Cardiac 18F­FDG uptake and new­onset rectal cancer.

The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the cardiac uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) during 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) for new-onset rectal cancer and new-onset colon cancer (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid colon cancer) and to examine the association between the cardiac uptake of 18F-FDG and prognosis. The participants were diagnosed with new-onset rectal cancer and new-onset colon cancer (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid cancer) at the Iga City General Hospital (Iga, Japan) between January 1, 2013, and March 31, 2018, and underwent an 18F-FDG PET scan for pretreatment staging. The relationship between cardiac maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), the presence/absence of distant metastasis and prognosis was examined. A total of 26 patients (14 men and 12 women) aged 72.0±10 years with new-onset rectal cancer were selected for the study. No patients had multiple simultaneous cancers. The median cardiac SUVmax was 3.8 and 2.5 in patients with no distant metastasis and distant metastasis, respectively, revealing a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). The median tumor volume on PET-computed tomography (CT) images was 7,815 cm2 and was 66,248 cm2 in patients with no distant metastasis and distant metastasis, respectively, revealing a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Echocardiography findings revealed no significant difference between patients with and without distant metastasis. The correlation coefficient between cardiac SUVmax and total tumor volume on PET/CT images (primary + lymph + distant metastases) was statistically significant (r=-0.42, P=0.03). Analysis of the association between the occurrence of distance metastasis and cardiac SUVmax as a continuous variable gave a statistically significant result [hazard ratio (HR): 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09-0.98, P=0.045]. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a cardiac SUVmax of 2.6 with an area under the curve of 0.86 for determining the presence of distant metastasis (95% CI: 0.70-1.00). The median observation time was 56 months, and nine patients died during observation. Analysis of the association between the overall survival and cardiac SUVmax (cutoff: 2.6) showed 95% CI: 0.01-0.45 and HR: 0.06 (P<0.01); that between the overall survival and total tumor volume on PET images showed 95% CI: 1.00-1.00 and HR: 1.00 (P<0.01); and that between the overall survival and presence of distant metastasis showed 95% CI: 1.72-116.4 and HR: 14.1 (P<0.01). Furthermore, 25 patients (16 men and nine women) aged 71.4±14.2 years with new-onset colon cancer were selected for the study. Analysis of new-onset colon cancer revealed no statistically significance between the cardiac SUVmax and distant metastasis.

Adult-Onset Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis with Epstein-Barr Virus Infection.

We present the case of a 22-year-old man who was diagnosed with tonsillitis and treated with antibiotics. Although the symptoms subsided, 1 week later, he presented with weakness in the lower limbs and was hospitalized. The weakness in the lower limbs worsened; he developed difficulty speaking and was transferred to our hospital. Laboratory tests showed a white blood cell count of 10,600/µL (24% atypical lymphocytes). Positive results were obtained for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen. EBV-deoxyribonucleic acid quantification in blood yielded positive results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintensity in the spinal cord at the Th11 level of the lower spine on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). In addition, T2WI and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging showed hyperintense lesions on the right cerebral peduncle, bilateral thalami, posterior leg of the left internal capsule, and right corona radiata. We diagnosed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) with EBV and initiated steroid pulse therapy. Symptoms, along with the lesions seen on MRI, subsequently ameliorated. This case suggests that ADEM can be difficult to diagnose, but careful diagnosis is crucial since appropriate treatment is necessary to improve the symptoms.

New PET/CT criterion for predicting lymph node metastasis in resectable advanced (stage IB-III) lung cancer: The standard uptake values ratio of ipsilateral/contralateral hilar nodes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to use surgical and histological results to develop a simple noninvasive technique to improve nodal staging using preoperative PET/CT in patients with resectable lung cancer. METHODS: Preoperative PET/CT findings (pStage IB-III 182 patients) and pathological diagnoses after surgical resection were evaluated. Using PET/CT images to determine the standardized uptake value (SUV) ratio, the SUVmax of a contralateral hilar lymph node (on the side of the chest opposite to the primary tumor) was measured simultaneously. The I/C-SUV ratio was calculated as ipsilateral hilar node SUV/contralateral hilar node SUV. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then used to analyze those data. RESULTS: Based on ROC analyses, the cutoff I/C-SUV ratio for diagnosis of lymph node metastasis was 1.34. With a tumor ipsilateral lymph node SUVmax ≥2.5, an IC-SUV ratio ≥1.34 had the highest accuracy for predicting N1/N2 metastasis; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of nodal staging were 60.66, 85.11, 84.09, 62.5 and 71.29%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When diagnosing nodal stage, a lymph node I/C-SUV ratio ≥1.34 can be an effective criterion for determining surgical indications in advanced lung cancer.

Usefulness of Liver Uptake Rate Constant in 99mTc-GSA Scintigraphy for the Risk Stratification of Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy: A New Method for Calculation.

Introduction: The use of technetium 99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) scintigraphy parameters, HH15 and LHL15, in assessing the future liver remnant function is not expedient because of their nonlinear behaviour against liver volume. Uptake rate constant for the binding of 99mTc-GSA to asialoglycoprotein receptors is probably more favourable, but the reported calculation methods are complex. We devised a simple method to calculate the uptake rate constant, KrGSA. Methods: Radioactivity counts for the entire liver and heart regions were extracted at 10, 20, and 30 min. Using whole liver and heart volumes measured from single-photon emission computed tomography images, free radioactivity corresponding to the liver blood pool was subtracted. The time activity curve was fitted to the equation L(t) = L(∞) × [1 - Exp (-kt)] using Microsoft Office Excel (add-in free programme Solver)®, where L(∞) is the count at plateau level and k denotes KrGSA. Results: KrGSA values accurately identified liver cirrhosis and were similar to the KICG. The areas under the curve for KrGSA and KICG in the receiver operating characteristic analysis were 0.808 and 0.795, respectively, and a good correlation was seen between KrGSA and KICG. Discussion/Conclusion: KrGSA can be utilized as an alternative to KICG in assessing the future liver remnant function.

Using CT to evaluate mediastinal great vein invasion by thymic epithelial tumors: measurement of the interface between the tumor and neighboring structures.

OBJECTIVES: For thymic epithelial tumors, simple contact with adjacent structures does not necessarily mean invasion. The purpose of our study was to develop a simple noninvasive technique for evaluating organ invasion using routine pretreatment computed tomography (CT). METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the pathological reports on 95 mediastinal resections performed between January 2003 and June 2020. Using CT images, the length of the interface between the primary tumor and neighboring structures (arch distance; Adist) and maximum tumor diameter (Dmax) was measured, after which Adist/Dmax (A/D) ratios were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the Adist and A/D ratios. RESULTS: An Adist cut-off of 37.5 mm best distinguished between invaded and non-invaded mediastinal great veins based on ROC curves. When Adist > 37.5 mm was used for diagnosis of invasion of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) or superior vena cava (SVC), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and area under the ROC curve for diagnosis of invasion were 61.9%, 92.5%, 81.25%, 82.2%, 81.97%, and 0.76429, respectively. Moreover, there were significant differences between BCV/SVC Adist > 37.5 mm and ≤ 37.5 mm for 10-year relapse-free survival and 10-year overall survival (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When diagnosing invasion of the mediastinal great veins based on Adist > 37.5 mm, we achieved a higher performance level than the conventional criteria such as irregular interface with an absence of the fat layer. Measurement of Adist is a simple noninvasive technique for evaluating invasion using CT. Key Points • Simple contact between the primary tumor and adjacent structures on CT does not indicate direct invasion. • Using CT images, the length of the interface between the primary tumor and neighboring structures (arch distance; Adist) is a simple noninvasive technique for evaluating invasion. • Adist > 37.5 mm can be a supportive tool to identify invaded mediastinal great veins and surgical indications for T3 and T4 invasion by thymic epithelial tumors.

Correlation between Post-Acute Electroconvulsive Therapy Alpha-Band Spectrum Power Increase and Improvement of Psychiatric Symptoms.

The results of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) studies on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have been inconsistent, and indicators of the efficacy of ECT have not been clearly identified. In this study, we examined whether qEEG could be used as an indicator of the effect of ECT by measuring it during the course of treatment. We analyzed qEEG data before and after acute-phase ECT in 18 patients with schizophrenia, mood disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. We processed the qEEG data and compared the spectral power between the data acquired before and after ECT. The spectral power increased significantly after ECT in the delta, theta, and alpha bands. There was a strong significant correlation between the increase in the spectral power of the alpha band after acute ECT and improvement in the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score. Our results suggest that an increase in the alpha-band spectral power may be useful as an objective indicator of the treatment effect of acute ECT.

The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway inhibits the bladder ATP release in response to a physiological or pathological stimulus.

The release of ATP from the epithelium of the urinary bladder (urothelium) in response to mechanical/chemical stimuli contributes to the visceral sensation in the micturition reflex. The nitric oxide (NO)-mediated induction of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) has been detected in urothelial cells and may inhibit the micturition reflex. However, the function of the NO-cGMP pathway in the regulation of urothelial ATP release remains poorly understood in contrast to its effects on smooth muscles or primary afferent nerves. Therefore, we investigated the relevance of the NO-cGMP pathway to ATP release on the mucosal side in the present study. The administration of l-arginine (NO precursor) or NOC 12 (NO donor) significantly reduced ATP release to the mucosal side at a physiologically normal urine storage pressure (5 cmH2 O). L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) significantly increased the distention-induced release of ATP. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, which increases cGMP levels, inhibited distention-induced ATP release. Furthermore, sildenafil significantly reduced ATP release in response to the administration of lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that the NO-cGMP pathway inhibited urothelial ATP release during the storage phase under both physiological and pathological conditions.

Long-term Outcomes of Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Perioptic Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas.

The efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) has been well established for postoperative residual and recurrent nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). However, the risk of visual impairment due to SRT for lesions adjacent to the optic pathways remains a topic of debate. Herein, we evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) for perioptic NFPAs. From December 2002 to November 2015, 32 patients (18 males and 14 females; median age 63 years; range, 36-83 years) with residual or recurrent NFPAs abutting or displacing the optic nerve and/or chiasm (ONC) were treated with HFSRT. The median marginal dose was 31.3 Gy (range, 17.2-39.6) in 8 fractions (range, 6-15). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and visual and hormonal examinations were performed before and after HFSRT. The median follow-up period was 99.5 months (range, 9-191). According to MRI findings at the last follow-up, the tumor size had decreased in 28 (88%) of 32 patients, was unchanged in 3 (9%), and had increased in 1 (3%). The successful tumor size control rate was 97%. Visual functions remained unchanged in 19 (60%) out of 32 patients, improved in 11 (34%), and deteriorated in 2 (6%). Two patients had deteriorated visual functions; no complications occurred because of the HFSRT. One patient developed hypopituitarism that required hormone replacement therapy. The result of this long-term follow-up study suggests that HFSRT is safe and effective for the treatment of NFPAs occurring adjacent to the ONC.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Esophagectomy with Three-Field Lymph Node Dissection for Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients with Clinical Stage III and with Supraclavicular Lymph Node Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) followed by esophagectomy is now the standard treatment for patients with resectable advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) worldwide. However, the efficacy of NACRT followed by esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection for clinical Stage III patients and for clinical Stage IVB patients with supraclavicular LN metastasis has not yet been determined. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2018, 94 ESCC patients diagnosed as clinical Stage III and 18 patients diagnosed as clinical Stage IVB with supraclavicular LN metastasis as the only distant metastatic factor were treated with NACRT followed by esophagectomy with extended lymph node dissection at Akita University Hospital. Long-term survival and the patterns of recurrence in these 112 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The median follow-up period of censored cases was 60 months. The five-year OS and DSS rates among the clinical Stage III patients were 57.6% and 66.6%, respectively. The five-year OS and DSS rates among the clinical Stage IVB patients were 41.3% and 51.6%, respectively. The most frequent recurrence pattern was distant metastasis (69.2%) in the Stage III patients and LN metastasis (75.0%) in the Stage IVB patients. CONCLUSION: NACRT followed by esophagectomy with three-field LN dissection is feasible and offers the potential for long-term survival of clinical Stage III ESCC patients and even clinical Stage IVB patients with supraclavicular LN metastasis as the only distant metastatic factor. At least in patients with upper and middle thoracic ESCC, treating supraclavicular LNs as regional LNs seems to be appropriate.

Outcomes of Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Stage IVa (T4b vs. N4) Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on the Japanese Classification System: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

The differences in prognoses or progression patterns between T4b non-N4 and non-T4b N4 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma post chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is unclear. This study compared the outcomes of CRT for stage IVa esophageal squamous cell carcinoma according to T/N factors. We retrospectively identified 66 patients with stage IVa esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent definitive CRT at our center between January 2009 and March 2013. The treatment outcomes, i.e., progression patterns, prognostic factors, and toxicities based on version 5.0 of the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, were studied. The patients (56 men and 10 women) had a median age of 67 (range: 37-87) years. The T/N classifications were T4b non-N4 (28/66), non-T4b N4 (24/66), and T4b N4 (14/66). Objective response was achieved in 57 patients (86.4%, (95% confidence interval, 74.6-94.1%)). There were no significant differences between the T/N groups in terms of overall survival, progression-free survival, and progression pattern. We found no significant differences in prognoses or progression patterns among patients with T4b non-N4, non-T4b N4, and T4b N4 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, it seems impractical to modify CRT regimens based on T/N factors.

Lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are associated with age-related memory impairment in community-dwelling older adults: the Sefuri study.

The beneficial effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-a member of the neurotrophin family-on cognitive function or dementia are well established in both rodents and human beings. In contrast, little is known about the association of proBDNF-a precursor protein with opposing neuronal effects of BDNF-with cognitive function in non-demented older adults. We analyzed brain magnetic resonance imaging findings of 256 community-dwelling older adults (mean age of 68.4 years). Serum BDNF and proBDNF levels were measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, less physical activity, hippocampal atrophy, and lower BDNF levels were independently associated with memory impairment determined by the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test. Path analysis based on structural equation modeling indicated that age, sport activity, hippocampal atrophy and BDNF but not proBDNF were individually associated with Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores. These findings suggest that impaired BDNF function, in addition to physical inactivity and hippocampal atrophy, is associated with age-related memory impairment. Therefore, BDNF may be a potential target for dementia prevention.

Modern evidence and future prospects of external body radiation therapy for lung oligometastases of breast cancer.

After Hellman and Weichselbaum defined "Oligometastasis" in 1995, several local therapies for lung oligometastases including surgical resection and external body radiation therapy were reported that improved local control (LC) and progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life. This suggests that oligometastases is a potentially curable state. Modern advances in radiation therapy such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in which high dose coverage of target lesion without exposure of normal organ is possible, and are widely used to treat solitary or a limited number of primary lung cancer and metastases. Several reports showed that SBRT was a useful treatment method for lung oligometastases, and the LC rate of SBRT was 80-90% in 2 years and less invasive than surgical resection. SBRT is a safe and effective especially for small and peripheral lung metastases. However, if the metastatic lesion is big or centrally located, careful treatment is necessary to prevent radiation pneumonitis. After SBRT, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate local recurrence and pulmonary injury, especially in the early phase. However, it is important to detect local recurrence especially in patients who require further local therapy such as surgical resection and re-irradiation or systemic therapy. The diagnosis can be improved by determining the natural course after SBRT and local recurrence with computed tomography imaging and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, respectively. Moreover, radiation therapy may have both local and systemic effects that are related to the enhancement of immune-response after radiation. Currently, several trials evaluating the benefits of SBRT for oligometastatic breast cancer are underway. However, the adaption of SBRT for lung metastases including other treatment strategies should be carefully discussed by the radiation oncologist and a multi-disciplinary team comprising a breast surgeon, medical oncologist, diagnostic radiologist, and radiation oncologist, among others.

Correction to: Postmortem computed tomographic features in the diagnosis of drowning: a comparison of fresh water and salt water drowning cases.

Whereas in FWDCs, a significantly larger volume and lower density of fluid in the paranasal sinuses (P = 0.0195 and P = 0.0104, respectively), lower density of fluid in the central airways (P = 0.0077), lower stomach content density (P = 0.0216), lower density in the left atrium (P = 0.0029), and a difference of density between the atria (P = 0.0019) were observed.

Effect of the types of pretreatment imaging modalities on the treatment response to palliative radiation for painful bone metastases from solid cancer: a single-center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Determining the appropriate gross tumor volume is important for irradiation planning in addition to palliative radiation for bone metastases. While irradiation planning is commonly performed using simulation computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scintigraphy, and 18fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-CT (18FDG-PET-CT) are more sensitive for detecting bone metastasis and invasion areas. Therefore, this study evaluated whether pretreatment imaging modalities influenced the response to palliative radiation therapy (i.e., the irradiation effect) for painful bone metastases from solid malignant carcinomas. METHODS: Consecutive patients with painful bone metastases treated with palliative radiation between January 2013 and December 2017 at our institution were included. We retrospectively investigated the pretreatment images from the different imaging modalities (CT, MRI, bone scintigraphy, and 18FDG-PET-CT) obtained between 1 month before and the initiation of palliative radiation and determined the primary site of carcinoma, histological type, metastatic lesion type (osteolytic, osteoblastic, or mixed), pathological fracture, and metastatic site (vertebral or not). We then evaluated the relationship between these factors and treatment response. We defined "response" as the condition in which patients achieved pain relief or reduced the use of painkiller medicines. RESULTS: In total, 131 patients (78 men and 53 women) were included; the median age was 66 years (range, 24-89 years). Prescribed doses were 8-50 Gy/1-25 fractions with 2-8 Gy/fraction. Among the 131 patients, 105 were responders (response rate, 80%). The imaging modalities performed before irradiation were CT in 131 patients, MRI in 54, bone scintigraphy in 56, and 18FDG-PET-CT in 14. The Welch t-test and chi-square test showed no significant association between treatment response and each factor. Multiple logistic regression analysis including the imaging modality, metastatic site, and pathological fracture also showed no significant association with each factor. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant relationship between the type of pretreatment imaging and treatment response for painful bone metastases. Thus, setting the appropriate radiation field according to CT images and clinical findings could help avoiding further image inspection before palliative radiation for painful bone metastases.

Low-Grade Inflammation Is Associated with Apathy Indirectly via Deep White Matter Lesions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Sefuri Study.

Low-grade inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and apathy as a form of vascular depression. We analyzed the brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in 259 community-dwelling older adults (122 men and 137 women, with a mean age of 68.4 years). The serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the log10 hsCRP value and the presence of a metabolic syndrome were independently associated with confluent but not punctate deep white matter lesions (DWMLs). Path analysis based on structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that the direct path from the log10 hsCRP to the DWMLs was significant (ß = 0.119, p = 0.039). The direct paths from the metabolic syndrome to the log10 hsCRP and to the DWMLs were also significant. The direct path from the DWMLs to apathy (ß = -0.165, p = 0.007) was significant, but the direct path from the log10 hsCRP to apathy was not significant. Inflammation (i.e., elevated serum hsCRP levels) was associated with DWMLs independent of common vascular risk factors, while DWMLs were associated with apathy. The present analysis with SEM revealed the more realistic scheme that low-grade inflammation was associated with apathy indirectly via DWMLs in community-dwelling older adults.

Postmortem computed tomographic features in the diagnosis of drowning: a comparison of fresh water and salt water drowning cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of postmortem computed tomography in the diagnosis of drowning, focusing on the comparison of fresh water and salt water cases using three-dimensionally (3D) reconstructed data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined features of drowning in 25 fresh water drowning cases (FWDCs; 13 men, 12 women; mean age 73.1 years; range 43-95 years), and compared these with 12 salt water drowning cases (SWDCs; 5 men, 7 women; mean age 66.0 years; range 55-77 years). Pulmonary opacities, volume and density (CT number) of accumulated fluid in the paranasal sinuses and central airways, volume of the stomach/stomach contents, and cardiac blood density were examined. RESULTS: In SWDCs, pulmonary ground-glass opacities with wholly thickened interstitium was frequently identified (P = 0.0274). Whereas in FWDCs, a significantly larger volume and lower density of fluid in the paranasal sinuses (P = 0.0195 and P = 0.0104, respectively), lower density of fluid in the central airways (P = 0.0077), lower stomach content density (P = 0.0216), lower density in the left atrium (P = 0.0029), and a difference of density between the atria (P = 0.0247) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A lower density in the left atrium was observed in FWDCs compared to SWDCs. This finding may be helpful in differentiating between FWDCs and SWDCs.

Parity As a Protective Biomarker Against Silent Brain Infarction in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Sefuri Study.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have reported an association between parity and increased risk of stroke, this relationship remains controversial. AIMS: The present study aimed to determine whether parity is associated with silent brain infarction (SBI), independent of other confounders. METHODS: We analyzed the brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in 576 of community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 72.1 years. All female participants were asked to provide information regarding the total number of live births, their age at the last parity, and their age at menopause. RESULTS: The prevalence of SBI and the number of infarcts per participant were higher in men than in women. Although all women who had given birth (0, 1-2, 3-4, or 5+ times) exhibited lower age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for SBI than men, a significant difference was observed between women with ≧5 births and men after adjustment for common vascular risk factors (OR: .348, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: .123-.986). Among women who had given birth, the relationship between fertility and SBI was attenuated, but was enhanced after adjustment for age at the last parity (OR: .300, 95% CI: .102-.886). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that fertile women may be protected against SBI or cerebral small vessel disease via the biological effects associated with reproductive activity, and that high fertility may be a marker of protection against SBI. However, late childbearing may blunt protective effects of fertility against SBI.

Analysis of computed tomography density of liver before and after amiodarone administration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate CT density of liver changes between before and after amiodarone administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients underwent non-enhanced CT including the liver before and after amiodarone administration. We set regions of interest (ROIs) at liver S8, spleen, paraspinal muscle, and calculated average CT density in these ROIs, then compared CT density between liver and other organs. Statistical differences between CT density of liver and various ratios before and after administration were determined, along with correlations between cumulative dose of amiodarone and liver density after administration, density change of liver, and various ratios after administration. RESULTS: Liver density, liver-to-spleen ratio, and liver-to-paraspinal muscle ratio differed significantly between before and after amiodarone administration. No significant correlations were found between cumulative doses of amiodarone and any of liver density after administration, density change of liver, or various ratios after administration. CONCLUSION: CT density of liver after amiodarone administration was significantly higher than that before administration. No correlations were identified between cumulative dose of amiodarone and either liver density after administration or density change of liver. Amiodarone usage should be checked when radiologists identify high density of the liver on CT.

Impact of oxygen status on 10B-BPA uptake into human glioblastoma cells, referring to significance in boron neutron capture therapy.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) can potentially deliver high linear energy transfer particles to tumor cells without causing severe damage to surrounding normal tissue, and may thus be beneficial for cases with characteristics of infiltrative growth, which need a wider irradiation field, such as glioblastoma multiforme. Hypoxia is an important factor contributing to resistance to anticancer therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the impact of oxygen status on 10B uptake in glioblastoma cells in vitro in order to evaluate the potential impact of local hypoxia on BNCT. T98G and A172 glioblastoma cells were used in the present study, and we examined the influence of oxygen concentration on cell viability, mRNA expression of L-amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), and the uptake amount of 10B-BPA. T98G and A172 glioblastoma cells became quiescent after 72 h under 1% hypoxia but remained viable. Uptake of 10B-BPA, which is one of the agents for BNCT in clinical use, decreased linearly as oxygen levels were reduced from 20% through to 10%, 3% and 1%. Hypoxia with <10% O2 significantly decreased mRNA expression of LAT1 in both cell lines, indicating that reduced uptake of 10B-BPA in glioblastoma in hypoxic conditions may be due to reduced expression of this important transporter protein. Hypoxia inhibits 10B-BPA uptake in glioblastoma cells in a linear fashion, meaning that approaches to overcoming local tumor hypoxia may be an effective method of improving the success of BNCT treatment.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Subclinical Brain Infarction Increase the Risk of Vascular Cognitive Impairment: The Sefuri Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the complex associations among chronic kidney disease (CKD), subclinical brain infarction (SBI), and cognitive impairment. METHODS: We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the complex relationships among CKD, SBI, and cognitive function with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; global function) and modified Stroop test (executive function) in a population-based cohort of 560 non-demented elderly subjects. RESULTS: Path analysis based on SEM revealed that the direct paths from estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to SBI and from SBI to executive function were significant (ß = -.10, P = .027, and ß = .16, P < .001, respectively). Furthermore, the direct path from eGFR to executive function was also significant (ß = -.12, P = .006), indicating that the effects of CKD on executive function are independent of SBI. The direct paths from age and education to global cognitive function were highly significant (ß = -.17 and .22, respectively, P < .001), whereas the direct path from eGFR to MMSE was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that CKD confers a risk of vascular cognitive impairment or executive dysfunction through mechanisms dependent and independent of SBI. Treating CKD may be a potential strategy to protect against vascular cognitive impairment or executive dysfunction in healthy elderly subjects.