Proton Shell Gaps in N=28 Nuclei from the First Complete Spectroscopy Study with FRIB Decay Station Initiator

The first complete measurement of the β-decay strength distribution of _{17}^{45}Cl_{28} was performed at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) with the FRIB Decay Station Initiator during the second FRIB experiment. The measurement involved the detection of neutrons and γ rays in two focal planes of the FRIB Decay Station Initiator in a single experiment for the first time. This enabled an analytical consistency in extracting the β-decay strength distribution over the large range of excitation energies, including neutron unbound states. We observe a rapid increase in the β-decay strength distribution above the neutron separation energy in _{18}^{45}Ar_{27}. This was interpreted to be caused by the transitioning of neutrons into protons excited across the Z=20 shell gap. The SDPF-MU interaction with reduced shell gap best reproduced the data. The measurement demonstrates a new approach that is sensitive to the proton shell gap in neutron rich nuclei according to SDPF-MU calculations.

Early Effect of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide Monoclonal Antibodies in Migraine with Medication Overuse: A Single-center Retrospective Study

Objective Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-(receptor) monoclonal antibody (mAb) has been reported to reduce the frequency of medication overuse in patients with migraine. The present study investigated whether or not CGRP-mAb treatment shows early effectiveness for medication overuse headache (MOH) in Japan. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 34 patients with MOH who received preventive treatment with CGRP-mAb from June 2021 to October 2022. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition was used to diagnose MOH. This study was conducted at the Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical University. Patients were recruited from this specialized headache outpatient center. Results In total, 69 patients with migraine had newly introduced CGRP-mAb, and 34 patients had MOH (49.3%). The mean±standard deviation patient age was 44±15.5 years old. The study population included 24 women (70.6%). The types of CGRP-mAb used were galcanezumab in 16 patients (47.0%), fremanezumab in 10 (29.4%), and erenumab in 8 (23.5%). The mean disease duration was 19.6±13.1 years. The types of migraine diagnosis were chronic migraine in 28 patients (82.4%) and migraine with aura in 11 patients (32.4%). The mean number of headache days in the month before administration of CGRP-mAb was 22±7.7 days; 1 month after administration, the MHD was 16.9±9.1 days. The change in MHD was -5.7 days (22.7%), indicating significant improvement (p<0.05). Conclusion CGRP-mAb has been suggested as a preventive treatment for patients with MOH. Further investigation of the long-term efficacy of CGRP-mAb for MOH is needed.

^{133}In: A Rosetta Stone for Decays of r-Process Nuclei

The β decays from both the ground state and a long-lived isomer of ^{133}In were studied at the ISOLDE Decay Station (IDS). With a hybrid detection system sensitive to β, γ, and neutron spectroscopy, the comparative partial half-lives (logft) have been measured for all their dominant β-decay channels for the first time, including a low-energy Gamow-Teller transition and several first-forbidden (FF) transitions. Uniquely for such a heavy neutron-rich nucleus, their β decays selectively populate only a few isolated neutron unbound states in ^{133}Sn. Precise energy and branching-ratio measurements of those resonances allow us to benchmark β-decay theories at an unprecedented level in this region of the nuclear chart. The results show good agreement with the newly developed large-scale shell model (LSSM) calculations. The experimental findings establish an archetype for the β decay of neutron-rich nuclei southeast of ^{132}Sn and will serve as a guide for future theoretical development aiming to describe accurately the key β decays in the rapid-neutron capture (r-) process.

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.

The Sudden Onset of Pure Parkinsonism Caused by Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

We herein report a case of sudden-onset parkinsonism, with no other symptoms, caused by intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an increased signal intensity in the bilateral lenticular nucleus. Endovascular embolization improved the patient's parkinsonism and MRI findings. DAVF should be suspected in cases of sudden-onset parkinsonism.

Mapping of a New Deformation Region around ^{62}Ti

We performed the first direct mass measurements of neutron-rich scandium, titanium, and vanadium isotopes around the neutron number 40 at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory using the time-of-flight magnetic-rigidity technique. The atomic mass excesses of ^{58-60}Sc, ^{60-62}Ti, and ^{62-64}V were measured for the first time. The experimental results show that the two-neutron separation energies in the vicinity of ^{62}Ti increase compared to neighboring nuclei. This shows that the masses of Ti isotopes near N=40 are affected by the Jahn-Teller effect. Therefore, a development of Jahn-Teller stabilization appears below the Cr isotopes, and the systematics in Sc, Ti, and V isotopes suggest that ^{62}Ti is located close to the peak of the Jahn-Teller effect.

Polycystic subdural hygroma associated with immunoglobulin G4-related intracranial hypertrophic pachymeningitis: a case report

Background

Recent studies have examined hypertrophic pachymeningitis as an IgG4-RD. However, there are no reports of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis with polycystic subdural hygroma.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old man presented to the hospital with complaints of a persistent, pulsatile, occipital headache and general malaise. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed hypertrophic pachymeningitis with polycystic subdural hygroma and hematoma. Based on the dural biopsy findings and exclusion of other diseases, the patient was diagnosed with immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis. IgG4-related diseases may cause subdural hygroma more commonly than other diseases that cause hypertrophic pachymeningitis.

Conclusions

This is the first case report discussing polycystic subdural hygroma and hematoma with IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis.

How Different is the Core of ^{25}F from ^{24}O_{g.s.} ?

The structure of a neutron-rich ^{25}F nucleus is investigated by a quasifree (p,2p) knockout reaction at 270A  MeV in inverse kinematics. The sum of spectroscopic factors of π0d_{5/2} orbital is found to be 1.0±0.3. However, the spectroscopic factor with residual ^{24}O nucleus being in the ground state is found to be only 0.36±0.13, while those in the excited state is 0.65±0.25. The result shows that the ^{24}O core of ^{25}F nucleus significantly differs from a free ^{24}O nucleus, and the core consists of ∼35% ^{24}O_{g.s.}. and ∼65% excited ^{24}O. The result may infer that the addition of the 0d_{5/2} proton considerably changes neutron structure in ^{25}F from that in ^{24}O, which could be a possible mechanism responsible for the oxygen dripline anomaly.

Magic Nature of Neutrons in ^{54}Ca: First Mass Measurements of ^{55-57}Ca

We perform the first direct mass measurements of neutron-rich calcium isotopes beyond neutron number 34 at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory by using the time-of-flight magnetic-rigidity technique. The atomic mass excesses of ^{55-57}Ca are determined for the first time to be -18650(160), -13510(250), and -7370(990)  keV, respectively. We examine the emergence of neutron magicity at N=34 based on the new atomic masses. The new masses provide experimental evidence for the appearance of a sizable energy gap between the neutron 2p_{1/2} and 1f_{5/2} orbitals in ^{54}Ca, comparable to the gap between the neutron 2p_{3/2} and 2p_{1/2} orbitals in ^{52}Ca. For the ^{56}Ca nucleus, an open-shell property in neutrons is suggested.

94 β-Decay Half-Lives of Neutron-Rich _{55}Cs to _{67}Ho: Experimental Feedback and Evaluation of the r-Process Rare-Earth Peak Formation

The β-decay half-lives of 94 neutron-rich nuclei ^{144-151}Cs, ^{146-154}Ba, ^{148-156}La, ^{150-158}Ce, ^{153-160}Pr, ^{156-162}Nd, ^{159-163}Pm, ^{160-166}Sm, ^{161-168}Eu, ^{165-170}Gd, ^{166-172}Tb, ^{169-173}Dy, ^{172-175}Ho, and two isomeric states ^{174m}Er, ^{172m}Dy were measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, providing a new experimental basis to test theoretical models. Strikingly large drops of β-decay half-lives are observed at neutron-number N=97 for _{58}Ce, _{59}Pr, _{60}Nd, and _{62}Sm, and N=105 for _{63}Eu, _{64}Gd, _{65}Tb, and _{66}Dy. Features in the data mirror the interplay between pairing effects and microscopic structure. r-process network calculations performed for a range of mass models and astrophysical conditions show that the 57 half-lives measured for the first time play an important role in shaping the abundance pattern of rare-earth elements in the solar system.

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.

Computer-Aided Diagnosis Scheme for Detection of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in MR Angiography

The detection of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is a major subject in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images. However,it is difficult for radiologists to detect small aneurysms on the maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, because adjacent vessels overlap with the aneurysm. The purpose of this study was to develop an automated computerized detection of aneurysms in order to assist radiologists' interpretation as a "second opinion." The vessels were first segmented from background by use of gray-level thresholding and region growing technique. The gradient concentrate (GC) filter was then applied to the segmented vessels for enhancement of aneurysm. The initial aneurysm candidate was identified in the GC image with a gray level threthold. For removal of false positives (FPs), we determined three features, i.e.,size,sphericity, and mean value of GC image in each of the candidate regions. Finally, the rule-based schemes with these features and quadratic discriminant analysis were applied for distinction between aneurysms and FPs. The sensitivity of our method for detection of aneurysms was 100% (7/7) with 1.85 FPs per patient. With our computerized scheme, all aneurysms were detected correctly with low FP rates, and would be useful in assisting radiologists for identifying correct aneurysms and for reducing the interpretation time.

Automated segmentation of recuts abdominis muscle using shape model in X-ray CT images

Our purpose in this study is to segment the rectus abdominis muscle region in X-ray CT images, and we propose a novel recognition method based on the shape model. In this method, three steps are included in the segmentation process. The first is to generate a shape model for the rectus abdominis muscle. The second is to recognize anatomical feature points corresponding to the origin and insertion of the muscle, and the third is to segment the rectus abdominis muscles based on the shape model. We generated the shape model from 20 CT cases and tested the model to recognize the muscle in 20 other CT cases. The average values for the Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC) and true segmentation coefficient (TSC) were 0.841 and 0.863, respectively. The results suggest the validity of the model-based segmentation for the rectus abdominis muscle.

Formation of a fluvial non-parasitic population of Lethenteron camtschaticum as the first step in petromyzontid speciation

To elucidate the petromyzontid speciation process, the genetic independence of the fluvial non-parasitic populations within the anadromous parasitic Lethenteron camtschaticum was estimated by using polymorphic microsatellite loci. Abundant gene flow was revealed in multitemporal scales between potentially sympatric populations, suggesting ongoing gene flow resulting from imperfect size-assortative mating between them and plastic determination of life histories. On the contrary, landlocked fluvial non-parasitic populations in the upper region of dams were genetically divergent from anadromous parasitic populations. The temporal heterogeneity of gene flow, i.e. contemporary little gene flow but significant gene flow over the long-term between the landlocked fluvial non-parasitic and anadromous parasitic populations was elucidated. In addition, the divergence time of isolation of the landlocked populations from the ancestral anadromous parasitic population was estimated to have occurred 17.9-428.2 years ago, which includes the construction times of an initial dam c. 90 years ago. These instances indicate that the landlocked populations should have very recently been established, and subsequent accumulation of divergence and development of reproductive isolation are predicted. The present landlocked fluvial non-parasitic populations should be analogous to the founder populations in terms of petromyzontid speciation. The data also strongly support the hypothesis of multitemporal and multispatial speciation in the petromyzontid stem-satellite species complex.

Automated recognition of the psoas major muscles on X-ray CT images

The purpose of this study is to recognize the psoas major muscle on X-ray CT images. For this purpose, we propose a novel recognition method. The recognition process in this method involves three steps: the generation of a shape model for the psoas major muscle, recognition of anatomical points such as the origin and insertion, and the recognition of the psoas major muscles by the use of the shape model. We generated the shape model using 20 CT cases and tested the model for recognition in 20 other CT cases. The average Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC) and reproducibility rate were 0.704 and 0.783, respectively. Experimental results indicate that our method was effective for a 2-D cross-sectional area (CSA) analysis.

Automated measurement of bone-mineral-density (BMD) values of vertebral bones based on X-ray torso CT images

Bone is one of the most important anatomical structures in humans and osteoporosis is one of the major public health concerns in the world. Osteoporosis is a main target disease of bone, which can be detected by medical image techniques. The purpose of this study is to develop a fully automated computer scheme to measure bone-mineral-density (BMD) values for vertebral trabecular bones. This scheme will aid osteoporosis diagnosis performed using computer tomography (CT) images. This scheme includes the following processing steps: segmentation of the bone region, recognition of the skeletal structures and measurement of the BMD value in vertebral trabecular bone of each vertebral body. The proposed scheme was applied to 20 X-ray torso CT cases to measure the BMD values for vertebral trabecular bones. The experimental results show that the mean and standard deviation of the difference between the BMD values measured by using the proposed method and those measured using a manual segmentation method were 6.93 mg/cm(3) and 6.82 mg/cm(3) respectively. The accuracy of the proposed scheme satisfied the requirement for a computer-aided system used in osteoporosis diagnosis.

Greater fat oxidation with diacylglycerol oil consumption for 14 days compared with triacylglycerol oil consumption in overweight men and women

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported increased fat oxidation with diacylglycerol (DAG) oil consumption. However, the effects of long-term DAG oil consumption on energy metabolism remain to be investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 14 days of either DAG or triacylglycerol (TAG) oil consumption on substrate oxidation, energy expenditure (EE) and dietary fat oxidation.

DESIGN

Eight males and six females participated in this randomized, double-blind, crossover feeding study. Each patient consumed the 14-day controlled test diet containing either 10 g day(-1) of DAG or TAG oil for acclimatization before a respiratory chamber measurement, followed by a 2-week washout period between diet treatments. Substrate oxidation and EE were measured in the respiratory chamber at the end of each dietary treatment. The patients consumed test oil as 15% of total caloric intake in the respiratory chamber (mean test oil intake was 36.1+/-6.6 g day(-1)).

RESULTS

Twenty-four hour fat oxidation was significantly greater with 14 days of DAG oil consumption compared with TAG oil consumption (78.6+/-19.6 and 72.6+/-14.9 g day(-1), respectively, P<0.05). There were no differences in body weight or body composition between diet treatments. Dietary fat oxidation was determined using the recovery rate of (13)CO(2) in breath, and was significantly enhanced with DAG oil consumption compared with TAG oil consumption, measured over 22 h after ingestion of (13)C-labelled triolein. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was significantly greater with DAG oil consumption compared with TAG oil consumption (1766+/-337 and 1680+/-316 kcal day(-1), respectively, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Consumption of DAG oil for 14 days stimulates both fat oxidation and RMR compared with TAG oil consumption, which may explain the greater loss of body weight and body fat with DAG oil consumption that has been observed in weight-loss studies.

Nodule detection in 3D chest CT images using 2nd order autocorrelation features

We have developed a new recognition approach using 2nd order autocorrelation and multi-regression analysis to detect a small (<7mm in diameter) lung nodules in chest 3D CT images. By combining our previous detection method of the template matching based on genetic algorithm, the detection performance was 94% true-positive rate at 2.05 false-positive marks per case using leave-one- out study.

Preliminary Study for Automated Recognition of Anatomical Structure from Torso CT images

The anatomical human structure recognition is very important and necessary during the development of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system. In this paper, we propose an image processing scheme that can recognize the general structure of human torso by identifying the human torso region from CT images automatically and separating it into 7 parts: skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, bone, diaphragm, thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity based on CT number distribution and spatial relations between different organ and tissue regions. We applied this scheme to 313 patient cases of torso CT images and confirmed its usefulness from the preliminary experiment.

Hedgehog and Fgf signaling pathways regulate the development of tphR-expressing serotonergic raphe neurons in zebrafish embryos

Serotonin (5HT) plays major roles in the physiological regulation of many behavioral processes, including sleep, feeding, and mood, but the genetic mechanisms by which serotonergic neurons arise during development are poorly understood. In the present study, we have investigated the development of serotonergic neurons in the zebrafish. Neurons exhibiting 5HT-immunoreactivity (5HT-IR) are detected from 45 h postfertilization (hpf) in the ventral hindbrain raphe, the hypothalamus, pineal organ, and pretectal area. Tryptophan hydroxylases encode rate-limiting enzymes that function in the synthesis of 5HT. As part of this study, we cloned and analyzed a novel zebrafish tph gene named tphR. Unlike two other zebrafish tph genes (tphD1 and tphD2), tphR is expressed in serotonergic raphe neurons, similar to tph genes in mammalian species. tphR is also expressed in the pineal organ where it is likely to be involved in the pathway leading to synthesis of melatonin. To better understand the signaling pathways involved in the induction of the serotonergic phenotype, we analyzed tphR expression and 5HT-IR in embryos in which either Hh or Fgf signals are abrogated. Hindbrain 5HT neurons are severely reduced in mutants lacking activity of either Ace/Fgf8 or the transcription factor Noi/Pax2.1, which regulates expression of ace/fgf8, and probably other genes encoding signaling proteins. Similarly, serotonergic raphe neurons are absent in embryos lacking Hh activity confirming a conserved role for Hh signals in the induction of these cells. Conversely, over-activation of the Hh pathway increases the number of serotonergic neurons. As in mammals, our results are consistent with the transcription factors Nk2.2 and Gata3 acting downstream of Hh activity in the development of serotonergic raphe neurons. Our results show that the pathways involved in induction of hindbrain serotonergic neurons are likely to be conserved in all vertebrates and help establish the zebrafish as a model system to study this important neuronal class.

A MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL NERVE-SHEATH TUMOUR RESPONDING TO CHEMOTHERAPY

Amalignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumour developed in the right S1 nerve root in a man aged 30 causing back pain and sciatica. CT and MRI revealed a destructive tumour of the sacrum invading the retroperitoneal space. The tumour was not resectable with an adequate margin. Chemotherapy, consisting of high-dose ifosfamide followed by a combination of vincristine, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, was given with success. Malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumours are thought to respond weakly to chemotherapy, but the response in our patient was complete.

A malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumour responding to chemotherapy

A malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumour developed in the right S1 nerve root in a man aged 30 causing back pain and sciatica. CT and MRI revealed a destructive tumour of the sacrum invading the retroperitoneal space. The tumour was not resectable with an adequate margin. Chemotherapy, consisting of high-dose ifosfamide followed by a combination of vincristine, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, was given with success. Malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumours are thought to respond weakly to chemotherapy, but the response in our patient was complete.

Prognostic relevance of rosette-like features in osteosarcoma

AIMS

To clarify the prognostic relevance of rosette-like features and other clinicopathological and immunohistochemical variables in patients with osteosarcoma.

METHODS

Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical variables were analysed in 131 patients with non-metastatic high grade conventional osteosarcoma, with particular attention to the prognostic impact of rosette-like features.

RESULTS

Rosette-like features were present in 18 (14%) cases. Rosette-like features were significantly associated with the osteoblastic subtype, numerous osteoclast-like giant cells, moderate pleomorphism, frequent haemangiopericytoma-like vascular patterns, epithelioid cytological features, positive immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane antigen and CD56, and negative staining for cytokeratin. In a multivariate analysis, rosette-like features (relative risk (RR), 3.8), a poor chemotherapy effect (RR, 2.9), and a tumour size of 10 cm or more (RR, 2.8) were identified as unfavourable prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Rosette-like features can easily be identified from routine histological slides and the relative risk in patients with non-metastatic, conventional osteosarcoma is as high as other well known prognostic factors, including large size and poor chemotherapy effect.

A model to assess the risk of the introduction into Japan of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent through imported animals, meat and meat-and-bone meal

The authors developed a mathematical model to assess the release risk of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent into a country through the importation of live cattle, bone-in bovine meat and meat-and-bone meal (MBM) from the United Kingdom and other countries with BSE. Monte Carlo simulation was attempted using this model and input variables. The release risk in Japan, expressed as the weight of infected MBM released in Japan between 1993 and 2000, was estimated to be 23.4 kg to 53.8 kg. The simulation also indicated that imported MBM represented the most important risk factor for releasing the BSE agent into Japan. This paper also provides details of the first five cases of BSE detected in Japan between September 2001 and the end of 2002. In addition, the results of the investigation conducted to determine the source of infection and the measures taken by the Government of Japan to prevent the BSE agent from entering the food and feed chains are also outlined.

Osteosarcoma with cytokeratin expression: a clinicopathological study of six cases with an emphasis on differential diagnosis from metastatic cancer

AIMS

To clarify the clinicopathological profile of osteosarcomas showing an intensely positive immunoreaction for cytokeratin.

METHODS

Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features were analysed in 131 patients with non-metastatic, conventional osteosarcoma, treated in Akita University and National Cancer Centre in Tokyo between 1972 and 1999.

RESULTS

Six patients (4.5%; mean age, 32 years; four men, two women) had osteosarcomas showing intense cytokeratin expression. Tumours were located on the long bones of the extremities in five patients and the ilium in one. Osteoid formations were found in biopsied specimens in all cases. Three tumours were classified as osteoblastic osteosarcoma, two as fibroblastic, and one as chondroblastic. In three tumours classified as the osteoblastic subtype, epithelioid features were prominent, and four tumours showed pronounced cellular pleomorphism. In contrast to the expression of cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen was negative in all cases. Surgery with a wide excisional margin was performed in six patients. Preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy was given to five of the six patients, but the effects of these agents were negligible. Three of the six patients developed lung metastases, whereas the other three patients have remained well with no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteosarcoma with intense immunoreaction for cytokeratin was rare. The clinicopathological features were similar to those of patients with conventional osteosarcoma, except for a higher age, chemotherapy resistance, histological epithelioid features, and pleomorphism. This study indicates that osteoid formation and negative expression of epithelial membrane antigen are key features in the differentiation from metastatic carcinoma.

A new labyrinthulid isolate, which solely produces n-6 docosapentaenoic acid

A labyrinthulid strain, L59, was isolated from a leaf floating on seawater collected at the coastal area of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Strain L59 contained only n-6 docosapentaenoic acid ( n-6 DPA) among all the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The proportion of n-6 DPA in the total fatty acids was 48.1% and the total fatty acids content in the cell dry weight was 26.6%. Many oil bodies were observed in the cell, mostly in the vicinity of cell membranes. The strain had spindle-shaped cell bodies and all cells were surrounded by ectoplasmic net elements. It was also clearly classified in the labyrinthulid group by phylogenetic analysis. In the optimum culture condition, using soybean oil and peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources, 0.53 g of n-6 DPA/l was produced at 20 degrees C in 7 days.

Population-based genetic alterations in Ewing's tumors from Japanese and European Caucasian patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of Ewing's tumors (ETs) is lower in Asians or African-Americans than in Caucasians.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Japanese ETs were available for analysis of chromosomal aberrations by comparative genomic hybridization (n = 16) and for expression of chimeric EWS transcripts by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (n = 11). These results in Japanese patients were compared with those of 62 ETs in European Caucasian patients registered in the European Intergroup Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Study.

RESULTS

Japanese patients with ET had lower overall survival (P = 0.0446) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.0371) compared with European Caucasian patients. Ten of 11 Japanese ETs and 31 of 62 European Caucasian ETs had type I (EWS exon 7 to FLI1 exon 6) fusion transcripts. In Japanese ETs, the median numbers of chromosomal aberrations were 2.0 and 6.0 in 11 primary tumors and five relapsed tumors, respectively. In European Caucasian ETs, the median number of changes were 2.5 and 5.0 in 52 primary and 10 relapsed tumors, respectively. Frequent gains were 8q (38%), 8p (31%) and 12q (25%) in Japanese ETs and 8q (52%), 8p (48%) and 12q (19%) in European Caucasian ETs. Frequent losses were 19q (44%), 19p (38%) and 17p (25%) in Japanese ETs and 16q (21%), 19q (18%) and 17p (15%) in European Caucasian ETs. The incidence of losses of 19p (P = 0.0215) and 19q (P = 0.0277) were significantly higher in Japanese ETs than in European Caucasian ETs. An amplification (1p33-p34) was observed in only one Japanese ET.

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese patients with ET in this study had a worse prognosis than European Caucasian patients. In molecular genetic analyses, Japanese ETs had a higher frequency of loss of chromosome 19 than European Caucasian ETs. Different genetic aberrations may explain the different incidences and prognoses of ET between Caucasian and Japanese patients.

A comprehensive expression analysis of all members of a gene family encoding cell-wall enzymes allowed us to predict cis-regulatory regions involved in cell-wall construction in specific organs of Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequencing project has revealed that multigene families, such as those generated by genome duplications, are more abundant among plant genomes than among animal genomes. To gain insight into the evolutionary implications of the multigene families in higher plants, we examined the XTH gene family, a group of genes encoding xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase, which are responsible for cell-wall construction in plants. Expression analysis of all members (33 genes) of this family, using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, revealed that most members exhibit distinct expression profiles in terms of tissue specificity and responses to hormonal signals, with some members exhibiting similar expression patterns. By comparing the flanking sequences of individual genes, we identified four sets of large-segment duplications and two sets of solitary gene duplications. In each set of gene duplicates, long nucleotide sequences, ranging from one to two hundred base pairs, are conserved. Furthermore, gene duplicates exhibit similar organ-specific expression profiles. These facts allowed us to predict putative cis-regulatory regions, particularly those responsible for cell-wall construction, and hence for morphogenesis, that are specific for certain organs or tissues in plants.

Rosette-forming epithelioid osteosarcoma: a histologic subtype with highly aggressive clinical behavior

Osteosarcoma shows a variety of histologic patterns. Rarely, this tumor may appear epithelioid, including a rosettelike configuration simulating glands. We retrospectively reviewed 16 cases of osteosarcoma with rosettelike structures treated at the National Cancer Center and Akita University, Japan, from 1972 to 1999. The 16 patients were under 30 years of age, and males were predominant in the sex distribution. The tumors arose primarily in the metaphysis of long tubular bones, and the most common symptom was pain. Roentgenographically, the lesions showed a highly destructive appearance with varying degrees of mineralization. Twelve patients (75%) died of multiple lung metastases in spite of surgery with wide surgical margins and systemic chemotherapy. The estimated cumulative 5-year survival rate was 15%, significantly worse than the rate of 55% in 70 cases of conventional osteoblastic osteosarcoma without rosettelike structures arising in long tubular bones. All of the 16 tumors, originally classified as conventional osteoblastic osteosarcoma, predominantly displayed a small multinodular growth pattern with lacelike osteoid deposits in the center between dilated blood vessels showing a hemangiopericytoma-like appearance. Ten tumors (63%) showed immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane antigen. We believe rosette formation in osteosarcomas of long tubular bones is an ominous sign; therefore, those tumors should be distinguished from osteosarcomas with conventional morphotypes.

Germline p53 mutation in a patient with multiple primary cancers

We report a case of multiple primary cancers having a germline missense mutation of the p53 gene. The patient was a Japanese female and had a history of five different types of cancers. PCR/direct sequencing analysis revealed the presence of a nucleotide substitution, AGC (Ser) to AGG (Arg), at codon 106 of the p53 gene in DNA from non-cancerous breast tissue. This is the first case of germline p53 mutation at codon 106, and could contribute to establishing correlations between the types and locations of germline p53 mutations and their phenotypical consequences.

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma: a clinicopathologic study of 20 cases

We studied the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 20 cases of proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma to identify prognostic factors. The 20 patients ranged in age from 13 to 80 years (mean, 40 y); 12 patients were male and 8 were female. The tumors presented as deep soft-tissue or subcutaneous masses on the inguinal region in five, the thigh in four, the vulva in three, the axilla in three, and one each in the flank, chest wall, back, hip and perineum. The tumors ranged from 2 to 16 cm at their greatest diameter (mean: 7.8 cm). Histologically, 12 tumors (60%) were classified as the large-cell subtype, characterized by sheets of large cells with prominent nucleoli resembling poorly differentiated carcinoma, and a frequent rhabdoid phenotype, six (30%) were classified as the conventional subtype, and two (10%) as the angiomatoid subtype. The numbers of tumors exhibiting immunoreactivity for various markers were: vimentin (20 cytokeratin (20 [100%]); epithelial membrane antigen (17 [85%]); CD34 (9 [45%]); CD99 (5 [25%]); muscle markers, either desmin or alpha-smooth muscle actin (3 [15%]), other markers such as S-100 protein, neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin and CD56 (12 [60%]); and p53 (16 [80%]). Fourteen lesions (70%) exhibited an MIB-1 index of 30% or more and, by a system of histologic grading using the MIB-1 score, 16 tumors (80%) were classified as high-grade (Grade 3). Thirteen patients (65%) developed local recurrence and 15 (75%) had metastases, primarily to the lymph nodes. At the last follow-up, 13 patients (65%) had died of their disease. A large tumor size and early metastasis were independently associated with a poor outcome. We conclude that proximal-type epithelioid sarcomas are rare, undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcomas of adults, with epithelioid features and a frequent rhabdoid phenotype. These tumors, when arising in proximal locations, have a much worse prognosis than those arising in distal locations.

A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of malignant pelvic bone tumors: results with eight consecutive patients

The prognosis for malignant pelvic bone tumors is worse than that for malignant bone tumors of the extremities because definitive surgery in the pelvis is often difficult to accomplish. The results for eight patients who were treated consecutively with a multidisciplinary approach, from 1990, were analyzed. The histologic diagnosis was osteosarcoma in five patients, chondrosarcoma in two, and Ewing's sarcoma in one. Five lesions arose in the ilium and three in the pubis. The extraosseous tumors decreased in size and/or were encapsulated as a result of preoperative chemotherapy in six patients, four of these achieving a wide surgical margin. With respect to tumor location and surgical margin, all five lesions in the ilium involved the sacrum, four of these being resected with an inadequate margin. The three lesions in the pubis were resected with an adequate margin. Local recurrence was observed in two patients who had been treated with an inappropriate margin. During the period between 18 and 57 months after the first operation, five patients were continuously free of disease and one was still alive but had lung metastases. Our results indicate that a patient's chances of definitive surgery may be enhanced by a multidisciplinary approach, although the management of sacroiliac involvement remains challenging.

Structure and neurotrophic activity of seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes from Illicium merrillianum

An extract of the pericarps of Illicium merrillianum has yielded four new sesquiterpenes: 3 alpha-hydroxycycloparvifloralone (1), 1,2-dehydrocycloparvifloralone (2), (11) 7,14-ortholactone-3 alpha-hydroxyfloridanolide (3), and 11-O-debenzoyltashironin (4) along with cycloparvifloralone (5), merrillianone (6), and tashironin (7). The structures of 1--4 were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. 11-O-Debenzoyltashironin (4) showed neurotrophic activity in primary culture of rat cortical neurons at 0.1--10 microM. However, cycloparvifloralone-type sesquiterpenes (1, 2, 5, and 6) and tashironin (7) had no neurotrophic activity at these concentrations.

Endoxyloglucan transferase is localized both in the cell plate and in the secretory pathway destined for the apoplast in tobacco cells

Intracellular trafficking of enzymes responsible for constructing and modifying the cell wall architecture in plants is mostly unknown. To examine their translocation pathways, we employed an endoxyloglucan transferase (EXGT), a key enzyme responsible for forming and rearranging the cellulose/xyloglucan network of the cell wall. We traced its intracellular localization in suspension-cultured cells of tobacco bright yellow-2 by means of green fluorescent protein-fusion gene procedures as well as by indirect immunofluorescence. During interphase the protein was extensively secreted into the apoplast via the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus network, whereas during cytokinesis, the protein was exclusively located in the phragmoplast and eventually transported to the cell plate. These results clearly indicate commitment of EXGT protein to the construction of both the cell plate and the cell wall. This study also visualized the process of phragmoplast development at a level of vesicle translocation in the living cell.

Prognostic significance of histologic grade and nuclear expression of beta-catenin in synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma, which has a wide spectrum of biologic behavior, warrants accurate grading to assess the patient's prognosis. We studied the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 44 cases of synovial sarcoma in patients treated primarily or secondarily at the National Cancer Center, Tokyo, to identify independent prognostic factors. There were local recurrences in 16 patients (36%), and 25 (57%) developed metastases, primarily to the lungs. The estimated cumulative 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 68% and 41%, respectively. Variables associated with an adverse outcome included tumor size > 6.7 cm; initial treatment outside the National Cancer Center; poorly differentiated subtype; high nuclear atypia; mitosis count > 27/10 high-power fields; tumor necrosis; absence of stromal calcification; nuclear expression of beta-catenin, which was found in 25 cases (57%); Ki-67 (MIB-1) index > 27%; and histologic grade 3. Nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin as a cell-signaling event may play an important role in the progression of synovial sarcoma and therefore might be predictive of short survival. However, multivariate analysis clearly showed that only histologic grade, as defined by using categorized variables for the MIB-1 index and tumor necrosis, was an independent prognostic factor. Most variables were correlated with lung metastasis and histologic grade. High-grade synovial sarcoma assessed by a histologic grading system based on the proliferative activity of the neoplastic cells can be viewed as high risk with the patients most likely to die of disease within 10 years after surgery and in need of improved chemotherapy. HUM PATHOL 32:257-263.