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PURPOSE: Although various panoramic X-ray machines with linear tomographic functions are now frequently applied to diagnosis related to dental implant treatment, the angles of the tomographic objective planes are automatically determined and cannot be adjusted for individual patients. To resolve this problem, a direct laser positioning (DLP) system was developed. In this investigation, the measurement accuracy of images obtained by the DLP system in comparison with those from reformatted computed tomography (CT) was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rectangular parallel piped phantom was scanned with the system and the height and width were measured on linear tomograms. Ten sites in 3 dried mandibles and 21 mandibular molar sites in 15 patients were examined both with the DLP system and the reformatted CT to compare the measured values on both images. RESULTS: The phantom experiment showed that the difference between the actual and measured heights and widths of the phantom were within 1 mm. DISCUSSION: The difference between the values obtained by the DLP system and CT was slightly larger in the patients than those in the dried mandibles. CONCLUSION: The DLP measurement accuracy was deemed sufficient for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the clinical utility of the direct Coombs’ test in the absence of hemolytic anemia as an indicator of disease activity and therapeutic response in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE patients without hemolytic anemia who visited our hospital from January 2016 to November 2016 were retrospectively evaluated with a direct Coombs’ test. Clinical features, including SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), treatment and laboratory findings were analyzed. For patients with lupus nephritis, we additionally evaluated the cumulative complete renal response rate over one year after induction therapy. Among 182 patients evaluated, 10 (5.8%) patients had a positive direct Coombs’ test in the absence of hemolytic anemia. They had a higher SLEDAI (p < 0.01), higher circulating immune complex levels (p = 0.01), higher anti-DNA titers (p < 0.01) and a lower complete renal response rate (p = 0.03) compared with those who were negative. Multivariate analysis indicated that SLEDAI was an independent factor correlated with the direct Coombs’ test without hemolytic anemia (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.66–4.98, p < 0.01). A positive direct Coombs’ test in the absence of hemolytic anemia may therefore represent a useful biomarker for assessing disease activity and therapeutic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction ( CIPO) is an intractable rare digestive disease manifesting persistent small bowel distension without any mechanical cause. Intestinal decompression is a key treatment, but conventional method including a trans-nasal small intestinal tube is invasive and painful. Therefore, a less invasive and tolerable new decompression method is urgently desired. We conducted a pilot study and assessed the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy ( PEG-J) decompression therapy in CIPO patients. Methods Seven definitive CIPO patients (2 males and 5 females) were enrolled. All patients received PEG-J decompression therapy. The number of days with any abdominal symptoms in a month ( NODASIM), body mass index ( BMI), serum albumin level (Alb), and small intestinal volume before and after PEG-J were compared in all patients. Results Percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy was well tolerated and oral intake improved in all patients. NODASIM has significantly decreased (24.3 vs 9.3 days/months) and BMI/Alb have significantly increased (14.9 vs 17.2 kg/m2 and 2.6 vs 3.8 g/dL, respectively), whereas total volume of the small intestine has not significantly reduced (4.05 vs 2.59 L, P=.18). Reflux esophagitis and chemical dermatitis were observed in one case but was successfully treated conservatively. Conclusions & Inferences Percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy decompression therapy can contribute greatly to improvement of abdominal symptoms and nutritional status in CIPO patients. Although sufficient attention should be paid to acid reflux symptoms, PEG-J has the potential to be a non-invasive novel decompression therapy for CIPO available at home. However, accumulation of more CIPO patients and long-term observation are needed ( UMIN000017574). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarises key themes and discussions from the 4th international workshop dedicated to the advancement of the technical, scientific and clinical applications of combined positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems that was held in Tübingen, Germany, from February 23 to 27, 2015. Specifically, we summarise the three days of invited presentations from active researchers in this and associated fields augmented by round table discussions and dialogue boards with specific topics. These include the use of PET/MRI in cardiovascular disease, paediatrics, oncology, neurology and multi-parametric imaging, the latter of which was suggested as a key promoting factor for the wider adoption of integrated PET/MRI. Discussions throughout the workshop and a poll taken on the final day demonstrated that attendees felt more strongly that PET/MRI has further advanced in both technical versatility and acceptance by clinical and research-driven users from the status quo of last year. Still, with only minimal evidence of progress made in exploiting the true complementary nature of the PET and MRI-based information, PET/MRI is still yet to achieve its potential. In that regard, the conclusion of last year's meeting "the real work has just started" still holds true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that blood flow-restricted low-intensity resistance training (BFR-RT) causes muscle hypertrophy while maintaining arterial function in young adults. We examined the effects of BFR-RT on muscle size and arterial stiffness in older adults. Healthy subjects (ages 61–84 years) were divided into BFR-RT (n = 9) or non-training control (CON; n = 10) groups. The BFR-RT group performed 20% and 30%, respectively, of one repetition maximal (1-RM) knee extension and leg press exercises, 2 days/wk for 12 weeks. The BFR-RT group wore elastic cuffs (120–270 mmHg) on both legs during training. Magnetic resonance imaging-measured muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), 1-RM strength, chair stand (CS) test, and cardio-ankle vascular index testing (CAVI), an index of arterial stiffness, were measured before and 3–5 days after the final training session. Muscle CSA of the quadriceps (8.0%), adductors (6.5%), and gluteus maximus (4.4%), leg extension and leg press 1-RM strength (26.1% and 33.4%), and CS performance (18.3%) improved (P < 0.05) in the BFR-RT group, but not in the CON group. In CAVI testing, there were no changes in both two groups. In conclusion, BFR-RT improves muscle CSA as well as maximal muscle strength, but does not negatively affect arterial stiffness or humeral coagulation factors in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effects of blood flow-restricted, low-intensity resistance exercise (termed kaatsu) using an elastic band for resistance on muscle activation. Nine men performed triceps extension and biceps flexion exercises (four sets respectively) using an elastic band for resistance with blood flow restriction ( BFR) or CON (unrestricted blood flow). During a BFR session, subjects wore pressure cuffs inflated to 170-260 mmHg on the proximal region of both arms. Surface electromyography ( EMG) was recorded from the triceps brachii and biceps brachii muscles, and mean integrated EMG (iEMG) was analyzed. Blood lactate concentration was obtained before ( Pre) and immediately after two exercises ( Post). During triceps extension and biceps flexion exercises, muscle activation increased progressively ( P < 0.05) under BFR (46% and 69%, respectively) but not under CON (12% and 23%, respectively). Blood lactate concentration at Post was higher ( P < 0.05) under BFR than under CON (3.6 and 2.1 mmol/L, respectively). Blood lactate concentration at Post was significantly correlated with increased iEMG in both triceps extension ( r = 0.65, P < 0.01) and biceps flexion exercises ( r = 0.52, P < 0.05). We conclude that kaatsu training using elastic bands for resistance enhances muscle activation and may be an effective method to promote muscle hypertrophy in older adults or patients with a low level of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechano-sensitive channels of plants may sense increases in tension induced by mechanical stimuli, such as touch, wind and turgor pressure, and a gravitational stimulus. Recent studies have identified plant homologues of the bacterial mechano-sensitive channel MscS, which is gated by membrane tension and reduces intracellular osmolality by releasing small osmolytes from bacterial cells. However, the physiological roles of these homologues have not yet been clearly elucidated, and only two of them have been shown to be involved in the protection of osmotically stressed plastids in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified another group of candidates for mechano-sensitive channels in Arabidopsis, named MCA1 and MCA2, whose homologues are exclusively found in plant genomes. MCA1 and MCA2 are composed of 421 and 416 amino acid residues, respectively, share 73% homology in their amino acid sequences, and are not homologous to any known ion channels or transporters. Our structural study revealed that the N-terminal region (one to 173 amino acids) of both proteins was necessary and sufficient for Ca2+ influx activity. Interestingly, this region had one putative transmembrane segment containing an Asp residue whose substitution mutation abolished this activity. Our physiological study suggested that MCA1 expressed at the root tip was required for sensing the hardness of the agar medium or soil. In addition, MCA1 and MCA2 were shown to be responsible for hypo-osmotic shock-induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt. Thus, both proteins appear to be involved in the process of sensing mechanical stresses. We discussed the possible role of both proteins in sensing mechanical and gravitational stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanosensitive ( MS) channels are expressed in a variety of cells. The molecular and biophysical mechanism involved in the regulation of MS channel activities is a central interest in basic biology. MS channels are thought to play crucial roles in gravity sensing in plant cells. To date, two mechanisms have been proposed for MS channel activation. One is that tension development in the lipid bilayer directly activates MS channels. The second mechanism proposes that the cytoskeleton is involved in the channel activation, because MS channel activities are modulated by pharmacological treatments that affect the cytoskeleton. We tested whether tension in the cytoskeleton activates MS channels. Mammalian endothelial cells were microinjected with phalloidin-conjugated beads, which bound to stress fibres, and a traction force to the actin cytoskeleton was applied by dragging the beads with optical tweezers. MS channels were activated when the force was applied, demonstrating that a sub-p N force to the actin filaments activates a single MS channel. Plants may use a similar molecular mechanism in gravity sensing, since the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration increase induced by changes in the gravity vector was attenuated by potential MS channel inhibitors, and by actin-disrupting drugs. These results support the idea that the tension increase in actin filaments by gravity-dependent sedimentation of amyloplasts activates MS Ca2+-permeable channels, which can be the molecular mechanism of a Ca2+ concentration increase through gravistimulation. We review recent progress in the study of tension sensing by actin filaments and MS channels using advanced biophysical methods, and discuss their possible roles in gravisensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of unrelated transplantation for patients with ALL who lack an HLA-matched sibling remains unclear. We performed a decision analysis to determine the efficacy of myeloablative transplantation from a genetically HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 allele-matched unrelated donor for patients with Ph chromosome-negative ALL aged 21-54 years. The transition probabilities were estimated from the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group studies (ALL93; n=80, ALL97; n=82), and the Japan Marrow Donor Program database (transplantation in first CR (CR1): n=177). The primary outcome measure was the 10-year survival probability with or without quality of life (QOL) adjustment. Subgroup analyses were performed according to risk stratification based on the WBC count and cytogenetics, and according to age stratification. In all patients, unrelated transplantation in CR1 was shown to be superior in analyses both with and without QOL adjustment (40.8 vs 28.4% and 43.9 vs 29.0%, respectively). A similar tendency was observed in all subgroups. The decision model was sensitive to the probability of leukemia-free survival following chemotherapy and the probability of survival after transplantation in standard-risk and higher-aged patients. Unrelated transplantation in CR1 improves the long-term survival probability in patients who lack an HLA-matched sibling. However, recent improvements in treatment strategies may change this result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two approaches to correcting the partial beam blockage of radar reflectivity in mountainous areas were evaluated using X-band dual polarization radar data from the Hakone mountain region, Kanto, Japan. The comparatively simple digital elevation model (DEM) method calculates the power loss in the received signal based on the geometrical relationship between radar beams and a DEM. The second approach, the modified DEM method, attempts to account for unknown power losses related to ground clutter, hardware calibration errors, etc. Comparison between ground data and reflectivity data corrected by both methods suggests that the DEM method alone was insufficient to correct beam blockage problems but that the modified DEM data were in generally good agreement with the ground data. The authors also estimated 10-min rainfall amounts using reflectivity corrected by the modified DEM method and compared these with data from a network of rain gauges in the mountainous region. In general, the results show good agreement between radar estimates and rain gauge measurements. On the basis of their results, the authors conclude that the modified DEM method offers a suitable solution to the problem of beam blockage in mountainous regions, provided that the beam blockage rate is less than 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (allo-HCT) from matched sibling donor (MSD) is recommended for younger patients with intermediate cytogenetic risk AML in first CR (CR1), whereas the role of alternative donor transplants in these patients is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 605 patients with intermediate-risk AML, who received myeloablative allo-HCT in CR1. The 4-year OS for MSD (n=290) and matched unrelated donor (MUD; n=141) was 65% and 68% (P=0.50), respectively. In multivariate analysis, MUD had a similar risk of overall mortality as MSD (hazard ratio=0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.30; P=0.58), whereas older age, female donor/male recipient (FDMR) combination, and requiring more than one course of induction chemotherapy to achieve CR1 were poor prognostic factors for OS. Thus, OS after MUD HCT with sex combinations other than FDMR was significantly higher than that after MSD HCT from female donors to male recipients (4-year OS 72% versus 55%, P=0.04). These results suggest that HCT, not only from MSD, but also from MUD, should be considered in younger patients with intermediate-risk AML in CR1, and that the donor-recipient sex combination is more important than the donor type in donor selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Oral sumatriptan administration has been reported to delay gastric emptying after liquid meals. The aim of this study was to determine whether delayed gastric emptying is caused by enhanced gastric accommodation, impaired antral contractions, or both using ultrasonography. Methods Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this randomized two-way crossover study. After overnight fasting, the subjects received the liquid meal 60 min after ingesting a 50 mg sumatriptan tablet with 50 mL of water or 50 mL of water alone (control). The cross-sectional area of the proximal stomach was measured in a supine position after every 100 mL. The frequency and amplitude of the antral contractions were measured in a slightly backward sitting position. The intragastric distribution of the liquid meal was assessed by calculating the proximal stomach/distal stomach ratio (prox/distal ratio). Key Results The cross-sectional area after drinking 100, 200, and 300 mL of the liquid meal (oral sumatriptan vs control) was 34.49 vs 15.11 cm2 ( P = 0.0051), 48.00 vs 30.61 cm2 ( P = 0.0166), and 58.67 vs 47.19 cm2 ( P = 0.0125), respectively. There was no significant difference in the amplitude of contractions, contraction cycle, motility index, and prox/distal ratio (97.15 vs 97.93%, P = 0.0745; 19.42 vs 19.5 s, P = 0.8590; and 887.58 vs 889.22, P = 0.5751; 9.75 vs 8.41, P = 0.8785; respectively). Conclusions & Inferences Oral sumatriptan administration enhanced gastric accommodation after the ingestion of liquid nutrients, but had no significant effect on antral contractions or intragastric distribution in healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim A case-controlled study was performed to investigate the association of colonic angiectasia with other conditions and to identify risk factors for bleeding. Method Information was collected from all patients who underwent colonoscopy at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2010. Data on 90 individuals with angiectasia [58 men; median age 69 (26-92) years] were compared with those of 180 individuals without angiectasia, matched for gender and age. Results Multivariate analysis showed that occult gastrointestinal bleeding [odds ratio (OR) 2.523; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.238-5.142], liver cirrhosis (OR 13.195; 95% CI 3.502-49.711), chronic renal failure (OR 6.796; 95% CI 1.598-28.904) and valvular heart disease (OR 6.425; 95% CI 1.028-40.165) were identified as significant predictors of the presence of colonic angiectasia. Eight patients were diagnosed with bleeding from angiectasia. Cardiovascular disease (OR 22.047; 95% CI 1.063-457.345) and multiple angiectasias ( P-value 0.0019) were identified as significant risk factors for active bleeding. Medication and a large size were not associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Conclusion The presence of colonic angiectasia was associated with valvular heart disease, liver cirrhosis and chronic renal failure. Valvular heart disease and multiple lesions increased the risk of bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient movement has been considered an important source of errors in cardiac PET. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of such movement on myocardial blood flow (MBF) and perfusable tissue fraction (PTF) measurements in intravenous ¹⁵O-water PET.Methods: Nineteen ¹⁵O-water scans were performed on ten healthy volunteers and three patients with severe cardiac dysfunction under resting conditions. Motions of subjects during scans were estimated by monitoring locations of markers on their chests using an optical motion-tracking device. Each sinogram of the dynamic emission frames was corrected for subject motion. Variation of regional MBF and PTF with and without the motion corrections was evaluated.Results: In nine scans, motions during ¹⁵O-water scan (inter-frame (IF) motion) and misalignments relative to the transmission scan (inter-scan (IS) motion) larger than the spatial resolution of the PET scanner (4.0 mm) were both detected by the optical motion-tracking device. After correction for IF motions, MBF values changed from 0.845 ± 0.366 to 0.780 ± 0.360 mL/minute/g (P < .05). In four scans with only IS motion detected, PTF values changed significantly from 0.465 ± 0.118 to 0.504 ± 0.087 g/mL (P< .05), but no significant change was found in MBF values.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that IF motion during ¹⁵O-water scan at rest can be source of error in MBF measurement. Furthermore, estimated MBF is less sensitive than PTF values to misalignment between transmission and ¹⁵O-water emission scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel parallel detection scheme for enhancing the sensitivity of coherent optical time domain reflectometry (C-OTDR). The proposed scheme is based on frequency-division multiplexing using a phase modulator and software processing. The performance advantages of the proposed method are clarified experimentally by comparison with a conventional C-OTDR. The detection sensitivity performance with the proposed method, operating at 40 frequency-division multiplexing, was improved by about 8 dB compared with the conventional method. We also clarified that the 3 dB resolution and Rayleigh dead zone of conventional C-OTDR and the proposed method were almost the same at a spatial resolution of 1 km. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cell dose is one of the major factors that can be manipulated in unrelated BMT. However, regarding disease-stage-stratified effects of cell dose, data are limited. We analyzed the registry data from 3559 patients with acute leukemia, CML and myelodysplastic syndrome who received T-cell replete unrelated BMT through the Japan Marrow Donor Program. Adjusted effects of cell dose were evaluated for various outcomes separately according to disease stages and children or adults. Acute GVHD and nonrelapse mortality were not affected by cell dose. Among children, a cell dose lower than 3.0 × 108/kg was associated with lower engraftment rates in advanced-stage diseases. Among adults, a cell dose of 3.4 × 108/kg or higher was associated with lower relapse rates and better survival rates only in early-stage diseases, whereas cell dose below 2.3 × 108/kg was associated with lower engraftment rates in advanced-stage diseases. In conclusion, effects of cell dose may differ among disease stages. A cell dose of 3.4 × 108/kg or higher is recommended only for adults with early-stage diseases. With the number of patients available for analysis in this study, we could not show any significant benefits associated with 4.6 × 108/kg or higher in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]