Search for B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} Decays at the Belle Experiment

We report the results of a search for the rare, purely leptonic decay B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} performed with a 711  fb^{-1} data sample that contains 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] pairs, collected near the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The signal events are selected based on the presence of a high momentum muon and the topology of the rest of the event showing properties of a generic B-meson decay, as well as the missing energy and momentum being consistent with the hypothesis of a neutrino from the signal decay. We find a 2.4 standard deviation excess above background including systematic uncertainties, which corresponds to a branching fraction of B(B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})=(6.46±2.22±1.60)×10^{-7} or a frequentist 90% confidence level interval on the B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} branching fraction of [2.9,10.7]×10^{-7}.

Diagnostic accuracy of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations in cats with and without cardiomyopathies

OBJECTIVES

Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels have been reported to be elevated in cats with cardiomyopathy. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of plasma ANP concentration as an indicator of the severity of cardiomyopathies.

ANIMALS

This study included 78 control cats and 83 cats with various types of cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicentre study. Control cats were determined to have a normal heart, and diseased cats were diagnosed by echocardiography. Diseased cats were divided into asymptomatic cats without left atrial dilation (LAD), asymptomatic cats with LAD, and cats with heart failure. Plasma C-terminal ANP concentrations were measured using chemiluminescence.

RESULTS

The median plasma ANP concentration in controls was 43.3 (interquartile range, 33.0-56.3) pg/mL. Plasma ANP values were significantly higher in the cardiomyopathic cats with LAD and heart failure, but the values in cats without LAD were comparable to those in control cats. To distinguish cats with cardiomyopathy from controls, a plasma ANP concentration >77.5 pg/mL afforded sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 84.6%. Use of plasma ANP concentration >110.9 pg/mL to identify cats with LAD had a sensitivity of 73.6% and specificity of 93.5%. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve were 0.80 and 0.86.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma ANP concentrations were higher in cats with more advanced cardiomyopathy. Although assaying the ANP concentration alone may not help to diagnose cardiac disease, measuring provides additional information that is useful for assessing the severity of cardiomyopathies.

Ontogeny of turbiditaxis in hatchery-reared Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus

The ontogenetic change in turbiditaxis (i.e. attraction to turbid waters) was examined in the larvae and juveniles of Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus by testing three levels of turbidity (0, 20 and 100 ppm of kaolin). Larvae of 12, 20 and 30 mm standard length (L_S ) exhibited turbiditaxis to both 20 and 100 ppm of kaolin, whereas 6 mm L_S larvae and 45 mm L_S juveniles did not exhibit any turbiditaxis. Turbiditaxis might explain the ontogenetic habitat shift from coastal to offshore waters reported for this species.

Mass Preparation of Primary Porcine Hepatocytes and the Design of a Hybrid Artificial Liver Module using Spheroid Culture for a Clinical Trial

To isolate a large number of porcine hepatocytes, we originally developed a mass preparation method that combined the usual collagenase perfusion method of a whole liver with a collagenase redigestion method of tissue fragments after liver perfusion. Using a pig of 10kg, collagenase perfusion only resulted in a yield of 63 ± 78 x 108 total cells with a viability of 69.2 ± 25.3 %, but our combined method had a yield of 167 ± 31 x 108 total cells with a viability of 87.9 ± 4.4 % (mean ± SD). Also, the combined method was applied to two pigs of 10kg body weight at the same time, and isolated 387 ± 89 x 108 hepatocytes with a viability of 87.1 ± 6.9 % and a purity of 93.6 ± 2.8 % in 11 experiments.

We designed a large multi-capillary polyurethane foam (MC-PUF) packed-bed module containing 1 x 1010 porcine hepatocytes on a clinical trial scale. The porcine hepatocytes in the module formed spherical multicellular aggregates (spheroids) of 200 – 500 μm diameter. Most hepatocytes forming spheroids were viable judged by fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide staining. The activities of ammonia removal, albumin secretion and oxygen consumption of the large MC-PUF module were the same as for a small MC-PUF module containing 2 x 108 porcine hepatocytes, and were maintained for at least 9 days of culture. These results show that a large MC-PUF module is successfully scaled up 50 times.

In conclusion, we succeeded in developing a mass preparation method of porcine hepatocytes and a large hybrid artificial liver module on a clinical trial scale.

The Efficacy of Nafamostat Mesilate on the Performance of a Hybrid-artificial Liver using a Polyurethane foam/porcine Hepatocyte Spheroid Culture System in Human Plasma

Nafamostat mesilate (FUT) is a protease inhibitor of complement activation. The present study investigates whether FUT protects porcine hepatocytes from being injured by human plasma in a multi-capillary polyurethane foam packed-bed culture system (MC-PUF) such as the hybrid-artificial liver (PUF-HAL). Human plasmas with 1 mM of added ammonia were perfused using a small-scale PUF-HAL with porcine hepatocytes. FUT was continuously infused (10 μ g/ml, 50 μ g/ml,). The ammonia detoxification was maintained in human plasma for 24 hours and for 48 hours with FUT which suppressed the rapid increase of asparaginic acid aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). After 60 hours of perfusion, hepatocyte spheroids completely collapsed in the human plasma, but a small amount of hepatocyte spheroid was maintained by FUT. The effect of FUT was slightly greater at 50 μ g/ml than at 10 μ g/ml. Our results suggest that FUT has protective effects against porcine hepatocytes in human plasma, and our PUF-HAL using porcine hepatocytes can function in human plasma for about 48 hours with FUT.

Automated histological classification of whole-slide images of gastric biopsy specimens

BACKGROUND

Automated image analysis has been developed currently in the field of surgical pathology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the classification accuracy of the e-Pathologist image analysis software.

METHODS

A total of 3062 gastric biopsy specimens were consecutively obtained and stained. The specimen slides were anonymized and digitized. At least two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists evaluated each slide for pathological diagnosis. We compared the three-tier (positive for carcinoma or suspicion of carcinoma; caution for adenoma or suspicion of a neoplastic lesion; or negative for a neoplastic lesion) or two-tier (negative or non-negative) classification results of human pathologists and of the e-Pathologist.

RESULTS

Of 3062 cases, 33.4% showed an abnormal finding. For the three-tier classification, the overall concordance rate was 55.6% (1702/3062). The kappa coefficient was 0.28 (95% CI, 0.26-0.30; fair agreement). For the negative biopsy specimens, the concordance rate was 90.6% (1033/1140), but for the positive biopsy specimens, the concordance rate was less than 50%. For the two-tier classification, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 89.5% (95% CI, 87.5-91.4%), 50.7% (95% CI, 48.5-52.9%), 47.7% (95% CI, 45.4-49.9%), and 90.6% (95% CI, 88.8-92.2%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are limitations and requirements for applying automated histopathological classification of gastric biopsy specimens in the clinical setting, the results of the present study are promising.

18F-FDG PET: early postoperative period of oro-maxillo-facial flaps

Aim: We addressed the feasibility of FDG-PET to differentiate between viability and non-viability in the immediate postoperative assessment of flaps (autologous microvascular anastomosed pedicled flaps) in oro-maxillo-facial surgery. Methods: 3-7 days after surgery, FDG-PET was done in 38 patients who had received flaps for reconstruction of the mandible after partial resection. The studies were done on a dedicated full ring PET-scanner (ECAT EXACT HR+, Siemens/CTI). Acquisition started between 60 and 80 min post injection. The findings of the soft tissue component of the flaps were grouped using a three point scale: (I) no defect, (II) small defects, (III) one large defect. The results of PET were compared with the clinical course for at least 3 months. Results: “No defect” on the FDG-PET study identified viability of the flap and predicted normal clinical follow-up (22/38 patients). “Small defects” visualized areas of decreased perfusion and decreased glucose metabolism indicating risk of non-viability (13/38 patients); adapting the postsurgical management led to delayed but uncomplicated healing of the flaps in these patients. “One large defect” demonstrated early necrosis of the flap (3/38 patients). After removal and replacement of this necrotic portion of the flap the second FDG-PET scan of these 3 patients demonstrated the uncomplicated post-operative healing. Conclusion: FDG-PET facilitated the assessment of viability and non viability of flaps in the immediate postsurgical period, and demonstrated the usefulness of FDG-PET for postoperative care and prognosis.

Evidence for Isospin Violation and Measurement of CP Asymmetries in B→K^{*}(892)γ

We report the first evidence for isospin violation in B→K^{*}γ and the first measurement of the difference of CP asymmetries between B^{+}→K^{*+}γ and B^{0}→K^{*0}γ. This analysis is based on the data sample containing 772×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs that was collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e^{+}e^{-} collider. We find evidence for the isospin violation with a significance of 3.1σ, Δ_{0+}=[+6.2±1.5(stat)±0.6(syst)±1.2(f_{+-}/f_{00})]%, where the third uncertainty is due to the uncertainty on the fraction of B^{+}B^{-} to B^{0}B[over ¯]^{0} production in ϒ(4S) decays. The measured value is consistent with predictions of the standard model. The result for the difference of CP asymmetries is ΔA_{CP}=[+2.4±2.8(stat)±0.5(syst)]%, consistent with zero. The measured branching fractions and CP asymmetries for charged and neutral B meson decays are the most precise to date. We also calculate the ratio of branching fractions of B^{0}→K^{*0}γ to B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ.

Search for CP Violation and Measurement of the Branching Fraction in the Decay D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}

We report a study of the decay D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} using 921  fb^{-1} of data collected at or near the ϒ(4S) and ϒ(5S) resonances with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The measured time-integrated CP asymmetry is A_{CP}(D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0})=(-0.02±1.53±0.02±0.17)%, and the branching fraction is B(D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0})=(1.321±0.023±0.036±0.044)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is due to the normalization mode (D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0}). These results are significantly more precise than previous measurements available for this mode. The A_{CP} measurement is consistent with the standard model expectation.

Automated histological classification of whole slide images of colorectal biopsy specimens

Background

An automated image analysis system, e-Pathologist, was developed to improve the quality of colorectal biopsy diagnostics in routine pathology practice.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the classification accuracy of the e-Pathologist image analysis software in the setting of routine pathology practice in two institutions.

Materials and methods

In total, 1328 colorectal tissue specimens were consecutively obtained from two hospitals (1077 tissues from Tokyo hospital, and 251 tissues from East hospital) and the stained specimen slides were anonymized and digitized. At least two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists evaluated each slide for pathological diagnosis. We compared the 3-tier classification results (carcinoma or suspicion of carcinoma, adenoma, and lastly negative for a neoplastic lesion) between the human pathologists and that of e-Pathologist.

Results

For the Tokyo hospital specimens, all carcinoma tissues were correctly classified (n=112), and 9.9% (80/810) of the adenoma tissues were incorrectly classified as negative. For the East hospital specimens, 0 out of the 51 adenoma tissues were incorrectly classified as negative while 9.3% (11/118) of the carcinoma tissues were incorrectly classified as either adenoma, or negative. For the Tokyo and East hospital datasets, the undetected rate of carcinoma, undetected rate of adenoma, and over-detected proportion were 0% and 9.3%, 9.9% and 0%, and 36.1% and 27.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

This image analysis system requires some improvements; however, it has the potential to assist pathologists in quality improvement of routine pathological practice in the not too distant future.

Value of 100 kVp scan with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction algorithm on a single-source CT system during whole-body CT for radiation and contrast medium dose reduction: an intra-individual feasibility study

AIM

To perform an intra-individual investigation of the usefulness of a contrast medium (CM) and radiation dose-reduction protocol using single-source computed tomography (CT) combined with 100 kVp and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) for whole-body CT (WBCT; chest-abdomen-pelvis CT) in oncology patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three oncology patients who had undergone WBCT under both 120 and 100 kVp protocols at different time points (mean interscan intervals: 98 days) were included retrospectively. The CM doses for the 120 and 100 kVp protocols were 600 and 480 mg iodine/kg, respectively; 120 kVp images were reconstructed with filtered back-projection (FBP), whereas 100 kVp images were reconstructed with FBP (100 kVp-F) and the SAFIRE (100 kVp-S). The size-specific dose estimate (SSDE), iodine load and image quality of each protocol were compared.

RESULTS

The SSDE and iodine load of 100 kVp protocol were 34% and 21%, respectively, lower than of 120 kVp protocol (SSDE: 10.6±1.1 versus 16.1±1.8 mGy; iodine load: 24.8±4versus 31.5±5.5 g iodine, p<0.01). Contrast enhancement, objective image noise, contrast-to-noise-ratio, and visual score of 100 kVp-S were similar to or better than of 120 kVp protocol.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the 120 kVp protocol, the combined use of 100 kVp and SAFIRE in WBCT for oncology assessment with an SSCT facilitated substantial reduction in the CM and radiation dose while maintaining image quality.

Monitoring of hemostatic abnormalities in major orthopedic surgery patients treated with edoxaban by APTT waveform

INTRODUCTION

An analysis of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in major orthopedic surgery patients receiving edoxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was carried out.

METHODS

The APTT waveform was analyzed in the above patients to monitor edoxaban administration.

RESULTS

Of these 99 patients, 12 exhibited deep vein thrombosis, and 25 had massive bleeding. An increased biphasic pattern of the APTT waveform was observed after the administration of edoxaban, but there were no significant differences between the patients with and without complications. The peak times of acceleration, velocity, and 1/2 fibrin formation were significantly prolonged after the administration of edoxaban, especially in patients with massive bleeding, and were moderately correlated with the anti-Xa activity. While the heights of velocity and acceleration peak 2 were lower in patients receiving warfarin treatment than in those receiving edoxaban, the widths of these parameters were significantly longer. The height of 1/2 fibrin formation and the width of acceleration peaks 1 and 2 and the velocity were significantly increased after the administration of edoxaban.

CONCLUSION

The peak time of the APTT waveform was significantly prolonged after the administration of edoxaban. The analysis of the APTT waveform may therefore be useful for the prediction of the risk of massive bleeding.

Crucial role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the development of acute colitis through the regulation of intestinal inflammation

Disruption of intestinal homeostasis can lead to inflammatory bowel diseases endowed susceptibility genes and environmental factors affecting intestinal accumulation and activation of colitogenic phagocytes. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are immune cells that had been proposed to control innate and adaptive immunity through the massive secretion of type I interferon (IFN-I). However, the contribution of pDCs to the progression of intestinal inflammation remains unclear. Here we show a critical role of pDCs in the initiation of acute colonic inflammation using T-cell-independent acute colitis model with a selective ablation of pDCs. Although pDCs accumulated in the inflamed colon upon mucosal injury, deficiency of pDCs attenuated the development of acute colitis independent of IFN-I signaling, accompanied by the diminished colonic production of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, deficiency of pDCs impaired the mobilization of colitogenic phagocytes into the inflamed colon possibly mediated by the abrogated mucosal production of C-C chemokine receptor 2 ligand. Thus, our findings highlight a critical role of pDCs in the induction of the colonic inflammation that regulates the colonic accumulation of inflammatory phagocytes leading to the initiation and exacerbation of acute colitis, and they may serve a key role in controlling gut mucosal immune homeostasis.