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The X-ray computed tomography system (XCT) as a coordinate measuring system has been increasingly introduced into the manufacturing industry because of its capability of measuring internal features. However, the metrological performance evaluation method for XCT has not yet been standardized. One of the biggest reasons of this is the difficulty in evaluating the material influence. The previous research by the authors revealed that the material influence significantly affects the form of the object to be measured. ISO/TC 213/WG 10, which covers the ISO standards of coordinate measuring machines, proposes the introduction of an additional object, called an “obstructive body,” by which the material influence is enhanced. This study presents the experimental results and a software simulation, in which the material influence is produced in a specific area and not on the entire surface of the test object. Additionally, requirements for the obstructive body in the industrial standardization of performance evaluation methods for XCT are proposed.

Objective: We investigated the association between Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) scores and the outcomes of bypass surgery in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Methods: We retrospectively calculated preoperative CONUT scores in 118 patients (127 limbs) with CLTI who underwent infrainguinal bypass surgery. Survival, graft patency, and limb salvage were compared between the high and low CONUT score groups based on the respective cutoff points. Results: The median and mean CONUT scores were 5 and 4.8, respectively. The postoperative survival rate was lower in the high CONUT score (3–12) group than in the low CONUT score (0–2) group (P=0.0043). The limb salvage rate after arterial reconstruction was also significantly lower in the high CONUT score (8–12) group than in the low CONUT score (0–7) group (P=0.0009). Conclusions: The CONUT score can predict infrainguinal bypass surgery outcomes in patients with CLTI. (This is a translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2020; 60: 35–41.)

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a short interposition using a small-diameter prosthetic graft as a flow-limiting procedure to manage symptomatic high-flow arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Methods A retrospective review of medical records on a case series was conducted. From June 2004 to April 2017, there were 25 patients with clinical symptoms of high output cardiac failure and progressive dilation of aneurysmal fistula vein due to high-flow AVF (≥1.5 L/min) who underwent short interposition with a 5-mm prosthetic graft at Saitama Medical Center. The primary outcome was the relief of clinical symptoms; other outcome measures included technical success, surgical complications, patency of vascular access, and postoperative changes in local and systemic hemodynamics as assessed by Doppler ultrasound. Results Twenty-five patients underwent short interposition for cardiac indications (n = 16) and aneurysmal dilation (n = 9). The technical success rate was 100%. The clinical symptoms were relieved in 24 patients (96.0%). Mean reduction in access blood flow was 52.4%. Cumulative primary unassisted patency rates (± standard error) at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 76.2% ± 9.3%, 70.4% ± 10.3%, and 58.1% ± 11.6%, respectively. Secondary patency rates (± standard error) at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 81.8% ± 8.2%, 71.5% ± 9.9%, and 71.5% ± 9.9%, respectively. Complications included access occlusion due to late thrombosis (n = 5 [21.7%]) and graft infection (n = 1 [4.3%]) in the median follow-up period of 3.9 years. Conclusions Short interposition with a prosthetic graft is a simple, effective, and durable treatment option for end-stage renal disease patients with cardiac symptoms and progressive dilation of the fistula vein due to high-flow AVF, offering clinical symptom resolution while preserving the autologous behavior of the initial access.

Population-based prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is effective for reducing prostate cancer (PCa)-related mortality rates. In this study, we assessed biopsy-proven maximum cancer core length (MCCL) and maximum cancer diameter on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; MCDM) in prostate biopsy and multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) by PCa detection. We retrospectively assessed 214 male PCa patients and 187 PCa patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS) category 3–5 lesions in pre-biopsy mp-MRI and targeted biopsy characteristics. The mean biopsy-proven MCCL and MCDM were compared among three PSA screening groups, namely the population-based PSA screening (PBS), opportunistic PSA screening (OPS), and symptomatic outpatient PSA examination (SOP) groups. The median age and PSA value of the 214 participants were 75 years and 7.9 ng/mL, respectively. In the PBS, OPS, and SOP groups, the median ages were 73, 76, and 76 years, respectively (p = 0.046); PSA values were 7.2, 9.5, and 11.5 ng/mL, respectively (p

The efficacy of preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NAC) in cases of pancreatic cancer with extremely poor prognoses has been reported. In this study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers that reflect prognoses following chemoradiotherapy using tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO) expressed in the tumor microenvironment. Resected tumor specimens were obtained from 140 pancreatic cancer patients. We retrospectively investigated the clinical relevance of TLO by categorizing patients into those who underwent upfront surgery (surgery first [SF]) and those who received NAC. The immunological elements within TLO were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In the IHC analysis, the proportions of CD8+ T lymphocytes, PNAd+ high endothelial venules, CD163+ macrophages and Ki‐67+ cells within the TLO were higher in the NAC group than in the SF group. In contrast, the proportion of programmed cell death‐1+ immunosuppressive lymphocytes within TLO was lower in the NAC group than in the SF group. The NAC group demonstrated favorable prognoses compared with the SF group. In the multivariate analysis, the TLO/tumor ratio was determined as an independent predictive prognostic factor. In conclusion, the administration of preoperative chemoradiotherapy may influence the immunological elements in the tumor microenvironment and result in favorable prognoses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.

Key Clinical Message The chemotherapy guidelines for mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) remain poorly defined, and prognosis remains dismal. In this case, we successfully performed resection after FOLFOX for unresectable metastatic MANEC of the liver. Thus, chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma may be effective for MANEC.

Objective: This multicenter observational study was conducted in order to investigate the incidence of cancer in patients with critical limb ischemia. Materials and Methods: We prospectively investigated the incidence of cancer in 68 patients with critical limb ischemia over a two-year period. Patients underwent an intensive examination at enrollment, which included tumor marker levels and chest and abdominal computed tomography, as well as one- and two-year follow-up examinations. We compared the observed incidence of cancer with the expected incidence calculated from national cancer rates by the standardized incidence ratio (SIR). Results: The majority (83.6%) of the patients were men, and 92.5% of the patients had a peripheral arterial disease that was classified as Fontaine stage III or IV. During enrollment, newly diagnosed cancers were detected in seven patients. Four additional cancers were detected during the follow-up period. All of the detected cancers were asymptomatic. We observed an increased risk of cancer (SIR, 4.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-9.42) in patients with critical limb ischemia. Conclusion: This study suggests that critical limb ischemia is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Our findings should be taken into serious consideration by future investigators considering the use of therapeutic angiogenesis.

As more than 320,000 patients are currently receiving hemodialysis treatment in Japan, the creation and maintenance of hemodialysis access is a major concern. The national guidelines recommend autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis, and the brachial-basilic arteriovenous fistula has been the focus of attention, because the need for secondary, tertiary, or even more vascular access is growing. Although favorable results have been reported in terms of patency and access-related complication, this fistula involves various unsolved or controversial issues, with limitations including complex procedures, which might contribute to the lower prevalence at this point in Japan. This review addresses those issues and discusses the role of fistula in Japan.

// Shoki Sato 1 , Toru Nakamura 1 , Toyomasa Katagiri 2 , Takahiro Tsuchikawa 1 , Toshihiro Kushibiki 1 , Kouji Hontani 1 , Mizuna Takahashi 1 , Kazuho Inoko 1 , Hironobu Takano 1 , Hirotake Abe 1 , Shintaro Takeuchi 1 , Masato Ono 1 , Shota Kuwabara 1 , Kazufumi Umemoto 1 , Tomohiro Suzuki 1 , Osamu Sato 1 , Yusuke Nakamura 3 and Satoshi Hirano 1 1 Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan 2 Division of Genome Medicine, Institute for Genome Research, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan 3 Department of Medicine and Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA Correspondence to: Toru Nakamura, email: torunakamura@med.hokudai.ac.jp Keywords: C16orf74; pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; cell-permeable peptide; molecular target therapy Received: May 04, 2017 Accepted: July 26, 2017 Published: October 19, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Chromosome 16 open reading frame 74 ( C16orf74 ) is highly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is involved in cancer cell proliferation and invasion through binding to calcineurin (CN). Therefore, C16orf74 is a good target for the development of a PDAC treatment. A cell-permeable dominant-negative (DN) peptide that can inhibit the C16orf74/CN interaction was designed to examine whether this peptide can inhibit PDAC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo . Method: TheDN-C16orf74 peptide, which corresponds to the portion of C16orf74 that interacts with CN, was synthesized, and we assessed its anti-tumor activity in proliferation assays with human PDAC cells and the underlying molecular signaling pathway. Using an orthotopic xenograft model of PDAC, we treated mice intraperitoneally with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), control peptide, or DN-C16orf74 and analyzed the tumor-suppressive effects. Result: DN-C16orf74 inhibited the binding of C16orf74 to CN in an immunoprecipitation assay. DN-C16orf74 suppressed PDAC cell proliferation, and the level of suppression depended on the expression levels of C16orf74 in vitro . DN-C16orf74 also exhibited anti-tumor effects in orthotopic xenograft model. Furthermore, the tumor-suppressive effect was associated with inhibition of the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR. Conclusion: The cell-permeable peptide DN-C16orf74 has a strong anti-tumor effect against PDAC in vitro and in vivo .

Furfural was directly obtained from bamboo powder in water–toluene biphasic solvents at 443 K over a chabazite-type (CHA) zeolite prepared with an interzeolite conversion method from a faujasite-type zeolite. The CHA zeolite was effective for the hydrolysis of hemicellulose fraction in ball-milled bamboo powder to xylose and selective dehydration of xylose to furfural.

Dimensional X-ray computed tomography systems (DXCT) having the capability of measuring sizes and geometrical features are paid attention as a new type of coordinate measuring systems (CMS). A gauge used for verifying the measurement performance of DXCT is demanded for made of the material having low X-ray attenuation coefficient. In this study, the plastic is proposed to be used as a material of the gauge and the suitability of that is investigated. The observation of long-term dimensional stability shows Poly Phenylene Sulfide (PPS) is the most stable material in the observed plastics. The evaluation of actual CTE of plastic and of calibration uncertainty is demonstrated. The test uncertainty of the performance test of a coordinate measuring system including DXCT was estimated. The estimated uncertainty leads the guideline of conditions to be considered when the performance of DXCT is evaluated using the gauges.

—For the past decades Japan has remained number one in a range of population health metrics including the world's longest healthy life expectancy. While this was achieved through various socioeconomic factors besides public health interventions, health promotion policies to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) played a major role. Japan introduced its first comprehensive national plan to prevent and control NCDs in 1978 and has revised the plan every decade since. These 10-year policy packages were instrumental in galvanizing stakeholders, while adapting to changing social, behavioral, and epidemiological trends. In this article, we provide an overview of trends in policy on the prevention and control of NCDs in Japan with a focus on successes and challenges especially due to a rapidly aging population. Through this review we aim to share the lessons learned in Japan for other countries tackling or expecting to be challenged by NCDs. These lessons include the role of multisectoral approaches, clear goals and targets with effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, addressing social aspects, adjustment to the local context, and foreseeing future demographic transition. Japan is committed to contributing to the world as a forerunner of the health challenges posed by unprecedented demographic change, by sharing its lessons in the global quest to create a world where all people can live longer and healthier lives.

The intramolecular dehydration of biomass-derived sugar alcohols d-sorbitol, d-mannitol, galactitol, xylitol, ribitol, l-arabitol, erythritol, l-threitol, and dl-threitol was investigated in high-temperature water at 523-573 K without the addition of any acid catalysts. d-Sorbitol and d-mannitol were dehydrated into isosorbide and isomannide, respectively, as dianhydrohexitol products. Galactitol was dehydrated into anhydrogalactitols; however, the anhydrogalactitols could not be dehydrated into dianhydrogalactitol products because of the orientation of the hydroxyl groups at the C-3 and C-6 positions. Pentitols such as xylitol, ribitol, and l-arabitol were dehydrated into anhydropentitols. The dehydration rates of the pentitols containing hydroxyl groups in the trans form, which remained as hydroxyl groups in the product tetrahydrofuran, were larger than those containing hydroxyl groups in the cis form because of the structural hindrance caused by the hydroxyl groups in the cis form during the dehydration process. In the case of the tetritols, the dehydration of erythritol was slower than that of threitol, which could also be explained by the structural hindrance of the hydroxyl groups. The dehydration of l-threitol was faster than that of dl-threitol, which implies that molecular clusters were formed by hydrogen bonding between the sugar alcohols in water, which could be an important factor that affects the dehydration process.

Intramolecular dehydration of the biomass-derived hexitols D-sorbitol, D-mannitol, and galactitol was investigated. These reactions were performed in high-temperature water at 523–573 K without added acid catalyst. The rate constants for the dehydration steps in the reaction networks were determined at various reaction temperatures, and the activation energies and pre-exponential factors were calculated from Arrhenius plots. The yield of each product was estimated as a function of reaction time and temperature using the calculated rate constants and activation energies. The maximum yield of each product from the dehydration reactions was predicted over a range of reaction time and temperature, allowing the selective production of these important platform chemicals.

Summary: Charged particle therapy exploits proton or 12C beams to treat deep-seated solid tumors. Due to the advantageous characteristics of charged particles energy deposition in matter, the maximum of the dose is released to the tumor at the end of the beam range, in the Bragg peak region. However, the beam nuclear interactions with the patient tissues induces fragmentation both of projectile and target nuclei and needs to be carefully taken into account. In proton treatments, target fragmentation produces low energy, short range fragments along all the beam range, which deposit a non negligible dose in the entry channel. In 12C treatments the main concern is represented by long range fragments due to beam fragmentation that release their dose in the healthy tissues beyond the tumor. The FOOT experiment (FragmentatiOn Of Target) of INFN is designed to study these processes, in order to improve the nuclear fragmentation description in next generation Treatment Planning Systems and the treatment plans quality. Target (16O and 12C nuclei) fragmentation induced by –proton beams at therapeutic energies will be studied via an inverse kinematic approach, where 16O and 12C therapeutic beams impinge on graphite and hydrocarbon targets to provide the nuclear fragmentation cross section on hydrogen. Projectile fragmentation of 16O and 12C beams will be explored as well. The FOOT detector includes a magnetic spectrometer for the fragments momentum measurement, a plastic scintillator for ΔE and time of flight measurements and a crystal calorimeter to measure the fragments kinetic energy. These measurements will be combined in order to make an accurate fragment charge and isotopic identification. Keywords: Hadrontherapy, Nuclear fragmentation cross sections, Tracking detectors, Scintillating detectors

[Introduction][1] We describe a technique consisting of simultaneous radial closing-wedge and ulnar shortening osteotomy to treat malunion of distal radial fractures. [Step 1: Preoperative Planning][2] Plan the radial closing-wedge osteotomy to correct the volar tilt angle to 8.5° to 15.5° and the ulnar shortening osteotomy to restore ulnar variance to −2.5 to 0.5 mm. ![Figure][3] [Step 2: Radial Closing-Wedge Osteotomy][4] Remove the wedge of bone from the radius and reduce the distal fragment, keeping the dorsal cortex as a hinge. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] [Step 3: Distal Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy][5] Resect the section of the ulna equivalent to the positive ulnar variance with transverse osteotomies. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] [Step 4: Plate Fixation of the Radial Osteotomy Site][6] Hold together the two fragments of the radius with a Kirschner wire and fix the osteotomy site with a volar locking plate. ![Figure][3] [Step 5: Proximal Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy][7] Evaluate residual ulnar positive variance with fluoroscopy and restore the ulnar variance to within a normal range by removing additional bone from the proximal fragment. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] [Step 6: Plate Fixation of the Ulnar Osteotomy Site][8] Use a compression device to close and fix the ulnar osteotomy site. ![Figure][3] [Step 7: Postoperative Management][9] Allow early motion immediately after the operation. [Results][10] We retrospectively evaluated forty-two patients at a minimum of one year after treatment of an extra-articular distal radial malunion with a radial corrective osteotomy. [What to Watch For][11] [Indications][12] [Contraindications][13] [Pitfalls & Challenges][14] [Introduction][1] We describe a technique consisting of simultaneous radial closing-wedge and ulnar shortening osteotomy to treat malunion of distal radial fractures. [Step 1: Preoperative Planning][2] Plan the radial closing-wedge osteotomy to correct the volar tilt angle to 8.5° to 15.5° and the ulnar shortening osteotomy to restore ulnar variance to −2.5 to 0.5 mm. ![Figure][3] [Step 2: Radial Closing-Wedge Osteotomy][4] Remove the wedge of bone from the radius and reduce the distal fragment, keeping the dorsal cortex as a hinge. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] [Step 3: Distal Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy][5] Resect the section of the ulna equivalent to the positive ulnar variance with transverse osteotomies. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] [Step 4: Plate Fixation of the Radial Osteotomy Site][6] Hold together the two fragments of the radius with a Kirschner wire and fix the osteotomy site with a volar locking plate. ![Figure][3] [Step 5: Proximal Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy][7] Evaluate residual ulnar positive variance with fluoroscopy and restore the ulnar variance to within a normal range by removing additional bone from the proximal fragment. ![Figure][3] ![Figure][3] [Step 6: Plate Fixation of the Ulnar Osteotomy Site][8] Use a compression device to close and fix the ulnar osteotomy site. ![Figure][3] [Step 7: Postoperative Management][9] Allow early motion immediately after the operation. [Results][10] We retrospectively evaluated forty-two patients at a minimum of one year after treatment of an extra-articular distal radial malunion with a radial corrective osteotomy. [What to Watch For][11] [Indications][12] [Contraindications][13] [Pitfalls & Challenges][14] [1]: #sec-11 [2]: #sec-12 [3]: pending:yes [4]: #sec-13 [5]: #sec-14 [6]: #sec-15 [7]: #sec-16 [8]: #sec-17 [9]: #sec-18 [10]: #sec-19 [11]: #sec-20 [12]: #sec-21 [13]: #sec-22 [14]: #sec-23

Charged Particle Therapy (CPT) is a powerful radiotherapy technique for the treatment of deep-seated tumours characterized by a large dose released in the Bragg peak area (corresponding to the tumour region) and a small dose delivered to the surrounding healthy tissues. The precise measurement of the fragments produced in the nuclear interactions of charged particle beams with patient tissues is a crucial task to improve the clinical treatment plans. The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment is an international project, funded by the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), aimed to study the dose released by the tissues and particle beams fragmentation. The target (16O, 12C) fragmentation induced by 150-400 MeV/n proton beams will be studied via the inverse kinematic approach, where 16O and 12C therapeutic beams collide on graphite and hydrocarbon target to provide the cross section on Hydrogen. A table-top detector is being developed and it includes a drift chamber as a beam monitor upstream of the target to measure the beam direction, a magnetic spectrometer based on silicon pixel and strip detectors, a scintillating crystal calorimeter able to stop the heavier produced fragments, and a ΔE detector, with TOF capability, for the particle identification. A setup based on the concept of the “Emulsion Cloud Chamber”, coupled with the interaction region of the electronic FOOT setup, will complement the physics program by measuring lighter charged fragments to extend the angular acceptance up to about 70 degrees. In this work, the experimental design and the requirements of the FOOT experiment will be discussed and preliminary results on the emulsion spectrometer tests will be presented.

Following the March 2011 accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, many residents of Fukushima have faced anxieties about the health impacts of radiation exposure. Considering that source of information may influence resident anxiety, this study aimed to elucidate the correlation between the two. In addition, a health literacy query was included to examine a possible relationship between anxiety and health literacy skills. A mail survey was conducted in August 2016 among 2000 residents of Fukushima Prefecture aged 20 to 79 years. Survey items included questions about current health anxieties caused by radiation, trusted sources of information about radiation, and media used to obtain information on radiation. The survey valid response rate was 43.4%. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that anxiety was significantly higher for the groups indicating "trust in citizen groups" and "use of internet sites." Anxiety was significantly lower for the groups indicating "trust in government ministries," "trust in local government," and "use of local broadcast television." Also anxiety was significantly lower for groups with higher health literacy. It was found that the significant relationship to anxiety varies depending on the sources of trust and media used. There is a possibility that this was caused by the difference between the contents of each information and media reports. In preparation for any future nuclear accident, government may consider action to improve the media literacy of residents. In addition, improving health literacy of both the recipient and the sender of information can improve access to information and thereby safeguard the health and well-being of the public.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system. The functions of CSF include: (1) buoyancy of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves; (2) volume adjustment in the cranial cavity; (3) nutrient transport; (4) protein or peptide transport; (5) brain volume regulation through osmoregulation; (6) buffering effect against external forces; (7) signal transduction; (8) drug transport; (9) immune system control; (10) elimination of metabolites and unnecessary substances; and finally (11) cooling of heat generated by neural activity. For CSF to fully mediate these functions, fluid-like movement in the ventricles and subarachnoid space is necessary. Furthermore, the relationship between the behaviors of CSF and interstitial fluid in the brain and spinal cord is important. In this review, we will present classical studies on CSF circulation from its discovery over 2,000 years ago, and will subsequently introduce functions that were recently discovered such as CSF production and absorption, water molecule movement in the interstitial space, exchange between interstitial fluid and CSF, and drainage of CSF and interstitial fluid into both the venous and the lymphatic systems. Finally, we will summarize future challenges in research. This review includes articles published up to February 2016.

Intramolecular dehydration of erythritol to 1,4-anhydroerythritol proceeded in liquid water at 573 K. The initial formation rate and final yield of 1,4-anhydroerythritol were 0.50 mmol h−1 and 71%, respectively. Addition of carbon dioxide up to the pressure of 17.7 and 24.8 MPa to water solvent at 573 K, the initial product formation rates dramatically increased to 1.45 and 2.10 mmol h−1, respectively; however, the final yields were almost the same as 73 and 71%, respectively. These results showed that the protons derived from carbonic acid catalyzed the intramolecular dehydration and the concentration of proton increased with an increase in the carbon dioxide pressure introduced.

We propose a new concept of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system using nuclear emulsion technique to detect prompt gamma-rays for in vivo threedimensional dose verification in proton therapy. It is capable of being dead-time-free at clinical dose rates, neutron-backgroundfree and of high three-dimensional resolution. A first prototype emulsion gamma camera was tested at Nagoya Proton Therapy Center. The gamma camera which measures 62.5 × 50 × 3.2 mm$^{\mathbf{3}}$ (0.28 radiation length) was put on the sidewall of the phantom. A water phantom was irradiated with 200 MeV proton beams using a spot scanning nozzle at clinical dose rates. Our developed emulsion gamma camera confirmed its potential as a detector for emulsion SPECT system for in vivo dose verification in proton beam radiotherapy.

Dehydration of 1,4-butanediol to tetrahydrofuran in high-temperature liquid water with carbon dioxide using a flow reactor system was studied. Tetrahydrofuran was continuously obtained and the yield was increased by the addition of carbon dioxide into the flowing solution.

One-pot conversion of cellulose to isosorbide was investigated by supported metal catalysts and ion-exchange resin in water. The maximum isosorbide yield using supported platinum catalysts and Amberlyst 70 was less than 30%. The isosorbide yield drastically increased with supported ruthenium catalysts instead of supported platinum catalysts and it also increased with the loading of ruthenium on carbon support. One-pot conversion of cellulose to isosorbide by 4 wt.% ruthenium catalyst and Amberlyst 70 proceeded with isosorbide yield of 55.8%.

Objectives: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of preeclampsia is important to help patients with preeclampsia. However, 24-hour urine collection is the gold standard diagnostic method at present. Recently, the spot urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (P/C ratio) has been used to detect suspected preeclampsia, because it can be used to estimate the amount of 24-hour urinary protein. The aim of this study is to investigate whether an increase in P/C ratio precedes emergence of hypertension among inpatients with preeclampsia. Method: The P/C ratio in normotensive (systolic blood pressure 2 = 0.9913). Twenty-one women were diagnosed with preeclampsia. In 14 patients with preeclampsia, the timing of the increase in P/C ratio to higher than the regression line preceded the emergence of hypertension. Six patients had no data on P/C ratio, and 1 patient had hypertension before the increase in P/C ratio. Conclusions: An increase in P/C ratio to higher than the 95th percentile value can be a useful predictor of preeclampsia.

Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was decomposed into terephthalic acid (TPA) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) in high-temperature liquid water above 498 K. THF was obtained by the dehydration of the mon...

Pseudonormalization of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can lead to underestimation of brain injury in newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), posing a significant problem. We have noticed that some neonates show pseudonormalization negativity on diffusion-weighted imaging. To compare pseudonormalization negativity with clinical outcomes. Seventeen term neonates with moderate or severe HIE underwent therapeutic hypothermia. They were examined by MRI twice at mean ages of 3 days and 10 days. We evaluated the presence of restricted diffusion, and also the presence or absence of pseudonormalization, by diffusion-weighted imaging at the time of the second MRI, and correlated the results with clinical outcome. DWI demonstrated no abnormality in seven neonates. Among the 10 neonates with abnormal diffusion-weighted imaging findings, 2 were positive for pseudonormalization and 8 were negative. Among neonates with normal diffusion-weighted imaging findings and with positivity for pseudonormalization, none had major disability. Among the eight neonates with pseudonormalization negativity, all but one, who was lost to follow-up, had major disability. Abnormal diffusion-weighted imaging with pseudonormalization negativity might be predictive of severe brain injury and major disability. The second-week MRI is important for the judgment of pseudonormalization.

Intravascular selective growth of neoplastic B lymphocytes is a characteristic finding of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). However, because neoplastic B cells of IVLBCL grow merely in the lumina of capillaries or small vessels, primary IVLBCL of the great vessels is considered exceptional. To our knowledge, only 2 primary B-cell lymphomas in the lumina of the vena cava have been reported. However, there has been no report of primary B-cell lymphoma with intra-aortic growth. We describe a novel manifestation of primary Epstein-Barr virus–positive large B-cell lymphoma mainly affecting the lumina of the aorta and its major branches in a 76-year-old man. He had a long-term fever that was refractory to antibiotics and aortic mural thrombosis with visceral embolization. Because he had no detectable mass suggesting a malignancy, it was difficult to diagnose while he was alive. He died without anticancer treatment, and the confirmed diagnosis was made at autopsy.

Particle therapy uses protons or $^{12}$C beams for the treatment of deep-seated solid tumors. Due to the features of the energy deposition of charged particles in matter, a limited amount of dose is released to the healthy tissue in the beam entrance region, while the maximum of the dose is released to the tumor at the end of the beam range, in the Bragg peak region. However nuclear interactions between beam and patient tissues induce fragmentation both of projectile and target. This has to be carefully taken into account since different ions have different effectiveness in producing a biological damage. par In $^{12}$C treatments the main concern are long range forward emitted secondary ions produced in projectile fragmentation that release dose in the healthy tissue after the tumor. Instead, in a proton treatment, the target fragmentation produces low energy, short range fragments along all the beam range. The FOOT experiment (FragmentatiOn Of Target) is designed to study these processes. Target nuclei ($^{16}$O, $^{12}$C) fragmentation induced by 150-250 MeV proton beam will be studied by means of the inverse kinematic approach: $^{16}$O,$^{12}$C therapeutic beams, at the quoted kinetic energy per nucleon, collide on graphite and hydrocarbons target. The cross section on Hydrogen can be then extracted by subtraction. This configuration explores also the projectile fragmentation of these O and C beams, or other ions of therapeutic interest, such as $^4$He for instance. The detector includes a magnetic spectrometer based on silicon pixel and strip detectors, a scintillating crystal calorimeter able to stop the heavier produced fragments, and a $\Delta E$ detector, with TOF capability, to achieve the needed energy resolution and particle identification. In addition to the electronic apparatus, an alternative setup based on the concept of the "Emulsion Cloud Chamber", coupled with the interaction region of the electronic FOOT setup, will provide the measurement of lighter charged fragments: protons, deuterons, tritons and Helium nuclei. The FOOT data taking is foreseen in the available experimental rooms existing in the presently operational charged particle therapy facilities in Europe, and possibly at GSI. An initial phase with the emulsion setup will start in early 2018, while the complete electronic detector will take data starting in 2019. In this work a general description of the FOOT experiment and of its expected performances is presented.

Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) is a rare disease that results in intra-abdominal ossification of unknown origin. An 88-year-old man developed an intestinal obstruction 2 weeks after undergoing an operation for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, resulting in intestinal obstructions those did not improved concervatively. During relaparotomy performed 30 days after the first operation, hard adhesions of the small intestine and mesentery were found; these adhesions were difficult to separate without damaging the serosa of the small intestine. We removed 240cm of the small intestine and performed a jejuno-ileo anastomosis. Microscopically, trabecular bone tissue had increased irregularly in the fat tissue of the nodules with fibrosis, which were partially lined with osteoblasts. Accordingly, we histopathologically diagnosed the patient as having HMO. The patient was treated with NSAIDs and cimetidine to prevent the recurrence of HMO. No signs of recurrence have occurred as of one year after the second operation.

The effect of pressured carbon dioxide on heterogeneous hydrogenation of benzaldehyde and homogeneous dehydration of sorbitol in water solvent was studied. Initial hydrogenation rates of benzaldehyde over a charcoal-supported palladium catalyst in water at 313 K were enhanced by the addition of carbon dioxide. The initial rate increased with an increase in carbon dioxide pressure and became a maximum at 5 MPa. Dehydration of sorbitol proceeded in water phase at 500 K and initial dehydration rates were enhanced by addition of 30 MPa of carbon dioxide.

Intramolecular dehydration of mannitol in high-temperature liquid water without adding any hazardous acid catalysts and its kinetic analyses were carried out. The dehydration behavior of mannitol was compared with that of sorbitol. 2,5-Anhydromannitol and 1,4-anhydromannitol were major products from the mannitol monomolecular dehydration in contrast with the only major product, 1,4-anhydrosorbitol, from the sorbitol monomolecular dehydration.

A 48-year-old woman presented at our hospital with acute abdominal pain 3 years after being diagnosed with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). Computed tomography revealed occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and multiple kidney infarction with thrombus floating in the thoracic aorta connected with the intercostal artery. Despite emergency embolectomy, further thromboembolism eventually required massive resection of the intestine with jejunostomy and colostomy and permanent intravenous hyper-alimentation therapy. Although TAO rarely involves the large artery, the aorta could be the source of embolization in patients with TAO.

Celiac stenosis or occlusion is attributed partly to increase blood flow at pancreatic arcade from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) system and may play a causal role in true aneurysm of pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDAA) formation. However, despite possible increased blood flow in the pancreatic arcades like celiac stenosis, PDAAs with a stenotic SMA are extremely rare, with only three cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of PDAA with SMA stenosis and review the literature.

Background: Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) has a poor prognosis. Although the possibility of immunotherapy has been studied, immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in eCCA are not well understood. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has recently been shown to regulate PD-L1 expression. Our aims were to assess the clinicopathological significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor PD-L1 expression in eCCA and to compare these immune responses with EMT marker expression. Material and Methods: An immunohistochemical evaluation using a TMA method at a single large center was performed. Patients (n = 117) underwent surgical resection in the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II at Hokkaido University Hospital between January 1995 and November 2006 and eCCA tumors were confirmed histopathologically. We investigated the level of infiltration of immune cells positive for CD4, CD8, Foxp3, PD-L1 in addition to E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, ZEB1, ZEB2, SNAIL, TWIST expression, statistically comparing correlations among these factors. Results: High numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs correlated with node-negative (P = 0.009 and P = 0.046, respectively) and low SNAIL expression (P = 0.016 and P = 0.022, respectively). High PD-L1 expression was associated with poor histopathologic classification (P = 0.034), and low E-cadherin (P = 0.001), high N-cadherin (P = 0.044), high vimentin (P < 0.001) and high ZEB1 (P = 0.036) expression. Multivariate analysis showed that CD4+ TILs, PD-L1 expression and N-cadherin expression were independent prognostic factors (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38-1.00; HR=4.27; 95% CI = 1.82-9.39; HR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.18-3.92, respectively). Summary: Present data suggested that CD4+ T lymphocyte tumor infiltration and PD-L1 expression on tumor cells were independent prognostic factors in eCCA. We also provided the first evidence that high tumor PD-L1 expression correlates with a mesenchymal phenotype. Citation Format: Takahiro Tsuchikawa, Takashi Ueno, Osamu Sato, Toru Nakamura, Yoshitsugu Nakanishi, Toshimichi Asano, Takehiro Noji, Keisuke Okamura, Toshiaki Shichinohe, Satoshi Hirano. Clinical impact of PD-L1 expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the tumor microenvironment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A118.

Spin doctor: A mononuclear ferric complex [Fe(H-5-Br-thsa)(5-Br-thsa)]⋅H2O (1) (H2-5-Br-thsa = 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide) was synthesized and its magnetic properties and structure were investigated by DFT calculations. This complex shows unprecedented reversible, six/five-step spin-crossover behavior accompanied by symmetry breaking. More importantly, each step in the multi-step transition was successfully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

This study was designed to evaluate the Clinichip HPV test, a new DNA test that detects carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) rapidly by loop-mediated isothermal amplification and performs genotyping of all 13 carcinogenic types using automated DNA chip technology with an assay time 2.5h. Using this test, 247 Japanese women (109 with normal cytology, 43 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1, 60 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 and 35 with invasive cervical cancer) were tested for carcinogenic HPV genotypes. The results were compared to those obtained by the polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA sequencing using 13 type-specific primers. Overall, there was very good agreement for the detection of carcinogenic HPV between the Clinichip test and direct sequencing, with 95.5% total agreement and a kappa value of 0.91. Comparison of the detection of individual HPV types shows that the overall agreement was also high (range: 96.8-100%). In women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, the detection rate of carcinogenic HPV was 95.7% by both the Clinichip test and the direct-sequencing method, indicating complete agreement between the two methods. In conclusion, it was found that the Clinichip test is a promising new laboratory method for genotyping of carcinogenic HPV.

Fukushima Radiation Symposium 2013 on 10th of October, 2013 at Fukushima Medical University, The radioactive materials released in the accident at the Fukushima Dai'ichi Nuclear Power Plant have forced many residents in Fukushima Prefecture, including members of Co-op Fukushima, currently living as they do in an environment exposed to radiation, to live in the shadow of anxiety that they may be subject to internal radiation exposure. A dietary survey was therefore conducted using the duplicate diet method on 300 participating Co-op member families over three periods for the purpose of investigating the intake of radioactive materials through everyday meals and thereby providing accurate information about existing conditions of internal radiation exposure. Neither (134)Cs nor (137)Cs was detected in excess of the lower detection limit of 1 Bq/kg in the meals of 283 of the 300 families (i.e., 94%). In the meals of 17 families, (134)Cs or (137)Cs was detected in excess of 1 Bq/kg. Of these, the greatest internal exposure dose for both of the radionuclides was observed in the period " I winter" (November 2011 thru April 2012) of the three-period survey. This coincided with the implementation period of the Provisional Regulation Values, which set a maximum annual exposure dose of 5 mSv. On the supposition that the family in question had continued to eat the sample for a whole year, the resulting annual exposure dose would have amounted to 0.135 mSv. This is far below the current annual radiation dose standard of 1 mSv. Accordingly, we conclude that a sufficient level of dietary safety has been attained and that there are no grounds for concern that the consumption of foodstuffs currently on the market will have any adverse effects on health as a result of internal radiation exposure.