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Abstract Background Evidence regarding the association between hyperuricemia and arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is scarce. We investigated whether hyperuricemia predicts arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF and the relationship between hyperuricemia and alcohol consumption in AF recurrence. Methods Patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were divided into the hyperuricemia (index serum uric acid [UA] >7.0 mg/dL; n = 114) and control (UA ≤7.0 mg/dL; n = 609) groups and were followed for a median of 24 (12–48) months after ablation. Results The hyperuricemia group had more patients with an alcohol intake of ≥20 g/day (33.3% vs. 22.7%, p = .017) and a lower incidence of AF‐free survival (p = .019). Similarly, those with an alcohol intake of ≥20 g/day had a lower incidence of AF‐free survival than other patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed the following independent predictors of AF recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval): hyperuricemia (1.64, 1.12–2.40), female gender (1.91, 1.36–2.67), brain natriuretic peptide level >100 pg/mL (1.59, 1.14–2.22), and alcohol consumption ≥20 g/day (1.49, 1.03–2.15) (all p

Abstract Dysfunction of central serotonergic neurons is known to cause depressive disorders in humans, who often show reproductive and/or glucose metabolism disorders. This study examined whether dorsal raphe (DR) serotonergic neurons sense high glucose availability to upregulate reproductive function via activating hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) kisspeptin neurons (= KNDy neurons), a dominant stimulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/gonadotropin pulses, using female rats and goats. RNA-seq and histological analysis revealed that stimulatory serotonin-2C receptor (5HT2CR) was mainly expressed in the KNDy neurons in female rats. The serotonergic reuptake inhibitor administration into the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), including the ARC, significantly blocked glucoprivic suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses and hyperglycemia induced by intravenous 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) administration in female rats. A local infusion of glucose into the DR significantly increased in vivo serotonin release in the MBH and partly restored LH pulses and hyperglycemia in the 2DG-treated female rats. Furthermore, central administration of serotonin or a 5HT2CR agonist immediately evoked GnRH pulse generator activity, and central 5HT2CR antagonism blocked the serotonin-induced facilitation of GnRH pulse generator activity in ovariectomized goats. These results suggest that DR serotonergic neurons sense high glucose availability to reduce gluconeogenesis and upregulate reproductive function by activating GnRH/LH pulse generator activity in mammals.

Pre-ovulatory follicles are cooler than the neighboring reproductive organs in cows. Thus, measuring the temperature of reproductive organs could be a useful method for predicting estrus and ovulation in cows, and the establishment of a non-invasive technique is required. In this study, we used infrared thermography (IRT) to measure ocular surface temperature as a potential surrogate for reproductive organ temperature. Five Japanese Black cows with synchronized estrus were subjected to temperature measurements in five regions of the ocular surface, including the nasal conjunctiva, nasal limbus, center cornea, temporal limbus, and temporal conjunctiva, twice a day (0800 h and 1600 h) during the experimental period. The temperatures in the five regions significantly declined in cows from estrus to ovulation. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use IRT to show a temperature decrease in the ocular surface along with estrus to ovulation in Japanese Black cows.

Abstract Background The rate of residual liver recurrence after the resection of colorectal liver metastases is high, and most cases recur within 5 years of the initial hepatectomy. Here, we report two cases of residual liver recurrence after radical resection of colorectal liver metastases after a long recurrence-free survival period. Case presentation Case 1 involved a 62-year-old woman treated for ascending colon cancer in April 2011 who underwent right hepatectomy for synchronous colorectal liver metastasis in April 2012. However, in September 2021, computed tomography revealed residual recurrence in the lateral segment of the liver, and a lateral segmentectomy of the liver was performed. In Case 2, a 52-year-old man treated for cecal cancer in July 2002 underwent lateral segmentectomy of the liver for metachronous colorectal liver metastasis in October 2006. Subsequently, there was no recurrence; however, computed tomography showed residual liver recurrence in the right lobe of the liver in October 2021, and an expanded posterior hepatic segmentectomy was performed. Histopathological findings in both cases were consistent with colorectal liver metastases. Conclusions We encountered two cases in which residual liver recurrence was observed after a long period of recurrence-free survival. Although rare, there have been a few cases of late recurrence of liver metastases after radical resection of cancer liver metastases.

Abstract Background Although percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) offers better access to the gastrointestinal system, in patients with previous abdominal surgery, PEG can be unsuccessful. Laparoscopically assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) is indicated for such patients. However, patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be more susceptible to anesthesia-related complications than other patients, requiring the indications for LAPEG, along with perioperative management, to be considered carefully. Case presentation A 70-year-old, male patient with ALS was referred to our hospital for a gastrostomy for progressive dysphagia. He had undergone an open distal gastrectomy for gastric ulcer perforation in his twenties. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy denied the transillumination sign and focal finger invagination. Because the risk of respiratory complications caused by general anesthesia was not considered serious, the decision was made to perform a LAPEG. Under careful, intraoperative airway management and neuromuscular monitoring, adhesiolysis was performed to increase mobility of the remnant stomach. A gastrostomy tube was inserted through the abdominal wall and into the remnant stomach under laparoscopic and endoscopic guidance. The patient was discharged in stable condition on postoperative day 3 without any respiratory complications. Conclusions LAPEG was able to be performed in a patient with ALS with a previous gastrectomy. A perioperative team comprised of neurologists, endoscopists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who are fully conversant with ALS must be assembled to deal with potentially complex medical issues related to the procedure and anesthetic and perioperative management.

Abstract Background In accordance with previous reports on the utility of polyethylene glycolic acid (PGA) felt and fibrin glue for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), we usually perform distal pancreatectomy (DP) with a PGA felt reinforcement stapler when dissecting the pancreas and cover the stump with PGA felt and fibrin glue (the PPF method). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our DP cases to compare the risk factors for POPF and the postoperative course of patients receiving the PPF method of treatment versus that of those receiving conventional treatment. Methods A total of 127 DP procedures performed in our department between January 2008 and June 2021 were retrospectively analysed. Results In the PPF method, grade B/C POPF rate tended to decrease, and POPF rate showed a significant decrease. The duration of drainage and the length of postoperative hospitalisation were also significantly shorter with the PPF method. The risk of grade B/C POPF significantly decreased with the PPF method if the pancreas was thick (> 13.5 mm) or the patients were obese. Conclusions The PPF method is useful for POPF in DP and is particularly effective when a thick pancreas or obese patient is involved. Removing the drainage tube early in the PPF method may lead to early discharge.

Abstract Objectives Self‐expandable metal stents are widely used for the treatment of malignant colorectal stenosis (MCS). In elderly individuals with MCS, self‐expandable metal stents are often used as a palliative treatment, but prophylactic stent placement is not recommended. We investigated the efficacy and safety of self‐expandable metal stents for the elderly in a palliative setting, specifically in a prophylactic setting. Methods Elderly patients with MCS who received a palliative stent (the stent group) or palliative stoma (the stoma group) were retrospectively enrolled between April 2017 and June 2022, and the prognosis and complication rates were assessed. Additionally, patients in the stent group were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic subgroups, and prognosis, stent patency, and complication rates were evaluated. Results During the study period, 31 patients with a mean age of 85.4 years and 12 patients with a mean age of 82.0 years were enrolled in the stent and stoma groups, respectively. While overall survival and complication rates were comparable, the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the stent group. Of the 31 patients in the stent group, 16 asymptomatic patients received prophylactic stenting, which was not associated with increased complication rates. Conclusions Palliative stents for MCS appear to be effective and safe even in the elderly, and thus, prophylactic stents can be considered for asymptomatic patients.

Abstract Backgrounds Optimal concentration of ustekinumab (UST) predicting endoscopic remission has not been fully investigated in Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to identify the optimal UST trough levels predicting clinical, laboratory and endoscopic remission in CD patients. Methods Twenty-eight patients with CD were enrolled and investigated (27 patients by enteroscopy and 1 by colonoscopy). The endoscopic activity was assessed using the scoring system that applied the Rutgeerts score to observed intestine. Serum UST trough levels and anti-UST antibodies (AUAs) levels were determined by in-house immunoassays. Results Endoscopic activity was negatively correlated with serum UST trough levels (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) = − 0.66, P = 0.0001) and serum albumin levels (ρ = − 0.60, P = 0.0007). The endoscopic activity was positively and significantly correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.59, P = 0.0009) and ESR (ρ = 0.44, P = 0.033). There was no significant association between the endoscopic score and AUA levels and/or Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI). Serum UST trough levels and albumin levels were significantly higher in the endoscopic remission group (scores of 0 and 1) than in the non-endoscopic remission group (UST trough, mean 3.3 vs. 1.8 μg/mL). No significant difference was observed in AUAs between the endoscopic remission and non-remission groups. Receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of UST trough levels predicting normal CRP and serum albumin levels was 1.7 μg/mL for each, and the optimal cutoff value predicting endoscopic remission was 2.0 μg/mL (AUC: 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.96). Conclusion Achievement of endoscopic remission requires higher UST trough levels than required for normalization of CRP and serum albumin levels.

Abstract Background Prepancreatic portal vein (PPV) is a congenital anatomical variant of the portal vein (PV). PPVs are extremely rare and generally classified into two categories, prepancreatic preduodenal portal vein and prepancreatic postduodenal portal vein (PPPV). Prepancreatic preduodenal portal veins are rare, with approximately 100 reported cases globally; PPPVs are even more atypical, with less than 20 documented cases globally. Despite the extremely low occurrence, PPPV knowledge and recognition are important, especially for hepatobiliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgeries, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for patients of a PPPV. Here, we report a case of PPPV and a literature review. Case presentation A 73-year-old-male with ampullary carcinoma underwent PD at our hospital. Preoperative enhanced CT revealed an abnormal L-shaped PV, identified as a PPPV. Both the PPPV and the postpancreatic “normal” superior mesenteric vein (SMV) divaricated from the SMV at the caudal side of the pancreas. A splenic vein and inferior mesenchymal vein flowed into the postpancreatic “normal” PV, which encircled the common bile duct and potentially flowed into the liver, forming a cavernous transformation at the hilar plate. During surgery, we attempted to isolate the PV from the pancreas and common bile duct. However, it was difficult to isolate from the pancreas. The PPPV was so fragile that bleeding from the PPPV became uncontrollable. To remove the tumor, we resected the PPPV and reconstructed a “normal” PV as an autogenous graft. To maintain intraoperative hepatic blood flow and avoid small bowel congestion, an antithrombogenic bypass catheter was placed between the SMV and umbilical vein during reconstruction. After surgery, several complications occurred, such as PV thrombosis and hyperammonemia. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 45. Conclusions PPPV is a rare vascular variant but is easily diagnosed preoperatively due to its distinct shape on CT imaging. However, isolating the PPPV from the pancreas and bile duct is incredibly difficult and potentially associated with increased operative risks and postoperative complications. PV resection rather than isolation is a potential solution to reduce the risk of hemorrhage, even in the absence of invasion.

Sepsis and bleeding can lead to life-threatening complications, such as stent-graft infection and pseudoaneurysm, after stent-graft implantation. An 83 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for sepsis 14 months after treatment with a balloon-expandable stent-graft for an arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) between the right external iliac artery and the right ureter. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida tropicalis. A giant infectious pseudoaneurysm (44 × 70 mm) at the distal edge of the stent-graft was suspected of having caused the sepsis. Although endovascular therapy (EVT) was planned to correct the pseudoaneurysm, the right iliac artery spontaneously became occluded from the ostium of the right common iliac artery to the common femoral artery 5 days after diagnosing the pseudoaneurysm; hence, EVT was not performed. Antibiotic administration was continued, and blood culture results were negative. Although EVT using a stent graft for AUFs is effective, data on the chronic phase outcomes are limited. Therefore, patients with AUFs treated using stent-grafts should be carefully followed up.

Abstract Background Anorectal malignant melanoma (ARMM) has an extremely poor prognosis, and there is no report of resection of liver metastases so far. We report herein a rare case of postoperative laparoscopic partial hepatic S7 resection for rectal malignant melanoma. Case presentation A 51-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of an ARMM underwent a laparoscopic rectal amputation. Eleven months later, computed tomography (CT) revealed a 14-mm nodule in liver segment 7 (S7), which was diagnosed as a hepatic recurrence of the ARMM. Because no other recurrences were found, a laparoscopic partial resection of S7 was performed. Pathological analysis found intracellular melanin deposition, and immunostaining was S-100 (+), HMB-45 (+), and SOX-10 (+). Based on these findings, a liver metastasis of malignant melanoma was diagnosed. The patient is alive 7 months after the second surgery and has so far experienced no recurrences. Conclusion We reported an extremely rare case of a laparoscopic resection of a liver metastasis following surgery for ARMM.

Objective Endometritis is a major disease, that causes infertility in cattle, and is usually categorized as clinical or subclinical endometritis (SCE). The nutritional condition during the dry period is important for recovery after the last stage of the lactation period, and for postpartum production and reproduction. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between nutritional and metabolic characteristics in the dry period, and the risk of postpartum SCE. Methods Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 25, raised in a tied stall) were used. Endometrial cytological analysis was performed around 30 days post-partum, with 5% to 14% polymorphonuclear (PMN) as a cut-off point to define SCE. Serum levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured in the cows at the dry period to evaluate energy status, protein metabolism, and mineral metabolism. Results The incidence of SCE in the cows was 60.0% (n = 15/25) and the mean PMN% in postpartum cows diagnosed as SCE was 8.05%±2.6%. Overall, 17 and 8 samples were collected from the cows in the far-off and close-up periods, respectively. The serum concentration of BHBA in the far-off period and serum glucose concentration in the close-up period were correlated with postpartum PMN% (r = 0.62, p

Abstract Objectives Plastic stents (PS) used for preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) tend to be associated with a high incidence of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). Although 10‐mm diameter fully covered self‐expanding metallic stents (FCSEMS) have come into use, vigilance is still required to prevent complications, such as cholecystitis and surgical site infection. The present study examined the efficacy and safety of the 6‐mm diameter FCSEMS for PBD. Methods The present retrospective study compared the incidence of complications associated with the use of 6‐mm FCSEMS and PS. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of PDAC and preoperative endoscopic biliary tract drainage performed at our institution between April 2012 and June 2019. Results Of the 51 patients enrolled, 25 and 26 patients received a PS and a 6‐mm FCSEMS, respectively. The RBO incidence was significantly lower in the 6‐mm FCSEMS group (7.7%) than in the PS group (40.0%) (p = 0.009), and time to RBO was significantly longer in the 6‐mm FCSEMS group (HR = 6.008, p = 0.021). The patency rate at three months after stent placement was significantly higher in the latter group (83.5% vs. 45.3%, p = 0.009, Log‐rank test). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of complications associated with PBD, such as cholecystitis and surgical site infection. Conclusion The present findings suggested that the 6‐mm FCSEMS may be an effective drainage device for use in PBD in PDAC treatment.

Abstract Background Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) is often associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and a poor prognosis. Moreover, the timing of the diagnosis varies. We presented herein the first report of a case of DCBM from gastric cancer that developed rapidly after a gastrectomy. Case presentation A 42-year-old male patient was referred to us for gastric cancer. Preoperative laboratory tests were normal. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed no obvious bone metastasis, and he underwent a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. On postoperative day (POD) 1, laboratory data indicated severe thrombocytopenia. Postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation was found. Afterwards, he complained of lower back pain. His ALP and LDH gradually became elevated. On POD 8, DIC was diagnosed. CT and bone scintigraphy showed multiple, widespread bone metastases. Based on these findings, DCBM from gastric cancer was diagnosed. Systemic chemotherapy was started on POD 12. The DIC subsided during the first course, and he was discharged on POD 21. The patient died of tumor progression 7 months later. Conclusion When thrombocytopenia is observed immediately after a gastrectomy for gastric cancer, the possibility of DCBM should be considered.

This is the first report of a resuscitated adult with left main coronary artery ostial atresia (LMCAOA), with long-term follow-up for 10 years. A 57-year-old woman with untreated Graves' disease presented with resuscitated cardiac arrest, and her computed tomography coronary angiography showed a string-like left main without significant atherosclerosis, which led to the diagnosis of LMCAOA. Noninvasive and invasive testing revealed extensive myocardial ischemia because of LMCAOA with concomitant coronary spasm. After successful revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting, the patient has remained stable for 10 years, which highlights this treatment as being highly effective and durable in patients with LMCAOA and cardiac arrest. Résumé: Il s'agit du premier rapport d'un adulte réanimé présentant une atrésie ostiale de l'artère coronaire principale gauche (atrésie ostiale de l'ACPG), comportant un suivi à long terme sur une période de 10 ans. Une femme de 57 ans atteinte de la maladie de Basedow non traitée a subi un arrêt cardiaque en réanimation. La coronarographie par tomodensitométrie a montré une artère principale gauche en forme de cordon sans athérosclérose importante, ce qui a conduit au diagnostic d'atrésie ostiale de l'ACPG. Des tests non invasifs et invasifs ont révélé une ischémie myocardique étendue due à l'atrésie ostiale de l'ACPG avec spasme coronaire concomitant. Après une revascularisation réussie par pontage aorto-coronarien, la patiente est restée stable pendant 10 ans, ce qui montre que ce traitement est très efficace et durable chez les patients atteints d'atrésie ostiale de l'ACPG et d'arrêt cardiaque.

Objective The present study aimed to survey seasonal changes in reproductive performance of local cows receiving artificial insemination (AI) in the Pursat province of Cambodia, a tropical country, to investigate if ambient conditions affect the reproductive performance of cows as to better understand the major problems regarding cattle production. Methods The number of cows receiving AI, resultant number of calving, and calving rate were analyzed for those receiving the first AI from 2016 to 2017. The year was divided into three seasons: cool/dry (from November to February), hot/dry (from March to June), and wet (from July to October), based on the maximal temperature and rainfall in Pursat, to analyze the relationship between ambient conditions and the reproductive performance of cows. Body condition scores (BCS) and feeding schemes were also analyzed in these seasons. Results The number of cows receiving AI was significantly higher in the cool/dry season than the wet season. The number of calving and calving rate were significantly higher in cows receiving AI in the cool/dry season compared with the hot/dry and wet seasons. The cows showed higher BCSs in the cool/dry season compared to the hot/dry and wet seasons probably due to the seasonal changes in the feeding schemes: these cows grazed on wild grasses in the cool/dry season but fed with a limited amount of grasses and straw in the hot/dry and wet seasons. Conclusion The present study suggests that the low number of cows receiving AI, low number of calving, and low calving rate could be mainly due to poor body condition as a result of the poor feeding schemes during the hot/dry and wet seasons. The improvement of body condition by the refinement of feeding schemes may contribute to an increase in the reproductive performance in cows during the hot/dry and wet seasons in Cambodia.

Accumulating evidence suggests that KNDy neurons located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), which are reported to express kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A, are indispensable for the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generation that results in rhythmic GnRH secretion. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of peripheral administration of the neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R/TACR3, a receptor for neurokinin B) antagonist, SB223412, on GnRH pulse-generating activity and pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in ovariectomized Shiba goats treated with luteal phase levels of estrogen. The NK3R antagonist was infused intravenously for 4 h {0.16 or 1.6 mg/(kg body weight [BW]·4 h)} during which multiple unit activity (MUA) in the ARC was recorded, an electrophysiological technique commonly employed to monitor GnRH pulse generator activity. In a separate experiment, the NK3R antagonist (40 or 200 mg/[kg BW·day]) was administered orally for 7 days to determine whether the NK3R antagonist could modulate pulsatile LH secretion when administered via the oral route. Intravenous infusion of the NK3R antagonist significantly increased the interval of episodic bursts of MUA compared with that of the controls. Oral administration of the antagonist for 7 days also significantly prolonged the interpulse interval of LH pulses. The results of this study demonstrate that peripheral administration of an NK3R antagonist suppresses pulsatile LH secretion by acting on the GnRH pulse generator, suggesting that NK3R antagonist administration could be used to modulate reproductive functions in ruminants.

Background/Aims We retrospectively analyzed Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with small intestinal strictures who underwent single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) to ascertain whether prototype SBEs with a passive bending mechanism and high force transmission insertion tube had better insertability in the small intestine than a conventional SBE. Methods Among 253 CD patients who underwent SBE, we identified 94 CD patients who had undergone attempted endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) for small intestinal stenosis for inclusion in this study. We analyzed whether the type of scope used for their initial procedure affected the cumulative surgery-free rate. For the insertability analysis, patients who underwent SBE at least twice were divided into 3 groups according to the type of scope used: conventional SBE only, prototype SBE only, and both conventional and prototype SBEs. For each group, depth of insertion, procedure time, and number of EBDs were compared in the same patient at different time points. Results The success rate of EBD was 88.3%. The 5- and 10-year cumulative surgery-free rate was 75.7% and 72.8%, respectively. Cox regression analysis indicated that the factors contributing to surgery were long stricture (≥2 cm), EBD failure, and elevated Crohn’s Disease Activity Index, but not the type of scope used for EBD. The prototype SBEs significantly improved the depth of insertion (P=0.03, Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test). Conclusions In CD patients with small intestinal stenosis, the prototype SBEs with a passive bending mechanism and high force transmission insertion tube did not improve long-term EBD outcome but did improve deep insertability. (Clinical Trial Registration No. UMIN000037102)

Abstract Background Preprocedural clinical predictors of the successful maintenance of sinus rhythm may contribute to optimal treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF). The CAAP‐AF score, a novel simple tool scored as 0‐13 points (including six independent variables) has been proposed to predict long‐term freedom from AF after catheter ablation. To clarify its reproducibility, we examined the CAAP‐AF score's predictive performance and then created subgroups to best predict AF recurrence by using a machine learning algorithm. Methods We studied 583 consecutive patients who underwent initial AF catheter ablation at our institute (median CAAP‐AF score, 5; age, 66 ± 10 years old; female, 28.3%; coronary artery disease, 10.8%; left atrial diameter, 39.9 ± 6.6 mm; number of antiarrhythmic drugs failed, 0.4 ± 0.6; nonparoxysmal AF, 45.3%). All were systematically followed up with an endpoint of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after the last ablation procedure. Results During the 1.8 ± 1.2‐year follow‐up, 157 patients had atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence. Repeated procedures were performed (n = 115). Arrhythmia recurrence after the last session occurred in 69 patients. We created Kaplan‐Meier curves for freedom from AF after final AF ablation for ranges of CAAP‐AF scores; these confirmed the original study results. The machine learning using Classification and Regression Trees divided the patients into three categories by the risk score: low (score ≤5), intermediate (score 6‐8), and high (score ≥9). Conclusions The CAAP‐AF score was useful to stratify the atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence risk in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation into three categories. The score should be considered when deciding whether to perform AF ablation in clinical practice.

The reproductive performance of cattle can be suppressed by heat stress. Reproductive organ temperature, especially ovarian temperature, may affect follicle development and ovulation. The establishment of a technique for long-term measurement of ovarian temperature could prove useful in understanding the mechanisms underlying the temperature-dependent changes in follicular development and subsequent ovulation in cows. Here we report a novel method facilitating long-term and continuous recording of ovarian parenchymal temperature in cows. The method revealed that the ovarian temperature in the luteal phase was constantly maintained lower than the vaginal temperature, and that the diurnal temperature variation in the ovary was significantly greater than that in the vagina, suggesting that the ovaries may require a lower temperature than other organs to maintain their functions. This novel method could be used for the further understanding of ovarian functions during estrous cycles in cows.

Abstract Background Intrahepatic artery pseudoaneurysms are mostly iatrogenic and result from hepatobiliary interventions. The incidence of intrahepatic artery pseudoaneurysms within liver tumors without prior intervention is extremely rare. We presented herein the first report of a case of an intratumoral pseudoaneurysm within a liver metastasis of gastric cancer without any prior intervention during chemotherapy. Case presentation A 59-year-old male patient underwent a distal gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer. He was treated in the emergency room for right abdominal pain following the 4th cycle of nivolumab administration as second-line chemotherapy after adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and first-line chemotherapy for a liver metastasis of gastric cancer with ramucirumab plus paclitaxel. CT showed a 72-mm metastatic liver tumor containing a 9-mm pseudoaneurysm and fluid collection around the hepatic edge. Intrahepatic artery pseudoaneurysm within the metastatic liver tumor was diagnosed, with the surrounding fluid indicating potential, active bleeding. An emergency angiography confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm in the intrahepatic artery, which was embolized using microcoils. The contributory causes of the intratumoral pseudoaneurysm were assumed to be the following: (1) tumor necrosis leading to encasement, erosion of the vessel wall, and subsequent arterial wall weakening; and (2) inhibition of vascular endothelial growth by ramucirumab resulting in a vessel wall breach and pseudoaneurysm formation. Conclusion It is necessary to recognize that pseudoaneurysms can arise within a metastatic liver tumor during chemotherapy.

Abstract Background Ruptured pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of gastrectomy, but when they do develop, they are often fatal. We presented herein the first report of a case of pseudoaneurysm arising from the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) after a laparoscopic gastrectomy. Case presentation A 61-year-old male patient underwent a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and D1+ lymph node dissection with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for early gastric cancer. He was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 9 without any complications, such as anastomotic or pancreatic leakage. On POD 19, he was referred to the emergency room for upper abdominal pain. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a 60 × 70 mm hematoma, indicating intra-abdominal bleeding and a 10-mm pseudoaneurysm in the RIPA. Selective digital subtraction angiography confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm in the RIPA, which was embolized using multiple microcoils. Thereafter, no clinical signs were observed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital 15 days after angiography without any recurrence of bleeding. We hypothesized that the cause of the pseudoaneurysm was mechanical vascular injury due to the thermal spread of the ultrasonically activated devices (USADs) during lymphatic node dissection. Conclusion Given the thermal spread of USADs, safe and appropriate lymph node dissection based on precise anatomical knowledge is crucial to preventing postoperative pseudoaneurysms.

Abstract Background Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare abdominal disease; that occasionally occurs congenitally in younger calves. Cytologic examination of peritoneal effusion (PE) was utilized to diagnose this disease, and was not diagnostic. Diagnostic accuracy has been elevated by recent use of ultrasonography (US), despite most diagnoses have been obtained post-mortem in slaughter houses or during clinical necropsy. In humans, ante-mortem diagnosis is highly associated with clinical use of computed tomography (CT) and laparoscopy together with imaging-assisted biopsy. The present report evaluates the diagnostic applicability of CT and laparoscopy as well as US via the practical application of these imaging modalities in an affected calf, and compares the cytologic and histologic findings among in PE, and specimens obtained from fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy. In addition, the present results were reviewed in comparison with those of previous bovine and human reports. Case presentation A 58-day-old male Japanese black calf presented first with scrotal swelling, followed by progressive abdominal distention. Abnormalities of the case included: 1) accumulation of anechoic PE inside the swollen scrotum and abdomen; 2) formation of multiple echogenic nodules within the peritoneal membrane based on US images; 3) presence of hyper-dense spots (suspected calcification) along the margins of the nodules; 4) anatomic connections between intra-abdominal nodular lesions and the swollen tunica vaginalis via the inguinal region based on CT images; 5) serosanguineous-colored and less-turbid characteristics of PE; and 6) formation of multiple nodules over all of the serosa of the rumen as well as the peritoneal wall based on laparoscopic views. Fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy were successfully performed under US and laparoscopic observations, respectively. Histology findings of the core-needle biopsy specimen appeared more indicative (characterization of tubular structures comprised of cubical or columnar abnormal mesothelial cell linings) diagnostically of peritoneal mesothelioma than did findings of the fine-needle aspiration specimen. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first description of clinical applications of CT and laparoscopy to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma in a calf. Laparoscopy enhanced the diagnostic accuracy due to clear gross visualization of the intra-abdominal abnormalities and applicability to imaging-guided core-needle biopsy.

To improve the dairy sector in Cambodia in the future, we aimed to reveal the genetic variation and the milk production in Cambodian crossbred dairy cattle. We calculated the percent (%) milk fat content and the average milk yield per cow (L/day) for two farms (Farm R and M) based on the farmers’ records and interviews. The crossbred cows originated from Cambodian local farmers and Thailand breeders in Farm R, whereas the crossbred cows originated in Thailand breeders in Farm M. Then, we performed genetic characterization for 75 individuals from the two farms and an individual Japanese pure Holstein-Friesian cow based on 133,705 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained by the GRAS-Di method. The milk fat contents in the bulk milk in the dry season and the average milk yield per cow on Farm R were 3.77 ± 0.98% and 7.81 ± 2.66 L/day, respectively, and were higher than those on Farm M (3.35 ± 0.54% and 6.5–7.5 L/day). Cattle originating in Cambodia in Farm R possessed a unique genetic character different from cattle from Thailand in Farm M. The present study suggests that the differences in milk fat content between the two farms might be explained by the genetic differences in crossbred cows.

In recent years, various devices have been approved for peripheral artery disease with femoropopliteal lesions. However, treatment of long, calcified, and diffused lesions is still challenging because these lesions are associated with restenosis. This report described the case of an 82-year-old man with bilateral severely calcified and diffused long lesions in the superficial femoral artery that was treated using polymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent and interwoven nitinol stent. After 6 months, in-stent restenosis was observed at the implantation site of the interwoven nitinol stents. Polymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stents were deployed at the in-stent restenosis site. After another 6 months, angiography and intravascular ultrasound imaging revealed no restenosis at the polymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent site. Optical coherence tomography was also performed, revealing that the stent struts were well covered by neointima, which was very thin at approximately 0.1 mm. This representative case demonstrated substantial differences in the effects of devices; in other words, the superiority of polymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent in treating long, diffuse, and calcified lesions indicated that its implantation is a reasonable option when the initial gain was obtained following sufficient vessel preparation.

Background: “Frailty” is associated with poor prognosis in ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, there is little data regarding the impact of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), a simple and semiquantitative tool for assessing frailty, on mid-term mortality in STEMI patients. Methods: A total of 354 consecutive STEMI patients (mean age 69.8 ± 12.4 years; male 76.6%) who underwent percutaneous intervention between July 2014 and March 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The study endpoint was mid-term mortality according to the CFS classification. Furthermore, in order to clarify the impact of CFS upon admission on mid-term mortality, the independent predictors of all-cause death were evaluated. Results: Patients were categorized into three groups (CFS 1–3, n = 281; CFS 4–5, n = 62; and CFS 6–7, n = 11). During the study period (median 474 days), all-cause death was observed in 39 patients. After multivariate Cox regression analysis, higher CFS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–3.85, p

Objectives: To clarify the prevalence and characteristics of pain associated with sarcopenia and to verify the usefulness of evaluation of pain for sarcopenia. Methods: In total, 759 community-dwelling people (aged 65–79 years) with or without sarcopenia and lower limb pain were classified into 4 groups (NSp, nonsarcopenia; NSpP, nonsarcopenia with pain; Sp, sarcopenia; and SpP, sarcopenia with pain). Body composition, motor function, history of fractures since age 50 years, and number of falls in the past 1 year were compared between the groups. Results: Participant proportions by group were: NSp, 53.9%; NSpP, 42.8%; Sp, 1.3%; and SpP, 2.0%. Participants with lower limb pain showed low single leg standing, walking speed, and 2-step value scores and high 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Functional Scale (GLFS-25) score after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and presence of sarcopenia. The SpP group showed lower functional reach test and higher GLFS-25 scores than the Sp group. Regarding the history of fractures since 50 years of age and falls in past 1 year, a high retention rate of fracture was noted in the NSpP group. They also experienced significantly more falls in the past 1 year than those in the NSp group. The SpP group noted more falls and fractures although it was insignificant. Conclusions: The results indicate that participants with lower limb pain showed declining motor function and a high risk for falls and fractures. Sarcopenia could escalate this risk. Therefore, evaluating patients for both pain and sarcopenia may be useful for risk assessment and treatment. Keywords: Sarcopenia, Pain, Community elderly

Abstract Background The optimal timing of preoperative surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of changing the timing of SAP on the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in laparoscopic surgery. Methods We performed a before-after study from August 2014 through June 2017 to assess the impact of changes in the timing of SAP on the incidence of SSI at a 790-bed tertiary care center in Japan. The intervention was the administration of SAP immediately after the study patients entered the operating room for laparoscopic surgery. Results In total, 1397 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. After the intervention, the median time between the time of SAP completion and the time of surgical incision changed from 8 min to 26 min (p

ObjectiveTo clarify the association of detailed angiographic findings with in-hospital outcome after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Japan.BackgroundData regarding the association of detailed angiographic findings with in-hospital outcome after STEMI are limited in the p-PCI era.MethodsBetween January-2004 and December-2018, 1735 patients with STEMI (mean age, 68.5 years; female, 24.6%) who presented to the hospital in the 24-hours after symptom onset and underwent p-PCI were evaluated using the disease registries. The registry is an ongoing, retrospective, single-center hospital-based registry.ResultsThe 30-day mortality rate and in-hospital mortality rate were 7.7% and 9.2%, respectively. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were ejection fraction (EF) < 40% [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 4.446, p < 0.001], culprit lesions in the left coronary artery (LCA) (aOR, 2.940, p < 0.001) compared with those in the right coronary artery, Killip class > II (aOR, 7.438; p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR, 4.056; p < 0.001), final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grades 0/1/2 (aOR, 1.809; p = 0.03), absence of robust collaterals (aOR, 17.309; p = 0.01) and hypertension (aOR, 0.449; p = 0.01).ConclusionsAmong the consecutive patients with STEMI, the in-hospital mortality rate after p-PCI significantly improved in the second half. Not only CKD, Killip class > II, and EF < 40%, but also the angiographic findings such as culprit lesions in the LCA, absence of very robust collaterals, and final TIMI grades

Aim Patients with gangrenous appendicitis usually require emergency surgery. Preoperative diagnosis of gangrenous appendicitis is clinically important but not always straightforward. We undertook this study to identify preoperative predictors of gangrenous appendicitis. Methods This was a single‐center case–control study. We identified 162 patients who underwent appendectomy between September 2011 and August 2014 after the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was established. We identified laboratory parameters and computed tomography (CT) scan findings predictive of histologically or surgically diagnosed gangrenous appendicitis by univariable and multivariable analyses. Results Of 146 study patients, gangrenous appendicitis was confirmed in 102. Univariable analysis showed that two laboratory factors (C‐reactive protein []and total bilirubin [T‐Bil]) and three CT scan findings were significant predictors for gangrenous appendicitis. Multivariable analysis showed that T‐Bil and two CT scan findings (appendicolith and fat stranding around the appendix) were independent predictors. The combination of “T‐Bil ≥ 1.0 mg/dL or appendicolith” was able to predict gangrenous appendicitis with a sensitivity of 90.5%, positive predictive value of 80.4%, and accuracy of 77.8%. The combination of “T‐Bil ≥ 1.0 mg/dL or fat stranding around the appendix” was able to predict gangrenous appendicitis with a sensitivity of 98.9%, positive predictive value of 76.4%, and accuracy of 71.9%. Conclusion These combinations of laboratory and CT scan findings could be valuable as predictors of gangrenous appendicitis.

Arterio-ureteral fistulas are relatively rare, but a potentially life-threatening condition because of the possible massive bleeding. An 82-year-old woman with a history of hysterectomy and irradiation for uterine cancer was treated with ureteric stents for recurrent bilateral ureteral stenosis. During the adjustments of the stent, removing the right ureteric stent immediately resulted in massive hematuria. Computed tomography showed that the right ureter coursed above and seemed to be connected to the right external iliac artery. From the clinical history and computed tomography findings, an arterio-ureteral fistula between the right external iliac artery and right ureter was strongly suspected. The GORE ® VIABAHN ® VBX Stent Graft was deployed from the common iliac artery to the external iliac artery via a 7-French femoral system, followed by post-dilatation. The patient did not develop any complications or recurrence of hematuria after the procedure during the 11-month follow-up. The VBX is a useful device, with a low- profile device and a size-adjustable balloon-expandable stent that depended on the individual vessel size for post-dilatation. However, there are several concerns, such as risk of infection, stent thrombosis/stenosis, and chronic outcome while using stent grafts for treatment. Patients with arterio-ureteral fistulas who were treated using stent grafts should be carefully followed up.

Neurotrophic factors have been regarded having promising potentials for neuronal protection and regeneration, and thus promoting beneficial effects of kinesiological functions. They can be suspected to play important roles in cell/tissue grafting for various neural diseases. The clinical applications of such trophic factors to the central nervous system (CNS), however, have caused problematic side effects on account of the distinctive bioactive properties. In the course of developing synthetic compounds reflecting beneficial properties of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), we conducted screening candidates that stimulate to trigger the intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation of FGF receptor and lead to the subsequent intracellular signaling in neurons. A small synthetic molecule SUN13837 was characterized by mimicking the beneficial properties of bFGF, which have been known as its specific activities when applied to CNS. What is more remarkable is that SUN13837 is eliminated the bioactivity to induce cell proliferation of non-neuronal somatic cells. On the bases of studies of pharmacology, behavior, physiology and histology, the present study reports that SUN13837 is characterized as a promising synthetic compound for treatment of devastating damages onto the rat spinal cord.

Background: Anticoagulation therapy with the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) warfarin has been demonstrated to reduce thromboembolic risk after electrical cardioversion (ECV). However, data concerning ECV with non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of NOACs in patients undergoing ECV in a real-world clinical practice at a single center in Japan. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 406 consecutive patients who underwent ECV for atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter under anticoagulation with one of the three NOACs (n=149) or with a VKA (n=257). Results: The CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores were significantly higher in the VKA group, whereas the NOACs group had a tendency toward greater spontaneous echo contrast grades. After ECV, ischemic stroke occurred in three patients of the VKA group and one patient in the NOAC group, all of whom had persistent AF, indicating no significant difference in the thromboembolic event rate within 30 days following ECV. No other thromboembolic events, major bleeding, or death occurred in either group. Among the NOAC and VKA patients in whom we newly introduced an oral anticoagulant to perform ECV, the number of days leading to ECV was significantly lesser for the NOAC patients. Conclusion: NOACs may be used as an alternative to VKAs for ECV and may allow prompt ECV in clinical practices.

While treating vascular aneurysms with endovascular technique, short neck and severe bending of the artery are one of the biggest challenges, whether choosing coil embolization or stent-graft (SG) deployment. Here, we report a case with large aneurysm of the splenic artery, which had anomalistically arisen from the superior mesenteric artery and had very severe bending. Because the proximal neck was too short to exclude with SG only, we decided to treat with a combination of coil embolization and SG. At the time of deploying the VIABAHN (self-expandable SG) at the ostium of the splenic artery, the VIABAHN started to deform as the strings were pulled and finally jumped away from the start position. A second VIABAHN was deployed using the sheath-covering technique, which involved alternating short deployment of the VIABAHN with short pullback of the sheath. This report highlights the tricks and traps of deploying VIABAHN at the arteries with very severe bending.

Background: A Japanese prospective, nation-wide, multicenter registry (J-MINUET) showed that long-term outcomes were worse in non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), diagnosed by increased cardiac troponin levels, compared to STEMI. This was observed in both non-STEMI with elevated creatine kinase (CK) (NSTEMI+CK) and non-STEMI without elevated CK (NSTEMI-CK). However, predictive factors for long-term outcomes in STEMI, NSTEMI+CK, and NSTEMI-CK have not been elucidated. Methods: Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we determined significant independent predictors of long-term outcomes from a total of 111 parameters evaluated in the J-MINUET study in each of our groups, including STEMI, NSTEMI+CK, and NSTEMI-CK. Then, we calculated the risk score using the regression coefficients for the determined independent predictors for the strict prediction of long-term outcomes. Results: Prognostic factors, as well as composite cardiovascular events and all-cause death, were different between STEMI, NSTEMI+CK, and NSTEMI-CK. Risk scores could effectively and powerfully predict both composite cardiovascular events and all-cause death in each group. Conclusions: The prediction of long-term outcomes using cored parameters of baseline demographics and clinical characteristics is feasible and could prove useful in establishing therapeutic strategies in patients with STEMI, NSTEMI+CK, and NSTEMI-CK.

While prognoses in relation to myocardial infarction (MI) type have been elucidated in past reports, the results were not consistent, perhaps due to occurrence of Type 2 MI with CVS and its mortality. The Japanese registry of acute Myocardial Infarction diagnosed by Universal Definition (J-MINUET) is a prospective multicenter registry in Japan. In contrast to thromboembolic event-related Type 1 myocardial infarction (MI), clinical features of Type 2 MI, including coronary vasospasm (CVS), are varied due to the heterogeneous nature of its development. To elucidate the MI type-related all-cause mortality, 2989 consecutive patients with AMI were stratified as Type 1 MI, Type 2 MI with CVS, and Type 2 MI with non-CVS. Most patients (n = 2834; 94.8%) were classified as Type 1 MI and 155 patients (5.2%) were classified as Type 2 MI. Of the Type 2 MI patients, 87 (56% of Type 2 MI) were diagnosed as MI with CVS. Although the 3-year mortality was comparable between Type 1 and Type 2 MI patients, significant differences were observed between Type 2 MI with CVS and with non-CVS (3.4% and 22.1%, p < 0.001). Among Japanese patients with AMI, mortality rates between Type 1 MI and Type 2 MI are comparable, but further stratification of Type 2 MI (with or without CVS) may be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with Type 2 MI.

Background Hypothyroidism has been shown to contribute to enhanced atrial arrhythmogenesis, resulting in atrial fibrillation (AF) development in animal models and clinical populations. We aimed to elucidate whether high thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are related to outcomes of catheter ablation of AF. Methods and Results Of 477 consecutive patients who underwent first‐time pulmonary vein isolation–based radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF, 456 with TSH above the lower limit of the normal range (age, 65.5±9.9 years; men, 73.9%; paroxysmal AF, 56.8%) were analyzed for this study. Atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence for 3 years was compared across groups with hypothyroidism (n=23) and TSH quartile groups with euthyroidism (normal‐range TSH levels, n=433). Atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence occurred in 179 patients (39%) after the first session. Patients with hypothyroidism had increased recurrence compared with patients with normal TSH levels (crude hazard ratio, 3.14 after the last session; P=0.001). When focusing on patients with normal TSH levels, recurrence‐free survivals after both the first and last sessions were significantly reduced in euthyroid patients with the highest quartile of TSH levels (quartile 4) compared with others (quartiles 1–3). Cox regression analysis identified high TSH levels as an independent predictor of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after both the first (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.51; P=0.018) and last (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.86; P=0.023) sessions. The difference was more pronounced in patients with paroxysmal AF than in those with nonparoxysmal AF. Conclusions Not only hypothyroidism but also high‐normal TSH levels may be an independent predictor of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation of AF.

This report describes a case of paradoxical atrial undersensing by a dual-chamber pacemaker during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Undersensing of 5.6 mV atrial signals at a programmed sensitivity of 0.5 mV returned to normal sensing by decreasing atrial sensitivity to 1.0 mV. This uncommon phenomenon can be explained by a repeated activation of the quiet timer blanking interval. Knowledge of this phenomenon is important in the current pacemaker management to improve the accuracy of the diagnostic feature for atrial tachyarrhythmia burden and to avoid unnecessary lead revisions.

Two different sizes of siRNAs, of which one type was 21-nucleotide (nt) siRNA containing 2-nt dangling ends and the other type was 27-nt siRNA with blunt ends, were conjugated with a nuclear export signal peptide of HIV-1 Rev at the 5′-sense end. Processing by Dicer enzyme, cell membrane permeability, and RNAi efficiency of the peptide-conjugated siRNAs were examined. Dicer cleaved the peptide-conjugated 27-nt siRNA leading to the release of 21-nt siRNA, whereas the peptide-conjugated 21-nt siRNA was not cleaved. High membrane permeability and cytoplasmic localization was found in the conjugates. Moreover, the peptide-conjugated 27-nt siRNA showed increased potency of RNAi in comparison with the nonmodified 21-nt and 27-nt siRNAs, whereas the peptide-conjugated 21-nt siRNA showed decreased RNAi efficacy. This potent RNAi efficacy is probably owing to acceleration of RISC through recognition by Dicer, as well as to the improvement of cell membrane permeability and intracellular accumulation.

An efficient synthesis of a highly potent and selective IP (PGI2 receptor) agonist that is not structurally analogous to PGI2 is described. This synthesis is accomplished through the following key steps: Nucleophilic ring-opening of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-oxazolidin-2-one prepared by a one-pot procedure with 4-piperidinol and selective O-alkylation of 1-(2-(4-chlorophenylamino)ethyl)piperidin-4-ol. The obtained compound is a potent and selective IP agonist displaying a long duration of action.

Introduction: Surgical procedures for pacemaker implantation vary among facilities. The extrathoracic venous puncture method has been utilized for lead insertion, although patients' body movements can displace the targeted vein from the area into which a contrast agent has been injected for imaging. Failed punctures cause edema around the puncture site, spasm, or venous collapse due to bleeding, which may render another puncture impractical. To overcome these problems, we report a new technique for the extrathoracic puncture method. Methods and results: From April 2007 through March 2011, we performed 35 new dual chamber pacemaker implantation procedures. This study compared a conventional puncture group (from April 2007 through March 2009; Group A) with a catheter-guided puncture group (from April 2009 through March 2011; Group B). We analyzed procedure time and procedure-related complications in each group. The procedure time was 138.6±41.8 min in the conventional puncture group (Group A) and 109.8±23.2 in the catheter-guided puncture group (Group B). There was a significant reduction in the procedure time in the catheter-guided puncture group (Group B) compared with the conventional puncture group (Group A; p=0.016). No patients in either group had pneumothorax, hematoma, or any other complications. Conclusion: Our puncture method involving catheter insertion appears to be safe and effective.

During automobile crashes, the main behavior of plastics in the vehicle is bending deformation. Because of this, it is important to accurately calculate the edge stress and allowable stress on structural surfaces. For that purpose, it is necessary to consider the distribution of the fiber orientation angle and degree in the plate thickness direction. In a general coupled analysis for injection-molded materials, a material model is created based on the physical properties obtained from an arbitrary test piece. Therefore, even if the orientation angle in each part to be analyzed is taken into consideration, the degree of orientation is constant in each part, and the degree of orientation distribution in the plate thickness direction is also treated as constant. We tried to improve the accuracy of crash analysis by calculating the edge stress and allowable stress with high accuracy by considering the distribution of orientation angle and degree in the plate thickness direction. For that purpose, we created a model that calculates properties of composite materials from resin and fiber properties, and a process that maps the distribution of orientation angle and degree in the plate thickness direction to each integration point of the shell element in structural molding analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-ovulatory follicles are cooler than the neighboring reproductive organs in cows. Thus, measuring the temperature of reproductive organs could be a useful method for predicting estrus and ovulation in cows, and the establishment of a non-invasive technique is required. In this study, we used infrared thermography (IRT) to measure ocular surface temperature as a potential surrogate for reproductive organ temperature. Five Japanese Black cows with synchronized estrus were subjected to temperature measurements in five regions of the ocular surface, including the nasal conjunctiva, nasal limbus, center cornea, temporal limbus, and temporal conjunctiva, twice a day (0800 h and 1600 h) during the experimental period. The temperatures in the five regions significantly declined in cows from estrus to ovulation. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use IRT to show a temperature decrease in the ocular surface along with estrus to ovulation in Japanese Black cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]