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HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DR typing was performed in a pedigree with familial polyposis colt (FPC). Three living members with FPC and one member without obvious FPC had the same HLA haplotype; A24(9)-B51-X-DRw8 (X indicates undetected HLA-C locus). It was genetically deduced that a deceased member with FPC also had this haplotype. No other members had this haplotype. No association was found between FPC and other HLA haplotypes. Thus an association between the specific HLA haplotype and FPC was suspected in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a close-fitting assistive suit, called e.z.UP®, with a passive actuation mechanism composed of an adjustable structure. The suit can adequately assist the back and arm muscles of a user with the proposed layout of an arm assistive belt and a two-layer structure, respectively. With its lightweight characteristic (i.e., weighing 0.75 kg only), the proposed suit is portable and easy to wear without additional burden. By using the averaged Japanese body data, a simulation was conducted based on a human body model wearing our proposed suit to evaluate the layout of the arm assistive belt. The simulation results prove that the proposed suit can adequately assist the user's arm muscles based on the user's motion. An experiment involving the measurement of muscle activities is also implemented with seven young subjects and seven middle-aged subjects to evaluate the arm assistive belt and the two-layer structure. The experimental results reveal that the proposed suit can successfully and appropriately assist both the arm and back muscles simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the origin of strong magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) in L10-type ordered FeNi phase by angular-dependent magnetic circular dichroism. Our findings showed that the orbital magnetic moment of Fe has a significant angular dependence that exhibits a maximum value at the [001] direction corresponding perpendicular to the plane. The calculated uniaxial anisotropy energy when considering spin–orbit (SO) interaction shows quantitatively good agreement with the volume MAE. We concluded that the orbital anisotropy in 3d Fe electrons results in the strong MAE in L10-FeNi and ascribe this to the spin–orbit interaction via structural ordering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have measured the temperature dependence of MCD spectra on Ce@C82 and Ce2@C80 in the Ce 3d–4f excitation region. The results show that Ce@C82 has antiferromagnetic interaction while Ce2@C80 has ferromagnetic interaction between Ce magnetic moments which are much smaller than the Hund-ground-state values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) is a serious complication that occurs after cardiac and vascular procedures. CCE involves multiple organs, and the prognosis and renal function of patients is poor. Although the efficacy of steroid, statin, and low-density lipoprotein apheresis has been reported, no definitive treatment has been established. We herein report three consecutive cases treated with conventional steroid therapy with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor after catheterization. The renal function was preserved, steroid therapy was stopped, and wound healing of blue toes was achieved. PCSK9 inhibitor therapy was safe in the present patient and may be a potential treatment option for CCE.

Liver transplantation has been recognized as an effective therapeutic method for end-stage liver disease in Japan. Fulminant hepatic failure is also an indication for liver transplantation, and the number of patients undergoing liver transplantation has been increasing. Reversibility and urgency are characteristics of fulminant hepatitis. If given appropriate critical support, many patients recover spontaneously. However, many patients develop cerebral edema or multiorgan failure before the liver can regenerate. From October 1996 to July 2002, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was performed to 84 end stage liver disease patients in Kyushu University. Twenty-four (28.6%) of 84 LDLTs were for fulminant hepatic failure. In Kyushu University, LDLT candidates including urgent cases were discussed with indication in the liver transplantation committee (the medical professions division and an outside-the-university committee are included) and then the coordinator committee performs informed consent. LDLT can be performed only by cooperation of each section concerned such as Transfusion part, Medicine part, Radiation part, Operation part, Intensive Care Unit and so on. In this paper, we outline about fulminant hepatic failure and living donor liver transplantation, and describe the fulminant hepatitis medical treatment organization in Kyushu University.