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The liquid–vapor phase distribution and displacement in the capillary evaporator of a loop heat pipe (LHP) are key phenomena affecting the steady-state and transient operating behavior. This study conducts optical observation of liquid–vapor phase behavior in the evaporator using a transparent glass tube heated by far-infrared radiation during start-up of the LHP. A quartz wick-acetone LHP system is designed, fabricated, and operated successfully with a heat flux of 1 W/cm 2 transported by the cylindrical evaporator. To investigate effect of the liquid–vapor phase distribution in the evaporator at the initial state, start-up experiments with eight phase patterns—which are either liquid-saturated or two-phase in each of the inlet of the vapor line, grooves, and compensation chamber (CC)—are performed. The phase distribution affects the temperature profile although it has no effect upon the steady-state characteristics, and nucleate boiling occurs in the wick or groove simultaneously with evaporator-temperature drop when both the grooves and the inlet of the vapor line are completely filled with liquid. Liquid–vapor displacements from start-up to the steady-state are classified into four transient behaviors, which include boiling in the CC and meniscus oscillation at the three phase contact line within the case, wick, and groove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy bone is commonly irradiated during radiotherapy for many cancers, and bone fractures can be a late complication. A recent study revealed a higher incidence of rib fractures after breast irradiation with protons (7%) compared to photons (1%) at the same dose, but the underlying biological mechanisms are unknown. Here we used in vitro experiments, supported by Monte Carlo track structure simulations, to investigate differences in bone cell responses to proton and photon radiation, and to identify potential therapeutic interventions. We used TOPAS-nBio, a radiobiology simulation toolkit, to simulate a segment of bone using geometric models of bone cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes). Photon and proton tracks were simulated through bone matrix to investigate energy distributions received by each cell. For in vitro experiments, we utilized the murine osteocytic cell line Ocy454. Cells were irradiated with different doses of protons or photons. Surviving fraction as a function of dose was determined using colony formation assays. DNA double-strand breaks were assessed by 53BP1 foci assay. For PTH treatments, cells were treated with 10 nM human PTH(1-34) for 24 hours prior to irradiation. All experiments were repeated independently three or more times. Statistical analysis was performed by unpaired t-test with Bonferroni correction. Monte Carlo track simulations showed osteocytes are the bone cell most likely to receive radiation damage, particularly with protons. In the case of large multi-nucleated osteoclasts, both photons and protons spared some of the nuclei, suggesting functional sparing of osteoclasts from radiation damage. We therefore focused our in vitro experiments on Ocy454 osteocytes. Interestingly, the surviving fraction of osteocytes was significantly lower after protons compared to photons for all investigated doses of 1 to 8 Gy. The dose for 10% surviving fraction was 5.38 Gy for protons and 7.46 Gy for photons (Relative Biological Effect 1.39). Although protons and photons induced similar numbers of 53BP1 foci at 1 hour (79% vs. 72% cells with foci), a significantly higher number of foci was observed at 24 hours after protons compared to photons (22% vs. 6.5%, p=0.0078), suggestive of persistent DNA damage after protons. Remarkably, we found that pre-treatment with parathyroid hormone (PTH) decreased 53BP1 foci at 24 hours in proton-irradiated cells to levels comparable to that of non-irradiated cells (22% without PTH vs. 6.3% with PTH, p=0.014). Surviving fraction of osteocytes was lower after proton compared to photon irradiation, suggesting a greater sensitivity of osteocytes to protons. Protons result in greater DNA damage in osteocytes, but this damage may be mitigated with the addition of PTH. Further study is needed to investigate the potential of PTH to reduce bone damage induced by proton irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum biochemical analysis was undertaken to study the pathophysiological details of emaciation disease of the tiger puffer fish Takifugu rubripes ( Temminck and Schlegel). Serum parameters were measured by biochemical analysis using automated dry chemistry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry ( GC/ MS). Serum concentrations of albumin, amylase, calcium, creatinine, glucose and total protein were significantly lower in the emaciated fish when compared with those of normal fish. Regression analyses found close correlation between concentrations of total protein, albumin, amylase, glucose and progress of the disease. In contrast, serum alanine aminotransferase increased significantly in emaciated fish indicating liver function disorder. Further, GC/ MS metabolic profiling of the puffer serum showed that the profile of the emaciated fish was distinct to that of non-infected control. The serum content of amino acids including glycine, 5-oxo-proline and proline, and ascorbic acid, fumaric acid and glycerol increased significantly in serum in moderately emaciated fish. The serum glucose, linolenic acid and tyrosine level decreased significantly in the late phase of the disease. Our results clearly show that prolonged intestinal damage caused by myxosporean infection impairs absorption of nutrients, resulting in extreme emaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the metal cations, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Ni, on the oxide film structure and morphology changes during long-term immersion corrosion tests of aluminum alloy (A3003) in model tap waters was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the metal cations on the corrosion behavior was also investigated with mass change and electrochemical tests. The hardness of the metal cations, X, based on the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) concept was applied to explain the effect of metal cations on the passive oxide film structure and corrosion resistance. The mass change rate and corrosion current density decreased with increasing metal cation hardness. The XPS results showed that hard metal cations like Zn and Ni were incorporated in the oxide films, while the four soft metal cations were not incorporated in the oxide films. The results are in good agreement with those which could be expected from the HSAB hardness of the metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of metal cations, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+, on oxide film structure and morphology changes during immersion corrosion tests of 3003 aluminum alloy in model tap waters was investigated by surface analysis techniques including Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy. The hardness of metal cations based on the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) concept was applied to explain the effect on the passive oxide film structure. Numerous nano-sized pits were observed after 86.4 ks immersion in model tap water, and nano-sized corrosion products were also observed especially in specimens immersed in K+ containing solutions. The AES and XPS results showed that hard metal cations like Zn2+ and Ni 2+ were included in the oxide films, while soft metal cations were not included in the oxide films. The results are in good agreement with those which could be expected from the HSAB hardness of the metal cations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/objective(s): Radiotherapy (RT) with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plays a key role in the salvage treatment of prostate cancer recurrent after prostatectomy. However, not all patients benefit from salvage therapy, and there is an unmet need for biomarkers to distinguish responders from non-responders. Prostate cancer depends on androgen receptor (AR) signaling, and expression of AR splice variants (ARVs) that enable androgen-independent AR signaling is associated with resistance to ADT in the metastatic setting. Recent in vitro data suggest that ARVs also mediate DNA repair after irradiation, suggesting that ARV expression may also be a biomarker of resistance to RT. However, the landscape of ARV expression in primary prostate cancer and its effect on treatment outcomes remain unexplored. Here, we hypothesized that ARVs may be detectable in primary prostate cancer and furthermore may modulate response to salvage RT+ADT.Materials/methods: We retrospectively identified 46 prostate cancer patients treated with prostatectomy followed by salvage RT+ ADT at a single institution from 1995 to 2012. Median age at salvage was 64.5 years. The indication for salvage therapy was biochemical failure after an undetectable post-operative PSA in 72%, gross local recurrence in 17%, and persistently elevated PSA after surgery in 11%. Median RT dose was 64.8 Gy, and all patients received concurrent ADT. We comprehensively interrogated the landscape of ARVs by performing ultra-deep targeted RNA-seq of archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostatectomy samples. Using a custom library of > 3000 primers spanning all AR exons and introns, we evaluated 21 native splice junction sites and 20 splice variants with a mean depth of coverage of > 5000x. We tested for association between splice variant expression and clinical outcomes using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model.Results: In total, 76% of patients had one or more detectable AR splice variants. The most commonly detected variants were AR-45 (exon 1b-2) in 41%, AR-V9 (exon 3-cryptic exon (CE) 5) in 20%, and AR-V7 (exon 3-CE3) in 13%. At a median follow-up of 33.8 months, biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS) at 3 years was 60%, distant metastasis-free survival was 90%, and overall survival was 100%. Among detected splice variants, only AR-V7 was associated with differential clinical outcomes, with a median BPFS of 10.9 months in AR-V7 positive vs 73.4 months in AR-V7 negative patients (P = 0.0020, HR 5.23, 95% CI 1.62-16.87).Conclusion: Using a custom ultra-deep targeted RNA-Seq approach, we provide among the first comprehensive descriptions of the AR splice variant landscape in primary prostate cancer. Moreover, we show that detectable AR-V7 expression in prostatectomy specimens was associated with inferior outcomes following subsequent salvage RT+ADT, suggesting for the first time that AR-V7 may modulate outcomes for localized as well as metastatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an experimental study on preheating of laser-irradiated targets. We performed temperature measurements at the rear surface of laser-irradiated targets under conditions of two different laser wavelengths (0.35 or 0.53 μm) and several intensities (2×1013–1×1014 W/cm2) in order to verify an effect of radiation and nonlocal electron heat transport. The preheating temperature was evaluated by observing self-emission, reflectivity, and expansion velocity at the rear surface of planar polyimide foils. The experimental results show that the x-ray radiation is dominant for preheating for 0.35-μm laser irradiation, but contribution of nonlocal electron heat transport is not negligible for 0.53-μm laser irradiation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dysfunctional parenting styles on interpersonal sensitivity were studied in 640 Japanese volunteers. Interpersonal sensitivity was assessed by the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM), and perceived parental rearing was evaluated by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), which is consisted of care and protection factors. Parental rearing was classified into 4 types, i.e., optimal parenting (high care/low protection), affectionate constraint (high care/high protection), neglectful parenting (low care/low protection), and affectionless control (low care/high protection). Males with paternal affectionless control showed higher total IPSM scores than those with paternal optimal parenting (p = 0.022). Females with maternal affectionate constraint (p = 0.001), neglectful parenting (p = 0.022), and affectionless control (p = 0.003) showed higher total IPSM scores than those with maternal optimal parenting. In males and females, dysfunctional parenting styles by the opposite-sex parents did not affected total IPSM scores. The present study suggests that in both males and females interpersonal sensitivity is increased by dysfunctional parenting styles by the same-sex parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A comparative study regarding the clinical outcome of the 2-different surgical procedures for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Objectives: To describe the anatomic basis of a segmental partial laminectomy (SPL) for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and to compare the clinical outcome with traditional C3 to C7 expansive open-door laminoplasty (ELAP). Summary Of Background Data: Laminoplasty has been widely accepted for the treatment of CSM. However, some disadvantages have also been recognized. To resolve these problems, a SPL was performed. No previous studies have been reported regarding this surgical procedure. Methods: A total of 13 human cadavers were studied to analyze the spinal cord compression of cervical spondylosis. Twenty-six patients who underwent a SPL and 13 age- and gender-matched patients who underwent traditional C3-C7 ELAP were analyzed for their Japanese Orthopedic Association score, axial neck pain, and radiographic parameters (lordotic angle and ROM of cervical spine). Results: Based on cadaver studies, compression of the spinal cord was present in the articular segment, but not in the intraosseous segment. The removal of the ligamentum flavum and the superior edge of the lower lamina was sufficient for minimum posterior decompression of the cervical spinal cord.In comparison with the ELAP, the patients who underwent an SPL showed a similar recovery of the Japanese Orthopedic Association score, but the maintenance of the sagittal alignment and the range of motion were better after the SPL and postoperative neck and/or shoulder complaints also seemed to be reduced. Conclusion: A SPL, may therefore, be a useful and effective surgical procedure for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for reducing the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) growth in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets is reported. It is well known that high-density compression of ICF targets is potentially prevented by the RTI. Previous studies [K. Shigemori et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 250 (1997), S. G. Glendinning et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3318 (1997), and H. Azechi et al., Phys. Plasmas 4, 4079 (1997)] have indicated that nonlocal electron heat transport enhances the effect on the ablative stabilization of the RTI growth with long wavelength laser irradiation. Planar target experiments, using a small fraction of a long wavelength laser (λ=0.53 or 1.05 μm) in addition to the main drive laser (λ=0.35 μm), were conducted to verify the RTI reduction by inducing the effect of the nonlocal electron heat transport. The measured RTI growth rate for this “cocktail-color” laser irradiation was clearly reduced from that for the “single-color” short-wavelength laser irradiation. The experimental growth factors are in good agreement with the ablative RTI formula coupled with a one-dimensional Fokker-Planck simulation code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To predict drug interactions with estazolam, the biotransformation of estazolam to its major hydoxylated metabolite, 4-hydroxyestazolam was studied in vitro using pooled human liver microsomes and individual expressed human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Estazolam was metabolized to 4-hydroxyestazolam according to the Hill kinetic model in pooled human liver microsomes. The K m value for the 4-hydroxylation of estazolam was 24.1?µM, and the V max value was 52.6?pmol?min -1 ?mg -1 protein. The formation of 4-hydroxyestazolam from estazolam in pooled human liver microsomes was significantly inhibited by itraconazole and erythromycin, specific CYP3A4 inhibitors, in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 1.1 and 12.8?µM, respectively. When estazolam was incubated with expressed human CYP enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4), it was metabolized only by CYP3A4. In conclusion, the biotransformation of estazolam to 4-hydroxyestazolam was catalyzed by CYP3A4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effects of various factors, including the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 genotype and the coadministration of flunitrazepam, on the steady-state plasma concentrations (Css) of bromperidol and its reduced metabolite were studied in 62 schizophrenic inpatients receiving bromperidol 12 mg/day. By use of allele-specific PCR analysis, the wild type allele (CYP2D6*IA) and four mutated alleles causing either absent (CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4 and CYP2D6*5) or decreased (CYP2D6*10) CYP2D6 activity were identified. The means (ranges) of the Css of bromperidol and reduced bromperidol corrected to the median body weight were 7.2 (1.3-17.4) and 2.2 (0.4-8.9) mg/ml, respectively. Neither the Css of bromperidol nor that of reduced bromperidol significantly differed among the patients with no (n = 28), one (n = 30) and two mutated alleles (n = 4). The patients coadministered with flunitrazepam (n = 52) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher Css of bromperidol, but not reduced bromperidol, than those not (n = 10). Age, sex and smoking had no significant effects on the Css of these compounds. The present study thus suggests that the polymorphic CYP2D6 is not involved in the metabolism of... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The relationship between the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 genotype and the steady-state plasma concentrations (Css) of trazodone and its active metabolite m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) was studied in 54 depressed Japanese patients receiving trazodone 150 mg at bedtime. By use of allele-specific PCR analysis, the wild type allele, three mutated alleles causing absent enzyme activity (CYP2D6A, CYP2D6B and CYP2D6D) and one mutated allele causing decreased enzyme activity (CYPZD6 Ch) were identified. The means (ranges) of the Css of trazodone, corrected to the median body weight in 17 cases with no mutated allele, 27 cases with one mutated allele and 10 cases with two mutated alleles, were 556 (281-1115), 643 (302-1362) and 671 (234-1418)ng/ml, respectively, while the values of mCPP were 60 (35-121), 65 (33-99) and 58 (38-112)ng/ml, respectively. Neither the Css of trazodone (F = 0.80, P = 0.45) nor that of mCPP (F = 0.49, P = 0.61) significantly differed among the three groups. The present study thus suggests that the CYP2D6 genotype cannot predict the Css of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prolactin response to nemonapride, a new antipsychotic drug, was studied in 27 schizophrenic inpatients (12 males, 15 females). The daily dose of nemonapride was 18 mg/day, and the duration of treatment was 3 weeks. Plasma prolactin concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Nemonapride treatment significantly (p <0·01) increased prolactin concentrations at each week in both genders. The Δprolactin (the mean concentration during 3 weeks minus the pretreatment concentration) was significantly (p <0·01) greater in females (mean± SD, 81·6±57·8 ng/ml) than males (34·9±19·8 ng/ml). The present study thus shows that nemonapride treatment markedly increases prolactin concentrations in schizophrenic patients, with greater responses in females than males, suggesting a strong D2 receptor blockade property of the drug. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steady-state serum kinetics of zotepine, an antipsychotic drug, were studied in 59 psychiatric in-patients receiving 50-500 mg/day (mean 215 mg/day) of the drug. There was a 26-fold inter-individual variation in the concentration/dose ratios (C/D ratios: ng/ml/mg/kg), which ranged from 2.4 to 62.2 (mean 13.2). The smokers (n = 37) had significantly lower C/D ratios (mean ±SD: 9.7 ± 7.0 vs 19.0 ± 15.5,p <0.01), while the patients co-administered benzodiazepines (n = 14) had significantly higher C/D ratios (19.6 ± 12.5 vs 11.2 ± 10.9, p< 0.01) than the others. There was no significant relationship between the C/D ratios and age or gender. In the 24 cases where the dose was fixed at 100 mg/day in the first week and at 200 mg/day for the next 3 weeks, no significant difference was found in the mean C/D ratios during the 4 weeks. The present study thus suggests a large inter-individual variation in the metabolism of zotepine, and that smoking enhances, and co-administration of benzodiazepines inhibits, the metabolism. Age and gender do not affect the kinetics of the drug. The results also suggest no dose-dependent kinetics and no enzyme-inducing effect of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 67-year-old schizophrenic woman developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). She had mild diabetes mellitus, which had been controlled with diet therapy only. Upon the onset of NMS, hyperglycemia of up to 490 mg/dl developed. The hyperglycemia persisted during the NMS episode despite insulin treatment, and subsided only after the symptoms of NMS disappeared. The present report suggests that hyperglycemia may develop as a symptom of NMS, especially in patients with pre-existing impaired glucose tolerance, and that blood glucose should be monitored during NMS episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimodality therapy (TMT), which consists of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by chemoradiation, is an alternative to radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), but molecular determinants of response are poorly understood. We characterized the genomic and transcriptomic landscape associated with response to TMT through whole exome sequencing (WES) and expression profiling. MIBC patients treated with TMT at a single institution were identified. DNA and RNA were extracted from available FFPE pre-treatment TURBT samples, and WES and transcriptome-wide expression profiling were performed. WES data were analyzed by standard mutation analysis pipelines with a common variant filter to account for lack of matched germline samples. Somatic mutations, insertion/deletions, and copy number variations were identified. Molecular subtypes and DNA damage response (DDR) pathway scores were derived from expression profiles. Responders (R) were defined as patients with complete response at post-treatment cystoscopy and no recurrence. Nonresponders (NR) were defined as patients with incomplete response at post-treatment cystoscopy, those who underwent salvage cystectomy, or those with regional/distant disease progression. Pre-treatment TURBT FFPE samples from 77 selected TMT patients were successfully sequenced and passed quality control metrics, 68 of which had matched transcriptomic profiling. The median age of the cohort was 72.7 years; 23% were female. All patients had MIBC (87% T2, 13% T3/T4) and the majority were treated with concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 42 months in alive patients. Thirty-nine patients were classified as NR, while 38 were R. Mean somatic tumor mutational burden among R and NR was 13.5 (range, 4.2-31.5) and 11.3 (range, 3.4-26.8) mutations/megabase, respectively (p=0.08). Exploratory analyses of DDR pathways revealed more patients classified as R had mutations in ERCC2 (n=7) as compared to NR (n=1), p=0.023. Six of these 8 patients with ERCC2 mutations received cisplatin-based chemotherapy; of the 2 that did not, 1 was NR. Samples with ERCC2 mutations had higher hallmark DNA repair scores (median 0.110 versus -0.310, p=0.02), suggesting dysregulation of DDR. ERCC2 mutant tumors were also enriched for GSC luminal subtype compared to ERCC2 wildtype (83% vs. 37% luminal; p=0.03). Patients with ERCC2 mutations had improved disease-specific survival (HR 0.17 (95%CI: 0.064-0.41), p=0.04). Consistent with these results, in vitro studies showed ERCC2 mutant bladder cancer cell lines are significantly more sensitive to cisplatin and radiation than isogenic ERCC2 wildtype cells. Our data demonstrate that alterations in ERCC2, a crucial DDR gene, may be associated with improved response to TMT. These findings require validation in larger cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: SyngoDynaPBVNeuro® is a tool to perform cerebral blood volume (CBV) measurements intraoperatively by functional imaging producing CT-like images. Aim of this prospective study was to analyze the clinical relevance and benefit of CBV measurement with regard to neurological complications like cerebral hyperfusion syndrome (CHS). Methods: Forty-five patients undergoing endarterectomy (CEA) of the internal carotid artery were included; functional imaging with CBV measurement was performed before and after CEA. To evaluate and analyze CBV, six regions of interest (ROI) were identified for all patients with an additional ROI in patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis and previous stroke. The primary endpoint of the study was a perioperative change in CBV measurements. Secondary outcomes were incidence of stroke, TIA, CHS, and perioperative morbidity and mortality. Results: Thirty-day stroke incidence and thirty-day mortality were 0%. Thirty-day morbidity was 6.7%. Two patients from the asymptomatic group suffered from transient neurological symptoms without signs of intracerebral infarction in CT or MR scan, meeting diagnostic criteria for CHS. In 83.3% of ROIs in these patients, an increase of blood volume was detected. Overall, 26.7% patients suffered from unilateral headache as expression of potential CHS. A total of 69.4% of ROIs in patients with postoperative unilateral headache showed an increase when comparing pre- and postoperative CBV measurements. Conclusion: The results show that increased CBV measured by functional imaging is a possible surrogate marker of neurological complications like CHS after CEA. By using intraoperative CBV measurement, the risk of CHS can be estimated early and appropriate therapeutic measures can be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacogenetic studies have shown that several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes exhibit genetic polymorphisms. Several benzodiazepines (BZPs) are metabolized predominantly or partly by polymorphic CYP2C19 and CYP3A4/5. The pharmacokinetics of diazepam, etizolam, quazepam and desmethylclobazam have been shown to be affected by CYP2C19 polymorphism. The CYP3A5 polymorphism has been reported to affect the pharmacokinetics of alprazolam, but its effect on midazolam kinetics has been inconclusive. For etizolam and desmethylclobazam, some data suggest that CYP2C19 deficiency leads to side-effects or toxicity. For the remaining BZPs the clinical significance of the observed pharmacokinetic changes remains unclear. Further studies on the effects of genetic polymorphisms of CYP enzymes on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BZPs are necessary to guide treatment individualization and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional and epidemiologic study investigated low back pain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation among outcome measures for low back pain, including sciatica, according to a proposed low back pain-related model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various outcome measures are used in low back pain research: pain, functional status, generic health status, and patient satisfaction. Correlation among these measures has been unclear. METHODS: For this study, 816 subjects (369 men and 447 women; average age, 62 years) who underwent an adult medical examination. The patients were interviewed concerning their personal background, severity of low back pain and sciatica, functional status, general health perception, social participation, subjective happiness, and patient satisfaction. The correlation among these measures was analyzed systematically using path analysis based on a low back pain-related model hypothesizing that low back pain and sciatica worsen functional status and general health perception and then affect social participation, subjective happiness, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Restriction of functional status was found to be the most closely correlated with severity of low back pain. A decrease in physical health was most closely correlated with restriction of function. Social participation, subjective happiness, and patient satisfaction were closely correlated with physical health status. There was a significant correlation among outcome measures concerning physical health, which was consistent with a low back pain-related model. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome measures concerning physical health in this study were found to be correlated significantly, consistent with the proposed low back pain-related model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes the conceptual combination of Brayton and inverted Brayton cycles with a heatsink by intercooling which is dubbed the mirror gas turbine. Conceptual overview of inverted Brayton cycles; Test rig of inverted Brayton cycle for idling operation; Thermal efficiency of inverted Brayton cycle; Technique of cooling at intermediate processes of compression; Number of intercooling steps and efficiency.

We describe a case of a female high school volleyball player who suffered a humeral shaft fracture while executing a floater serve. Based on the patient's history, a stress fracture was initially suspected. However, plain radiographs showed no periosteal reactions, callus formation or osteosclerosis, and thus we could not make a definite diagnosis of "stress fracture". It is suggested that an instantaneous muscle force in addition to rotational forces applied by impact with the ball caused the fracture. Her fracture healed without any subsequent disabilities based on a conservative medical management with a plaster splint, and she returned to the volleyball team. The inaccuracy of her serve form in addition to her own muscular force might be involved in the mechanism of injury. Instruction on achieving appropriate serve form might help prevent such fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Globular glial tauopathy (GGT) is a new category within the 4‐repeat tauopathies that is characterised neuropathologically by tau‐positive globular glial inclusions (GGIs), namely, globular oligodendrocytic and astrocytic inclusions (GOIs and GAIs). Occurrence of tau‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) is also a feature. GGT is classified into three pathological subtypes (Types I, II and III). We studied the tau pathology in 6 cases of GGT (Type II, n = 3; Type III, n = 3), with special reference to GAIs and NCIs. Methods: Neuropathological examinations were conducted, along with immunohistochemistry, morphometry and three‐dimensional imaging, and biochemical and genetic analysis of tau. Results: The cortical GAIs in Type II and those in Type III were distinguishable from each other. In the motor cortex, GAIs were much more numerous in Type III than in Type II. Prominent occurrence of perikaryal globular structures was a feature of GAIs in Type III. By contrast, prominent occurrence of radiating process‐like structures was a feature of GAIs in Type II. Overall, the GAIs were significantly smaller in Type III than in Type II. NCIs were divisible into three subgroups in terms of shape: diffuse granular, thick cord‐like, and round/horseshoe‐shaped structures. In all cases, NCIs were a feature of the upper and lower motor neurons. Interestingly, the round/horseshoe‐shaped NCIs were observed only in Type III cases. Conclusions: These findings, which characterised GAIs and NCIs, indicated that Type II and Type III constitute two distinct pathological subtypes, and also further strengthen the concept of GGT as a distinct entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Surgery for colorectal cancer located in the splenic flexure is difficult to perform because of the complex anatomy. Recently, in addition to the middle colic artery and left colic artery (LCA), the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA) has been recognized as a feeding artery for the left‐sided colon. This study aimed to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the splenic flexure focusing on the AMCA in a large number of patients. Method: A total of 734 patients who underwent CT before surgery for colorectal cancer were enrolled. We retrospectively evaluated the vascular anatomy using both two‐ and three‐dimensional CT angiography. Results: The AMCA existed in 36.4% of the cases (n = 267). In many cases, it originated from the superior mesenteric artery (n = 228, 85.4%). The AMCA had a common trunk with the transverse pancreatic artery in 54 patients (20.2%). The frequency of the presence of the AMCA was associated with the branching pattern of the LCA, and was more frequent when the LCA was absent (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of the AMCA is not rare and the AMCA has some branching patterns; therefore, recognizing it preoperatively and intra‐operatively is important, being especially careful when the LCA is absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Ulcerative colitis ( UC) is considered to be a disease of continuous mucosal inflammation extending proximally from the rectum. However, appendiceal orifice inflammation ( AOI) is a skip lesion with segments of continuous involvement from the rectum. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and clinical course, particularly focused on proximal extension, of UC in patients with AOI. Method A retrospective evaluation of patients with UC who underwent total colonoscopy at the Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, from 2004 to 2014. The degree of AOI was graded endoscopically as follows: 0 (no inflammation); 1 (slight oedema); 2 (moderate inflammation); and 3 (marked inflammation). A total of 189 patient records were reviewed retrospectively. The presence of AOI was analysed with regard to the clinical information of each patient, and its association with proximal extension of proctitis or left-sided colitis was evaluated. Results Of 189 patients with UC who underwent total colonoscopy at our institution, 92 were diagnosed with pancolitis, 50 with left-sided colitis and 47 with proctitis. Endoscopic findings of AOI were observed in 26 patients, including 11 (12.0%) with pancolitis, six (12.0%) with left-sided colitis and nine (19.1%) with proctitis. During follow up, proximal extension of the disease occurred in all nine patients with proctitis AOI. Conclusion AOI is more frequently observed in patients with proctitis. Our results showed correlations between AOI and subsequent proximal extension of mucosal inflammation in patients with proctitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase ( eEF2K), also known as calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) III, is a unique member of CaMK family protein. We have recently found that expression of eEF2K protein increased in mesenteric artery from spontaneously hypertensive rats. As pathogenesis of hypertension is in part regulated by vascular structural remodelling via proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), we tested the hypothesis that eEF2K controls SMCs proliferation and migration. Methodsand results In rat mesenteric arterial SMCs, an eEF2K inhibitor, A-484954 (10 μ m), significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB (10 ng mL−1)-induced SMCs proliferation as determined by a cell counting and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. PDGF-BB (10 ng mL−1)-induced SMCs migration was significantly inhibited by A-484954 (10 μ m) as determined by a Boyden chamber assay. A-484954 (10 μ m) significantly inhibited PDGF-BB (10 ng mL−1)-induced phosphorylation of eEF2K, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, p38 and heat-shock protein (HSP) 27 as determined by Western blotting. It was confirmed that a CaM inhibitor, W-7 (50 μ m), inhibited PDGF-BB (10 ng mL−1)-induced phosphorylation of eEF2K. In an ex vivo mesenteric arterial ring assay, 10% foetal bovine serum-induced SMCs outgrowth was significantly inhibited by A-484954 (10 μ m). Conclusion We for the first time revealed that eEF2K mediates PDGF-BB-induced SMCs proliferation and migration through activating ERK, Akt, p38 and HSP27 signals in a CaM-dependent manner. Our results suggest eEF2K as a novel pharmaceutical target for the prevention of hypertensive cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It has been shown that certain personality traits are related to mortality and disease morbidity, but the biological mechanism linking them remains unclear. Telomeres are tandem repeat DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes, and shorter telomere length is a predictor of mortality and late-life disease morbidity. Thus, it is possible that personality traits influence telomere length. In the present study, we examined the relationship of leukocyte telomere length with personality traits in healthy subjects. Subjects and methods The subjects were 209 unrelated healthy Japanese who were recruited from medical students at 4th–5th grade. Assessment of personality traits was performed by the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Leukocyte relative telomere length was determined by a quantitative real-time PCR method for a ratio of telomere/single copy gene. Results In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, shorter telomere length was related to lower scores of neuroticism ( P < 0.01) and conscientiousness ( P < 0.05) of the NEO-PI-R, and lower scores of harm avoidance ( P < 0.05) and reward dependence ( P < 0.05) of the TCI. Conclusions The present study suggests that leukocyte telomere length is associated with some personality traits, and this association may be implicated in the relationship between personality traits and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We test effects of umbilical cord blood cells in a model of neonatal brain injury. [•] A novel highly reproducible model of neonatal stroke is used. [•] CD34+ cells (hematopoietic stem cells/endothelial progenitor cells) are administered. [•] Intravenous administration of the cells 48h after the insult ameliorates the injury. [•] The cell therapy augments cerebral blood flow in the peri-infarct area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have developed a laser wakefield generated X-ray probe to directly measure the temporal evolution of the ionization states in warm dense aluminum by means of absorption spectroscopy. As a promising alternative to the free electron excited X-ray sources, Betatron X-ray radiation, with femtosecond pulse duration, provides a new technique to diagnose femtosecond to picosecond transitions in the atomic structure. The X-ray probe system consists of an adjustable Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) microscope for focusing the Betatron emission to a small probe spot on the sample being measured, and a flat Potassium Acid Phthalate Bragg crystal spectrometer to measure the transmitted X-ray spectrum in the region of the aluminum K-edge absorption lines. An X-ray focal spot size of around 50 μm was achieved after reflection from the platinum-coated 10-cm-long KB microscope mirrors. Shot to shot positioning stability of the Betatron radiation was measured resulting in an rms shot to shot variation in spatial pointing on the sample of 16 μm. The entire probe setup had a spectral resolution of ∼1.5 eV, a detection bandwidth of ∼24 eV, and an overall photon throughput efficiency of the order of 10-5. Approximately 10 photons were detected by the X-ray CCD per laser shot within the spectrally resolved detection band. Thus, it is expected that hundreds of shots will be required per absorption spectrum to clearly observe the K-shell absorption features expected from the ionization states of the warm dense aluminum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]