Design of soft x-ray varied-line-spacing (VLS) high-dispersion laminar-type grating coated with super-mirror-type (SMT) multilayer for flat-field spectrograph in a region of 2-4 keV

A soft x-ray varied-line-spacing (VLS) laminar-type spherical grating with a super-mirror-type (SMT) multilayer was designed for a soft x-ray high resolution flat-field spectrograph in a region of 2-4 keV. The effective groove density of the designed VLS grating is 3200 lines/mm, and the local groove density varies from 2700 to 3866 lines/mm. The geometrical imaging property was evaluated by numerical calculations. The resolving power estimated by means of ray tracing was up to ∼103. For the evaluation of diffraction efficiency, the SMT multilayer structure designed for 3200 lines/mm in our previous work, Koike et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 94, 045109 (2023), was employed, and the numerical calculation was performed considering the local groove density of VLS grooves and the local incidence angle being affected by the curvature of the spherical surface and the geometrical relation between the source and incidence point on the grating. The results showed that the SMT multilayer-coated grating exhibited about an order of magnitude higher diffraction efficiency compared with an Au-coated grating.

A case of pituitary metastasis discovered when diabetes insipidus developed in a patient 20 years after breast cancer treatment

The patient was a 52-year-old woman. She had a history of left breast cancer at age 32 years, with no recurrences. She was examined for a feeling of oral dryness and nocturia, and central diabetes insipidus was diagnosed. A mass was seen in the posterior pituitary on magnetic resonance imaging, and multiple pulmonary nodules were seen on computed tomography. Breast cancer metastases were diagnosed in both tissues. Since this patient had no cancer other than the breast cancer treated 20 years earlier, it was difficult to reach a diagnosis of pituitary metastasis with pituitary gland imaging alone. In estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, there may be recurrences after a long period of time. It may be that recommending a full body examination could be useful in the differential diagnosis of metastasis even in patients who have had a long disease-free period, if they had undergone surgery for breast cancer.

In Vivo Sonoporation Effect Under the Presence of a Large Amount of Micro-Nano Bubbles in Swine Liver

OBJECTIVES

Sonoporation as a method of intracellular drug and gene delivery has not yet progressed to being used in vivo. The aim of this study was to prove the feasibility of sonoporation at a level practical for use in vivo by using a large amount of carbon dioxide micro-nano bubbles.

METHODS

The carbon dioxide micro-nano bubbles and 100 mg of cisplatin were intra-arterially injected to the swine livers, and ultrasound irradiation was performed from the surface of the liver under laparotomy during the intra-arterial injection. After the intra-arterial injection, ultrasound-irradiated and nonirradiated liver tissues were immediately excised. Tissue platinum concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Liver tissue platinum concentrations were compared between the irradiated tissue and nonirradiated tissue using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) liver tissue platinum concentration was 6.260*103 (2.070) ng/g in the irradiated liver tissue and 3.280*103 (0.430) ng/g in the nonirradiated liver tissue, showing significantly higher concentrations in the irradiated tissue (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, increasing the tissue concentration of administered cisplatin in the livers of living swine through the effect of sonoporation was possible in the presence of a large amount of micro-nano bubbles.

Proof-of-Principle Experiment for Testing Strong-Field Quantum Electrodynamics with Exotic Atoms: High Precision X-Ray Spectroscopy of Muonic Neon

To test bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BSQED) in the strong-field regime, we have performed high precision x-ray spectroscopy of the 5g-4f and 5f- 4d transitions (BSQED contribution of 2.4 and 5.2 eV, respectively) of muonic neon atoms in the low-pressure gas phase without bound electrons. Muonic atoms have been recently proposed as an alternative to few-electron high-Z ions for BSQED tests by focusing on circular Rydberg states where nuclear contributions are negligibly small. We determined the 5g_{9/2}- 4f_{7/2} transition energy to be 6297.08±0.04(stat)±0.13(syst)  eV using superconducting transition-edge sensor microcalorimeters (5.2-5.5 eV FWHM resolution), which agrees well with the most advanced BSQED theoretical prediction of 6297.26 eV.

Venous Rupture Following Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Inferior Mesenteric Type II Arteriovenous Malformation

We treated a 64-year-old man who had an inferior mesenteric arteriovenous malformation with multiple shunts. As multiple varicosities in the draining vein became enlarged, two dilated shunts on the superior rectal and sigmoid colon arteries were coil embolized. Two days after embolization, a varicosity near the shunt (65 mm diameter) ruptured, causing intra-abdominal hemorrhage and surgical hemostasis. There were thrombi in the ruptured varicosity and its draining vein. The likely cause was a pressure increase in the incompletely thrombosed varicosity due to shunt blood flow from the remaining shunts after embolization.

Percutaneous Transsplenic Embolization of Gastric Varices in Left-sided Portal Hypertension

An 81-year-old man with previously diagnosed cancer of the pancreatic body presented with melena and anemia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed gastric varices with bleeding in the entire stomach. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified a splenic vein occlusion resulting from invasion by the pancreatic body cancer and dilated collateral pathways from the splenic hilum to the gastric fundus. The patient was diagnosed with gastric varices associated with left-sided portal hypertension caused by obstruction of the splenic vein and underwent percutaneous transsplenic embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate mixed with lipiodol. Splenic subcapsular hematoma occurred and was treated conservatively. The patient died of advanced cancer 5 months after the procedure, without experiencing rebleeding. Percutaneous transsplenic embolization was effective in treating gastric variceal bleeding caused by left-sided portal hypertension.

Radiation Exposure and Protection in Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy

Computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided procedures, such as those used for percutaneous biopsy, drainage, and radiofrequency ablation, are highly safe and quite often very successful due to the precision offered by the real-time, high-resolution tomographic images. Even so, international guidelines raised concerns regarding operator exposure to high doses of radiation during these procedures. In light of these concerns, operators conducting CT fluoroscopy-guided procedures not only need to be cognizant of the exposure risk but also exhibit sufficient knowledge of radiation protection. This paper reviews the current literature on experimental and clinical studies of radiation exposure doses to operators during CT fluoroscopy-guided procedures. In addition to the literature review, this paper also introduces different approaches that can be implemented to ensure appropriate radiation protection.

Effects of wood kraft pulp as a partial replacement for roughage on rumen fermentation and productivity in dairy cows

In this study, we evaluated the partial replacement of roughage with wood kraft pulp (KP) on rumen fermentation and productivity of dairy cows. Eighteen cows were divided into control and KP groups. The KP group started adaptation to KP 3 weeks before calving; after calving, they were fed a total mixed ration for 12 weeks, wherein 18% Timothy hay was replaced with KP. The dry matter intake, body weight, and milk yield and composition were similar in the control and KP groups. The average daily rumen pH was higher with KP feeding, and the average daily ruminal temperature remained lower at 16 days after calving (P < 0.05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids remained unaltered, the molar proportion of acetic acid decreased, and the molar proportion of propionic acid increased, indicating a low acetic acid:propionic acid ratio (P < 0.05). Lipopolysaccharide activity in the rumen fluid was higher in the KP group (P < 0.05); however, the rumen microbiota were unaffected. The digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber increased 12 weeks after calving, whereas excretion of urinary nitrogen decreased (P < 0.05). Partial replacement of roughage with KP did not suppress rumen fermentation and maintained postpartum productivity.

A Case of Percutaneous Transesophageal Jejunostomy after Subtotal Esophagectomy

An 80-year-old woman who underwent subtotal esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer developed carcinoma of the left upper gingiva. The local recurrence of the gingival carcinoma resulted in trismus and prevented oral intake. Then she underwent a percutaneous transesophageal jejunostomy tube placement in the preserved cervical esophagus. Enteral feeding continued for three months with no complications until oral intake was possible. A percutaneous transesophageal jejunostomy is possible using the postoperatively preserved cervical esophagus.

Congenital pulmonary varix: Two case reports

RATIONALE

Patients with congenital pulmonary varix are asymptomatic and require no treatment, but the radiological characteristics of a pulmonary varix are similar to those of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, which requires treatment. Pulmonary angiography is useful for obtaining information about the dynamics of pulmonary blood flow to differentiate a pulmonary varix from a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation for the purpose of treatment planning. Two cases of congenital pulmonary varices that were differentiated from pulmonary arteriovenous malformations based on pulmonary angiography findings are presented.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS

The first patient was an asymptomatic 39-year-old man. Non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed as part of the treatment course for pneumonia showed pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in the right lung. Pulmonary angiography was performed and showed that it was a pulmonary varix. The second patient was an asymptomatic 23-year-old woman. As part of her regular health check-up, she underwent plain chest X-ray examination, which showed an abnormal shadow. Non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed, and pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was suspected. However, contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings suggested that the patient had a congenital pulmonary varix rather than a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Pulmonary angiography was subsequently performed for diagnosis, and a pulmonary varix was confirmed.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

No treatment was administered to either patient. The first patient was followed up for four years, and the second patient for two years. Both patients had no symptoms or complications during the follow-up period.

LESSONS

Two cases of congenital pulmonary varices were reported. Information about the dynamics of pulmonary blood flow obtained by performing pulmonary angiography was effective in distinguishing between pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and congenital pulmonary varix.

Deexcitation Dynamics of Muonic Atoms Revealed by High-Precision Spectroscopy of Electronic K X Rays

We observed electronic K x rays emitted from muonic iron atoms using superconducting transition-edge sensor microcalorimeters. The energy resolution of 5.2 eV in FWHM allowed us to observe the asymmetric broad profile of the electronic characteristic Kα and Kβ x rays together with the hypersatellite K^{h}α x rays around 6 keV. This signature reflects the time-dependent screening of the nuclear charge by the negative muon and the L-shell electrons, accompanied by electron side feeding. Assisted by a simulation, these data clearly reveal the electronic K- and L-shell hole production and their temporal evolution on the 10-20 fs scale during the muon cascade process.

The percutaneous tandem drainage technique for radical treatment of intractable hepaticojejunostomy leakage

The principal concept of the percutaneous tandem drainage procedure for an intractable hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) leakage is to decrease the amount of fluid and divide the fluid-filled cavity into several small cavities, which can then be drained individually. Percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD) has a role in drainage of the fluid cavity, whereas percutaneous trans-anastomotic jejunum drainage (PTAJD) has a role in drainage to reduce the bile fluid and digestive juices. A decrease in fluid induces effective drainage of the fluid cavity by PAD. A negative pressure suction drain accelerates reduction of the fluid cavity. PAD is removed when the localized fluid cavity has collapsed. PTAJD is finally removed after a clamping test is performed. Since 2020, we performed the percutaneous tandem drainage for two patients, and an intractable HJ leakage was gently resolved within 3 months without any adverse event. The percutaneous tandem drainage technique is safe for steady drain management of an intractable HJ leakage.

Subcapsular hepatic hematoma: a case of chronic expanding hematoma of the liver

Background

A chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) enlarges as a result of slight bleeding over several months, and the tissue shows a mixture of blood breakdown products, granulation tissue with capillary ingrowth, and inflammatory tissue. This report presents a case of a subcapsular hepatic CEH that was treated with transarterial embolization (TAE) and hepatectomy.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old man presented with vomiting and right-sided abdominal pain. Plain abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a high-density area of fluid collection beneath the capsule of the right hepatic lobe, which was diagnosed as a hematoma. From its anatomical position on the CT images, a subcapsular hepatic hematoma was diagnosed. Though conservative therapy was provided, CT-guided percutaneous drainage and TAE were performed due to worsening symptom. Because the patient's abdominal symptoms re-appeared, extended right segmentectomy including the hematoma was performed. In the resected specimen, the hematoma was located beneath the capsule of the right hepatic lobe, and it was displacing the hepatic parenchyma. Microscopic examination showed a thick fibrous capsule around the hematoma, peripheral lymphocyte and plasmacyte invasion, and aggregations of histiocytes containing phagocytosed hemosiderin.

Conclusions

Anatomically, this was a case of a subcapsular hepatic hematoma, and pathologically it was shown to be a CEH. Complete surgical resection was effective treatment for this CEH.

Evaluation of the antithrombogenicity of poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate-coated catheters

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The blood compatibility of indwelling intravascular catheters is facilitated by the use of antithrombogenic materials. Heparin has typically been used for this purpose; however, since heparin-coated catheters are considered combination products, difficulties meeting the relevant Food and Drug Administration safety recommendations have disrupted commercialization. Other issues include coating durability and the occurrence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Polymer coatings are a potential alternative; however, polymer antithrombogenicity in circulating human blood has yet to be demonstrated. The present study aimed to establish the ex vivo antithrombogenicity of a poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate (PMEA) polymer coating applied to a central venous catheter using an artificial human blood circulation system.

METHODS

The present study used an artificial human blood circulation system to conduct an ex vivo evaluation of the antithrombogenicity of poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate (PMEA)-coated catheters. Human blood samples obtained from volunteer donors were loaded into a circulation system fitted with either a PMEA-coated or uncoated catheter. After 3-h, the catheter was removed and examined using scanning electron microscopy. Protein adsorption on the catheter surface was investigated by shredding the catheter that had contacted the blood inside the circulation system and immersing the pieces in 1 mL of 0.5 N NaOH for 2 days. The amount of protein in the 0.5 N NaOH was determined according to the Lowry method.

RESULTS

Adherent fibrin, which forms a sheath on the catheter surface, was observed on uncoated, but not PMEA-coated catheters. Furthermore, the amount of protein adsorption was significantly less with PMEA-coated than uncoated catheters (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings demonstrated the antithrombogenicity of PMEA-coated catheters in circulating human blood.

Skeletal animation for visualizing dynamic shapes of macromolecules

We apply a skeletal animation technique developed for general computer graphics animation to display the dynamic shape of protein molecules. Polygon-based models for macromolecules such as atomic representations, surface models, and protein ribbon models are deformed by the motion of skeletal bones that provide coarse-grained descriptions of detailed computer graphics models. Using the animation software Blender, we developed methods to generate the skeletal bones for molecules. Our example of the superposition of normal modes demonstrates the thermal fluctuating motion obtained from normal mode analysis. The method is also applied to display the motions of protein molecules using trajectory coordinates of a molecular dynamics simulation. We found that a standard motion capture file was practical and useful for describing the motion of the molecule using available computer graphics tools.

Clinical results of transarterial embolization for post-partum hemorrhage in 62 patients

AIM

The pathology of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) differs depending on its cause, background and timing of bleeding, and the effectiveness of transarterial embolization (TAE) is thought to vary based on these characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of TAE for PPH.

METHODS

Technical success, initial clinical success (hemostasis without repeat TAE or surgical treatment after initial TAE) and final clinical success (hemostasis with or without repeat TAE, but without surgical treatment) were assessed in 62 Japanese patients. Factors affecting final clinical success were analyzed using univariate analysis. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Further, the clinical course and factors associated with rebleeding, return of menstruation and fertility, and complications of TAE were assessed.

RESULTS

Final clinical success rate was significantly lower in cases with obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) DIC (P = 0.01, 0.03). Rebleeding (n = 9, 14.5%) was more common in patients with retained products of conception (RPOC) (P = 0.006). On long-term follow-up in 23 patients, return of menstruation was confirmed in 17 (73.9%) of these patients. Subsequent pregnancy was confirmed in seven patients (30.4%). TAE-related complications were seen in 6 patients (9.0%). There were no maternal deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Obstetrical and ISTH DIC reduced the success rate of TAE for PPH (P = 0.01, 0.03). Rebleeding, which is observed significantly more frequently in PPH caused by RPOC (P = 0.006), can be effectively treated by repeat TAE.

Simultaneous Drainage of the Abscess Cavity and Intestinal Tract for an Intra-abdominal Abscess Secondary to Major Leakage: A Case Report

This case report describes a 72-year-old man who developed an intra-abdominal abscess and major postoperative anastomotic leakage. He reported a history of pancreaticoduodenectomy, partial hepatectomy, and segmental colectomy for hepatic and colonic invasion of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Three catheters, (one in the transverse colon and two in the abscess cavity) were placed simultaneously through the drainage tract formed by the intraoperatively placed Pleats drain. The intra-abdominal abscess resolved following this intervention and has not recurred since. Postoperative drainage and starvation were continued for 52 and 84 days, respectively. This case report describes a novel technique of catheter insertion from the abscess cavity into the intestine through the site of rupture to reduce intestinal pressure and partially block the enteric fistula.

Assessment of the Antithrombogenicity of a Poly-2-Methoxyethylacrylate-Coated Central Venous Port-Catheter System

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antithrombogenic effects of poly-2-methoxyethylacrylate (PMEA) coating applied to the internal surfaces of the port-catheter system to prevent thrombotic occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PMEA coating was applied to the inner surfaces of the entire system, including the chamber, catheter, and connecting stem. PMEA-coated and uncoated port-catheter systems were each filled with fresh human blood for 1 or 3 h and then flushed with saline. Volumes of residual thrombi in the system and protein in the catheter were then compared.

RESULTS

Saline flushing of the PMEA-coated port-catheter system expelled all visually recognizable thrombi, leaving no unremovable adhesions. In contrast, the uncoated port showed thrombi adherent to the inner surfaces and incomplete expulsion with flushing. Mean (± standard deviation) residual thrombus mass was significantly lower in PMEA-coated port-catheter systems (20.5 ± 6.2 mg) than in uncoated systems (230.3 ± 92.5 mg; p < 0.01). Mean residual protein was likewise significantly lower in PMEA-coated systems (20.5 ± 6.2 mg) than in uncoated systems (230.3 ± 92.5 mg; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PMEA coating on a central venous port-catheter system decreased accumulation and facilitated flushing of thrombi from the system by flushing, as compared with the uncoated system. PMEA-coated central venous port-catheter systems appear relatively antithrombotic compared to uncoated systems.

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 in Corn: AOAC–IUPAC Collaborative Study

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method for simultaneous determination of fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2), and B3 (FB3) in corn was subjected to a collaborative study involving 12 participants from 10 countries, in which the accuracy and reproducibility characteristics of the method were established. Mean analyte recoveries from corn ranged from 81.1 to 84.2% for FB1 (at a spiking range of 500 to 8000 ng/g), from 75.9 to 81.9% for FB2 (at a spiking range of 200 to 3200 ng/g), and from 75.8 to 86.8% for FB3 (at a spiking range of 100 to 1600 ng/g). The valid data were statistically evaluated after exclusion of outliers. Relative standard deviations for within-laboratory repeatability ranged from 5.8 to 13.2% for FB1, from 7.2 to 17.5% for FB2, and from 8.0 to 17.2% for FB3. Relative standard deviations for between-laboratory reproducibility varied from 13.9 to 22.2% for FB1, from 15.8 to 26.7% for FB2, and from 19.5 to 24.9% for FB3. HORRAT ratios, calculated for the individual toxin analogues, ranged from 0.75 to 1.73. The LC method for determination of fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 in corn (at concentrations of 800–12800 ng total fumonisins/g) has been adopted by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

Scoring System to Predict pt2 in Gallbladder Cancer Based on Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Tumor Diameter

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

T2 gallbladder cancer requires lymph node dissection for curative resection, whereas simple cholecystectomy is adequate to treat T1 gallbladder cancer. Hence, this study aimed to develop an accurate scoring system to preoperatively predict pT2 in gallbladder cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively assessed data from 57 patients with suspected gallbladder cancer who underwent curative resection between September 2003 and May 2017. Six with apparent invasion of adjacent organs on preoperative images were excluded. We evaluated preoperative computed tomography, magnetic resonance and endoscopic ultrasonographic images, blood biochemistry, and the maximum standard uptake value in fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography images. We analyzed whether correlations between preoperative findings and the depth of tumor invasion could predict pT2.

RESULTS

The pathological diagnosis was gallbladder cancer in 30 (58.8%) patients, of whom 21 (69.9%) had pT2 or worse. Multivariate analyses selected carcinoembryonic antigen and tumor diameter as independent predictors of pT2 or worse (odds ratios = 1.741 and 1.098, respectively; 95% confidence intervals = 1.004-3.020 and 1.008-1.197, respectively). A regression formula was created using carcinoembryonic antigen and tumor diameter to calculate pT2 predictive scores. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the pT2 predictive score was 0.873.

CONCLUSION

We created a scoring system to predict pT2 in gallbladder cancer using carcinoembryonic antigen and tumor diameter. The present findings suggested that carcinoembryonic antigen is important for the preoperative evaluation of gallbladder cancer.

New precise measurements of muonium hyperfine structure at J-PARC MUSE

High precision measurements of the ground state hyperfine structure (HFS) of muonium is a stringent tool for testing bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory, determining fundamental constants of the muon magnetic moment and mass, and searches for new physics. Muonium is the most suitable system to test QED because both theoretical and experimental values can be precisely determined. Previous measurements were performed decades ago at LAMPF with uncertainties mostly dominated by statistical errors. At the J-PARC Muon Science Facility (MUSE), the MuSEUM collaboration is planning complementary measurements of muonium HFS both at zero and high magnetic field. The new high-intensity muon beam that will soon be available at H-Line will provide an opportunity to improve the precision of these measurements by one order of magnitude. An overview of the different aspects of these new muonium HFS measurements, the current status of the preparation for high-field measurements, and the latest results at zero field are presented.

Percutaneous Balloon Plasty for Thoracic Duct Occlusion in a Patient with Chylothorax and Chylous Ascites

A patient developed abdominal distension, dyspnea, and nausea due to chylothorax and chylous ascites 1 month after bruising her back. Lymphangiography was unable to identify the site of lymph leakage, and lymphatic duct embolization was impractical. However, lymphangiography showed occlusion of the thoracic duct. Thus, balloon plasty was performed to restore the patency of the thoracic duct, and the chylothorax and chylous ascites improved. Although embolization of the thoracic or lymphatic ducts has been reported as a treatment for lymphorrhea, it is impractical if the lymphatic duct responsible for leakage cannot be identified. In such a case, balloon plasty of the occluded thoracic duct to lower the pressure in the peripheral lymphatic ducts was successfully performed.

Diagnostic usefulness of panoramic imaging of the pterygopalatine fossa: case of a schwannoma causing pterygopalatine fossa expansion

The pterygopalatine fossa is a small area between the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the anterior surface of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone. The pterygopalatine fossa can be seen clearly on panoramic imaging. We present the case of a 57-year-old man who exhibited right pterygopalatine fossa expansion on panoramic imaging. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and panoramic imaging all showed a tumor at the right pterygopalatine fossa in this patient. CT indicated that the tumor replaced right retromaxillary fat and displaced the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. On MRI, the tumor showed intermediate signal intensity at the paranasal area on T1-weighted images, and variable intermediate and high signal intensities on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. It was eventually diagnosed as a schwannoma. Thus, panoramic imaging can be used for disease screening at the posterior border of the maxilla. Our conclusion is based on this report of a patient with a schwannoma at the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, which panoramic imaging revealed to have pterygopalatine fossa expansion.

Central venous access port placement by translumbar approach using angio-CT unit in patients with superior vena cava syndrome

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical results of central venous access port (CV port) placement by translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation using angio-CT unit for cancer patients with superior vena cava syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CV port was placed by translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation using an angio-CT unit, in 14 consecutive patients. All patients had occlusion or advanced stenosis of the superior vena cava due to cancer progression.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of the percutaneous translumbar CV port placement was 100%. The only complication related to port placement was bleeding in the right iliopsoas muscle seen on CT in one patient, but it stopped with conservative treatment. The mean initial device service interval was 125 days (range 6-448 days). Complications in the chronic phase occurred in two patients, one with catheter-related infection and the other with catheter breakage, for a rate of 0.44/1000 catheter days. In the patient with the broken catheter, the port chamber placement site was cut and replaced with a new catheter by guidewire exchange.

CONCLUSIONS

CV port placement with translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation using an angio-CT unit for cancer patients with superior vena cava syndrome was safe and effective.

Isomeric 26Al beam production with CRIB

We performed an experiment to measure proton resonant elastic scattering of a mixed 26m,gAl beam with a thick target in inverse kinematics by using CNS RI beam sep-arator, located at RIKEN Nishina Center. It aimed to search for strong proton resonances and determine level properties of low spin-parity states in 27Si. Diagnosis of the 26mAl purity of the beam by annihilation radiation are discussed.

Re-oxygenation Improves Hypoxia-induced Pulp Cell Arrest

Dental pulp cells can be exposed to hypoxia during severe inflammation or restorative procedures, though their response to hypoxia is not well-understood. We hypothesized that hypoxia has effects on the growth of pulp cells in vitro. When the cells were exposed to hypoxia for 48 hr, cell growth was suppressed, and cell death was detected by Hoechst staining. Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein was inhibited in cells exposed to hypoxia. Analyses of the molecules involved in retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation revealed that hypoxia suppressed cyclin D2 and activated p21CIP1/WAF1. Further, hypoxia-exposed pulp cells showed improvement of cell viability, cell-cycle progression, and expression of cyclin D2 with re-oxygenation. These findings indicate that hypoxia-induced cell cycle arrest in pulp cells is reversible, while cyclin D2 may play an essential role in the improvement of cell proliferation with re-oxygenation.

Balloon-Occluded Antegrade Transvenous Sclerotherapy to Treat Rectal Varices: A Direct Puncture Approach to the Superior Rectal Vein Through the Greater Sciatic Foramen Under CT Fluoroscopy Guidance

Rectal varices occur in 44.5 % of patients with ectopic varices caused by portal hypertension, and 48.6 % of these patients are untreated and followed by observation. However, bleeding occurs in 38 % and shock leading to death in 5 % of such patients. Two patients, an 80-year-old woman undergoing treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A) and a 63-year-old man with class C hepatic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A), in whom balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous sclerotherapy was performed to treat rectal varices are reported. A catheter was inserted by directly puncturing the rectal vein percutaneously through the greater sciatic foramen under computed tomographic fluoroscopy guidance. In both cases, the rectal varices were successfully treated without any significant complications, with no bleeding from rectal varices after embolization.

REPEATED INTRANODAL LYMPHANGIOGRAPHY FOR THE TREATMENT OF LYMPHATIC LEAKAGE

Treatment of patients with chylous or non-chylous lymphatic leakage can be difficult. An approach using therapeutic lymphangiography can reduce the lymphatic leakage, but it seldom stops the leakage immediately and subsequent conservative treatment is necessary. We report three cases in which intranodal lymphangiography was performed multiple times to inhibit lymphatic leakage. In each case, the lymph node was punctured under ultrasound guidance using a 23-gauge needle and lipiodol was injected manually at a rate of 1 ml/3 min. The procedure was repeated twice in two cases of gastrointestinal carcinoma and four times in one case of lymphoma. In all three cases, the postoperative lymphatic leakage stopped after the repeated intranodal lymphangiography.

A tilt-pair based method for assigning the projection directions of randomly oriented single-particle molecules

In this article, we describe an improved method to assign the projection angle for averaged images using tilt-pair images for three-dimensional reconstructions from randomly oriented single-particle molecular images. Our study addressed the so-called 'initial volume problem' in the single-particle reconstruction, which involves estimation of projection angles of the particle images. The projected images of the particles in different tilt observations were mixed and averaged for the characteristic views. After the ranking of these group average images in terms of reliable tilt angle information, mutual tilt angles between images are assigned from the constituent tilt-pair information. Then, multiples of the conical tilt series are made and merged to construct a network graph of the particle images in terms of projection angles, which are optimized for the three-dimensional reconstruction. We developed the method with images of a synthetic object and applied it to a single-particle image data set of the purified deacetylase from archaea. With the introduction of low-angle tilt observations to minimize unfavorable imaging conditions due to tilting, the results demonstrated reasonable reconstruction models without imposing symmetry to the structure. This method also guides its users to discriminate particle images of different conformational state of the molecule.

Computed diffusion-weighted MRI for prostate cancer detection: the influence of the combinations of b-values

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of the combinations of b-values on computed diffusion-weighted images (cDWIs) for prostate cancer (PCa) detection at b = 2000 s mm(-2).

METHODS

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIs) for 31 patients with PCa (65.2 ± 7.1 years) were obtained pre-operatively at different b-values (0, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 s mm(-2)) on a 3-T MRI. cDWIs at b = 2000 were generated by using six b-value combinations: 0-100 s mm(-2) (cDWI0-100); 0-500 s mm(-2) (cDWI0-500); 100-500 s mm(-2) (cDWI100-500); 0-1000 s mm(-2) (cDWI0-1000); 100-1000 s mm(-2) (cDWI100-1000); and 500-1000 s mm(-2) (cDWI500-1000). These cDWIs and measured DWIs with b = 2000 s mm(-2) (mDWI2000) were evaluated in this setting. To assess image quality for each DWI, contrast ratios (CRs) of cancerous and non-cancerous lesions were evaluated. To compare the detectability of PCa for each DWI, receiver operating characteristic analysis was used.

RESULTS

CRs of all cDWIs were significantly higher than those of mDWI2000 (p < 0.05). Areas under the curve of cDWI0-100 (0.62) and cDWI0-500 (0.65) were significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than those of others (cDWI100-500, 0.72; cDWI0-1000, 0.73; cDWI100-1000, 0.71; cDWI500-1000, 0.74; mDWI2000, 0.72).

CONCLUSION

The combinations of b-values influenced image quality and diagnostic ability of cDWIs for PCa detection. The combinations of b ≥ 100 and b ≥ 500 s mm(-2), as well as b = 0 and b = 1000 s mm(-2), were optimal in this study.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

For generating the useful cDWI for PCa detection, radiologists should take care of the combination of b-values when including low b-values.

Type 2 diabetes reduces the proliferation and survival of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in ishchemic white matter lesions

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for stroke and it exacerbates tissue damage after ischemic insult. Diabetes is one of the important causes of the progression of white matter lesion, however, the pathological mechanisms remain unclear. The present study evaluated the influences of type 2 DM on ischemic subcortical white matter injury and the recruitment of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) under chronic cerebral hypoperfusion using type 2 diabetic (db/db) mice. After bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), the rarefaction in the white matter was more severe in db/db mice than in db/+ mice, and the number of glutathione S-transferase-pi (GST-pi)-positive mature oligodendrocytes (OLG) was lower in db/db mice than in db/+ mice at 4 and 8 weeks after ischemia. There were no significant differences in the number of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-positive apoptotic cells in the deep white matter between the db/db and db/+ mice. We found a transient increase in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα)-positive OPCs in white matter lesions after ischemia. However, significantly fewer PDGFRα-positive OPCs were detected in db/db than db/+ mice from 4weeks after BCAS. The number of Ki67-positive proliferating cells in the deep white matter was significantly lower in db/db mice than in db/+ mice from 4 to 8weeks after BCAS. Most of the Ki67-positive cells were PDGFRα-positive OPCs. Finally, we assessed the survival of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive proliferating cells in ischemic white matter, and found significantly poorer survival of BrdU/PDGFRα-positive OPCs or BrdU/GST-pi-positive OLGs in the db/db mice compared to the db/+ mice in the white matter after BCAS. Our findings suggest that the type 2 DM mice exhibited more severe white matter injury 8 weeks after chronic ischemia. Decreased proliferation and survival of OPCs may play an important role in the progression of white matter lesions after ischemia in diabetics.

Evidence of a sophisticatedly heterogeneous population of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Induction and promotion of angiogenesis play a role in a diverse range of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes that are especially relevant to the field of regenerative medicine. For assessing vasculogenesis and neo-angiogenesis, identifying angiogenic factors, angiocrine factors, and vascular niche, facilitating tissue-repair and tumor growth, efficiently generating induced pluripotent stem cells, and coculturing with organ-specific stem cells, isolation and characterization of the subpopulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and their endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are needed. In this study, primary HUVECs were collected from fresh umbilical cords and fractionated and characterized with the use of flow cytometry. Clonal colony assay showed that endothelial colony-forming units in culture frequently existed in fresh HUVECs. Antigenic profiling demonstrated that undifferentiated EPCs in HUVECs had normal endothelial marker CD31 with a subpopulation of cells positive for hematopoietic stem cell marker CD34 and c-Kit. With continuing passages, EPC markers CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression decreased dramatically. Moreover, a distinct subpopulation with different proliferative capability and angiogenesis from the early-passage HUVECs was shown. In conclusion, it is possible to isolate accurately and to enrich EPCs or hematoangioblast-like cells from a heterogeneous population of HUVECs, and to explore the differential process with flow cytometry for further investigations.

Implementing a modeling software for animated protein-complex interactions using a physics simulation library

To better understand the behaviors and structural dynamics of proteins within a cell, novel software tools are being developed that can create molecular animations based on the findings of structural biology. This study proposes our method developed based on our prototypes to detect collisions and examine the soft-body dynamics of molecular models. The code was implemented with a software development toolkit for rigid-body dynamics simulation and a three-dimensional graphics library. The essential functions of the target software system included the basic molecular modeling environment, collision detection in the molecular models, and physical simulations of the movement of the model. Taking advantage of recent software technologies such as physics simulation modules and interpreted scripting language, the functions required for accurate and meaningful molecular animation were implemented efficiently.