Elucidation of the reaction mechanism on dry reforming of methane in an electric field by in situ DRIFTs

With increasing expectations for carbon neutrality, dry reforming is anticipated for direct conversion of methane and carbon dioxide: the main components of biogas. We have found that dry reforming of methane in an electric field using a Pt/CeO₂ catalyst proceeds with sufficient rapidity even at a low temperature of about 473 K. The effect of the electric field (EF) on dry reforming was investigated using kinetic analysis, in situ DRIFTs, XPS, and DFT calculation. In situ DRIFTs and XPS measurements indicated that the amount of carbonate, which is an adsorbed species of CO₂, increased with the application of EF. XPS measurements also confirmed the reduction of CeO₂ by the reaction of surface oxygen and CH₄. The reaction between CH₄ molecules and surface oxygen was promoted at the interface between Pt and CeO₂.

In the dry reforming of methane in an electric field, the reaction between CH₄ molecules and surface oxygen was promoted at the interface between Pt and CeO₂.     

Kinetics of the hepatitis C virus during interferon therapy as a marker of therapeutic response

BACKGROUND: The viral load and subtype of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are predictors of the efficacy of interferon (IFN) therapy. The kinetics of HCV during IFN therapy have been described recently, suggesting that HCV infection is highly dynamic. These observations have raised the issue as to whether early monitoring of the viral load can help guide IFN therapy. METHODS: We measured HCV-RNA levels at 0, 24 and 48 h after the start of IFN-alpha treatment (10 MU daily for 2 weeks and then three times weekly for 22 weeks) or IFN-beta treatment (6 MU daily for 6 weeks). Then we analyzed the relationship between HCV kinetics and therapeutic response using stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The exponential decay slope of the viral load during the first 24 h, not the first 48 h or the next 24 h, was a predictor of viral eradication at 6 months after completion of the treatment (sustained response; P = 0.0023). This decay slope was not affected by the HCV serotype or the type of IFN used. Initial viral load and HCV serotype were also predictors, as reported previously (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0347, respectively). We also proposed a model using a prognostic index that predicted a sustained response with more than 80% sensitivity, specificity and efficacy in an independent and external group of patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the exponential decay slope of the viral load during the first 24 h was an important predictor of the response to IFN therapy as well as the initial viral load and HCV serotype. The model may also be useful for the clinical management of IFN therapy.     

Severe fenitrothion poisoning complicated by rhabdomyolysis in psychiatric patient

Non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis associated with organophosphate intoxication has not been generally reported. We report here in a severe case of fenitrothion poisoning complicated by rhabdomyolysis. A 43-year-old woman ingested approximately 100 ml of fenitrothion emulsion (50%) in an attempt to commit suicide. On day 3 after admission, her creatine phosphokinase (CPK) peaked at 47,762 IU/L. She received supportive treatment included sodium bicarbonate and fluid resuscitation. However, muscarinic symptoms including excessive miosis and salivation developed on day 5 when her CPK levels decreased. The delay in cholinergic symptoms might have been due to the trihexyphenidyl she took with the antipsychotic drugs. Fortunately, the present patient recovered from the acute cholinergic crisis, and acute renal failure was prevented by early diagnosis. This is a case of organophosphate poisoning complicated by rhabdomyolysis in a psychiatric patient. The masking of acute cholinergic symptoms should be taken into consideration in such patients.     

Wide excision as a method of breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer

Breast-conserving treatment has become the standard treatment for early breast cancer, not only in Western countries but also in Japan. Wide excision is perferred to quadrantectomy because the former results in better cosmesis than the latter. However, the margin status may be positive more frequently in the former than in the latter. The results of our study indicated that positive margins and the absence of radiotherapy or endocrine therapy proved to be independent risk factors for local recurrence. Because margin status influences local control, tumor margins after wide excision should be accurately determined, and higher doses of radiotherapy and adjuvant therapy are indicated for patients with positive margins.     

A novel mutation (T61I) in the gene encoding tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1A (TNFRSF1A) in a Japanese patient with tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutations in the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1A gene (TNFRSF1A) in a Japanese female patient with recurrent fever complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in her family members. METHODS: DNA sequencing of exons 1-10 of the TNFRSF1A gene was performed to determine mutations that might be associated with the tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). Moreover, the TNFRSF1A gene was examined in Japanese patients with autoimmune diseases, including SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and Beh?et's disease, and in healthy Japanese controls. Enzyme-amplified sensitivity immunoassay (EASIA) analysis was used to assess serum levels of TNF, the 55-kDa TNF receptor (TNFRSF1A) and the 75-kDa TNF receptor (TNFRSF1B). Membrane TNFRSF1A expression was analysed on the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry. RESULTS: A novel mutation, a heterozygous C to T transition in exon 3 which substitutes an isoleucine for a threonine at position 61 (T61I) was detected in the TNFRSF1A gene derived from the genomic DNA of a Japanese female TRAPS patient. Two nieces and one nephew, all with a similar clinical phenotype, also possessed the same TNFRSF1A mutation. We further demonstrated the same mutation in five of 60 SLE patients (8.3%) and in five of 120 healthy individuals (4.2%), with no significant differences. Although high titres of serum TNF and soluble TNFRSF1B protein were observed in this patient, low titres of soluble TNFRSF1A protein were detected. However, a defect in TNFRSF1A shedding in vitro was not observed in monocytes derived from this patient. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a TRAPS patient associated with SLE with a novel TNFRSF1A mutation (T61I).     

SUCCESSFUL ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION OF THE PELVIC LESION THROUGH THE SIGMOID COLON

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a useful modality when the target is a lymph node located in the mediastinum, perigastric area or perirectum. Although it is difficult to carry out EUS‐FNA of the colon using an oblique view linear scope, we report two cases of successful EUS‐FNA of the lesions via the proximal sigmoid colon using a recently available new convex type EUS scope. Case 1 was a 77‐year‐old Japanese woman noted to have multiple lymph node swelling in the para‐aortic area and in the pelvis. Case 2 was a 60‐year‐old Japanese woman noted to have a large mass in the left lower abdomen. In case 1, oral EUS showed no lymph node swelling. In both cases, EUS with forward‐viewing radial echoendoscope was carried out via the anus, and multiple lymph‐node swelling or a large mass was observed near the proximal sigmoid colon. In the EUS‐FNA for these cases, we used a new convex‐type EUS scope that has an oblique view, but with a wide‐angled optical device giving a view similar to a forward one. EUS‐FNA was successfully carried out on the lesions. The pathological specimen revealed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in case 1 and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in case 2.     

Detection of c-erbB-2 gene amplification in nipple discharge by means of polymerase chain reaction

Summary In a patient with non-palpable breast carcinoma, c-erbB-2 gene amplification was detected by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the small number of breast carcinoma cells present in nipple discharge. Amplification of the c-erbB-2 gene is more frequent in carcinoma in situ than in invasive types. Detection by a PCR-based method may help diagnose non-palpable breast carcinoma with nipple discharge. Since this gene amplification is related to high proliferation, it might provide useful preoperative information regarding intraductal carcinoma of comedo type and predict responses to chemotherapy.     

Regular Finger Dilation for Preventing Anastomotic Stenosis After Low Anterior Resection

Purpose. This study evaluated the usefulness of performing regular finger dilation (RFD) of the anastomosis to prevent stenosis after low anterior resection (LAR). Methods. Defecatory function was assessed in 22 patients who had undergone LAR more than 6 months earlier. The patients were divided into an RFD group, comprising 15 patients who had undergone regular RFD, and a non-RFD group, comprising 7 patients who had dropped out of our follow-up with RFD. The physiological and clinical findings in relation to defecatory function were compared. Results. The type and size of the stapler and anal manometric parameters were similar. The RFD group had significantly better defecatory function in terms of bowel movement and sensation of incomplete evacuation (P < 0.01, respectively) with a significantly wider anastomotic diameter and higher evacuation rate (P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that RFD is useful for preventing anastomotic stenosis and achieving favorable defecatory function after LAR. Therefore, a prospective randomized study should be scheduled. Received: February 13, 2001 / Accepted: September 11, 2001     

Antisense-inhibition of plasma membrane Ca2+ pump induces apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells

The effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-pumping ATPase (PMCA) on rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in primary culture was examined. More than 80% of the PMCA expressed in cultured VSMCs was the PMCA-1B subtype. Exposed to antisense ODNs against PMCA-1, not only the expression of the PMCA protein but also mRNA of PMCA-1B was diminished in a concentration-dependent manner. Extracellular Na(+)-independent (45)Ca(2+) efflux catalyzed via PMCA was inhibited with antisense ODNs. Both the resting and ionomycin- or ATP-stimulated levels of intracellular Ca(2+) were increased by antisense ODNs. Furthermore, prolonged treatment with antisense ODNs caused apoptosis in VSMCs. The occurrence of apoptosis was inhibited by FK506, a potent immunosuppressant. These results demonstrate that the PMCA was specifically inhibited by antisense ODNs and suggest that PMCA plays an important role in regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, especially at the resting condition to prevent an occurrence of apoptosis that may be induced through the activation of calcineurin.