Superselective Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Large Unruptured Renal Angiomyolipoma in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate therapeutic performance and complications of superselective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for unruptured renal angiomyolipoma (AML) in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and to investigate the correlation between percentage reduction in tumor volume and intratumoral fat content.

Materials And Methods: Superselective TAE was performed in 14 consecutive patients with 15 large unruptured renal AMLs associated with LAM (mean age, 38 y; range, 21-57 y). Patients had renal AML with aneurysms ≥ 5 mm in diameter, tumor-related abdominal symptoms, or both.

Development of a Dual Plasma Desorption/Ionization System for the Noncontact and Highly Sensitive Analysis of Surface Adhesive Compounds.

We developed a dual plasma desorption/ionization system using two plasmas for the semi-invasive analysis of compounds on heat-sensitive substrates such as skin. The first plasma was used for the desorption of the surface compounds, whereas the second was used for the ionization of the desorbed compounds. Using the two plasmas, each process can be optimized individually.

Development of a High-Density Microplasma Emission Source for a Micro Total Analysis System.

To achieve a highly sensitive and onsite analysis of a small amount samples, a microplasma-based micro total analysis systems (μ-TAS) device was developed. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) that can generate a stable plasma at atmospheric pressure was generated in a microchip and used as the plasma source. The use of DBD suppresses the temperature rise of the electrodes and enables operation for long times because of a reduction of the electrode damage due to suppression of the current via dielectric interposing between the electrodes.

Development of Desolvation System for Single-cell Analysis Using Droplet Injection Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy.

With a view to enhance the sensitivity of analytical instruments used in the measurement of trace elements contained in a single cell, we have now equipped the previously reported micro-droplet injection system (M-DIS) with a desolvation system. This modified M-DIS was coupled to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and evaluated for its ability to measure trace elements. A flow rate of 100 mL/min for the additional gas and a measurement point -7.

Development of a gas-cylinder-free plasma desorption/ionization system for on-site detection of chemical warfare agents.

A gas-cylinder-free plasma desorption/ionization system was developed to realize a mobile on-site analytical device for detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). In this system, the plasma source was directly connected to the inlet of a mass spectrometer. The plasma can be generated with ambient air, which is drawn into the discharge region by negative pressure in the mass spectrometer.

A retrospective statistical analysis of the late complications associated with central venous port placements.

Purpose: Central venous (CV) ports are being used increasingly in both hospital and home care settings. Here, we investigated the rates and causes of CV port complications.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the placement of 264 consecutive CV ports in 239 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital between September 2009 and February 2012.