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In an emulsion-counter hybrid experiment performed at J-PARC, a Ξ^{-} absorption event was observed which decayed into twin single-Λ hypernuclei. Kinematic calculations enabled a unique identification of the reaction process as Ξ^{-}+^{14}N→_{Λ}^{10}Be+_{Λ}^{5}He. For the binding energy of the Ξ^{-} hyperon in the Ξ^{-}-^{14}N system a value of 1.27±0.21 MeV was deduced. The energy level of Ξ^{-} is likely a nuclear 1p state which indicates a weak ΞN-ΛΛ coupling.

Background: Although the prognostic relevance of KRAS status in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) depends on tumor laterality, this relationship is largely unknown in non-metastatic CRC. Methods: Patients who underwent resection for non-metastatic CRC between 2000 and 2018 were identified from institutional databases at six academic tertiary centers in Europe and Japan. The prognostic relevance of KRAS status in patients with right-sided (RS), left-sided (LS), and rectal cancers was assessed. Results: Of the 1093 eligible patients, 378 had right-sided tumors and 715 had left-sided tumors. Among patients with RS tumors, the 5-year overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for patients with KRASmut versus wild-type tumors was not shown to differ significantly (82.2% vs. 83.2% and 72.1% vs. 76.7%, respectively, all p >.05). Among those with LS tumors, KRAS mutation was associated with shorter 5-year OS and RFS on both the univariable (OS: 79.4% vs. 86.1%, p =.004; RFS: 68.8% vs. 77.3%, p =.005) and multivariable analysis (OS: HR: 1.52, p =.019; RFS: HR: 1.32, p =.05). Conclusions: KRAS mutation status was independently prognostic among patients with LS tumors, but this association failed to reach statistical significance in RS and rectal tumors. These findings confirm reports in metastatic CRC and underline the possible biologic importance of tumor location. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC

An ultrasonic bolt axial force inspection system is developed for the control of bolts used on turbine outercasings in a thermal power plant. The ultrasonic time of flight through the bolt under stress is analysed by using the acoustoelastic law. It turned out that the proportional constant, conventionally called the material constant, is determined by an acoustoelastic constant k and Young's modulus E as 1-kE. Measurements of k for some kinds of steel bolts revealed that k is approximately the same value (-1.1×1011 m2/N) without concerning heat treatment. Based on these results, an ultrasonic bolt axial force inspection system is developed. Applying this system to turbine bolts, it is found that the bolts could be controlled more precisely than ever.

In an emulsion-counter hybrid experiment performed at J-PARC, a Ξ^{-} absorption event was observed which decayed into twin single-Λ hypernuclei. Kinematic calculations enabled a unique identification of the reaction process as Ξ^{-}+^{14}N→_{Λ}^{10}Be+_{Λ}^{5}He. For the binding energy of the Ξ^{-} hyperon in the Ξ^{-}-^{14}N system a value of 1.27±0.21 MeV was deduced. The energy level of Ξ^{-} is likely a nuclear 1p state which indicates a weak ΞN-ΛΛ coupling.

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an ovarian tissue transportation network for fertility preservation (FP) for cancer patients in Japan. PubMed was searched for papers on transportation of human ovarian tissue for FP. We analyzed population, area, number of cancer patients for ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), quality control/assessment and safety, cost of a cryopreservation center for the building for 30 years, and medical fees of cancer patients (operation, cryopreservation, and storage of ovarian tissue). More than twenty babies have been born in Denmark and Germany through a transportation system. Up to 400 new patients a year need OTC. The fees for removal, cryopreservation, and storage for 5 years, and transplantation of ovarian tissue are around €5,000, €4,000, and €5,000, respectively. It costs more than €5 million to establish and maintain one cryopreservation center for 30 years. If we have a few cryopreservation centers in Japan, we can cryopreserve 400 patients’ ovarian tissue per year by safer slow freezing and maintain quality control/assessment. We need to lighten the patients’ burden for easy to use FP by a government subsidy and medical insurance coverage. This model has been termed the Danish model (“the woman stays - the tissue moves”). This is truly patient-centered medicine. We can have maximum effects with the minimum burden. A transportation network like those of Denmark and Germany is the best strategy for FP in Japan. It may be the best system for cancer patients, medical staff, and the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

DMSO and EG have been used as cryoprotectants for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation, but residual cryoprotectants concentration and safety have rarely been reported.We aimed to compare residual cryoprotectants (DMSO, EG) concentration in bovine ovarian tissue during warming steps between one kind of common slow freezing method and two kinds of vitrification methods, which are usually used for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue in Japan.In this study, we used five bovine ovaries with an average age of 24.2 months divided into three kinds of cryopreservation methods. All ovarian cortices cut to 1 mm thickness were cryopreserved in slow freezing and two kinds of vitrification methods. Residual cryoprotectants before, during and after warming of cryopreserved ovarian cortices were measured using GC-MS and compared.Concentrations of residual cryoprotectants in the ovarian tissue just before transplantation into the body after warming were high after both vitrification methods but almost zero with the slow freezing method.We are concerned about the residual cryoprotectants in ovarian tissue, and continue to study the safety of cryopreservation methods to the woman after reimplantation and her baby.

Experimental results from the J-PARC E13 experiments are summarized. A new experimental set up of E13 has established a platform for the future γ-ray hypernuclear spectroscopy at J-PARC using kaon beams. New γ rays are identified in HeΛ4 and FΛ19. The energy of 1.406 MeV for the HeΛ4(1+→0+) transition confirmed a sizable effect of Charge Symmetry Breaking (CSB) in ΛN interaction in the A=4 hypernuclear system. The identification of four γ rays in FΛ19 is made for the first time in sd shell hypernuclei. Especially, energy spacing of the ground state doublet is found to be 315.5 keV. A good agreement with two theoretical calculations suggests that the theoretical formalism used in p shell hypernuclei is also applicable to heavier hypernuclei. Lastly, an overview of the future J-PARC E63 experiment is given.

J-PARC E07 is the most complex emulsion experiment to date investigating double hypernuclei with a hybrid emulsion method. This experiment aims to detect 104 Ξ− stop events, ten times more events than the past experiments. Thus, an unequivocal identification of several new double hypernuclei is expected. The beam exposure has been completed at the K1.8 beam line of the J-PARC hadron facility in June 2017. The photographic development of all emulsion sheets has also been completed in February 2018. The emulsion sheets are presently being analyzed with dedicated optical microscopes. Current statistics is comparable to that of E373 and so far 10 events of 3-vertices topology have been detected. A typical event of double Λ hypernucleus and a twin Λ hypernucleus are introduced. We plan to complete the main part of the emulsion scanning within a year.

In this study, we used a flexible array transducer to obtain images of flaws in materials with irregular surfaces. The transducer was manufactured from a 1–3 composite made of piezoelectric zirconate titanate and epoxy resin, and covered with neoprene rubber layers. An approach that involved combining a flexible array transducer and full matrix capture (FMC) is effective, because the surface geometry and flaw signal data can be separately measured and merged during post-processing. The disadvantage of the flexible array transducer is its narrow frequency band due to the thin damping material. To enhance the spatial resolution, we used the scattering amplitude extracted from raw signal data. We also introduced a numerical apodization technique to suppress the influence of side lobe. We validated the performance of the proposed method by measuring the signals from artificial flaws in aluminum specimens, performing high-speed FMC imaging using graphic processing unit computation.

We report on the first observation of γ rays emitted from an sd-shell hypernucleus, _{Λ}^{19}F. The energy spacing between the ground state doublet, 1/2^{+} and 3/2^{+} states, of _{Λ}^{19}F is determined to be 315.5±0.4(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.6}(syst) keV by measuring the γ-ray energy of the M1(3/2^{+}→1/2^{+}) transition. In addition, three γ-ray peaks are observed and assigned as E2(5/2^{+}→1/2^{+}), E1(1/2^{-}→1/2^{+}), and E1(1/2^{-}→3/2^{+}) transitions. The excitation energies of the 5/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} states are determined to be 895.2±0.3(stat)±0.5(syst) and 1265.6±1.2(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.7}(syst) keV, respectively. It is found that the ground state doublet spacing is well described by theoretical models based on existing s- and p-shell hypernuclear data.

We report on the first observation of γ rays emitted from an sd-shell hypernucleus, _{Λ}^{19}F. The energy spacing between the ground state doublet, 1/2^{+} and 3/2^{+} states, of _{Λ}^{19}F is determined to be 315.5±0.4(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.6}(syst) keV by measuring the γ-ray energy of the M1(3/2^{+}→1/2^{+}) transition. In addition, three γ-ray peaks are observed and assigned as E2(5/2^{+}→1/2^{+}), E1(1/2^{-}→1/2^{+}), and E1(1/2^{-}→3/2^{+}) transitions. The excitation energies of the 5/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} states are determined to be 895.2±0.3(stat)±0.5(syst) and 1265.6±1.2(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.7}(syst) keV, respectively. It is found that the ground state doublet spacing is well described by theoretical models based on existing s- and p-shell hypernuclear data.

A double-$\Lambda$ hypernucleus, ${}_{\Lambda\Lambda}\mathrm{Be}$, was observed by the J-PARC E07 collaboration in nuclear emulsions tagged by the $(K^{-},K^{+})$ reaction. This event was interpreted as a production and decay of $ {}_{\Lambda\Lambda}^{\;10}\mathrm{Be}$, ${}_{\Lambda\Lambda}^{\;11}\mathrm{Be}$, or ${}_{\Lambda\Lambda}^{\;12}\mathrm{Be}^{*}$ via $\Xi^{-}$ capture in ${}^{16}\mathrm{O}$. By assuming the capture in the atomic 3D state, the binding energy of two $\Lambda$ hyperons$\,$($B_{\Lambda\Lambda}$) of these double-$\Lambda$ hypernuclei are obtained to be $15.05 \pm 0.11\,\mathrm{MeV}$, $19.07 \pm 0.11\,\mathrm{MeV}$, and $13.68 \pm 0.11\,\mathrm{MeV}$, respectively. Based on the kinematic fitting, ${}_{\Lambda\Lambda}^{\;11}\mathrm{Be}$ is the most likely explanation for the observed event., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy on healing pressure ulcers (PU) of using a supplement combination containing arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate, which was given to two elderly patients with renal dysfunction. The PU was surgically opened, decompressed and treated by drugs. A half quantity of the defined dose of the supplement combination, with an enteral nutrition product, was administered to the patients twice a day. This combination improved the PUs, with no effect on renal function. This novel finding may provide a nutritional rationale of arginine, glutamine and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate for PUs associated with renal dysfunction.

There are species differences in the regulatory system for sperm capacitation and subsequent hyperactivation between livestock and laboratory animals. In livestock spermatozoa, it is poorly understood when and how extracellular Ca(2+) is necessary for hyperactivation, although it has been demonstrated that the [Ca(2+) ]i increase is indispensable to occurrence of hyperactivation. In this study, we examined necessity of extracellular Ca(2+) for the initiation and maintenance of hyperactivation and then sought possible target molecule of Ca(2+) that was involved in hyperactivation of boar spermatozoa. Boar ejaculated spermatozoa were pre-incubated with a cell-permeable cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog 'cBiMPS' and without CaCl2 to induce the cAMP-triggered events including capacitation-associated changes. Subsequently, they were incubated with CaCl2 to induce hyperactivation and then used for motility assessment. Many of the spermatozoa after the incubation exhibited full-type hyperactivation which was characterized by high-amplitude and extremely asymmetrical beating of whole middle piece and principal piece. The initiation of full-type hyperactivation required the millimolar concentration of CaCl2 in the medium. However, CaCl2 of the medium was less necessary for maintenance than initiation of full-type hyperactivation, as hyperactivated spermatozoa were barely affected by the incubation with the Ca(2+) -chelating reagent. On the other hand, the pre-treatment with the inhibitor for Ca(2+) -dependent protease 'calpain 1 and 2' clearly suppressed the occurrence of CaCl2 -induced hyperactivation without influences on the percentages of motile spermatozoa. Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence showed distribution of calpain 2 in the middle and principal pieces in which full-type hyperactivated spermatozoa exhibited extremely asymmetrical beating. On the basis of these results, we conclude that the millimolar concentration of extracellular Ca(2+) is necessary for the initiation, but not for the maintenance of full-type hyperactivation in boar spermatozoa that beforehand undergo the cAMP-triggered events including capacitation-associated changes. Moreover, we suggest possible involvement of calpain 2 in the intracellular Ca(2+) signal transduction leading to full-type hyperactivation.

A 48-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome and transferred for possible living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Examinations before LDLT revealed that the recipient had anti-Jr

The energy spacing between the spin-doublet bound state of _{Λ}^{4}He(1^{+},0^{+}) was determined to be 1406±2±2 keV, by measuring γ rays for the 1^{+}→0^{+} transition with a high efficiency germanium detector array in coincidence with the ^{4}He(K^{-},π^{-})_{Λ}^{4}He reaction at J-PARC. In comparison to the corresponding energy spacing in the mirror hypernucleus _{Λ}^{4}H, the present result clearly indicates the existence of charge symmetry breaking (CSB) in ΛN interaction. By combining the energy spacings with the known ground-state binding energies, it is also found that the CSB effect is large in the 0^{+} ground state but is vanishingly small in the 1^{+} excited state, demonstrating that the ΛN CSB interaction has spin dependence.

A new way of thinking about conservation is represented by the preservation of native areas and the payment for their environmental services. In the present study emergy synthesis was applied to assess the environmental performance of a coffee farm located in Coromandel, Minas Gerais, in the Brazilian Cerrado. The farm produces green coffee for exportation, and holds an area with native vegetation of 80 ha, larger than that required by Brazilian legislation. The assessment of the native area within the farm was carried out in order to determine its environmental sustainability. The emergy ternary diagram was employed to interpret the results, which show that a farm with 54 ha of productive area must be matched with 200 ha of native vegetation for medium term sustainability. The Cerrado’s farm production is primarily for export, and an evaluation of the environment and economic changes with respect to importing countries was performed. Emergy synthesis is proposed to calculate the price of environmental services balancing trades in the international market. A discussion of the problem of assigning payments for environmental services is presented.

Cerrado, a savannah region, is Brazil’s second largest ecosystem after the Amazon rainforest and is also threatened with imminent destruction. In the present study emergy synthesis was applied to assess the environmental performance of a coffee farm located in Coromandel, Minas Gerais, in the Brazilian Cerrado. The effects of land use on sustainability were evaluated by comparing the emergy indices along ten years in order to assess the energy flows driving the production process, and to determine the best production model combining productivity and environmental performance. The emergy indices

Mechanistic studies of the SmCl3-Sm system in water were carried out. The addition of N,N-dimethylacetoamide (DMA) enhanced the reactivity of the one-electron reduction. According to the ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) analysis, DMA was found to accelerate proportionation of SmCl3 and Sm.

This paper describes the mechanism of a 16 d.f. biped walking machine, Waseda biped humanoid robot-2 lower limb (WABIAN-2LL), which has two 7 d.f. legs and a 2 d.f. waist actuated by DC servo motors with reduction gears. WABIAN-2LL is designed with large movable angle ranges like those of a human. Its height and weight are 1200 mm and 40 kg, respectively. It is able to walk with its knees stretched using the redundancy of the legs and to move around an object using a hip-bending motion without touching the object. A knee-stretched locomotion pattern generation is also proposed in this paper, which separately creates joint angles in a supporting and a swinging phase. During knee-stretched walking, the joint rate of the knee will approach infinitely when the knee is stretched. This singularity problem is solved by using the motion of the waist, not the posture of the trunk. The effectiveness of the mechanisms and pattern generations of WABIAN-2LL is verified through dynamic walking experiments.

International audience; In order to test theoretical frameworks of the baryon–baryon (BB) interactions and to confirm the “Pauli effect between quarks” for the first time, we have proposed an experiment (J-PARC E40) to measure low-energy hyperon–proton scattering cross sections of the Σ^+p, Σ^−p elastic scatterings and the Σ^−p → Λn inelastic scattering in the momentum range of 400 < p (MeV/c) < 700 in the laboratory system. Experimentally, we detect two successive reactions of the Σ production (π^±p → K^+Σ^±) and the Σp scattering (Σp → Σp) in the same liquid hydrogen target. The former is measured with two magnetic spectrometers, and the latter with a scattered proton detector (CATCH). By using a high intensity π beam, we estimate that more than 10,000 scattering events can be identified. In this experiment, we aim to provide good quality scattering data to test the theoretical models of the BB interaction.

In this paper, the authors propose the most suitable passive double-star network (PON) configuration for multiplexing more than two kinds of broadband service by wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) in optical access networks. They calculate the cost and number of facilities in outside plant and central offices by using the latest cost trend and investigate their dependence on certain structural conditions such as the number of splits, network configuration, and fiber structure, and service conditions such as multiplexing service number and service penetration. Moreover, the required network configuration for multiplexing more than three services was investigated. As a result, the most suitable PON network for cost-effective service provision and fiber to the home (FTTH) deployment was determined

3D biomechanical simulation including patient specific FEM based on Cone Beam X-ray CT data was developed for planning of individual treatment goal in Orthodontic treatment.

We examined the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 and metabolism of omeprazole in order to assess the severity and to predict the outcome of poisoning for forensic and clinical toxicology. The genotypes observed were CYP2C19*1A ( wild type ), CYP2C19*2 ( m1 ), and CYP2C19*3 ( m2 ). The omeprazole hydroxylation index of the wild-type was −1.15, whereas for the hetero-type it was −0.78, and homo-mutated type 1.22. The genotype of CYP2C19 correlated with the phenotype. The present results proved that genotyping assays of drug metabolizing enzymes are of great value in toxicological significance.

This paper presents results obtained in moving simulations for a new vibration system with permanent magnets. The magnetic field distributions, the force acting upon the permanent magnets and the vibration mechanism of the magneto-spring are made clear in solving the coupled problem of the magnetic field and motion equations. The developed magneto-spring works to keeping a constant resonance frequency without active control.

BACKGROUND 3D CT angiography (3D-CTA) is a noninvasive imaging modality for cerebral aneurysms. 3D-CTA is helpful in the evaluation of the configuration of the aneurysm, the surrounding vessels, and the inside of the aneurysm dome. Clinical application of this technique in complicated large cerebral aneurysms showed that with 3D-CT endoscopic imaging, anatomical details of cerebral aneurysms such as the orifice of the aneurysm, intraluminal thrombus, and calcification of the wall could be clearly demonstrated. Using the 3D-imaging method with helical CT, virtual views of various surgical approaches can be compared preoperatively. This information was found to be very useful for determining difficult aneurysms for coil embolization or direct surgery including complicated and broad-based aneurysms. METHODS Helical CT scanners (TOSHIBA X-vigor) are used for intracranial vascular lesions. At present, nearly stereoscopic images at a pixel size of 0.35 × 0.35 × 0.4 mm are obtained by reconstruction under the following conditions: slice thickness, 0.8 mm; couch top speed, 1.0 mm/sec.; 130 kV; 220 mA; visual field, 18 cm in diameter (11 cm after extension); pitch, 0.4 mm; and opposed beam interpolation. RESULTS AND CLINICAL APPLICATION By virtual vascular 3D-CT endoscopy, the lumen of the cerebral aneurysm is displayed by the surface rendering method. Its clinical applications include 1) Demonstration of three-dimensional aneurysm morphology, including the dome and the neck region; 2) Preoperative simulation; 3) Confirmation of parent blood vessels flowing into and out of aneurysms and visualization of aneurysmal lumen calcification. Coronal and sagittal sections can demonstrate whether the branches arise from the aneurysm or aneurysmal neck. The limitation of 3D-CTA is in delineating perforating arteries that are less than 1.2 mm in diameter. The problem with virtual vascular 3D-CT endoscopic images is that endoscopic findings in the vascular wall are incomplete because of the partial volume effect and pulsation of the aneurysm and vascular wall. CONCLUSIONS Helical Scanning-CT (HES-CT) is an excellent noninvasive diagnostic modality for cerebral aneurysm detection. 3D-CT angiography has distinct advantages in evaluating aneurysms and selecting the most appropriate therapeutic modality.

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) angiography for intracranial aneurysms.The 3D CT angiograms obtained in 49 patients with or without intracranial aneurysms were evaluated by four blinded observers. Results were compared with findings at conventional angiography or surgery. A volume-rendering method was used, and 13 images obtained in different directions were reviewed in each study. The diameter of aneurysms was divided into four sizes: large, greater than 13 mm; medium, 5-12 mm; small, 3-4 mm; and very small, less than 3 mm. Results were also evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic analysis.At conventional angiography, 47 aneurysms, including 14 less than 3 mm, were depicted in 35 patients. The mean sensitivity of CT angiography for very small aneurysms was 64%; small, 83%; medium, 95%; and large, 100%. Some very small aneurysms that were not depicted at conventional angiography were depicted at CT angiography, and one was proved at surgery.CT angiography has good sensitivity for depiction of intracranial aneurysms 3 mm or larger and relatively good sensitivity for aneurysms less than 3 mm. CT angiography may be a noninvasive technique for detection of asymptomatic unruptured or ruptured aneurysms.

Real-time CT fluoroscopy (CTF), which permits real-time monitoring of CT images at a rate of 8 images per second with a 0.5 s delay time, has recently entered clinical use. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of CTF as a tool for guiding intracranial interventions. Twenty-six interventional procedures were undertaken in 16 patients under CTF guidance. These included puncture of intracranial hematoma (n=8), hematoma drainage (n=9), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage (n=3), biopsy of intracranial tumors (n=4), and marking of intracerebral tumors (n?2). Needle puncture and placement were clearly monitored by CTF in all the cases. Hematoma puncture and drainage, CSF drainage, and tumor marking were performed successfully under CTF guidance. Biopsy failed in one patient with suspected brain tumor. Intra- and extra-tumor bleeding was observed in two patients who underwent tumor biopsy and was detected by CTF immediately after the occurrence. Our preliminary study indicates that real-time CTF is a potentially valuable tool for guiding neurosurgical interventions.

With a fixed gate width under the condition where the focus of an acoustic lens was set inside the sample, we varied signal taking-in time. Discrimination was made between differences in time required for an ultrasonic signal reflected from the sample to reach the acoustic lens. This process also enabled three types of images to be obtained separately: the surface reflection wave image, a combination of images based on the interference of the surface reflection wave with surface acoustic waves, and the surface acoustic wave image. Thus it was presumed that this process also would reveal the causes of image contrast and allow an easy interpretation of images. Furthermore, the image resolution was improved, because the surface acoustic wave image was drawn by an ultrasonic beam produced by full-circular surface acoustic wave excitation propagating toward the center converging concentrically; the theoretical resolution was 0.4 times the value of the surface acoustic wave wavelength /spl lambda//sub R/ and independent of the defocus value of the acoustic lens. Several kinds of samples were observed with this method. The results showed that the new method permitted observation of the internal structures of samples while offering new knowledge through the data reflecting the ultrasonic wave damping and scatter drawn on the display.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that microwave hyperthermia treatment (MHT) increases heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the human vastus lateralis muscle. Methods: Four untrained healthy male volunteers participated in this study. The lateral side of the thigh of one leg (heated leg) was heated with a microwave generator (2.5 GHz, 150 W) for 20 min. At 1 day after the MHT, a muscle sample was taken from the heated leg. A control sample was taken from the unheated leg on another day of the MHT. For both legs, HSP90, HSP72 and HSP27 levels were compared. Results: The HSP90, HSP72 and HSP27 levels in heated legs were significantly higher than those in control legs (p Conclusions: Application of MHT can increase the levels of several HSPs in human skeletal muscle.

Background This study was conducted to clarify the clinicopathological factors influencing appropriate surgical strategy and survival in patients with carcinoma of the hepatic duct confluence. Methods A total of 66 patients who underwent local resection of the bile duct with (n = 44) and without (n = 22) hepatectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Results Fifteen of the 44 patients who had hepatectomy and two of the 22 who did not suffered major postoperative complications (P

We measured changes in dural thickness to estimate intracranial pressure. The dural thickness on magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement was compared in a hydrocephalic patient before and after shunt operation. Dural thickness also was measured directly using a micrometer at craniotomy for aneurysmal clipping in 11 patients. A small ultrasound probe (5 MHz) was held against the temporal scalp of 10 volunteers to extract convoluted interference echoes from the dura mater using a computer--based system for fast Fourier transform-Cepstrum analysis and maximum entropy analysis. The degree of intracranial pressure in the supine position was varied in the volunteers with transient neck compression. The enhanced dural thickness of the patient with hydrocephalus, barely visualized before shunt operation, increased after surgery. Dural thickness measurements obtained ultrasonographically in the supine position were similar to direct measurements of thickness. Changes in dural thickness on ultrasonography reflect changes in intracranial pressure.

We present a new animal model of reversible obstructive jaundice, in which two polyethylene tubes were inserted into the common bile duct, one towards the liver and the other towards the duodenum. The ends of the tubes were tunneled subcutaneously and tied shut to establish obstructive jaundice. Biliary drainage was achieved without a second laparotomy by connecting the tubes with a 1-cm segment of a 24-gauge needle. Serum concentrations of total bilirubin (TB), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin (Alb.) were measured before and after obstruction and decompression. TB, GOT, GPT and ALP increased and Alb. decreased 7 days after the onset of biliary obstruction. All values normalized 14 days after biliary drainage at the latest. Our model is reproducible and allows for evaluation of biliary decompression. Unlike previous models, it can be used for long-term investigation of chronic obstructive jaundice.