Development of an application tool to support returnees in Fukushima.

To promote radiation protection and health promotion among returning residents (returnees) in coastal areas of Fukushima, eHealth principles were used to develop a new application tool (app) that can record radiation exposure and health status while providing comprehensive support to returnees. Intended users are returnees and health and welfare workers. After assessing their needs, a flowchart and prototype for operational logic were created using commercially available software tools. Professional developers will focus on improving the user interface and ensuring data security. The finished app will be compatible with mobile telephones and tablets. Utility and ease of use are paramount to serve returnees of all ages effectively.

The effect of different organic solvents and anion salts on sodium ion storage in cylindrical carbon nanopores.

In this article fully atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations were employed to study the behaviour of electrolyte salts (NaPF6, NaBF4, and NaTFSI) and different organic solvents (PC, EC, and EMC) in cylindrical carbon nanotubes, in order to reveal the storage mechanism. Organic solutions at 1 M concentrations were considered in bulk reservoir solutions, at the operational condition of sodium ion batteries. The effects of the solvents, nanotube diameter, and different anions (PF6-, BF4-, and TFSI-) are quantified by calculating the number of ions inside the nanotubes, solvation number and radial distribution functions. The solvent, anion and cylindrical nanoconfinement can influence the organic electrolyte solution structure.

Extremely permeable porous graphene with high H2/CO2 separation ability achieved by graphene surface rejection.

Fabrication of a graphene separation sheet is difficult because of the necessity for leakage-free graphene transfer onto a substrate. In this study, porous graphene sheets with thicknesses of one, two, and four layers were directly fabricated on stainless-steel mesh substrates and demonstrated to display high separation ability for H2, CO2, and CH4. The single-layer graphene sample exhibited higher permeance for these molecules than double- and four-layer graphene and displayed similar high selectivity to that of other porous materials. Permeance was proportional to molecular velocity and inversely proportional to interaction strength with graphene; molecular size-dependent permeance was not seen. Molecules that interacted strongly with graphene were attracted to the graphene surface, which hindered permeation. Such graphene surface rejection allowed graphene containing larger pores than the molecular size to provide both high molecular permeance and selectivity. The relationship between the permeance of porous graphene for H2 and H2/CO2 with selectivity suggested that its permeance was higher than that of other materials with high separation performance. Therefore, the porous graphene samples separated molecules with extremely high permeance by graphene surface rejection.

Treatment of cervical pregnancy with ultrasound-guided local methotrexate injection.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical pregnancy (CP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy. While methotrexate (MTX) is generally the first-line method of choice for clinically stable women, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate treatment for this abnormal pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a single local MTX injection under transvaginal ultrasound guidance for the initial treatment of CP and to assess post-treatment fertility. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 15 patients with CP treated with local MTX injection under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. In all patients, the serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were monitored and the gestational sac was evaluated using ultrasonography after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed as necessary. We evaluated the patients' clinical characteristics and clinical course after treatment, the efficacy of the treatment and the post-treatment fertility in patients desiring subsequent pregnancy. RESULTS: The median estimated gestational age at the time of MTX injection was 6 + 2 (range, 5 + 2 to 11 + 0) weeks. All 15 patients were treated successfully, without the need for blood transfusion or surgical procedures; however, three patients required an additional local MTX injection due to a poor decline in serum hCG level following the initial injection, while one patient required uterine artery embolization due to persistent vaginal bleeding and an enlarging gestational sac with blood vessels visible on contrast-enhanced MRI. The mean time following initial MTX injection for hCG normalization was 43.8 (95% CI, 33.3-54.3) days and for resumption of menses was 68.4 (95% CI, 51.9-84.9) days. Seven of the 10 women desiring subsequent pregnancy following treatment had uneventful pregnancy, one became pregnant but miscarried spontaneously at 8 weeks of gestation, one was treated by laparoscopic surgery after diagnosis of a tubal pregnancy and one did not conceive. CONCLUSIONS: A single, ultrasound-guided, local MTX injection is apparently effective for the treatment of CP without the need for concomitant procedures or surgical intervention. Furthermore, this conservative technique both preserves fertility and allows for the possibility of subsequent uneventful pregnancy. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Significant curvature effects of partially charged carbon nanotubes on electrolyte behavior investigated using Monte Carlo simulations.

Carbon nanotubes and graphene are among the major nanomaterials in nanoscience and technology. Despite having π electrons, these nanocarbon allotropes have been simply considered as neutral in classical calculations. In this study, the effects of partial charges on graphene and curved interfaces on molecular adsorption were investigated using Monte Carlo simulations of N2 and NaCl aqueous solutions on graphene and carbon nanotubes. The simulated N2 adsorption behavior and adsorption potential on partially charged and non-charged graphene coincided with each other. The adsorption potentials suggested that partially charged graphene attracted Na ions and repelled Cl ions. However, those tendencies were not present in NaCl aqueous solutions on graphene. Conversely, in partially charged carbon nanotube models, a preference for Na ions and repulsion of Cl ions in the internal nanospaces were observed in the adsorption potentials using Monte Carlo simulations. Curved interfaces in the internal nanospaces of carbon nanotubes enhanced these properties, suggesting significant electrostatic interactions in a curved π-conjugated system.

Positive association between serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been suggested recently to play an important role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is little information on serum TSLP concentrations in RA and its clinical significance. The present study investigated whether serum TSLP concentrations were affected in patients with RA. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we measured TSLP concentrations in the serum obtained from 100 patients with RA, 60 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 34 healthy volunteers. We also investigated the correlation between serum TSLP concentrations and clinical parameters of disease activity in RA [disease activity score using 28 joint counts (DAS28)-C-reactive protein (CRP), DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI]), patient's/-physician's Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), swollen joints count, tender joints count, CRP, ESR and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) concentrations]. In addition, we investigated the correlation between serum TSLP concentrations and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) and serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Serum TSLP levels in patients with RA were significantly higher than those in patients with OA and in healthy volunteers. Interestingly, serum TSLP concentrations were correlated significantly with ACPA titres, but not with other clinical parameters. There was a significant increase in serum TSLP concentrations in patients with RA, which was correlated positively with serum ACPA titres. These findings suggest that in patients with RA, TSLP may play a role in ACPA production by B cells.

Phase II clinical trial of S-1 plus oral leucovorin in previously treated patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: S-1, a novel oral fluoropyrimidine, has potent antitumor activity against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Meanwhile, leucovorin enhances the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil by inhibiting thymidylate synthase. Therefore, this phase II clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of S-1 plus leucovorin combination therapy for previously treated patients with NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were prospectively enrolled if they received 1 or 2 prior chemotherapy regimens. S-1 (40-60 mg) and leucovorin (25mg) were administered together orally twice per day for 7 consecutive days followed by 7 days of rest. This 2-week cycle was repeated for a maximum of 25 cycles until the onset of disease progression or unacceptable adverse events. Endpoints included objective tumor response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. RESULTS: Among 33 patients, 6 (18.2%), 14 (42.4%), and 11 (33.3%) had partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease, respectively. Median progression-free and overall survival times were 3.5 and 11.7 months, respectively. The common grade 3 toxicities included stomatitis (18.2%), anorexia (12.1%), and neutropenia (9.1%). One patient had pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, and another experienced paralytic ileus. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: S-1 plus leucovorin combination therapy demonstrated promising efficacy and an acceptable toxicity profile in previously treated patients with NSCLC.

Fullerene-rare gas mixed plasmas in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

A synthesis technology of endohedral fullerenes such as Fe@C60 has developed with an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source. The production of N@C60 was reported. However, the yield was quite low, since most fullerene molecules were broken in the ECR plasma. We have adopted gas-mixing techniques in order to cool the plasma and then reduce fullerene dissociation. Mass spectra of ion beams extracted from fullerene-He, Ar or Xe mixed plasmas were observed with a Faraday cup. From the results, the He gas mixing technique is effective against fullerene destruction.

Design of a new electron cyclotron resonance ion source at Oshima National College of Maritime Technology.

A new electron cyclotron resonance ion/plasma source has been designed and will be built at Oshima National College of Maritime Technology by early 2014. We have developed an ion source that allows the control of the plasma parameters over a wide range of electron temperatures for material research. A minimum-B magnetic field composed of axial mirror fields and radial cusp fields was designed using mainly Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. The axial magnetic field can be varied by three solenoid coils. The apparatus has 2.45 GHz magnetron and 2.5-6.0 GHz solid-state microwave sources.

Structural modeling of dahlia-type single-walled carbon nanohorn aggregates by molecular dynamics.

The structure of dahlia-type single-walled carbon nanohorn aggregates has been modeled by classical molecular dynamics simulations, and the validity of the model has been verified by neutron diffraction. Computer-generated models consisted of an outer part formed from single-walled carbon nanohorns with diameters of 20-50 Å and a length of 400 Å and an inner turbostratic graphite-like core with a diameter of 130 Å. The diffracted intensity and the pair correlation function computed for such a constructed model are in good agreement with the neutron diffraction experimental data. The proposed turbostratic inner core explains the occurrence of the additional (002) and (004) graphitic peaks in the diffraction pattern of the studied sample and provides information about the interior structure of the dahlia-type aggregates.

IFPA Meeting 2012 Workshop Report III: trophoblast deportation, gestational trophoblastic disease, placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction, trophoblast over-invasion and accreta-related pathologies, placental thrombosis and fibrinolysis.

Workshops are an important part of the IFPA annual meeting as they allow for discussion of specialized topics. At IFPA meeting 2012 there were twelve themed workshops, five of which are summarized in this report. These workshops related to various aspects of placental biology but collectively covered areas of clinical research and pregnancy disorders: 1) trophoblast deportation; 2) gestational trophoblastic disease; 3) placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction; 4) trophoblast overinvasion and accreta-related pathologies; 5) placental thrombosis and fibrinolysis.

Long-term survival of a patient with type A thymoma and Masaoka's stage IV b: case report.

Thymoma is the most common neoplasm in the anterior mediastinum. This report presents an extremely rare case of a type A thymoma with Masaoka's stage IV b due to lymph node metastasis. In 1997, a 59-year-old man underwent complete resection of a stage IV b type A thymoma with postoperative radiotherapy to the mediastinum. In 2006, small nodules were detected in the anterior mediastinum and above the right diaphragm and tumor resection was performed. The two lesions were both histologically diagnosed as recurrences of the type A thymoma. There has been no evidence of recurrence 15 months after the second surgery.

A phase I study of TS-1 plus carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

TS-1 is a novel oral anticancer agent comprised of tegafur, a prodrug of 5- flurouracil, and two modulators. A phase i study of tS-1 plus carboplatin combination therapy was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD), and dose limiting toxicities (DLT) in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSClC). TS-1 was given orally at a dose of 80 mg/m(2)/day for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest. Carboplatin was given intravenously on day 8 at a dose of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 area under the curve (AUC) values. Fifteen patients with advanced NSClC were analyzed. the grade 3-4 toxicities observed during the first cycle were febrile neutropenia (6%), anemia (6%), anorexia (6%), and diarrhea (6%). these toxicities were reversible and manageable. The MTD for carboplatin was evaluated to be more than 6.0 AUC values, as one of six patients developed Dlt at this dose. the RD for carboplatin was estimated as 6.0 AUC values. Objective responses were seen in five patients (response rate 33%).

Multifocal granulomatous hepatitis caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 in slaughter pigs.

In a survey of 66 894 slaughter pigs, 11 animals from three farms were found to have multifocal granulomatous lesions in the liver, caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2. The lesions consisted of epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells, with asteroid bodies and discernible gram-negative bacteria. Lymph nodes and spleen were occasionally affected. The results suggested that haematogenous spread had occurred from pre-existing pulmonary infections.

Granulomatous lymphadenitis and pneumonia associated with Actinobacillus porcitonsillarum in a slaughter pig.

Multiple coalescing granulomatous foci were detected in the pulmonary hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes and lung of a slaughtered pig aged 6 months. Haemolytic, Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from the lymph nodes. The isolate (strain TO17214) strongly cross-reacted with sera against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 12 in slide agglutination tests. Comparative 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis identified strain TO17214 as Actinobacillus porcitonsillarum. Histologically, extensive inflammation took the form of large granulomas consisting of epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells in the lymph nodes and lung, and Gram-negative bacilli were discernible in the centres of the lesions. Immunohistochemically, the organisms cross-reacted with polyclonal antibodies against A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 12 and 2. The results indicated that A. porcitonsillarum, previously considered non-pathogenic, can induce multifocal granulomatous lymphadenitis accompanied by pneumonia in the growing-finishing pig.

Dynamic magnetic resonance sialography as a new diagnostic technique for patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical utility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) sialographic images as a diagnostic tool for patients with Sjögren's syndrome. METHODS: The morphological findings and various kinds of functional parameters in volunteers on dynamic MR sialographic images were compared with those in five patients with definite Sjögren's syndrome. RESULTS: On the MR sialographs of all five patients with Sjögren's syndrome, the so-called 'apple-tree appearance' was seen. The difference in two functional parameters using the dynamic MR sialographic data was elucidated between the two groups. The maximum area of the detectable ducts in the group of patients was significantly smaller (P < 0.001) than that in the group of volunteers. The ratio of change in the detectable ducts in the group of patients was significantly lower (P = 0.011) than that in the group of volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that dynamic MR sialographic data in addition to MR sialographic images might be useful for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.

Clinical significance and variation of the advanced calcified stylohyoid complex detected by panoramic radiographs among 80-year-old subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical significance and variation of a calcified stylohyoid complex associated with advanced calcification as detected on panoramic radiographs among 80-year-old subjects. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs of 659 patients (262 men and 397 women) and data of their general and dental health conditions were used for the evaluation of the relationship between a calcified stylohyoid complex and general health among 80-year-olds. This study was part of the 8020 Data Bank Survey, which was designed to collect the baseline data of general and dental health conditions in 80-year-old subjects. The morphology of the calcified stylohyoid complexes was allocated to one of 12 patterns. The lengths of the calcified stylohyoid complex were measured directly on the radiographs from the caudal margin of the tympanic plate to the tip of the styloid process. RESULTS: All of the stylohyoid complexes from the 659 panoramic radiographs could be allocated to one of 12 morphological patterns, and some of their radiographic findings suggested calcification of the carotid artery and lymph nodes. In 80-year-old subjects, the average length of the calcified stylohyoid complexes was 36.7 mm, and ranged from 0.0 mm to 153.0 mm. There appeared to be correlations between the length of the calcified stylohyoid complex and serum calcium concentration and heel bone density, but not with the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). CONCLUSIONS: Dentists should recognize the existence of morphological variation in calcified stylohyoid complexes, especially in length, apparent on panoramic radiographs of 80-year-old patients. In addition, the longer length of the calcified stylohyoid complexes in 80-year-old patients may be a predictor of bone density and high serum calcium concentration level. The findings from the present study may provide potentially life-saving information about elderly people.

Correlation between the incidence of central nodal necrosis in cervical lymph node metastasis and the extent of differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of central nodal necrosis (CNN) in the cervical lymph nodes of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the factors that influence the formation of CNN. METHODS: Lymph nodes shown as CNN on computed tomography (CT) films in 107 lymph nodes from 27 patients with oral SCC were selected. Lymph nodes with CNN on CT films were compared with the pathological findings of lymph nodes on specimens. We compared many kinds of factors influencing the formation of CNN, including the differentiated type, with the incidence of CNN. RESULTS: Significant relationships were found between the incidence of CNN in metastatic lymph nodes and the presence of well-differentiated SCC and the presence of keratinization in tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that if a patient had SCC with low-grade differentiation, CNN in small lymph nodes would be difficult to detect on CT scan. Therefore, noting changes in lymph node density in the absence of CNN on CT scans is necessary in case the primary tumour is low-grade SCC.

Characterization of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 in human ovarian surface epithelial cells.

The human ovarian surface epithelium (hOSE) is a single layer of mesothelial-type primitive epithelial cells that are potential estrogen targets. It has been reported that hOSE cells can produce estrogen. However, the mechanisms that regulate estrogen level(s) in hOSE cells are not yet known. To elucidate the enzymes involved in these reactions, we examined gene expression of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17beta-HSDs) in primary hOSE (POSE) and OSE2a cells using RT-PCR. We found that POSE cells and cells of the immortalized hOSE line, OSE2a, bidirectionally converted estrone (E1) and 17beta-estradiol (E2). Both cell types expressed mRNA for 17beta-HSD type 1 (17beta-HSD1), suggesting that the enzyme is involved in the E1 to E2 conversion. Interestingly, both cells expressed 17beta-HSD4 mRNA but not 17beta-HSD2 mRNA. We prepared an antibody against the carboxyl terminal of 17beta-HSD4 (anti-17beta-HSD4 antibody), which recognized the 80 and 48 kDa proteins in POSE and OSE2a cells based on immunoblot analysis. Furthermore, immunohistochemical study revealed the presence of 17beta-HSD4 in hOSE cells in the human ovary. These results suggest that 17beta-HSD4 is involved in estrogen inactivation and may protect against an excessive accumulation of E2 in hOSE cells.

Cleavage of nucleolin and AgNOR proteins during apoptosis induced by anticancer drugs in human salivary gland cells.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the behavior of nuclear proteins in apoptosis induced by anticancer drugs in cultured human salivary gland (HSG) cells. METHODS: Dynamic alternations of nucleolin and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) proteins in anticancer drug-induced apoptosis of HSG cells and in a cell-free apoptotic system were examined using Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical method. RESULTS: The 110-kDa form of nucleolin and AgNOR protein decreased and the 80- and 95-kDa forms appeared during apoptosis in HSG cells and in a cell-free apoptotic system. In addition, the induction of DNA ladder formation coincided with the appearance of alternation of nucleolin and AgNOR proteins in a cell-free apoptosis. Nucleolin diffusely spread out into the nuclear material in the apoptotic body of HSG cells. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that alternations of nucleolin and AgNOR proteins are associated with the induction of DNA fragmentation and the final active phase of apoptosis induced by anticancer drugs in malignant salivary gland cells.