Thin Film of Amorphous Zinc Hydroxide Semiconductor for Optical Devices with an Energy-Efficient Beneficial Coating by Metal Organic Decomposition Process.

An effective metal oxide coating with solution processes by the metal organic decomposition method as deposited at room temperature (RT) poses great challenge. In this study, we report the characterization and evaluation of the semiconductor properties of a zinc hydroxide thin film with RT just as deposition by solution coating method. The films worked well as an inter-layer of the organic photovoltaic cell and optimized the film thickness condition with chemical and physical properties. As a result, we achieved a power conversion efficiency performance level, which was almost similar to that in the cells used after calcination in the crystal ZnO inter-layer. The presented process without any additional decomposition energy is expected to make a significant contribution to the realization of a flexible and cost-effective solution process for device fabrication.

Effects of sound-marker durations on rhythm perception.

Our aim in this study was to examine the influence of sound-marker durations on the perception of simple rhythm patterns. These comprised three successive sounds marking two neighbouring time intervals, T1 and T2, with their onsets. We varied the durations of each of the three sound markers to make them either 20 or 60 ms. Durations of T1 and T2 were also varied, but the total duration of T1 and T2 was fixed at either 240 or 480 ms. In experiment 1, participants compared the durations of T1 and T2. In experiment 2, the subjective duration of each interval was measured separately. We found that lengthening the duration of the sound marker which terminated an interval increased the subjective duration of that interval: lengthening the duration of the second marker increased the subjective duration of T1, and lengthening the duration of the third marker increased the subjective duration of T2. Lengthening the duration of the first marker increased the subjective duration of T1 when T1 + T2 = 240 ms, especially when T1 > T2. This effect of first-marker duration, which could not be observed with single intervals used in the control conditions, seemed to enhance the contrast between T1 and T2. The effects of marker durations are associated with previous time-perception studies, in which single time intervals were used. They are discussed in the context of rhythm-perception studies, in which more complex sound patterns have been used.

Aberrant methylation of tumour-related genes in thymic epithelial tumours.

BACKGROUND: Thymoma is an uncommon neoplasm derived from epithelial cells of the thymus. Few studies have addressed the genetic alterations that occur in the tumourigenesis of thymoma. METHODS: We examined aberrant DNA methylation of DAP-K, p-16, MGMT and HPP1 genes in 26 thymomas and 6 thymic carcinoma to clarify the association between aberrant DNA methylation and clinicopathological features. RESULTS: Fifteen (47%) of 32 thymic epithelial tumours showed aberrant methylation. Aberrant methylation was more frequent in thymic carcinoma (86%) than in thymoma (29%). Moreover, the frequency of tumours with methylation of multiple genes in thymic carcinoma was higher than in thymoma (60% vs 20%). In thymoma, the frequency of tumour methylation, including the type A tumour component (28%), was lower than that of tumours with type B tumour component (42%). MGMT methylation was detected in 23% of thymoma and in 83% of thymic carcinoma. The frequency of methylation of the MGMT gene in both tumours was high compared with the other 3 genes. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant DNA methylation was more frequent in thymic carcinoma than in thymoma, and the frequency of DNA methylation in thymic epithelial tumours is roughly parallel to their malignant behaviour.

A case of matrix-producing carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND: Matrix-producing carcinoma (MPC) of the breast is one variant type of metaplastic carcinoma. The cellular origin of MPC remains unclear. It has been suggested the tumor cells in MPC have the combined characteristics of both epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells. Several reports suggested that the tumor cells in MPC might originate from the myoepithelial cells, but others suggested the origin was basal-like cells. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 42-year-old Japanese female. A tumor of about 2 cm in diameter was noted in the right breast. CT revealed the circumference of the tumor to have a ring-like structure, and fine needle aspiration cytology indicated suspicion for malignancy. Breast-conserving surgery was performed. Histopathological studies showed carcinoma cells, having cuboidal to oval-shaped nucleus, were proliferating in cord-like and sheet-like structures in the periphery. In the central areas of the tumor, myxoedematous area was observed with cartilaginous matrix and necrosis. The diagnosis was a matrix-producing carcinoma. Immunohistochemical findings showed the tumor cells had the characteristics of both epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells, while being negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Her2, myoepithelial cell markers and basal cell markers. CONCLUSION: The findings for our present patient and many of the other MPC patients reported in the published literature indicate that this breast cancer has the properties of both epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells. In addition, there is a possibility that matrix-producing tumor cells of our present patient may have a feature of undifferentiated cells.

[Safety evaluation of adjuvant chemotherapy by weekly paclitaxel combined with weekly carboplatin in patients with postoperative non-small cell lung cancer].

Favorable results of various comparative studies have been reported in recent years regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), resulting in an increase in the number of facilities that proactively conduct adjuvant chemotherapy in Japan. In the present study, we evaluate the tolerability of a postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy regimen conducted in our facility using paclitaxel (PTX) and carboplatin (CBDCA). Thirteen patients who received weekly PTX and CBDCA as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated retrospectively. PTX was administered by iv drip infusion over 1 hour at 70-80 mg/m(2), followed by CBDCA at AUC= 2 by iv drip infusion over 1 hour. This was repeated on Days 1, 8 and 15, followed by a rest on Day 22. Two to 4 cycles were conducted in each patient. Patients were admitted only the first time, and treatment was thereafter conducted on an outpatient basis. The scheduled number of cycles could be completed in all but one patient who developed interstitial pneumonia 2 days after treatment. Non-hematologic toxicities observed included peripheral neuropathy in 3 patients, nausea in 2, general fatigue in 6, stomatitis in 2, and alopecia in 11. Hematologic toxicities include leukopenia in 10, but leukopenia was not febrile, Grade 3 or more severe in any of these patients. In addition, decreases in hemoglobin and thrombopenia were observed in 10 and 2 patients, respectively, but both adverse events were mild (< Grade 3) and could be controlled on an outpatient basis in all cases. Our findings suggested that adjuvant chemotherapy using weekly PTX/weekly CBDCA for NSCLC is well tolerated and can be safely conducted on an outpatient basis.

Bilateral male breast cancer with male potential hypogonadism.

BACKGROUND: Male breast cancer is a comparatively rare disease, and simultaneous bilateral male breast cancer is considered to be an extremely rare event. Risk factors are said to be genetic factors and hormonal abnormalities due to obesity or testicular diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 47-year-old Japanese male. His family had no history of female breast cancer. This patient also had hypospadias and hormonal examination indicated the presence of primary testicular potential hypogonadism, and these hormonal abnormalities seemed to be present since childhood or the fetal period. The bilateral breast cancer developed in this man at a comparatively young age, and histopathological studies of multiple sections showed that there was almost no normal epithelial cell in the ducts, while the ducts were almost completely filled with breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION: It is thought that male breast cancer is caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. We cannot rule out the possibility that the breast cancer developed due to the effect of the slight elevation of estrogen over a long period of time, but the actual causative factors in this patient were unable to be definitively identified. In the future, we hope to further elucidate the causes of male breast cancer.

The reduced expression and aberrant methylation of p16(INK4a) in chromate workers with lung cancer.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: It is known that chromium is one of the important inhaled carcinogens that cause lung cancer. Our previous studies revealed a variety of genetic changes in lung cancers from chromate-exposed workers (chromate lung cancer). However, the epigenetic effects of chromium are not understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the methylation of the p16 gene using a methylation-specific PCR method in 30 chromate lung cancers and 38 non-chromate lung cancers, and the expression of the p16 protein using immunohistochemistry in 25 chromate lung cancers. RESULTS: Ten (33%) chromate lung cancers showed methylation of the p16 promoter region. On the other hand, 10 (26%) of the non-chromate lung cancers also showed it. The frequency of p16 methylation in non-chromate lung cancer was 0%, 33% and 30% for low (< or =600), moderate (<600, >1000) and high (> or =1000) Brinkman indexes, respectively. However, the frequency of p16 methylation in chromate lung cancer was constant, irrespective of the Brinkman index. In chromate lung cancer, patients with chromate exposure of less than 15 years never had p16 methylation, while 40% (> or =25 years) or 43% (> or =15, <25 years) of patients with chromate exposure of more than 15 years did. In chromate lung cancer, chromate exposure, not smoking, mainly influenced the p16 methylation. Most of the chromate lung cancers with p16 methylation (85.7%) showed repression of the p16 protein. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that not only genetic but also epigenetic alterations are involved in the carcinogenesis due to chromium.

Novel bronchofiberscopic catheter spray device allows effective anesthetic spray and sputum suctioning.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how serum lidocaine concentrations (SLC) rise when lidocaine is administered by a Bronchofiberscopic Catheter Spray Device (BCSD), and to demonstrate the effect on the aspiration speed of a substitute for sputum when a catheter spray remains in the channel of the bronchofiberscope (BF). METHODS: This is a prospective randomized clinical study. After lidocaine ultrasonic nebulizer, the BF was inserted orally. During the procedure patients received 4% lidocaine by two methods. In Group 1, 11 patients received lidocaine by bronchofiberscopic (BF) injection. In Group 2, 15 patients received lidocaine by spraying from the diameter 1.06 mm catheter through the BF channel. SLC were measured at 40 min from onset of nebulization. Separately, we examined how effectively sputum was aspirated through the BF channel with a catheter. RESULTS: Total lidocaine dose (TLD) is the total dose used for nebulization and for the BF injection or spray. The TLD for Groups 1 and 2 were 698.2+/-162.1 mg (mean+/-SD) and 498.7+/-103.8 mg, respectively (P = 0.03). The SLC for Groups 1 and 2 were 1.28+/-0.72 and 1.48+/-0.70 mg/l, respectively (P = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Using BCSD allows easier in administration of lidocaine and is not associated with a significant increase in SLC in comparison with BF injection. Although sputum aspiration using the BF inserted with our catheter was somewhat slow, we did not feel inconvenient so much. Compared to the conventional method, using BCSD may be preferable for patients and bronchoscopists.

3-dimensional computed tomography lymphography-guided identification of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients using subcutaneous injection of nonionic contrast medium: a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Simple and reliable identification methods for sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) which do not use radioisotope are essential for early breast cancer patients in community hospitals in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of computed tomography (CT) lymphography for SLN detection. METHODS: The study included 15 cases with T1 or T2 breast cancer. After subcutaneous injection of 1 mL of iopamidol in 1 subareolar area of the affected breast, CT scanning was carried out and 3-dimensional (3D) CT images were created. SLNs predicted from images and CT values were assessed as to whether they were identical to those identified by the dye method. RESULTS: An enhanced lymph vessel draining into SLN was demonstrated in 11 cases (73%) and an enhanced SLN in 10 cases (67%). 3D images clearly revealed the anatomic relationship between lymph vessels, SLN, and the surrounding structures. In addition, SLN could be predicted by the change of CT value in the time-course in another case. In total, SLN in 13 cases (87%) could be predicted. All SLNs suggested from CT lymphography were identified by the dye method. No significant adverse effect was noted in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The present clinical trial indicated that subcutaneous injection of nonionic contrast medium with CT scanning seems to be a promising method for the demonstration of a draining lymph vessel and SLN. The CT value time-course may also provide some important information. Further trials will be needed for the successful establishment of this CT lymphography-guided method for SLN identification.

Microscopic analysis of chromium accumulation in the bronchi and lung of chromate workers.

BACKGROUND: It is known that chromium is an inhaled carcinogen and an important risk factor in the development of lung carcinoma. METHODS: The authors used a microscopic X-ray fluorescence analyzer with transmitted X-ray mapping imaging (Horiba, Kyoto, Japan) to measure the accumulation of chromium in 10 resected lung tissue specimens and 90 biopsy specimens from chromate workers. RESULTS: The maximum chromium accumulation (mean +/- standard deviation) in 10 resected lung tissue specimens was 197 +/- 238 counts per second (cps)/mili ampere (mA) (range, 4-649 cps/mA). Chromium accumulation was scattered in six tissue specimens and diffuse in one specimen. Chromium accumulation in the proximal bronchi was less than in the bronchioles or subpleural regions of the lung. Chromium accumulation was detectable in 63 (70%) of 90 biopsy specimens, and the mean accumulation was 6.5 +/- 9.2 cps/mA (range, 0-46.5 cps/mA). Chromium detected in bronchial tissue specimens was deposited in the bronchial stroma but not in the epithelium. The maximum chromium accumulations in dysplasic (n = 3), squamous metaplastic (n = 10), and normal bronchial epithelia (n = 9) in chromate workers and in normal bronchial epithelia (n = 3) in non-chromate workers were 20.2 +/- 5.4, 18.3 +/- 12.2, 13.2 +/- 13.4, and 3.0 +/- 1.8 cps/mA, respectively. The amount of chromium accumulation significantly increased according to the progression of malignant change of the bronchial epithelium (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies found that lung carcinoma with chromate exposure exhibited a variety of genetic abnormalities. Considering genetic aberrations and chromium accumulation in these premalignant lesions is useful for elucidating the process of carcinogenesis in chromium-induced lung carcinoma.

Establishment of patient-like SCID mouse model by orthotopically implanting primary cultured cells from surgically-resected lung cancer tissues.

In our previous studies, we established a lymphogenous metastatic SCID mouse model using orthotopic implantation of human lung cancer cell lines. However, the lymphogenous metastatic potential of each cell line in our models does not reflect that of a primary tumor. In this study, we made orthotopic implanted models using primary cultured cells from surgically-resected lung cancer tissues. Tissues of 5 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were applied to a primary culture method using a collagen gel coated flask. Suspensions of 2.0x10(4) cancer cells were injected into the left lung of SCID mice. We could maintain primary culture cells from 2 (FM205 and FT821 cells) of 5 lung cancers, and made orthotopically implanted SCID mouse models. The size of both tumors in implanted sites of the lung increased with time. The FM205 cells microscopically were metastasized to the mediastinum by 4 weeks after implantation and macroscopically metastasized by 16 weeks. The FT821 cells were microscopically metastasized to the mediastinum by 4 weeks after implantation and macroscopically metastasized by 6 weeks. The lymphogenous metastatic potential of these primary culture cells was similar to that of clinical tumors. As the lymphogenous metastatic potential of this model reflects that of the clinical tumor, it is useful for elucidating the mechanism of lymphogenous metastasis and selecting anticancer drugs suitable for an individual patients.