Thin film growth of Fe-based superconductors: from fundamental properties to functional devices. A comparative review.

Fe-based superconductors bridge a gap between MgB2 and the cuprate high temperature superconductors as they exhibit multiband character and transition temperatures up to around 55 K. Investigating Fe-based superconductors thus promises answers to fundamental questions concerning the Cooper pairing mechanism, competition between magnetic and superconducting phases, and a wide variety of electronic correlation effects. The question addressed in this review is, however, is this new class of superconductors also a promising candidate for technical applications? Superconducting film-based technologies range from high-current and high-field applications for energy production and storage to sensor development for communication and security issues and have to meet relevant needs of today's society and that of the future. In this review we will highlight and discuss selected key issues for Fe-based superconducting thin film applications. We initially focus our discussion on the understanding of physical properties and actual problems in film fabrication based on a comparison of different observations made in the last few years. Subsequently we address the potential for technological applications according to the current situation.

Change in the structure and function of lectin by photodissociation of NO.

We have shown here that the structure and sugar-binding activity of lectin can be changed by the photodissociation of NO. Intramolecular S-S bonds are photogenerated from SNO in the protein, which can be used to photo-control the structure and function of proteins.

CD146 is a novel marker for highly tumorigenic cells and a potential therapeutic target in malignant rhabdoid tumor.

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a rare, highly aggressive pediatric malignancy that primarily develops during infancy and early childhood. Despite the existing standard of intensive multimodal therapy, the prognosis of patients with MRT is dismal; therefore, a greater understanding of the biology of this disease is required to establish novel therapies. In this study, we identified a highly tumorigenic sub-population in MRT, based on the expression of CD146 (also known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule), a cell adhesion molecule expressed by neural crest cells and various derivatives. CD146+ cells isolated from four MRT cell lines by cell sorting exhibited enhanced self-renewal and invasive potential in vitro. In a xenograft model using immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid IL-2Rγ-null mice, purified CD146+ cells obtained from MRT cell lines or a primary tumor exhibited the exclusive ability to form tumors in vivo. Blocking of CD146-related mechanisms, either by short hairpin RNA knockdown or treatment with a polyclonal antibody against CD146, effectively suppressed tumor growth of MRT cells both in vitro and in vivo via induction of apoptosis by inactivating Akt. Furthermore, CD146 positivity in immunohistological analysis of 11 MRT patient samples was associated with poor patient outcomes. These results suggest that CD146 defines a distinct sub-population in MRT with high tumorigenic capacity and that this marker represents a promising therapeutic target.

In vitro expansion of CD34(+)CD38(-) cells under stimulation with hematopoietic growth factors on AGM-S3 cells in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Using serum-containing culture, we examined whether AGM-S3 stromal cells, alone or in combination with hematopoietic growth factor(s), stimulated the proliferation of CD34(+) cells from patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). AGM-S3 cells in concert with stem cell factor plus thrombopoietin increased the numbers of peripheral blood CD34(+) cells to approximately 20-fold of the input value after 2 weeks in nine JMML patients with either PTPN11 mutations or RAS mutations, who received allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) also augmented the proliferation of JMML CD34(+) cells on AGM-S3 cells. The expansion potential of CD34(+) cells was markedly low in four patients who achieved spontaneous hematological improvement. A large proportion of day-14-cultured CD34(+) cells were negative for CD38 and cryopreservable. Cultured JMML CD34(+)CD38(-) cells expressed CD117, CD116, c-mpl, CD123, CD90, but not CXCR4, and formed GM and erythroid colonies. Day-7-cultured CD34(+) cells from two of three JMML patients injected intrafemorally into immunodeficient mice stimulated with human GM-CSF after transplantation displayed significant hematopoietic reconstitution. The abilities of OP9 cells and MS-5 cells were one-third and one-tenth, respectively, of the value obtained with AGM-S3 cells. Our culture system may provide a useful tool for elucidating leukemogenesis and for therapeutic approaches in JMML.

Enhancement of antitumour activity of cisplatin by N,N-diethyl-2-[4-(phenylmethyl)phenoxy] ethanamine. HCl in human ovarian cancer cells with intrinsic or acquired resistance to cisplatin.

This study was designed to the elucidate sensitising effects of the intracellular histamine antagonist, N,N-diethyl-2[4-(phenylmethyl)phenoxy] ethanamine HCl (DPPE) on the antitumour activity of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) using human ovarian cancer cell lines with different sensitivities to CDDP (KF, sensitive) KFra (acquired CDDP resistant derived from KF), and KK and MH, intrinsically CDDP resistant. The KF cells were most sensitive to CDDP among cell lines used in this study and followed by MH, KK and KFra showing approximately 3.5, 4.0 and 9.1-fold IC50 values to KF, respectively. The acquired CDDP resistant KFra cells were approximately 6.1-fold more sensitive to DPPE than the parent KF cells, while MH and KK cells were more than 10-fold more resistant to DPPE than the KF cells. With regard to the inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell proliferation, phenyltoloxamine and L-histidinol were 5-2500-fold less cytotoxic than DPPE. Analysis of flow cytometry (FCM) revealed that with concentrations based on the IC50 to KF and KFra cells, DPPE resulted in G2-M accumulation in the KF (but not KFra) cells in a time-dependent manner during the course of 48 h incubation time. In addition, from a median effect analysis, DPPE seemed to have additive and somewhat synergistic effects on the antitumour activity of CDDP in KK and MH cells with intrinsic CDDP resistance, while minor antagonism in KFra cells with acquired CDDP resistance was observed. Although DPPE alone did not significantly inhibit the tumour growth of nude mice bearing KF cells, combinations of DPPE with CDDP resulted in improved survival compared with treatment with only CDDP. Adverse side-effects, as confirmed by monitoring haematocrit and the body weight were not observed during the experimental period. These results suggest that DPPE may be of clinical use for the treatment of intrinsically refractory ovarian carcinoma when combined with CDDP.

Crystal structure of Serratia protease, a zinc-dependent proteinase from Serratia sp. E-15, containing a beta-sheet coil motif at 2.0 A resolution.

The crystal structure of Serratia protease from Serratia sp. E-15 was solved by the single isomorphous replacement method supplemented with anomalous scattering effects from both the Zn atom in the native crystal and the Sm atom in the derivative crystal, and refined at 2.0 A resolution to a crystallographic R-factor of 0.194. The enzyme consists of N-terminal catalytic and C-terminal beta-sandwich domains, as observed in alkaline protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa IFO3080. The catalytic domain with a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and five alpha-helices shares a basically common folding topology with those of other zinc metalloendoproteases. The catalytic zinc ion at the bottom of the active site cleft is ligated by His176, His180, His186, Tyr216, and a water molecule in a distorted trigonalbipyramidal manner. The C-terminal domain is a beta-strand-rich domain containing eighteen beta-strands and a short alpha-helix, and has seven Ca2+ ions bound to calcium binding loops. An unusual beta-sheet coil motif is observed in this domain, where the beta-strands and calcium binding loops are alternately incorporated into an elliptical right-handed spiral so as to form a two-layer untwisted beta-sandwich structure. The Ca2+ ions in the C-terminal domain seem to be very important for the folding and stability of the beta-sheet coil structure.

New therapeutic approach to aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade.

The management of aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade may result in increased blood pressure and thereby itself make the aortic dissection worse. Nevertheless, it is important to prevent cardiac failure caused by cardiac tamponade. We describe a case of aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade. Echocardiography and aortography showed DeBakey IIIb-type aortic dissection with retrograde dissection, complicated by cardiac tamponade and aortic insufficiency. To treat this condition, a new therapeutic approach was undertaken. A vasodilator was administered, then pericardiocentesis guided by echocardiography was performed. To prevent abrupt elevation of blood pressure in response to the relief of cardiac tamponade, the pericardial aspiration was carried out slowly--it took four hours for the complete drainage of 415 ml of blood--and a vasodilator, sodium nitroprusside, was administered. After drainage, cardiac function was reversed fully, and the systolic pressure was controlled under 140 mmHg. Then, using extra-corporeal circulation, the surgical procedure was performed successfully. We conclude that it is useful to treat cardiac tamponade by controlling blood pressure with slow drainage and use of a vasodilator in preparation for performing the surgical procedure.

A role of glutathione in resistance mechanisms to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(ii) in human ovarian-cancer cell-lines in-vitro.

The effects of D,L-buthionine-S, R-sulphoximine (BSO) on the cellular glutathione (GSH) levels and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) sensitivity of human ovarian cancer cell lines (HRA, KK and MH) with different sensitivity to CDDP were examined. HRA cells were derived from ascites of a patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary who responded well to CDDP-based combination chemotherapy. KK and MH cells were also established from ascites of a patient with clear cell carcinoma of the ovary and with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary, respectively who did not respond to CDDP-based combination chemotherapy. The KK and MH cell lines showed 2.93- and 7.80-fold higher resistance to CDDP in vitro than HRA cells, respectively and had also cross-resistance to its analogues. Although GSH levels in the CDDP sensitive HRA cells were 33.4 nmol/10(7) cells, the CDDP resistant KK and MH cells showed 5.61-and 10.48-fold higher GSH levels, respectively. The higher the GSH levels the more rapid depletion of the cellular GSH by BSO occurred. Cystine, a component of GSH, resulted in an increase of the cellular GSH in these cell lines. When the cellular GSH levels were changed by BSO or cystine, changes of the IC50 to CDDP and its analogues of the CDDP resistant KK and MH cells correlated with those of the cellular GSH levels while the IC50 values of the CDDP sensitive HRA cells remained unchanged. In addition, when these resistant cell lines (but not HRA cells) were incubated with CDDP, the cellular GSH levels markedly increased. From these results, we conclude that GSH may have a role in the mechanisms of intrinsic resistance to CDDP and its analogues of the KK and MH cell lines.

Prognosis of patients with primary epithelial ovarian carcinoma who were not successfully cytoreduced.

The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors of patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma who were not successfully cytoreduced at first surgery. Twenty patients with incomplete initial cytoreduction surgery (12 patients with stage IIIc and 8 patients with stage IV), were analyzed for prognostic factors. The survival time of 13 patients with second reduction surgery (SRS) was significantly (P<0.005) longer than that of 7 patients in whom SRS was not applicable. According to the histologic types, the survival time of patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma or endometrioid adenocarcinoma was significantly (P<0.0001) longer than that of patients with clear cell carcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma. Size of residual tumor after SRS was correlated with response to combination chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, epirubicine and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CAP therapy). The survival time of patients with less than 2 cm residual tumor after SRS was significantly (P<0.05) longer than that of patients with 2 cm or more residual tumor after SRS. Patients in whom CA125 normalized in response to CAP therapy after first surgery had less than 2 cm residual tumor after SRS and survived longer, compared to patients in whom CA125 did not normalize. These results suggest that even if initial cytoreduction surgery failed, patients with good response to CAP therapy and less than 2 cm residual tumor after SRS can be expected to have relatively good prognosis.

Genetic risk factors for coronary artery spasm: significance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene T-786-->C and missense Glu298Asp variants.

BACKGROUND: We recently identified two endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms, Glu298Asp and T-786-->C, which are independently associated with coronary spasm. eNOS gene intron 4b/a polymorphism is also reported to be involved in smoking-dependent coronary artery disease. The genetic linkage among these polymorphisms remains unknown. Also, it is unclear which variant is most responsible for coronary spasm. In the present study, we first examined the genetic linkage among these three variants. Next, we studied the risk factors of coronary spasm by using all significant genetic and conventional risk factors in a large-scale study. METHODS: The genotype and allele frequencies for the T-786-->C, intron 4b/a, and Glu298Asp variants were assessed in 423 randomly selected DNA samples to examine their genetic linkages. The relative capacities of all risk factors to predict coronary spasm were then analyzed using multiple logistic regression in 201 patients with coronary spasm and 345 volunteers. RESULTS: Comparison of allele frequencies revealed that the eNOS intron 4a allele was significantly linked to the T-786-->C mutation (P < 0.00001), whereas there was not a linkage between the intron 4a allele and the Glu298Asp variant (P = 0.1437) or between the Glu298Asp variant and the T-786-->C mutation (P = 0.1996). Multiple logistic regression revealed that the most predictive independent risk factor for coronary spasm was the T-786-->C mutation (P < 0.001), followed by cigarette smoking (P < 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.004), and the Glu298Asp variant (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the T-786-->C mutation and the intron 4a allele are in linkage disequilibrium. We previously showed that the T-786-->C mutation reduced eNOS gene promoter activity. In that context, our results strongly suggest that the T-786-->C mutation underlies the functional characteristics of the intron 4a allele. Further, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the T-786-->C mutation is the most predictive risk factor for coronary spasm, followed by cigarette smoking. Given that those effects are potentially additive, patients carrying the eNOS gene variants should be strongly cautioned against smoking.

An electroencephalographic study of psychiatric inpatients with antipsychotic-induced tardive dyskinesia.

The awake EEGs of 48 psychiatric inpatients with tardive dyskinesia were compared with those of 29 matched controls without TD. EEGs of the TD patients were as follows: 22 (45.8%) were normal EEGs; 17 (35.4%), mildly abnormal EEGs; 8 (16.7%), moderately to severely abnormal EEGs. One record was excluded for severe artifacts. The control group showed a similar incidence of EEg abnormalities. EEGs with poor occipital alpha rhythm were significantly more frequent in the TD group than the control group. The TD patients tended to have an alpha rhythm of low voltage. Other characteristics of the alpha rhythm and amounts of theta, delta and beta activity showed no significant differences between the two groups. Severity of TD had no significant influence on EEG findings. The EEG similarities of TD and Huntington's chorea were discussed, and a suggestion was made that not only the basal ganglion, but also the cerebral cortex, could be involved in development of TD.

TMC-171A,B,C and TMC-154, novel polyketide antibiotics produced by Gliocladium sp. TC 1304 and TC 1282.

Four new antibiotics, TMC-171A (2), B (3), C (4) and TMC-154 (5) have been isolated from the fermentation of fungal strains Gliocladium sp. TC 1304 and TC 1282, respectively. Spectroscopic and degradation studies have shown that TMC-171s and TMC-154 were new members of the TMC-151 class of antibiotics, unique polyketides modified with a D-mannose and a D-mannitol or a D-arabitol. These compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity to various tumor cell lines.

Induction of ovalbumin mRNA by ascorbic acid in primary cultures of tubular gland cells of the chicken oviduct.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of aging and medium supplements on steroid-induced ovalbumin mRNA in primary cultures of tubular gland cells from the chicken oviduct. In experiment 1, the effect of aging was examined by comparing the responsiveness to administration of estrogen and corticosterone in cells derived from laying hens and estrogen-primed chicks. In experiment 2, the effect of supplementing a culture medium with various compounds on the responsiveness to the steroid treatment was examined. In experiment 3, the effect of supplementing with ascorbic acid was tested in the presence or absence of the steroid hormones. The results indicated that the oviduct cells from immature chicks had clearer induction of ovalbumin mRNA by the steroid treatment than did those from laying hens. Among medium supplements, ascorbate increased the steroid responsiveness to a great extent, and fetal calf serum had modest, but long lasting, induction of ovalbumin mRNA. The drastic induction of ovalbumin mRNA by ascorbic acid supplementation was exerted only when the steroid hormones were present in the medium, implying that the effect of ascorbic acid may be auxiliary in steroid-induced transcription of the ovalbumin gene.

Estrogen receptor is not primarily responsible for altered responsiveness of ovalbumin mRNA induction in the oviduct from genetically selected high- and low-albumen chicken lines.

The role of estrogen receptor on ovalbumin mRNA induction by steroid hormones was investigated in primary cultures of oviduct cells from estrogen-stimulated immature chicks of genetically selected high- and low-albumen egg laying lines (H- and L-lines). In experiment 1, the extent of ovalbumin mRNA induction and changes in estrogen and progesterone receptors were compared between the oviduct cells from H- and L-lines with or without steroid hormones in the culture medium. In experiment 2, the effect of estrogen receptor gene transfection on the induction of ovalbumin mRNA was studied in the oviduct cells from the L-line chicks. The results showed a close correlation of the changes in ovalbumin mRNA with the numbers of nuclear and total estrogen receptors in the oviduct cells but not with the numbers of nuclear and total progesterone receptors. Estrogen receptor gene transfection induced ovalbumin mRNA to a moderate extent in the absence of the steroid hormones. To our surprise, however, estrogen receptor gene transfection apparently suppressed the ovalbumin mRNA responsiveness to estrogen to a considerable extent. It was concluded, therefore, that the extent of estrogen receptor expression might not be primarily responsible for the differences in responsiveness to steroid hormones of oviduct cells from genetically selected H- and L-line chickens.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy using tin colloid RI and blue dye method.

Axillary dissection has been considered essential for breast cancer staging because nodal metastasis is the most powerful predictive factor for recurrence. On the other hand, morbidity, such as lymphedema and shoulder dysfunction, may occur. Sentinel node biopsy is a good way to avoid unnecessary axillary dissection. We used tin colloid as a carrier of Tc99m tracer together with the blue dye method. The detection rate of the sentinel node was 27 cases out of 29 (90%) for the blue dye method, 10 cases out of 19 (53%) for the RI method, and 27 out of 33 (82%) for the combined method. The detection rate of the RI method was improved after adding the subcutaneous injection over the tumor from 45% before adding the subcutaneous injection to 82% after adding it. The false negative rate was 11% for the blue dye method, 0% for the RI method, and 10% for the combined method. This yields a sensitivity of 89% for the blue dye method, 100% for the RI method, and 90% for the combined method. Specificity was 100% for all three methods. Accuracy was 96% for the blue dye method, 100% for the RI method, and 96% for the combined method. There were two false negative cases. The average number of sentinel lymph nodes was 2.12 for the dye method, 1.66 for the RI method, and 1.95 for the combined method. There were three of 49 cases with identified parasternal lymph nodes by RI imaging. Lymphatic mapping using tin colloid may be useful for detecting sentinel nodes.

Standardization of parameters in follow-up study after mitral commissurotomy.

Two-hundred and fifty-five patients were followed up to maximum 19 years (1879 patient-years) after mitral commissurotomy by means of either the finger fracture, transventricular dilator or open method. During this period of time, patients were asked to answer a questionnaire and to be examined at 2 to 3 years intervals. Twenty-two late deaths and 17 reoperations were encountered, and significant differences according to operative methods were observed in the survival and reoperation-free curves. Values from CTR, Rv1 + Sv5/Rv5 + Sv1 ratio, LAMP and DDR were standardized, and each standard value showed a tendency of significant improvement followed by gradual deterioration after commissurotomy even in patients with normal social activities. Parameters from patients reoperated on were compared with standard values, and statistically significant differences were noted. It would be concluded that standardization of parameters is of a great importance in follow-up study after mitral commissurotomy especially to establish indications to reoperation most adequately.

Three-dimensional helical CT for treatment planning of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The role of three-dimensional (3D) helical CT in the treatment planning of breast cancer was evaluated. METHODS: Of 36 patients examined, 30 had invasive ductal carcinoma, three had invasive lobular carcinoma, one had DCIS, one had DCIS with minimal invasion, and 1 had Paget's disease. Patients were examined in the supine position. The whole breast was scanned under about 25 seconds of breath-holding using helical CT (Proceed, Yokogawa Medical Systems, or High-speed Advantage, GE Medical Systems). 3D imaging was obtained with computer assistance (Advantage Windows, GE Medical Systems). RESULTS: Linear and/or spotty enhancement on helical CT was considered to suggest DCIS or intraductal spread in the area surrounding the invasive cancer. Of 36 patients, 24 showed linear and/or spotty enhancement on helical CT, and 22 of those 24 patients had DCIS or intraductal spread. In contrast, 12 of 36 patients were considered to have little or no intraductal spread on helical CT, and eight of the 12 patients had little or no intraductal spread on pathological examination. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates for detecting intraductal spread on MRI were 85%, 80%, and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 3D helical CT was considered useful in detecting intraductal spread and planning surgery, however, a larger study using a precise correlation with pathology is necessary.

Occurrence of Yersinia enterocolitica in the Tokyo Tama Zoo.

Yersinia enterocolitica serogroups O5A and O8 were isolated from fecal samples of one colony of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) from the Tokyo Tama Zoo (Japan). Serogroup O5A was detected in brown bear (Ursus arctos) prior to the isolation from the macaques. Serogroup O5A organisms also were isolated from the Japanese macaques' breeding area. Serogroup O5A and O8 isolates were not pathogenic. Serogroup O8 isolates did not possess the O7 or O19 antigens.

Glioblastoma multiforme in the left frontal lobe subsequent to malignant lymphoma in the right orbit.

A 62-year-old male presented with glioblastoma multiforme in the left frontal lobe manifesting as motor aphasia, subsequent to a malignant lymphoma in the right orbit. He underwent subtotal removal of the right orbital mass presenting as right exophthalmos which was shown by histological examination to be non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He received 30 Gy Lineac irradiation to the right orbit. His post-operative course was satisfactory. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) 7 months later demonstrated a small spotty enhanced lesion in the left frontal lobe. He developed motor aphasia 1 year after irradiation. MR imaging disclosed an enhanced mass in the left frontal lobe, which was totally removed. Histological examination revealed glioblastoma multiforme. Patients with malignant lymphoma may develop a subsequent second malignant tumor. MR imaging with Gd-DTPA is quite useful for early detection of a second brain tumor.

[Double-blind comparison of cefadroxil and cephalexin granules in the treatment of impetigo].

A double-blind clinical comparison of cefadroxil granules (CDX) and a long-acting preparation of cephalexin granules (L-CEX) was conducted in the treatment of impetigo in children. The long-acting cephalexin preparation was composed of 3 parts of granules soluble in the stomach and 7 parts of those soluble in the intestine. Drugs were administered at 3 different doses depending on the body weight of patients (Group I: less than 10 kg, Group II: between 10 kg and 20 kg, Group III: over 20 kg). Overall clinical evaluation by attending doctors: CDX group scored slightly better but not statistically significant results. Evaluation of usefulness: CDX group scored slightly better but not statistically significant results. Partially standardized evaluation: CDX scored statistically significantly higher points in the evaluation of total cases and Group II on Day 5, and Group II on Day 7. Cumulative points through Day 5 and Day 7 were not statistically significant. Follow-up evaluation by attending doctors: CDX group got a better result in total cases and Group II on day 3, and in total cases on days 5 and 7. Otherwise there was no statistically significant difference. Incidence of side effects was not significantly different between the 2 drug groups. As shown in Fig. 1, CDX was administered on rising in the morning, after lunch, and at bed time whereas L-CEX was given on rising and at bed time when the patients were relatively in fasting condition. This may have reduced the expected merit of L-CEX and some reserve is required in the interpretations of the results shown herein.