Improvement of image quality for small lesion sizes in F-FDG prone breast silicon photomultiplier-based PET/CT imaging.

Objectives: We investigated image quality and standardized uptake values (SUVs) for different lesion sizes using clinical data generated by F-FDG-prone breast silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Methods: We evaluated the effect of point-spread function (PSF) modeling and Gaussian filtering (Gau) and determined the optimal reconstruction conditions. We compared the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast, %coefficient of variation (%CV), SUV, and Likert scale score between ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) time-of-flight (TOF) and OSEM+TOF+PSF in phantom and clinical studies.

Evaluation of the effects of fenestration in Fontan circulation using a lumped parameter model.

Fenestration has been reported to enhance Fontan hemodynamics in several cases of Fontan circulation. However, the indication criteria for fenestration remain under discussion. To assess the effectiveness of fenestration in Fontan circulation, we conducted a theoretical analysis using a computational model of the fenestrated Fontan circulation.

Evaluation of MAGE-A4 expression in breast cancer and its impact on prognosis.

Melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE)-A4, a cancer testis antigen, presents a promising target for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in refractory solid tumors, including breast cancer (BC). However, the lack of highly specific Abs against MAGE-A4 is a major challenge for the development of MAGE-A4-targeted immunotherapies. This study aimed to validate the specificity of a novel MAGE-A4 Ab (E701U) and examine MAGE-A4 expression in clinical BC samples.

U-Shaped Osseous Release for Le Fort 1 Osteotomy: Potential Application to Superior Repositioning.

This study was performed to investigate the utility of U-shaped osseous release (USOR) for Le Fort 1 osteotomy as a novel surgical technique for superior repositioning. Thirty-six patients with jaw deformities were divided into 2 groups based on whether or not USOR was adopted (18 in the non-adoption group and 18 in the adoption group). Maxillary surgical time, blood loss, and discrepancy from the planned amount of movement (anterior-posterior and superior-inferior directions) were compared between the 2 groups.