Variability of activity concentrations and radial distributions of 137Cs and 90Sr in trunk wood of Scots pine and Silver birch.

This study analyzes the variability of 137Cs and 90Sr concentrations in wood and their radial distributions in the trunks of Scots pine and Silver birch trees in the small uniformly contaminated forest stands in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Concentrations of both radionuclides follow a lognormal distribution with a large scatter of values measured in the trees within the stands (GSD ranges from 1.6 to 2.0). No correlation was found between the concentrations of the two radionuclides measured in individual trees, or between their concentrations and tree diameter. The average 137Cs and 90Sr Tag were 8.4 × 10-4 m2 kg-1 and 8.8 × 10-3 m2 kg-1 for pine, respectively, and 9.3 × 10-4 m2 kg-1 and 1.1 × 10-2 m2 kg-1 for birch, indicating a much higher availability of 90Sr for uptake by the studied species. For 137Cs, the Tag values are within the range recommended by the IAEA Handbook (IAEA, 2010), while the values for 90Sr exceed the recommended range for birch and are close to its upper value for pine. The highest concentrations of 137Cs in pine at the height of 1.3 m were measured in the youngest sapwood rings; they were lower in the rest of the sapwood and decreased further in the heartwood, but remained relatively high even in annual rings that were the heartwood at the time of deposition, suggesting sapwood-to-heartwood translocation of the radionuclide by diffusion and/or ray transport. In contrast, 90Sr concentrations increased through the sapwood from the trunk periphery in pine trees up to 80 years old and remained stable through the sapwood in older trees (except for higher concentrations in the young annual rings), but dropped to zero in physiologically inactive heartwood tissues. In most birch trees, regardless of age, 137Cs concentrations demonstrated an increasing trend from the trunk periphery towards the pith, while concentrations of 90Sr were relatively stable in the whole trunk except in the oldest annual rings, where they increased sharply, likely indicating active transport of the radionuclide to senescing tissues.

Last resort for renal transplant recipients, 'restored kidneys' from living donors/patients.

Because of the grave shortage of deceased kidney allografts in Japan, we have embarked on a new source of organs, 'Restored kidneys' from living patients. From January 1991 through September 2006, 42 kidneys (eight benign pathology, eight small renal cancers, eight ureteral cancers, six aneurysms, eight severe nephrotic syndrome from four patients and four ureteral stenosis) were obtained from 38 patients/donors after extensive discussion of treatment modalities and risks. All patients/donors agreed to undergo total nephrectomy. The lesions were removed/repaired ex vivo on the back table, then transplanted. All recipients were notified of all possible risks including donor disease recurrence. One, 5 and 10-year patient survival rates of restored transplant patients were 92.9%, 79.3% and 63.8%, respectively. One, 5 and 10-year graft survival rates of restored kidney transplant patients were 78.6%, 51.8% and 42.7%, respectively. There were no recurrences of small renal cell carcinomas. There was one recurrence of ureteral cancer in the transplanted kidney 15 months after operation. In countries where deceased donors are scarce, such as Japan, the restored kidneys can be a last resort for renal allografts.

The effect of nasal speaking valve on the speech under experimental velopharyngeal incompetence condition.

Velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) is a contributing factor to speech disorders, frequently accompanying disorders, such as cleft palate, congenital paralysis of the soft palate, and cerebrovascular disease. For the treatment of these types of dysarthria, a Nasal Speaking Valve (NSV), which regulates nasal emission utilizing one-way valve, has been reported to be effective. As the unpleasantness while wearing the NSV was less than that with the conventional Palatal Lift Prosthesis, the NSV could be worn for a longer period of time. As NSV is inserted into the nostrils, this device could easily be provided for edentulous patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NSV on experimentally induced VPI condition. Intelligibility of monosyllabic speech, intelligibility of conversational speech, nasalance score and acoustic analysis were used to evaluate the effect of NSV. Local infiltration anaesthesia was achieved to the area of levator veli palatini muscle and tensor veli palatine muscle of seven adult male subjects. In all subjects, remarkable suppression of the soft palate movement could be observed after the local infiltration anesthesia. Although the utterance supported by NSV under the experimentally induced VPI condition was less natural than the normal utterance, the intelligibility was markedly improved by the device. From the results of this study, the acoustic properties of NSV on the pure VPI condition, which was enabled by the newly established experimental induction, were revealed. This experimental model was also proved to provide a basis for the improvement in the treatment modalities for VPI.

Natural attenuation of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in soils due to its vertical and lateral migration.

Processes of vertical and lateral migration lead to gradual reduction in contamination of catchment soil, particularly its top layer. The reduction can be considered as natural attenuation. This, in turn, results in a gradual decrease of radiocesium activity concentrations in the surface runoff and river water, in both dissolved and particulate forms. The purpose of this research is to study the dynamics of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in undisturbed soils and floodplain deposits exposed to erosion and sedimentation during floods. Combined observations of radiocesium vertical distribution in soil and sediment deposition on artificial lawn-grass mats on the Niida River floodplain allowed us to estimate both annual mean sediment accumulation rates and maximum sedimentation rates corresponding to an extreme flood event during Tropical Storm Etau, 6-11 September 2015. Dose rates were reduced considerably for floodplain sections with high sedimentation because the top soil layer with high radionuclide contamination was eroded and/or buried under cleaner fresh sediments produced mostly due to bank erosion and sediments movements. Rate constants of natural attenuation on the sites of the Takase River and floodplain of Niida River was found to be in range 0.2-0.4 year-1. For the site in the lower reach of the Niida River, collimated shield dose readings from soil surfaces slightly increased during the period of observation from February to July 2016. Generally, due to more precipitation, steeper slopes, higher temperatures and increased biological activities in soils, self-purification of radioactive contamination in Fukushima associated with vertical and lateral radionuclide migration is faster than in Chernobyl. In many cases, monitored natural attenuation along with appropriate restrictions seems to be optimal option for water remediation in Fukushima contaminated areas.

The IUR Forum: Worldwide Harmonisation of Networks to Support Integration of Scientific Knowledge and Consensus Development in Radioecology.

During the past decades, many specialised networks have formed to meet specific radioecological objectives, whether regional or sectorial (purpose-oriented). Regional networks deal with an array of radioecological issues related to their territories. Examples include the South Pacific network of radioecologists, and the European network of excellence in radioecology. The latter is now part of the European platform for radiation protection. Sectorial networks are more problem-oriented, often with wider international representativeness, but restricted to one specific issue, (e.g. radioactive waste, low-level atmospheric contamination, modelling). All such networks, while often working in relative isolation, contribute to a flow of scientific information which, through United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR's) efforts of synthesis, feeds into the radiation protection frameworks of protecting humans and the environment. The IUR has therefore prompted a co-construction process aimed at improving worldwide harmonisation of radioecology networks. An initiative based on an initial set of 15 networks, now called the IUR FORUM, was launched in June 2014. The IUR Forum agreed to build a framework for improved coordination of scientific knowledge, integration and consensus development relative to environmental radioactivity. Three objectives have been collectively assigned to the IUR FORUM: (1) coordination, (2) global integration and construction of consensus and (3) maintenance of expertise. One particular achievement of the FORUM was an improved description and common understanding of the respective roles and functions of the various networks within the overall scene of radioecology R&D. It clarifies how the various networks assembled within the IUR FORUM interface with UNSCEAR and other international regulatory bodies (IAEA, ICRP), and how consensus on the assessment of risk is constructed. All these agencies interact with regional networks covering different geographical areas, and with other networks which address specific topics within radiation protection. After holding its first Consensus Symposium in 2015, examining the possible ecological impact of radiation from environmental contamination, the IUR FORUM continues its work towards improved radiation protection of humans and the environment. We welcome new members.

Behavior of accidentally released radiocesium in soil-water environment: Looking at Fukushima from a Chernobyl perspective.

Quantitative characteristics of dissolved and particulate radiocesium wash-off from contaminated watersheds after the FDNPP accident are calculated based on published monitoring data. Comparative analysis is provided for radiocesium wash-off parameters and distribution coefficients, Kd, between suspended matter and water in rivers and surface runoff on Fukushima and Chernobyl contaminated areas for the first years after the accidents. It was found that radiocesium distribution coefficient in Fukushima rivers is essentially higher (1-2 orders of magnitude) than corresponding values for rivers and surface runoff within the Chernobyl zone. This can be associated with two factors: first, the high fraction of clays in the predominant soils and sediments of the Fukushima area and accordingly a higher value of the radiocesium Interception Potential, RIP, in general, and secondly the presence of water insoluble glassy particles containing radiocesium in the accidental fallout at Fukushima. It was found also that normalized dissolved wash-off coefficients for Fukushima catchments are 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than corresponding values for the Chernobyl zone. Normalized particulate wash-off coefficients are comparable for Fukushima and Chernobyl. Results of the investigation of radiocesium's ((134)Cs and (137)Cs) vertical distribution in soils of the close-in area of the Fukushima Dai-ichi NPP - Okuma town and floodplain of the Niida river are presented. The radiocesium migration in undisturbed forest and grassland soils at Fukushima contaminated area has been shown to be faster as compared to the Chernobyl 30-km zone during the first three years after the accidents. This may be associated with higher annual precipitation (by about 2.5 times) in Fukushima as compared to the Chernobyl zone, as well as the differences in the soil characteristics and temperature regime throughout a year. Investigation and analysis of Fukushima's radiocesium distribution in soils of Niida river catchment revealed accumulation zones of contaminated sediments on its floodplain. Average sediment deposition rates varied from 0.3 to 3.3 cm/year.

A patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (Ki-1 lymphoma) showing clonal integration of HTLV-1 proviral DNA.

We encountered a patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (Ki-1 lymphoma) that originated in the stomach and showed histiocytic lymphoma-like morphology. CD43 antigen was positive, and rearrangement of TCR-beta gene was observed. The lymphoma was the T-cell type. Though no atypical lymphocytes or histological images specific to adult T-cell leukemia were observed, clonal integration of HTLV-1 proviral DNA was noted. Viruses such as HTLV-1 appear to be involved in the development of some anaplastic large cell lymphomas.

Modification of (137)Cs transfer to rape (Brassica napus L.) phytomass under the influence of soil microorganisms.

After nuclear accidents, such as those experienced in Chernobyl and Fukushima, microorganisms may help purify contaminated soils by changing the mobility of radionuclides and their availability for plants by altering the physical and chemical properties of the substrate. Here, using model experiments with quartz sand as a substrate we investigate the influence of microorganisms on (137)Cs transfer from substrate to plants. The highest transition of (137)Cs from substrate to plants (50% increase compared to the control) was observed after Brassica napus L. seeds were inoculated by Azotobacter chroococcum. The best results for reducing the accumulation of (137)Cs radionuclides (30% less) were noted after the inoculation by Burkholderia sp.. Furthermore, Bacillus megaterium demonstrated an increased ability to accumulate (137)Cs. This research improves our prediction of the behavior of radionuclides in soil and may contribute towards new, microbiological countermeasures for soil remediation following nuclear accidents.

Familial interstitial nephritis with progressive renal failure.

We describe a 53-year-old woman with chronic interstitial nephritis and asymptomatic impairment of renal function. Seven members of her family were suffering from renal failure and underwent hemodialysis. At the time of their hospital admissions, they had shown evidence of end-stage renal failure at 40 to 50 years of age. Lack of proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, hyperuricemia, hearing loss, and visual impairment were present before the deterioration of the renal function. Renal biopsy of the presented case indicated chronic interstitial nephritis without glomerular basement membrane abnormalities. Progressive decline of renal function and the inheritance pattern of autosomal dominance in this family suggested the diagnosis of familial interstitial nephritis.

Increased diameter of the anterior ciliary artery with increased intraocular pressure.

We analyzed the relationship between the hemodynamics of the anterior ciliary artery and intraocular pressure (IOP) by measuring the pressure of the artery with a modified pressure chamber method and the diameter of the artery on color photographs taken with a photo slit lamp (Zeiss). Of 38 subjects, nine were normal, and 29 were ocular hypertensive. We found a significant positive correlation between diameter of the anterior ciliary artery and IOP and a significant negative correlation between pressures of the anterior ciliary artery and IOP. The increase in IOP may influence the circulation of the anterior uvea, resulting in a decrease in anterior ciliary arterial pressure and an increase in diameter of the anterior ciliary artery. Our results support the concept that the blood flow in the anterior ciliary artery is from the inside of the eye to the outside.

Detection of human T-cell leukemia virus type I proviral sequences from fixed tissues of seropositive patients.

Fixed lymphoma tissues from 11 patients seropositive for human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) antibodies were analyzed for proviral sequences by the polymerase chain reaction. Typical adult T-cell leukemia/lymphomas (ATLLs) from nine patients were positive for HTLV-I sequences. In contrast, one of two lymphomas with immunophenotypes atypical for ATLL was negative for HTLV-I. This HTLV-I DNA-negative lymphoma, although present in an HTLV-I-seropositive patient, was therefore reclassified. The HTLV-I tax gene was always detected in the ATLL tissues, whereas segments of the pol gene were not detected in half the cases. These studies demonstrate that fixed non-ATLL specimens can be distinguished from ATLL specimens.

The identification of a rabbit-transmitted cervical toxoplasmosis mimicking malignant lymphoma.

A case is presented of acquired cervical toxoplasmosis occurring in a 43-year-old male, which clinically mimicked malignant lymphoma. The histopathology of this case was probable toxoplasmic lymphadenitis. Serologic tests and the use of FITC-labeled antibodies revealed high levels of specific IgG antibodies in the serum and toxoplasmic antigens in paraffin sections of the patient, respectively. During survey of the infection route, it was learned that the patient's pet rabbit and three other rabbits of the same family line had cervicofacial lumps. The pet rabbit had high levels of toxoplasmic antibodies. Immunofluorescence tests on the infraorbital lump also revealed Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, it was concluded that in this case the rabbit had transmitted Toxoplasma to the patient. The authors know of no other reports of toxoplasmosis transmitted by or through rabbit to human.

Splenic pseudosinuses and hepatic angiomatous lesions. Distinctive features of hairy cell leukemia.

In 14 cases of hairy cell leukemia unique vascular lesions not previously reported were observed in surgically resected spleens and hepatic biopsies. In all 14 spleens there were variably prominent distended spaces filled with erythrocytes and resembling dilated sinuses. These structures appeared to be lined by hairy cells,and studies utilizing histochemical and enzymatic methods confirmed that they were in fact pseudosinuses lacking the endothelial cells and ring fibers of normal splenic sinuses. These changes were not present in normal spleens or in spleens involved by other types of chronic leukemia, and appear to be qualitatively specific for hairy cell leukemia. In three of five hepatic biopsies similar angiomatous lesions were present in multifocal clusters resembling hemangiomas. Their pathogenesis may be related to possible adherence of hairy cells to reticulum fibers in involved tissues.

Alkaline phosphatase-positive malignant lymphoma. A subtype of B-cell lymphomas.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated histochemically and cytochemically in concert with immunologic technics in 60 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and lymphocytic leukemias. Surface membranes of neoplastic cells were positive for ALP only in certain B-cell malignancies: 3 of 6 lymphocytic lymphomas of intermediate differentiation, 4 of 13 nodular lymphomas, and 1 of 7 Burkett's lymphomas. All other B-cell tumors, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma, and diffuse "histiocytic" lymphoma, were ALP-negative. The neoplastic cells of Sezary syndrome and lymphoblastic lymphoma were also consistently negative for ALP. In control lymph nodes ALP-positive lymphocytes were present only in primary follicles and in mantle zones of secondary follicles. ALP-positive lymphomas appear to be neoplastic counterparts of these normal lymphocytes, not only cytochemically, but also with respect to their morphologic and immunologic characteristics. Furthermore, histochemical inhibition tests suggested that the ALP activity demonstrated may reflect a newly recognized, unique isoenzyme.

Ocular sarcoidosis: evaluation of intraocular findings.

Intraocular lesions occurred in 55 of 70 sarcoidosis patients (78.6%) and their intraocular findings were biomicroscopically analyzed. Intraocular lesions were observed bilaterally in 54 of 55 patients (98.0%) and these various lesions occurred simultaneously or within a short period in almost all tissues of the eyeball. From these characteristics a new attempt was made to correlate the presence of sarcoidosis with intraocular findings. A gross positive correlation was revealed between the number of active intraocular lesions and the presence of sarcoidosis. Four to six active, bilateral intraocular lesions were found only in sarcoidosis. Although the correlation was not statistically tested, it should be clinically very useful in managing patients with suspicious intraocular lesions. Among the causes of visual disturbances secondary glaucoma was the most frequent. In 41 (37.2%) eyes various degrees of intraocular hypertension were observed. Impairment of aqueous outflow due to nodular infiltration of trabeculae was the fundamental mechanism in the rise of intraocular pressure. It should be emphasized that this peculiar trabecular finding can be identified only by a trained ophthalmologist and is very frequent in and characteristic of ocular sarcoidosis.

Gamma/delta T cell lymphoma presenting in the subcutaneous tissue and small intestine in a patient with capillary leak syndrome.

Peripheral T cell neoplasms originating from gamma/delta T cells are rarely reported, despite the development of hepatosplenic lymphoma from gamma/delta T cells. We report a case of multiple generated gamma/delta T cell lymphomas presenting in the subcutaneous tissue and small intestine in a patient with accompanying capillary leak syndrome. The patient, a 43-year-old male presented with remarkable systemic edema, pleural effusion, and ascites. Widespread tumors were evident in the subcutaneous tissue and in the small intestine. A biopsy revealed anaplastic large cell lymphoma in these lesions. Phenotypic examination showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for the surface markers CD3 and TCR delta, but negative for CD4, CD8 and TCR beta. Genomic analysis revealed a clonal rearrangement of the TCR genes encoding the gamma, delta, and beta chains. A polymerase chain reaction analysis of the gene encoding the TCR delta chain showed that the rearrangement occurred between V delta 3 and J delta 1, suggesting that neoplastic cells were generated in the early stages of T cell differentiation.

gamma delta T-cell lymphoma: a clinicopathologic study of 6 cases including extrahepatosplenic type.

We report 6 cases of gamma delta T-cell lymphoma (GDTL) among 115 peripheral T-cell lymphomas over a 12-year period. All patients exhibited extranodal lymphomas, comprising 3 hepatosplenic, 1 cutaneous, 1 intestinal, and 1 thyroidal lymphoma. Despite therapies, all but 1 patient died of disease within 16 months of diagnosis. The cytologic features of lymphoma cells in 4 of 5 cases examined were very similar: coarsely reticulated nuclear chromatin, multiple small nucleoli, abundant faintly eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, and focal angiocentric proliferation. All 6 lymphomas showed Cd3+CD4-CD8-/+ phenotype. CD56 was positive in 3 cases, 1 of which was also CD16 positive. Perforin and T-cell intracellular antigen-1 were positive in all 5 cases examined. Southern blot analysis revealed clonal gene rearrangements of the T-cell receptor delta-chain gene in all 5 cases examined. Based on these findings, together with a review of the literature, GDTLs seem to have several common lineage-specific features, although clinical presentation and course of GDTL are heterogeneous.

Survival of T- and B-Phenotype Diffuse Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas.

Survival of immunophenotyped non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) diagnosed as diffuse mixed, diffuse large and large cell immunoblastic by the working formulation was evaluated based on phenotypic categories. These subtypes were grouped as diffuse aggressive NHLs due to their similarities, and categorized into T- and B-phenotype NHLs. There were 45 (57.7%) cases of T-NHL and 33 (42.3%) B-NHL. Major clinical factors such as sex, age, stage, B-symptoms and site of disease, as well as performance status (PS), LDH, primary site and number of extra-nodal sites involved showed equal distributions between T- and B-NHLs. Combination chemotherapeutic regimens based on doxorubicin were used in 84% of these cases. Complete remission was achieved in 73.6% of T-NHL and 74.1% of B-NHL. Median survival for the T- and B-NHL was the same over 30 months. Projected survival at 5 years was also similar, T-NHL (35%) and B-NHL (38%). Unilaterally, survival was adversely affected in stage III/IV of T-NHL and for age over 65 years for B-NHL. Survival was unfavorable for the B-NHL without B-symptoms when compared to T-NHLs. Multivariately, only sex, B-symptoms and PS significantly (P < 0.05) affected the survival of T-NHL. Although the overall results indicate that the response and survival of T- and B-NHL are similar, the differences observed on the effect of sex, age, stage, B-symptoms and PS on survival of T- and B-NHLs imply that, their influence on T-NHLs was different from that for B-NHLs. Therefore we suggest that separate prognostic models are needed for the T- and B-phenotype NHLs.

Effects of bioabsorbable and non-resorbable barrier membranes on bone augmentation in rabbit calvaria.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of bioabsorbable and non-resorbable membranes on experimental guided bone augmentation in 8 Japanese white rabbits. A cutaneous flap was demarcated and raised from the forehead of each animal, the periosteum was lifted, and the calvarial bone on both sides of the midline was exposed. A titanium screw was inserted into the bone on each side of the midline and one screw was covered with a bioabsorbable (polylactic acid) membrane and the other with a non-resorbable (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane. The implanted screws and membranes were then covered with the periosteum and cutaneous flap. After healing for 6 months, the animals were euthanized and the experimental area was prepared for histological investigation. New bone had formed under both membranes with no sign of infection or membrane exposure. The amount of newly generated bone (89.0 +/- 17.3% versus 54.7 +/- 14.0%, P <0.05) and the percentage of newly generated bone height (81.5 +/- 6.3% versus 58.9 +/- 7.8%, P <0.05) in the space beneath the non-resorbable membrane was greater than that beneath the bioabsorbable membrane. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the bioabsorbable and non-resorbable membranes with respect to the percentage areas of mineralized bone (52.3 +/- 11.3% versus 47.1 +/- 6.7%, P = 0.8658) and bone marrow (47.7 +/- 11.3% versus 52.9 +/- 6.7%, P = 0.4838) and bone contact with the screw (88.3 +/- 6.9% versus 89.2 +/- 7.3%, P = 0.9999). In conclusion, at least within the limitations of this rabbit model, we suggest that non-resorbable membranes with sufficient stiffness should be used to obtain greater bone volume and height instead of bioabsorbable membranes for the GBR procedure, and that this will facilitate predictable bone augmentation in spaces beyond the bone surface. Therefore, the bioabsorbable membrane could not replace the non-resorbable membrane used in this model.

Immunopathology in Aujeszky's disease virus-infected pigs exposed to fluctuating temperatures.

Pigs exposed to fluctuating temperatures (high, 30 +/- 2 degrees C; low, 4 +/- 1 degrees C) were intranasally inoculated with Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV). ADV-infected pigs, exposed to the fluctuating temperatures, showed severe clinical signs and ADV in the nasal secretions persisted longer than in the ADV-infected control pigs kept at the normal temperature (20 +/- 2 degrees C). High concentrations of ADV were isolated from nasal secretions on the 1st day after inoculation of the virus. Pathologically, all ADV-infected pigs had non-suppurative encephalitis and trigeminal ganglionitis. The lesions were more widely distributed in pigs exposed to fluctuating temperatures than in infected control pigs. Two infected pigs given the stress had severe malacic foci in the frontal lobe and four of them had prominent interstitial pneumonia. In the pigs exposed to fluctuating temperatures, a significant number of immunoglobulin-containing cells, especially IgM-containing cells, did not respond to ADV infection. A significant (P < 0.01) difference in the number of IgG- and IgM-containing cells was observed between the ADV-infected pigs exposed to the fluctuating temperature and ADV-infected control pigs, respectively. These results demonstrated that the stress of fluctuating temperatures enhanced the susceptibility to ADV infection.