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NiMZn/C@melamine sponge-derived carbon (MSDC) composites (M = Co, Fe, and Mn) were prepared by a vacuum pumping solution method followed by carbonization. A large number of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) homogeneously attached to the surfaces of the three-dimensional cross-linked of the sponge-derived carbon in the NiCoZn/C@MSDC composite, and CNTs were detected in the NiFeZn/C@MSDC and NiMnZn/C@MSDC composites. Ni3ZnC0.7, Ni3Fe, and MnO in-situ formed in the NiFeZn/C@MSDC and NiMnZn/C@MSDC composites. The CNTs in the NiCoZn/C@MSDC composite efficiently modulated its complex permittivity. Thus, the composite exhibited the best performance among the composites, with the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −33.1 dB at 18 GHz and thickness of 1.4 mm. The bandwidth for RL of ≤−10 dB was up to 5.04 GHz at the thickness of 1.7 mm and loading of 25wt%. The optimized impedance matching, enhanced interfacial and dipole polarization, remarkable conduction loss, and multiple reflections and scattering of the incident microwaves improved the microwave absorption performance. The effects of Co, Ni, and Fe on the phase and morphology provided an alternative way for developing highly efficient and broadband microwave absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: 3D cubic hollow core–shell NiCo2O4@C composites were synthesized. Oxygen vacancies were introduced into the prepared composites. Ultrabroad effective absorption bandwidth of 12.48 GHz was obtained. The absorption performance mechanism of NiCo2O4/C composites was investigated. Cobalt nickel bimetallic oxides (NiCo2O4) have received numerous attentions in terms of their controllable morphology, high temperature, corrosion resistance and strong electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption capability. However, broadening the absorption bandwidth is still a huge challenge for NiCo2O4-based absorbers. Herein, the unique NiCo2O4@C core–shell microcubes with hollow structures were fabricated via a facile sacrificial template strategy. The concentration of oxygen vacancies and morphologies of the three-dimensional (3D) cubic hollow core–shell NiCo2O4@C framework were effectively optimized by adjusting the calcination temperature. The specially designed 3D framework structure facilitated the multiple reflections of incident electromagnetic waves and provided rich interfaces between multiple components, generating significant interfacial polarization losses. Dipole polarizations induced by oxygen vacancies could further enhance the attenuation ability for the incident EM waves. The optimized NiCo2O4@C hollow microcubes exhibit superior EMW absorption capability with minimum RL (RLmin) of −84.45 dB at 8.4 GHz for the thickness of 3.0 mm. Moreover, ultrabroad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) as large as 12.48 GHz (5.52–18 GHz) is obtained. This work is believed to illuminate the path to synthesis of high-performance cobalt nickel bimetallic oxides for EMW absorbers with excellent EMW absorption capability, especially in broadening effective absorption bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and polysulfides (H2Sn, n ≥ 2) are signaling molecules produced by 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) that play various physiological roles, including the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a synaptic model of memory formation, by enhancing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity. However, the presynaptic action of H2S/H2Sn on neurotransmitter release, regulation of LTP induction, and animal behavior are poorly understood. Here, we showed that H2S/H2S2 applied to the rat hippocampus by in vivo microdialysis induces the release of GABA, glutamate, and d-serine, a co-agonist of NMDA receptors. Animals with genetically knocked-out 3MST and the target of H2S2, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels, revealed that H2S/H2S2, 3MST, and TRPA1 activation play a critical role in LTP induction, and the lack of 3MST causes behavioral hypersensitivity to NMDA receptor antagonism, as in schizophrenia. H2S/H2Sn, 3MST, and TRPA1 channels have therapeutic potential for psychiatric diseases and cognitive deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient storage technology (absorption and desorption) is the key to boom the application of hydrogen as energy storage media. Among the solid-state hydrogen storage materials, magnesium-based material exhibits many advantages and is considered one of the most promising materials. However, the disadvantages including poor hydrogen absorption, desorption kinetics and high operating temperature still need to be modified. The addition of catalysts is one of the optimal ways to improve the kinetic performance of MgH2. However, transition metal-based catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance. This work mainly summarizes the addition of Co/Ni/Fe-based catalysts on the hydrogen storage performances of Mg. While examining the differences in the performance of each catalyst, some future research perspectives are also illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is an ideal clean energy because of its high calorific value and abundance of sources. However, storing hydrogen in a compact, inexpensive, and safe manner is the main restriction on the extensive utilization of hydrogen energy. Magnesium (Mg)-based hydrogen storage material is considered a reliable solid hydrogen storage material with the advantages of high hydrogen storage capacity (7.6wt%), good performance, and low cost. However, the high thermodynamic stability and slow kinetics of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials have to be overcome. In this paper, we will review the recent advances in the nanoconfinement of Mg-related hydrogen storage materials by loading Mg particles on different supporting materials, including carbons, metal-organic frameworks, and other materials. Perspectives are also provided for designing high-performance Mg-based materials using nanoconfinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging electrode material of supercapacitors, Ni3(NO3)2(OH)4 holds remarkable merits including environmental friendliness, large layer spacing (c = 6.9 Å), and high specific capacitance. Nevertheless, its rate capability and cycling stability have yet to be improved. Herein, a simple Co-doping strategy is introduced into the solution combustion preparation process to solve these problems. The optimized Co-doping dosage is determined to be 15 at.%, based on electrochemical performance test. The doped cobalt improves not only the rate capability by increasing electronic and ionic conductivity, but also the cycling stability by enhancing structural stabilization. Thanks to the benefits of Co-doping, the optimized sample simultaneously achieves high specific capacitance (1579 F/g at 1 A/g), excellent rate capability (78.3% capacity remains when current density increases from 1 to 20 A/g), and decent cycling stability (85.7% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). At even an ultrahigh mass loading of 15.05 mg/cm2, the specific capacitance remains still significant (1062 F/g at 1 A/g). When coupled with a commercial activated carbon electrode, the resulting asymmetric capacitor delivers a remarkable energy density of 26 Wh/Kg at a power density of 2766 W/Kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: High-performance Zn||I2 batteries were established by coating zeolite protecting layers. The Zn2+-conductive layer suppresses I3− shuttling, Zn corrosion/dendrite growth. The Zeolite-Zn||I2 batteries achieve long lifespan (91.92% capacity retention after 5600 cycles), high coulombic efficiencies (99.76% in average) and large capacity (203–196 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1) simultaneously. The intrinsically safe Zn||I2 battery, one of the leading candidates aiming to replace traditional Pb-acid batteries, is still seriously suffering from short shelf and cycling lifespan, due to the uncontrolled I3−-shuttling and dynamic parasitic reactions on Zn anodes. Considering the fact that almost all these detrimental processes terminate on the surfaces of Zn anodes, modifying Zn anodes' surface with protecting layers should be one of the most straightforward and thorough approaches to restrain these processes. Herein, a facile zeolite-based cation-exchange protecting layer is designed to comprehensively suppress the unfavored parasitic reactions on the Zn anodes. The negatively-charged cavities in the zeolite lattice provide highly accessible migration channels for Zn2+, while blocking anions and electrolyte from passing through. This low-cost cation-exchange protecting layer can simultaneously suppress self-discharge, anode corrosion/passivation, and Zn dendrite growth, awarding the Zn||I2 batteries with ultra-long cycle life (91.92% capacity retention after 5600 cycles at 2 A g−1), high coulombic efficiencies (99.76% in average) and large capacity (203–196 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1). This work provides a highly affordable approach for the construction of high-performance Zn-I2 aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These are the results of phase II study of bortezomib-melphalan-prednisolone (VMP) induction therapy followed by lenalidomide-dexamethasone (Rd) consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance in transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), overall response rates (ORRs), and safety. Eighty-three eligible patients were enrolled between October 2012 and August 2014. The median PFS was 28.0 months (95% CI 19.6-36.7) and the median OS was 55.3 months (95% CI 51.6-NA). Among the patients who received lenalidomide maintenance therapy, median PFS was significantly improved in patients who had achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) or better (41.8 vs 20.7 months, p = 0.0070). As the best response, the rates of partial response or better were 85.5% comprising stringent complete response (sCR, 21.7%), complete response (CR, 10.8%), VGPR (18.1%), and partial response (PR, 34.9%). The most frequently observed grade 3 or higher adverse events during the VMP therapy were anemia (28.9%), neutropenia (15.6%), thrombocytopenia (6.0%), and peripheral neuropathy (2.4%). The most frequently observed grade 3 or higher adverse events during the Rd therapy were anemia (3.5%), neutropenia (1.8%), and skin rush (5.3%). The most frequently observed grade 3 or higher adverse events during lenalidomide maintenance therapy were anemia (7.4%) and neutropenia (24.1%). Thus, VMP induction therapy followed by Rd consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance is considered a well-tolerated and effective regimen in transplant-ineligible NDMM. This trial is registered with UMIN-CTR with the identification number UMIN000009042. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional Bi2Se3 TIs were recently found to be the most promising room-temperature topological insulators for its relatively large bulk gap, but its surface frictional response is little investigated. Here, we prepared single-crystalline Bi2Se3 nanoplates with a lateral dimension up to ~ 1 μm and a thickness of less than 200 nm via a simple polyol method, and the molecular structure and morphology were characterized in detail using different methods. The micro-frictional behavior of Bi2Se3 nanoplates with different thickness is inventively investigated with AFM technique. The atomic stick–slip friction stemming from periodic crystal lattice, and the larger friction force of thinner nanoplates is attributed to the larger adhesion force and enhanced energy dissipation. This work has, for the first time, built the link of the behavior of topological protected surface and mechanical friction behavior of Bi2Se3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous transmitter synthesized in various cell types. It is well established that H2S functions in many physiological processes, including the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, mediation of neurotransmission, regulation of inflammation, and modulation of insulin signaling. In recent years, it has been revealed that polysulfides, substances with a varying number of sulfur atoms (H2Sn), are generated endogenously from H2S in the presence of oxygen. A series of studies describes that sulfane sulfur has the unique ability to bind reversibly to other sulfur atoms to form hydropersulfides and polysulfides, and that polysulfides activate ion channels and promote calcium influx. Furthermore, polysulfides regulate tumor suppressor activity, promote the activation of transcription factors targeting antioxidant genes and regulate blood pressure by vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells plays a critical role in response to increased blood glucose concentration. H2S has emerged as an important regulator of glycemic control and exhibits characteristic regulation of glucose homeostasis. However, the effects of polysulfides on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that pharmacological polysulfide salts including Na2S2, Na2S3, and Na2S4 considerably inhibit GSIS in mouse and rat pancreatic β-cell-derived MIN6 and INS-1 cell lines, and that the effect is dependent on the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. In addition, we demonstrated that a mixture of Na2S and diethylamine NONOate inhibits GSIS in a similar way to the pharmacological administration of polysulfide salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of 2-year consolidation therapy using nilotinib (NIL) for achieving a molecular response (MR4.5, BCR-ABL1IS ≤ 0.0032% on the International Scale) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase (CML-CP) who had achieved a major molecular response (MMR, BCR-ABL1IS ≤ 0.1%) with imatinib (IM). We recruited 76 Japanese patients for this trial. Nilotinib 300 mg, twice daily, was administered for 2 years, and 74 patients were evaluated in the study. The median age was 55.0 years. The median duration of IM treatment was 69.0 months. All patients showed MMR at the time of entry into the study; the median time to MMR on IM therapy was 20.4 months. The proportion of patients who achieved MR4.5 increased over time. The rates of MR4.5 in the 74 evaluable patients were 27.0% [90% confidence interval (CI) (18.7-36.8%)] and 44.6% [90% CI (34.7-54.8%)] at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The frequency of ABCG2 421C/A + A/A was an independent predictive biomarker for achieving a 24-month MR4.5. Switching to NIL led to safer, deeper molecular responses in patients with MMR on long-term IM therapy for future treatment-free remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiferroic phenomenon has interdisciplinary applications in the fields of chemistry, physics, electronics, materials, crystallography, and mechanics. Compared to traditional limited pure inorganic multiferroics, hybrid metal-organic frameworks are numerous and more flexible, and can be tailored to become different types of multiferroic materials. We synthesized [(CH)NH] FeMn(HCOO) and four crystals were obtained, with x = 0 (Mn), 0.1 (FeMn), 0.2 (FeMn), and 0.3 (FeMn). At the maximum Fe doping of FeMn, we observed magnetic properties different from lower-level-doped crystals. The magnetizations at 3 K were 3.50 emu/g, 3.87 emu/g, 3.89 emu/g and 7.38 emu/g corresponding to Mn, FeMn, FeMn and FeMn, respectively. FeMn has three magnetic transitions, at 118.3 K, 40.3 K, and 8.3 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a physiological mediator with various roles, including neuro-modulation, vascular tone regulation, and cytoprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, angiogenesis, and oxygen sensing. Hydrogen polysulfide (HS), which possesses a higher number of sulfur atoms than HS, recently emerged as a potential signaling molecule that regulates the activity of ion channels, a tumor suppressor, transcription factors, and protein kinases. Some of the previously reported effects of HS are now attributed to the more potent HS. HS is produced by 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) from 3-mercaptopyruvate (3MP) and is generated by the chemical interaction of HS with nitric oxide (NO). HS sulfhydrates (sulfurates) cysteine residues of target proteins and modifies their activity, whereas HS sulfurates oxidized cysteine residues as well as reduces cysteine disulfide bonds. This review focuses on the recent progress made in studies concerning the production and physiological roles of HS and HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric/Piezoelectric KBiTiO (KBT) film was fabricated by pulsed laser deposition method and confirmed by ferroelectric, dielectric measurements and local butterfly-type piezoresponse hysteresis loops. Importantly, ferroelectric domain switching by both electrical field and mechanical force in KBT film was demonstrated. The dark and bright contrast represents the PFM response of the up and down polarized domains, which can be written by a dc bias of ±12 V or a mechanical force of 40-50 nN. The successful demonstration of mechanical force switching of ferroelectric domain in KBT film other than electric field provides a novel mean for information storage and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the features of non-anastomotic aneurysms (NAAs) of implanted prosthetic grafts through our case series and present a general review of NAAs. Methods: We studied retrospectively, a series of NAAs of seven grafts in six patients treated between 2001 and 2010, and reviewed the data on NAAs reported between 1962 and 2009. Results: The grafts in our series were implanted between 1986 and 2006. The primary surgical procedures were bypass between the axillary and femoral artery ( n = 1), bypass between the subclavian artery and abdominal aorta ( n = 1), bypass between the aorta and femoral artery ( n = 1), bypass between the femoral and popliteal artery ( n = 1), bypass between the femoral and femoral artery ( n = 2), and bypass between the aorta and iliac artery ( n = 1). The graft material was knitted Dacron in all cases and the implantation period ranged from 2.7 to 24 years (median 13.8 years). All NAAs originated from a hole in the graft. Reports of NAA have decreased dramatically, although according to the data, knitted Dacron accounted for 80 % of these implanted grafts. Conclusions: Graft deterioration and the subsequent development of an NAA can occur even with the latest knitted Dacron grafts, even though the incidence is very low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiferroic materials, which offer the possibility of manipulating the magnetic state by an electric field or vice versa, are of great current interest. However, single-phase materials with such cross-coupling properties at room temperature exist rarely in nature; new design of nano-engineered thin films with a strong magneto-electric coupling is a fundamental challenge. Here we demonstrate a robust room-temperature magneto-electric coupling in a bismuth-layer-structured ferroelectric Bi5Ti3FeO15 with high ferroelectric Curie temperature of ∼1000 K. Bi5Ti3FeO15 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition are single-phase layered perovskit with nearly (00l)-orientation. Room-temperature multiferroic behavior is demonstrated by a large modulation in magneto-polarization and magneto-dielectric responses. Local structural characterizations by transmission electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy reveal the existence of Fe-rich nanodomains, which cause a short-range magnetic ordering at∼620 K. In Bi5Ti3FeO15 with a stable ferroelectric order, the spin canting of magnetic-ion-based nanodomains via the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction might yield a robust magneto-electric coupling of ∼400 mV/Oe·cm even at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (HS), which is a well-known toxic gas, has been recognized as a signal molecule as well as a cytoprotectant. It is produced by three enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase along with cysteine aminotransferase. In addition to an immediate release of HS from producing enzymes, it can be stored as bound sulfane sulfur, which may release HS in response to physiological stimuli. As a signal molecule, it modulates neuronal transmission, relaxes smooth muscle, regulates release of insulin and is involved in inflammation. Because of its reputation as a toxic gas, the function as a cytoprotectant has been overlooked: the nervous system and cardiovascular system are protected from oxidative stress. In this review, enzymatic production, release mechanism and functions of HS are focused on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although prophylactic anticoagulants reduce the risk of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) remain elusive in prophylactic use. This study investigated whether IVCF in addition to anticoagulants augment the prophylactic effect on acute PE in the highest-risk patients. This study included patients with existing venous thromboembolism (VTE) or a history of previous PE, who underwent subsequent surgery for the underlying disease. The hospital records of the patients were reviewed. Forty-nine consecutive patients treated from October 2001 to June 2007 were assessed, including 13 men and 36 women with a mean age of 58.1 years. The underlying diseases that required surgery included malignancy in 23, orthopedic disorder in 14, and others in 12. All patients received anticoagulants, with perioperative IVCF in 31 patients or without in 18. Neither group had any fatal complications. The no-filter group had no cases of recurrent PE, whereas the filter group had one case of recurrent PE just after placement of the filter. Moreover, 5 cases in the filter group had filter-related complications. This study suggested that the addition of IVCF to anticoagulants does not provide a substantial risk reduction for perioperative patients with VTE prior to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify whether measurement of serum haptoglobin (Hp) has impact on understanding pathophysiology in bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes, we investigated concentrations of serum Hp by nephelometric procedure in 156 Japanese patients with BMF, including 54 aplastic anemia (AA), 50 paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and 52 myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. The frequencies with low concentrations of serum Hp (<42 mg/dL) in PNH patients (98.0%) were significantly higher than those in AA (27.8%; P < 0.0001) and MDS (38.5%; P < 0.0001) patients. In AA patients, white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil, and platelet counts were significantly decreased in the group (n = 15) with low concentrations of serum Hp than in that (n = 39) with normal concentrations of it, and WBC counts were positively correlated with concentrations of serum Hp, suggesting that WBC counts may affect the concentrations. In MDS patients, hemoglobin concentrations and serum iron were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the group (n = 20) with low concentrations of serum Hp than in that (n = 32) with normal concentrations of it, and the values of serum iron were inversely correlated with concentrations of serum Hp, suggesting that ineffective erythropoiesis may affect the concentrations. Several AA and MDS patients with low concentrations of serum Hp had Coombs-negative autoimmune hemolytic anemia determined by immunoradiometric assay. In conclusion, several factors in conjunction with pathophysiology contribute to decrease of serum Hp in BMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated extramedullary relapse is rare in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), and an optimal therapy for it has not been established. We describe a patient with APL who developed serially occurring extramedullary disease (EMD) after SCT. We confirmed that EMD had arisen from the recipient's APL blasts by detecting t(15;17) and PML/RARalpha from the tumor cell suspension. The patient displayed EMD 4 times at different sites. Administration of all-trans retinoic acid with local radiotherapy and with chemotherapy for the first to third EMDs resulted in regression of the tumors. However, these regimens did not prevent the subsequent occurrence of new EMD. For the fourth EMD, intravenous administration of arsenic trioxide followed by local radiotherapy resulted in the disappearance of EMD, and no further EMD has developed to date. In the present case, the bone marrow was in morphologic and molecular remission during the course of recurrent EMD. The accumulation of detailed cases is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis, predisposing factors, and optimal therapy for EMD in APL after SCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is an enzyme that detoxifies reactive epoxides and catalyzes the biotransformation of carbamazepine- 10,11-epoxide (CBZ-epoxide) to carbamazepine-10,11- diol (CBZ-diol). Utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the EPHX1 gene encoding mEH, we identified the haplotypes of EPHX1 blocks and investigated the association between the block haplotypes and CBZ-epoxide metabolism. SNPs of EPHX1 were analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA sequencing using DNA extracted from the blood leukocytes of 96 Japanese epileptic patients, including 58 carbamazepine-administered patients. The plasma concentrations of CBZ and its four metabolites were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. From sequencing all 9 exons and their surrounding introns, 29 SNPs were found in EPHX1. The SNPs were separated into three blocks on the basis of linkage disequilibrium, and the block haplotype combinations (diplotypes) were assigned. Using plasma CBZdiol/CBZ-epoxide ratios (diol/epoxide ratios) indicative of the mEH activity, the effects of the diplotypes in each EPHX1 block were analyzed on CBZ-epoxide metabolism. In block 2, the diol/epoxide ratios increased significantly depending on the number of haplotype *2 bearing Y113H (P=0.0241). In block 3, the ratios decreased depending on the number of haplotype *2 bearing H139R (P=0.0351). Also, an increasing effect of a *1 subtype, *1c, was observed on the ratio. These results show that some EPHX1 haplotypes are associated with altered CBZ-epoxide metabolism. This is the first report on the haplotype structures of EPHX1 and their potential in vivo effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 32-year-old female patient who had Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent cord blood transplantation while in her second remission. However, she had a hematological and central nervous system relapse 3 months later. After reinduction with imatinib mesylate, unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was performed from the patient's haploidentical mother with a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen. Rabbit antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, and methylprednisolone were used for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Engraftment of neutrophils was observed on day 12, and complete donor chimerism was obtained by day 24. The posttransplantation course was uneventful. Although the patient had a relapse 10 months later, this case demonstrated that transplantation from a haploidentical donor is clearly a feasible alternative for patients who desperately need rescue transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a well-known toxic gas with the smell of rotten eggs. Since the first description of the toxicity of H2S in 1713, most studies about H2S have been devoted to its toxic effects. Recently, H2S has been proposed as a physiologically active messenger. Three groups discovered that the brain contains relatively high concentrations of endogenous H2S. This discovery accelerated the identification of an H2S-producing enzyme, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in the brain. In addition to the well-known regulators for CBS, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate, it was recently found that Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated pathways are involved in the regulation of CBS activity. H2S is produced in response to neuronal excitation, and alters hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a synaptic model for memory. can also regulate the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from hypothalamus. Another H2S producing enzyme, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), has been identified in smooth muscle, and H2S relaxes smooth muscle in synergy with nitric oxide (NO). Recent progress in the study of H2S as a novel neuromodulator/transmitter in the brain is briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinically significant and palpable enlargement of the gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa is known as a Baker's cyst. Baker's cysts may rupture, resulting in a swollen, painful leg that is clinically indistinguishable from acute deep vein thrombosis. For this reason, ruptured Baker's cysts are sometimes called pseudothrombophlebitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of ruptured Baker's cysts, and to evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of this condition. The hospital records of 106 patients (43 men and 63 women) who were referred to the vascular surgical department at Saitama Medical Center with unilateral or bilateral swollen legs between June 1997 and June 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. The total number of affected limbs was 125, being 52 right legs and 73 left legs. Deep vein thrombosis was the most common cause of swollen legs, being diagnosed in 44.8%. No specific anatomical derangement was found in 39 limbs (31.2%), and these were defined as idiopathic. Lymphedema was also common, being diagnosed in 16 limbs. Ruptured Baker's cysts were observed in three limbs, with an incidence of 2.4%. In all of these patients, a large hypoechoic space was seen behind the calf muscles and this sonolucent area was easily detected by a conventional scanner, being pathognomonic of a ruptured Baker's cyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical treatment of descending thoracic aortic anastomotic aneurysms is technically challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a temporary external bypass method as an intraoperative measure in the surgical treatment of anastomotic aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta. An analysis of five consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for a collective seven descending thoracic aortic anastomotic aneurysms in our university hospital over a period of 14 years was conducted. A temporary bypass technique was used as an intraoperative measure in all the operations, four of which were performed with a right axillary to left external iliac artery bypass, while other sites were used in the remaining three. Systemic heparinization was able to be avoided in six operations and was markedly reduced in the remaining one. Although the major postoperative complication was coagulated hemothorax after six procedures, all patients recovered well and are still alive after a mean follow-up period of 8.2±1.5 (SEM) years. The results of this analysis led us to conclude that our temporary bypass method for treating descending thoracic aortic anastomotic aneurysm prevented the risks of anticoagulant administration for circulatory support, which contributed to the success of the operation. This method can be used as adjunct treatment for anastomotic aneurysms in the descending thoracic aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/α2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP) has been proposed to mediate the cellular uptake and clearance of inactivated protease-inhibitor complexes in regulating proteinase activity at the cell surface, which is necessary for cellular migration and invasive processes. In this study, we investigated the presence of both LRP and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in glioblastoma by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the cellular localization of LRP in glioblastoma tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. LRP mRNA was frequently expressed in glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas compared with low-grade astrocytomas by RT-PCR analysis, and was well correlated with uPAR expression. The immunohistochemistry of LRP on sequential frozen sections showed that neoplastic glial cells and endothelial cells of glioblastomas exhibited intense LRP immunoreactivity, whereas LRP was almost undetectable in low-grade astrocytomas or in normal glial cells and endothelial cells of normal brain tissue. Glioblastomas from 11 patients in which the expression of LRP mRNA was observed by PCR displayed strong to moderate LRP immunoreactivity, with predominantly diffuse cytoplasmic and cell-surface localization. In normal brain tissues, LRP immunoreactivity was identified in the pyramidal neurons of the cerebral cortex. These results indicate that LRP is present both in the cellular cytoplasm and on the cell surface of glioblastomas with an increased expression of uPAR. Altered LRP expression might contribute to the stimulation of cell-surface proteolytic activity that in turn facilitates the invasiveness of glioblastoma in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein on our 12-year experience of performing autogenous vein grafting in the lower extremity using a nondissection method. This method involves limiting preparation for the distal anastomosis to exposure of the anterior surface of the vascular sheath, and substituting an Esmarch's rubber bandage or a pneumatic tourniquet for vascular clamps. A series of 86 consecutive patients who received 101 autogenous vein grafts employing this method were retrospectively analyzed. The causes of arterial occlusion were atherosclerosis in 55 patients, Buerger's disease in 23, and other causes in 9. There was one operative death, and 12 late deaths were recorded within a follow-up period extending to 12 years. Of four early occlusions and two stenoses, three were successfully revised within 30 days of surgery. A total of 11 revision operations were required for 10 grafts during the follow-up period, and late graft closure occurred in 9 bypasses. The primary, primary revised, and secondary patency rates at 5 years for the entire series ( n=101) were 65%, 85%, and 86%, respectively, with 42 bypasses to the tibial or peroneal artery having 84% primary revised and 86% secondary patency rates. These findings led us to conclude that minimization of the surgical injury at the distal anastomosis contributed to the long-term patency of the distal bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of fistula formation were analyzed in eight patients with Mirizzi syndrome with biliobiliary fistula. The fistula was type 1 in three patients and type 2 in five, according to the Corlette-Bismuth classification. The apparent mechanisms of fistula formation include inflammation of the gallbladder, its subsequent fusion to the bile duct, and increase in the internal pressure due to either contraction of the gallbladder or multiple stones. However, no predisposing conditions other than a longstanding history of cholelithiasis have been suggested. Differences in the type of fistula are considered to be due to the mode of fusion of the gallbladder to the bile duct, and the size of the perforation, which is apparently determined by the area in contact with the stone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for labeling leukemic cells in vitro withIn-oxine is described. Intravascular survival data and organ distribution ofIn-oxine-labeled leukemic cells in patients with acute leukemia are presented. No evidence of diminished cell viability or significant elution of the label could be found by the in vitro studies. Disappearance curves ofIn-labeled leukemic cell radioactivity in the circulation were a single exponential with average T1/2 value of 15.3±2.5hr (mean±SEM), which was found to be prolonged when compared with the results of 4 hematologically normal subjects (7.0±0.8) and those of previously reported DFP studies. Migratory patterns of the labeled leukemic cells, obtained by a scintillation camera, demonstrated sequestration in the lungs 5 min after the infusion, and thereafter, the uptake into the spleen and liver gradually increased. We believe that the properties ofIn-oxine might overcome many of the difficulties of studying leukemic cell kinetics with cells labeled with tritiated thymidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomalidomide is a third generation immunomodulatory drug which in combination with dexamethasone, has been shown to be active in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. However, the data in Asian patients remain limited. We conducted a prospective phase two clinical trial in major cancer centers in Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong to assess the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide and dexamethasone combination (PomDex) +/− cyclophosphamide in Asian patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who failed lenalidomide and bortezomib. Patients were treated with pomalidomide (4 mg daily for 21 days every 4 weeks) and dexamethasone (40 mg weekly). If there is less than a minimal response after three cycles of PomDex, cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 can be added (PomCyDex). A total of 136 patients were enrolled. The median PFS was 9 and 10.8 months for the PomDex and PomCyDex group, respectively. The median OS was 16.3 months. This regimen appears to be active across age groups and prior lines of treatment. This combination was overall well tolerated with grade 3 and 4 adverse events of mainly cytopenias. PomDex is highly active and well-tolerated in Asian patients. The addition of cyclophosphamide can improve the response and outcomes further in patients with suboptimal response to PomDex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts synergistic effects with another gaseous signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) on ion channels and vasculature. However, the mechanism of the synergy is not well understood. Here, we show that the interaction between H2S and NO generates polysulfides (H2Sn), which activate transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels. High performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis, along with the imaging of intracellular Ca2+ and H2Sn, showed that H2Sn and their effects were abolished by cyanolysis and by reducing substances such as dithiothreitol (DTT), cysteine, and glutathione (GSH). However, the effects of nitroxyl or nitrosopersulfide, other potential products of H2S and NO interaction, are not affected by cyanolysis or reducing substances. This study demonstrates that H2Sn are products of synergy between H2S and NO and provides a new insight into the signaling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very recent studies indicate that sulfur atoms with oxidation state 0 or −1, called sulfane sulfurs, are the actual mediators of some physiological processes previously considered to be regulated by hydrogen sulfide (H2S). 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), one of three H2S-producing enzymes, was also recently shown to produce sulfane sulfur (H2Sn). Here, we report the discovery of several potent 3MST inhibitors by means of high-throughput screening (HTS) of a large chemical library (174,118 compounds) with our H2S-selective fluorescent probe, HSip-1. Most of the identified inhibitors had similar aromatic ring-carbonyl-S-pyrimidone structures. Among them, compound 3 showed very high selectivity for 3MST over other H2S/sulfane sulfur-producing enzymes and rhodanese. The X-ray crystal structures of 3MST complexes with two of the inhibitors revealed that their target is a persulfurated cysteine residue located in the active site of 3MST. Precise theoretical calculations indicated the presence of a strong long-range electrostatic interaction between the persulfur anion of the persulfurated cysteine residue and the positively charged carbonyl carbon of the pyrimidone moiety of the inhibitor. Our results also provide the experimental support for the idea that the 3MST-catalyzed reaction with 3-mercaptopyruvate proceeds via a ping-pong mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eukaryotes, hydrogen sulphide acts as a signalling molecule and cytoprotectant. Hydrogen sulphide is known to be produced from L-cysteine by cystathionine ?-synthase, cystathionine ?-lyase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase coupled with cysteine aminotransferase. Here we report an additional biosynthetic pathway for the production of hydrogen sulphide from D-cysteine involving 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase and D-amino acid oxidase. Unlike the L-cysteine pathway, this D-cysteine-dependent pathway operates predominantly in the cerebellum and the kidney. Our study reveals that administration of D-cysteine protects primary cultures of cerebellar neurons from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and attenuates ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the kidney more than L-cysteine. This study presents a novel pathway of hydrogen sulphide production and provides a new therapeutic approach to deliver hydrogen sulphide to specific tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]