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An abstract of the conference paper "Placental multiple chorionic cysts in maternal scleroderma," by E. Whitby and colleagues is presented.

Recent genome-wide association studies demonstrated association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNFAIP3 region at 6q23 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in European-American populations. In this study, we investigated whether SNPs in the TNFAIP3 region are associated with SLE also in a Japanese population. A case-control association study was performed on the SNPs rs13192841, rs2230926, and rs6922466 in 318 Japanese SLE patients and 444 healthy controls. Association of rs2230926 G allele with SLE was replicated in Japanese (allelic association P = .033, odds ratio [OR] 1.47, recessive model P = .023, OR 8.52). The association was preferentially observed in the SLE patients with nephritis. When the TNFAIP3 mRNA levels of the HapMap samples were examined using GENEVAR database, the presence of TNFAIP3 rs2230926 G allele was associated with lower mRNA expression of TNFAIP3 (P = .013). These results indicated that TNFAIP3 is a susceptibility gene to SLE both in the Caucasian and Asian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a patient with rectal mucosal prolapse syndrome and mentions topics including the results of colonoscopy, the symptoms of the patient and treatment through bowel retraining.

A case study of a 52-year-old man who was referred for further examination of a rectal mass is presented. Histology of a biopsy obtained under transrectal ultrasound of the prostate guidance showed basaloid cell nests with peripheral palisading surrounded by basophilic myxoid matrix. Basaloid tumour cells showed a cribriform arrangement surrounded by basophilic secretion, features consistent with adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Summary Background Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ) pollen is a major cause of seasonal pollinosis, and more than 10% of Japanese people suffer from this allergic disorder. However, only two major pollen allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, have been identified and exclusively characterized. Objective The aim of this study was to explore and identify important Japanese cedar pollen allergens other than Cry j 1 or Cry j 2. Methods C. japonica cDNA library was immunoscreened by rabbit antiserum raised against a partially purified cedar pollen allergen fraction. An isolated cDNA clone was inserted into a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged Escherichia coli expression vector to obtain recombinant GST fusion protein. Non-fusion recombinant protein was purified by glutathione Sepharose affinity chromatography in conjunction with factor Xa cleavage of the GST moiety. IgE-binding ability of the recombinant protein was then evaluated by western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The cDNA encodes 306 amino acids with significant sequence similarity to those of plant isoflavone reductase-like proteins, which include a recently identified birch pollen allergen Bet v 5. Western blot analysis demonstrated that recombinant protein was recognized by cedar pollinosis patient IgE. In contrast to Bet v 5 being reported as a minor allergen, the recombinant protein exhibited 76% IgE binding frequency (19/25) against pollinosis patients. Conclusion Here we identified the third member of Japanese cedar pollen allergen homologous to isoflavone reductase. Its high IgE-binding frequency implicates that the isoflavone reductase homologue might be an additional major pollen allergen in C. japonica . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very different types of straight and long multiwalled carbon nanotubes, ranging from semi-crystalline to highly crystalline, are obtained using a floating reactant method, by merely changing the flow rate of the carrier gas. Graphitization behaviors of these nanotubes are studied comparatively in terms of their microstructure and morphology, showing a large change in structure for the semi-crystalline nanotubes, but little change in the highly crystalline nanotubes with heat treatment. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrays of aligned nanotubes of large diameter (100-250 nm) are synthesized by pyrolyzing a jet (spray) solution of Fe(C[sub 5]H[sub 5])[sub 2] and C[sub 6]H[sub 6] in an Ar atmosphere at relatively low temperatures (850 °C). The tubular structures consist of highly crystalline nested graphene cylinders (<200 concentric tubes) with tips that are usually open. Raman studies confirm the high degree of perfection of these "thick" structures. Tube diameter, degree of alignment, and crystallinity can be controlled by varying the Ar flow rate and the Fe:C ratio within the precursor solution. Based on these observations a possible growth mechanism is suggested. This low cost route for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes is advantageous due to the absence of H[sub 2] as a carrier gas and the low pyrolytic temperature. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]