–Gel Formation Ability Of Monohexadecyl Phosphate Neutralized By L–Arginine

The aqueous phase diagram of monohexadecyl phosphate neutralized by L-arginine (C16MP- Arg, Figure 1) was studied using analytical techniques including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small/ wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We found that the mixture could form an α-gel over wide ranges of concentrations and temperatures (Figure 2). The α-gel was thermodynamically stable at 25°C (below the phase transition temperature for hexagonal or lamellar liquid crystals), and did not transform to coagel for at least one year. This behavior is unique among anionic surfactant systems. Thus, the balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic volumes is a key factor for determining whether a stable α-gel can be obtained. In this system, the relatively large volume of Arg relaxed the alkyl chains of C16MP and prevented their crystallization. We also characterized the behavior of water in the C16MP-Arg α-gel system. An increased water concentration resulted in an increase in the d-spacing of the lamellar bilayers (Figure 3) as well as an increased wavenumber for the O-H stretching vibration peak. In addition, the melting enthalpy increased with increasing water concentration, while freezing was not observed below a water concentration of 20 wt%. These results suggest that the overall properties of water changed as a function of its concentration in the sample. 1H-NMR spin-spin relaxation time (T2) measurements further suggest that the protons of water and C16MP-Arg can be classified into three components (low-, middle-, and high-T2 components) as a function of the temperature and concentration. The low-T2 component mainly arose from the protons of C16MP-Arg alkyl chains, and its mobility increased with increasing temperature. The high-T2 component arose from the protons of water. The water behaved as “bound water” for the C16MP-Arg headgroups at –30°C and a water concentration of 20 wt%, and the mobility increased with increasing temperature and water concentration. These changes suggest that an increased water concentration results in an increased amount of water being incorporated between the C16MP-Arg lamellar bilayers as well as in spaces surrounded by α-gel domains. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Novel 1,8-Naphthalimide derivative with an open space for an anion: Unique fluorescence behaviour depending on the binding anion’s electrophilic property

We have designed a novel 1,8-naphthalimide derivative with an open space for an anion. Computational calculation has predicted that the space could trap various anion species and photo-induced charge transfer depending on the anion's electrophilic properties. Indeed, the fluorescence behaviour of the 1,8-naphthalimide derivative complexes with each anion is consistent with the computational prediction

Recurrent Ascending Colon Cancer Manifesting as Inferior Vena cava Thrombus

We report an extremely rare case of recurrent ascending colon cancer manifesting as inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus. A 77-year-old woman previously diagnosed with ascending colon cancer underwent right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection. Though the tumor invaded the retroperitoneum and involved the right ovarian artery and vein, curative operation was performed. The patient took 5-FU p.o. Two and a half years later, tumor thrombus in the IVC extending into the right atrium was incidentally found and diagnosed as recurrence of colon cancer by biopsy. RF-induced hyperthermia using 5-FU and CDDP i.v. was immediately performed, but she died after 6 months because of multiple liver and pulmonary metastases. In treating colon cancers invading the retroperitoneum, it should be recalled that some cases recur as tumor thrombus in the IVC and that close follow-up is therefore necessary

Evaluation of FilmArray respiratory panel multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of pathogens in adult outpatients with acute respiratory tract infection

Although viruses are the major pathogen that causes upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and acute bronchitis, antibiotics have been prescribed. This was a prospective observational study in influenza epidemics that enrolled adult outpatients who visited a hospital with respiratory tract infection symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of FilmArray respiratory panel (RP). Fifty patients were enrolled. FilmArray RP detected the pathogens in 28 patients. The common pathogens were influenza virus (n = 14), respiratory syncytial virus (n = 6), and human rhinovirus (n = 6). Of the 14 patients with influenza virus, 6 were negative for the antigen test. The physicians diagnosed and treated the patients without the result of FilmArray in this study. Of the patients with positive FilmArray RP, 9 were treated with antibiotics; however, bacteria were detected in only 3 patients. By implementing FilmArray RP, URTI and acute bronchitis would be precisely diagnosed, and inappropriate use of antibiotics can be reduced

Neuropilin-2 expression in breast cancer: correlation with lymph node metastasis, poor prognosis, and regulation of CXCR4 expression

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2) is a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), which is a well-known lymphangiogenic factor and plays an important role in lymph node metastasis of various human cancers, including breast cancer. Recently, Nrp2 was shown to play a role in cancer by promoting tumor cell metastasis. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) also promotes tumor metastasis. In the previous studies, we demonstrated that VEGF-C and cytoplasmic CXCR4 expressions were correlated with poorer patient prognosis (BMC Cancer 2008,8:340; Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005, 91:125–132).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The relationship between Nrp2 expression and lymph node metastasis, VEGF-C expression, CXCR4 expression, and other established clinicopathological variables (these data were cited in our previous papers), including prognosis, was analyzed in human breast cancer. Effects of neutralizing anti-Nrp2 antibody on CXCR4 expression and chemotaxis were assessed in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Nrp2 expression was observed in 53.1% (60 of 113) of the invasive breast carcinomas. Nrp2 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, VEGF-C expression, and cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression. Survival curves determined by the Kaplan-Meier method showed that Nrp2 expression was associated with reduced overall survival. In multivariate analysis, Nrp2 expression emerged as a significant independent predictor for overall survival. Neutralizing anti-Nrp2 antibody blocks cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression and CXCR4-induced migration in MDA-MB-231 cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Nrp2 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis, VEGF-C expression, and cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression. Nrp2 expression may serve as a significant prognostic factor for long-term survival in breast cancer. Our data also showed a role for Nrp2 in regulating cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression <it>in vitro</it>.</p

A Case Report on Giant Myoma of the Uterine Cervix

Patient is 40 years old with history of two deliveries and the last delivery was at the age of 28 years, but she had no irregularity with mestruation. Her chief complaint was a hypogastric tumor. On examination at our clinic we found: the size of corpus uteri, about normal; felt an immovable, soft but solid tumor as large as a head of adult in the hypogastric region; and it was diagnosed as a intraligamentary solid tumor of ovary. Upon laparotomy we found no abnormalities in both adnexa and corpus uteri itself, but with the progress of operation we uncovered a giant myoma of the uterine cervix, measuring 19cm×25cm×20cm, and weighting 3.2kg, which grew out of the right wall fo the uterine cervix with the pedicle as big as the size of a pencil. Myomectomy and subtotal hysterectomy was performed. It is generally accepted that the cervical myoma of uterus is relatively rare, occupying only about 5 per cent of all uterine myomas. Furthermore, with a better understanding for surgery on the part of general public, the incidence of giant myoma of the uterine cervix has become still rarer. As for the symptoms when such a tumor reaches beyond a certain size, increased frequency of urination and corstipation are said to occur. Fortunately no such symptoms could be observed in the present case, and just as in this case, such a myoma is quite difficult to differentiate from the solid tumor of ovary and it is only after operation that it can be diagnosed correctly as a myoma of the uterine cervix. As for the relationship between the pregnancy and the delivery, it is generally the same as in the case of other uterine myoma. For the cure of such a case surgery is the sole therapeutic measure

Expanded Chiral Surfaces for Asymmetric Anion–π Catalysis

The insertion of a π-acidic surface of a naphthalenediimide (NDI) between a proline and a glutamate group affords trifunctional catalysts for the stereoselective addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins. In this report, phenyl sulfides are added to this central NDI surface. Oxidation of the sulfide donors into sulfoxide and sulfone acceptors increases both rate and stereoselectivity of the reaction. This dependence on π acidity provides corroborative support that anion–π interactions can contribute to asymmetric catalysis. Non-planar π surfaces around chiral sulfoxide connectors have a profound impact on stereoselectivity. Anti stereoisomers, with phenyl wings pointing in opposite directions from the central NDI surface, perform best in chloroform/methanol mixtures. With stronger anion–π interactions in more hydrophobic aromatic solvents, this trend inverts. Catalysis within π-box binding pockets between the two phenyl wings in syn architectures gives better selectivity under these conditions. The best results are obtained in toluene, whereas competitive π–π interactions with aromatic solvents of varied π acidity reduce the stereoselectivity. Diastereoselectivities up to 96% and enantiomeric excess values up to 91% with expanded surfaces exceed the performance of the original anion–π catalysts with identical chiral architecture (64% ee under identical conditions) and enters into the range of the best conventional catalysts

超分子化学に基づいた光機能性システムの開発

東京理科大学201

Electric-Field-Assisted Anion−π Catalysis

This report focuses on the remote control of anion−π catalysis by electric fields. We have synthesized and immobilized anion−π catalysts to explore the addition reaction of malonic acid half thioesters to enolate acceptors on conductive indium tin oxide surfaces. Exposed to increasing electric fields, anion−π catalysts show an increase in activity and an inversion of selectivity. These changes originate from a more than 100-fold rate enhancement of the disfavored enolate addition reaction that coincides with an increase in selectivity of transition-state recognition by up to −14.8 kJ mol^–1. The addition of nitrate with strong π affinity nullified (IC₅₀ = 2.2 mM) the responsiveness of anion−π catalysts to electric fields. These results support that the polarization of the π-acidic naphthalenediimide surface in anion−π catalysts with electric fields increases the recognition of anionic intermediates and transition states on this polarized π surface, that is, the existence and relevance of electric-field-assisted anion−π catalysis