging localized the tumor to the right lateral ventricle and showed heterogeneous enhancement with administration of contrast agents. The tumor was partially removed via a transcallosal approach. Histologic examination disclosed gliosarcoma arising by malignant transformation of an ependymoma. POST-OPERATIVE COURSE: The patient died of tumor progression 78 days after admission, despite intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

[Small epidermoid induced trigeminal neuralgia unrecognized by conventional CT and MRI for over 25 years]

A 65-year-old woman had been conservatively treated as idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia for over 25 years, because conventional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed no abnormality in the cerebello-pontine(CP) angle cistern. She received a detailed MRI by constructive interference in steady state and diffusion weighted image(DWI) sequences. Those sequences on MRI well demonstrated a epidermoid tumor in the CP angle cistern, and the removal of the tumor completely resolved the neuralgia. Since a small epidermoid in the CP angle cistern seems to be unrecognized by conventional CT and MRI, detailed evaluation by DWI sequence, which has been widespread recently, is required for patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

Plasma endotoxin and serum cytokine levels in patients with alcoholic hepatitis: relation to severity of liver disturbance

BACKGROUND

Endotoxin plays an important role in the initiation and aggravation of alcoholic liver disease. In this study, we evaluated plasma endotoxin levels and serum concentrations of cytokines and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) during the acute and recovery phase of patients with alcoholic hepatitis; we also explored the prognostic factors associated with a fatal outcome.

METHODS

Fourteen patients, consisting of eight patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH), five cirrhotics with superimposed AH (LC+AH), and one patient with severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH), were studied. Among these, two with LC+AH died of hepatic failure.

RESULTS

Plasma endotoxin levels in the acute phase were higher in patients with AH (184.4 +/- 159.4 pg/ml) and LC+AH (206.9 +/- 174.9 pg/ml) than in healthy subjects (10.4 +/- 5.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). In particular, in one patient with SAH and one of two nonsurvivors, plasma endotoxin levels were markedly high relative to the other cases. In most survivors, plasma endotoxin levels decreased in the recovery phase, whereas they further increased at the terminal stage in one of two nonsurvivors. Serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels in the acute phase were significantly higher in patients with AH and LC+AH as compared with healthy subjects. These levels were especially high in nonsurvivors and in one patient with SAH. IL-10 increased in two nonsurvivors, one patient with SAH, and one with LC+AH. In the recovery phase, these cytokine levels in survivors tended to decrease, but in nonsurvivors, IL-6 remained high, and IL-8 and IL-10 further increased. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were below the detection limit throughout the course in all patients. Serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) generally was elevated in the acute phase and decreased in the recovery phase in all survivors, but in one of the nonsurvivors, LBP was elevated markedly at the terminal stage. In the acute phase, plasma endotoxin levels were correlated positively with white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and serum IL-8. IL-8 was correlated positively with neutrophil counts and negatively with serum cholinesterase, hepaplastin test, and serum albumin levels. IL-6 was correlated positively with white blood cell and neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein, and serum total bilirubin and negatively with hepaplastin test and serum total protein levels. Serum LBP was correlated positively with white blood cell and neutrophil counts.

CONCLUSIONS

Endotoxemia and related elevation of IL-8 may play an important role in the activation and migration of neutrophils in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Marked elevation of inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-8, are related to severity and poor prognosis of alcoholic hepatitis. Serum LBP may serve as an index of inflammatory reaction in alcoholics.

[A patient with limb-girdle type myasthenia gravis and atopic dermatitis, both of which improved after thymectomy]

We herein report a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) and atopic dermatitis (AD). Heretofore, there have been no reports of patients with MG and AD. Nine years ago, a 25-year-old man noted muscle weakness of upper and lower extremities on physical labor, and the muscle weakness was gradually exacerbated. Two years ago, he noted acute skin eczema with itching on his hands and feet. Neurological examination revealed mild left ptosis, facial muscle weakness and proximal muscle weakness of upper and lower extremities, but no diplopia, ophthalmoplegia or dysphagia. Although anti-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibody was negative, edrophonium test was positive and 54% waning in the thenar muscles was observed on Harvey-Masland test. Thus, he was diagnosed as limb-girdle type MG. IgE level in his serum elevated (1,818 U/ml). After thymectomy, the muscle weakness markedly improved as well as waning in the thenar muscles (11%). Simultaneously, AD markedly improved and serum IgE level was decreased (1,245 U/ml). Thus, MG and AD in this case may be derived from some common immunological aberrancy in the thymus.

Prognostic factors in severe alcoholic liver injury. Nara Liver Study Group

Severe alcoholic liver injury has been relatively rare, but is gradually increasing in Japan. The clinical features and prognostic factors in severe alcoholic liver injury were retrospectively investigated in 105 patients, consisting of 3 with severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH), 43 with cirrhosis with superimposed alcoholic hepatitis [liver cirrhosis (LC)+alcoholic hepatitis (AH)], 38 with AH, and 21 with alcoholic cirrhosis. Seven of the 105 patients (6.7%, 2 with SAH and 5 with LC+AH) died of hepatic failure. Patients with SAH showed severe hyperbilirubinemia, reduced hepatic biosynthetic capacity, and marked acute inflammatory reactions, and developed multiple organ failure, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), renal failure, acute pancreatitis, or pneumonia. Two SAH patients died within 1 month, whereas five with LC+AH died within 77 days during the second episode of AH. In these nonsurvivors, the serum total bilirubin (T.Bil) level was not normalized, and the hepaplastin test (HPT), serum albumin, cholesterol, and platelet count were not markedly improved after the first episode of AH. In the survivors, elevation of AST lasted longer, and the improvement of T.Bil, hepatic biosynthetic capacity, and the platelet count were much less in patients with LC+AH than in those with AH. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and DIC as significant independent prognostic factors among SAH, LC+AH, and AH groups. When factors related to multiple organ failure, such as DIC and renal failure, were excluded, T.Bil and CRP were selected as independent prognostic factors. In patients with LC+AH and AH, CRP, and HPT were shown to be significant independent prognostic factors. These results suggest that SAH with multiple organ failure, and another episode of AH in advanced LC with hyperbilirubinemia and reduced hepatic biosynthetic capacity, are indicative of an extremely poor prognosis in chronic alcoholics.

IgM-producing renal plasmacytoma

A seventy-six-year-old woman with plasmacytoma presenting as a renal mass died three months after diagnosis. Bone surveys disclosed no lytic lesions. Gallium-67 scan showed an avid uptake of the radionuclide in the renal mass. Histologic and immunofluorescence studies of resected specimens demonstrated that the renal parenchyma was destroyed by sheets of immature plasma cells producing IgM-lambda and by massive deposits of amorphous, eosinophilic substance stained with anti-mu and anti-lambda antisera. The literature is reviewed. We believe this case is the first one of well-documented IgM-producing renal plasmacytoma.

Changes of plasma concentrations of steroid hormones, prostaglandin F2 alpha-metabolite and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin during pregnancy in thoroughbred mares

Plasma concentrations of estrogens, gestagens, cortisol (F), 13, 14-dihydro, 15-keto PGF2 alpha (PGFM) and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) in 10 Thoroughbred mares were measured for a 11-month pregnancy period. Estrone (E1) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) levels gradually increased as the pregnancy advanced, showing a peak around Month 8 and decreased thereafter. Progesterone (P) levels increased on Months 3 and 11, and 17 alpha-OH-progesterone (17 alpha-OHP) levels peaked on Month 3, whereas 20 alpha-OH-progesterone (20 alpha-OHP) levels increased sharply after Month 6. PGFM indicated peaks on Months 2 and 11. F and PMSG levels peaked on Months 2 and 3. From factor analysis, Month, E1, E2 and 20 alpha-OHP were discriminated as Factor 1, increasing with the progress of pregnancy, PMSG, 17 alpha-OHP and P as Factor 2, showing a relation with the secondary corpus luteum, and PGFM and F as Factor 3, affecting PGFM change on Month 2 by F. P also related to both Factors 1 and 3, showing an inverse relation against PGFM. In conclusion E1, E2 and 20 alpha-OHP contained in Factor 1 were suggested to be important especially as parameters of placental function after Month 6.

Effects of acetate on the immune system of mice

The effects of acetate on antibody production and cell-mediated immunity in mice were investigated. Polyclonal antibody responses could be enhanced in vivo by single intraperitoneal administration of acetate (5 mg/mouse) in C57BL/6 mice but not in DBA/2 mice. No enhancement of antibody production by acetate was also induced in athymic C57BL/6 nude mice and carrageenan-pretreated, macrophage-depleted mice. The inoculation of acetate-nonresponder BDF1 mice with T-cells and peritoneal adherent cells derived from acetate-treated C57BL/6 mice resulted in an enhanced antibody response. These results suggest that acetate increases polyclonal antibody responses in vivo by activating indirectly T-cells and macrophages. Acetate administration increased delayed hypersensitivity to pircryl chloride in C57BL/6 mice but not in DBA/2 mice. Allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) of T-lymphocytes derived from the spleen of acetate-treated C57BL/6 mice was also enhanced. The natural killer (NK) activity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) were also increased in C57BL/6 mice that were administered acetate. The possible mechanism of the immunopotentiating effect of this chemical is discussed.

Participation of food antigens in increased polyclonal antibody production induced by alcohol

In order to obtain a better understanding of hyperglobulinemia in chronic alcoholism, we investigated whether food antigens participated in the effects of long-term oral alcohol (AL) administration on serum immunoglobulin levels and polyclonal antibody production in spleen, Peyer's patch and bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice in specific pathogen free (SPF) circumstances. In animals fed antigen food (AF), three weeks of oral AL administration elicited an increase in polyclonal IgA antibody production in Peyer's patch. Moreover, seven weeks of oral AL administration elicited increases in both polyclonal IgA antibody production and serum IgA level. However, in animals fed antigen free food (AFF), oral AL administration failed to elicite increases in serum IgA level and polyclonal antibody production in spleen, Peyer's patch and bone marrow. Furthermore, in animals fed AF or AFF, oral AL administration failed to elicite increases in polyclonal IgM and IgG antibody production in any organ and serum IgM and IgG level. It is suggested that food antigens participated greatly in the elevation of serum IgA level in chronic alcoholism and that Peyer's patch is the major site of polyclonal IgA antibody production.

The distribution of pyrroline carboxylate reductase and proline oxidase in the larva of the blowfly, Aldrichina grahami

P5C reductase and proline oxidase in the larva of the blowfly, Aldrichina grahami, were found to be localized mainly in the fat body mitochondrial matrix and the muscle, respectively.