Relationship between stable cesium concentration and body size of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and the effect of a size-dependent shift in diet

To understand the relationship between the radioactive cesium (Cs) concentration in muscle of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and the species' biological characteristics (size, sex, and age) under conditions of ecological equilibrium (i.e., distributed among ecosystem components over sufficient time, and with nearly constant ratios of Cs concentration in organisms to the concentration in water) as existed before the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), Japan, in 2011, we examined stable Cs, as it is thought to exist in equilibrium in the environment and behave similarly to radioactive Cs in aquatic animals. The concentration of stable Cs in 241 P. olivaceus (range 216-782 mm total length [TL]) collected in Sendai Bay, approximately 90 km north of the FDNPS, in June-July 2015 was expressed as an exponential function with size as an independent variable; the results show the concentration of stable Cs doubled with an increase in TL of 442 mm. Next, to evaluate the cause of the size-dependent change in stable Cs concentration, we examined 909 individuals (200-770 mm TL) collected in September 2013-July 2015 to determine their feeding habit based on size. Analysis of the frequency of occurrence of prey organisms in stomach contents showed that sand lance Ammodytes japonicus (55-180 mm standard length [SL]) was the most consistently consumed across size classes. Analysis on a wet-mass basis showed that A. japonicus and anchovy Engraulis japonicus (65-130 mm SL) were the main food of P. olivaceus sized 200-599 mm TL, whereas chub mackerel Scomber japonicus (120-230 mm SL) and two species of flatfishes (180-205 mm SL) were abundant in the diet of P. olivaceus sized ≥600 mm TL. All these prey items were presumed to have similar concentrations of stable Cs. Based on the above, the effect of diet on the relationship between stable Cs in muscle and fish size was considered negligible. That the diet of P. olivaceus largely did not change with size was also confirmed by C and N stable isotope ratios in P. olivaceus and their prey species. Therefore, the Cs-size relationship is probably determined by changes in the balance between the rate of Cs intake from food and seawater and the excretion rate during growth, both of which change as functions of body mass. Values of stable Cs concentrations among environmental components and animals appear to be a valid indicator for understanding the radioactive Cs distribution in the marine environment and aquatic animals under the equilibrium state, as existed before the 2011 nuclear accident.

Synthesis and crystal structures of a novel layered silicate SSA-1 and its microporous derivatives by topotactic transformation

The synthesis of a novel layered silicate SSA-1 (SSA: silicate synthesized with a quaternary amine) was achieved in the SiO₂-H₂O-TEAOH (TEAOH: tetraethylammonium hydroxide - as an organic structural directing agent) system. The crystal structure of SSA-1 involved two silicate layers composed of bre [10T]-type CBU (Composite Building Unit) and TEAOH in interlayers. The topotactic transformation of SSA-1 by calcination was examined, resulting in a porous material (PML-1: porous material transformed from a layered silicate) with a 108 m² g^-1 BET surface area and 0.035 cm³ g^-1 pore volume. PML-1 is a siliceous microporous material with silanols in the framework and possesses unique properties, such as hydrophilicity, in spite of all its silica composition. The most reasonable crystal structure of PML-1 was successfully determined on the basis of the crystal structure of SSA-1 by a combination of manual modelling, PXRD pattern simulation, DFT optimization and Rietveld analysis. Additionally, an interlayer expanded siliceous zeolite SSA-1 (IEZ-SSA-1) was also successfully prepared by silylation using trichloro(methyl)silane under acidic conditions. IEZ-SSA-1 showed hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity properties by changing the functional group of the pillar part in the interlayer. Additionally, IEZ-SSA-1 showed a large gas adsorption property (537 m² g^-1 and 0.21 cm³ g^-1).

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in an Incompletely Duplicated Collecting System in a Patient with a Horseshoe Kidney

We present a case of UPJO associated with an incompletely duplicated collecting system in a horseshoe kidney that was successfully treated by laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy. A 53-year-old man had three urological anomalies and urolithiasis. We performed a pyeloplasty and pyelolithotomy using a fully intracorporeal technique. Clinical and radiographic evaluation confirmed complete resolution of the patient’s condition. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of UPJO in an incompletely duplicated collecting system with a horseshoe kidney in the same patient. We also provide convincing evidence that laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible in complex cases of renal anatomic anomalies.

Early growth and development of reciprocal hybrids of the starry flounder Platichthys stellatus and stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus

Larval growth and development of hybrid flounder were observed and compared with those of their parent species. The reciprocal hybrids of female starry flounder Platichthys stellatus and male stone flounder Kareius bicoloratus (hybrid Sb) and of female K. bicoloratus and male P. stellatus (hybrid Bs) both survived and grew to juveniles. Development was divided into nine stages (A-I). Many of the hybrids' traits were identical and intermediate to those of their parents. The position of the eye, however, was primarily sinistral in both hybrids (80% in Sb and 76% in Bs), a trait possessed by P. stellatus (80%) in the western Pacific Ocean. The daily growth rates of the larvae were similar. In the parent species, development was more rapid in P. stellatus than in K. bicoloratus whereas rate of development was intermediate in both Sb and Bs hybrids. The size at settlement [standard length (LS ) at stage H (mean ± s.d.)] was 9·82 ± 1·47 mm for the hybrid Sb and 9·99 ± 0·90 mm for the hybrid Bs, while the minimum age at metamorphosis (initial age at stage H) was 29 days after hatching (DAH) in both hybrids. In comparison, LS at settlement in parent species was 6·43 ± 0·25 mm for P. stellatus and 12·87 ± 1·29 mm for K. bicoloratus. Minimum age at metamorphosis for the parents was 23 DAH at stage G in P. stellatus and 34 DAH at stage H in K. bicoloratus. Thus, the timing of settlement of hybrids was different from that of their parent species. These traits may occur with high frequency in a natural habitat.

[Long-term survival of metastatic clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra by multidisciplinary treatment: a case report]

We report a case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra. A 57-year-old woman presented with complaint of gross hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography, cystourethroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the urethral tumor was invasive to bladder neck. Clinical stage was determined as cT3N1M0, then anterior pelvic exenteration and ileal conduit formation were performed. The pathological diagnosis was clear cell adenocarcinoma of urethra and the stage was pT3N1. The patient received TS-1 and cisplatin for postoperative recurrence, but she died from multiple lung metastasis 54 months after the operation. Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra is rare case in the Japanese literatures. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.

Expression of β-Adrenoceptor Subtypes in Urothelium, Interstitial Cells and Detrusor of the Human Urinary Bladder

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether interstitial cells (ICs) of the human urinary bladder expressed β-adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes, and semiquantitatively compared the staining intensity among urothelium, ICs and detrusor muscles.

METHODS

Paraffin sections of the human urinary bladder were obtained from histologically normal areas of formalin-fixed specimens removed for bladder carcinoma. Double-labeling immunohistochemical methods using antibodies against each β-AR subtype and vimentin were performed to identify ICs of the human urinary bladder. The staining intensity of β-ARs was semiquantitatively compared among urothelium, ICs and detrusor muscles. Further, gender-related difference or age-related correlation in the staining intensity of β-ARs was compared in the same cell types.

RESULTS

The expression of β1 -, β2 -, and β3 -AR was observed in vimentin-positive ICs localized in suburothelium, between detrusor muscle bundles, and within these bundles of the human urinary bladder. The rank order of the staining intensity was urothelium > ICs = detrusor muscles in β1 -AR, urothelium > ICs > detrusor muscles in β2 -AR, whereas its order was ICs = detrusor muscles > urothelium in β3 -AR. Except for urothelial β1 -AR, there was no gender-related difference in the signal intensity of β-ARs in the urothelium, ICs or detrusor muscles. Age negatively correlated with the signal intensity of all β-AR subtypes.

CONCLUSION

β-ARs were expressed in vimentin-positive ICs of the human urinary bladder. As for β2 - and β3 -AR, there was no gender-related difference or age-related correlation in urothelium, ICs and detrusor muscles. In the human urinary bladder, β-ARs expressed in ICs may play a role in bladder physiology.

Successful treatment for adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a case series

Introduction

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, characterized by bilateral macronodular adrenal hypertrophy and autonomous cortisol production, is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy is considered the standard treatment for adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia but obliges the patient to receive lifetime steroid replacement therapy subsequently, and may increase the patient’s risk of adrenal insufficiency. These circumstances require surgeons to carefully consider operative strategies on an individual basis.

Case presentation

We performed successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy on four patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Computed tomography scans showed bilateral adrenal enlargement in all patients. Case 1: a 56-year-old Japanese woman presented with obvious Cushing’s symptoms during treatment for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Case 2: a 37-year-old Japanese man also presented with Cushing’s symptoms during treatment for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. These patients were diagnosed as Cushing’s syndrome caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia based on endocrinologic testing, and underwent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Case 3: an 80-year-old Japanese woman was hospitalized due to unusual weight gain and heightened general fatigue, and was diagnosed as Cushing’s syndrome caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. She underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy due to high operative risk. Case 4: a 66-year-old Japanese man was discovered to have bilateral adrenal tumors on medical examination. He did not have Cushing’s symptoms and was diagnosed as subclinical Cushing’s syndrome due to suppressed adrenocorticotropic hormone serum levels and loss of cortisol circadian rhythm without abnormal levels of serum cortisol. He underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. During follow-up, serum cortisol levels were within the normal range in all cases, and serum adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were not suppressed. Further, cases with Cushing’s syndrome experienced clinical improvement.

Conclusions

We were able to effectively treat adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia in patients with obvious Cushing’s symptoms by laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy, which promptly improved symptoms. Further, unilateral adrenalectomy was effective for treating an older patient at high operative risk and a patient with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome.

Hyperadiponectinemia protects against premature death in metabolic syndrome model mice by inhibiting AKT signaling and chronic inflammation

We previously reported that transgenic (Tg) expression of adiponectin significantly prolonged the lifespan of normal mice. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism involved in the longevity effects of adiponectin using KK/Ta mice, a murine model of metabolic syndrome. We established a Tg line of KK/Ta (Tg-KK/Ta) mice expressing human adiponectin in the liver, and assessed their lifespan. The cause of death was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examinations immediately after death. The expressions of SIRT1, C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory cytokines, AMPK, and AKT were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, ELISAs, and/or western blotting. KK/Ta mice had lower serum adiponectin levels and shorter lifespan (57.6±13.9 vs 106.5±18.3 weeks, P<0.0001) than C57BL/6N mice. Tg adiponectin expression significantly extended the lifespan of KK/Ta mice (73.6±16.6 weeks, P<0.001) without affecting body weight, daily food consumption, or plasma glucose levels. Neoplasms were observed in only three of 22 KK/Ta mice that died spontaneously because of tumors. Atherosclerotic lesions were not detected in any mice. SIRT1 levels were not significantly different between KK/Ta and Tg-KK/Ta mice. Gene expressions of Crp, Tnfα, Il6, and Nfκb were increased in KK/Ta mice, but they were significantly attenuated in Tg-KK/Ta mice. Phosphorylated AMPK levels were increased and phosphorylated AKT levels were decreased in Tg-KK/Ta mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of adiponectin, achieved by inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway, may explain how adiponectin slows the accelerated aging process associated with the metabolic syndrome.

[A case of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with endocrine therapy and radiation therapy]

We report a case of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate. A 81-year-old man presented with a complaint of microhematuria. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 18. 44 ng/ml. A cystourethroscopic examination revealed a papillary tumor near the verumontanum. Transurethral resection of the tumor and transrectal prostatic needle biopsy was carried out. The pathological diagnosis was ductal adenocarcinoma and acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The tumor responded to endocrine therapy and radiation therapy. At the follow up at 18 months, the PSA level was in the undetectable range (＜0.01 ng/ml), and no reccurence of the tumor was seen. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition is discussed.

Combination therapy with sorafenib and S-1 for renal cell carcinoma producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

We present the first case report of the use of sorafenib and S-1 for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This entity is clinically rare and has a poor outcome. A 78-year-old Japanese man presented with macrohematuria, left flank pain, and a palpable mass. Laboratory data showed marked leukocytosis with increased serum and urinary G-CSF. The histopathological diagnosis was unclassified RCC. New combination therapy with sorafenib and S-1 exerted a therapeutic effect and apparently decreased serum and urinary G-CSF levels, although the patient died of gastrointestinal perforation. The use of combined sorafenib and S-1 may be worthy of consideration in the treatment of RCC producing G-CSF.

Rapid fluctuation in infection levels of Neoheterobothrium hirame (Monogenea) in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in the Joban area, Japan

Neoheterobothrium hirame a haematophagous monogenean parasite on Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus occurred at high prevalences (> 70%) from 1999 to 2002 but thereafter declined and remained low (< 20%) from 2003 to 2005 in the Joban area, Japan. In 2006, N. hirame became abundant again reaching a prevalence of 63%. Generalized linear models explained these rapid fluctuations in infection in relation to inshore water temperature, which affected the reproductive success of the parasite, and also the encounter rate between host and parasite through changes in their respective population densities. Severely anaemic fish were few, 2.4% even in 1999-2002 and 2006, suggesting that the effect of N. hirame infection on the P. olivaceus population was small in this area.

Significance of 5-fluorouracil-related enzyme activities in predicting sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil in bladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The association between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related enzyme activity and the sensitivity of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) to 5-FU were investigated, and methods to improve 5-FU sensitivity were analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumor specimens were obtained from 127 patients. Orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) activity was analyzed by the paper disc method and thymidine phosphorylase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activities were measured by ELISA. 5-FU sensitivity was assessed in 99 cases by an in vitro chemosensitivity test.

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation between OPRT activity level and the sensitivity of BUC to 5-FU was identified. Moreover, the combination of 5-FU and 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyrimidine significantly enhanced 5-FU sensitivity in BUC, particularly in cases showing higher DPD activity.

CONCLUSION

OPRT was the most important enzyme in predicting sensitivity to 5-FU in BUC. These results may have implications for tailor-made medication using 5-FU-related compounds as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in BUC patients.

Changes in the immunostaining intensities of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone during ovarian maturation in the female Japanese flounder

The role of gonadotropin (GTH) in the reproduction of the Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, was studied by assessing the changes in the apparent activity of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary gland during gonadal maturation by immunohistochemical analyses. Corresponding changes in plasma levels of testosterone (T), estradiol-17beta (E(2)), and 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) were also studied. Reared fish at the early spawning to termination stages were sampled from May to August and wild fish at the previtellogenic to termination stages were caught at 3- to 4-week intervals between April and September offshore from the northern mainland of Japan by gill nets. The gonadosomatic index of the reared fish decreased from the early spawning stage to the termination stage, while that of the wild fish increased significantly from the previtellogenic stage to the early spawning stage and decreased thereafter. In the reared fish, the immunostaining intensities of FSH and LH were high during the spawning period, accompanied by high plasma levels of T, E(2), and DHP. In the wild fish, the immunostaining intensities of FSH and LH were low during the previtellogenic stage but increased during the maturing and spawning stages. These results indicate that both FSH and LH are likely associated with oocyte maturation in the Japanese flounder.

Expression and functional role of beta-adrenoceptors in the human urinary bladder urothelium

We investigated the presence of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in human urinary bladder urothelium and examined whether beta-adrenoceptors in the urothelium modulate the relaxation responses of isolated human detrusor strips to a beta-adrenoceptor agonist. Expression of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptor mRNA in urothelium and detrusor smooth muscle was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the distribution of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors in human urinary bladder urothelium were examined by immunohistochemistry. Paired human longitudinal detrusor strips with and without an intact urothelium were suspended in organ baths to construct concentration-response curves to isoproterenol. The possible involvement of urothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in this response was examined in additional experiments with urothelium-intact strips in the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME). Results confirmed the expression of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors in the human urinary bladder urothelium. Further, the presence of the urothelium caused a parallel rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to isoproterenol with a significant reduction in potency (pEC50). L-NAME failed to exert any significant effect on the relaxation response to isoproterenol in the urothelium-intact strips. These results confirm the presence of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors in human urinary bladder urothelium. Further, they suggest that urothelial beta-adrenoceptors induce the release of a urothelium-derived factor which inhibits the beta-adrenoceptor agonist-induced relaxation of the human detrusor smooth muscle and that this inhibitory mechanism might not involve NO.

Optical properties in conjugated polymers

Optical properties in conjugated polymers such as poly(p-phenylenevinylene) and poly(9,9-dialkyl-fluorene) have been studied using time-dependent density functional theory. In the calculations of the optical properties, real-space and real-time techniques are employed. We follow the linear responses of the systems under externally applied perturbations in the real time. To estimate the polymer spectra, we have calculated the responses of oligomers of different lengths and obtained the extrapolated values. The estimated polymer spectra agree with the experiments reasonably well.

[Primary ureteral carcinoma composed of both transitional cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma: a case report]

We present a case of primary ureteral carcinoma composed of both transitional cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma. A 79-year-old woman visited her home doctor with the chief complaint of right lower abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomographic scan (CT) disclosed a tumor measuring about 5 cm in diameter at the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed for hydronephrosis and pyonephrosis. The urinary cytology revealed class V, transitional cell carcinoma. Re-abdominal CT showed further enlargement of tumor diameter, but the primary site of the tumor was not identified. Her general condition worsened, and she died 42 days after her initial complaint. Pathologic examinations upon autopsy revealed both mucinous carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma in the right ureter. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.

Candesartan, an angiotensin II type-1 receptor blocker, reduces cardiovascular events in patients on chronic haemodialysis--a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular events are the major determinants of the prognosis of patients on chronic haemodialysis. The present study was designed to investigate whether candesartan, an angiotensin II type-1 receptor blocker, reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 80 chronic haemodialysis patients (male/female, 47/33; mean age +/- SEM, 61 +/- 1 years) in stable condition and with no clinical evidence of cardiac disorders were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned candesartan 4-8 mg/day (candesartan group; n = 43) or nothing (control group; n = 37), and followed for 19.4 +/- 1.2 months with as endpoint cardiovascular events such as fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, severe arrhythmia and sudden death.

RESULTS

Both groups exhibited similar clinical characteristics at baseline. During follow-up, cardiovascular events occurred in seven patients in the candesartan group and 17 in the control group. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that cardiovascular events and mortality rates were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the control group than in the candesartan group (45.9 vs 16.3% and 18.9 vs 0.0%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Candesartan therapy significantly reduces cardiovascular events and mortality in patients on chronic maintenance haemodialysis and therefore improves the prognosis of these patients.

Resistance index in benign prostatic hyperplasia using power doppler imaging and clinical outcomes after transurethral vaporization of the prostate

BACKGROUND

Using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS), we investigate the change of resistance index (RI) before and after transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

METHODS

In all, 49 patients underwent transrectal PDUS before receiving TUVP, three were excluded because of cancer and three could not be followed up. The remaining 43 were enrolled in the present study. Patients were assessed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, giving a mean duration of follow-up of 9.1 months. International prostate symptom scores (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) scores, postvoiding residual urine volumes (PVR) and maximum urinary flow rates (Qmax) were evaluated and total prostatic volume (TPV) and RI were measured using PDUS.

RESULTS

Resistance index ranged from 0.64 to 0.91. The postoperative parameters except for RI, such as TPV, PVR, IPSS and QOL scores improved significantly at the follow-up assessment after surgery. The elevated RI decreased significantly 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Resistance index significantly decreased after TUVP and IPSS and other urodymamics parameters improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that RI could evaluate the severity of BPH and the degree of intraprostatic pressure or bladder outlet obstruction.

Electronic phase diagram of high-Tc cuprate superconductors from a mapping of the in-plane resistivity curvature

We propose that resistivity curvature mapping (RCM) based on the in-plane resistivity data is a useful way to objectively draw electronic phase diagrams of high-Tc cuprates, where various crossovers are important. In particular, the pseudogap crossover line can be conveniently determined by RCM. We show experimental phase diagrams obtained by RCM for Bi2Sr2-zLazCuO6+delta, La2-xSrxCuO4, and YBa2Cu3Oy, and demonstrate the universal nature of the pseudogap crossover. Intriguingly, the electronic crossover near optimum doping depicted by RCM appears to occur rather abruptly, suggesting that the quantum-critical regime, if it exists, must be very narrow.

Spin-flop transition and the anisotropic magnetoresistance of Pr(1.3-x)La(0.7)CexCuO4: unexpectedly strong spin-charge coupling in the electron-doped cuprates

We use transport and neutron-scattering measurements to show that a magnetic-field-induced transition from noncollinear to collinear spin arrangement in adjacent CuO2 planes of lightly electron-doped Pr(1.3-x)La(0.7)CexCuO4 (x=0.01) crystals affects significantly both the in-plane and out-of-plane resistivity. In the high-field collinear state, the magnetoresistance (MR) does not saturate but exhibits an intriguing fourfold-symmetric angular dependence, oscillating from being positive at B//[100] to being negative at B//[110]. The observed MR of more than 30% at low temperatures induced by a modest modification of the spin structure indicates an unexpectedly strong spin-charge coupling in electron-doped cuprates.

Evolution of the Hall coefficient and the peculiar electronic structure of the cuprate superconductors

Although the Hall coefficient R(H) is an informative transport property of metals and semiconductors, its meaning in the cuprate superconductors has been ambiguous because of its unusual characteristics. Here we show that a systematic study of R(H) in La2-xSrxCuO4 single crystals over a wide doping range establishes a qualitative understanding of its peculiar evolution, which turns out to reflect a two-component nature of the electronic structure caused by an unusual development of the Fermi surface recently uncovered by photoemission experiments.

Thermal conductivity of Pr1.3-xLa0.7CexCuO4 single crystals and signatures of stripes in an electron-doped cuprate

It was recently demonstrated that the anisotropic phonon heat transport behavior is a good probe of the stripe formation in La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO(4) (LSCO) [Phys. Rev. B 67, 104503 (2003)]]. Using this probe, we examined an electron-doped cuprate Pr(1.3-x)La(0.7)Ce(x)CuO(4) (PLCCO) and found that essentially the same features as those in LSCO are observed. Moreover, the in-plane resistivity rho(ab) of lightly doped PLCCO shows metallic behavior (drho(ab)/dT>0) in the Néel ordered state with a mobility comparable to that in LSCO. It is discussed that these peculiar properties in common with LSCO signify the existence of stripes in electron-doped cuprates.

Increased circulating levels of natriuretic peptides predict future cardiac event in patients with chronic hemodialysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cardiovascular events are the major determinant of the prognosis in patients with chronic hemodialysis. The present study was designed to investigate whether increased plasma levels of atrial or brain natriuretic peptides (ANP or BNP) predict future cardiac events in such patients.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis without clinical symptoms suggestive of cardiac disorders were enrolled and their blood was sampled for ANP and BNP measurements. Electrocardiograms demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy in 28 patients but no other abnormal findings. We followed them up for 11.3 +/- 0.2 months. The endpoint was cardiac events.

RESULTS

Cardiac events occurred in 13 patients (CE group). Both ANP and BNP levels were higher in CE group than in patients without cardiac events (ANP: 118 +/- 21 vs. 56 +/- 5 pg/ml, BNP: 769 +/- 204 vs. 193 +/- 25 pg/ml, respectively). Receiver operating characteristics curve revealed that the cut-off levels of ANP and BNP were 58 and 390 pg/ml, respectively. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the incidence of cardiac events was significantly greater in patients with higher levels of ANP (50.0 vs. 0.0%) or BNP (72.7 vs. 11.9%) than in those with lower levels of the peptides.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated levels of ANP or BNP indicate an increased risk of cardiac events and these peptides are clinically useful to predict cardiac events in patients with hemodialysis.

The value of power Doppler imaging to predict the histologic components of benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

The response of symptoms caused by benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) to alpha blockade is related to the area density of the smooth muscle of the prostate. If this density could be determined by ultrasound examination, ultrasound might be useful in predicting the efficacy of alpha-blocker therapy. In this study, various ultrasonographic parameters obtained by transrectal method (TRUS) were compared with histologically measured components.

METHODS

Before surgery, ultrasonic power Doppler imaging (PDI) of the prostate was performed using a transrectal probe. The volume of total prostate, transition zone (TZ), and the presumed circle area ratio (PCAR) [1,2] were calculated. Pulsatile blood flow was recorded, and the resistive index (RI) was calculated. Based on the serum concentration of total prostate specific antigen (PSA), ratio of PSA to prostate volume (PSAD), and ratio of PSA to TZ (PSAT) were calculated. Prostate tissues were obtained from 26 patients undergoing transurethral resection, suprapubic prostatectomy, or radical cystectomy, and were analyzed by quantitative morphometry. Computer image analysis was used to determine the mean area densities of the smooth muscle (SM), connective tissue (CT), glandular epithelium (GE) and lumen (GL), and vascular lumen (V). Correlations between ultrasonographic parameters and morphometric data were studied.

RESULTS

On microscopic examination, the specimens showed a wide variety, ranging from normal prostate to typical glandular hyperplasia. There was a correlation between RI and the ratios of the four components (SM: r = -0.42 P = 0.034; CT: r = -0.42 P = 0.030; GE: r = 0.42 P = 0.032; GL: r = 0.46 P = 0.018). However, correlations between the other five transrectal parameters and the composition of the prostate were not so clear. This may have been because the blood vessels are compressed within the surgical capsule together with the urethra.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that when RI is calculated by PDI, it can be quite useful for predicting component ratios, thereby making it possible to predict the therapeutic efficacy of alpha-blockers in individual patients.

Role of Doppler ultrasound and resistive index in benign prostatic hypertrophy

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to assess the resistive index in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and the role of power Doppler ultrasonography.

METHODS

From April 1996 to December 1997, a total of 214 men aged 48-86 years with symptoms of BPH were prospectively enrolled to participate in our study. All patients presented to our clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to calculate the total prostate volume (TPV), transition zone (TZ) volume, transition zone index (TZI = TZ volume/TPV) and presumed circle area ratio (PCAR). Power Doppler imaging was used to identify the capsular and urethral arteries of the prostate and measure its resistive index (RI) value.

RESULTS

The RI of capsular arteries significantly correlated with theTPV, TZ volume, TZI (r = 0.470; P < 0.0001) and PCAR (r = 0.334; P < 0.0001). Correlations were found between the RI of capsular arteries and the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) (r = 0.389; P < 0.0001), peak flow rate of uroflowmetry (r = -0.393; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that an increase of the RI of capsular arteries correlated with increases in the TZI and PCAR in BPH. The lower IPSS and peak flow rate correlated with the high RI of capsular arteries; however, no correlation between the RI of urethral arteries and prostatic parameters was found. The findings suggested that the RI of capsular arteries may become the index for measuring lower urinary obstruction in the future.

Electropharmacologic effects of pilsicainide, a pure sodium channel blocker, on the remodeled atrium subjected to chronic rapid pacing

Clinical experience suggests that sodium channel blockers are effective in converting atrial fibrillation of recent onset but not chronic atrial fibrillation. We investigated changes in the electrophysiologic effects of pilsicainide, a pure sodium channel blocker, on the canine atrium during chronic rapid pacing (400/min). Three pairs of bipolar electrodes were sutured to the right atrial appendage in six dogs. Five days later, rapid atrial pacing was started after baseline measurements of the effective refractory period (ERP), the intra-atrial conduction velocity, the atrial wavelength, and the inducibility of atrial fibrillation. These studies were repeated at 2, 7, and 14 days of pacing, both before and after pilsicainide administration. Before pacing, pilsicainide increased ERP more than it decreased conduction velocity, causing an increase of wavelength, particularly at faster rates. However, this use-dependent prolongation of ERP disappeared after 2 days of pacing. Thus, pilsicainide failed to prolong ERP during chronic pacing, allowing progressive shortening of wavelength in the remodeled atrium. The effect of sodium channel blockers on atrial refractoriness may decline as rapid atrial excitation persists, limiting the usefulness of these agents for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation.

Randomised comparison of ondansetron plus dexamethasone with dexamethasone alone for the control of delayed cisplatin-induced emesis

The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) (HT(3)) antagonists in the treatment of delayed emesis is still controversial. To evaluate whether 5-HT(3) antagonists can add to the efficacy of corticosteroids in controlling delayed emesis, we performed a randomised, prospective, open study comparing ondansetron plus dexamethasone with dexamethasone alone in cisplatin-treated patients. 149 cisplatin-naïve patients with lung cancer received at least 60 mg/m(2) of cisplatin and were treated with dexamethasone 32 mg intravenously (i.v.) and granisetron 3 mg i.v. on day 1. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone 16 mg i.v. alone (arm A) or dexamethasone plus ondansetron 8 mg daily (arm B) on days 2-4. None of the efficacy variables related to control of delayed emesis differed significantly between the two arms. In conclusion, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence to support the prolonged use of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists after 24 h of cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.

A study of the combination of gemcitabine hydrochloride (LY188011) and cisplatin in non-small-cell lung cancer: 3-week schedule

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that the combination of gemcitabine (LY188011; GEM) and cisplatin (CDDP) in a 4-week schedule showed a high response rate for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but GEM could not be administered on day 15 because of increased myelosuppression in many patients. The present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GEM and CDDP in a 3-week schedule.

METHODS

Patients with unresectable NSCLC without prior chemotherapy were enrolled. We administered 1000 mg/m2 of GEM on days 1 and 8, and 80 mg/m2 of CDDP on day 1. The feasibility of the combination therapy was confirmed in 8 patients, and then 20 more patients were enrolled, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy for all 28 patients.

RESULTS

The response rate was 42.9% (12/28) and the median survival time was 12.6 months. Neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia or lymphocytopenia of grade 3 or higher were observed as hematological toxicity, and anorexia, nausea, fatigue, or vomiting of grade 3 were the nonhematological toxicities, but most of these toxicities were of grade 2 or less. For GEM and CDDP, 89% and 91% of the scheduled doses, respectively, were administered.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study of the combination of GEM and CDDP with a 3-week schedule in Japan, and the results showed a low level of myelosuppression, high dose intensity, and high response rate, similar to the results reported in other countries. Accordingly, the combination of GEM and CDDP with a 3-week schedule may be a promising regimen for the treatment of NSCLC in Japan.

An evaluation of screening for lung cancer in Niigata Prefecture, Japan: a population-based case-control study

Although an annual screening programme for lung cancer has been carried out widely in Japan since 1987, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its efficacy in terms of reducing mortality. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the lung cancer screening which has been widely carried out in Japan since 1987, a case-control study was conducted in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In the study area, chest X-ray examinations for all participants and sputum cytology for high-risk participants were offered annually. Case subjects, who had died from lung cancer (174), and control subjects matched by sex, year of birth, residence and smoking status (801), who had been alive at the time of diagnosis of the corresponding case, were selected from the National Health Insurance holders. Screening histories of the subjects were compared between cases and matched controls for the identical calendar period before the time of diagnosis of the cases. The odds ratio of death from lung cancer for those screened within 12 months vs those not screened was 0.401 (95% CI: 0.272-0.591) with adjustment by smoking index. Our results suggest that annual lung cancer screening might reduce mortality from lung cancer by approximately 60%.

Recovery of electrophysiological parameters after conversion of atrial fibrillation

We investigated the recovery of electrophysiological parameters from electrical remodeling after conversion of chronic lone atrial fibrillation in humans. Clinical studies have shown that the longer atrial fibrillation lasts, the more difficult it becomes to maintain the sinus rhythm after cardioversion. To explore the effects of the duration of atrial fibrillation on changes of electrophysiological parameters after conversion, we determined the atrial effective refractory period and P wave duration during right atrial pacing at 1 and 24 h after electrical cardioversion in 15 patients with chronic lone atrial fibrillation (median duration, 6 months). By 24 h after cardioversion, the effective refractory period at a pacing cycle length of 600 ms increased from 225+/-19 to 254+/-27 ms. However, the P wave duration did not decrease significantly 24 h after conversion. As the duration of atrial fibrillation became longer, the prolongation of effective refractory period was more delayed (P<0. 001, r=0.82), and the shortening of P wave duration was significantly smaller within 24 h after cardioversion (P<0. 001, r=0.67). After cardioversion of chronic lone atrial fibrillation, the recovery of shortened atrial refractoriness and prolonged intraatrial conduction time is dependent on the duration of preexisting atrial fibrillation.

[A case of pheochromocytoma with von Recklinghausen's and review of 67 Japanese cases]

A 19-year-old woman with von Recklinghausen's disease was referred to our hospital because of right adrenal pheochromocytoma. The tumor was detected incidentally with the abdominal ultrasonography when she complained epigastralgia to the home doctor who treated her hypertension. Plasma and urinary catecholamines level were elevated. The tumor was removed by laparoscopy assisted adrenalectomy without pneumoperitoneum. The resected specimen was 35 x 60 x 75 mm in size and weighed 70 g. Pathological diagnosis was adrenomedullary pheochromocytoma. Postoperative course was uneventful. She has been well with no signs of recurrence after 7.5 years. We reviewed 67 Japanese patients previously reported as von Recklinghusen's disease with pheochromocytoma. Of the 60 patients whose details were described, 16.7% had metastases and pathological malignancy from pheochromocytoma.

Transition zone volume-adjusted prostate-specific antigen value predicts extracapsular carcinoma of the prostate in patients with intermediate prostate-specific antigen levels

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of the volume-adjusted prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density as a predictor of pathological stage. Among patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically organ-confined prostate cancer, we selected patients with PSA levels of 4-10 ng/ml. In these patients with borderline PSA value extent of disease is most difficult to predict. Using the transition zone (TZ) volume instead of the total prostate volume, we compared the ability of PSA to predict the tumor extent.

METHODS

From April 1992 to November 1996, we examined 61 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Their age ranged from 52 to 78 years. The PSA densities for the total prostate volume (PSAD) and for the TZ volume (PSAT) were calculated by transrectal ultrasound examinations. To compare the usefulness of PSA, PSAD, and PSAT, the area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated for each parameter.

RESULTS

The final pathological stage was pT2N0M0 in 34 patients, pT3N0M0 in 20 patients, and pT3N1M0 in 7 patients. Accordingly, 34 patients (55.7%) had organ-confined prostate cancer. In patients with capsular perforation, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.686 for PSA, 0.665 for PSAD, and 0.860 for PSAT, while in those with seminal vesicle invasion the respective values were 0.712, 0.703, and 0.882. Thus, PSAT was superior to PSA and PSAD in differentiating extracapsular disease.

CONCLUSION

PSAT provides superior preoperative prediction of extracapsular tumor invasion, which appears to be useful in treatment selection (e.g. total prostatectomy).

Surgical results for centrally-located early stage lung cancer

BACKGROUND

With the increasing use of mass screening programs for lung cancer, and especially the use of sputum cytology, the incidence of roentgenographically occult lung cancer has been increasing. These occult cancers comprise mainly histologically centrally-located early stage lung cancers. This study examined the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical results of centrally-located early stage lung cancer.

RESULTS

From 1980 to 1998, there were 98 patients and 99 lesions of centrally-located early stage lung cancer resected. A total of 64 patients were detected by mass screening. Histologic examination revealed that 96 lesions were squamous cell carcinoma, and in these patients, there were 10 lesions of carcinoma in situ. The 5-year survival rate was 81.4% in all patients, and 88.9% in carcinoma in situ patients. In the postoperative follow-up period, a second lung cancer occurred in 13 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical results for centrally-located early lung cancer were good. However, sometimes these cancers are accompanied by a second centrally-located primary lung cancer, so it is necessary to follow-up with sputum cytology to allow early detection of additional centrally-located lung cancer.