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Abstract The amount of C in steel, which is critical in determining its properties, is strongly influenced by steel production technology. We propose a novel method of quantifying the bulk C content in steel non-destructively using muons. This revolutionary method may be used not only in the quality control of steel in production, but also in analyzing precious steel archaeological artifacts. A negatively charged muon forms an atomic system owing to its negative charge, and is finally absorbed into the nucleus or decays to an electron. The lifetimes of muons differ significantly, depending on whether they are trapped by Fe or C atoms, and identifying the elemental content at the muon stoppage position is possible via muon lifetime measurements. The relationship between the muon capture probabilities of C/Fe and the elemental content of C exhibits a good linearity, and the C content in the steel may be quantitatively determined via muon lifetime measurements. Furthermore, by controlling the incident energies of the muons, they may be stopped in each layer of a stacked sample consisting of three types of steel plates with thicknesses of 0.5 mm, and we successfully determined the C contents in the range 0.20–1.03 wt% depth-selectively, without sample destruction.

Abstract Background The airway epithelial barrier function is disrupted in the airways of asthmatic patients. Abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis is reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in the airway barrier dysfunction has not been elucidated yet. This study aimed to clarify whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), a central regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is involved in the disruption of the airway barrier function induced by aeroallergens. Methods BEAS-2B cells were exposed to house dust mite (HDM) and the expressions of PGC-1α and E-cadherin, a junctional protein, were examined by immunoblotting. The effect of SRT1720, a PGC-1α activator, was investigated by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) on the HDM-induced reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis markers and junctional proteins in airway bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore,the effects of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) inhibitor, GB83, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor, lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS), protease inhibitors including E64 and 4-(2-Aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) on the HDM-induced barrier dysfunction were investigated. Results The amounts of PGC-1α and E-cadherin in the HDM-treated cells were significantly decreased compared to the vehicle-treated cells. SRT1720 restored the expressions of PGC-1α and E-cadherin reduced by HDM in BEAS-2B cells. Treatment with SRT1720 also significantly ameliorated the HDM-induced reduction in TEER. In addition, GB83, LPS-RS, E64 and AEBSF prevented the HDM-induced reduction in the expression of PGC1α and E-cadherin. Conclusions The current study demonstrated that HDM disrupted the airway barrier function through the PAR2/TLR4/PGC-1α-dependent pathway. The modulation of this pathway could be a new approach for the treatment of asthma.

Abstract Background Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare progressive autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the cartilage of multiple organs. Tracheobronchial involvement appears in nearly half of RPC patients during the course of their disease and represents the main cause of death. Localized tracheobronchial RPC is much rarer, and the pathogenesis remains unclear. Matrilin-1 is a non-collagenous cartilage matrix protein and has been suggested to be a potent autoantigen that induces the airway disease of RPC in animal models. However, the expression of matrilin-1 in tracheobronchial tissue in human remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the expression of matrilin-1 in the tracheal and auricular tissues in a localized tracheobronchial RPC patient. Case presentation A 62-year-old man with systemic sclerosis presented with cough and dyspnea on exertion. The lung function test showed an expiratory flow limitation and chest computed tomography showed diffuse thickness from the trachea to the bronchiole. No other tests showed abnormal findings. To evaluate further, bronchoscopy was performed and endobronchial ultrasonography showed thickness in the fourth-marginal echo layer suggesting inflammation of the cartilage. However, the tracheal biopsy showed no specific findings. The subsequent surgical tracheal biopsies showed inflammatory cell infiltration with destruction of the cartilage. Neither auricular nor nasal deformity, except for a tracheobronchial lesion, was detected. Biopsy from the left auricular cartilage also did not show any inflammatory changes. Finally, we diagnosed the patient with localized tracheobronchial RPC. To address the hypothesis that autoimmunity against matrilin-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of localized tracheobronchial RPC, we evaluated the expression level of matrilin-1 in a tracheal and auricular specimen from this patient. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-matrilin-1 antibody showed matrilin-1 in the tracheal but not in the auricular cartilage. Conclusions We first demonstrated the expression of matrilin-1 in tracheal but not in auricular cartilage in a localized tracheobronchial RPC patient. This result supports the possibility that matrilin-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of localized tracheobronchial RPC. However, this is only one case report and further observations will be needed to confirm this result.

Abstract Background Rupture of the ureter with extravasation resulting from an iliac aneurysm is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of ureteric rupture with urinary extravasation secondary to an iliac aneurysm. Case presentation An 80-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a large left internal iliac aneurysm (6.5 cm in diameter) and a ureteric rupture with leakage of contrast media from the left ureter, indicating a spontaneous ureteral rupture. The patient was treated with placement of a ureteral double-J stent under endoscopic and X-ray fluoroscopic guidance and endovascular aortic repair. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on postoperative day 20. A computed tomography scan at 2 weeks after surgery showed no contrast extravasation from the ureter or end leak. Conclusion Combination treatment with ureteral and endovascular stenting is effective in avoiding aneurysmal rupture and the serious consequences of a ureteral rupture, which include a perinephric or retroperitoneal collection, abscess formation, subsequent urosepsis, and graft infection.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

The consumption of soybean protein has well-known favorable metabolic effects (e.g., reduced body weight, body fat, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and lipogenesis). These effects of soy protein have been linked to modulation by the gut microbiota; however, the dynamic interplay among these factors remains unclear. Accordingly, we examined the metabolic phenotype, intestinal BA pool, and the gut microbiome of male C57BL/6 mice that were randomized to receive either a regular high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD that contained soybean protein isolate (SPI) in place of dairy protein. The intake of SPI significantly reduced the HFD-induced weight gain and adipose tissue mass accumulation and attenuated hepatic steatosis. Along with an enhancement in the secretion of intestinal Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an enlarged cecal BA pool with an elevated secondary/primary BA ratio was observed in the mice that consumed SPI, while fecal BA excretion remained unaltered. SPI also elicited dramatic changes in the gut microbiome, characterized by an expansion of taxa that may be involved in the biotransformation of BAs. The observed effects were abolished in germ-free (GF) mice, indicating that they were dependent on the microbiota. These findings collectively indicate that the metabolic benefits of SPI under the HFD regime may arise from a microbiota-driven increase in BA transformation and increase in GLP-1 secretion.

A novel technology to reduce soot is developed utilizing a high-frequency standing wave of 20 kHz applied to a methane-air lifted jet flame base. The amount of soot was measured using the transmitted light attenuation method. A mixing profile of the fuel jet was visualized using acetone planar-laser-induced fluorescence in order to measure the mixing status when the ultrasonic wave was applied. The blow-off and reattached limit were increased by the standing wave. Soot was also clearly decreased under some conditions. This was detected both through a disappearance of the luminous flame and a qualitative measurement using the transmitted light attenuation method. The luminous intensity of the acetone fluorescence at the middle of the fuel jet decreased with height because the fuel jet diffused more efficiently with ultrasonic waves.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the procedure-related major morbidity of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, to investigate the changes in perioperative laboratory values, and to clarify the degree of physical strain of surgery and specific independent predictive factors for major morbidity. In addition, in the case of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), we weighed how occlusion of the internal iliac artery related to physical strain of surgery in terms of laboratory values. We retrospectively evaluated patients who were treated at Jichi Medical University Hospital. Methods: Consecutive patients with an AAA (excluding ruptured AAA) between April 2007 and August 2010 were studied. The effects of various patient- and operation-related variables on outcomes (major morbidity, duration of stay in hospital, renal insufficiency, and endoleakage) were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 0.4%. Statistically significant differences, mostly in favor of EVAR, were observed in the intraoperative and postoperative data. The presence of an internal iliac artery occlusion did not affect the perioperative laboratory data. Of various patient- and operation-related variables for each outcome, the relative factors were duration of operation, blood loss, white blood cells, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, and potassium. In multivariate logistic analysis, blood loss, C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase, and potassium were significantly related to each outcome. Conclusions: Both elective open repair and EVAR can be safely performed in patients with an infrarenal AAA. EVAR has perioperative advantages of reduced blood loss and blood transfusions as well as a decreased duration of stay in hospital. In particular, we identified specific independent relative factors of laboratory values for major morbidity, duration of stay in hospital, renal insufficiency, and endoleakage. and #8195; [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2013; 2(2.000): 71-79]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the procedure-related morbidity and mortality of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, to investigate the changes in perioperative laboratory values, and to clarify the specific independent predictive factors for mortality and morbidity. We retrospectively evaluated patients who were treated in Jichi Medical University Hospital. Methods: Consecutive patients with AAA between April 2007 and August 2010 were studied. The possible predictive values of various patient- and operation-related variables on outcomes (mortality, duration of stay in hospital (>7 days), and major morbidity) were assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.3%. Statistically significant differences, all in favor of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), were observed in the intraoperative and post-operative data. In multivariate logistic analysis, potassium, serum creatinine and C-reactive protein levels were significantly related to outcomes. Conclusions: Open repair and EVAR can both be safely performed in patients treated for elective and emergency infrarenal AAA. EVAR has perioperative advantages of reduced blood loss and blood transfusion, as well as decreased mortality and duration of post-operative hospital stay. In particular, we identified specific independent predictive factors of serum chemistry values for mortality and renal insufficiency. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2013; 2(1.000): 8-15]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the morbidity and mortality of infrarenal ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair, and to investigate the changes in perioperative laboratory values, as well as clarify the specific independent predictive factors for mortality and morbidity. We retrospectively evaluated patients who were treated in Jichi Medical University Hospital. Methods: A consecutive fifty-six patients with rAAA between April 2007 and August 2010 were studied. The possible predictive values of various patient-related variables on outcomes (mortality, major morbidity and renal insufficiency) were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The overall in-hospital mortality was 16.1%. In univariate logistic analyses, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, as well as pre-operative and post-operative serum creatinine levels were significantly related to mortality. Blood transfusion volume, white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels were significantly related to major morbidity. Intraoperative blood loss, white blood cells, C-reactive protein levels, lactate dehydrogenase and pre-operative serum creatinine levels were significantly related to renal insufficiency. Conclusions: Emergency open repair can be safely performed in patients for infrarenal rAAA. In particular, we identified specific independent predictive factors of clinical examination and laboratory studies for mortality, major morbidity and renal insufficiency. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2012; 1(2.000): 94-101]

Several studies are conducted to explain the tunneling taking place in the carbon nanofiber (CNF)-metal system and gold electrodes. The significance of current stressing in the reduction of the total resistance of the system is also demonstrated.

Background: Hypofractionated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is a treatment option for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are medically unable to tolerate surgery and who are not amenable to treatment with stereotactic body radiotherapy. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of 3D-CRT as a monotherapy in patients with localized stage T2 or T3 NSCLC.Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 29 patients (20 males) aged 56-89 years (median, 76 years) with histologically confirmed NSCLC who underwent 3D-CRT between 2005 and 2014.Results: The median duration of patient observation was 17.0 months (range, 1.0-64.0 months). Complete and partial responses occurred in 13.8 and 44.8 % of patients, respectively, and the overall response rate was 58.2 %. Meanwhile, the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 65.8 and 33.8 %, respectively. In T2 NSCLC, the median survival time (MST) was 12 months, and the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 62.4 and 21.4 %, respectively. In T3 NSCLC, the MST was 17 months, and the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 72.9 and 48.6 %, respectively. Severe toxicities (Common Terminology Criteria Grade 3) were not observed. The mean biologically effective dose required to improve local control exceeded 80 Gy (range, 67.2-96.0 Gy).Conclusion: These findings support a role for 3D-CRT as a treatment option for patients who refuse or could not tolerate surgical therapy with early-stage NSCLC. Although this was a small, retrospective study, it may form the basis for future, larger controlled studies on 3D-CRT as a monotherapy for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical performance of the Bicarbon valve (Sorin Biomedica Cardio, Saluggia, Italy) implanted at our center in Japan. Methods: Between January 1997 and December 2011, 415 patients in our institution were implanted with the Bicarbon valve. Nine of these recipients were excluded from the study because they had already undergone valve implantation and received a Bicarbon valve in a different position. The remaining patients were analyzed for evaluation of the postoperative clinical outcomes. Of the 406 patients (mean age 60.2 ± 11.7 years), 179 underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR), 149 mitral valve replacement (MVR), and 78 both aortic and mitral valve replacement (DVR). Results: There were 10 early deaths (2.5 %: 4 in the AVR group and 6 in the MVR group). Three hundred eighty-nine patients were followed up (95.8 % completeness of follow-up) with a mean follow-up of 6.6 ± 4.2 years overall (AVR 6.8 ± 4.2, MVR, 6.7 ± 4.4, and DVR 5.7 ± 3.4 years) and a cumulative follow-up of 2661 patient-years (1214, 1001, and 446 patient-years for AVR, MVR, and DVR, respectively). Ninety-nine patients died (3.7 % per patient-year: 22 valve-related and 77 valve-unrelated deaths). Survival at 10 years was 74.1 ± 4.0 % in the AVR group, 73.7 ± 4.2 % in the MVR group, and 61.0 ± 7.9 % in the DVR group. The linearized incidence of thromboembolic complications, bleeding complications, prosthetic valve endocarditis, paravalvular leaks, and sudden death in all patients was 0.5 %, 0.5 %, 0.2 %, 0.2 %, and 0.4 % per patient-year, respectively. The incidence of valve-related complications and reoperation was 1.6 % and 0.4 %, respectively. No other valve-related complications were observed. Conclusions: The Bicarbon prosthetic heart valve has shown excellent clinical results and is associated with a low incidence of valve-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]