Transforming text to music using artificial intelligence improves the frontal lobe function of normal older adults.

Introduction: Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been substantial. We investigated the effectiveness of an online meeting in which normal older adults (otokai) used a music-generative AI that transforms text to music (Music Trinity Generative Algorithm-Human Refined [MusicTGA-HR]).

Methods: One hundred eighteen community-dwelling, cognitively normal older adults were recruited through the internet (64 men, 54 women; mean age: 69.

Online physical exercise program with music improves working memory.

Objective: The spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has limited the implementation of face-to-face non-pharmacological treatment for the prevention of dementia. As a result, online non-pharmacological treatment has become increasingly important. In this study, we used an online conferencing system to implement an online version of a physical exercise program with music, and examined its effect on cognitive function.

An Online Version of Physical Exercise with Musical Accompaniment Might Facilitate Participation by Subjects Who Cannot Participate in Person: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Introduction: Due to the ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is currently difficult to conduct in-person exercise classes. We thus started the program of an online physical exercise with musical accompaniment. Several interesting differences were found in the characteristics of the online participants compared with our previous in-person interventions.

The Effects of a 5-Year Physical Exercise Intervention with Music in Community- Dwelling Normal Elderly People: The Mihama-Kiho Follow-Up Project.

Background: We previously reported the enhanced effects of physical exercise when combined with music (ExM) on cognitive function in community-dwelling normal elderly people compared to exercise alone. Following that study, participants voluntarily continued the ExM classes for 5 years.

Objective: To identify the effects of a 5-year ExM intervention on cognitive function in normal elderly people.

An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Onset Age of Musical Lessons and Levels of Sociability in Childhood.

Previous studies have suggested that musical training in childhood is beneficial for sociability. However, it remains unclear how age of onset of group music lessons is associated with the late sociability of children from a long-term perspective. This study investigated associations between group music lessons conducted at a music school and children's levels of sociability by focusing on the age of onset of the lessons.

Cognitive Function and Brain Atrophy Predict Non-pharmacological Efficacy in Dementia: The Mihama-Kiho Scan Project2.

We aimed to determine whether neuropsychological deficits and brain atrophy could predict the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. Forty-six participants with mild-to-moderate dementia were monitored for 6 months; 25 underwent an intervention involving physical exercise with music, and 21 performed cognitive stimulation tasks. Participants were categorized into improvement (IMP) and no-IMP subgroups.

Lung Cancer Surgery in Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Patients.

We report pulmonary resections for lung cancers in 2 patients with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) identified preoperatively. In case 1, right upper lobectomy was performed as the definitive operation for both lung cancer and PAPVC in the same lobe. In case 2, because lung cancer and PAPVC existed in different lobes, cardiac catheterization was performed to evaluate the need for correction of the PAPVC.

Physical Exercise with Music Reduces Gray and White Matter Loss in the Frontal Cortex of Elderly People: The Mihama-Kiho Scan Project.

Findings from previous studies suggest that physical exercise combined with cognitive training produces more positive effects on cognitive function in elderly people than physical exercise alone. However, the brain plasticity associated with these proposed benefits of combined therapy has not yet been investigated in elderly subjects. We hypothesized that the dual task group would experience greater benefits than the physical exercise alone and non-exercise control groups with regard to both cognitive function and brain plasticity.

Physical Exercise with Music Maintains Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Dementia: Mihama-Kiho Project Part 21.

Background: Recent studies suggest that combined non-pharmacological interventions are more beneficial than single interventions for primary and secondary prevention of dementia. We previously reported enhanced effects of physical exercise with music (ExM) on cognitive function in normal elderly people compared to exercise alone.

Objective: To identify if ExM improves cognitive function and activities of daily livings (ADLs) in dementia patients over cognitive stimulation (CS).

Development of a New Magnetometer for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Designed for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: We previously developed a method for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), based on the magnetic force produced by a magnetite tracer already approved for use as a contrast material for magnetic resonance imaging. However, it is difficult to use that technique with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) because the sensing element of the magnetometer is large and thick. The purpose of the present study was to develop a smaller, thinner VATS-compatible magnetometer.

The effects of physical exercise with music on cognitive function of elderly people: Mihama-Kiho project.

Background: Physical exercise has positive effects on cognitive function in elderly people. It is unknown, however, if combinations of non-pharmaceutical interventions can produce more benefits than single ones. This study aimed to identify if physical exercise combined with music improves cognitive function in normal elderly people more than exercise alone.

C-reactive protein inhibits lymphangiogenesis and resultant lymph node metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma in mice.

Background: Lymph node involvement is the most important prognostic factor in many solid cancers. Recently, we found that patients with esophageal and lung cancer carrying the C-reactive protein (CRP) 1846T/T genotype, which is associated with lower serum CRP levels, are more likely to have lymph node metastasis. We hypothesized that host CRP directly inhibits lymph node metastasis.

Diagnostic imaging in the preoperative management of lung cancer.

Surgical resection is the accepted standard of care for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several imaging modalities play central roles in the detection and staging of the disease. The aim of this review is to evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT for NSCLC staging.

Hoarseness caused by arytenoid dislocation after surgery for lung cancer.

The patient was a 64-year-old woman with no history of laryngeal disorders. She underwent video-assisted right lower lobectomy and node dissection for lung cancer. Using a stylet while the patient was under general anesthesia, tracheal intubation with a 35-French gauge left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube was successfully performed on the first attempt.

Bronchioloalveolar invasion in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with expression of transforming growth factor-β1.

Background: Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) with fibrous stromal invasion are newly introduced subtypes of small lung adenocarcinoma. AIS is a small localized adenocarcinoma in which growth is restricted to neoplastic cells along preexisting alveolar structures without fibrous stromal invasion. In MIA, by contrast, tumor cells have infiltrated the myofibroblastic stroma.

REG1A expression status suggests chemosensitivity among advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with esophagectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Background: Regenerating gene 1A (REG1A) plays an important role in tissue regeneration and in cell proliferation in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. We previously reported that the positive expression status of REG1A was predictive of chemoradiosensitivity in patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy before esophagectomy or with definitive chemoradiotherapy. To further confirm the utility of REG1A as a chemosensitivity marker, we carried out an additional retrospective clinical study aimed at determining whether REG1A is a reliable chemosensitivity marker in patients treated with esophagectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Novel technique for relieving anastomotic tension using halo-vest immobilization after tracheal sleeve resection.

We describe a novel technique of using halo-vest-enforced immobilization to relieve anastomotic tension after tracheal sleeve resection. Immediately after the tracheal sleeve resection, four halo titanium pins were inserted in the skulls of the patients to secure the halo-vest. All patients fitted with halo-vests were able to eat and drink and their clinical course was good.

Use of CT to evaluate pleural invasion in non-small cell lung cancer: measurement of the ratio of the interface between tumor and neighboring structures to maximum tumor diameter.

Purpose: To develop a simple noninvasive technique for evaluating pleural invasion by using routine preoperative computed tomography (CT).

Materials And Methods: The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, and written informed consent was obtained for performing the initial and follow-up CT studies. Preoperative CT findings (169 patients with possible pleural invasion) and pathologic diagnoses after surgical resection were evaluated.

Evaluation of the risk of lymph node metastasis using CRP 1846C>T genetic polymorphism in submucosal thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: More than 40 % of patients with submucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, the potential presence of undetectable metastasis before treatment prompts surgeons to be aggressive with respect to lymph node dissection. Extending the indication for endoscopic resection, a minimally invasive treatment, to superficial ESCCs will require more accurate and individualized evaluation of lymph node metastasis.

Suppression of Zinc Finger Homeobox 3 expression in tumor cells decreases the survival rate among non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Zinc Finger Homeobox 3 (ZFHX3) was first identified as a suppressor of alpha-fetoprotein gene and is a good candidate for the 16q22 tumor suppressor. In this study we investigated the relationship between tumoral ZFHX3 mRNA expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We used semi-quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to assess expression of ZFHX3 mRNA in tumor samples from 140 patients with NSCLC.

[A case of complete resection of non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer after induction chemotherapy using carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab].

Since locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC)treated by surgical therapy alone has a poor prognosis, the efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy for improving postoperative survival in patients with NSCLC is controversial. A 69-year-old female was referred to our hospital for Stage IIIA(cT3bulkyN2M0)adenocarcinoma of the right lung. Computed tomography(CT)revealed a small nodule, 21mm in diameter, in the right S6, with isolated pulmonary metastasis in the same lobe and bulky subcarinal lymph node swelling.

Squamous cell carcinoma in an esophageal diverticulum below the aortic arch.

Introduction: Esophageal diverticula frequently arise from pharyngoesophageal transition area, tracheal bifurcation and epiphrenic region. Carcinoma arising from esophageal diverticulum is rarely seen. We report a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma arising within an esophageal diverticulum below the aortic arch.

A CRP genetic polymorphism associated with the tumoral expression of CRP in esophageal cancer.

C-reactive protein (CRP) produced locally within esophageal cancer is associated with the prognosis and the rate of recurrence. CRP genetic polymorphisms reportedly affect serum CRP concentrations; however, there are no reports of an association between genetic polymorphisms and tumoral CRP expression. This study enrolled 73 Japanese patients classified with Stage IIA-IV thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer, and also investigated their CRP genetic polymorphisms using DNA extracted from their peripheral blood.

Outcomes of patients receiving additional esophagectomy after endoscopic resection for clinically mucosal, but pathologically submucosal, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Purpose: This study investigated the actual rate or extent of lymph node metastasis or the survival outcomes among patients that underwent esophagectomy with lymph node dissection after ESD for clinical mucosal, but pathological submucosal, esophageal cancer.

Methods: Seventeen patients that received esophagectomy with two- or three-field lymph node dissection as additional treatment after ESD for clinical mucosal, but pathological submucosal, esophageal cancer between 2006 and 2010 were analyzed. The rate and extent of lymph node metastasis and the patient outcomes were determined.

Detection of pleural lymph flow using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in non-small cell lung cancer surgery: a preliminary study.

Purpose: Lymphatic spread of lung carcinoma to the mediastinum is a key determinant of prognosis. The lymph flow often carries metastases from the pulmonary segment directly into the mediastinal lymph nodes, without passing through the hilar nodes. This phenomenon is termed as "skip metastasis.