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Purpose: Identification of the Adamkiewicz artery before aortic surgery is important for preventing postoperative complications due to spinal cord ischemia. The Adamkiewicz artery is difficult to identify due to its small diameter. Nitroglycerin has a vasodilatory effect and is used clinically to improve visualization of blood vessels on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. We investigated whether the vasodilatory effect of nitroglycerin could improve the ability to visualize the Adamkiewicz artery. Methods: We extracted 33 cases wherein contrast-enhanced CT images were taken before and after aortic aneurysm surgery. Nitroglycerin was administered for coronary artery evaluation on the preoperative CT. However, no nitroglycerin was administered before the postoperative CT. Aortic contrast-to-noise ratio, CT value, image noise, and diameter of the Adamkiewicz artery and anterior spinal artery were measured. The depiction of the Adamkiewicz artery was graded into four grades and evaluated. These measurements were performed by two independent reviewers. Results: In nitroglycerin-administered cases, the contrast-to-noise ratio and CT values were significantly higher (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively); the Adamkiewicz artery and anterior spinal artery diameters were dilated (P = 0.005, P = 0.001, respectively). The Adamkiewicz artery score also improved significantly (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in image noise. Conclusion: Nitroglycerin contributed to improving the Adamkiewicz artery's visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic significance of unconventional histology (UH) subtypes including intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P), ductal adenocarcinoma, and cribriform pattern has been investigated for prostate cancer (PCa). However, little is known about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the oncological impact of tumor localization in localized PCa with UH. Clinical data of 211 patients with acinar adenocarcinoma (conventional histology [CH]) and 82 patients with UH who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were reviewed. Patients with UH are more likely to be older and have higher Gleason grade group, higher Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.1 score, and larger tumor volume (TV) than those with CH. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of UH as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ration (HR) 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.79, P = 0.0073). No significant difference in PFS was seen regarding tumor localization (transition zone [TZ] or peripheral zone [PZ]) in patients with UH (P = 0.8949), whereas PZ cancer showed shorter PFS in patients with CH (P = 0.0174). PCa with UH was associated with higher progression than PCa with CH among resection margin (RM)-negative cases (P < 0.0001). Further, increased PI-RADS v2.1 score did not correlate with larger TV in UH (P = 0.991), whereas a significant difference in TV was observed in CH (P < 0.0001). The prognostic significance of UH tumor was independent of tumor localization, and shorter PFS was observed even in RM-negative cases, indicating an aggressive subtype with micro-metastatic potential. Furthermore, UH tumors are more likely to harbor a large TV despite PI-RADS v2.1 score ≤ 3. These findings will help optimal perioperative management for PCa with UH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 85 year-old woman was transferred with a chief complaint of right thigh pain persisting for 5 days. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography clearly depicted a swollen appendix incarcerated in the right obturator cavity. She underwent an emergent laparoscopic appendectomy and the simultaneous repair of the obturator hernia. At laparoscopy, appendix was found to be incarcerated in the right obturator canal. The incarcerated appendix was successfully flushed out from the sac by spurting saline into the obturator hernia sac through the catheter inserted into the hernia sac. After a laparoscopic appendectomy, the hernia orifice was repaired using the uterine flap. The patient was discharged from the hospital without any sequelae. This report demonstrates a very rare case of obturator hernia incarcerated with appendix. Although patients with obturator hernia incarcerated with small intestine present with the symptoms related to bowel obstruction, patients with incarceration of appendix do not. Moreover, they would show no typical abdominal symptoms associated with acute appendicitis. Therefore, it is important to perform a radiological evaluation promptly to make a definitive diagnosis when a patient with persisting pain of the right thigh or right ileac fossa with a possibility of obturator hernia with incarceration of the appendix is encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triisopropylnaphthalene isomers (TriIPN) formed in the isopropylation of naphthalene (NP) and 2,6-/2,7-diisopropylnaphthalenes (2,6-/2,7-DIPN) over BEA300 and FAU80 zeolites with 300 and 80 of SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, respectively, were assigned by gas chromatography based on their reaction pathways: this is the first systematic assignment of four TriIPN isomers: 1,3,7-, 1,3,6-, 1,4,6-, and 1,3,5-isomers. 1,3,7- and 1,3,6-TriIPN were assigned from their predominant formation in the isopropylation of 2,6-/2,7-DIPN over BEA300, respectively. 1,4,6- and 1,3,5-TriIPN were assigned from reaction pathway of the isopropylation of NP over FAU80 at lower temperatures and/or in the initial stages: 1,4,6-TriIPN are formed predominantly from 1,4- and 1,7-DIPN: 1,4-DIPN is a major precursor for 1,4,6-TriIPN and 1,7-DIPN also gives 1,4,6-DIPN by the preferential attack of isopropyl carbenium cation to electron-rich C4-position. DFT calculation confirmed that high electron density at the C4-position of 1,7-DIPN compared to the C5-position plays a critical role in the predominant formation of 1,4,6-TriIPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The impact of clinical information on radiological diagnoses and subsequent clinical management has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to compare diagnostic performance between radiological reports made with and without clinical information and to evaluate differences in the clinical management decisions based on each of these reports. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 410 patients who presented with acute abdominal pain and underwent unenhanced (n = 248) or enhanced CT (n = 162). Clinical information including age, sex, current and past history, physical findings, and laboratory tests were collected. Six radiologists independently interpreted CTs that were randomly assigned with or without clinical information, made radiological diagnoses, and scored the diagnostic confidence level. Four general and emergency physicians simulated clinical management (i.e., followed up in the outpatient clinic, hospitalized for conservative therapy, or referred to other departments for invasive therapy) based on reports made with or without the clinical information. Reference standards for the radiological diagnoses and clinical management were defined by an independent expert panel. Results: The radiological diagnoses made with clinical information were more accurate than those made without clinical information (93.7% vs. 87.8%, p = 0.008). Median interpretation time for radiological reporting with clinical information was significantly shorter than that without clinical information (median 122.0 vs. 139.0 s, p < 0.001). Clinical simulation better matched the reference standard for clinical management when radiological diagnoses were made with reference to clinical information (97.3% vs. 87.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Access to adequate clinical information enables accurate radiological diagnoses and appropriate subsequent clinical management of patients with acute abdominal pain. Key Points: • Radiological interpretation improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence level when clinical information was provided. • Providing clinical information did not extend the interpretation time required by radiologists. • Radiological interpretation with clinical information led to correct clinical management by physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, we speculated that nonselective lumbar and sacral arteries embolizations via the ILA using highly diluted NBCA impeded the rich collaterals and caused significant ischemic neurological injury in this case. The preoperative computed tomography images showed that the aneurysm had increased 56 mm in diameter with T2EL from the third lumbar artery (LA) and the common trunk of the fourth and fifth LA via two right iliolumbar arteries (ILAs). Dear Editor, I N i -Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) has been more frequently used for the treatment of type II endoleak (T2EL) owing to its feasibility compared to coils used in the occlusion of both endoleak channels and feeding arteries. [Extracted from the article]

The poor gas selectivity problem has been a long-standing issue for miniaturized chemical-resistor gas sensors. The electronic nose (e-nose) was proposed in the 1980s to tackle the selectivity issue, but it required top-down chemical functionalization processes to deposit multiple functional materials. Here, we report a novel gas-sensing scheme using a single graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) and machine learning to realize gas selectivity under particular conditions by combining the unique properties of the GFET and e-nose concept. Instead of using multiple functional materials, the gas-sensing conductivity profiles of a GFET are recorded and decoupled into four distinctive physical properties and projected onto a feature space as 4D output vectors and classified to differentiated target gases by using machine-learning analyses. Our single-GFET approach coupled with trained pattern recognition algorithms was able to classify water, methanol, and ethanol vapors with high accuracy quantitatively when they were tested individually. Furthermore, the gas-sensing patterns of methanol were qualitatively distinguished from those of water vapor in a binary mixture condition, suggesting that the proposed scheme is capable of differentiating a gas from the realistic scenario of an ambient environment with background humidity. As such, this work offers a new class of gas-sensing schemes using a single GFET without multiple functional materials toward miniaturized e-noses. Sensors: Graphene and machine learning sniff out gases A sensor combined with machine learning algorithms makes an effective 'electronic nose' to distinguish different gases, according to research from the United States. The new approach, developed by a team led by Takeshi Hayasaka of the University of California, Berkeley, combines selectivity, low cost, and low power consumption without needing different materials to sense different gases. A graphene field effect transistor is used as a sensor, and four parameters of its conductivity profile are used as inputs to a machine learning classifier. With enough data, the classifier could identify water, methanol, and ethanol vapors. The researchers also showed that it could distinguish water and methanol in a mixture. These findings are an important step towards a miniaturized e-nose, which would be useful in areas such as environmental and safety monitoring, petrochemical processing, and other industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between gelatin sponge preparation methods and the incidence of intrauterine synechia following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).Materials and Methods: In a retrospective monocentric study, we used data from 20 consecutive UAE procedures (19 patients) for PPH, performed in 2007-2016, in which gelatin sponge had been used. The gelatin sponge was processed either into a slurry by pumping it back and forth about 10 times through two syringes connected to a three-way stopcock or into pledgets using a scalpel and small scissors to obtain pieces approximately 2 × 2 × 2 mm in size. Patient information was obtained from medical records, and the data were compared between patients treated with the slurry (n = 7) or pledgets (n = 13) forms. Due to the lack of follow-up data and hysterectomy after UAE, the sample size was 6 and 12 because 1 patient with 2 procedures was excluded.Results: The rate of intrauterine synechia was significantly higher in the slurry group (5/6, 83.3%) than that in the pledgets group (0/12, 0%; P < 0.001). In contrast, there were no significant differences in population characteristics, such as the incidence of placenta accreta, non-placental diseases, and severity of shock (DIC score, shock index, or blood loss) between the groups.Conclusions: Although non-randomization and small sample size were the two main limitations, our observations suggest that UAE using gelatin sponge slurry may be associated with a high incidence of intrauterine synechia compared to UAE using pledgets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An asymptomatic 48-year-old man presented with multiple aneurysms in a primary racemose hemangioma of the right bronchial artery. Bronchial arteriography revealed a tortuous artery with four fusiform aneurysms of varying sizes and aneurysmal dilatation with marked thrombus formation in the long segment of the distal portion. Because the tip of catheter could not pass beyond the aneurysmal dilatation, we performed balloon-occluded embolization using a mixture of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and iodized oil. For four other aneurysms, we performed embolization using a coil alone or with NBCA. After 6 months, right bronchial arteriography revealed no enhancement of the aneurysms. Despite the rarity of this procedure, embolization with NBCA is a good option for bronchial artery aneurysm embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) is a distinct histopathological variant of breast carcinoma and frequently develops lymph node metastases. CD44 is a family of transmembrane glycoprotein receptors with multiple variant isoforms (CD44v), which have tissue-specific expression. Previous studies have demonstrated a loss or gain of CD44v and CD44 standard form (CD44s) expression in breast carcinomas. In this study, we analyzed the immunoprofiles of CD44s, CD44v6, and CD44v9 in IMPC and compared them with those in a concurrent invasive carcinoma of no special type (ICNST) component, thus clarifying the significance of CD44 expression in IMPC. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive cases of mixed IMPC were included in this study. The expression statuses of CD44s, CD44v6, and CD44v9 in both the IMPC and ICNST components were analyzed semiquantitatively by immunohistochemistry. Results: The immunohistochemical scores of CD44s, CD44v6, and CD44v9 were significantly decreased in the IMPC component compared to the ICNST component ( p = 0.00335 for CD44s, p = 0.000982 for CD44v6, and p = 0.00271 for CD44v9). Moreover, the immunohistochemical scores of CD44v6 in the IMPC component and CD44v9 in the ICNST component of lymph node metastasis cases were significantly lower compared to cases without lymph node metastasis ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: Decreased CD44 expression may play an important role in promoting lymph node metastasis in IMPC through an inability or decreased capacity to bind with the surrounding stroma. Moreover, high CD44s expression levels in the concurrent ICNST component may be related to the development of IMPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Umbilical metastases mainly arise from malignancies of the digestive and gynecological systems, but rarely from breast cancer. A 64-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer was referred to us for investigation of a painful lesion in the umbilicus. Immunohistochemical staining of a specimen obtained by biopsy from the nodule showed umbilical metastasis of breast cancer. After a work up, she was successfully treated with a combination of surgery and endocrine therapy. We report this case to reinforce that not all periumbilical tumoral deposits are consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancers has greatly improved in recent years, however, subset of this disease with early recurrence have remained to be unpredictable. Several studies has addressed that strong CD10 expression in tumor stroma is associated with poor survival rate of breast cancers, but no correlation between CD10 expression and disease-free survival has been elucidated yet. For these reasons, this study with modified immunohistochemical (IHC) staining evaluated the expression of CD10 in invasive breast carcinomas (IBCs) and analyzed correlations between CD10 expression on tumor cells, stromal cells and myeloid-like cells with clinicopathological parameters and recurrence status. Method: IHC staining method was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of 73 cases of primary IBCs, with record of pathological characteristics of subjects followed up from 1998 to 2007. Results: Stromal CD10 expression was observed in 39/73 cases (53.4 %) with strong expression in 41.0 %. Three cases stained positive for myeloid-like cells and five for carcinomatous cells, of which 6 cases had recurrence and/or regional LN status. Stromal CD10 expression was significantly higher in the unfavorable group (69.6 %; 16/23 cases) compared with the favorable group (32.1 %; 9/28 cases) ( p = 0.048). The levels of CD10 expression showed significant difference among clinical outcomes (recurrence or non-recurrence), independent of regional LN status ( p = 0.034), histology type ( p = 0.044), ER status ( p = 0.042), PgR status ( p = 0.039), Her2 status ( p = 0.038) and Ki67 index ( p = 0.036) (partial Pearson correlations). Cox proportional-hazards regression showed that risk factors for disease-free survival were stromal CD10 expression [CD10±, CD10+ versus CD10++; p = 0.003; HR 2.824 (1.427-5.591)]; regional LN status [N0, N1, N2, versus N3; p = 0.004; HR 2.107 (1.262-3.517)] and PgR status [negative versus positive, p = 0.006, HR 0.172 (0.049-0.596)]. Conclusion: CD10 expression on stroma with or without other positive tumor cells and/or myeloid-like cells may function as a powerful prognostic factor for IBC disease-free survival rates, predicting of potential recurrence. It can be determined by a simple modified IHC staining method, which is independent of other prognostic morphologic markers and biomarkers in IBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TC (docetaxel 75 mg/m and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m q3w) combination is used for neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy in primary breast cancer. The incidence of allergic reaction is reportedly more common in patients who receive docetaxel before cyclophosphamide. This study aims to determine the significance of cyclophosphamide and docetaxel administration sequence. Methods: Prospective analysis was performed of 49 consecutive patients treated with TC for stage I-IIB breast cancer from March 2010 to June 2011. Premedication was administered with granisetron, dexamethasone, and chlorpheniramine. Patient charts were reviewed for completion rate and adverse events. Two-tailed Fisher exact test was used to evaluate adverse events between prior cyclophosphamide and prior docetaxel. Results: Of 49 patients, 26 received docetaxel prior to cyclophosphamide and 23 received cyclophosphamide before docetaxel. There were no differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Completion rates were 95.6 % in the prior cyclophosphamide group, and 100 % in the prior docetaxel group. The relative dose intensities of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide were 94.5 and 94.8 % in the prior cyclophosphamide group, and 98.5 and 98.7 % in the prior docetaxel group ( p < 0.01). In the prior cyclophosphamide group, severe neutropenia occurred in 96 % of patients, but in only 46 % of patients in the prior docetaxel group ( p < 0.01). Significantly fewer cases of skin eczema (27 versus 61 %), nausea (8 versus 48 %), stomatitis (23 versus 61 %), and diarrhea (4 versus 30 %) were observed in the prior docetaxel group as compared with the prior cyclophosphamide group ( p < 0.01). Decreased incidences of fatigue (50 versus 65 %) and edema (19 versus 35 %) were found in the prior docetaxel group ( p < 0.05). No difference was observed in allergic reaction or neuropathy between the two groups. Conclusion: Patients receiving cyclophosphamide prior to docetaxel were at increased risk of several toxicities as compared with patients receiving docetaxel prior to cyclophosphamide in TC combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tolerance and safety associated with the administration order of the anthracycline and taxane drugs have not been evaluated. Patients and methods: Breast cancer patients with node-positive or high-risk patients with node-negative were eligible. The feasibility and toxicity were evaluated in the following regimens-arm A, 3 courses of fluorouracil 500 mg/m, epirubicin 100 mg/m and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m (FEC) followed by 3 courses of docetaxel 100 mg/m (DOC); arm B, 3 courses of DOC followed by 3 courses of FEC. Results: Forty-two patients were registered. The relative dose intensity was 94.2 % for FEC and 97.8 % for DOC in arm A, and 98.9 % for DOC and 95.2 % for FEC in arm B. In arm A, grade 3 or higher hematological toxicity was observed in nine patients, and febrile neutropenia developed in three patients with FEC. In arm B, grade 3 or higher hematological toxicity was observed in seven patients, but febrile neutropenia was not noted in any patient. Conclusion: The regimens in both arms A and B were safe regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer. However, DOC followed by FEC might be more tolerable. Further studies will maximize the results obtained with DOC followed by FEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isopropylation of biphenyl (BP) and 3- and 4-isopropylbiphenyls (3- and 4-IPBPs) was examined over H-mordenites (MOR) to elucidate the mechanism of shape-selective formation of 4,4′-diisopropylbiphenyl (4,4′-DIPB). The isopropylation of BP occurred predominantly to form 4-isopropylbiphenyl (4-IPBP) from BP and 4,4′-DIPB from 4-IPBP. However, 3-IPBP, a minor isomer from BP, cannot participate effectively in the formation of 3,4′-DIPB due to steric restriction of its isopropyl moiety with MOR channels. Selective formation of 4,4′-DIPB was observed at low to moderate temperatures: 225-275 °C. However, the selectivities for 4,4′-DIPB were decreased at high temperatures, 300-350 °C under propene pressure, 0.8MPa, by the isomerization of 4,4′-DIPB at external acid sites. The isomerization of 4,4′-DIPB occurred under low propene pressure even at 250 °C. The roles of 3- and 4-IPBPs in the formation of DIPB isomers were examined in the isopropylation of their mixtures. 4-IPBP was consumed much faster than 3-IPBP in all cases examined. 4-IPBP was an exclusive precursor to DIPB isomers, particularly 4,4′-DIPB. 4,4′-DIPB was also found as a predominant isomer in encapsulated products at all conditions examined. These results show that 4-IPBP can preferentially establish active transition state with propene and acid site in MOR channels, resulting in selective formation of 4,4′-DIPB. It is concluded that the isopropylation of BP over MOR occurs through reactant selectivity mechanism and restricted transition state mechanism, but not through product selectivity mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Cardiopulmonary complications are common after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and include pulmonary edema (PE). The purpose of this study was to investigate circulatory characteristics of normovolemia and normotension therapy after SAH using pulse contour analysis, and to reveal the mechanisms of PE after SAH. Methods: Pulse contour analysis was performed from day 3 until day 12 after the onset of SAH in 49 patients. Results: Global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI) was normal, although net water balance was estimated to be negative and central venous pressure (CVP) was low in all patients. Seven patients (14 %) suffered from pulmonary edema. Cardiac function index (CFI) and global ejection fraction (GEF) were lower in patients with pulmonary edema (PE group) than in patients without PE (non-PE group) throughout the study period (CFI, P≤0.0119; GEF, P≤0.0348). The PE group showed higher GEDI from days 7 to 10, and higher extravascular lung water index (ELWI) throughout the entire study period compared to the non-PE group (GEDI, P≤0.0094; ELWI, P≤0.0077). Conclusions: The appropriate preload was kept despite negative net water balance and low CVP. PE after SAH was biphasic, with cardiogenic PE caused by low cardiac contractility immediately after SAH, and hydrostatic PE caused by low cardiac contractility and hypervolemia on and after day 7 of SAH. Pulse contour analysis was useful to monitor this unique circulatory change and effective for detecting cardiopulmonary complications after SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Constipation, soiling, and incontinence are common problems after definitive repair of anorectal malformations (ARMs) in children. We studied the expression of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and c-kit in the rectum of murine embryos with or without ARMs at later developmental stages. Methods: On the 9th embryonic day (E9), pregnant Institute of Cancer Research mice were fed etretinate, a synthetic vitamin A analogue (60 mg/kg), whereas controls were fed only with sesame oil. Embryos were excised between E14 and E18, and prepared for histological examination. The SP, VIP, and c-kit expressions were examined by immunohistochemical staining for the SP, VIP, and c-kit antigens, respectively. Results: On E14 and E15, the expression levels of the anti-SP and anti-VIP antibodies in the rectum did not differ between the control and etretinate-treated group. However, as compared to the controls, a decreased SP and VIP immunoreactivity was observed in the circular muscle layer of the rectum between E16 and E18. On the other hand, on E14 and E15, the expression of anti-c-kit antibody in the rectum did not differ between the etretinate-treated and control group. However, c-kit immunoreactivity was slightly higher in the circular muscle layer of the rectum in the controls on E16 and E17, and considerably higher on E18 than that of the muscle layer in the etretinate-treated group. Conclusion: At later developmental stages, the expression levels of SP, VIP, and c-kit reduced in the circular muscle layer of the rectum in mice with etretinate-induced ARMs. This result indicates that reduced SP, VIP, and c-kit expression levels in the circular muscle layer may cause severe constipation in children who develop severe ARMs after definitive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study presents a new method that enables the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) with high sensitivity using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Methods: This study enrolled 128 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer. Fluorescence imaging was obtained after ICG was injected into the areola. Subcutaneous lymphatic channels were immediately visible. Results: Lymphatic channels and SLN were successfully visualized in all patients. One lymphatic channel was 60%, two channels were 24%, and three channels were 16%. The number of fluorescence SLN ranged from 1 to 6, and blue-dyed SLN ranged from 0 to 3. In the latter, SLN were not identified in 44 patients. Nineteen patients had pathologically identified lymph node metastases. All of them were recognized by fluorescence imaging, but 8 patients had lymph nodes with metastases were not identified by dye method. Conclusion: This ICG fluorescence imaging technique is feasible and safe for detecting SLN in a less invasive manner than conventional mapping, with real-time observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isopropylation of naphthalene (NP) was examined over H-mordenite (MOR), H-Y zeolite (FAU), and HBeta zeolite (BEA) in order to elucidate roles of isopropylnaphthalene (IPN) isomers during the catalysis. 2-IPN was the predominant isomer over MOR and works as a precursor for the selective formation of β,β-DIPN, particularly, 2,6-DIPN. In contrast, 1-IPN was predominant (with 2-IPN as a minor isomer) over FAU and BEA at low temperatures; dialkylation accompanied by the consumption of 1- and 2-IPN led to predominant formation of α,α- and α,β-DIPN. The formation of β,β-DIPN from 2-IPN was enhanced at higher temperatures. Bulky transition states of 1-IPN in IPN isomers and α,α- and α,β-DIPN among DIPN isomers were hindered by the interaction with MOR channels, resulting in the selective formation of β,β-DIPN, particularly 2,6-DIPN through the less bulky 2-IPN. FAU and BEA allow the formation of α,α- and α,β-DIPN from both of 1- and 2-IPN isomers because their channels are too large to exclude bulky transition states. The catalysis over FAU and BEA occurred under kinetic control at lower temperatures, and thermodynamic control also participates at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral mesoporous silica (CMS) has been successfully synthesized in the presence of basic amino acids; the use of basic amino acids in combination with the chiral anionic surfactant is advantageous for the formation of CMS in terms of uniformity in the twisted morphology. We first demonstrate that thus obtained chiral mesoporous silicas can be used for the enantioselective separation of racemic compounds; the helical rod-shaped CMS is found to be capable of asymmetric separation of racemic N-trifluoroacetylalanine ethyl ester (CFCO-Ala-OEt). The left handedness-rich CMS shows asymmetric preferential adsorption of the L isomer and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of organic-inorganic hybrid base catalysts are prepared. Organic-functionalized molecular sieves (OFMSs); in particular, "amine-immobilized porous silicates" are designed based on common idea to immobilize catalytic active sites on silicate surface. Silicate-organic composite materials (SOCMs), such as "ordered porous silicate-quaternary ammonium composite materials", are the precursors of ordered porous silicates obtained during the synthesis. Both the OFMS and the SOCM are used as the catalysts for Knoevenagel condensation and Michael addition reactions. Among the OFMSs, there is clear tendency that the use of molecular sieve with larger pore volume and/or surface area gives the product in higher yield. Aminopropylsilyl (AP)-tethered mesoporous silicate such as AP-MCM-41 gives the Knoevenagel condensation product in high yield under mild conditions. No loss of activity is observed after repeated use for three times. The SOCMs are also active for the same reaction. The OFMSs are effective when the supports have large pore volume and/or surface area and the reaction is carried out in polar solvents ethanol and DMF. However, the activity of the OFMSs is considerably low in a non-polar solvent such as benzene. In contrast, the SOCMs are remarkably active in benzene. The organic cation-MCM-41 composite is more active than the composite of an organic cation and a microporous silicate such as zeolite beta and ZSM-12. In the SOCM catalysts, (SiO)3SiO-(+NR4) moieties located at the accessible sites are considered to play some important roles. The active species are absent in the liquid phase after the reaction. The recycle of the catalyst was possible without significant loss of activity when the substrates are enough reactive. The mechanism of the reaction over SOCM catalyst is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tethered spinal cord (TC) is an anomaly frequently recognized in association with anorectal malformations (ARM). However, the influence of TC on bowel function in children with ARM remains unknown. Furthermore, there are few studies that have assessed anorectal function in children with ARM and TC. The aim of this study was to evaluate anorectal function in ARM patients with TC using clinical assessment and anorectal manometry. Among 258 patients with ARM, this retrospective investigation included 35 patients who underwent spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after surgery for ARM. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of TC, and bowel function was assessed by Kelly's clinical score and anorectal manometry. Tethered cord was found in nine of the 35 patients (26%) with ARM. Of the ARM patients, TC was noted in four of 11 (36%) with high type anomalies, one of 8 (13%) with intermediate type anomalies, two of 14 (14%) with low type anomalies, and two of two patients (100%) with cloacal anomalies. Kelly's clinical score did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, two of the nine patients with TC had poor bowel function (Kelly's score; 2-0 points). On the contrary, patients without TC did not have poor bowel function. Anorectal manometry did not show a significant difference between patients with and without TC. However, the two patients with TC who had poor bowel function by Kelly's score had low anal resting pressure, which was essential for achieving fecal continence. In conclusion, the present study showed that tethered cord was more frequently found in patients with more severe anorectal anomalies. Patients with TC were more likely to have poor bowel function, but this did not reach statistical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H-form zeolites, H-FAU and H-BEA have been studied as heterogeneous catalysts for the hydroamination. They catalyzed the reaction of methyl acrylate with aniline to give N-[2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl]aniline ( 1) as a main product. H-BEA and H-FAU zeolites efficiently catalyzed the hydroamination to afford anti-Markovnikov adduct as a main product. The conversion of aniline around 55–85% was achieved within 18 h over H-BEA and H-FAU zeolites with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 25–30; however, the formation of N,N-bis[2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl]aniline ( 2) as a product of double addition of methyl acrylate to aniline has also been observed as a by-product over H-BEA and H-FAU catalysts. The influences of the reaction parameters such as temperature and catalyst amount, and type of α,β-unsaturated esters and amines have been also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although extensive isomerization of 4,4'-diisopropylbiphenyl (4,4'-DIPB) occurred at 300C over H-mordenite, high selectivity for 4,4'-DIPB among DIPB isomers was observed over silica-modified H-mordenite. This is due to the prevention of the isomerization of 4,4'-DIPB by the deactivation of external acid sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homemade BEA(HTS) catalysts prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis method exhibited much higher activity than commercial BEA, USY and ZSM-5 in catalytic cracking of n-heptane. It is characteristic that BEA(HTS) has a much larger amount of Brönsted acid sites than other zeolites. This is related to the high activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlPO4-5 and AlPO4-11 were synthesized by dry-gel conversion (DGC) method. Steam-assisted conversion (SAC) and vapor-phase transport (VPT) techniques were applied for this purpose. The synthesis was successful in presence of a certain minimum amount of external bulk water, without which the crystallization failed. Crystallization by VPT method was slower than corresponding SAC and HTS method. SAPO analogs of the samples, SAPO-5 and SAPO-11 were also synthesized by DGC method. Samples made by DGC methods had higher yield than the conventional hydrothermal synthesis (HTS); otherwise the samples showed similar characteristics as that made by HTS. XRD, SEM and N2-adsorption results showed high crystallinity and purity of the samples made by DGC, and 27Al MAS NMR spectra indicated the tetrahedral framework nature of Al. SAPO-5 and SAPO-11 were tested for their catalytic activity in isopropylation of biphenyl, and in terms of conversion and selectivity, SAPO-5 was found to be suitable for this application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-phase alkylation of biphenyl (BP) was studied over large-pore zeolites. Selective formation of the least bulky products, 4,4′-diisopropylbiphenyl (4,4′-DIPB) occurred only in the isopropylation of BP over one- or two-dimensional zeolites, H-mordenite (HM), ZSM-12, SSZ-24, SAPO-5, SSZ-31, and CIT-5. These shape-selective catalyses are ascribed to steric restriction of transition state and to easiness of the substrates to enter into the pores. HM gave the highest selectivity among them. The dealumination of HM enhanced catalytic activity and the selectivity for 4,4′-DIPB because of the decrease of coke deposition. Non-regioselective catalysis occurs on external acid sites over HM with the low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio because severe coke deposition deactivates the acid sites inside the pores by blocking pore openings. The selectivity of DIPB isomers was changed with propylene pressure and/or with reaction temperature. Selective formation of 4,4′-DIPB was observed at moderate temperatures such as 250 °C, whereas the decrease of the selectivity of 4,4′-DIPB occurred at higher temperatures as 300 °C. 4,4′-DIPB yielded selectively under high propylene pressure (<0.3 MPa) at 250 °C, while the selectivity of 4,4′-DIPB decreased under low propylene pressure as 0.2 MPa. However, 4,4′-DIPB was almost exclusive isomer in the encapsulated DIPB isomers inside the pores under every temperature and pressure. The decrease of the selectivity of 4,4′-DIPB is due to the isomerization of 4,4′-DIPB on the external acid sites. The deactivation of external acid sites of HM was examined by the modification with cerium and other rare earth metal oxide on HM. Selectivities of 4,4′-DIPB were improved over modified HM even at high temperatures because of the suppression of non-regioselective alkylation and isomerization at the external acid sites. The ethylation of BP to ethylbiphenyls (EBPs) and diethylbiphenyls (DEBPs) was non-regioselective. The ethylation of BP to EBPs was controlled kinetically. However, there was difference in reactivities of EBPs and DEBPs for their further ethylation. 4-EBP was ethylated preferentially among the isomers, although the formation of 4,4′-DEBP was less selective. 4-EBP and 4,4′-DEBP have the highest reactivities among EBPs and DEBPs for the ethylation to polyethylbiphenyls (PEBPs). These results show that the environments of HM pores are too loose for shape-selective formation of the least bulky isomers, 4-EBP and 4,4′-DEBP, in the ethylation of BP, and that HM pores have enough space for the further ethylation of 4,4′-DEBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct synthesis of a borosilicate version of SSZ-31 was investigated starting from fumed silica and sodium borate as the silicon and boron source, respectively. As-synthesized boron Beta as a seed material was required for synthesizing fully crystalline material. The synthesis vessel has been observed to play a major role during the synthesis. Synthesis inside quartz tubes succeeded whereas that inside a teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave failed. Crystalline material was obtained inside the autoclave in presence of hollow quartz tubes. Part of the tetrahedral boron could be substituted by aluminum refluxing the as-calcined sample with aluminum nitrate solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Trasylol in experimental pancreatitis in the dog and in acute pancreatitis in clinical cases, led to the following results:(The gist of this paper was read before the 47th convention in March 1961, the 48th convention in April 1962, and the 54th convention in April 1968 of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first reported association of blunt splenic rupture and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in a 9-year-old boy. Splenic salvage procedures are currently preferred in the treatment of traumatic splenic injuries in children because of the high risk of overwhelming infection after splenectomy. Despite intensive conservative treatment, our patient remained hemodynamically unstable. We performed a total splenectomy due to difficulty in achieving hemostasis. We believe it is necessary to choose appropriate treatment according to the pathophysiology of the bleeding tendency in children with splenic rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]