Investigation of Antiphosphatidyl-Serine Antibody and Antiphosphatidyl-Inositol Antibody in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by arterial or venous thrombosis and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). We measured β2-GPI aCL, IgGaCL, LA, antiphosphatidyl-serine antibody (PS), and antiphosphatidyl-inositol antibody (PI) in each patient at one month after the onset of stroke. In addition, carotid artery echography was performed in patients positive for PI or PS. Among the 250 patients, 13.6% (34/250) were positive for either PI or PS, and 6.8% (17/250) were positive for both. Carotid artery echography performed on these 34 patients showed that the frequencies of increased intimal-medial thickness (IMT) of 1.1 mm or more, plaque, and carotid artery stenosis of 50% or more were all significantly higher in patients positive for antinuclear antibody than those negative for the antibody (P < .05). PI and PS are associated with antinuclear antibody and precipitation of atherosclerosis. Ischemic stroke patients with SLE frequently showed a variety of antiphospholipid-protein antibodies

Multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors in neurofi bromatosis type 1 treated with laparoscopic surgery

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have been reported to occasionally occur in patients with neurofi bromatosis type 1 (NF-1), and many cases have had multiple lesions predominantly involving the small intestine. We report herein a case of multiple GISTs associated with NF-1 from whom laparoscopic surgery was benefi cial. In a 79-year-old female admitted with anemia and melena, the abdominal computed tomography revealed a tumor arising from the small intestine. Laparoscopic surgery was performed, and another small tumor was revealed during laparoscopic observation. Extracorporeal partial and wedge resection of the small intestine were undertaken. Both lesions were diagnosed as typical GISTs of low risk. Laparoscopic surgery would be useful for examination and a minimally invasive approach to tumors of the small intestine, especially on cases with the possibility of multiple tumors.</p

Abdominal wall and thigh abscess resulting from the penetration of ascending colon cancer.

An unusual case is described in which an abdominal wall and thigh abscess was an initial symptom of ascending colon cancer. A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for investigation of fever and abdominal and thigh swelling. Computed tomography revealed a right abdominal wall, retroperitoneal, psoas and thigh abscess formation suspected to be caused by colon perforation. Due to the patient's poor general condition, local drainage of the abscess was performed on the following day of hospitalization. Histological examination of necrotic tissues removed form the retroperitoneal cavity demonstrated adenocarcinoma of the colon. The patient subsequently underwent right hemicolectomy with lymph nodal dissection after 19 days of the drainage procedure and was transferred to another hospital on the 49th day following the second surgery.</p

Formation of Exclusive Al2O3 Scale on Nb and Nb-Rich Alloys by Two-Step Oxygen-Aluminum Diffusion Process

External Al2O3 scale formation behavior by a diffusion aluminizing process on Nb and Nb-X (X = Mo, Re, and Ta) alloys with different oxygen solubilities was investigated. The oxygen content in Nb and Nb-X alloys was controlled by oxygen diffusion treatment at 1,100 A degrees C using Nb/NbO mixture. Nb-aluminide, NbAl3 and Nb2Al, layers were developed on the low-oxygen Nb substrate by an aluminum diffusion treatment using Al/Al2O3/NH4Cl mixture at 1,100 A degrees C; whereas an adhesive Al2O3 scale developed on the Nb substrate with higher oxygen content. The alloy oxygen content decreased by an addition of Ta, Mo and Re, in this order, and the decrease in alloy oxygen content resulted in the transition of Al2O3 formation from external scale to internal precipitates. This transition was not observed when low Al activity powder mixture, Ni50Al/Al2O3/NH4Cl, was used for Al diffusion process, and only external Al2O3 scale was developed on all samples. In the present study, the effects of oxygen solubility limit, oxygen content, and the activity of Al in diffusion process on the formation of Al2O3 scale will be discussed

Clinical Study Investigation of Antiphosphatidyl-Serine Antibody and Antiphosphatidyl-Inositol Antibody in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by arterial or venous thrombosis and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). We measured β2-GPI aCL, IgGaCL, LA, antiphosphatidyl-serine antibody (PS), and antiphosphatidyl-inositol antibody (PI) in each patient at one month after the onset of stroke. In addition, carotid artery echography was performed in patients positive for PI or PS. Among the 250 patients, 13.6% (34/250) were positive for either PI or PS, and 6.8% (17/250) were positive for both. Carotid artery echography performed on these 34 patients showed that the frequencies of increased intimal-medial thickness (IMT) of 1.1 mm or more, plaque, and carotid artery stenosis of 50% or more were all significantly higher in patients positive for antinuclear antibody than those negative for the antibody (P &lt; .05). PI and PS are associated with antinuclear antibody and precipitation of atherosclerosis. Ischemic stroke patients with SLE frequently showed a variety of antiphospholipid-protein antibodies

Hemiplegic peripheral neuropathy accompanied with multiple cranial nerve palsy

A 32-year-old man experienced double vision around January, 2010, followed by weakness of his left upper and lower extremities. Articulation disorders and loss of hearing in his left ear developed, and he was admitted to our hospital on February 14, 2010. Physical examination was normal, and neurological examination showed clear consciousness with no impairment of cognitive function, but with articulation disorders. Olfactory sensation was reduced. Left ptosis and left gaze palsy, complete left facial palsy, perceptive deafness of the left ear, and muscle weakness of the left trapezius muscle were observed. Paresis in the left upper and lower extremities was graded 4/5 through manual muscle testing. Sensory system evaluation revealed complete left-side palsy, including the face. Deep tendon reflexes were slightly diminished equally on both sides; no pathologic reflex was seen. No abnormality of the brain parenchyma, cerebral nerves or cervicothoracolumbar region was found on brain magnetic resonance imaging. On electroencephalogram, alpha waves in the main frequency band of 8 to 9 Hz were recorded, indicating normal findings. Brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan showed reduced blood flow in the right inner frontal lobe and both occipital lobes. Nerve biopsy (left sural nerve) showed reduction of nerve density by 30%, with demyelination. The patient also showed manifestations of multiple cranial nerve disorder, i.e., of the trigeminal nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, and hypoglossal nerve. Whole-body examination was negative. Finally, based on ischemic brain SPECT images, spinal fluid findings and nerve biopsy results, peripheral neuropathy accompanied with multiple cranial nerve palsy was diagnosed

Assessing Reaction Mechanisms of Graphite Negative Electrodes Based on Operando Synchrotron Radiation Diffraction Data

Since the commercialization of rechargeable Li ion batteries in the early 1990 s, the performance of these devices has continually improved. In such batteries, graphite is typically used as the negative electrode and the present work examined the reaction mechanisms at graphite negative electrodes based on operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction analyses during charge/discharge. The resulting in-plane diffraction patterns of the Li-intercalated graphite permitted a detailed analysis of changes in the three-dimensional structure of the electrode. As the intercalation proceeded from a dilute stage 1 (with less Li intercalation) to a final stage 1 (the formation of LiC6), the material transitioned from a random in-plane structure to a p(√3 × √3)R30° in-plane structure via a superlattice based on a p(3 × 3)R0° in-plane structure. The data also indicate that a series of superlattices was formed during the reaction of the electrode as a result of successive rearrangements, depending on the amount of Li intercalated into the graphite