Acetaldehyde gas removal by a nylon film-TiO2 composite sheet prepared on a paper surface using interfacial polymerization and electrostatic interactions

In this study, preparation of a nylon film-TiO₂ composite sheet with both physical durability under UV irradiation and TiO₂ photocatalysis functionality was investigated. First, a nylon film was directly prepared on paper by interfacial polymerization using ethylenediamine and terephthaloyl chloride in a cyclohexane-chloroform mixture (3:1, v/v). Next, the nylon-coated paper was treated with tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane to prepare polysiloxane on its surface. This was followed by fixation of TiO₂ powder via electrostatic interactions with the polysiloxane. Although nylon films on paper usually decompose under TiO₂ photocatalysis, the nylon film-TiO₂ composite sheets prepared using 0.5%-1.0% (w/v) TiO₂ did not decompose under photocatalysis. The residual rate of strength of the sheet remained at almost 100% after 240 h, which could be attributed to protection of the sheet by the polysiloxane layer. The nylon film was fibrous and could effectively adsorb acetaldehyde gas. All of the nylon film-TiO₂ composite sheets prepared using 0.5%-5.0% TiO₂ photocatalytically removed acetaldehyde under UV irradiation and no acetaldehyde gas was detected after 240-300 min. These results show the nylon film-TiO₂ composite sheet can effectively remove acetaldehyde gas by photocatalysis and adsorption and could be applied to removal of volatile organic compounds in indoor air.

RISING beamline (BL28XU) for rechargeable battery analysis

The newly installed BL28XU beamline at SPring-8 is dedicated to in situ structural and electronic analysis of rechargeable batteries. It supports the time range (1 ms to 100 s) and spatial range (1 µm to 1 mm) needed for battery analysis. Electrochemical apparatus for battery charging and discharging are available in experimental hutches and in a preparation room. Battery analysis can be carried out efficiently and effectively using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine-structure analysis and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, the design and performance of the beamline are described, and preliminary results are presented.

Anti-tumor activity against multiple myeloma by combination of KW-2478, an Hsp90 inhibitor, with bortezomib

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a promising target for anti-tumor therapy. We previously reported the anti-tumor activity of a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, KW-2478, in multiple myeloma (MM) as a single agent. In this study, we examined the combinational effect of KW-2478 and bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, KW-2478 enhanced bortezomib-induced cell growth inhibition, both in MM cell lines and primary patient MM cells. The combination of KW-2478 and bortezomib also induced caspase activation in MM cell lines. Interestingly, the combination synergistically enhanced the expression of Hsp70B, a homolog of Hsp70, in human MM cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating Hsp70B could be a surrogate biomarker for the combination of Hsp90 and proteasome inhibitors. In vivo, the combination of KW-2478 with bortezomib showed synergistic anti-tumor activity without significant body weight loss in a subcutaneously inoculated human myeloma model. Furthermore, the combination also showed synergistic reduction of tumor burden in bone marrow in an orthotopic myeloma model. Our results strongly suggest that combination of KW-2478 with bortezomib could exhibit enhanced anti-tumor activity against human myeloma.

The role of immune cells in brain metastasis of lung cancer cells and neuron-tumor cell interaction

Following any type of brain injury such as lesion, stroke, and tumor/cancer invasion, microglia are rapidly activated and recruited to the site of injury. Microglia is the main immune effector cell population of the central nervous system and control immune cell recruitment. However, the molecular mechanism of brain metastasis and interaction between neuron-glia-tumor cells are poorly understood. Therefore, we established an animal model for brain metastasis using human lung cancer-derived cells (HARA-B) in nude mice. Accumulation of activated microglia was observed around tumor cells depending on the size of metastatic foci and the area of the brain. In vitro study, conditioned medium from primary cultured mouse microglia inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells, while tumor cell-conditioned medium inhibited the proliferation of primary cultured neurons from mouse cortex. Though the responsible factors released from microglia and tumor cells are still under investigation, these studies will contribute to understand the mechanism of cell-cell interaction in the brain and possible therapeutic target for brain metastasis.

Treatment of pyogenic granuloma with a sclerosing agent

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic granulomas have been treated by cryosurgery, curettage, electrodesiccation, chemical cauterization, and laser surgery. The therapeutic effects of these conservative treatments are limited, however.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the efficacy of a sclerosing agent (monoethanolamine oleate) was evaluated for the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.

METHODS

Pyogenic granuloma was treated by local injection of the monoethanolamine oleate solution in nine patients who were from 1 to 57 years of age (median 18 years). The treatment effect was determined by physical examination.

RESULTS

All lesions were removed completely with no recurrence, and scars were inconspicuous in all cases. Complications occurred in only one patient who complained of pain due to an avoidable injection of excess solution.

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy with monoethanolamine oleate is effective in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma and offers an alternative to conventional methods in cases for which conservative treatment is preferable.

First cutaneous branch of the internal pudendal artery: an anatomical basis for the so-called gluteal fold flap

We investigated the cutaneous blood supply in the gluteal and perineal regions of 35 donated cadavers to provide an anatomical basis for reliable vulvo-vaginal reconstruction using a skin flap such as the so-called gluteal fold flap. The cutaneous areas along the gluteal cleft and sulcus were likely to be supplied by 3 routes: 1) the internal pudendal artery (IPA), especially its first cutaneous branch; 2) perforators running through the gluteus maximus muscle and arising from the inferior gluteal artery (IGA); and 3) a non-perforator running around and inferior to the ischial tuberosity and originating from the IGA. Route 1 supplied the skin along the gluteal cleft, route 2 the gluteal fold (i.e., a bulky skin fold along the upper edge of the gluteal sulcus), and route 3, just along the gluteal sulcus. In those 3 routes, we noted the consistent morphology of the thick and long, first cutaneous branch of the IPA. The first arterial branch, 1.5 mm in diameter at its origin on average (ranging from 0.7-2.6 mm), usually originated from the IPA under the cover of or at the inferomedial or distal side of the sacrotuberous ligament (almost always less than 20 mm from the inferomedial margin of the ligament). The branch ran superomedially toward the coccyx or ran medially in the ischiorectal fat. It accompanied the vein and nerve at its distal (peripheral) course although the nerve often ran independently at its proxomal course near the ligament. Therefore, the first branch of the IPA seems to provide a reliable pedicle using the skin along the gluteal cleft whether the incision for approach is conducted along the gluteal sulcus or not. However, if the gluteus maximus muscle extended much inferomedially, the pedicle would be very short. In this case, preparation of the pedicle seems to be necessary along the arterial course under the cover of the muscle.

Application of the distraction technique to scaphocephaly

The case of a 1-year-old boy who underwent correction of a scaphocephalic deformity using distraction devices is described. Double pi-shaped osteotomies were cut. Bilateral temporal bone flaps were gradually expanded, and the frontal bone was pulled back simultaneously. The patient showed a good skull contour 2 years postoperatively. Although previous distractions were aimed only at expansion of the cranium, we used the distraction technique to successfully shorten the cranial vault in the anteroposterior direction. This case demonstrates that the osteotomized bone flaps can be moved in various directions. This feature of the distraction technique may contribute greatly toward meticulous reconstruction of the cranial vault.

Malignant melanoma developing in an area of palmoplantar keratoderma (Greither's disease)

We report a case of malignant melanoma arising on the hyperkeratotic sole of a patient with palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). Hyperkeratotic lesions were also seen on the dorsa of both hands and feet and the extensor aspects of elbows and knees. The patient's PPK appeared to have been transmitted by an autosomal dominant gene. Histologically, the hyperkeratotic lesions showed acanthosis, marked hyperkeratosis without parakeratosis, and hypergranulosis. All the findings corresponded to those of Greither's disease with malignant melanoma.