Sonazoid(Daiichi Sankyo,Tokyo,Japan),a secondgeneration of a lipid-stabilized suspension of a perfluorobutane gas microbubble contrast agent,has been used clinically in patients with liver tumors and for harmonic gray...Sonazoid(Daiichi Sankyo,Tokyo,Japan),a secondgeneration of a lipid-stabilized suspension of a perfluorobutane gas microbubble contrast agent,has been used clinically in patients with liver tumors and for harmonic gray-scale ultrasonography(US)in Japan since January 2007.Sonazoid-enhanced US has two phases of contrast enhancement:vascular and late.In the late phase of Sonazoid-enhanced US,we scanned the whole liver using this modality at a low mechanical index(MI)without destroying the microbubbles, and this method allows detection of small viable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)lesions which cannot be detected by conventional US as perfusion defects in the late phase.Re-injection of Sonazoid into an HCC lesion which previously showed a perfusion defect in the late phase is useful for confirming blood flow intothe defects.High MI intermittent imaging at 2 frames per second in the late phase is also helpful in differentiation between necrosis and viable hypervascular HCC lesions.Sonazoid-enhanced US by the coded harmonic angio mode at a high MI not only allows clear observation of tumor vessels and tumor enhancement, but also permits automatic scanning with Sonazoidenhanced three dimensional(3D)US.Fusion images combining US with contrast-enhanced CT or contrastenhanced MRI have made it easy to detect typical or atypical HCC lesions.By these methods,Sonazoidenhanced US can characterize liver tumors,grade HCC lesions histologically,recognize HCC dedifferentiation, evaluate the efficacy of ablation therapy or transcatheter arterial embolization,and guide ablation therapy for unresectable HCC.This article reviews the current developments and applications of Sonazoid-enhanced US and Sonazoid-enhanced 3D US for diagnosing and treating hepatic lesions,especially HCC.展开更多
Basic and translational wound healing research in the biliary tree lag significantly behind similar studies on the skin and gastrointestinal tract. This is at least partly attributable to lack of easy access to the bi...Basic and translational wound healing research in the biliary tree lag significantly behind similar studies on the skin and gastrointestinal tract. This is at least partly attributable to lack of easy access to the biliary tract for study. But clinical relevance, more interest in biliary epithelial cell （BEC） pathophysiology, and widespread availability of BEC cultures are factors reversing this trend. In the extra-hepatic biliary tree, ineffectual wound healing, scarring and stricture development are pressing issues. In the smallest intra-hepatic bile ducts either impaired BEC proliferation or an exuberant response can contribute to liver disease. Chronic inflammation and persistent wound healing reactions in large and small bile ducts often lead to liver cancer. General concepts of wound healing as they apply to the biliary tract, importance of cellular processes dependent on IL-6/gp130/STAT3 signaling pathways, unanswered questions, and future directions are discussed.展开更多
AIM To investigate whether normal thickness cartilage in osteoarthritic knees demonstrate depletion of proteoglycan or collagen content compared to healthy knees.METHODS Magnetic resonance(MR) images were acquired fro...AIM To investigate whether normal thickness cartilage in osteoarthritic knees demonstrate depletion of proteoglycan or collagen content compared to healthy knees.METHODS Magnetic resonance(MR) images were acquired from5 subjects scheduled for total knee arthroplasty(TKA)(mean age 70 years) and 20 young healthy control subjects without knee pain(mean age 28.9 years). MR images of T1ρ mapping, T2 mapping, and fat suppressed proton-density weighted sequences were obtained.Following TKA each condyle was divided into 4 parts(distal medial, posterior medial, distal lateral, posterior lateral) for cartilage analysis. Twenty specimens(bone and cartilage blocks) were examined. For each joint,the degree and extent of cartilage destruction was determined using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International cartilage histopathology assessment system.In magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) analysis, 2 readers performed cartilage segmentation for T1ρ/T2 values and cartilage thickness measurement.RESULTS Eleven areas in MRI including normal or near normal cartilage thickness were selected. The corresponding histopathological sections demonstrated mild to moderate osteoarthritis(OA). There was no significant difference in cartilage thickness in MRI between control and advanced OA samples [medial distal condyle, P = 0.461;medial posterior condyle(MPC), P = 0.352; lateral distal condyle, P = 0.654; lateral posterior condyle, P = 0.550],suggesting arthritic specimens were morphologically similar to normal or early staged degenerative cartilage.Cartilage T2 and T1ρ values from the MPC were significantly higher among the patients with advanced OA(P= 0.043). For remaining condylar samples there was no statistical difference in T2 and T1ρ values between cases and controls but there was a trend towards higher values in advanced OA patients. CONCLUSION Though cartilage is morphologically normal or near normal, degenerative changes exist in advanced OA patients. These changes can be detected with T2 and T1ρ MRI techniques.展开更多
AIM: To differentiate focal liver lesions based on enhancement patterns using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D US) with perflubutane-based contrast agent.METHODS: Two hundred and eighty two patients with focal li...AIM: To differentiate focal liver lesions based on enhancement patterns using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D US) with perflubutane-based contrast agent.METHODS: Two hundred and eighty two patients with focal liver lesions,including 168 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs),63 metastases,40 hemangiomas and 11 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs),were examined by 3D US with perflubutane-based contrast agent.Tomographic ultrasound images and sonographic angiograms were reconstructed.Among 282 lesions,enhancement patterns of 163 lesions between January 2007 and October 2007 were analyzed retrospectively.Then from November 2007 to May 2008,compared with contrast-enhanced (CE) 2D US,CE 3D US was performed on 119 lesions for prospective differential diagnosis.Sensitivity,specificity,area under receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) and inter-reader agreement were assessed.RESULTS: With the tridimensional view,dominant enhancement patterns were revealed as diffuse enhancement or peripheral ring-like enhancement,followed with washout change for HCCs or metastases,respectively,and peripheral nodular enhancement or diffuse enhancement with spoke-wheel arteries,followed by persistent enhancement for hemangiomas or FNHs,respectively.At CE 3D US,the prospective differentiation of lesions showed sensitivity 92% (mean for two readers),specificity 91% and Az value 0.95 for HCCs,84%,97%,and 0.95 for metastases,91%,98%,and 0.98 for hemangiomas and 80%,99%,and 0.99 for FNHs,respectively,while good to excellent inter-reader agreement was achieved.No significant difference exists between prospective diagnosis accuracy at CE 3D US and that at CE 2D US.CONCLUSION: CE 3D US provides a spatial perspective for liver tumor enhancement,and could help in differentiating focal liver lesions.展开更多
The inverse and direct piezoelectric and circuit coupling are widely observed in advanced electro-mechanical systems such as piezoelectric energy harvesters.Existing strongly coupled analysis methods based on direct n...The inverse and direct piezoelectric and circuit coupling are widely observed in advanced electro-mechanical systems such as piezoelectric energy harvesters.Existing strongly coupled analysis methods based on direct numerical modeling for this phenomenon can be classified into partitioned or monolithic formulations.Each formulation has its advantages and disadvantages,and the choice depends on the characteristics of each coupled problem.This study proposes a new option:a coupled analysis strategy that combines the best features of the existing formulations,namely,the hybrid partitioned-monolithic method.The analysis of inverse piezoelectricity and the monolithic analysis of direct piezoelectric and circuit interaction are strongly coupled using a partitioned iterative hierarchical algorithm.In a typical benchmark problem of a piezoelectric energy harvester,this research compares the results from the proposed method to those from the conventional strongly coupled partitioned iterative method,discussing the accuracy,stability,and computational cost.The proposed hybrid concept is effective for coupled multi-physics problems,including various coupling conditions.展开更多
Objective To determine the association between plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） level in patients with heart failure （HF） and physical frailty as well as with each domain of physical frailty. Methods Two hun...Objective To determine the association between plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） level in patients with heart failure （HF） and physical frailty as well as with each domain of physical frailty. Methods Two hundred and six outpatients of cardiovascular medicine aged 60 years and older who had been hospitalized for HF or had been given a prescription medication for HF were included. Physical frailty was assessed using the following five domains： slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, and shrinking, according to the Cardiovascular Health Study. Patients were divided into nonfi-ailty and frailty groups according to frailty scores. Plasma BNP level was measured. The 6-min walk test was performed to measure endurance. Results Plasma BNP was significantly different between the two groups （frailty group： 158.0 i 214.7 pg/mL, nonfrailty group： 65.2 ~ 88.0 pg/mL, P 〈 0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed log-transformed plasma BNP （Log BNP） was significantly associated with physical frailty （OR： 1.68, 95% CI： 1.11-2.56）, and Log BNP was significantly associated with the slowness domain （walking speed 〈 1.0 m/s） of physical frailty （OR： 1.75, 95% Ch 1.15-2.67）. Additionally, Log BNP was negatively correlated to the 6-minute walk distance （6MWD） （p=0.37, P 〈 0.01）, while 6MWD was positively correlated to walking speed （p = 0.66, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusions Plasma BNP level was related to physical frailty, especially in the slowness domain. Endurance may intervene in the associations between plasma BNP level and walking speed.展开更多
Eusocial insects display a caste system in which different castes are morpho-logically and physiologically specialized for different tasks.Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications,including DNA methy...Eusocial insects display a caste system in which different castes are morpho-logically and physiologically specialized for different tasks.Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation and histone modification,me-diate caste determination and differentiation,longevity,and polyethism in eusocial insects.Although there has been a growing interest in the relationship between epigenetic mech-anisms and phenotypic plasticity in termites,there is ltte information about differential expression levels among castes and expression sites for these genes in termites.Here we show royaltissuc-specific expression of epigenetic modification genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus.Using RNA-seq,we identified 74 genes,including three DNA methyltransferases,seven sirtuins,48 Trithorax group proteins,and 16 Polycomb group proteins.Among these genes,15 showed king-specific expression,and 52 showed age-dependent differential expression in kings and queens.Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that DNA methyltransferase 3 is expressed specifically in the king's testis and fat body,whereas some histone modification genes are remarkably expressed in the king's testis and queen's ovary.These findings imply that epigenetic modification plays important roles in the gamete production process in termite kings and queens.展开更多
BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),detection and treatment prior to growth beyond 2 cm are relevant as a larger tumor size is more frequently associated with microvascular invasion and/or satellites.AIM To ex...BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),detection and treatment prior to growth beyond 2 cm are relevant as a larger tumor size is more frequently associated with microvascular invasion and/or satellites.AIM To examine the impact of the tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)or PIVKA-II in detecting very small HCC nodules(≤2 cm in maximum diameter,Barcelona stage 0)in the large number of very small HCC.The difference in the behavior of these tumor markers in HCC development was also examined.METHODS A total of 933 patients with single-nodule HCC were examined.They were subdivided into 394 patients with HCC nodules≤2 cm in maximum diameter and 539 patients whose nodules were>2 cm.The rates of patients whose AFP and PIVKA-II showed normal values were examined.RESULTS The positive ratio of the marker PIVKA-II was significantly different(P<0.0001)between patients with nodules≤2 cm in diameter and those with nodules>2 cm,but there was no significant difference in AFP(P=0.4254).In the patients whose tumor was≤2 cm,50.5%showed normal levels in AFP and 68.8%showed normal levels in PIVKA-II.In 36.4%of those patients,both AFP and PIVKA-II showed normal levels.The PIVKA-II-positive ratio was markedly increased with an increase in the tumor size.In contrast,the positivity in AFP was increased gradually and slowly.CONCLUSION In the surveillance of very small HCC nodules(≤2 cm in diameter,Barcelona clinical stage 0)the tumor markers AFP and PIVKA-II are not so useful.展开更多
To obtain some prior knowledge of breast cancer detection by microwave imaging, we have measured and analyzed the complex permittivity of tissues extracted from over 140 breast cancer surgeries. The relative permittiv...To obtain some prior knowledge of breast cancer detection by microwave imaging, we have measured and analyzed the complex permittivity of tissues extracted from over 140 breast cancer surgeries. The relative permittivity and conductivity of tumor at 1.6 GHz were 17.5% and 16.2% higher than those of mammary gland tissue, respectively. In invasive ductal carcinoma of scirrhous type, 8 out of 64 had higher relative permittivity and conductivity of mammary gland than those of tumor. However, when evaluated by the Debye parameter considering the frequency dependence of the tissue, it is rare that </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">∞</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and Δ</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of cancer are simultaneously lower than those of mammary gland. The relative permittivity and conductivity of fibroadenoma are almost the same as those of mammary glands. The relative permittivity and conductivity of each tissue showed strong linearity. Microwave imaging requires accurate reconstruction of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">∞</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and Δ</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to distinguish cancer from normal tissue.展开更多
We present novel Schottky barrier field effect transistors consisting of a parallel array of bottom-up grown silicon nanowires that are able to deliver high current outputs. Axial silicidation of the nanowires is used...We present novel Schottky barrier field effect transistors consisting of a parallel array of bottom-up grown silicon nanowires that are able to deliver high current outputs. Axial silicidation of the nanowires is used to create defined Schottky junctions leading to on/off current ratios of up to 106. The device concept leverages the unique transport properties of nanoscale junctions to boost device performance for macroscopic applications. Using parallel arrays, on-currents of over 500 gA at a source-drain voltage of 0.5 V can be achieved. The transconductance is thus increased significantly while maintaining the transfer characteristics of single nanowire devices. By incorporating several hundred nanowires into the parallel arra36 the yield of functioning transistors is dramatically increased and device- to-device variability is reduced compared to single devices. This new nanowire- based platform provides sufficient current output to be employed as a transducer for biosensors or a driving stage for organic light-emitting diodes （LEDs）, while the bottom-up nature of the fabrication procedure means it can provide building blocks for novel printable electronic devices.展开更多
AIM To investigate the reliability of the established and new scoring methods for Hoffa's fat pad synovitis using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS A total of 139 knees of 115 patients who underwent MRI of t...AIM To investigate the reliability of the established and new scoring methods for Hoffa's fat pad synovitis using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS A total of 139 knees of 115 patients who underwent MRI of the knee with and without gadolinium contrast were enrolled in this study. Proton density(PD)-weighted, PD-weighted fat-suppressed(PD-FS), and postcontrast T1-weighted fat-suppressed(T1CE) images were used for evaluation. Using contrast and noncontrast images, our grading method for synovitis was performed to measure synovial thickness and signal intensity changes of the fat pad [Synovial membrane(SM) score], which was compared with the established methods,including MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score(MOAKS), parapatellar synovitis score,Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score(WORMS), and suprapatellar effusion diameter. Intraclass correlation coefficients(ICC) for intra and interobserver reproducibility and Spearman correlation coefficients(r) were calculated for the parapatellar synovitis score and each scoring method.RESULTS All of the scores presented substantial to almost perfect intrareliability. Among three readers, effusion diameter had substantial to almost perfect interreliability(ICC = 0.68-0.81) and WORMS had substantial interreliability(ICC = 0.61-0.70).For two out of three readers, there was substantial interreliability for the thickness score in T1CE(ICC = 0.55-0.69), SM scores in T1CE(ICC = 0.56-0.78)and PD-FS(ICC = 0.51-0.79), and parapatellar synovitis score in T1CE(ICC =0.53-0.72). The parapatellar synovitis score was significantly correlated with the thickness score in T1CE(r = 0.70) and the SM score in T1CE(r = 0.81) and PD-FS(r = 0.65).CONCLUSION The newly proposed quantitative thickness score on T1CE and the semiquantitative SM score on T1CE and PD-FS can be useful for Hoffa's fat pad synovitis.展开更多
Background The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complex pathophysiological process.Its precise mechanism is not fully known. In recent years it has been recognized that synthesis of various extracelluar ...Background The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complex pathophysiological process.Its precise mechanism is not fully known. In recent years it has been recognized that synthesis of various extracelluar matrix (ECM) components may increase, and that degradation of ECM may decrease in DN. It was reported heparin could inhibit mesangial cells proliferation in vitro. The main aim of this study is to explore whether heparin inhibits proliferation of mesangial cells grown in high glucose concentration and to measure the effect of heparin on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in mesangial cells. Methods The medium contained either low glucose (5 mmol/L) or high glucose (25 mmol/L). The concentrations of heparin in the culture medium were 0, 25, 50,100, 200 or 400 μg/mL. A metabolic (WST-1) assay was used to measure mesangial cell proliferation and Western blot analysis was used to measure MMPs expression of mesangial cells. Results Normal human mesangial cell (NHMC) proliferation was higher in high glucose (HG) medium than in low glucose (LG) medium. They showed a 1.93 fold expansion after 72 h in high glucose in contrast to a 1.63 fold expansion in low glucose. In the presence of heparin, mesangial cells proliferation was inhibited, which was more obvious at high glucose concentrations than at low glucose concentrations. In high glucose, with heparin concentration of 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL, the mesangial cells showed a 0. 61 fold, 0.52 fold, 0.52 fold and 0.41 fold reductions in cell number compared to cells grown without heparin. In low glucose, only concentrations of 200 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL showed reduction in cell number, namely 0.54 fold and 0.45 fold, when compared to cells grown without heparin. In Western blot analysis,MMP1, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 was expressed by mesangial cells expressed in both high and low glucose concentrations, which was more prominent in high glucose medium. Incubation of heparin further increased expression of MMP1, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9. Conclusions This study展开更多
BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),detection and treatment prior to growth beyond 2 cm are important as a larger tumor size is more frequently associated with microvascular invasion and/or satellites.In the s...BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),detection and treatment prior to growth beyond 2 cm are important as a larger tumor size is more frequently associated with microvascular invasion and/or satellites.In the surveillance of very small HCC nodules(≤2 cm in maximum diameter,Barcelona clinical stage 0),we demonstrated that the tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein and PIVKA-Ⅱare not so useful.Therefore,we must survey with imaging modalities.The superiority of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)over ultrasound(US)to detect HCC was confirmed in many studies.Although enhanced MRI is now performed to accurately diagnose HCC,in conventional clinical practice for HCC surveillance in liver diseases,unenhanced MRI is widely performed throughout the world.While,MRI has made marked improvements in recent years.AIM To make a comparison of unenhanced MRI and US in detecting very small HCC that was examined in the last ten years in patients in whom MRI and US examinations were performed nearly simultaneously.METHODS In 394 patients with very small HCC nodules,those who underwent MRI and US at nearly the same time(on the same day whenever possible or at least within 14 days of one another)at the first diagnosis of HCC were selected.The detection rate of HCC with unenhanced MRI was investigated and compared with that of unenhanced US.RESULTS The sensitivity of unenhanced MRI for detecting very small HCC was 95.1%(97/102,95%confidence interval:90.9-99.3)and that of unenhanced US was 69.6%(71/102,95%confidence interval:60.7-78.5).The sensitivity of unenhanced MRI for detecting very small HCC was significantly higher than that of unenhanced US(P<0.001).Regarding the location of HCC in the liver in patients in whom detection by US was unsuccessful,S7-8 was identified in 51.7%.CONCLUSION Currently,unenhanced MRI is a very useful tool for the surveillance of very small HCC in conventional clinical follow-up practice.展开更多
Purpose: To evaluate long-term skin reactions following breast-conserving therapy by using the melanin-erythema index meter. Patients and Methods: 164 patients were followed for at least three years after breast-conse...Purpose: To evaluate long-term skin reactions following breast-conserving therapy by using the melanin-erythema index meter. Patients and Methods: 164 patients were followed for at least three years after breast-conserving therapy. For both the erythema and the melanin indices, the ratio of the irradiated-side index to the non-irradiated-side index was calculated. The time course of index ratios alternation was examined. Influences from additional therapies and patients’ age were also evaluated. Result: Both erythema and melanin index ratios of the breast skin were recovered to pre-radiation level three years after radiotherapy. However, both index ratios of the area administrated with 10-Gy boost irradiation were still high even after five years after radiotherapy. Endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and age had no significant influence on skin color reactions three years after radiotherapy. Conclusion: Quantitative assessment using the melanin-erythema index meter demonstrated that chronic skin reactions following breast conserving therapy had recovered to pre-radiation level for three years after irradiation except for the 10-Gy boost irradiated area.展开更多
The tetramethylammonium salts of diplatinum(II) complexes composed of mono-lacunary Keggin-type silico and germanotungstates, [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>4</sub>[α-SiW<s...The tetramethylammonium salts of diplatinum(II) complexes composed of mono-lacunary Keggin-type silico and germanotungstates, [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>4</sub>[α-SiW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>{cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>}<sub>2</sub>]·13H<sub>2</sub>O (TMA-Si-Pt) and [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>4</sub>[α-GeW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>{cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>}<sub>2</sub>]·11H<sub>2</sub>O (TMA-Ge-Pt), were synthesized and crystallized. Single crystals of a tetramethylammonium salt of Keggin-type diplatinum(II)-coordinated phosphotungstate [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>3</sub>[α-PW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>{cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>}<sub>2</sub>]×10H<sub>2</sub>O (TMA-P-Pt) were also obtained. The X-ray structural analyses revealed that the two cis-platinum(II) moieties, [cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>]<sup>2+</sup>, were each coordinated to two oxygen atoms in a mono-vacant site of [XW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>]<sup>(12-n)-</sup> (X<sup>n+</sup> = Si<sup>4+</sup>, Ge<sup>4+</sup>, P<sup>5+</sup>). FTIR spectra of TMA-Si-Pt and TMA-Ge-Pt also suggested that the two platinum(II) moieties were coordinated to the vacant site of [SiW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>]<sup>8-</sup> and [GeW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>]<sup>8-</sup>. The <sup>1</sup>H NMR spectra in DMSO-d<sub>6</sub> of TMA-Si-Pt and TMA-Ge-Pt showed signals assigned to the two sets of NH<sub>3</sub> ligands coordinated to the platinum sites. These three platinum compounds showed hydrogen evolution from aqueous triethanolamine solution under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm) in the presence of eosin Y, α-Keggin mono-aluminum-substituted silicotungstate, and titanium dioxide. The catalytic activities were influenced by the central atoms, and TMA-P-Pt showed the highest activities among the three platinum compounds.展开更多
BACKGROUND It is generally accepted that the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in hepatitis C virus(HCV)-associated patients is higher than that in hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated patients.The reason why thi...BACKGROUND It is generally accepted that the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in hepatitis C virus(HCV)-associated patients is higher than that in hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated patients.The reason why this difference in the incidence of HCC occurs in patients with HBV and HCV infections remains unclear.We report the possibility that the contributing power of inflammation,which is the main risk factor for developing HCC,may be different with HBV and HCV infections.AIM To investigate this,we surveyed the hazard ratio of inflammation for HCC development which was identified by serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels between patients with HBV and HCV infections.METHODS The PubMed database was searched(2001-2021)for studies published in English regarding the incidence of HCC identifying 8924 HBV-and 7376 HCV-infected patients.From these studies,interferon-treated patients with both HBV and HCV infections were excluded.Furthermore,in HBV patients,those administered nucleos(t)ide analogues were excluded,and in HCV patients,those administered direct acting antivirals were also excluded.Studies citing hazard ratios of HCC regarding inflammation(serum elevated alanine aminotransferase levels)were selected.Finally,there were 14 studies of HBV-infected patients and 8 studies of HCV-infected patients.We calculated the hazard ratio in patients in an inflammatory state(serum ALT levels were above the normal range).RESULTS In the 14 studies of HBV patients,the average hazard ratio(HR)of elevated ALT for developing HCC was 2.74[1.98-3.77]and that in the 8 studies of HCV-infected patients was 5.51[3.08-9.83].The HR of inflammation for HCC development in HCV-associated liver diseases is about twice that in HBV-associated liver diseases.HR in HCV-infected patients was significantly(P=0.0391)higher than that in HBV-infected patients.In hepatitis B patients,the abnormal range adopted was 28-45 IU/L,and in hepatitis C patients,it was 20-50 IU/L.It was demonstrated that the abnormal ALT levels adopted in hepatitis B and C展开更多
Gamete fusion is a core process of sexual reproduction and, in both plants and animals, different sex gametes fuse within species. Although most of the molecular factors involved in gamete interaction are still unknow...Gamete fusion is a core process of sexual reproduction and, in both plants and animals, different sex gametes fuse within species. Although most of the molecular factors involved in gamete interaction are still unknown in various sex-possessing eukaryotes, reports of such factors in algae and land plants have been increasing in the past decade. In particular, knowledge of gamete interaction in flowering plants and green algae has increased since the identification of the conserved gamete fusion factor GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1/HAPLESS 2 （GCS1/HAP2）. GCSl was first identified as a pollen generative cell-specific transmembrane protein in the lily （Lilium Iongiflorum）, and was then shown to function not only in flowering plant gamete fusion but also in various eukaryotes, including unicellular protists and metazoans. In addition, although initially restricted to Chlamydomonas, knowledge of gamete attachment in flowering plants was also acquired. This review focuses on recent progress in the study of gamete interaction in volvocine green algae and flowering plants and discusses conserved mechanisms of gamete recognition, attachment, and fusion leading to zygote formation.展开更多
BACKGROUND The oral nucleos(t)ide analogue,entecavir(ETV)was demonstrated to reduce the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated liver cirrhosis.However,the reduction of ...BACKGROUND The oral nucleos(t)ide analogue,entecavir(ETV)was demonstrated to reduce the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated liver cirrhosis.However,the reduction of HCC differs in various regions of the world.AIM To investigate the reduction of HCC development due to ETV therapy by metaanalysis.METHODS We surveyed the differences in HCC development following ETV treatment based on published articles using PubMed(2004-2019).RESULTS The regions with the most marked reduction in HCC development due to ETV therapy were Spain(1.0%/year)and Canada(Southern part,1.3%/year),and the most ineffective areas were South Korea(3.6%-3.8%/year),China(3.3%/year),Taiwan(2.4%-3.1%/year),and Hong Kong(2.8%/year).Following ETV administration,the incidence of HCC in genotype D regions(1.89%±0.28%/year,mean±SE)was significantly lower than that in genotype C regions(2.91%±0.24%/year,P<0.01).With regard to the initial HBV-DNA level,in genotype C patients(average:5.61 Log10IU/mL)this was almost the same as that in genotype D patients(average:5.46 Log10IU/mL).Moreover,there was no association between the prevalence ratio of HBV and the incidence of HCC on ETV treatment.CONCLUSION The effectiveness of ETV in preventing HCC development in HBV-associated liver cirrhosis is genotype-dependent.展开更多
In contrast to the static operations of conventional semiconductor devices,the dynamic conformational freedom in molecular devices opens up the possibility of using individual molecules as new types of devices such as...In contrast to the static operations of conventional semiconductor devices,the dynamic conformational freedom in molecular devices opens up the possibility of using individual molecules as new types of devices such as a molecular conformational switch or for molecular data storage.Bistable molecules such as those having two stable cis and trans isomeric confi gurations could provide,once clamped between two electrodes,a switching phenomenon in the non-equilibrium current response.Here,we model molecular switch junctions formed at silicon contacts and demonstrate the potential of such tunable molecular switches in electrode/molecule/electrode confi gurations.Using the non-equilibrium Green function(NEGF)approach implemented with the density-functional-based tight-binding(DFTB)theory,a series of properties such as electron transmissions,current voltage characteristics in the different isomer conformations,and potential energy surfaces(PESs)as a function of the reaction coordinates along the trans to cis transition were calculated for two azobenzene-based model compounds.Furthermore,in order to investigate the stability of molecular switches under ambient conditions,molecular dynamics(MD)simulations at room temperature were performed and time-dependent fl uctuations of the conductance along the MD pathways were calculated.Our numerical results show that the transmission spectra of the cis isomers are more conductive than trans counterparts inside the bias window for both model compounds.The currentvoltage characteristics consequently show the same trends.Additionally,calculations of the time-dependent transmission fluctuations along the MD pathways have shown that the transmission in the cis isomers is always signifi cantly larger than that in their trans counterparts,showing that molecular switches can be expected to work as robust molecular switching components.展开更多
文摘Sonazoid(Daiichi Sankyo,Tokyo,Japan),a secondgeneration of a lipid-stabilized suspension of a perfluorobutane gas microbubble contrast agent,has been used clinically in patients with liver tumors and for harmonic gray-scale ultrasonography(US)in Japan since January 2007.Sonazoid-enhanced US has two phases of contrast enhancement:vascular and late.In the late phase of Sonazoid-enhanced US,we scanned the whole liver using this modality at a low mechanical index(MI)without destroying the microbubbles, and this method allows detection of small viable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)lesions which cannot be detected by conventional US as perfusion defects in the late phase.Re-injection of Sonazoid into an HCC lesion which previously showed a perfusion defect in the late phase is useful for confirming blood flow intothe defects.High MI intermittent imaging at 2 frames per second in the late phase is also helpful in differentiation between necrosis and viable hypervascular HCC lesions.Sonazoid-enhanced US by the coded harmonic angio mode at a high MI not only allows clear observation of tumor vessels and tumor enhancement, but also permits automatic scanning with Sonazoidenhanced three dimensional(3D)US.Fusion images combining US with contrast-enhanced CT or contrastenhanced MRI have made it easy to detect typical or atypical HCC lesions.By these methods,Sonazoidenhanced US can characterize liver tumors,grade HCC lesions histologically,recognize HCC dedifferentiation, evaluate the efficacy of ablation therapy or transcatheter arterial embolization,and guide ablation therapy for unresectable HCC.This article reviews the current developments and applications of Sonazoid-enhanced US and Sonazoid-enhanced 3D US for diagnosing and treating hepatic lesions,especially HCC.
文摘Basic and translational wound healing research in the biliary tree lag significantly behind similar studies on the skin and gastrointestinal tract. This is at least partly attributable to lack of easy access to the biliary tract for study. But clinical relevance, more interest in biliary epithelial cell （BEC） pathophysiology, and widespread availability of BEC cultures are factors reversing this trend. In the extra-hepatic biliary tree, ineffectual wound healing, scarring and stricture development are pressing issues. In the smallest intra-hepatic bile ducts either impaired BEC proliferation or an exuberant response can contribute to liver disease. Chronic inflammation and persistent wound healing reactions in large and small bile ducts often lead to liver cancer. General concepts of wound healing as they apply to the biliary tract, importance of cellular processes dependent on IL-6/gp130/STAT3 signaling pathways, unanswered questions, and future directions are discussed.
基金Supported by The National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences,National Institutes of Health,No.UL1 TR000153
文摘AIM To investigate whether normal thickness cartilage in osteoarthritic knees demonstrate depletion of proteoglycan or collagen content compared to healthy knees.METHODS Magnetic resonance(MR) images were acquired from5 subjects scheduled for total knee arthroplasty(TKA)(mean age 70 years) and 20 young healthy control subjects without knee pain(mean age 28.9 years). MR images of T1ρ mapping, T2 mapping, and fat suppressed proton-density weighted sequences were obtained.Following TKA each condyle was divided into 4 parts(distal medial, posterior medial, distal lateral, posterior lateral) for cartilage analysis. Twenty specimens(bone and cartilage blocks) were examined. For each joint,the degree and extent of cartilage destruction was determined using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International cartilage histopathology assessment system.In magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) analysis, 2 readers performed cartilage segmentation for T1ρ/T2 values and cartilage thickness measurement.RESULTS Eleven areas in MRI including normal or near normal cartilage thickness were selected. The corresponding histopathological sections demonstrated mild to moderate osteoarthritis(OA). There was no significant difference in cartilage thickness in MRI between control and advanced OA samples [medial distal condyle, P = 0.461;medial posterior condyle(MPC), P = 0.352; lateral distal condyle, P = 0.654; lateral posterior condyle, P = 0.550],suggesting arthritic specimens were morphologically similar to normal or early staged degenerative cartilage.Cartilage T2 and T1ρ values from the MPC were significantly higher among the patients with advanced OA(P= 0.043). For remaining condylar samples there was no statistical difference in T2 and T1ρ values between cases and controls but there was a trend towards higher values in advanced OA patients. CONCLUSION Though cartilage is morphologically normal or near normal, degenerative changes exist in advanced OA patients. These changes can be detected with T2 and T1ρ MRI techniques.
文摘AIM: To differentiate focal liver lesions based on enhancement patterns using three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D US) with perflubutane-based contrast agent.METHODS: Two hundred and eighty two patients with focal liver lesions,including 168 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs),63 metastases,40 hemangiomas and 11 focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs),were examined by 3D US with perflubutane-based contrast agent.Tomographic ultrasound images and sonographic angiograms were reconstructed.Among 282 lesions,enhancement patterns of 163 lesions between January 2007 and October 2007 were analyzed retrospectively.Then from November 2007 to May 2008,compared with contrast-enhanced (CE) 2D US,CE 3D US was performed on 119 lesions for prospective differential diagnosis.Sensitivity,specificity,area under receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) and inter-reader agreement were assessed.RESULTS: With the tridimensional view,dominant enhancement patterns were revealed as diffuse enhancement or peripheral ring-like enhancement,followed with washout change for HCCs or metastases,respectively,and peripheral nodular enhancement or diffuse enhancement with spoke-wheel arteries,followed by persistent enhancement for hemangiomas or FNHs,respectively.At CE 3D US,the prospective differentiation of lesions showed sensitivity 92% (mean for two readers),specificity 91% and Az value 0.95 for HCCs,84%,97%,and 0.95 for metastases,91%,98%,and 0.98 for hemangiomas and 80%,99%,and 0.99 for FNHs,respectively,while good to excellent inter-reader agreement was achieved.No significant difference exists between prospective diagnosis accuracy at CE 3D US and that at CE 2D US.CONCLUSION: CE 3D US provides a spatial perspective for liver tumor enhancement,and could help in differentiating focal liver lesions.
基金supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science,KAKENHI Grant No.23H00475.
文摘The inverse and direct piezoelectric and circuit coupling are widely observed in advanced electro-mechanical systems such as piezoelectric energy harvesters.Existing strongly coupled analysis methods based on direct numerical modeling for this phenomenon can be classified into partitioned or monolithic formulations.Each formulation has its advantages and disadvantages,and the choice depends on the characteristics of each coupled problem.This study proposes a new option:a coupled analysis strategy that combines the best features of the existing formulations,namely,the hybrid partitioned-monolithic method.The analysis of inverse piezoelectricity and the monolithic analysis of direct piezoelectric and circuit interaction are strongly coupled using a partitioned iterative hierarchical algorithm.In a typical benchmark problem of a piezoelectric energy harvester,this research compares the results from the proposed method to those from the conventional strongly coupled partitioned iterative method,discussing the accuracy,stability,and computational cost.The proposed hybrid concept is effective for coupled multi-physics problems,including various coupling conditions.
文摘Objective To determine the association between plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） level in patients with heart failure （HF） and physical frailty as well as with each domain of physical frailty. Methods Two hundred and six outpatients of cardiovascular medicine aged 60 years and older who had been hospitalized for HF or had been given a prescription medication for HF were included. Physical frailty was assessed using the following five domains： slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, and shrinking, according to the Cardiovascular Health Study. Patients were divided into nonfi-ailty and frailty groups according to frailty scores. Plasma BNP level was measured. The 6-min walk test was performed to measure endurance. Results Plasma BNP was significantly different between the two groups （frailty group： 158.0 i 214.7 pg/mL, nonfrailty group： 65.2 ~ 88.0 pg/mL, P 〈 0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed log-transformed plasma BNP （Log BNP） was significantly associated with physical frailty （OR： 1.68, 95% CI： 1.11-2.56）, and Log BNP was significantly associated with the slowness domain （walking speed 〈 1.0 m/s） of physical frailty （OR： 1.75, 95% Ch 1.15-2.67）. Additionally, Log BNP was negatively correlated to the 6-minute walk distance （6MWD） （p=0.37, P 〈 0.01）, while 6MWD was positively correlated to walking speed （p = 0.66, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusions Plasma BNP level was related to physical frailty, especially in the slowness domain. Endurance may intervene in the associations between plasma BNP level and walking speed.
文摘Eusocial insects display a caste system in which different castes are morpho-logically and physiologically specialized for different tasks.Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation and histone modification,me-diate caste determination and differentiation,longevity,and polyethism in eusocial insects.Although there has been a growing interest in the relationship between epigenetic mech-anisms and phenotypic plasticity in termites,there is ltte information about differential expression levels among castes and expression sites for these genes in termites.Here we show royaltissuc-specific expression of epigenetic modification genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus.Using RNA-seq,we identified 74 genes,including three DNA methyltransferases,seven sirtuins,48 Trithorax group proteins,and 16 Polycomb group proteins.Among these genes,15 showed king-specific expression,and 52 showed age-dependent differential expression in kings and queens.Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that DNA methyltransferase 3 is expressed specifically in the king's testis and fat body,whereas some histone modification genes are remarkably expressed in the king's testis and queen's ovary.These findings imply that epigenetic modification plays important roles in the gamete production process in termite kings and queens.
文摘BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),detection and treatment prior to growth beyond 2 cm are relevant as a larger tumor size is more frequently associated with microvascular invasion and/or satellites.AIM To examine the impact of the tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)or PIVKA-II in detecting very small HCC nodules(≤2 cm in maximum diameter,Barcelona stage 0)in the large number of very small HCC.The difference in the behavior of these tumor markers in HCC development was also examined.METHODS A total of 933 patients with single-nodule HCC were examined.They were subdivided into 394 patients with HCC nodules≤2 cm in maximum diameter and 539 patients whose nodules were>2 cm.The rates of patients whose AFP and PIVKA-II showed normal values were examined.RESULTS The positive ratio of the marker PIVKA-II was significantly different(P<0.0001)between patients with nodules≤2 cm in diameter and those with nodules>2 cm,but there was no significant difference in AFP(P=0.4254).In the patients whose tumor was≤2 cm,50.5%showed normal levels in AFP and 68.8%showed normal levels in PIVKA-II.In 36.4%of those patients,both AFP and PIVKA-II showed normal levels.The PIVKA-II-positive ratio was markedly increased with an increase in the tumor size.In contrast,the positivity in AFP was increased gradually and slowly.CONCLUSION In the surveillance of very small HCC nodules(≤2 cm in diameter,Barcelona clinical stage 0)the tumor markers AFP and PIVKA-II are not so useful.
文摘To obtain some prior knowledge of breast cancer detection by microwave imaging, we have measured and analyzed the complex permittivity of tissues extracted from over 140 breast cancer surgeries. The relative permittivity and conductivity of tumor at 1.6 GHz were 17.5% and 16.2% higher than those of mammary gland tissue, respectively. In invasive ductal carcinoma of scirrhous type, 8 out of 64 had higher relative permittivity and conductivity of mammary gland than those of tumor. However, when evaluated by the Debye parameter considering the frequency dependence of the tissue, it is rare that </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">∞</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and Δ</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of cancer are simultaneously lower than those of mammary gland. The relative permittivity and conductivity of fibroadenoma are almost the same as those of mammary glands. The relative permittivity and conductivity of each tissue showed strong linearity. Microwave imaging requires accurate reconstruction of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">∞</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and Δ</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ε</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to distinguish cancer from normal tissue.
文摘We present novel Schottky barrier field effect transistors consisting of a parallel array of bottom-up grown silicon nanowires that are able to deliver high current outputs. Axial silicidation of the nanowires is used to create defined Schottky junctions leading to on/off current ratios of up to 106. The device concept leverages the unique transport properties of nanoscale junctions to boost device performance for macroscopic applications. Using parallel arrays, on-currents of over 500 gA at a source-drain voltage of 0.5 V can be achieved. The transconductance is thus increased significantly while maintaining the transfer characteristics of single nanowire devices. By incorporating several hundred nanowires into the parallel arra36 the yield of functioning transistors is dramatically increased and device- to-device variability is reduced compared to single devices. This new nanowire- based platform provides sufficient current output to be employed as a transducer for biosensors or a driving stage for organic light-emitting diodes （LEDs）, while the bottom-up nature of the fabrication procedure means it can provide building blocks for novel printable electronic devices.
文摘AIM To investigate the reliability of the established and new scoring methods for Hoffa's fat pad synovitis using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS A total of 139 knees of 115 patients who underwent MRI of the knee with and without gadolinium contrast were enrolled in this study. Proton density(PD)-weighted, PD-weighted fat-suppressed(PD-FS), and postcontrast T1-weighted fat-suppressed(T1CE) images were used for evaluation. Using contrast and noncontrast images, our grading method for synovitis was performed to measure synovial thickness and signal intensity changes of the fat pad [Synovial membrane(SM) score], which was compared with the established methods,including MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score(MOAKS), parapatellar synovitis score,Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score(WORMS), and suprapatellar effusion diameter. Intraclass correlation coefficients(ICC) for intra and interobserver reproducibility and Spearman correlation coefficients(r) were calculated for the parapatellar synovitis score and each scoring method.RESULTS All of the scores presented substantial to almost perfect intrareliability. Among three readers, effusion diameter had substantial to almost perfect interreliability(ICC = 0.68-0.81) and WORMS had substantial interreliability(ICC = 0.61-0.70).For two out of three readers, there was substantial interreliability for the thickness score in T1CE(ICC = 0.55-0.69), SM scores in T1CE(ICC = 0.56-0.78)and PD-FS(ICC = 0.51-0.79), and parapatellar synovitis score in T1CE(ICC =0.53-0.72). The parapatellar synovitis score was significantly correlated with the thickness score in T1CE(r = 0.70) and the SM score in T1CE(r = 0.81) and PD-FS(r = 0.65).CONCLUSION The newly proposed quantitative thickness score on T1CE and the semiquantitative SM score on T1CE and PD-FS can be useful for Hoffa's fat pad synovitis.
文摘Background The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complex pathophysiological process.Its precise mechanism is not fully known. In recent years it has been recognized that synthesis of various extracelluar matrix (ECM) components may increase, and that degradation of ECM may decrease in DN. It was reported heparin could inhibit mesangial cells proliferation in vitro. The main aim of this study is to explore whether heparin inhibits proliferation of mesangial cells grown in high glucose concentration and to measure the effect of heparin on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in mesangial cells. Methods The medium contained either low glucose (5 mmol/L) or high glucose (25 mmol/L). The concentrations of heparin in the culture medium were 0, 25, 50,100, 200 or 400 μg/mL. A metabolic (WST-1) assay was used to measure mesangial cell proliferation and Western blot analysis was used to measure MMPs expression of mesangial cells. Results Normal human mesangial cell (NHMC) proliferation was higher in high glucose (HG) medium than in low glucose (LG) medium. They showed a 1.93 fold expansion after 72 h in high glucose in contrast to a 1.63 fold expansion in low glucose. In the presence of heparin, mesangial cells proliferation was inhibited, which was more obvious at high glucose concentrations than at low glucose concentrations. In high glucose, with heparin concentration of 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL, the mesangial cells showed a 0. 61 fold, 0.52 fold, 0.52 fold and 0.41 fold reductions in cell number compared to cells grown without heparin. In low glucose, only concentrations of 200 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL showed reduction in cell number, namely 0.54 fold and 0.45 fold, when compared to cells grown without heparin. In Western blot analysis,MMP1, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 was expressed by mesangial cells expressed in both high and low glucose concentrations, which was more prominent in high glucose medium. Incubation of heparin further increased expression of MMP1, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9. Conclusions This study
基金The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital Institutional Review Board(Approval No.21-02-01).
文摘BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),detection and treatment prior to growth beyond 2 cm are important as a larger tumor size is more frequently associated with microvascular invasion and/or satellites.In the surveillance of very small HCC nodules(≤2 cm in maximum diameter,Barcelona clinical stage 0),we demonstrated that the tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein and PIVKA-Ⅱare not so useful.Therefore,we must survey with imaging modalities.The superiority of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)over ultrasound(US)to detect HCC was confirmed in many studies.Although enhanced MRI is now performed to accurately diagnose HCC,in conventional clinical practice for HCC surveillance in liver diseases,unenhanced MRI is widely performed throughout the world.While,MRI has made marked improvements in recent years.AIM To make a comparison of unenhanced MRI and US in detecting very small HCC that was examined in the last ten years in patients in whom MRI and US examinations were performed nearly simultaneously.METHODS In 394 patients with very small HCC nodules,those who underwent MRI and US at nearly the same time(on the same day whenever possible or at least within 14 days of one another)at the first diagnosis of HCC were selected.The detection rate of HCC with unenhanced MRI was investigated and compared with that of unenhanced US.RESULTS The sensitivity of unenhanced MRI for detecting very small HCC was 95.1%(97/102,95%confidence interval:90.9-99.3)and that of unenhanced US was 69.6%(71/102,95%confidence interval:60.7-78.5).The sensitivity of unenhanced MRI for detecting very small HCC was significantly higher than that of unenhanced US(P<0.001).Regarding the location of HCC in the liver in patients in whom detection by US was unsuccessful,S7-8 was identified in 51.7%.CONCLUSION Currently,unenhanced MRI is a very useful tool for the surveillance of very small HCC in conventional clinical follow-up practice.
文摘Purpose: To evaluate long-term skin reactions following breast-conserving therapy by using the melanin-erythema index meter. Patients and Methods: 164 patients were followed for at least three years after breast-conserving therapy. For both the erythema and the melanin indices, the ratio of the irradiated-side index to the non-irradiated-side index was calculated. The time course of index ratios alternation was examined. Influences from additional therapies and patients’ age were also evaluated. Result: Both erythema and melanin index ratios of the breast skin were recovered to pre-radiation level three years after radiotherapy. However, both index ratios of the area administrated with 10-Gy boost irradiation were still high even after five years after radiotherapy. Endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and age had no significant influence on skin color reactions three years after radiotherapy. Conclusion: Quantitative assessment using the melanin-erythema index meter demonstrated that chronic skin reactions following breast conserving therapy had recovered to pre-radiation level for three years after irradiation except for the 10-Gy boost irradiated area.
文摘The tetramethylammonium salts of diplatinum(II) complexes composed of mono-lacunary Keggin-type silico and germanotungstates, [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>4</sub>[α-SiW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>{cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>}<sub>2</sub>]·13H<sub>2</sub>O (TMA-Si-Pt) and [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>4</sub>[α-GeW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>{cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>}<sub>2</sub>]·11H<sub>2</sub>O (TMA-Ge-Pt), were synthesized and crystallized. Single crystals of a tetramethylammonium salt of Keggin-type diplatinum(II)-coordinated phosphotungstate [(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>N]<sub>3</sub>[α-PW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>{cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>}<sub>2</sub>]×10H<sub>2</sub>O (TMA-P-Pt) were also obtained. The X-ray structural analyses revealed that the two cis-platinum(II) moieties, [cis-Pt(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>]<sup>2+</sup>, were each coordinated to two oxygen atoms in a mono-vacant site of [XW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>]<sup>(12-n)-</sup> (X<sup>n+</sup> = Si<sup>4+</sup>, Ge<sup>4+</sup>, P<sup>5+</sup>). FTIR spectra of TMA-Si-Pt and TMA-Ge-Pt also suggested that the two platinum(II) moieties were coordinated to the vacant site of [SiW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>]<sup>8-</sup> and [GeW<sub>11</sub>O<sub>39</sub>]<sup>8-</sup>. The <sup>1</sup>H NMR spectra in DMSO-d<sub>6</sub> of TMA-Si-Pt and TMA-Ge-Pt showed signals assigned to the two sets of NH<sub>3</sub> ligands coordinated to the platinum sites. These three platinum compounds showed hydrogen evolution from aqueous triethanolamine solution under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm) in the presence of eosin Y, α-Keggin mono-aluminum-substituted silicotungstate, and titanium dioxide. The catalytic activities were influenced by the central atoms, and TMA-P-Pt showed the highest activities among the three platinum compounds.
文摘BACKGROUND It is generally accepted that the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in hepatitis C virus(HCV)-associated patients is higher than that in hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated patients.The reason why this difference in the incidence of HCC occurs in patients with HBV and HCV infections remains unclear.We report the possibility that the contributing power of inflammation,which is the main risk factor for developing HCC,may be different with HBV and HCV infections.AIM To investigate this,we surveyed the hazard ratio of inflammation for HCC development which was identified by serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels between patients with HBV and HCV infections.METHODS The PubMed database was searched(2001-2021)for studies published in English regarding the incidence of HCC identifying 8924 HBV-and 7376 HCV-infected patients.From these studies,interferon-treated patients with both HBV and HCV infections were excluded.Furthermore,in HBV patients,those administered nucleos(t)ide analogues were excluded,and in HCV patients,those administered direct acting antivirals were also excluded.Studies citing hazard ratios of HCC regarding inflammation(serum elevated alanine aminotransferase levels)were selected.Finally,there were 14 studies of HBV-infected patients and 8 studies of HCV-infected patients.We calculated the hazard ratio in patients in an inflammatory state(serum ALT levels were above the normal range).RESULTS In the 14 studies of HBV patients,the average hazard ratio(HR)of elevated ALT for developing HCC was 2.74[1.98-3.77]and that in the 8 studies of HCV-infected patients was 5.51[3.08-9.83].The HR of inflammation for HCC development in HCV-associated liver diseases is about twice that in HBV-associated liver diseases.HR in HCV-infected patients was significantly(P=0.0391)higher than that in HBV-infected patients.In hepatitis B patients,the abnormal range adopted was 28-45 IU/L,and in hepatitis C patients,it was 20-50 IU/L.It was demonstrated that the abnormal ALT levels adopted in hepatitis B and C
文摘Gamete fusion is a core process of sexual reproduction and, in both plants and animals, different sex gametes fuse within species. Although most of the molecular factors involved in gamete interaction are still unknown in various sex-possessing eukaryotes, reports of such factors in algae and land plants have been increasing in the past decade. In particular, knowledge of gamete interaction in flowering plants and green algae has increased since the identification of the conserved gamete fusion factor GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1/HAPLESS 2 （GCS1/HAP2）. GCSl was first identified as a pollen generative cell-specific transmembrane protein in the lily （Lilium Iongiflorum）, and was then shown to function not only in flowering plant gamete fusion but also in various eukaryotes, including unicellular protists and metazoans. In addition, although initially restricted to Chlamydomonas, knowledge of gamete attachment in flowering plants was also acquired. This review focuses on recent progress in the study of gamete interaction in volvocine green algae and flowering plants and discusses conserved mechanisms of gamete recognition, attachment, and fusion leading to zygote formation.
基金Supported by the Kanagawa Association of Medical and Dental Practitioners.
文摘BACKGROUND The oral nucleos(t)ide analogue,entecavir(ETV)was demonstrated to reduce the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated liver cirrhosis.However,the reduction of HCC differs in various regions of the world.AIM To investigate the reduction of HCC development due to ETV therapy by metaanalysis.METHODS We surveyed the differences in HCC development following ETV treatment based on published articles using PubMed(2004-2019).RESULTS The regions with the most marked reduction in HCC development due to ETV therapy were Spain(1.0%/year)and Canada(Southern part,1.3%/year),and the most ineffective areas were South Korea(3.6%-3.8%/year),China(3.3%/year),Taiwan(2.4%-3.1%/year),and Hong Kong(2.8%/year).Following ETV administration,the incidence of HCC in genotype D regions(1.89%±0.28%/year,mean±SE)was significantly lower than that in genotype C regions(2.91%±0.24%/year,P<0.01).With regard to the initial HBV-DNA level,in genotype C patients(average:5.61 Log10IU/mL)this was almost the same as that in genotype D patients(average:5.46 Log10IU/mL).Moreover,there was no association between the prevalence ratio of HBV and the incidence of HCC on ETV treatment.CONCLUSION The effectiveness of ETV in preventing HCC development in HBV-associated liver cirrhosis is genotype-dependent.
基金by the Volkswagen Foundation by the Deutsche Forshuhgsgemeinschaft(DFG)under Contracts No.CU 44/5-2,CU 44/8-1,and CU 44/3-3by the WCU(World Class University)program through the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation funded by the Ministry of Education,Science and Technology(Project No.R31-2008-000-10100-0).
文摘In contrast to the static operations of conventional semiconductor devices,the dynamic conformational freedom in molecular devices opens up the possibility of using individual molecules as new types of devices such as a molecular conformational switch or for molecular data storage.Bistable molecules such as those having two stable cis and trans isomeric confi gurations could provide,once clamped between two electrodes,a switching phenomenon in the non-equilibrium current response.Here,we model molecular switch junctions formed at silicon contacts and demonstrate the potential of such tunable molecular switches in electrode/molecule/electrode confi gurations.Using the non-equilibrium Green function(NEGF)approach implemented with the density-functional-based tight-binding(DFTB)theory,a series of properties such as electron transmissions,current voltage characteristics in the different isomer conformations,and potential energy surfaces(PESs)as a function of the reaction coordinates along the trans to cis transition were calculated for two azobenzene-based model compounds.Furthermore,in order to investigate the stability of molecular switches under ambient conditions,molecular dynamics(MD)simulations at room temperature were performed and time-dependent fl uctuations of the conductance along the MD pathways were calculated.Our numerical results show that the transmission spectra of the cis isomers are more conductive than trans counterparts inside the bias window for both model compounds.The currentvoltage characteristics consequently show the same trends.Additionally,calculations of the time-dependent transmission fluctuations along the MD pathways have shown that the transmission in the cis isomers is always signifi cantly larger than that in their trans counterparts,showing that molecular switches can be expected to work as robust molecular switching components.
