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To evaluate the current role of liver transplantation (LT) for methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), we reviewed the literature on outcomes of this treatment, and describe three of our own cases of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The total number of LT cases identified was 18. Transplantation mode was deceased donor LT in 12, including five combined liver-kidney transplantations (CLKT) from deceased donors, and LDLT in six. Three hospital mortalities were noted, because of metabolic decompensation, sepsis and aspergillosis. Although mean postoperative serum MMA level decreased to 13.8% +/- 9.2% (range 1.25-26.1%) of preoperative levels, four patients (22.2%) had renal insufficiency after isolated LT and three (16.7%) had postoperative neurological disability. Continuing metabolic damage to the kidney and brain may occur even after successful LT. Further evaluation is required to determine the long-term suitability of this treatment modality.

The electronic spectra of reaction products via photoexcited phenol/ammonia clusters (1:2–5) have been measured by UV-near-IR–UV ion dip spectroscopy. Compared with the electronic spectra of hydrogenated ammonia cluster radicals the reaction products have been proven to be (NH3)n−1NH4 (n=2–5), which are generated by excited-state hydrogen transfer in PhOH–(NH3)n. By comparing the experimental results with ab initio molecular orbital calculations at multireference single and double excitation configuration interaction level, it has been found that the reaction products (NH3)n−1NH4 (for n=3 and 4), contain some isomers.

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The effect of pulse duration upon the line profile of Cu I emission observed by laser ablation of a copper metal plate immersed in water has been examined. By irradiating a pulse with the duration longer than 40 ns the spectral profile with clear narrow emission lines of Cu atoms is obtained, while the emission spectra always suffer from broadening and self-absorption by the irradiation of the 20 ns pulse for the ablation. The results show that the use of a long-duration pulse enables in situ elemental analysis of the solid surface in contact with a bulk liquid.