[Preoperative Simulation of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Craniopharyngiomas or Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas].

Preoperative simulation for endoscopic endonasal approach(EEA)using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluates tumor extension and the relationship between adjacent structure(the pituitary stalk, major vessels, and cranial nerves); therefore, preoperative planning of nasal procedure, skull base bony removal, and cranial base reconstruction are possible. Additionally, three-dimensional(3D)fusion image aids surgeons to visualize intraoperative 3D findings. These preoperative simulations are critical to avoid complications and predict pitfalls perioperatively. However, tumor consistency or adhesion with adjacent structure cannot be predicted but is judged perioperatively, which affects the extent of tumor resection. This manuscript describes important points of preoperative simulation for EEA, especially the transplanum-transtuberculum approach for craniopharyngiomas or tuberculum sellae meningiomas, showing some examples in patients.

Changes in functional brain activity patterns associated with computer programming learning in novices.

BACKGROUND: Computer programming, the process of designing, writing, and testing executable computer code, is an essential skill in numerous fields. A description of the neural structures engaged and modified during programming skill acquisition could help improve training programs and provide clues to the neural substrates underlying the acquisition of related skills. METHODS: Fourteen female university students without prior computer programing experience were examined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the early and late stages of a 5-month 'Computer Processing' course. Brain regions involved in task performance and learning were identified by comparing responses to programming and control tasks during the early and late stages. RESULTS: The accuracy of performing a programming task was significantly improved during the late stage. Various regions of the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortex as well as several subcortical structures (caudate nuclei and cerebellum) were activated during programming tasks. Brain activity in the right inferior frontal gyrus was greater during the late stage and significantly correlated with improved task performance. Although the left inferior frontal gyrus was also highly active during the programming task, there were no learning-induced changes in activity or a significant correlation between activity and improved task performances. CONCLUSION: Computer programming learning among novices induces functional neuroplasticity within the right inferior frontal gyrus but not the left inferior gyrus (Broca's area).

Structural neuroplasticity in computer programming beginners.

We examined the structural neuroplastic changes associated with the learning of computer programming in university students with no previous programming experience. They participated in a 15-week course (26 lessons) on the "Processing" computer programming language. We have conducted a longitudinal analysis of gray matter volume (GMV) in the magnetic resonance images obtained before and after learning computer programming. Significant neuroplastic changes appeared in the following 8 sites: the left frontal pole; the right frontal pole; the right medial frontal gyrus; the left cuneus; the left lateral cerebellum (posterior lobule and tuber); the medial cerebellum (uvula and tonsil); the right pallidum; and the left pallidum. The amount of change in the GMV of the right frontal pole correlated positively with the final product score. Furthermore, the amount of change in the GMV of the right medial frontal gyrus and the bilateral pallidum correlated positively with the test scores. Thus, the right frontal pole was presumably associated with the function of persistent attempts to accomplish tasks (goal achievement-related function). The right medial frontal gyrus and the bilateral pallidum were presumably related to deduction and reward functions, respectively. Therefore, multiple brain regions appear to be involved in programming learning through different functions.

Evaluation of Tumor Cell Infiltration to the Skull in Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Scalp: Case Report and Literature Review.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) originates from the dermal layer of the skin; the optimum treatment is an extended marginal resection. We describe a case of DFSP of the scalp with a skull invasive defect that was thoroughly examined pathologically to determine the optimum length of surgical margins. The tumor cells infiltrated up to 26 mm into the dermal tissues, whereas no infiltrating tumor cells were present in the skull, indicating the combination of marginal resection of the dermal tissues and lower of the skull can be a clinically relevant strategy for treatment of DFSP cases with skull invasion.

Survey of Allergenic Substances in Foods in Chiba Prefecture (Fiscal Years 2004-2014).

We surveyed the presence of allergenic substances such as egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, shrimp and crab in foods produced or distributed in Chiba Prefecture during the fiscal years 2004-2014. Six hundred and ninety-five samples that did not display the target allergenic substances were screened by using ELISA. Three percent of the samples (21/695 samples) were found to be positive. Wheat had the highest positivity rate of 9.7% (10/103 samples). Among the samples tested, advisory labeling was displayed in the case of 109 samples. Among these samples, 77.1%(84/109 samples) contained less than 1.0 µg/g of the specified allergen. Out of the 21 samples that tested positive in the screening-test, 16 did not display the advisory labeling.

Surveillance of Radioactive Cesium in Meats of Wild Animals Caught in Chiba Prefecture.

From fiscal year 2012 to 2014, we surveyed the concentration of radioactive cesium in 39 wild animal meats obtained from 20 wild boars and 19 deer caught in Chiba prefecture, using a germanium semiconductor detector. Four wild boar meats in the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 exceeded the radioactive cesium limit in general foods (100 Bq/kg), whereas none of the deer meats exceeded the limit. The left side of the wild boar that showed a radioactive cesium concentration above 100 Bq/kg was divided into 14 parts. We compared the radioactive cesium concentration in the ham used for the screening test with those in other parts. The concentration was highest in ham, among the edible parts.