Measurement of intrahepatic shunt using Rutland method

Intrahepatic shunt ratio was calculated from the fraction of the uptake constant and the blood background, analyzing the data of 99mTc-(Sn)-N-pyridoxyl-5-methyltryptophan (99mTc-PMT) hepatobiliary imaging by Rutland method. Shunt flow and total hepatic blood flow (THBF) were also calculated from the values for the effective hepatic blood flow (EHBF) estimated from the blood clearance technique. In 15 cases of normal volunteer, the average of the shunt ratio, shunt flow, and THBF were 18.4 +/- 5.4 (S.D.)%, 137.8 +/- 49 ml/min, and 753 +/- 83.2 ml/min, respectively. In 8 cases of chronic hepatitis, the values were 35.2 +/- 2.6%, 276 +/- 55.4 ml/min, and 794.1 +/- 119.4 ml/min, respectively. In 12 cases of liver cirrhosis, the values were 51.4 +/- 12.6%, 353.9 +/- 141.3 ml/min, and 685.6 +/- 174.8 ml/min, respectively. In cases of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, in comparison with normal cases, the values for the shunt ratio and shunt flow were significantly increased (p less than 0.001) and those for EHBF were significantly decreased (p less than 0.001), but those for THBF were not significantly altered. There was a significant inverse correlation between the shunt ratio and EHBF (r = -0.842) in all 35 cases. This method is considered to be useful for differential diagnosis, estimation of the grade of the diseases, and evaluation of pathophysiology of various diffuse liver diseases.     

Immunohistologic analysis of the phenomenon of spontaneous regression of numerous flat warts

Among various tumors induced by human papilloma virus (HPV), flat warts are unique in that they show a systemic regression phenomenon after sudden occurrence of inflammation in all the tumors, leaving permanent immunity to flat warts in the host. When studied immunohistochemically, the presence of HPV antigen using papilloma virus genus-specific antiserum in 31 cases of regressing flat warts was not found; whereas it was demonstrated in the nuclei of upper epidermal cells of ordinary flat warts in 12 of 19 cases (63%). T-cell phenotype assessment in nine regressing flat warts using monoclonal antibodies showed that helper/inducer subsets constituted a major peritumoral dermal infiltrate with a moderate number of intermingling OKT6+ cells. In contrast, the tumoral epidermis was invaded by almost equal number of suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells and helper/inducer T-cells, where at least some keratinocytes also expressed HLA-DR antigen in addition to Langerhans cells. Most T-cells expressed HLA-DR antigen, a marker of activation, but only a small number of them were Tac antigen+, i.e., bearing interleukin 2 receptors. Leu 7+ natural killer cells were seldom found in the infiltrate. These data provide evidence that T-cell-mediated immune attack against tumor cells and not against intranuclear HPV antigen, induces the systemic spontaneous regression of numerous flat warts in humans.     

Antigenicity of cryopreserved arterial allografts: comparison with fresh and glutaraldehyde treated grafts

The use of cryopreserved aortic allografts in cardiovascular surgery is widespread and has resulted in excellent outcomes. However, it is controversial whether cryopreservation suppresses the antigenicity of tissue. We designed experimental models to study whether the cryopreservation process alters antigenicity in comparison with that found in fresh and glutaraldehyde treated tissues. Fresh, cryopreserved, and glutaraldehyde treated thoracic aorta from Brown Norway rats were subcutaneously implanted into Lewis rats. Inflammatory cells infiltrating around the grafts were measured on days 7, 14, 28, and 56 after implantation. The glutaraldehyde treated grafts showed significantly less infiltration than the fresh or cryopreserved grafts (p < 0.005). No significant difference was detected between the fresh and cryopreserved grafts. Another study examined the effect of modifications of the aortic allograft on subsequent allogeneic skin graft antigenicity. Subcutaneous implantation of fresh, cryopreserved, and glutaraldehyde treated aortic grafts from Brown Norway into Lewis rats resulted in subsequent skin graft rejection at 4.4+/-0.7, 5.1+/-0.8, and 6.6+/-2.1 days, respectively. There was no significant difference between the fresh and cryopreserved groups; whereas skin grafts in the glutaraldehyde group survived longer than those in the cryopreserved group. These results indicate that cryopreservation had no significant influence on antigenic suppression of arterial allografts.     

Elemental distributions and microtensile bond strength of the adhesive interface to normal and caries-affected dentin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) and the elemental contents of the adhesive interface created to normal versus caries-affected dentin. Extracted human molars with coronal carious lesions were used in this study. A self-etching primer/adhesive system (Clearfil Protect Bond) was applied to flat dentin surfaces with normal and caries-affected dentin according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 24 h water storage, the bonded specimens were cross-sectioned and subjected to a microTBS test and electron probe microanalysis for the elemental distributions [calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and nitrogen (N)] of the resin-dentin interface after gold sputter-coating. The microTBS to caries-affected dentin was lower than that of normal dentin. The demineralized zone of the caries-affected dentin-resin interface was thicker than that of normal dentin (approximately 3 microm thick in normal dentin; 8 microm thick in caries-affected dentin), and Ca and P in both types of dentin gradually increased from the interface to the underlying dentin. The caries-affected dentin had lost most of its Mg content. The distributions of the minerals, Ca, P, and Mg, at the adhesive interface to caries-affected dentin were different from normal dentin. Moreover, a N peak, which was considered to be the collagen-rich zone resulting from incomplete resin infiltration of exposed collagen, was observed to be thicker within the demineralized zone of caries-affected dentin compared with normal dentin.     

Hydroxyapatite Affects the Physicochemical Properties of Contemporary One-Step Self-Etch Adhesives

The study aimed to evaluate the influence of the manipulation surfaces on the physical properties of one-step self-etch adhesives (1-SEAs). Scotchbond Universal (SBU), Clearfil Universal Bond Quick ER (UBQ), and an experimental adhesive (UBQ_exp) were manipulated on different surfaces: manufacturer’s Teflon-based dispensing dish (TD) or hydroxyapatite plate (HA). After manipulation of the adhesives, the pH of each 1-SEA was measured. Samples of each adhesive/manipulation surface were prepared and subjected to water sorption (WS)/solubility (SL) and flexural strength tests. The modulus of elasticity (E) was measured in dry and wet conditions before and after 24 h water storage, and the percentage of variation of E (ΔE) was calculated. Results were analyzed using the t-test with Bonferroni corrections (α = 0.05). When adhesives were manipulated on the HA plate, there was a significant increase in the adhesives’ pH. WS and SL of all 1-SEAs decreased when the HA was used. Only SBU showed higher flexural strength when manipulated on the HA compared to the manipulation on TD under dry and wet conditions. For each 1-SEA, the use of HA resulted in significantly higher E in dry and wet conditions. ΔE of all adhesives was smaller with the manipulation on HA than on TD. It was concluded that the manipulation of 1-SEA on a hydroxyapatite plate considerably affected the adhesives’ properties.     

Abdominal aortic calcification is associated with Fibrosis‐4 index and low body mass index in type 2 diabetes patients: A retrospective cross‐sectional study

Aims/IntroductionThis study aimed to clarify the nature of the relationship between the abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) grade and the presence of cardiovascular diseases, and determine factors related to AAC grade in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study enrolled 264 inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The AAC score and length were measured using the lateral abdominal radiographs. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between AAC scores/lengths and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebral infarction (CI) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The correlation between AAC scores/lengths and other clinical factors were evaluated using linear regression models.ResultsThe AAC score was significantly correlated with prevalent CAD and CI independent of age and smoking, but not with the prevalence of PAD. AAC length was not significantly correlated with the presence of CAD, CI or PAD; however, the sample size was insufficient to conclude, probably due to low prevalence. Both the AAC score and length were correlated inversely with body mass index (BMI) and, with the Fibrosis‐4 (Fib‐4) index >2.67; these correlations were significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and BMI, although AAC was not associated with ultrasonography‐diagnosed fatty liver. There was a significant interaction between BMI and Fib‐4 index; lower BMI and Fib‐4 index >2.67 showed a synergistic association with high AAC grade.ConclusionsAAC score is associated with CAD and CI morbidity in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low BMI and Fib‐4 index >2.67 can be valuable indicators of AAC in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis Syndrome with Bilateral Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is a rare manifestation in synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of osteoarticular lesions and dermatological involvement. We herein report a 71-year-old man with pleural effusion resulting from SAPHO syndrome. He was successfully treated using corticosteroids and has experienced no recurrence for one year. We should consider SAPHO syndrome when encountering cases of anterior chest pain and pleural fluid.     

Metal-free visible-light-induced hydroxy-perfluoroalkylation of conjugated olefins using enamine catalyst

We developed a simple and sustainable method for the hydroxy-perfluoroalkylation of electron-deficient conjugated olefins and styrenes. In this protcol, in situ generated enamine forms electron-donor–accepter (EDA) complexes with perfluoroalkyl iodide, and reaction proceed with visible-light irradiation. Tertiary amine also interacts with perfluoroalkyl iodide via halogen-bonding, promoting the perfluoroalkyl radical generation. This reaction does not require any transition-metal or photoredox catalyst, and gaseous oxygen is used as the green hydroxy source. Moreover, various commercially available substrates and perfluoroalkyl iodides were tolerated, affording the desired hydroxy-perfluoroalkylated products in good to moderate yields (>50 examples, up to 90%).

A sustainable, visible-light-induced hydroxy-perfluoroalkylation of electron-deficient olefins and styrenes catalyzed by ena mine were successfully developed.     

Mealtime Regularity Is Associated with Dietary Balance among Preschool Children in Japan—A Study of Lifestyle Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has considerably impacted children’s lives. The aim of this study was to determine whether the pandemic affected mealtime regularity among preschool children and whether maintaining regular mealtimes or changes in mealtime regularity during the pandemic were related to dietary balance, including chronological relationships. This online cross-sectional survey involving individuals registered with a company that provides meals to children aged 2−6 years was conducted in February 2021. Using a 40-point scale, a healthy diet score (HDS) was developed to evaluate children’s dietary balance. The participants were divided into four groups based on their responses, and multiple regression analyses were performed with the HDS as the dependent variable. Maintaining regular mealtimes was associated with practices such as waking and going to bed earlier, less snacking, and eating breakfast every day. Even after adjusting for basic attributes, lifestyle habits, household circumstances, and other factors, regular mealtimes were still positively correlated with the HDS. These findings indicate that maintaining regular mealtimes is associated with higher HDS scores and better lifestyle habits. Furthermore, as the changed HDS was higher in the group whose mealtimes became regular during the pandemic, adopting regular mealtimes may lead to a more balanced diet.