Developing and validating the Japanese version of professional attitude scale for nurses.

AIM: We developed and psychometrically tested the Japanese version of the Professional Attitude Scale for Nurses (PASN-J). BACKGROUND: Nurses must recognize the importance of their professionalism; therefore, it is critical to quantitatively measure nurses' professional attitudes. INTRODUCTION: This instrument validation study was designed to generate an itemized scale and examine its content validity/psychometric testing using a sample of Japanese nurses. METHODS: Based on a trait approach focusing on the characteristic traits of the nursing profession, a 59-item draft scale was generated. During November 2017, 2657 nurses from 29 facilities in Japan were surveyed. The questionnaire included demographics, the 59-item draft scale, and a self-report scale of nurses' professional behaviour and nursing practice ability. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we evaluated the construct, criterion-related, concurrent, and known-groups validity, and reliability of the PASN-J. RESULTS: Data from 1716 participants were analysed. The analyses yielded a 38-item, 3-factor scale that adequately fit the data. PASN-J scores were positively correlated with nurses' professional behaviour and nursing practice ability. CONCLUSION: The 38-item PASN-J has good reliability and validity, making it useful for measuring the current condition of nursing professionalism and evaluating nursing education. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: This scale can evaluate nursing education and promote nurses' professionalism. The PASN-J will help identifying the elements of undergraduate nursing education that require further emphasis. Additionally, the PASN-J could facilitate the development of nursing policies to promote professional development in nurses. Ultimately, evaluating nursing education with the PASN-J enhances nurses' professional attitudes and subsequently improves their quality of nursing, nursing efficiency and patient outcomes.

Addition of low-dose liraglutide to insulin therapy is useful for glycaemic control during the peri-operative period: effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy on glycaemic control in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (GLOLIA study).

AIM: To test the hypothesis that the addition of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that can decrease glucose levels without increasing the hypoglycaemia risk will achieve appropriate glycaemic control during the peri-operative period. METHODS: We studied 70 people with Type 2 diabetes who underwent elective cardiac surgery. Participants were randomized to either an insulin-alone or an insulin plus liraglutide 0.6 mg/day group. We evaluated average M values, which indicated the proximity index of the target glucose level from day 1 to day 10. RESULTS: The average M value in the liraglutide plus insulin group was significantly lower than that in the insulin-alone group (liraglutide plus insulin 5.8 vs insulin-alone 12.3; P < 0.001). The frequency of insulin dose modification in the liraglutide plus insulin group was significantly lower than that in the insulin-alone group (odds ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.49; P < 0.001). The frequency of hypoglycaemia in the liraglutide plus insulin group tended to be lower than that in the insulin-alone group (odds ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.15-2.23; P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the addition of low-dose liraglutide to insulin achieved lower M values than insulin alone, suggesting that the addition of low-dose liraglutide may achieve better glycaemic control during the peri-operative period. (Clinical trials registry no.: UMIN 000008003).

Relationship between bidet toilet use and haemorrhoids and urogenital infections: a 3-year follow-up web survey.

Given the growing use of electric bidet toilets in Japan and other countries, we assessed the relationship between bidet toilet use and haemorrhoids or urogenital infections. Data were collected using a web-based longitudinal survey. In total, 10 305 subjects randomly selected from panels of a Japanese website research company for the baseline survey in 2013 were asked about their frequency of bidet toilet use and receipt of a doctor's diagnosis or subjective symptom of haemorrhoids and urogenital infections. One- and three-year follow-up surveys were performed in 2014 and 2016, respectively, and information on newly diagnosed/experienced outcomes occurring during the follow-up period were collected. Cumulative incidence of haemorrhoids and urogenital infections was not significantly increased by habitual use of a bidet toilet. In men, more habitual users reported subjective symptoms of irritated skin around the anus, which were newly experienced during follow-up than non-habitual users (adjusted risk ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.06-1.75)). Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship. Several of the outcomes were significantly more prevalent in habitual users, but these results were probably explained by reverse causation.

Structure determination of the rutile-TiO2(110)-(1 × 2) surface using total-reflection high-energy positron diffraction (TRHEPD).

The exact structure of the rutile-TiO2(110)-(1 × 2) surface, which had been under debate over the past 30 years, was investigated using the newly developed technique of total-reflection high-energy positron diffraction (TRHEPD), which is a positron counterpart of reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The rocking-curves for the 00-spot obtained from the experimental diffraction patterns were compared to the curves for various models calculated with a full-dynamical theory. It was found that the rocking-curves matched those for a surface consisting of a Ti2O3 configuration, originally suggested by Onishi and Iwasawa [H. Onishi and Y. Iwasawa, Surf. Sci., 1994, 313, L783], but with a further modification of atomic positions close to the ones proposed by Wang et al. [Q. Wang, A. R. Oganov, Q. Zhu and X. F. Zhou, Phys. Rev. Lett., 2014, 113, 266101]. This result demonstrates that TRHEPD can distinguish between the existence and absence of the oxygen atoms on the topmost surface, and between the Ti atoms residing in positions at the interstitial-vertical sites and those at interstitial-horizontal sites.

Problems of in vitro SPF measurements brought about by viscous fingering generated during sunscreen applications.

Up to date, no worldwide standard in vitro method has been established for the determination of the sun protection factor (SPF), since there are many problems in terms of its repeatability and reliability. Here, we have studied the problems on the in vitro SPF measurements brought about by the phenomenon called viscous fingering. A spatially periodic stripe pattern is usually formed spontaneously when a viscous fluid is applied onto a solid substrate. For the in vitro SPF measurements, the recommended amount of sunscreen is applied onto a substrate, and the intensity of the transmitted UV light through the sunscreen layer is evaluated. Our theoretical analysis indicated that the nonuniformity of the thickness of the sunscreen layer varied the net UV absorbance. Pseudo-sunscreen composites having no phase separation structures were prepared and applied on a quartz plate for the measurements of the UV absorbance. Two types of applicators, a block applicator and a 4-sided applicator were used. The flat surface was always obtained when the 4-sided applicator was used, while the spatially periodic stripe pattern was always generated spontaneously when the block applicator was used. The net UV absorbance of the layer on which the stripe pattern was formed was found to be lower than that of the flat layer having the same average thickness. Theoretical simulations quantitatively reproduced the variation of the net UV absorbance led by the change of the geometry of the layer. The results of this study propose the definite necessity of strict regulations on the coating method of sunscreens for the establishment of the in vitro SPF test method.

Coexistence effect of UVA absorbers to increase their solubility and stability of supersaturation.

OBJECTIVE: Sunscreens containing UVA absorbers in high concentrations are expected to be developed, since recent studies have suggested the possibility of involvement of UVA ray in skin cancer and early skin aging. Solubility and stability of supersaturation of UVA absorbers in UVB absorber were determined in the absence and the presence of cosmetic oil. Coexistence effect of UVA absorbers was analyzed to dissolve them in high concentrations. METHODS: Two UVA absorbers, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM), a UVB absorber, 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and a cosmetic oil, 2-ethylhexyl ester of oligomer of hydroxystearic acid (EH-O-HSA), were used. Their solutions were prepared at 80°C and cooled to 5°C. The solid DHHB and/or BMDM were added to it, and the time evolution of concentrations of the UVA absorbers in the solution phase was monitored. RESULTS: At the saturation in the absence of EH-O-HSA at 5°C, weight ratio of DHHB and BMDM to EHMC was 0.39/1.00 and 0.22/1.00, respectively. Addition of EH-O-HSA slightly changed the solubility of DHHB and BMDM. When the weight ratio of EH-O-HSA to EHMC was 0.20/1.00, weight ratio of DHHB and BMDM to EHMC was 0.35/1.00 and 0.25/1.00, respectively at the saturation at 5°C. In the presence of EH-O-HSA, a strong coexistence effect of DHHB and BMDM was found on their solubility. A thermodynamically stable saturated solution at 5°C having the composition that DHHB: BMDM: EHMC: EH-O-HSA = 0.47: 0.46: 1.00: 0.20 was obtained by the simultaneous addition of solid DHHB and BMDM into the initial solution. CONCLUSION: The solution type composite having the highest concentrations of DHHB and BMDM prepared in this study exhibited critical wavelength at 368 nm that was just below the border for sunscreens being qualified as 'Broad Spectrum' protection under the new rule launched by US FDA.

CD44 variant 9 expression in primary early gastric cancer as a predictive marker for recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Multiple early gastric cancers (EGCs) may develop in 6-14% of patients even after achieving curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD); however, a useful biomarker for predicting recurrence is not available. The present study investigated whether the expression of CD44 variant 9 (CD44v9), a functional cancer stem cell marker, in the primary gastric cancer tissue represents an indicator of recurrence. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients who underwent ESD for EGC from 2008 to 2010 were enrolled and monitored for recurrence for 3 years. The expression levels of CD44v9 in the tissue of initial EGCs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and the recurrence rate was compared between CD44v9-positive and CD44v9-negative groups. The mucin phenotype and expression of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) were also analysed. RESULTS: The recurrence rate of EGC was significantly higher in the CD44v9-positive group than in the CD44v9-negative group (hazard ratio (HR), 21.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.71-83.1). However, mucin phenotypes and the expression of miR-21 and PDCD4 did not predict recurrence after ESD. Meanwhile, grade of gastric atrophy was also identified as a significant marker of multiple recurrence (HR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.30-18.8). CONCLUSION: CD44 variant 9 expression represents a potential predictive marker for recurrence in EGC.

Major hepatectomy with combined vascular resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy with vascular resection (VR) for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) is a challenging procedure. However, only a few reports on this procedure have been published and its clinical significance has not been fully evaluated. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical resection for PHCC from 2002-2017 were studied. The surgical outcomes of VR and non-VR groups were compared. RESULTS: Some 238 patients were included. VR was performed in 85 patients. The resected vessels were hepatic artery alone (31 patients), portal vein alone (37 patients) or both (17 patients). The morbidity rates were almost the same in the VR (49.4 per cent) and non-VR (43.8 per cent) groups (P = 0.404). The mortality rates of VR (3.5 per cent) and non-VR (3.3 per cent) were also comparable (P > 0.999). The median survival time (MST) was 45 months in the non-VR group and 36 months in VR group (P = 0.124). Among patients in whom tumour involvement was suspected on preoperative imaging and whose carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) value was 37 U/ml or less, MST in the VR group was significantly longer than that in the non-VR group (50 versus 34 months, P = 0.017). In contrast, when the CA19-9 value was greater than 37 U/ml, MST of the VR and non-VR groups was comparable (28 versus 29 months, P = 0.520). CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy with VR for PHCC can be performed in a highly specialized hepatobiliary centre with equivalent short- and long-term outcomes to hepatectomy without VR.

Neck Location on the Outer Convexity is a Predictor of Incomplete Occlusion in Treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device: Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: With the increasing use of the Pipeline Embolization Device for the treatment of aneurysms, predictors of clinical and angiographic outcomes are needed. This study aimed to identify predictors of incomplete occlusion at last angiographic follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our retrospective, single-center cohort study, 105 ICA aneurysms in 89 subjects were treated with Pipeline Embolization Devices. Patients were followed per standardized protocol. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were analyzed. We introduced a new morphologic classification based on the included angle of the parent artery against the neck location: outer convexity type (included angle, <160°), inner convexity type (included angle, >200°), and lateral wall type (160° ≤ included angle ≤200°). This classification reflects the metal coverage rate and flow dynamics. RESULTS: Imaging data were acquired in 95.3% of aneurysms persistent at 6 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 70.5%, and incomplete occlusion, in 29.5% at last follow-up. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that 60 years of age or older (OR, 5.70; P = .001), aneurysms with the branching artery from the dome (OR, 10.56; P = .002), fusiform aneurysms (OR, 10.2; P = .009), and outer convexity-type saccular aneurysms (versus inner convexity type: OR, 30.3; P < .001; versus lateral wall type: OR, 9.71; P = .001) were independently associated with a higher rate of incomplete occlusion at the last follow-up. No permanent neurologic deficits or rupture were observed in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The aneurysm neck located on the outer convexity is a new, incomplete occlusion predictor, joining older age, fusiform aneurysms, and aneurysms with the branching artery from the dome. No permanent neurologic deficits or rupture was observed in the follow-up, even with incomplete occlusion.

Effects of Boundaries on Pattern Formation: Catalytic Oxidation of CO on Platinum.

The effect of boundaries on pattern formation was studied for the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide on platinum surfaces. Photolithography was used to create microscopic reacting domains on polycrystalline foils and single-crystal platinum (110) surfaces with inert titanium overlayers. Certain domain geometries give rise to patterns that have not been observed on the untreated catalyst and bring to light surface mechanisms that have no analog in homogeneous reaction-diffusion systems.

Successful treatment of post-MRSA infection glomerulonephritis with steroid therapy.

A 48-year-old man without underlying disease developed mediastinitis and was treated by mediastinal drainage. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in a culture of the abscess material. He was treated with anti-MRSA antibiotics and the MRSA infection improved. Four weeks after the onset of MRSA infection, he developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) with nephrotic syndrome (NS). A renal biopsy showed endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with IgA-predominant glomerular deposition. These clinicopathological findings were consistent with those in glomerulonephritis following MRSA infection (post-MRSA infection glomerulonephritis). The level of serum creatinine increased to 6.3 mg/dl, 7 weeks after the onset of RPGN. At that time, the eradication of MRSA infection was considered. He was given middle-dose steroid therapy. Thereafter, his RPGN with NS improved. MRSA infection did not recur. If the disease activity of post-MRSA infection glomerulonephritis persists after the disappearance of MRSA infection, the application of immunosuppressive therapy with steroids may be useful.

Three-dimensional positioning and control of colloidal objects utilizing engineered liquid crystalline defect networks.

Topological defects in liquid crystals not only affect the optical and rheological properties of the host, but can also act as scaffolds in which to trap nano or micro-sized colloidal objects. The creation of complex defect shapes, however, often involves confining the liquid crystals in curved geometries or adds complex-shaped colloidal objects, which are unsuitable for device applications. Using topologically patterned substrates, here we demonstrate the controlled generation of three-dimensional defect lines with non-trivial shapes and even chirality, in a flat slab of nematic liquid crystal. By using the defect lines as templates and the electric response of the liquid crystals, colloidal superstructures are constructed, which can be reversibly reconfigured at a voltage as low as 1.3 V. Three-dimensional engineering of the defect shapes in liquid crystals is potentially useful in the fabrication of self-healing composites and in stabilizing artificial frustrated phases.

The influence of season and air temperature on water intake by food groups in a sample of free-living Japanese adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To examine the influence of season and climate (air temperature and humidity) on water intake by the food group in a sample of free-living Japanese adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Four-nonconsecutive-day, semi-weighed dietary records were collected from each of the four seasons in a single 12-month period (16 days in total). The influence of season and climate on individual water intake by the food group was analyzed using a mixed linear model. Participants were 242 healthy adults (121 women aged 30-69 years and 121 men aged 30-76 years) from four areas in Japan. RESULTS: For women and men together, the mean total water intake was 2230 g/day (highest in summer: 2331 g/day; lowest in winter: 2134 g/day). Fifty-one percent of water was derived from foods and the rest from beverages. In a mixed linear model adjusted for sex, age and body mass index, intake of water from foods decreased by 3.1 g/day and that from beverages increased by 8.4 g/day, with an increase in the mean outdoor air temperature on the survey day of 1 °C (both P < 0.0001). The influence of humidity was nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous findings in Western countries, half of water intake in Japanese adults was derived from foods. Water intake from beverages was positively associated with air temperature, whereas that from foods was inversely associated with air temperature.

Central nervous system remyelination clinical application of basic neuroscience principles.

Studies in both humans and experimental animals have demonstrated that myelin repair in the CNS is a normal physiological response to myelin damage, similar to tissue injury elsewhere in the body. The unanswered question is why myelin repair is incomplete in multiple sclerosis patients. In this paper we review the morphological characteristics of remyelination, discuss the available animal models of CNS demyelination and their usefulness to identify the molecular, cellular, and morphological events involved in CNS myelin repair, examine the use of immunosuppression, immunoglobulins, protein growth factors, and glial cell transplantation at the primary experimental therapies designed to promote CNS remyelination, and address the potential electrophysiological and clinical benefits of myelin repair in the CNS.

Accelerated radiotherapy for T1, 2 glottic carcinoma: analysis of results with KI-67 index.

PURPOSE: Hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy without a split was performed to improve the local control probability of early glottic carcinomas. We analyzed the results of this regimen by using the Ki-67 index. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Over a 12-year period, 85 T1N0M0 glottic cancers and 50 T2N0M0 glottic cancers were treated with conventional fractionation (CF) from 1984 to 1989 and with accelerated fractionation (AF) since 1990. The CF program consisted of five daily fractions of 2 Gy per week, for a total of 64 Gy. The AF program consisted of 1.72 Gy per fraction, two fractions per day, 5 days a week, for a total of 55 or 58 Gy. The specimens, taken before radiotherapy, were immunohistochemically stained with anti-Ki-67 antibody. RESULTS: The 5-year local control probability for T1 tumors was 79.6 +/- 6.9% with CF treatment, whereas with AF it was 86.9 +/- 5.6%. For T2 tumors it was 62.7 +/- 12.2% with CF, whereas it was 74.7 +/- 7.8% with AF. The difference between CF and AF did not reach the point of statistical significance. However, when T1 tumors had a Ki-67 index lower than 50%, the local control rate achieved with AF was significantly better than that with CF (p = 0.018). When the tumors had a Ki-67 index that was 50% or more, there was no difference in the local control rate between CF and AF, whether they were T1 or T2. The peak mucosal reactions at the larynx and/or hypopharynx were much more severe and appeared at smaller doses and earlier in AF than in CF. The patients with AF showed no severe late complications. CONCLUSIONS: AF could not obtain statistically significant improvement in local control probability of T1 or T2 glottic carcinomas.

Prognostic factors of nasopharynx tumors investigated by MR imaging and the value of MR imaging in the newly published TNM staging.

PURPOSE: To examine the usefulness of MR imaging for predicting local control of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and the value of MR imaging in the newly published fifth edition of the TNM classification. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We studied 29 patients with NPC with MR imaging and CT before and after treatment. Staging was done according to the fourth and newly published fifth editions of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system. The radiotherapy protocol was designed to deliver 66 to 68 Gy to the primary tumor and clinically involved nodes. RESULTS: MR proved better than CT at identifying obliteration of the pharyngobasilar fascia, invasion of the sinus of Morgagni, through which the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube and the levator veli palatini muscle pass, invasion of the skull base, and metastases to lymph nodes in the carotid and retropharyngeal spaces. All seven patients without invasion of the pharyngobasilar fascia had local control. The local control rates of patients with invasion of the skull base were not good (60 to 73%). There was no apparent relationship between tumor volume determined by T1-weighted MR images and local control when the tumor volume was more than 20 cc. The newly published N staging system appears to successfully identify the high-risk group for distant metastasis as N3. In our series, four of five patients with N3 disease developed distant metastases. CONCLUSION: Deep infiltration of the tumor is a more important prognostic factor in NPC than tumor volume. Since the newly published T staging system requires a search for tumor invasion into soft tissue such as parapharyngeal space and bony structures, MR imaging may be indispensable for the newly published NPC staging system.

Radiotherapy for Kimura's disease: the optimum dosage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively the optimum dosage of irradiation for Kimura's disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty patients with Kimura's disease were treated with radiotherapy. The sex ratio was 19 males to 1 female. The mean ages at onset, initial treatment, and radiotherapy were 26.2, 29.5, and 32.2 years, respectively. Radiotherapy was mainly applied for residual or recurrent tumors. The eosinophil count increased by more than 10% in 18 of the 20 patients. In most instances, irradiation was given through a single field with dosages ranging from 20 to 44 Gy. RESULTS: At the completion of radiotherapy, a marked response in tumor size was noted in all cases. The minimum follow-up was 48 months. Local control was obtained in 23 of 31 lesions (74.1%). At dosages of < or =25 Gy, 26-30 Gy, and > 30 Gy, local control was obtained in 2 of 8 (25.0%), 9 of 10 (90.0%), and 12 of 13 sites (92.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for Kimura's disease. This strongly suggests that no surgical procedure other than a biopsy should be carried out. The radiation field should be limited to the lesion and swelling of the adjacent lymph nodes as much as possible, with a optimum dosage of 26-30 Gy regardless of tumor size.

Gas6 rescues cortical neurons from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis.

Gas6, a product of the growth-arrest-specific gene 6, protects neurons from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Neuronal apoptosis is also caused by amyloid beta protein (Abeta), whose accumulation in the brain is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease. Abeta induces Ca(2+) influx via L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VSCCs), leading to its neurotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated effects of Gas6 on Abeta-induced cell death in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. Abeta caused neuronal cell death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Gas6 significantly prevented neurons from Abeta-induced cell death. Gas6 ameliorated Abeta-induced apoptotic features such as the condensation of chromatin and the fragmentation of DNA. Prior to cell death, Abeta increased influx of Ca(2+) into neurons through L-VSCCs. Gas6 significantly inhibited the Abeta-induced Ca(2+) influx. The inhibitor of L-VSCCs also suppressed Abeta-induced neuronal cell death. The present cortical cultures contained few non-neuronal cells, indicating that Gas6 affected the survival of neurons directly, but not indirectly via non-neuronal cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Gas6 rescues cortical neurons from Abeta-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the present study indicates that inhibition of L-VSCC contributes to the neuroprotective effect of Gas6.

A monoclonal autoantibody which promotes central nervous system remyelination is highly polyreactive to multiple known and novel antigens.

A monoclonal antibody (mAb), designated SCH94.03, which promotes central nervous system remyelination in susceptible mice infected with Theiler's virus, has been proposed to be a natural autoantibody based on its germline immunoglobulin sequence. To identify the potential antigens recognized by mAb SCH94.03, a rat brain lambda gtll cDNA expression library was screened with this antibody. Nine independent clones were identified. Five clones were identical or highly similar to known cDNAs or proteins (rat kinesin light chain, mouse thrombospondin 1, mouse oncofetal antigen, RNA polymerase beta subunit and nuclear phosphoprotein). Four clones, designated REM#1, REM#2, REM#3 and REM#4, contained open reading frames, but were not homologous to any known genes or proteins. The reactivity of SCH94.03 with all nine clones was specific in that all nine clones identified contained continuous open reading frames and none of nine control IgM mAbs showed reactivity with any of the nine cDNA clones. The precise specificity of binding of mAb SCH94.03 was demonstrated by the absence of reactivity to the identified clones with IgM Ab from B cell lymphoma (CH12) which has identical cDNA sequences with mAb SCH94.03, but differ only in the heavy chain CDR3 N region. Our studies support the hypothesis that highly polyreactive natural autoantibodies can play a role in promoting central nervous system remyelination.

Evaluation of scaffolding effects of five different types of stents by intravascular ultrasound analysis.

The acute elastic recoil of 5 types of stents immediately after deployment by intravascular ultrasound and quantitative coronary angiography measurements was analyzed. Successfully implanted stents were: Palmaz-Schatz in 104 lesions, Gianturco-Roubin in 65, Wiktor in 45, gfx in 22, and Multi-Link stents in 22. Before and after stenting, the cross section of the smallest luminal area and vessel area was measured with intravascular ultrasound. The postdilatation balloon area was calculated by quantitative coronary angiography. Percent recoil was calculated as: [1-(preluminal area)/balloon area)] x 100. The ratio of balloon area-to-vessel area was also compared. Although preluminal areas in Gianturco-Roubin and Palmaz-Schatz stents were similar (2.4 +/- 0.1 vs 2.5 +/- 0.1 mm2, p = NS), postluminal area in the Gianturco-Roubin was significantly smaller than the area in the Palmaz-Schatz (6.3 +/- 0.2 vs 8.3 +/- 0.3 mm2, p <0.05). Although both the balloon area/vessel area (0.68 +/- 0.05, 0.80 +/- 0.08 vs 0.83 +/- 0.02, p <0.05) and the preluminal area (2.1 +/- 0.4, 1.6 +/- 0.2 vs 2.5 +/- 0.1 mm2, p <0.05) were smaller in gfx and Multi-Link than in the Palmaz-Schatz, postluminal area was comparable to the area in the Palmaz-Schatz (7.8 +/- 0.4, 7.4 +/- 0.4 vs 8.3 +/- 0.3 mm2, p = NS). Percent recoil in the Gianturco-Roubin was poorest among these 5 groups. More favorable initial gain can be obtained with Palmaz-Schatz, Wiktor, gfx, and Multi-Link stents than with the Gianturco-Roubin stent.