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Introduction Dosage adjustment is very important to perform continuous infusion ( CI) of recombinant factor IX (rFIX) concentrates more effectively and economically, and clearance ( CL) is strongly related to the infusion rate. However, previous reports have shown that the CL of rFIX concentrates varies widely (4.2-11.4 mL kg−1 h−1). Aim The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of the CL of the rFIX concentrate (BeneFIX®) to precisely set the infusion rate of rFIX concentrates. Methods We estimated CLs by five different calculation approaches: from area under the blood concentration-time curve ( AUC), from in vivo recovery ( IVR) and half-life, from actual FIX activity value during CI, and from the simulation by one-compartment model in seven patients with haemophilia B. Results The mean CL calculated from AUC was 3.8 ± 0.4 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 3.3-4.3 mL kg−1 h−1). Conclusion The mean CL calculated from IVR and distribution half-life was 4.4 ± 0.4 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 4.0-5.1 mL kg−1 h−1). The mean CL calculated from IVR and terminal half-life was 2.1 ± 0.5 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 1.7-2.8 mL kg−1 h−1). The mean CL during CI was 4.9 ± 0.6 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 4.2-5.6 mL kg−1 h−1). In addition, when we simulated the theoretical CL using a one-compartment model, the adjusted mean CL during CI was 4.8 ± 0.5 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 4.0-5.4 mL kg−1 h−1). The CL obtained from distribution half-life was comparable to the CL during CI, while the CL calculated from terminal half-life did not reflect actual CL. Further, the rFIX concentrate was characterized by a one-compartment model under certain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a technical concept and design of circular polarization detection patch array antenna using a double-balanced RF multiplier is proposed. The microwave integration technology is e?ectively employed to realize the proposed array antenna. The double-balanced RF multiplier is integrated with an orthogonal planar array antenna. The array antenna which consists of 12 patch elements and the RF multiplier is realized by embedding four zero bias Schottky barrier diodes on a slot-ring. The Both-sided MIC technology is successfully employed to realize the array antenna. The array antenna is realized in a very simple and compact structure as all the antenna elements, feeding circuit and the RF multiplier are integrated on both sides of a dielectric substrate. The ability of the proposed array antenna to detect the orthogonal circular polarization (LHCP and RHCP) is successfully confirmed by the experimental investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute hepatic failure (SAHF), which progresses to fulminant form in some cases, is a life-threatening disease. Purpose: To assess the technical feasibility and the efficacy of transcatheter arterial steroid injection therapy (TASIT) for SAHF. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with SAHF, 10 of whom had variant anatomy of the hepatic artery, underwent radiologic placement of an indwelling catheter in the hepatic artery, and TASIT was subsequently performed for three days. The tips of the catheters were inserted as follows: common hepatic artery (n = 18), proper hepatic artery (n = 4), and replaced right hepatic artery (n = 5). The clinical success rate of TASIT and the prognosis after TASIT were evaluated. Results: In one patient, intimal injury of the left hepatic artery was encountered; however, TASIT could be resumed and completed via intrahepatic arterial collaterals. In two patients, the catheter tip placement was corrected on the following day because of dislocation. Finally, TASIT could be carried out in all patients. Twenty-two patients (81.5%) responded to TASIT but five patients (18.5%) did not. Among the five non-responders, two patients were transferred to liver transplantation and survived, and three patients died. There was no significant difference in the response rates to TASIT among locations of catheter tip (P > 0.05) and extent of drug distribution in the liver (P > 0.05). Conclusion: TASIT is a feasible and efficient treatment option for SAHF regardless of the anatomic variation of the hepatic artery. Careful manipulation during the procedure to prevent injury of the hepatic artery may be the most essential factor not only for successful TASIT but also for liver transplantation, which may be performed on TASIT non-responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to elucidate computed tomography hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and CT arterial portography (CTAP) findings characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with large hepatic venous invasion (HVI) and then to examine whether the presence of minute HVI can be diagnosed based on each finding.Materials and Methods: Combined CTHA and CTAP of 106 HCCs were examined. Two radiologists analyzed the radiological findings of five nodules with large HVI (group vv2). The remaining 101 nodules were classified into two groups: group vv1, positive minute HVI; group vv0, negative HVI. They examined whether each finding observed in group vv2 could be detected in groups vv1 and vv0.Results: Analysis of group vv2 identified (a) tumor thrombus, (b) early inflow of the contrast into the hepatic vein proximal to the invaded site, and (c) partially decreased portal venous flow in the peripheral parenchyma subject to the involved hepatic vein. Findings (b) and (c) were observed in 16% of group vv1. A significant difference in frequency of finding (c) was obtained between groups vv1 and vv0. The positive and negative predictive values of finding (c) were 66.7% and 77.9%, respectively.Conclusion: Findings (b) and (c), especially the latter, may partly contribute to the radiological diagnosis of minute HVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 65-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as having microscopic polyangiitis developed sudden abdominal pain and entered a state of shock. Abdominal CT showed massive hemoperitoneum, and emergent angiography revealed a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. After direct catheterization attempts failed due to tortuous vessels and angiospasm, transcatheter arterial embolization using an n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-lipiodol mixture was successfully performed. Fifty days later, the patient developed sudden abdominal pain again. Repeated angiography demonstrated recanalization of the splenic artery and splenic artery aneurysm. This time, the recanalized aneurysm was embolized using metallic coils with the isolation method. Physicians should keep in mind that recanalization can occur after transcatheter arterial embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate, which has been used as a permanent embolic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of small pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae precisely diagnosed by a combination of selective pulmonary arteriography and scintigraphy during (99)Tc(m)-macroaggregated albumin injection via the peripheral pulmonary artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To deepen understanding of hemodynamics in the femoral head, i.e., the essential factor in clarifying pathogenesis of hip disorders, this study examined blood flow and blood volume in the femoral heads of healthy adults, and their changes with age, by using positron emission tomography (PET).Methods: In 16 healthy adult males (age: 20-78 years old, mean age: 42 years), blood flow was measured by means of the H2(15)O dynamic study method, and blood volume was measured by means of the (15)O-labeled carbon monoxide bolus inhalation method.Results: Blood flow was 1.68-6.47 ml/min/100 g (mean +/- SD: 3.52 +/- 1.2), and blood volume was 1.67-6.03 ml/100 g (mean +/- SD: 3.00 +/- 1.27). Blood flow significantly decreased (p < 0.01) with age, and blood volume significantly increased (p < 0.05).Conclusion: PET was useful in the measurement of blood flow and blood volume in the femoral heads. With age, physiological hemodynamic changes also increased in femoral heads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a method for detecting viable cells of Ralstonia solanacearum. Use of a semiselective medium (PCCG) and a polymerase chain reaction technique; Extraction of DNA from strains of soil bacteria; Effectiveness of PCCG to amplify viable cells of R. solanacearum.

We examined reverse redistribution (RR) of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin after a single injection in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Tc-99m-tetrofosmin myocardial SPECT was performed in 28 patients with AMI 10-14 days after the onset. Myocardial images were obtained 30 min and 180 min after the injection of 740 MBq of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin. The left ventricular wall was divided into 9 segments. Regional myocardial uptakes of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin were scored by 4-point scoring (0 = normal, 1 = mildly reduced, 2 = moderately reduced, and 3 = defect). RR was defined as an increase of more than 1 in the regional score in images at 180 min. RR of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin was observed in 17 of 20 patients with direct PTCA and 3 of 8 patients without reperfused therapy. RR was observed in 61 of all 252 segments. Coronary angiography performed 1 month later revealed that the infarct-related artery was patent in 19 of 20 patients (95%) with RR and in 3 of 8 patients (37.5%) with persistent defects (PD) (p < 0.05). In segment-by-segment analysis, the incidence of regional wall motion abnormality I month later was reduced in regions with RR compared to those with PD (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, RR of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin was frequently observed in patients with successful direct PTCA. As the segments with RR showed signs of preserved function 1 month later, this phenomenon may reflect a salvaged myocardium in AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of diltiazem on myocardial ischemia in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was evaluated by exercise myocardial 201Tl single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Exercise myocardial SPECT was performed before and 8 weeks after oral administration of diltiazem (180 mg/day) in 20 patients with HCM who showed transient perfusion defects on exercise myocardial 201Tl SPECT under control conditions. SPECT images were divided into 17 segments. The 201Tl perfusion defects were visually scored and evaluated as the defect score. The transient dilation index was calculated as an index of subendocardial ischemia. Improvement of the defect score was demonstrated in 15 patients after the administration of diltiazem. The mean defect score decreased significantly from 9.90 +/- 5.17 to 5.50 +/- 4.89 (p < 0.0001). Although 16 of 20 patients showed an abnormal transient dilation index before diltiazem treatment, 16 showed improvement and 13 of these normalized after diltiazem therapy. The mean transient dilation index decreased from 1.16 +/- 0.10 to 1.02 +/- 0.09 (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, diltiazem prevents or diminishes myocardial ischemia in patients with HCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]