AIM:To evaluate whether metabolic factors are related to distant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and survival after curative treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 344 patients whose HCC was t...AIM:To evaluate whether metabolic factors are related to distant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and survival after curative treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 344 patients whose HCC was treated curatively by radiofrequency ablation(RFA) therapy.The mean age was 67.6 years and the mean observation period was 4.04 years.The etiological background of liver disease was hepatitis B virus infection in 30,hepatitis C virus infection in 278,excessive alcohol drinking in 9,and other in 27 patients.The Child-Pugh classification grade was A(n = 307) or B(n = 37).The number of HCC nodules was one in 260,two in 61,and three in 23 patients.For surveillance of HCC recurrence after curative therapy with RFA,patients were radiologically evaluated every 3 mo.Factors associated with distant recurrence of HCC or survival were studied.RESULTS:Inadequate maintenance of blood glucose in diabetic patients was associated with higher incidence of distant recurrence.The 1-,2-,and 3-year recurrence rates were significantly higher in diabetic patients with inadequate maintenance of blood glucose compared with the others:50.6% vs 26.8%,83.5% vs 54.4%,and 93.8% vs 73.0%,respectively(P = 0.0001).Inadequate maintenance of blood glucose was an independent predictor of distant recurrence [adjusted relative risk 1.97(95%CI,1.33-2.91),(P = 0.0007)] after adjustment for other risk factors,such as number of HCC nodules [2.03(95%CI,1.51-2.73),P < 0.0001] and initial level of serum alpha fetoprotein(AFP) [1.43(95%CI,1.04-1.97),P = 0.028].Obesity was not an independent predictor of recurrence.The incidence of distant recurrence did not differ between diabetic patients with adequate maintenance of blood glucose and non-diabetic patients.Among 232 patients who had HCC recurrence,138 had a second recurrence.The 1-,2-,and 3-year rates of second recurrence were significantly higher in diabetic patients with inadequate maintenance of blood glucose than in the others:9.0% vs 5.9%,53.1% vs 24.3%,and 69.6% vs 42.3%,respectively(P = 0展开更多
The estimation of sloshing loading on liquid tanks is of fundamental importance due to the wide and important applications of liquid tanks in various engineering aspects. Analytical solutions for the sloshing loading ...The estimation of sloshing loading on liquid tanks is of fundamental importance due to the wide and important applications of liquid tanks in various engineering aspects. Analytical solutions for the sloshing loading on circular cylindrical liquid tanks with an interior concentric vertical thin semi-porous barrier under external excitations are presented. And the extensions of the solutions to the elastic vibrations and to the high frequency limit to count for the earthquake response are also included. A clear view on the influence of semi-porous barriers to the sloshing response of oscillating tanks is obtained by the analyses of systematic computational results. The present results may offer guidance to the corresponding design for liquid tanks of various applications and also a basis of comparison for the development of more sophisticated numerical methods for hydrodynamic and hydro-elastic analyses.展开更多
AIM:To study how lymph node metastasis(LNM) risk is stratified in undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer(undiff-EGC) dependent on combinations of risk factors.METHODS:Five hundred and sixty-seven cases with undiff...AIM:To study how lymph node metastasis(LNM) risk is stratified in undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer(undiff-EGC) dependent on combinations of risk factors.METHODS:Five hundred and sixty-seven cases with undiff-EGC undergoing gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy were examined retrospectively.Using clinicopathological factors of patient age,location,size,an endoscopic macroscopic tumor form,ulceration,depth,histology,lymphatic involvement(LI) and venous involvement(VI),LNM risk was examined and stratified by conventional statistical analysis and datamining analysis.RESULTS:LNM was positive in 44 of 567 cases(7.8%).Univariate analysis revealed > 2 cm,protrusion,submucosal(sm),mixed type,LI and VI as significant prognostic factors and > 2 cm and LI-positive were independent factors by multivariate analysis.In preoperatively evaluable factors excluding LVI,sm and > 2 cm were independent factors.According to the depth and size,cases were categorized into the low-risk group [m and ≤ 2 cm,0%(LNM incidence)],the moderaterisk group(m and > 2 cm,5.6%; and sm and ≤ 2 cm,6.0%),and the high-risk group(sm and > 2 cm,19.3%).On the other hand,LNM occurred in 1.4% in all LI-negative cases,greatly lower than 28.2% in all LI-positive cases,and LNM incidence was low in LInegative cases even in the moderate- and high-risk groups.CONCLUSION:LNM-related factors in undiff-EGC were depth and size preoperatively while those were LI and size postoperatively.Among these factors,LI was the most significantly correlated factor.展开更多
To evaluate risk factors of biliary anastomotic complications （BACs） and outcomes according to type of biliary reconstruction. METHODS： A total of 33 consecutive adult living donor liver transplantation （LDLT） we...To evaluate risk factors of biliary anastomotic complications （BACs） and outcomes according to type of biliary reconstruction. METHODS： A total of 33 consecutive adult living donor liver transplantation （LDLT） were reviewed, 17 of which had undergone Duct-to-Duct anastomosis （D-D）. The remaining 16 patients received Roux-en-Y anastomosis （R-Y）. The perioperative factors, such as the type of graft and the number of graft bile ducts, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS： The overall incidence of BACs was 39.4%. The incidence of BACs was significantly higher in the patients with than without neoadjuvant chemotherapy （71.4% vs 10%, P = 0.050）. There was no significant difference in the incidence of biliary leakage in patients with D-D vs. those with R-Y. The incidence of biliary strictures following the healing of biliary leakage was significantly higher in D-D （60%） than in R-Y （0%） （P = 0.026）. However, the incidence of BACs related bacteremia was significantly higher in R-Y than in D-D （71.4% vs 0%, P = 0.008）. In D-D, use of T-tube stent remarkably reduced the incidence of 8ACs, compared with straight tube stent （0% vs 50%, P = 0.049）. CONCLUSION： Our experience showed an increase of BACs related bacteremia in the patients with R-Y. Therefore, D-D might be a preferred biliary reconstruction. However, the surgical refinement of D-D should be required because of the high incidence of biliary strictures. Use of the T-tube stent might lead to a significant reduction of BACs in D-D.展开更多
Although vitiligo lesion especially in static state is characterized as sharply demarcated and complete depigmented macule, we encounter patients who have various manners of hypopigmented lesions. We examined the 81 l...Although vitiligo lesion especially in static state is characterized as sharply demarcated and complete depigmented macule, we encounter patients who have various manners of hypopigmented lesions. We examined the 81 lesions using the newly released Wood’s lamp (Woody<span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span>) and investigated whether or not vitiliginous lesions could be uniformly classified under Wood’s lamp illumination and also this classification helped to estimate the tendency of repigmentation after treatment. As result, the vitiliginous lesions were categorized into 4 types on intra- and peri-lesions prior to treatment by using the Wood’s lamp. The inside and border of the lesions were classified as follows: clear white, faint, multi-dot, and perifollicular for the inside, and sharp, blunt, confetti, and trichrome for the border. Suggestive residual pigmentation was detected in 73.6% of patients at the first visit and repigmentation was observed in 67.9% of patients at least 3 months after treatment. Lesions with the “clear white” inside pattern showed significantly lower repigmentation frequency in 38.5% of patients compared to others. The borders with 4 enlarged lesions were composed of 3 of confetti-type and one of sharp-type. This preliminary study demonstrated that detailed observation with a Wood’s lamp could be the basis to classify vitiliginous lesions and might be useful for predicting not only disease progression but also repigmentation prior to treatment.展开更多
Mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis was constructed in Escherichia coli cells by the transformation with a gene cluster isolated from Streptomyces sp., and farnesyl diphosphate synthase and δ-guaiene synth...Mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis was constructed in Escherichia coli cells by the transformation with a gene cluster isolated from Streptomyces sp., and farnesyl diphosphate synthase and δ-guaiene synthase genes were coexpressed in this strain. This transformant was capable of liberating an appreciable amount of δ-guaiene, an aroma sesquiterpene compound accumulated in agarwood, and its concentration was elevated to more than 30 μg/ml culture by the incubation with mevalonolactone as an isoprene precursor in a nutrient-enriched Terrific broth. Coexpression of type 1 isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase plus acetoacetyl-CoA ligase genes also enhanced δ-guaiene production, and the concentration of the compound was approximately 38 - 42 μg/ml culture in the presence of mevalonolactone or lithium acetoacetate. These results clearly indicate that mevalonate pathway-engineered E. coli cells showed an appreciable δ-guaiene producing activity in the en- riched medium in the presence of appropriate isoprene precursors.展开更多
The estimation of the hydrodynamic loading on cylindrical oil storage tank during earthquakes is of fundamental importance in the anti-seismic design. Interior semi-porous barriers are considered being effective to re...The estimation of the hydrodynamic loading on cylindrical oil storage tank during earthquakes is of fundamental importance in the anti-seismic design. Interior semi-porous barriers are considered being effective to reduce the hydrodynamic response of the inner fluid and the loading on the tank wall. A reduced two-dimensional source distribution method and sub-region matching technique are developed for the prediction of three-dimensional hydrodynamic forces on oil storage tanks of arbitrary sections with interior semi-porous barriers of different configurations under earthquake excitations. Excellent agreement is observed between the present results and the corresponding analytical results for a circular cylindrical oil tank with a concentric interior semi-porous barrier, which shows the validity and effectiveness of the present method. A clear view of the influence of semi-porous barriers on the hydrodynamic response of tanks during earthquakes is obtained by the analyses of computational results, which may offer some guidance to the corresponding anti-seismic design for oil storage tanks and similar structures. The method is also extended to include the effects of the elastic vibrations of the tank.展开更多
Three cDNA clones encoding δ-guaiene synthase, a sesquiterpene cyclase, were isolated from tissue cultures of Aquilaria microcarpa, and data mining analysis of the orthologous genes suggested that 10 and 9 amino acid...Three cDNA clones encoding δ-guaiene synthase, a sesquiterpene cyclase, were isolated from tissue cultures of Aquilaria microcarpa, and data mining analysis of the orthologous genes suggested that 10 and 9 amino acid residues of N- and C-terminal ends of the translated products of these clones remained undefined. The recombinant enzyme proteins, to which the putative missing Nand C-terminal amino acid sequences (MSSAKLGSAS and ALLRHAIEI, respectively) were ligated, exhibited the catalytic activities of sesquiterpene biosynthesis. Among these three δ-guaiene synthases, two isoforms were capable of liberating α-guaiene, δ-guaiene, β-elemene plus α-humulene as a minor product, while remaining one isoenzyme generated α-, δ-guaiene and β-elemene but not α-humulene. Although the enzyme protein solely lacking in the N-terminal 10 amino acid residues was capable of synthesizing the sesquiterpenoids, the protein without 9 amino acids at Cterminal did not exhibit the catalytic activity. These results suggest that two types of δ-guaiene synthase;α-, δ-guaiene, β-elemene-producing type, and α-, δ-guaiene, β-elemene plus α-humulene-producing type;concomitantly occur in A. microcarpa cell cultures, and several amino acid residues at C-terminal of the synthase protein are essential to exhibit the catalytic activities as the sesquiterpene cyclase.展开更多
This study investigated the seasonal variations of the normalized difference vegetation index（NDVI） and its relationships with climatic variables and topography in a small-scale（20 km×20 km） area（i.e., Tsogt...This study investigated the seasonal variations of the normalized difference vegetation index（NDVI） and its relationships with climatic variables and topography in a small-scale（20 km×20 km） area（i.e., Tsogt-Ovoo village） within the desert steppe zone of Mongolia using in-situ observed climate data and satellite remote sensing data. We found that the topography is very important for vegetation growth in the desert steppe although the summer precipitation is the constraining factor. The unexpectedly high NDVI（up to 0.56）, as well as the high aboveground biomass, in the valley bottom was primarily resulted from the topography-modulated redistribution of overland flow after relatively heavy precipitation events during the growing season. This makes the valley bottoms in desert steppes not only reliable feeding resources for livestock but also heavens for wild lives. But, the detected large standard deviation of annual maximum NDVI（NDVI_（max）） from 2000 to 2013 in the valley bottom in response to rather variable precipitation implies that the valley bottoms under desert steppe climates are more vulnerable to climatic change.展开更多
Non-erodible elements such as stones and vegetation are key to controlling wind erosion and dust emission in drylands.Stony deserts are widely distributed in the Gobi Desert,but the effect of stones on wind erosion an...Non-erodible elements such as stones and vegetation are key to controlling wind erosion and dust emission in drylands.Stony deserts are widely distributed in the Gobi Desert,but the effect of stones on wind erosion and dust emission have not been well studied,except under artificial conditions.In this study,we evaluated the effect of stones on wind erosion and dust emission by measuring the sand saltation threshold in a stony desert in Tsogt-Ovoo in the Gobi Desert,Mongolia,under natural surface conditions during sand and dust storms.We quantified the amount of stones by measuring the roughness density,and determined the threshold friction velocity for sand saltation by measuring wind speed and sand saltation count.Our results showed that the threshold friction velocity increased with the roughness density of stones.In the northern part of the study area,where neither a surface crust nor vegetation was observed,the roughness density of stones was 0.000 in a topographic depression(TD),0.050 on a northern slope(N.SL),and 0.160 on the northern mountain(N.MT).The mean threshold friction velocity values were 0.23,0.41,and 0.57 m/s at the TD,N.SL,and N.MT sites,respectively.In the southern part of the study area,the roughness density values of stones were 0.000 and 0.070-0.320 at the TD and southern slope sites,respectively,and the mean threshold friction velocities were 0.23 and 0.45-0.71 m/s,respectively.We further compared the observed threshold friction velocities with simulated threshold friction velocities using Raupach's theoretical roughness correction and the measured roughness density values,and found that Raupach's roughness correction worked very well in the simulation of threshold friction velocity in the stony desert.This means that the results of our stone measurement can be applied to a numerical dust model.展开更多
A new generation of network interface card for fiber-to-the-desktop has been fabricated. The fabricated card is PC-card size and suitable for notebook PCs. It could become the key element in the coming optical Etherne...A new generation of network interface card for fiber-to-the-desktop has been fabricated. The fabricated card is PC-card size and suitable for notebook PCs. It could become the key element in the coming optical Ethernet age.展开更多
Nano-sized growth of zinc electrodeposit on the ferrite substrate has been studied by means of in situ scanning tunnel microscopy (STM) and atomic force micoscopy (AFM). It is found that the morphology of zinc electro...Nano-sized growth of zinc electrodeposit on the ferrite substrate has been studied by means of in situ scanning tunnel microscopy (STM) and atomic force micoscopy (AFM). It is found that the morphology of zinc electrodeposit varies from initial about 30nm granular crystals to layered platelet crystals with increasing deposition time by using in situ STM. With AFM, the results show that the platelet crystals are hexagonal in shape and the hexagonal platelet crystals form steps perpendicular to the growth direction by side-by-side stacking along the (0001)η surface. The mechanism of morphological change is discussed in details. It is proposed that these steps grow laterally as a result of the embedment of zinc ion clusters.展开更多
Background:The detection of a feeder aneurysm and an arteriovenous malformation(AVM)is relatively rare for the intracranial AVM.The distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm(DPICAAn)is reported to coexist o...Background:The detection of a feeder aneurysm and an arteriovenous malformation(AVM)is relatively rare for the intracranial AVM.The distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm(DPICAAn)is reported to coexist or relate with the cerebellar AVM.In previous reports about the treatment of a DPICAAn and a cerebellar AVM,endovascular embolization with the sacrifice of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA)has often been selected.However,there have been few reports of simultaneous open surgery for coexistent cases of DPICAAn and cerebellar AVM.Case description:A 67-year-old male presented with a headache.We detected a right DPICAAn in the telovelotonsillar segment and a cerebellar AVM primarily fed by the left superior cerebellar artery(SCA).In addition,the nidus was located medially in the left upper cerebellar hemisphere.Magnetic resonance imaging raised suspicions of asymptomatic past hemorrhage in the cerebellar AVM.The left PICA was agenesis,and the right PICA perfused the bilateral inferior cerebellar hemispheres;thus,the right PICA could not be sacrificed.We selected open surgery to prevent any hemorrhagic event from the DPICAAn and the cerebellar AVM.The cerebellar AVM was completely removed,and the DPICAAn was successfully clipped in a single-session open surgery.Conclusions:Open surgery can be considered for DPICAAn and cerebellar AVM.The anatomical location of the DPICAAn and AVM contributed to the success of a single-session open surgery.展开更多
Background:Although transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect(ASD)is safe and effective for patients with sufficient rim,ASD patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim have higher risks of d...Background:Although transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect(ASD)is safe and effective for patients with sufficient rim,ASD patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim have higher risks of device embolization and cardiac erosion.We have treated such high-risk patients using a Figulla Flex II(FFII)device shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta because this method would avoid such serious complications.However,its long-term efficacy and safety remain unclear.Therefore,the midterm efficacy and safety of this method were studied.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 47 consecutive patients with such rim(age 6–73 years,weight 17–75 kg,31 females)treated with this method at our hospital between February 2016 and September 2019.To make the flared and straddling shape,we selected a FFII 4–6 mm larger than the balloon sizing diameter by stop-flow technique.We also studied the device shape,the disc pressure to the Valsalva wall and their changes over 6 months by transesophageal echocardiography.Results:All procedures were successful,and leakage disappeared within 1 year.During a mean follow up of 37±12 months,complications included a transient sinus node dysfunction and one I°atrioventricular block within 3 months.Whole device shape changed from bulky to thin:the device waist and thickness significantly decreased by around 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm,respectively(p<0.05),but the two discs remained flared and straddling behind the aorta over 6 months;therefore,the disc edges seldom pressed the Valsalva wall perpendicularly,even though the inner plane of either disc often slightly pressed the wall.Conclusions:ASD closure using a FFII shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta is probably effective and safe for patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim although requiring care for conduction disorders.展开更多
The effect of current density on the morphology of Zn electrodepositsprepared by a flow-channel cell was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was foundthat the morphology of Zn electrodeposits evolve...The effect of current density on the morphology of Zn electrodepositsprepared by a flow-channel cell was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was foundthat the morphology of Zn electrodeposits evolves from thin-layered hexagonal eta -phase crystalsto pyramidal eta -phase particles with increasing the current density. The morphological evolutionat various flow rates was also examined and the results show that the morphological evolution at alower flow rate is more remarkable than that at a higher flow rate with increasing the currentdensity. To reveal the mechanism of the morphological evolution in detail, the atomic configurationon both (0001)_eta and {1100 }_eta planes under different current densities was investigated, it wasnoted that a specify current density could provide a good condition for the layered epitaxialgrowth of hexagonal T)-phase.展开更多
Aim:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of the magnetic resonance imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)that developed early after the eradication of hepatitis C virus(HCV)by di...Aim:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of the magnetic resonance imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)that developed early after the eradication of hepatitis C virus(HCV)by direct-acting antiviral(DAA)treatment.Methods:This study included 26 patients who achieved sustained viral response with DAA and developed HCC thereafter within one year(DAA-SVR HCC).The radiologic characteristics of these patients were evaluated by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging,including diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)and T2-weighted imaging(T2WI).For comparison,80 HCC patients with positive HCV RNA(HCV-positive HCC)were included.Among 42 patients where tumor biopsy was available,histological grade and radiologic findings were compared.Results:The rates of high intensity on DWI and T2WI were significantly higher in DAA-SVR HCC compared to HCV-positive HCC(DWI:100%vs.67.5%,P<0.001T2WI:92.6%vs.67.5%,P=0.01).HCC with high intensity on DWI or T2WI was more likely to have moderately or poorly differentiated HCC compared to well-differentiated HCC(DWI:69.7%vs.30.3%,P=0.02;T2WI:66.7%vs.27.3%,P=0.03).Conclusion:High intensity on DWI and hyperintensity on T2WI were distinctive features of HCC that developed within one year after the end of DAA treatment.展开更多
基金Supported by A Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Health,Labor and Welfare,Japan
文摘AIM:To evaluate whether metabolic factors are related to distant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and survival after curative treatment.METHODS:This retrospective study included 344 patients whose HCC was treated curatively by radiofrequency ablation(RFA) therapy.The mean age was 67.6 years and the mean observation period was 4.04 years.The etiological background of liver disease was hepatitis B virus infection in 30,hepatitis C virus infection in 278,excessive alcohol drinking in 9,and other in 27 patients.The Child-Pugh classification grade was A(n = 307) or B(n = 37).The number of HCC nodules was one in 260,two in 61,and three in 23 patients.For surveillance of HCC recurrence after curative therapy with RFA,patients were radiologically evaluated every 3 mo.Factors associated with distant recurrence of HCC or survival were studied.RESULTS:Inadequate maintenance of blood glucose in diabetic patients was associated with higher incidence of distant recurrence.The 1-,2-,and 3-year recurrence rates were significantly higher in diabetic patients with inadequate maintenance of blood glucose compared with the others:50.6% vs 26.8%,83.5% vs 54.4%,and 93.8% vs 73.0%,respectively(P = 0.0001).Inadequate maintenance of blood glucose was an independent predictor of distant recurrence [adjusted relative risk 1.97(95%CI,1.33-2.91),(P = 0.0007)] after adjustment for other risk factors,such as number of HCC nodules [2.03(95%CI,1.51-2.73),P < 0.0001] and initial level of serum alpha fetoprotein(AFP) [1.43(95%CI,1.04-1.97),P = 0.028].Obesity was not an independent predictor of recurrence.The incidence of distant recurrence did not differ between diabetic patients with adequate maintenance of blood glucose and non-diabetic patients.Among 232 patients who had HCC recurrence,138 had a second recurrence.The 1-,2-,and 3-year rates of second recurrence were significantly higher in diabetic patients with inadequate maintenance of blood glucose than in the others:9.0% vs 5.9%,53.1% vs 24.3%,and 69.6% vs 42.3%,respectively(P = 0
文摘The estimation of sloshing loading on liquid tanks is of fundamental importance due to the wide and important applications of liquid tanks in various engineering aspects. Analytical solutions for the sloshing loading on circular cylindrical liquid tanks with an interior concentric vertical thin semi-porous barrier under external excitations are presented. And the extensions of the solutions to the elastic vibrations and to the high frequency limit to count for the earthquake response are also included. A clear view on the influence of semi-porous barriers to the sloshing response of oscillating tanks is obtained by the analyses of systematic computational results. The present results may offer guidance to the corresponding design for liquid tanks of various applications and also a basis of comparison for the development of more sophisticated numerical methods for hydrodynamic and hydro-elastic analyses.
文摘AIM:To study how lymph node metastasis(LNM) risk is stratified in undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer(undiff-EGC) dependent on combinations of risk factors.METHODS:Five hundred and sixty-seven cases with undiff-EGC undergoing gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy were examined retrospectively.Using clinicopathological factors of patient age,location,size,an endoscopic macroscopic tumor form,ulceration,depth,histology,lymphatic involvement(LI) and venous involvement(VI),LNM risk was examined and stratified by conventional statistical analysis and datamining analysis.RESULTS:LNM was positive in 44 of 567 cases(7.8%).Univariate analysis revealed > 2 cm,protrusion,submucosal(sm),mixed type,LI and VI as significant prognostic factors and > 2 cm and LI-positive were independent factors by multivariate analysis.In preoperatively evaluable factors excluding LVI,sm and > 2 cm were independent factors.According to the depth and size,cases were categorized into the low-risk group [m and ≤ 2 cm,0%(LNM incidence)],the moderaterisk group(m and > 2 cm,5.6%; and sm and ≤ 2 cm,6.0%),and the high-risk group(sm and > 2 cm,19.3%).On the other hand,LNM occurred in 1.4% in all LI-negative cases,greatly lower than 28.2% in all LI-positive cases,and LNM incidence was low in LInegative cases even in the moderate- and high-risk groups.CONCLUSION:LNM-related factors in undiff-EGC were depth and size preoperatively while those were LI and size postoperatively.Among these factors,LI was the most significantly correlated factor.
文摘To evaluate risk factors of biliary anastomotic complications （BACs） and outcomes according to type of biliary reconstruction. METHODS： A total of 33 consecutive adult living donor liver transplantation （LDLT） were reviewed, 17 of which had undergone Duct-to-Duct anastomosis （D-D）. The remaining 16 patients received Roux-en-Y anastomosis （R-Y）. The perioperative factors, such as the type of graft and the number of graft bile ducts, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS： The overall incidence of BACs was 39.4%. The incidence of BACs was significantly higher in the patients with than without neoadjuvant chemotherapy （71.4% vs 10%, P = 0.050）. There was no significant difference in the incidence of biliary leakage in patients with D-D vs. those with R-Y. The incidence of biliary strictures following the healing of biliary leakage was significantly higher in D-D （60%） than in R-Y （0%） （P = 0.026）. However, the incidence of BACs related bacteremia was significantly higher in R-Y than in D-D （71.4% vs 0%, P = 0.008）. In D-D, use of T-tube stent remarkably reduced the incidence of 8ACs, compared with straight tube stent （0% vs 50%, P = 0.049）. CONCLUSION： Our experience showed an increase of BACs related bacteremia in the patients with R-Y. Therefore, D-D might be a preferred biliary reconstruction. However, the surgical refinement of D-D should be required because of the high incidence of biliary strictures. Use of the T-tube stent might lead to a significant reduction of BACs in D-D.
文摘Although vitiligo lesion especially in static state is characterized as sharply demarcated and complete depigmented macule, we encounter patients who have various manners of hypopigmented lesions. We examined the 81 lesions using the newly released Wood’s lamp (Woody<span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span>) and investigated whether or not vitiliginous lesions could be uniformly classified under Wood’s lamp illumination and also this classification helped to estimate the tendency of repigmentation after treatment. As result, the vitiliginous lesions were categorized into 4 types on intra- and peri-lesions prior to treatment by using the Wood’s lamp. The inside and border of the lesions were classified as follows: clear white, faint, multi-dot, and perifollicular for the inside, and sharp, blunt, confetti, and trichrome for the border. Suggestive residual pigmentation was detected in 73.6% of patients at the first visit and repigmentation was observed in 67.9% of patients at least 3 months after treatment. Lesions with the “clear white” inside pattern showed significantly lower repigmentation frequency in 38.5% of patients compared to others. The borders with 4 enlarged lesions were composed of 3 of confetti-type and one of sharp-type. This preliminary study demonstrated that detailed observation with a Wood’s lamp could be the basis to classify vitiliginous lesions and might be useful for predicting not only disease progression but also repigmentation prior to treatment.
文摘Mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis was constructed in Escherichia coli cells by the transformation with a gene cluster isolated from Streptomyces sp., and farnesyl diphosphate synthase and δ-guaiene synthase genes were coexpressed in this strain. This transformant was capable of liberating an appreciable amount of δ-guaiene, an aroma sesquiterpene compound accumulated in agarwood, and its concentration was elevated to more than 30 μg/ml culture by the incubation with mevalonolactone as an isoprene precursor in a nutrient-enriched Terrific broth. Coexpression of type 1 isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase plus acetoacetyl-CoA ligase genes also enhanced δ-guaiene production, and the concentration of the compound was approximately 38 - 42 μg/ml culture in the presence of mevalonolactone or lithium acetoacetate. These results clearly indicate that mevalonate pathway-engineered E. coli cells showed an appreciable δ-guaiene producing activity in the en- riched medium in the presence of appropriate isoprene precursors.
文摘The estimation of the hydrodynamic loading on cylindrical oil storage tank during earthquakes is of fundamental importance in the anti-seismic design. Interior semi-porous barriers are considered being effective to reduce the hydrodynamic response of the inner fluid and the loading on the tank wall. A reduced two-dimensional source distribution method and sub-region matching technique are developed for the prediction of three-dimensional hydrodynamic forces on oil storage tanks of arbitrary sections with interior semi-porous barriers of different configurations under earthquake excitations. Excellent agreement is observed between the present results and the corresponding analytical results for a circular cylindrical oil tank with a concentric interior semi-porous barrier, which shows the validity and effectiveness of the present method. A clear view of the influence of semi-porous barriers on the hydrodynamic response of tanks during earthquakes is obtained by the analyses of computational results, which may offer some guidance to the corresponding anti-seismic design for oil storage tanks and similar structures. The method is also extended to include the effects of the elastic vibrations of the tank.
文摘Three cDNA clones encoding δ-guaiene synthase, a sesquiterpene cyclase, were isolated from tissue cultures of Aquilaria microcarpa, and data mining analysis of the orthologous genes suggested that 10 and 9 amino acid residues of N- and C-terminal ends of the translated products of these clones remained undefined. The recombinant enzyme proteins, to which the putative missing Nand C-terminal amino acid sequences (MSSAKLGSAS and ALLRHAIEI, respectively) were ligated, exhibited the catalytic activities of sesquiterpene biosynthesis. Among these three δ-guaiene synthases, two isoforms were capable of liberating α-guaiene, δ-guaiene, β-elemene plus α-humulene as a minor product, while remaining one isoenzyme generated α-, δ-guaiene and β-elemene but not α-humulene. Although the enzyme protein solely lacking in the N-terminal 10 amino acid residues was capable of synthesizing the sesquiterpenoids, the protein without 9 amino acids at Cterminal did not exhibit the catalytic activity. These results suggest that two types of δ-guaiene synthase;α-, δ-guaiene, β-elemene-producing type, and α-, δ-guaiene, β-elemene plus α-humulene-producing type;concomitantly occur in A. microcarpa cell cultures, and several amino acid residues at C-terminal of the synthase protein are essential to exhibit the catalytic activities as the sesquiterpene cyclase.
基金financially supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science RONPAKU Program (MECS-11319)a Budget Request of Tottori Universitysponsored by special coordination funds from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of the Japan
文摘This study investigated the seasonal variations of the normalized difference vegetation index（NDVI） and its relationships with climatic variables and topography in a small-scale（20 km×20 km） area（i.e., Tsogt-Ovoo village） within the desert steppe zone of Mongolia using in-situ observed climate data and satellite remote sensing data. We found that the topography is very important for vegetation growth in the desert steppe although the summer precipitation is the constraining factor. The unexpectedly high NDVI（up to 0.56）, as well as the high aboveground biomass, in the valley bottom was primarily resulted from the topography-modulated redistribution of overland flow after relatively heavy precipitation events during the growing season. This makes the valley bottoms in desert steppes not only reliable feeding resources for livestock but also heavens for wild lives. But, the detected large standard deviation of annual maximum NDVI（NDVI_（max）） from 2000 to 2013 in the valley bottom in response to rather variable precipitation implies that the valley bottoms under desert steppe climates are more vulnerable to climatic change.
基金This study was supported by the Arid Land Research Center's Project(Impacts of Climate Change on Drylands:Assessment and Adaptation,funded by the Japan's Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science,and Technology)the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(JSPS KAKENHI)(15H05115,17H01616,16H02712,and 25220201)+1 种基金the Environment Research and Technology Development Fund of the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency(JPMEERF20205001)This study was funded by the Joint Research Program of Arid Land Research Center,Tottori University(31C2003 and 31C2012).
文摘Non-erodible elements such as stones and vegetation are key to controlling wind erosion and dust emission in drylands.Stony deserts are widely distributed in the Gobi Desert,but the effect of stones on wind erosion and dust emission have not been well studied,except under artificial conditions.In this study,we evaluated the effect of stones on wind erosion and dust emission by measuring the sand saltation threshold in a stony desert in Tsogt-Ovoo in the Gobi Desert,Mongolia,under natural surface conditions during sand and dust storms.We quantified the amount of stones by measuring the roughness density,and determined the threshold friction velocity for sand saltation by measuring wind speed and sand saltation count.Our results showed that the threshold friction velocity increased with the roughness density of stones.In the northern part of the study area,where neither a surface crust nor vegetation was observed,the roughness density of stones was 0.000 in a topographic depression(TD),0.050 on a northern slope(N.SL),and 0.160 on the northern mountain(N.MT).The mean threshold friction velocity values were 0.23,0.41,and 0.57 m/s at the TD,N.SL,and N.MT sites,respectively.In the southern part of the study area,the roughness density values of stones were 0.000 and 0.070-0.320 at the TD and southern slope sites,respectively,and the mean threshold friction velocities were 0.23 and 0.45-0.71 m/s,respectively.We further compared the observed threshold friction velocities with simulated threshold friction velocities using Raupach's theoretical roughness correction and the measured roughness density values,and found that Raupach's roughness correction worked very well in the simulation of threshold friction velocity in the stony desert.This means that the results of our stone measurement can be applied to a numerical dust model.
文摘A new generation of network interface card for fiber-to-the-desktop has been fabricated. The fabricated card is PC-card size and suitable for notebook PCs. It could become the key element in the coming optical Ethernet age.
基金This research was supported by the collaboration program between Nippon Steel Corporation and University of Science and Technology Beijing and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.571014569).
文摘Nano-sized growth of zinc electrodeposit on the ferrite substrate has been studied by means of in situ scanning tunnel microscopy (STM) and atomic force micoscopy (AFM). It is found that the morphology of zinc electrodeposit varies from initial about 30nm granular crystals to layered platelet crystals with increasing deposition time by using in situ STM. With AFM, the results show that the platelet crystals are hexagonal in shape and the hexagonal platelet crystals form steps perpendicular to the growth direction by side-by-side stacking along the (0001)η surface. The mechanism of morphological change is discussed in details. It is proposed that these steps grow laterally as a result of the embedment of zinc ion clusters.
文摘Background:The detection of a feeder aneurysm and an arteriovenous malformation(AVM)is relatively rare for the intracranial AVM.The distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm(DPICAAn)is reported to coexist or relate with the cerebellar AVM.In previous reports about the treatment of a DPICAAn and a cerebellar AVM,endovascular embolization with the sacrifice of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA)has often been selected.However,there have been few reports of simultaneous open surgery for coexistent cases of DPICAAn and cerebellar AVM.Case description:A 67-year-old male presented with a headache.We detected a right DPICAAn in the telovelotonsillar segment and a cerebellar AVM primarily fed by the left superior cerebellar artery(SCA).In addition,the nidus was located medially in the left upper cerebellar hemisphere.Magnetic resonance imaging raised suspicions of asymptomatic past hemorrhage in the cerebellar AVM.The left PICA was agenesis,and the right PICA perfused the bilateral inferior cerebellar hemispheres;thus,the right PICA could not be sacrificed.We selected open surgery to prevent any hemorrhagic event from the DPICAAn and the cerebellar AVM.The cerebellar AVM was completely removed,and the DPICAAn was successfully clipped in a single-session open surgery.Conclusions:Open surgery can be considered for DPICAAn and cerebellar AVM.The anatomical location of the DPICAAn and AVM contributed to the success of a single-session open surgery.
文摘Background:Although transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect(ASD)is safe and effective for patients with sufficient rim,ASD patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim have higher risks of device embolization and cardiac erosion.We have treated such high-risk patients using a Figulla Flex II(FFII)device shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta because this method would avoid such serious complications.However,its long-term efficacy and safety remain unclear.Therefore,the midterm efficacy and safety of this method were studied.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 47 consecutive patients with such rim(age 6–73 years,weight 17–75 kg,31 females)treated with this method at our hospital between February 2016 and September 2019.To make the flared and straddling shape,we selected a FFII 4–6 mm larger than the balloon sizing diameter by stop-flow technique.We also studied the device shape,the disc pressure to the Valsalva wall and their changes over 6 months by transesophageal echocardiography.Results:All procedures were successful,and leakage disappeared within 1 year.During a mean follow up of 37±12 months,complications included a transient sinus node dysfunction and one I°atrioventricular block within 3 months.Whole device shape changed from bulky to thin:the device waist and thickness significantly decreased by around 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm,respectively(p<0.05),but the two discs remained flared and straddling behind the aorta over 6 months;therefore,the disc edges seldom pressed the Valsalva wall perpendicularly,even though the inner plane of either disc often slightly pressed the wall.Conclusions:ASD closure using a FFII shaped flared and straddling behind the aorta is probably effective and safe for patients with absent and/or malaligned aortic and/or superior rim although requiring care for conduction disorders.
文摘The effect of current density on the morphology of Zn electrodepositsprepared by a flow-channel cell was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was foundthat the morphology of Zn electrodeposits evolves from thin-layered hexagonal eta -phase crystalsto pyramidal eta -phase particles with increasing the current density. The morphological evolutionat various flow rates was also examined and the results show that the morphological evolution at alower flow rate is more remarkable than that at a higher flow rate with increasing the currentdensity. To reveal the mechanism of the morphological evolution in detail, the atomic configurationon both (0001)_eta and {1100 }_eta planes under different current densities was investigated, it wasnoted that a specify current density could provide a good condition for the layered epitaxialgrowth of hexagonal T)-phase.
文摘Aim:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of the magnetic resonance imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)that developed early after the eradication of hepatitis C virus(HCV)by direct-acting antiviral(DAA)treatment.Methods:This study included 26 patients who achieved sustained viral response with DAA and developed HCC thereafter within one year(DAA-SVR HCC).The radiologic characteristics of these patients were evaluated by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging,including diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)and T2-weighted imaging(T2WI).For comparison,80 HCC patients with positive HCV RNA(HCV-positive HCC)were included.Among 42 patients where tumor biopsy was available,histological grade and radiologic findings were compared.Results:The rates of high intensity on DWI and T2WI were significantly higher in DAA-SVR HCC compared to HCV-positive HCC(DWI:100%vs.67.5%,P<0.001T2WI:92.6%vs.67.5%,P=0.01).HCC with high intensity on DWI or T2WI was more likely to have moderately or poorly differentiated HCC compared to well-differentiated HCC(DWI:69.7%vs.30.3%,P=0.02;T2WI:66.7%vs.27.3%,P=0.03).Conclusion:High intensity on DWI and hyperintensity on T2WI were distinctive features of HCC that developed within one year after the end of DAA treatment.
