Formation and Characterization of Hydrogen Boride Sheets Derived from MgB2 by Cation Exchange.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising for applications in a wide range of fields because of their unique properties. Hydrogen boride sheets, a new 2D material recently predicted from theory, exhibit intriguing electronic and mechanical properties as well as hydrogen storage capacity. Here, we report the experimental realization of 2D hydrogen boride sheets with an empirical formula of H1B1, produced by exfoliation and complete ion-exchange between protons and magnesium cations in magnesium diboride (MgB2) with an average yield of 42.3% at room temperature. The sheets feature an sp2-bonded boron planar structure without any long-range order. A hexagonal boron network with bridge hydrogens is suggested as the possible local structure, where the absence of long-range order was ascribed to the presence of three different anisotropic domains originating from the 2-fold symmetry of the hydrogen positions against the 6-fold symmetry of the boron networks, based on X-ray diffraction, X-ray atomic pair distribution functions, electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, photo absorption, core-level binding energy data, infrared absorption, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The established cation-exchange method for metal diboride opens new avenues for the mass production of several types of boron-based 2D materials by countercation selection and functionalization.

[Preventing dermatopathy of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy].

Anticancer drug-associated dermatopathy tends to be disregarded because of its small systemic influence. However, it may affect daily living activities, and mental distress due to its appearance may interfere with the continuation of therapy. In this study, we surveyed the state of skin care, and found that patients had anxiety over vomiting and depilation rather than dermatopathy. Patients who developed dermatopathy performed skin care, but none performed preventive skin care. For patients to perform skin care to prevent adverse effects, we provided information on appropriate self-skin care methods based on pharmaceutical management/instruction and instruction in an outpatient chemotherapy room using documents. On conducting the second questionnaire survey after providing information, 74.3% of patients answered that information provided by pharmacists was useful. Since skin care is a form of self-care, it is necessary to continuously provide information to support patients.

[Analysis of a case of oxaliplatin - induced persistence sensory neuropathy].

Thirty-seven patients with advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer were treated with mFOLFOX6 or mFOLFOX6 with a Bevacizumab regimen between September 2008 and March 2009. Then, we evaluated persistent neuropathy using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (ver. 3). As a result of the research, grade 1-3 sensory neuropathy was observed in 5.6% after 3 cycles, 44. 4% after 5 cycles, 83. 3% after 8 cycles, and 83. 4% after 10 cycles. The average dose of L-OHP (mg/m2) until persistent sensory neuropathy appeared was grade 1: 399.7+/-157. 0 (17/ 37 patients); grade 2: 418.0+/-214. 1 (5/37 patients); and grade 3: 498.0+/-152. 8 (3/37 patients). As has been shown in international clinical trials, the severity and frequency of L-OHP-induced neurotoxicity are associated with the cumulative dose and duration of L-OHP administration. Further research is necessary to develop strategies for preventing or treating this side effect.

[Pharmaceutical services for patients receiving AC chemotherapy].

General treatments for breast cancer patients, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and lymphatic edema drainage, are performed at the Department of Breast Surgery in Kyushu Central Hospital. In those treatments, pharmacists provide the pharmaceutical treatment. Combination chemotherapy of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC therapy) is one of the standard regimens for breast cancer. In breast cancer patients who received AC therapy, we carried out investigations on side effects, and prepared pamphlets to support patients' self-management in their daily lives. In the process of preparing pamphlets, we made check sheets to monitor the severity and incidence of side effects. Based on the results of analysis and patients' opinions as well as staff remarks, we prepared pamphlets. According to the evaluation survey, pamphlets are regarded as useful. To meet the needs of patients, we intend to periodically revise pamphlets by continuing investigations on side effects, and provide up-to-date information.

Effects of perinatal stress on the emotion-related behavior of the adolescent mouse.

We examined the effects of perinatal stress on the emotion-related behavior of the mouse during their adolescent period. Firstly, we applied the sound noise and/or the forced swim stress to the maternal pregnant mice in the pregnant mice at 10 to 18 d gestation. The stress applied during the fetal period did affect neither the spontaneous locomotor activity of the offspring mice in a new environment at an age of 4 weeks, nor those sound-induced changes in the locomotor activity. Secondly, we applied the stress to the neonatal mouse during the late lactation period, 14 to 18 d after birth. The mice that underwent the forced swim stress accompanied by the sound noise stress showed a significant reduction of the locomotor activity. On the other hand, the mice that underwent the forced swim stress during the lactation period showed a significant increase in the locomotor activity after the stimulation by the sound noise. Lastly, we applied the stress to the neonatal mouse immediately after the weaning period, 21 to 25 d after birth. The spontaneous locomotor activity of the mice was not changed compared to that of the non-stressed group. Thus, it was found that the stress applied to the mice during the lactation period, thought to be the critical period of mouse brain development, selectively influenced the emotion-related behavior in the subsequent adolescent period. These results suggested that second postnatal week may be the critical period for establishing proper behavioral responses to emotional stress in the adolescent mouse.