Usefulness of four-dimensional noise reduction filtering using a similarity algorithm in low-dose dynamic computed tomography for the evaluation of breast cancer: a preliminary study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of four-dimensional noise reduction filtering using a similarity algorithm (4D-SF) on the image quality and tumor visibility of low-dose dynamic computed tomography (CT) in evaluating breast cancer.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-four patients with 38 lesions who underwent low-dose dynamic breast CT and were pathologically diagnosed with breast cancer were enrolled. Dynamic CT images were reconstructed using iterative reconstruction alone or in combination with 4D-SF.

Urodele amphibian newt bridges the missing link in evo-devo of the pancreas.

Background: The pancreas exhibits diverse structures and roles across vertebrates. The pancreas has evolved to include both endocrine and exocrine cells, a change that occurred during the transition from fish to amphibian. This event emphasizes the evolutionary significance of amphibians.

Novel function of Hox13 in regulating outgrowth of the newt hindlimb bud through interaction with Fgf10 and Tbx4.

5'Hox genes regulate pattern formation along the axes of the limb. Previously, we showed that Hoxa13/Hoxd13 double-mutant newts lacked all digits of the forelimbs during development and regeneration, showing that newt Hox13 is necessary for digit formation in development and regeneration. In addition, we found another unique phenotype.

Secondary Revision after Breast Reconstruction with Free Abdominal Perforator Flap: Flap Liposuction and Inframammary Fold Reconstruction.

Background: In breast reconstruction using the abdominal perforator flap, if the flap capacity is too large, secondary revision procedures can be performed to reduce flap volume and reconstruct the inframammary fold (IMF). We examined the various revision methods and cosmetic results.

Methods: This study included 28 patients who underwent secondary revision among 216 patients who had breast reconstruction using the abdominal perforator flap between April 2012 and March 2019.

Infrared laser-induced gene expression in single cells characterized by quantitative imaging in Physcomitrium patens.

A spatiotemporal understanding of gene function requires the precise control of gene expression in each cell. Here, we use an infrared laser-evoked gene operator (IR-LEGO) system to induce gene expression at the single-cell level in the moss Physcomitrium patens by heating a living cell with an IR laser and thereby activating the heat shock response. We identify the laser irradiation conditions that provide higher inducibility with lower invasiveness by changing the laser power and irradiation duration.

Reconstructive surgery of difficult urethrocutaneous fistula following gender-affirming surgery.

Introduction: In Japan, transgender individuals have historically had limited therapeutic options, prompting many to seek gender-affirming surgeries in private or foreign clinics because of restricted access to public hospitals. This has led to challenges for patients undergoing surgery.

Case Presentation: A transgender man underwent surgery at a private clinic and experienced recurrent complications.

PGC1α in Skeletal Muscle Mediates Anti-Obesity Effects of Soy Isoflavones.

Obesity, a factor increasing the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, can be reduced by the intake of soy isoflavones. In this study, we investigated whether skeletal muscle PGC1α, a transcriptional activator known to promote a variety of exercise-related metabolic processes, is involved in the anti-obesity effects of soy isoflavones using skeletal muscle-specific PGC1α knockout mice. The results showed that the intake of soy isoflavones reduced white adipose tissue weight and increased expression of energy metabolism-related genes such as mitochondrial function, lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle.

Spatiotemporal control of transgene expression using an infrared laser in the crustacean Daphnia magna.

The crustacean Daphnia magna is an emerging model for ecological and toxicological genomics. However, the lack of methods for spatial and temporal control of gene expression has impaired the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying responses to environments in vivo. Here we report local activation of the hsp70 promoter-driven gene cassette in D.

Seasonal variation in home blood pressure during pregnancy and frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a multicenter prospective study of home blood pressure measurements in pregnant women using information technology.

This multicenter prospective study investigated seasonal variation in home blood pressure (HBP) during pregnancy and its association with the frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and developed trimester-specific upper limits of HBP according to season. Low-risk women with singleton pregnancies were recruited at six university hospitals and three maternity clinics. HBP was measured by a sphygmomanometer twice daily and recorded online using a mobile application.

Head and neck free flap reconstruction under the COVID-19 pandemic.

High perioperative mortality and complication rates during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been reported. In head and neck reconstruction, not only is patient safety important, but the prevention of infection introduced by the surgical team is also important because the procedure is performed in close proximity to the upper respiratory tract. In addition, recent studies have reported an increased risk for thrombus formation after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 vaccination, which is problematic for microsurgical reconstruction procedures.

β-Caryophyllene, a dietary phytocannabinoid, alleviates high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis in mice via AMPK activation.

β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a dietary phytocannabinoid, significantly suppresses palmitate-induced lipid accumulation in human HepG2 hepatocytes via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. The objective of the preset research was to assess whether oral administration of BCP alleviates obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in mice through AMPK activation. We examined the protective action of supplementation of 0.

Risk Factors Associated With Perioperative Skeletal Muscle Loss in Patients With Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aim: Postoperative changes in body composition, especially loss of muscle mass, often occur in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Few studies have reported perioperative changes in the body composition of patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed at clarifying changes in body composition during the perioperative period and identifying risk factors for skeletal muscle mass loss in patients with colorectal cancer.

High-efficiency green light emission from InGaN/GaN using localized surface plasmon resonance tuned by combination of Ag nanoparticles and dielectric thin film.

We achieved significant enhancements in green light emission (550 nm) from InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) by tuning the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of self-assembled Ag nanoparticles (NPs) through the application of a SiO thin film. The LSPR wavelength of Ag NPs was shifted towards shorter wavelengths by 80 nm using a 5 nm SiO layer to separate Ag NPs from GaN surface, thereby aligning it effectively with the green region. This strategic placement of Ag NPs and a 5 nm SiO film resulted in significant enhancements of photoluminescence (PL) by 15- and 8.

Temporal Shape Changes of Pedicle Screw-rod Constructs After Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective multicenter study.

Objective: To examine the shape change of screw-rod constructs over time after short-segment lumbar interbody fusion and to clarify its relationship to clinical characteristics.

Summary Of Background Data: No study has focused on the shape change of screw-rod constructs after short-segment fusion and its clinical implications.

Percutaneous Drainage for Giant Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema in a Tiny Infant with a Birth Weight of 327 g.

Giant pulmonary cyst in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants has been described as one of severe pulmonary diseases. Any definitive therapy for refractory cases, where conservative methods of treatments are not effective, has not been established as a standard. Herein, we report an ELBW infant with a giant pulmonary cyst cured by percutaneous drainage without any adverse events.

Exclusive expression of KANK4 promotes myofibroblast mobility in keloid tissues.

Keloids are characterized by abnormal wound healing with excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Myofibroblasts are the primary contributor to extracellular matrix secretion, playing an essential role in the wound healing process. However, the differences between myofibroblasts involved in keloid formation and normal wound healing remain unclear.

"Rich arginine and strong positive charge" antimicrobial protein protamine: From its action on cell membranes to inhibition of bacterial vital functions.

Protamine, an antimicrobial protein derived from salmon sperm with a molecular weight of approximately 5 kDa, is composed of 60-70 % arginine and is a highly charged protein. Here, we investigated the mechanism of antimicrobial action of protamine against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) focusing on its rich arginine content and strong positive charge.

Evaluation of bacterial contamination and medium-term oncological outcomes of intracorporeal anastomosis for colon cancer: A propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Although intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) for colon cancer requires longer operative time than extracorporeal anastomosis (EA), its short-term postoperative results, such as early recovery of bowel movement, have been reported to be equal or better. As IA requires opening the intestinal tract in the abdominal cavity under pneumoperitoneum, there are concerns about intraperitoneal bacterial infection and recurrence of peritoneal dissemination due to the spread of bacteria and tumor cells. However, intraperitoneal bacterial contamination and medium-term oncological outcomes have not been clarified.