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Abstract: In 2007, the Japanese Red Cross Blood Center performed a large-scale questionnaire study of post-donation adverse reactions. The questionnaire was distributed to 98,389 donors, and the answers were returned by 55,231 (56.1%). In total, 2,877 (5.2%) complained of an adverse reaction. Assuming that there were no adverse reactions for the 46,150 donors who did not reply, the rate of adverse reaction can be speculated to be 2.8%. Our study strongly suggests that blood centers have long underestimated the risks of vaso-vagal reactions. Taking at least 6h of careful rest after donation would be a helpful counter measure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT We study the torque acting on a planet embedded in an optically thick accretion disc, using global two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations. The temperature of an optically thick accretion disc is determined by the energy balance between the viscous heating and the radiative cooling. The radiative cooling rate depends on the opacity of the disc. The opacity is expressed as a function of the temperature. We find that the disc is divided into three regions that have different temperature distributions. The slope of the entropy distribution becomes steep in the inner region of the disc with high temperature and the outer region of the disc with low temperature, while it becomes shallow in the middle region with intermediate temperature. Planets in the inner and outer regions move outwards owing to the large positive corotation torque exerted on the planet by an adiabatic disc, and on the other hand, a planet in the middle region moves inwards towards the central star. Planets are expected to accumulate at the boundary between the inner and middle regions of the adiabatic disc. The positive corotation torque decreases with an increase in the viscosity of the disc. We find that the positive corotation torque acting on the planet in the inner region becomes too small to cancel the negative Lindblad torque when we include the large viscosity, which destroys the enhancement of the density in the horseshoe orbit of the planet. This leads to the inward migration of the planet in the inner region of the disc. A planet with 5 Earth masses in the inner region can move outwards in a disc with surface density of 100 g cm−2 at 1 au when the accretion rate of a disc is smaller than 2 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study Type I migration of a planet in a radiatively efficient disc using global two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations. The large positive corotation torque is exerted on a planet by an adiabatic disc at early times when the disc has the steep negative entropy gradient. The gas on the horseshoe orbit of the planet is compressed adiabatically during the change of the orbit from the slow orbit to the fast orbit, increasing its density and exerting the positive torque on the planet. The planet would migrate outward in the adiabatic disc before saturation sets in. We further study the effect of energy dissipation by radiation on Type I migration of the planet. The corotation torque decreases when the energy dissipates effectively because the density of the gas on the horseshoe orbit does not increase by the compression compared with the gas of the adiabatic disc. The total torque is mainly determined by the negative Lindblad torque and becomes negative. The planet migrates inwards towards the central star in the radiatively efficient disc. The migration velocity is dependent on the radiative efficiency and is greatly reduced if the radiative cooling works inefficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of agricultural tire characteristics on variations of wheel load and vibrations transmitted from the ground to the tractor rear axle. The experiments were conducted on an asphalt road and a sandy loam field using a two-wheel-drive self-propelled farm tractor at different combinations of tractor forward speeds of approximately 0.6, 1.6 and 2.6m/s, and tire inflation pressures of 330 and 80kPa. During experiments, the vertical wheel load of the left and right rear wheels, and the roll, bounce and pitch accelerations of the rear axle center were measured using strain-gage-based transducers and a triaxial accelerometer. The wavelet and Fourier analyses were applied to measured data in order to investigate the effects of self-excitations due to non-uniformity and lugs of tires on the wheel-load fluctuation and rear axle vibrations. Values for the root-mean-square (RMS) wheel loads and accelerations were not strictly proportional and inversely proportional to the forward speed and tire pressure respectively. The time histories and frequency compositions of synthesized data have shown that tire non-uniformity and tire lugs significantly excited the wheel load and accelerations at their natural frequencies and harmonics. These effects were strongly affected by the forward speed, tire pressure and ground deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In flow cytometry using two detecting methods, we have found that amyloid-β-protein(1–40) [Aβ(1–40)] has high affinity to IMR-32 neuroblastoma cell membrane when it is aggregated to formβ-sheet conformation, whereas random coil small Aβ-species has low affinity. The difference in the binding ability to the cell membranes well accounts for the cytotoxicity of Aβ(1–40); namely, aggregatedβ-sheet Aβ(1–40) gives cytotoxicity higher than random coil Aβ(1–40). Specific binding between Aβ(1–40) and ganglioside GM1 of the raft-like domain in lipid membrane is suggested from a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have calculated formation of gas giant planets based on the standard core accretion model including effects of fragmentation and planetary envelope. The accretion process is found to proceed as follows. As a result of runaway growth of planetesimals with initial radii of ∼10 km, planetary embryos with a mass of ∼1027 g (∼ Mars mass) are found to form in ∼105 years at Jupiter''s position (5.2 AU), assuming a large enough value of the surface density of solid material (25 g/cm2) in the accretion disk at that distance. Strong gravitational perturbations between the runaway planetary embryos and the remaining planetesimals cause the random velocities of the planetesimals to become large enough for collisions between small planetesimals to lead to their catastrophic disruption. This produces a large number of fragments. At the same time, the planetary embryos have envelopes, that reduce energies of fragments by gas drag and capture them. The large radius of the envelope increases the collision rate between them, resulting in rapid growth of the planetary embryos. By the combined effects of fragmentation and planetary envelope, the largest planetary embryo with 21M⊕ forms at 5.2 AU in 3.8×106 years. The planetary embryo is massive enough to start a rapid gas accretion and forms a gas giant planet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heat capacities of vitreous silica, and some binary and ternary silicate, borate and phosphate glasses were measured in the temperature range from 300 to 840 K by ac calorimetry. Our previous study has revealed that heat capacities of oxide glasses scaled with the molar heat capacity at the Debye temperature have a similar magnitude and temperature dependence from 300 K to glass transition temperatures. On the basis of this observation, the factor effecting heat capacity was investigated by use of the three-band theory which is composed of separate contributions from one- and three-dimensional Debye model and Einstein model. We revealed that the heat capacity of oxide glass in the temperature range of measurements follows the one-dimensional Debye model and the compositional variations of heat capacity are evaluated in terms of the ionic packing ratio and the dissociation energy of oxide glass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heat capacities of vitreous silica, and some binary and ternary silicate, borate, and phosphate glasses were measured in the temperature range from 300 to 840 K by AC calorimetry. In this method, the conditions of measurement, especially AC frequency and sample thickness, must be examined in order to measure the heat capacity with high accuracy, and thus, an optimum condition for measuring the heat capacity was investigated. The relationship between heat capacity and chemical composition was discussed in terms of the Debye model, which can be used for calculation of the heat capacity of atomic solids. We found that heat capacities of all the samples studied here scaled with the molar heat capacity at the Debye temperature have a similar magnitude and temperature dependence, from 300 K to the glass transition points. Based on this observation, we propose an empirical equation which is composed of separate contributions of the compositional and temperature dependence of the heat capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A micro-gap wire chamber (MGWC), a new tracking detector has been developed for use in high-rate experiments. A prototype of the MGWC of a sensitive area of 30×10 cm2 is made with a printed circuit board and finely spaced round thin wires stretched with a narrow gap of 50 μm between anode wires and cathode strips. The result shows a rate capability of more than 1×104/mm2/s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents guidelines for irradiation of blood and blood components to prevent post-transfusion graft-vs.-host disease in Japan. Irradiation of blood stored for 14 days; Recommended transfusion of irradiated blood for cardiosurgery, cancer surgery, elderly recipients and severe trauma; Importance for blood collected within 72 h to be irradiated.

The cross-sectional relationships of soy product intake and serum testosterone, estrone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and dihydrotestosterone were examined in 69 Japanese men. Soy product intake was estimated from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum estradiol concentration was significantly inversely correlated with soy product intake (r = -0.32, p = 0.009), and serum estrone concentration was nonsignificantly inversely correlated with soy product intake (r = -0.24, p = 0.05) after controlling for age, body mass index, smoking status, and ethanol intake. Total and free testosterone concentrations were inversely correlated with soy product intake after controlling for the covariates, but these correlations were of border line significance (r = -0.25, p = 0.05 and r = -0.25, p = 0.06, respectively). Similar correlations were observed for these hormones with isoflavone intake from soy products. The data suggest that soy product intake may be associated with the endogenous hormone levels in Japanese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A miniature actuator, in which a shape-memory alloy is driven photothermally by a laser diode, is described. The force of 9.8 mN and the displacement of 58 µm were obtained by irradiation with a laser power of 10 mW for the shape-memory alloy. The cutoff frequency for the vibration amplitude of this actuator was 0.2 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A box-grid type of secondary electron multiplier with ring-shaped dynodes has been constructed. In this multiplier, since the area of the later dynode becomes larger, output current shows no saturation by the space-charge effect at high current (70 µA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which examined the influence of prolonged corticosteroid therapy on the outcome of steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome. Methodology; Results; Conclusion.

This study attempts to evaluate the potential of hand tractor hire business to increase the owners'income. The type of small tractors studied is used to promote the small rice farms'mechanization. A survey of 56 tractor owners in four regencies of Riau Province was conducted to carry out this evaluation. Approximately 68% of the total annual costs are variable costs and the largest single item is labor cost. Most tractors offering custom hire service are profitable with an average of 23.13 ha per annum. The received profit would be higher if drivers are provided by the owners. The breakeven point that justifies economical ownership of the small tractors is at 17.35 ha under Riau conditions. The owners require 6.5 years to retrieve the capital cost on the tractors and to obtain about 10% of return on the investment. The annual use of tractors should be increased to reduce costs or to augment profit. The use of tractors for customer hire service should be encouraged for augmenting farmers' income and enhancing tractor ownership in the province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the vertical soil reaction acting on a driven wheel was measured by strain gages bonded to the left rear axle of a 2WD tractor driven under steady-state condition on different soil surfaces, tractor operations, and combinations of static wheel load and tire inflation pressure. In addition, the measurements of radial and tangential stresses on the soil–tire interface were made simultaneously at lug’s face and leading side near the centerline of the left rear tire using spot pressure sensors. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method of vertical soil reaction measurement is capable of monitoring the real-time vertical wheel load of a moving vehicle and provides a tool for further studies on vehicle dynamics and dynamic wheel–soil interaction. Furthermore, the measured distributions of soil stresses under tractor tire could provide more real insight into the soil–wheel interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes the production of NbTi cable-in-conduit-conductors (CICC) for the Steady State Superconducting Tokamak SST-1 at the Institute for Plasma Research in India. Conductor design parameters; Manufacturing technologies for high copper ratio strands, cabling and jacketing; Manufacture of CICC through roll forming and welding process; Critical current for CICC.

Background and Objective: The rare Ko phenotype lacks all 36 antigens in the Kell blood system. The molecular basis of the Ko phenotype has been investigated, and more than 40 silent KEL alleles are reported by many investigators. The majority of silent alleles are the KEL*02 background. Here, we report molecular genetic analysis of the KEL gene in Japanese individuals with the Ko phenotype. Materials and Methods: The Ko phenotype was screened from Japanese blood donors for several years using monoclonal anti‐Ku or anti‐K14 by an automated blood grouping system PK7300. Kell‐related antigens were typed by standard tube tests. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples, and KEL gene was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Results: We collected 35 Ko blood samples with K−k−, Kp(a−b−), Js(a−b−) and K14−. PCR and sequence analysis revealed that 11 individuals were homozygous for a mutant KEL allele with a c.299G>C (p.Cys100Ser) mutation (rs. 200268316). Three individuals were homozygous for the KEL*02N.24 allele that is c.715G>T (p.Glu239*), and one individual was homozygous for the KEL*02N.40 allele that is c.1474C>T (p.Arg492*). Five individuals were homozygous for novel KEL alleles with single‐nucleotide mutations, four individuals had a c.2175delC (p.Pro725 fs*43), and one individual had a c.328delA (p.Arg110 fs*79). The remaining 15 individuals were compound heterozygous, and eight new alleles were identified from them. Conclusions: We identified three known and ten new silent KEL alleles from Japanese individuals with the Ko phenotype. The KEL allele with the c.299G>C (p.Cys100Ser) mutation was the most frequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MTV experiment ( Mott Polarimetry for T- Violation Experiment) is running at TRIUMF, to search for a large T-violating transverse electron-polarization in polarized Li β-decay. We aim at reaching precision of 10 for the R-correlation, which is defined as a T-violating triple vector correlation in the β-decay rate function. A Mott polarimeter system using a CDC ( Cylindrical Drift Chamber) is used to measure the left-right scattering asymmetry in the Mott scattering from a thin metal foil. In the present study, we aim to discuss systematic effects in Mott polarimetry using the CDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photothermal activation of a micromachined resonator in vacuum is reported. The resonance frequency shift was obtained at the pressures in the viscosity flow region. This effect will be useful for the development of a miniature vacuum gauge operated optically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigated the role of glycosylated transmembrane protein CD147 in predicting pathological features of lupus nephritis (LN). The researchers gathered plasma and sport urine samples from 64 patients who underwent renal biopsy between 2008-2011. They found that CD147 induction was attacking injured glomeruli and infiltrating inflammatory cells, but not in damaged tubules representing atrophy.

The new mineral, vanadoallanite-(La), found in the stratiform ferromanganese deposit from the Shobu area, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, was studied using electron microprobe analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Vanadoallanite-(La) is a rare-earth element-rich monoclinic epidote-supergroup mineral with simplified formula CaLaV3+AlFe2+(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH) (Z = 2, space group P21/m) characterized by predominantly V3+ at one of three octahedral sites, M1. The crystal studied shows large V (~8.4 V2O3 wt.%), Fe (~13.8 Fe2O3 wt.%; Fe2+/total Fe = 0.58) and Mn (~8.8 MnO wt.%) contents. A small amount of Ti is also present (~1.3 TiO2 wt.%). Structural refinement converged to R1 = 2.96%. The unit-cell parameters are a = 8.8985(2), b = 5.7650(1), c = 10.1185(2) Å, β = 114.120(1)° and V = 473.76(2) Å3. The cation distributions determined at A1, A2 and M3 are Ca0.61Mn0.39, (La0.46Ce0.14Pr0.07Nd0.18)∑0.85Ca0.15 and Fe0.562+Mn0.302+Mg0.06V0.053+Fe0.033+, respectively. On the other hand, depending on Ti assignment, two different schemes of the cation distribution at M1 and M2 can be considered: (1) M1(V0.583+Fe0.343+Ti0.084+)M2(Al0.92Fe0.083+), and (2) M1(V0.583+Fe0.423+)M2(Al0.92Ti0.084+). In both cases, the dominant cations at A1, A2, M1, M2 and M3 are Ca, La, V3+, Al and Fe2+, respectively. According to ionic radius, Ti4+ possibly prefers M2 rather than Fe3+. A large Mn2+ content at A1 also characterizes our vanadoallanite-(La). The structural change of Mn2+-rich allanite-group minerals is considered to be controlled by two main factors. One is the large Mn2+ content at A1 in vanadoallanite-(La), which modifies the topology of the AlO9 polyhedron. The other is the expansion of M3O6 and M1O6 octahedra caused by large octahedral cations, such as Fe2+ and Mn2+, at M3 and the trivalent transition elements, V3+ and Fe3+, at M1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The additive effect of α-glucosidase inhibitors (α-GIs) was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) under control with rapid-acting insulin analog.Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six poorly controlled T2D patients were recruited, and plasma glucose (PG) was controlled by three times daily injection of insulin lispro mix 50/50 (Mix50) to maintain fasting PG <130 mg/dL and 2-h postprandial PG (PPG) <180 mg/dL. Another group of 20 patients was randomly assigned to either 0.3 mg of voglibose or 50 mg of miglitol, which was administered at breakfast every other day. Another group of 16 patients was assigned to a crossover study, in which each α-GI was switched every day during the 6-day study. PPG, C-peptide, and lipid profile were analyzed.Results: The addition of voglibose had no effect on PPG, but miglitol blunted the PPG rise and significantly decreased 1-h and 2-h postprandial C-peptide levels compared with Mix50 alone. In addition, miglitol significantly decreased the 1-h postprandial triglyceride rise and the remnant-like particle-cholesterol rise, while it increased the 1-h postprandial high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels in the crossover study.Conclusions: Miglitol appears to have rapid action, which appears earlier than that of lispro. The combination of miglitol and Mix50 seems effective for the control of PPG and lipid profile in T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

phylogenetically diverse set of seventeen isolates of Chytridiomycota were selected for a study of the utilization of common carbohydrates as sole carbon sources in synthetic media. Rhizophlyctis rosea AUS 13 is capable of the digestion of crystalline cellulose in the form of lens paper, filter paper and powdered filter paper and grows well with noncrystaline carboxymethyl cellulose or cellobiose, but cannot use starch or maltose as sole carbon sources in liquid and on solid media. None of the other sixteen isolates tested can digest crystalline cellulose, but all grow well on starch and maltose and several can also use cellobiose and/or sucrose as a sole carbon source. Four of the other sixteen isolates could also digest carboxymethyl cellulose slowly. Glucose is an excellent sole source of carbon in synthetic media for all seventeen isolates in the present study. In general, these data suggest variability in the ability of zoosporic true fungi to use carbohydrates other than glucose as sole sources of carbon. Four patterns of carbohydrate utilization emerged from this study of seventeen isolates. R. rosea degrades cellulose over a relatively wide pH range which suggests that the cellulase enzymes are stable over a wide pH range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Morbidity and mortality from ABO-incompatible transfusion persist as consequences of human error. Even so, insufficient attention has been given to improving transfusion safety within the hospital. Materials and Methods National surveys of ABO-incompatible blood transfusions were conducted by the Japanese Society of Blood Transfusion, with support from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Surveys concluded in 2000 and 2005 analysed ABO-incompatible transfusion data from the previous 5 years (January 1995 to December 1999 and January 2000 to December 2004, respectively). The first survey targeted 777 hospitals and the second, 1355 hospitals. Data were collected through anonymous questionnaires. Results The first survey achieved a 77·4% response rate (578 of 777 hospitals). The second survey collected data from 251 more hospitals, but with a lower response rate (61·2%, or 829 of 1355 hospitals). The first survey analysed 166 incidents from 578 hospitals, vs. 60 incidents from 829 hospitals in the second survey. The main cause of ABO-incompatible transfusion was identification error between patient and blood product: 55% (91 of 166) in the first survey and 45% (27 of 60) in the second. Patient outcomes included nine preventable deaths from 1995 to 1999, and eight preventable deaths from 2000 to 2004. Conclusion Misidentification at the bedside persists as the main cause of ABO-incompatible transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction K − p → ηη(Λ/Σ0) at a momentum of 32.5 GeV/ c was studied for the first time. The experiment was performed by using the GAMS-4π spectrometer at the 70-GeV accelerator of the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEP, Protvino). The f 2(1525) resonance was observed in the effective-mass spectrum of the ηη system at a low background level. The cross section for f 2(1525) production was measured. The branching ratio for f 2(1525)-meson decay to ηη and K $$\bar K$$ was found to be R = 0.119 ± 0.015(stat.) ± 0.036(syst.), which is in agreement with the world-average value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searches for rare and forbidden neutral decays of η mesons are performed at the GAMS-4π facility. A charge-exchange reaction at an initial momentum of 32.5 GeV/ c was used as a source of 3.7 × 106 η mesons. The following upper limits are established at a 90% confidence level: Br( η → 3γ) < 1.6 × 10−4, Br( η → 4γ) < 2.8 × 10−4, Br( η → π0π0) < 3.5 × 10−4, Br( η → π0π0γ) < 1.7 × 10−3, Br( η → π0π0γγ) < 4.0 × 10−3, Br( η → 3π0γ) < 2.4 × 10−4, and Br( η → 4π0) < 2.0 × 10−5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ηη system produced in charge-exchange π–p interaction at a momentum of 32.5 GeV/c is studied in an experiment performed with the GAMS-4π spectrometer at the 70-GeV accelerator of the Institute for High-Energy Physics (IHEP, Protvino). A partial-wave analysis is performed in the mass range between 1.1 and 3.9 GeV for –t < 0.2 (GeV/c)2, S, D, G, and J waves being taken into account in this analysis. The S wave has a complicated structure, displaying peaks at about 1.5 and 1.7 GeV. These peaks are associated with the f0(1500) and f0(1710) mesons. One of the solutions (preferable one) involves the f0(2200) and f2(1950) resonances. The mass region above 2.4 GeV is dominated by the G wave. A broad state of mass about 3 GeV and width 0.7 GeV is found in the J wave. The parameters of the resonances in question and their production cross sections are measured.© 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of evidence indicates that genetic factors are involved in an increased risk of infection. We investigated whether mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphisms that cause low levels of MBL are associated with the occurrence of major infections in patients, mainly bearing hematological malignancies, after high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) rescued by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT). A retrospective evaluation of 113 patients treated with HDT and auto-PBSCT revealed that the low-producing genotypes, B/B and B/LXA, were associated with major bacterial infection (P=0.0016, OR 7.9). We next performed a nation-wide large-scale study to assess the allele frequency of the MBL coding mutation in a total of 2623 healthy individuals in Japan. The frequency of allele B was estimated to be~0.2, almost the same in seven different areas of Japan. This common occurrence suggests that MBL deficiency may play an important role in the clinical settings of immunosuppression.Genes and Immunity (2005) 6, 162-166. doi:10.1038/sj.gene.6364165 Published online 27 January 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:We investigated effects of variations in the cellular composition of G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cell (G-PBPC) allografts on clinical outcomes of allogeneic PBPC transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed transplanted doses of various immunocompetent cells from 27 HLA-identical sibling donors in relation to engraftment, incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and survival. Significant variability was documented in both absolute numbers and relative proportions of CD34+, CD2+, CD3+, CD4high+, CD4+25+, CD8high+, CD19+, CD56+, and CD56+16+ cells contained in these allografts. Stepwise Cox regression analysis revealed that the CD56+ cell dose was significantly inversely correlated with the incidence of GVHD. Thus, there was a significantly higher incidence of grade II acute GVHD in patients receiving a lower CD56+16+ cell dose (hazard ratio (HR) 0.0090; 95% confidence interval (CI), <0.00001-3.38; P=0.031), a higher incidence of chronic GVHD in those receiving allografts with a lower CD56+16+ to CD34+ ratio (HR <0.00001; 95% CI <0.00001-0.0007; P=0.0035), and a higher incidence of extensive chronic GVHD in those receiving allografts with a lower CD56+ to CD34+ ratio (HR <0.00001; 95% CI <0.00001-0.053; P=0.0083). These results suggest that CD56+ cells in G-PBPC allografts from HLA-identical sibling donors may play an important role in preventing the development of GVHD.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 32, 505-510. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704165 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effects of cilostazol on impaired coronary arterial responses in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). Thirty patients who were diagnosed with VSA based on an acetylcholine provocation test and 10 subjects with normal coronary arteries were enrolled. The patients were divided into the following 3 groups: no antiplatelet agent treatment group, aspirin treatment, or cilostazol treatment groups. Coronary flow reserve (CFR), coronary flow volume at maximum hyperemia, and epicardial coronary artery diameter after administration of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) were examined using a Doppler flow wire before and 6 months after the start of this study. CFR, coronary flow volume at maximum hyperemia, and diameter changes by L-NMMA were significantly increased in the cilostazol treatment group compared with the other 2 groups. In conclusion, cilostazol increased CFR and flow-dependent coronary dilation; these changes were attributable to nitric oxide. Cilostazol may improve coronary vascular endothelial dysfunction and coronary hemodynamics in patients with VSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified method for cryopreservation at -80°C of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) has been increasingly used for autologous PBSC transplantation in Japan. Although this method, using 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotectant without rate-controlled freezing, has several advantages over the conventional method using 10% DMSO with rate-controlled freezing, little is known about effects of long-term cryopreservation for years and thawing process on hematopoietic progenitors. We examined the recovery rates of BFU-E and CFU-GM in sample tubes cryopreserved by the simplified method under various conditions as follows: (1) long-term storage for 1–5 years; (2) DMSO exposure for 1 h after rapid thawing; and (3) thawing at a lower temperature other than 37°C. In our study, we found that the recovery rates of BFU-E and CFU-GM were not affected by the length of cryopreservation period; they remained at more than 70% on average for 16–61 months. In our hands, a 1-h exposure to DMSO after rapid thawing was not toxic for hematopoietic progenitors. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the recovery rates of BFU-E and CFU-GM between thawing at 37°C and 20°C. These observations indicate that PBSC cryopreserved for at least 5 years by the simplified method can be used clinically without losing hematopoietic activity, and suggest that hematopoietic activity of the thawed PBSC may be unaffected when PBSC are infused slowly within 60 min or even when PBSC are thawed gradually at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents two cases of patients with malignant lymphoma who presented with early onset of hemophagocytic syndrome after nonmyeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Details on the case reports; Discussion on hemophagocytic syndrome.

A 30-month-old boy with hemophagocytic lympho- histiocytosis (HLH) received an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) following high-dose chemotherapy. He presented with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) at 6 months of age, but relapsed despite the repeated administration of prednisolone, VP-16, cyclosporin A (CsA), and other cytotoxic agents. PBSC were obtained using combination chemotherapy with etoposide (VP16, 450 mg/m2), doxorubicin (70 mg/m2), vincristine (2 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (CY, 1200 mg/m2). 2.7 × 105/kg CFU-GM PBSC were transplanted after similar high-dose VP16 preconditioning used for allogeneic BMT for HLH. The boy continues to remain in complete remission 30 months after PBSCT while receiving low-dose PSL/CsA therapy. High-dose chemotherapy followed by PBSCT may be an optional therapeutic approach for patients with HLH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about autoimmune thrombocytopenia with clonal expansion of CD8-positive T cells after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.