The frequency of TPMT gene mutations is low among Japanese IBD patients. The incidence of adverse reactions to AZA was high, even in patients carrying wild-type TPMT. It is concluded that determination of TPMT genotype may not be useful in Japanese IBD patients to predict adverse reactions to AZA.

A microchamber array for PCR was developed by semiconductor microfabrication technology. The microchambers were designed to be of picoliter quantity. To optimize fluid retention, the surface states of the substrate and the inner walls were examine for four different types of microchamber. The substrate was silicon, while silicon dioxide was selected for the inner walls. PCR was performed in the microchamber array, and the amplification of DNA was detected using a technique based on the energy transfer of fluorescent dyes. The lower volume limit for PCR was investigated using various sizes of microchambers. Microchambers with volume greater than 86 pL gave successful PCR. In addition, the system was improved in order to take up the PCR product. To prevent mixing of the samples, the samples were dried after PCR using a membrane that permeates only vapor.

An efficient cross-addition reaction of dienes with aldehydes was developed by using RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 as a catalyst to give a wide variety of beta,gamma-unsaturated ketones, where a pi-allylruthenium species, derived from hydroruthenation of diene, may be involved as a key intermediate.

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