Low energy virtual monochromatic CT with deep learning image reconstruction to improve delineation of endoleaks.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the utility of low-energy virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) combined with deep-learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in improving the delineation of endoleaks (ELs) after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT (DECT). METHODS: A total of 61 consecutive patients (mean age, 77 years; 46 men) after EVAR who underwent contrast-enhanced DECT were enrolled. Virtual monochromatic 40- and 70-keV images were reconstructed using DLIR (TrueFidelity-H) and conventional hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the EL on the venous-phase CT was calculated. Four different reconstructed image series (hybrid IR and DLIR at two energy levels, 40- and 70-keV) were displayed side-by-side and visually assessed for EL conspicuity on a 5-point comparative scale from 0 (best) to -4 (significantly inferior). Two experienced radiologists independently conducted a qualitative evaluation of the CT images. RESULTS: A total of 30 out of 61 patients presented with an EL. On both 40- and 70-keV images, the CNR of the EL was significantly higher in DLIR than in hybrid IR (40-keV, 14.5 ± 7.3 vs 8.6 ± 4.2, P<0.001; 70-keV, 8.7 ± 4.5 vs 5.5 ± 2.6, P<0.001). The comparative scale of EL conspicuity in the 40-keV DLIR images (Observer1, -0.2 ± 0.4; Observer2, 0.0 ± 0.0) was significantly higher than 40-keV hybrid IR (Observer1, -0.5 ± 0.5; Observer2, -1.0 ± 0.0; P<0.05), 70-keV DLIR (Observer1, -1.8 ± 0.4; Observer2, -2.0 ± 0.0; P<0.001) and 70-keV hybrid IR images (Observer1, -1.8 ± 0.4; Observer2, -2.4 ± 0.5; P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using 40-keV VMI in combination with DLIR improves EL delineation after EVAR compared with the 70-keV VMI with hybrid IR or DLIR.

Impaired reproduction in Japanese Black cattle under cold environmental conditions.

Environmental factors such as the temperature-humidity index (THI) are known to affect reproductive parameters in cattle. Therefore, here, we examined whether there was any correlation between the THI and the reproductive performance of Japanese Black cattle by analysing the first-service conception rates of 178,492 artificially inseminated cows across 9,833 herds in south-western Japan over a 3-year period. The daily mean (±SD) THI over the study period was 63.6 ± 11.3 (range: 41.4-81.5). The calving to first artificial insemination (AI) interval was significantly negatively correlated with THI in the month of AI (r = -.75, p < .001), whereas conception rate to first AI (CRFA) showed a cyclical change that did not correspond with that of THI, resulting in a time lag between CRFA and THI in the month of AI. Furthermore, there was a stronger correlation between CRFA and THI between 3 and 2 months before AI (r = .76 vs. .83, p < .001) than in the month of AI (r = .34, p = .04). Therefore, this extensive field study showed that a decrease in THI was associated with declined reproductive performance in Japanese Black cattle and that the impact of the cold environment on the conception rate is attributable to a carryover effect from the cold season before AI rather than conditions at the time of AI.

Severe hyponatremia caused by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone developed as initial manifestation of human herpesvirus-6-associated acute limbic encephalitis after unrelated bone marrow transplantation.

Severe hyponatremia is a critical electrolyte abnormality in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) recipients and >50% of cases of severe hyponatremia are caused by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Here, we present a patient with rapidly progressive severe hyponatremia as an initial sign and symptom of human herpesvirus-6-associated post-transplantation acute limbic encephalitis (HHV-6 PALE) after allo-SCT. A 45-year-old woman with acute lymphoblastic leukemia received unrelated bone marrow transplantation from a one locus-mismatched donor at the DR locus. On day 21, she developed a generalized seizure and loss of consciousness with severe hyponatremia, elevated serum antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and decreased serum osmolality. A high titer of HHV-6 DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with foscarnet sodium and hypertonic saline was started with improvement of neurological condition within several days. Although an elevated serum ADH, low serum osmolality, and high urinary osmolality persisted for 2 months, she had no other recurrent symptoms of encephalitis. Our experience suggests that hyponatremia accompanied by SIADH should be recognized as a prodromal or concomitant manifestation of HHV-6 PALE, and close monitoring of serum sodium levels in high-risk patients for HHV-6 PALE is necessary for immediate diagnosis and treatment initiation.

The rs150311303 polymorphism in FcγRIIa enhances IgG binding capacity.

Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) provides an important link between humoral and cellular immune responses. FcγRIIa-H131R polymorphism has been associated with differential binding to IgG subclasses and susceptibility to severe malaria phenotypes among different populations in the malaria endemic world. In this study, the effect of FCGR2A gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to symptomatic malaria among Ghanaian cohort children was investigated. Blood samples from four hundred and 29 (429) healthy Ghanaian children were genotyped for FCGR2A polymorphisms by direct DNA sequencing. Attributable and relative risks to symptomatic malaria were calculated for the polymorphic variants. Two major FCGR2A polymorphisms, rs1801274A/G (FcγRIIa-H131R) and rs150311303 (FcγRIIa-ins170L), were identified in the study population, and assessment of their risks did not show significant association with susceptibility to symptomatic malaria. The functional significance of these polymorphisms was also examined by evaluating their binding abilities to IgG subclasses using flow cytometric analysis of HEK cells transfected with the FcγRIIa haplotype variants. The binding assay revealed the rs150311303, which was observed only among carriers of the FcγRIIa-131RR genotype for the rs1801274 to consistently enhance binding capacities to all IgG subclasses. Thus, of the three FcγRIIa haplotype variants observed in this study population, the FcγRIIa(RL) haplotype variant was observed to have the highest binding ability to IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4.

Microdose study of a P-glycoprotein substrate, fexofenadine, using a non-radioisotope-labelled drug and LC/MS/MS.

OBJECTIVE: Fexofenadine is a P-glycoprotein substrate of low bioavailability. It is primarily excreted into faeces as a parent drug via biliary excretion. The predictability from microdose data for the drug absorbed via transporters such as P-glycoprotein is not known. Therefore, this study assessed the predictability of therapeutic-dose pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine from microdosing data using non-radioisotope-labelled drug and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS). METHOD: In a single dose, randomized, two-way crossover study, eight subjects received a microdose (100 microg) or a therapeutic dose (60 mg) of fexofenadine. Blood samples were collected until 12 h after dosing, and assayed using LC/MS/MS. RESULTS: Plasma concentration-time curves of fexofenadine between microdose and therapeutic dose were similar. The mean +/- SD of C(max) normalized to 60 mg dose after microdose and therapeutic dose were 379 +/- 147 and 275 +/- 145 ng/mL respectively. The mean AUC(last) normalized to 60 mg dose after microdose and therapeutic dose were 1914 +/- 738 and 1431 +/- 432 ng/h/mL respectively. The mean dose-adjusted C(max) and AUC(last) after microdose were higher compared with those after therapeutic dose. Individual plots of C(max) and AUC(last) normalized to 60 mg dose, were similar for microdose and therapeutic dose. None of the pharmacokinetic parameters were statistically different using anova. Overall, the microdose pharmacokinetics profile was similar to, and hence predictive of, that of the therapeutic dose. CONCLUSION: For the P-glycoprotein substrate fexofenadine, the predictability of therapeutic-dose pharmacokinetics from microdose data was good. A microdose study using a non-radioisotope-labelled drug and LC/MS/MS is convenient, and has the potential to aid the early selection of drug candidates.

Brightness modulations of our nearest terrestrial planet Venus reveal atmospheric super-rotation rather than surface features.

Terrestrial exoplanets orbiting within or near their host stars' habitable zone are potentially apt for life. It has been proposed that time-series measurements of reflected starlight from such planets will reveal their rotational period, main surface features and some atmospheric information. From imagery obtained with the Akatsuki spacecraft, here we show that Venus' brightness at 283, 365, and 2020 nm is modulated by one or both of two periods of 3.7 and 4.6 days, and typical amplitudes  <10% but occasional events of 20-40%. The modulations are unrelated to the solid-body rotation; they are caused by planetary-scale waves superimposed on the super-rotating winds. Here we propose that two modulation periods whose ratio of large-to-small values is not an integer number imply the existence of an atmosphere if detected at an exoplanet, but it remains ambiguous whether the atmosphere is optically thin or thick, as for Earth or Venus respectively. Multi-wavelength and long temporal baseline observations may be required to decide between these scenarios. Ultimately, Venus represents a false positive for interpretations of brightness modulations of terrestrial exoplanets in terms of surface features.

Proinflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and the risk of preterm birth and low birthweight in a Japanese population.

Pregnancy and parturition involve a complex and poorly understood molecular and biological interplay between mother and fetus. Inflammatory cytokines have been reported to be associated with fetal growth and parturition. The aim of this study was to examine whether common proinflammatory cytokine polymorphisms are associated with preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight or intrauterine growth restriction in a Japanese population. We assessed a consecutive series of 414 women who had singleton deliveries in Sapporo, Japan between 2001 and 2005. Genotyping of IL1A -889C/T, +4845G/T (A114S), IL1B -511C/T, -31C/T, IL2 -384T/G and IL6 -634C/G polymorphisms was determined by an allelic discrimination assay. The risk of PTB significantly increased in women carrying the IL1A -889T allele (CC genotype [reference]; CT genotype, odds ratios (OR): 2.5; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.4-4.8; CT+TT genotypes [dominant genotype model], OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.6). Similarly, the risk of PTB significantly increased in women carrying the IL1A +4845T allele (GG genotype [reference]; GT genotype, OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3-4.4; GT+TT genotypes [dominant genotype model], OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.2). The frequency of the IL1A TT haplotype in mothers with PTB was significantly higher than in mothers who had a term birth (P < 0.001), whereas the frequency of the IL1A CG haplotype in mothers who had a PTB was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the polymorphisms and haplotypes in the IL1A gene are associated with PTB in Japanese women.

A cephalometric evaluation of the pharyngeal airway space in patients with mandibular retrognathia and prognathia, and normal subjects.

The antero-posterior diameter of the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) at the level of the soft palate and base of the tongue was assessed in age-matched females with a normal mandible (n=31), mandibular retrognathism (n=30) or mandibular prognathism (n=38). All subjects were examined by lateral cephalometry. Measured variables were corrected with the use of appropriate regression equations to eliminate the effects of head posture on the PAS. The corrected data showed more clear-cut differences in the PAS among the three groups than did the measured data. Pharyngeal airway diameter was largest in the group with mandibular prognathism, followed by the normal mandible and mandibular retrognathism groups. These results indicate that the antero-posterior dimension of the PAS is affected by different skeletal patterns of the mandible.

Effect of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy setback on the soft palate and pharyngeal airway space.

To evaluate the effect of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy setback on the morphology of the pharyngeal airway, especially the structures of the soft palate and pharyngeal airway space (PAS), lateral cephalograms obtained from 49 women before treatment and 1 year after surgery were traced and compared. All patients underwent this osteotomy to correct mandibular hyperplasia. The data were corrected with the use of regression equations for the PAS, taking into account head posture. On average, the SNB angle decreased by 3.9 degrees, resulting in an increase of 4.1 degrees in OPT/NSL (head posture, defined as the craniocervical angulation at the uppermost part of the cervical spine). The morphology of the PAS and soft palate changed significantly (p<0.01). The mean reduction in the PAS was 2.6mm retropalatinally and 4.0mm retrolingually. On average, the soft-palate length increased by 3.2mm and the soft-palate angle increased by 4 degrees. These results show that mandibular setback surgery markedly decreases the PAS and changes the morphology of the soft palate.

Pulsed wire discharge apparatus for mass production of copper nanopowders.

A pulsed wire discharge (PWD) apparatus for the mass production of nanopowders has been developed. The apparatus has a continuous wire feeder, which is operated in synchronization with a discharging circuit. The apparatus is designed for operation at a maximum repetition rate of 1.4 Hz at a stored energy of 160 J. In the present study, Cu nanopowder was synthesized using the PWD apparatus and the performance of the apparatus was examined. Cu nanopowder of 2.0 g quantity was prepared in N(2) gas at 100 kPa for 90 s. The particle size distribution of the Cu nanopowder was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and the mean surface diameter was determined to be 65 nm. The ratio of the production mass of the powder to input energy was 362 g/kW h.

Serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein concentrations are associated with serum levels of total cholesterol, beta-lipoprotein and apoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of serum cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and the metabolism of various lipids including apoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relationships between serum concentrations of CETP and various lipids and apoproteins were investigated in 193 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 68 age-matched healthy subjects. Serum CETP concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum CETP values were lower in diabetic patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.01). Female diabetic patients had significantly higher CETP concentrations than male patients. Serum CETP concentrations exhibited a significant positive correlation with serum concentrations of cholesterol (TC) and beta-lipoproteins in diabetic patients (r = 0.485, p = 0.013). Patients with relatively high serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) tended to have much lower CETP concentrations than patients with lower HDL-C concentrations. Serum CETP concentrations showed significant positive correlations with those of apoproteins B (Apo B; r = 0.384, p = 0.024) and E (Apo E; r = 0.341, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that serum CETP is closely involved in the metabolism of TC, beta-lipoprotein, Apo B and Apo E in type 2 diabetic patients.

[Mitral valve plasty for a 91-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse].

We reported a successful mitral valve plasty for a 91-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse. She has lived healthfully and independently without a big problem. She was admitted to another hospital for acute heart failure. Echo cardiography revealed prolapse of posterior mitral valve leaflet and severe mitral regurgitation. Drug therapy was not enough to control her complaint In spite of her age, the patient was able to support herself, and she and her family desired to have a surgical treatment. Therefore she referred to our hospital and underwent mitral valve plasty. Post operative course was almost uneventful. She discharged the hospital 3 months after the operation. If a selective criteria for individual patients is applied, the nonagenarian can safety undergo cardiac surgery.

Relationship between plasma anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations during the rearing period and subsequent embryo productivity in Japanese black cattle.

To use plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations as early-stage markers for donor cow selection, we investigated the relationship between plasma AMH concentrations in Japanese black heifers and subsequent embryo productivity following superovulation treatment. Plasma AMH and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in 6 heifers were evaluated once per month from 3 mo before successful AI for primiparity to 3 mo postpartum. Following calving, embryo collection by superovulation treatment was performed at 3- to 4-mo intervals. There were no significant differences in plasma AMH concentrations between the time points throughout the study period. There were, however, significant inter-animal differences in plasma AMH concentrations (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that plasma AMH concentrations were stable over time and individually specific. There were significant positive correlations between plasma AMH concentrations before AI and embryo productivity variables, including the number of ova/embryos (number of transferable embryos, degenerated embryos, and unfertilized oocytes) and numbers/proportions of fertilized and transferable embryos. There was no significant correlation between plasma AMH and NEFA concentrations throughout the study period. These findings reveal that plasma AMH concentrations during the rearing period can be used to predict subsequent embryo productivity following superovulation treatment, suggesting that these concentrations are useful early-stage markers for selecting donor cows.

Relationship between the pharyngeal airway space and craniofacial morphology, taking into account head posture.

This study assessed the relationship between craniofacial characteristics and the size of the pharyngeal airway space (PAS), taking into account head posture. Sixty dental students 25-30 years of age (30 men and 30 women) were examined by lateral cephalometry. The data were corrected with the use of appropriate regression equations for the PAS. The PAS significantly correlated with hyoid position, maxillary and mandibular size, maxillary and mandibular prognathism, and mandibular inclination. A large, anteriorly positioned mandible was associated with a large PAS-TP (the most proximal distance between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the tongue base). Uvula length and PNS-Ba (the distance between the most posterior point of the hard palate and the most inferior point of the anterior foramen magnum) correlated with PAS-UP (the most proximal distance between the posterior pharyngeal wall and uvula). Our results suggest that the anteroposterior dimension of the PAS is substantially affected by the size of the enclosure surrounding the PAS, including the maxilla, mandible and soft palate.

Carbonization of waste PVC to develop porous carbon material without further activation.

Efficient removal of chlorine from PVC achieved by two-stage heat-treatment (280 and 410 degrees C) provided chlorine-free isotropic pitch containing additive. The pitch was stabilized and carbonized into porous carbons with surface areas of approximately 300 m2/g. Resultant porous carbons showed three pore structures of supermicropore, micropore and mesopore. The generation of CO2 from the decomposition of the CaCO3 additive in waste PVC is responsible for the development of porous structures. The surface area of the carbonized product increased after the removal of CaO.

Estimation of photon dose generated by a short pulse high power laser.

The authors obtain a new equation to estimate the forward component of a photon dose generated through the interaction between a target and a short pulse high power laser. As the equation is quite simple, it is useful for calculating the photon dose. The equation shows that the photon dose is proportional to the electron temperature in the range>3 MeV and proportional to the square of the electron temperature in the range<3 MeV. The dose estimated with this method is roughly consistent with the result of Monte Carlo simulation. With some assumptions and corrections, it can reproduce experimental results obtained and the dose result calculated at other laboratories.

Insulin-like growth factor I rapidly induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a Mr 150,000 and a Mr 160,000 protein in highly metastatic mouse colon carcinoma 26 NL-17 cells.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) stimulates the proliferation of highly metastatic NL-17 cells to a greater extent than poorly metastatic NL-44 cells, both of which are derived from mouse colon carcinoma 26. The NL-17 cells have been compared with NL-44 cells for the signal transduction pathway of IGF-I. IGF-I receptors of both cell types were identified by affinity labeling, and there was no significant difference between the two cell types in the amount or the autophosphorylation activity of the IGF-I receptors. However, when IGF-I-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular components was examined, remarkable tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins with molecular weights of 150,000 (pp150) and 160,000 (pp160) was found in NL-17 cells. In contrast, this phosphorylation stayed at significantly lower levels in NL-44 cells than in NL-17 cells. The phosphorylation of pp150 and pp160 was induced within 10 s after the addition of IGF-I and reached its maximal level by 30 s. After the removal of IGF-I, the phosphorylation of pp150 and pp160 was reduced to the basal level within 30 min. This phosphorylation was not induced by platelet-derived or epidermal growth factor. The pp150 and pp160 were not absorbed by wheat germ agglutinin-agarose. They were found in the soluble fraction of cytoplasm but not in the membrane or the cytoskeleton. The pp150 and pp160 might be endogenous substrates of IGF-I receptor kinase. These results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp150 and pp160 mediates the higher proliferative response of NL-17 cells to IGF-I.

Modification of liposomes with N-substituted polyacrylamides: identification of proteins adsorbed from plasma.

Liposomes prepared from DMPC (80%) and cholesterol (20%) were modified with a series of hydrophobically modified N-substituted polyacrylamides, namely, poly[N-isopropylacrylamide] (PNIPAM), poly[N,N-bis(2-methoxyethyl) acrylamide] (PMEAM), and poly[(3-methoxypropyl)acrylamide] (PMPAM). The hydrophobic group, N-[4-(1-pyrenylbutyl)-N-n-octadecylamine was attached to one end of the polymer chains to serve as an anchor for incorporation into the liposome bilayer. Liposome-polymer interactions were confirmed using fluorescence spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Microscopy revealed differences in aggregation tendency between unmodified and polymer-modified liposomes. Proteins adsorbed to liposome surfaces during exposure to human plasma were identified by immunoblot analysis. It was found that both unmodified and polymer-modified liposomes adsorb a wide variety of plasma proteins. Contact phase coagulation proteins, complement proteins, cell-adhesive proteins, serine protease inhibitors, plasminogen, antithrombin III, prothrombin, transferrin, alpha(2)-microglobulin, hemoglobin, haptoglobin and beta-lipoprotein as well as the major plasma proteins were all detected. Some differences were found between the unmodified and polymer-modified liposomes. The unmodified liposomes adsorbed plasminogen mainly as the intact protein, whereas on the modified liposomes plasminogen was present in degraded form. Also, the liposomes modified with PNIPAM in its extended conformation (below the lower critical solution temperature) appeared to adsorb less protein than those containing the 'collapsed' form of PNIPAM (above the LCST).

Determination of the depth of penetration of the alpha subunit of retinal G protein in membranes: a spectroscopic study.

This paper reports the fluorescence quenching of the alpha subunit of retinal rod outer segment G protein (Gtalpha) by vesicles of brominated phospholipids. Two different brominated phospholipids with the bromine quencher groups attached at the 6-7 and 9-10 positions in one of the fatty acyl chains have been used to estimate the depth of penetration of the Gtalpha protein in the lipid vesicles using steady-state fluorescence quenching techniques. Our studies provide evidence of the interaction between Gtalpha protein, in its active conformation, with the lipid vesicles mimicking natural membranes. This study demonstrates that in vitro the distance between fluorescent tryptophan site of Gtalpha and the membrane surface is approximately 6.5 A.

Delayed-type hypersensitivity to a recombinant mycobacterial antigen, MPB64, in guinea pigs sensitized to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis BCG.

Recombinant MPB64 (rMPB64), a mycobacterial antigen, was obtained from an Escherichia coli clone transformed with a recombinant expression vector, pMAL64c. The rMPB64 was examined for the activity to elicit delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in guinea pigs injected with liver Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv or live M. bovis BCG Tokyo. It was found that rMPB64 has the same reactivity as native MPB64 (nMPB64) or MPT64 (nMPT64) and the potency to elicit DTH was 13.4 times higher than that of PPD. Because MPB64 is secreted only by living M. tuberculosis and some strains of BCG, it is possible to use this antigen for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.