Retention of inorganic anions using mesoporous zirconia spheres modified with anion-exchange groups as the stationary phase for ion chromatography.

A zirconia (ZrO2) stationary phase with a chemically fixed silane coupling agent (trimethyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride; TMA), which possesses quaternary ammonium functional groups, is evaluated as a separation column for ion chromatography (IC) of anions. The selectivity for anions varies depending on the amount of TMA immobilized on the ZrO2. The TMA-ZrO2, with an anion-exchange capacity of 17 ± 3 µeq/g, shows an anion-exchange reaction that involves the specific retention of fluoride ion on ZrO2. The TMA-ZrO2 exhibits a decrease of the anion resolution with an increase of the eluent pH and an enhancement of the selective separation of fluoride ion with an increase of the column temperature. Through this study, the TMA-ZrO2 stationary phase shows potential as a new medium for ion separation.

Characterization of gamma-Ga2O3-Al2O3 prepared by solvothermal method and its performance for methane-SCR of NO.

The gamma-Ga(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) mixed oxides with a spinel structure were prepared by the solvothermal reaction of gallium acetylacetonate and aluminum isopropoxide in diethylenetriamine. In the crystal structures of the catalysts obtained by the calcination of these mixed oxides, Ga(3+) and Al(3+) ions preferentially occupied tetrahedral and octahedral sites, respectively. The catalysts with low Ga contents had a unique structure with high surface areas and a concentration gradient of decreasing Ga content from the surface to the bulk. In methane-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO, higher NO conversion to N(2) was attained on the catalyst with high occupation of Ga(3+) ions at tetrahedral sites and Al(3+) ions at octahedral sites. For the gamma-Ga(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) mixed oxide with a charged Ga molar content of 0.3 (ST(0.3)), tetrahedral and octahedral sites were solely occupied by Ga(3+) and Al(3+) ions, respectively, and the catalyst exhibited the highest NO conversion to N(2). Therefore, it was concluded that the active site for methane-SCR of NO is tetrahedral Ga(3+) ion and octahedral Al(3+) ion, which are linked to each other. Nitrogen monoxide is adsorbed on the isolated hydroxyl group attached to Al(3+) ions and then oxidized by O(2) yielding surface nitrate species. Tetrahedral Ga(3+) ions work as Lewis acid sites for the activation of methane because of their coordinative unsaturation. The Ga(3+) ions in the gamma-Ga(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) catalyst have a redox property, which plays important roles in both the oxidation of NO to surface nitrate species and the activation of methane. The most important factor for this catalyst is that the sites for the formation of surface nitrate species reside next to the methane activation sites, which facilitates the reaction between surface nitrate species and the activated species derived from methane, thus mitigating the consumption of methane by simple combustion with O(2). Therefore, ST(0.3), which has the largest number of ensembles of the tetrahedral Ga(3+) ions and octahedral Al(3+) ions, shows the highest activity for methane-SCR of NO.

[Indoor air pollution of volatile organic compounds: indoor/outdoor concentrations, sources and exposures].

In this review, we discussed about volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations, sources of VOC, exposures, and effects of VOC in indoor air on health in Japan. Because the ratios of indoor concentration (I) to outdoor concentration (O) (I/O ratios) were larger than 1 for nearly all compounds, it is clear that indoor contaminations occur in Japan. However, the concentrations of basic compounds such as formaldehyde and toluene were decreased by regulation of guideline indoor values. Moreover, when the sources of indoor contaminations were investigated, we found that the sources were strongly affected by to outdoor air pollutions such as automobile exhaust gas. Since people live different lifestyles, individual exposures have been investigated in several studies. Individual exposures strongly depended on indoor concentrations in houses. However, outdoor air pollution cannot be disregarded as the sources of VOC. As an example of the effect of VOC on health, it has been indicated that there is a possibility of exceeding a permissible cancer risk level owing to exposure to VOC over a lifetime.

Evaluation of Photocatalytic Abilities by Variation of Conductivity and Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Photocatalytically Active TiO2-coated Wire Mesh Prepared via a Double-layer Coating Method.

Herein, we evaluated the quality of a double-layer coating method to stably immobilize photocatalysts by photodecomposition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on a stainless-steel wire mesh using a flow analytical system, which included the reactor and conductimetric detector (FAS-CD). The prepared photocatalyst consisted of an amorphous titanium peroxide sol layer and a layer of a sol mixture containing TiO2 and amorphous titanium peroxide. Stable photocatalytic activity was demonstrated through successive photodecomposition tests of DMSO using FAS-CD/equipment.

[Efficacy of S-1 combined with weekly Paclitaxel for gastric cancer with cancerous ascites].

We used combination therapy of S-1 and Paclitaxel to treat gastric cancer complicated by carcinomatous ascites and assessed the clinical results. The subjects were 8 patients who were gastric-cancer-ascites-positive, and they were treated by biweekly administration of S-1 orally, continuously for 2 weeks, and Paclitaxel on day 1 and day 8 of S-1 administration. The results showed disappearance of the ascites on diagnostic images in 37.5% (3/8) and PR in 50% (4/8) in terms of the main gastric cancer focus. An average 15 courses were conducted, and the overall adverse event rate was 87.5% (7/8). Hematologic toxicity occurred in 75.0% (6/8), and it was G3 or 4 in 37.5% (3/8). Non-hematological toxicity was confirmed in 75.0% (6/8), but none of it was G3 or 4. Although they were historical controls, we assessed the results of treatment in a conventional treatment group (control group; n=24) and the S-1 and Paclitaxel group (S-1+Paclitaxel group; n=8) by comparing the survival rates. MST in the S-1 and Paclitaxel group was 413 days, and the longest survival time was 1,148 days. The 1-year survival rate was 62.5%, and the 2-year survival rate was 37.5%. The survival rate in the S-1+Paclitaxel group was better than in the control group (p<0.001). We have reported this study because S-1+Paclitaxel therapy appears to be an important method of treating gastric cancer complicated by carcinomatous ascites.

[A case of paclitaxel-resistant cancerous ascites secondary to gastric carcinoma responding well to TS-1 therapy].

Paclitaxel was used as the first-line drug for treatment of a case with peritoneal recurrence of gastric cancer, accompanied by cancerous ascites. Because paclitaxel was ineffective, TS-1 was used as the second-line drug, resulting in disappearance of cancerous ascites on diagnostic imaging. This case was an 81-year-old male patient. In February 2004, he underwent resection of the pyloric side of the stomach (D 2) based on a diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer. CT scans, conducted in February 2005, revealed ascites, and a diagnosis of cancerous peritonitis was made on the basis of subsequent cyto-diagnostic findings. He was later hospitalized because of anorexia and difficulty with oral ingestion, and received paclitaxel therapy (60 mg/m(2)). Abdominal CT scans in May of the same year showed the disappearance of ascites. Thereafter, he was managed as an outpatient. In June of the same year, relapse of ascites was detected by CT scans, and exacerbation of ascites was seen in August. In October, paclitaxel was switched to TS-1 (80 mg/m(2)). CT scans, obtained at the end of two cycles of TS-1 therapy, revealed complete disappearance of ascites. This therapy was administered for 4 cycles in total. CT scans, performed at the end of each cycle of TS-1 therapy, confirmed the absence of ascites. At present (July 2006), the patient is managed on an outpatient basis. Our experience with this case suggests that if paclitaxel therapy fails to exert satisfactory efficacy, switching to second-line TS-1 therapy is a promising means of treating gastric cancer complicated by cancerous peritonitis.

Achievement of over 1.4 V photovoltage in a dye-sensitized solar cell by the application of a silyl-anchor coumarin dye.

A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabricated by using a novel silyl-anchor coumarin dye with alkyl-chain substitutes, a Br3-/Br- redox electrolyte solution containing water, and a Mg2+-doped anatase-TiO2 electrode with twofold surface modification by MgO and Al2O3 exhibited an open-circuit photovoltage over 1.4 V, demonstrating the possibility of DSSCs as practical photovoltaic devices.

Evaluation of the water-treatment ability of silica-doped titanium dioxide-coated glass plates using a cationic coupling reagent based on a flow analytical system.

In this study, a photocatalytic plate bound to highly dispersible silica-doped titanium dioxide (SiT) on a trimethoxysilyl-propyldiethylenetriamine (dien)-coated glass plate (dien-plate) was newly synthesized, and was evaluated by a flow analytical (FA) system, which consists of a photocatalytic reactor and a spectrophotometer, to continuously monitor the absorbance of tested chemicals. The method was not required to collect any sample solution at a constant period. The SiT-dien-plate facilitated the photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB) and indigo carmine (InC) in aqueous solutions. Notably, MB was quantitatively photo-decomposed following 18 h of UV-light irradiation, related to the electrostatic adsorption of surface-bound particles. A water-treatment ability of visible-light-responsive vanadium-modified nitrogen/silica co-doped titanium dioxide fixed on the dien-plate was also evaluated by the FA system. It clarified to decompose MB and InC under visible-light irradiation. Finally, the decomposition of a humic substance dissolved from Middle West China peaty soils by the SiT-dien-plate under UV-irradiation was assessed as applying the FA system with a photocatalytic plate.

[Examination of the feasibility of TS-1 for postoperative advance stomach cancer patients].

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of TS-1 when used as adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection of advanced stomach cancer. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 20 patients with stage III or IV, curability B resected gastric cancer. METHODS: The methods consisted of analysis of background factors, assessment of the administration and dosage of TS-1, and associations with adverse reactions. RESULTS: Mean age was 62.8 years, and the histological type was differentiated in 7 cases and undifferentiated in 13 cases. There were 4 stage IIIA cases, 10 stage IIIB cases, and 6 stage IV cases, and the extent of gastric resection consisted of gastrectomy in 8 cases and total gastrectomy in 12 cases. TS-1 administration was started an average of 57 days postoperatively. The dosage regimen was 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off in 10 cases, and different regimens were used in the other 10 cases. The dose of TS-1 was the recommended dose in 9 cases and a reduced dose in 11 cases, and the mean number of courses was 2.8. Adverse reactions occurred in a total of 14 cases. Digestive system toxicity developed in 5 cases and hematological toxicity in 12. No grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed. Treatment could be continued in 18 cases. The occurrence of adverse reactions tended to be concentrated immediately after administration of TS-1. CONCLUSION: TS-1 was safely used as adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of advanced stomach cancer.

[A case of inoperable scirrhous gastric cancer that responded remarkably to a combination of TS-1+paclitaxel and showed complete loss of ascites].

Complete loss of malignant ascites by combination chemotherapy of TS-1+paclitaxel was experienced. The case was a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with inoperable scirrhous gastric cancer with malignant ascites. The administered regimen of chemotherapy was TS-1 100 mg/day (80 mg/m2) for 2 weeks. Paclitaxel 60 mg/day (50 mg/m2) on day 1 and 8 of TS-1 intake, followed by 2-weeks rest. Partial response was confirmed by gastrography and gastrofiberscope after 3 courses were performed. Furthermore, computed tomography (CT) showed complete loss of malignant ascites. Adverse reactions were grade 3 leukopenia and grade 2 nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This result indicates the possibility of combination chemotherapy of TS-1+paclitaxel becoming an effective option in treating inoperable scirrhous gastric cancer.

[A case of heterochronous liver metastasis of gastric cancer favorably responding to TS-1].

We report herein a case of heterochronous hepatic metastasis of gastric cancer that responded well to chemotherapy using TS-1. The patient was a 72-year-old man who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Liver metastasis (S8, 4 cm in diameter) was found 3 months after surgery. TS-1 (100 mg/day) was administered orally everyday for a total of 33 weeks, after which the liver metastasis showed CR. Grade 2 fever and grade 2 dermatitis were the only adverse reactions observed, and the patient did not require hospitalization by discontinuing TS-1 administration. The present case suggests the usefulness of chemotherapy using TS-1.

[One case of locally advanced breast cancer in which multidisciplinary treatment, chiefly, therapy with preoperative intraarterial infusion of docetaxel (TXT), was successful].

We herein report 1 case in which hormone therapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy by local intraarterial infusion were conducted for locally advanced breast cancer, and were revealed to be useful in terms of local control. Administration of doxifluridine (5'-DFUR: Furtulon) (1,200 mg/day, 5 day continuous dosing followed by 2 day washout) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA: Hysron H) (1,200 mg/day) was followed by chemotherapy consisting of intraarterial infusion of 100 mg of docetaxel (TXT: Taxotere), once monthly, via the left internal thoracic artery and left lateral thoracic artery. As a result, marked shrinkage of tumors was confirmed. Under these circumstances, left standard radical mastectomy plus skin grafting were performed. While under treatment, no serious adverse events were observed, and the patient made satisfactory progress after surgical procedure. She thus left hospital in a positive frame of mind.

[A case of liver metastasis of breast cancer successfully treated with paclitaxel infusion into the hepatic artery: an attempt of once weekly regimen].

On October 21, 1995, a 45-year-old woman underwent mastectomy (Kodama's procedure), preserving the thoracic muscles, based on the diagnosis of right breast cancer (T2aN1bM0). After surgery, she received 3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (CAF) using anthracycline and other drugs. Thereafter she was orally treated with UFT for 2 years. She developed tumor recurrence in her liver 3 years after surgery. At that time, she was initially scheduled to undergo partial hepatectomy (including the tumor-affected area), but it was later judged that radical surgery was impossible due to the presence of multiple lesions in both lobes of the liver. A reservoir was therefore installed in the hepatic artery. Ten days after reservoir installation, intra-arterial infusion of paclitaxel (80 mg/m2), dissolved in 100 ml of physiological saline, was performed for one hour, using the installed reservoir. This treatment was administered once weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by one week of rest. After 3 cycles of this regimen, the liver metastases had disappeared completely. At present, 2 years after the beginning of this therapy, the patient remains in a state of CR (complete response). Grade 2 alopecia and grade 1 peripheral neuropathy were the only adverse reactions observed.

[A case of gastric carcinoma with metastasis in a paraaortic lymph node that responded to TS-1/CDDP combination therapy, in which the patient was able to undergo extirpation with grade B curability].

Since the introduction of TS-1 for the treatment of gastric carcinoma, an overall high response rate of cancer to TS-1 therapy has been recognized. Therefore, TS-1 in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) can be reasonably expected to be an effective new strategy for the treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma. We administered three courses of the TS-1/CDDP combination in a case of gastric carcinoma with metastasis in a paraaortic lymph node. Regression of the primary carcinoma (72.7% decrease in tumor mass) and reduction in size of the lymph node were observed. Consequently, the patient underwent total gastrectomy, resection of the splenic arterial trunk, splenectomy and D3 lymph node dissection, which resulted in grade B curability. The state of the patient was favorable both at the time of surgery and postoperatively, and the course of therapy remained uneventful. Although grade 1 nausea and vomiting were noted as adverse reactions to the treatment resulting in insufficient oral intake and necessitating intravenous infusion in the hospital, the treatment was completed without any other adverse events during the course of the therapy.

Fabrication of a dye-sensitized solar cell containing a Mg-doped TiO2 electrode and a Br3(-)/Br- redox mediator with a high open-circuit photovoltage of 1.21 V.

A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabricated by using a Mg(2+)-doped anatase-TiO(2) electrode with an alkoxysilyl dye and a Br(3)(-)/Br(-) electrolyte solution exhibited successfully a remarkably high open-circuit photovoltage over 1.2 V, demonstrating a new possibility of DSSCs as practical photovoltaic devices.