Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Regulates Epidermal Keratinization under Psoriatic Skin Inflammation

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3D structure of discrete arcs obtained by auroral computed tomography analysis

The Tenth Symposium on Polar Science/Ordinary sessions: [OS] Space and upper atmospheric sciences, Wed. 4 Dec. /Entrance Hall (1st floor) at National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR

Schwann-Spheres Derived from Injured Peripheral Nerves in Adult Mice - Their In Vitro Characterization and Therapeutic Potential

Multipotent somatic stem cells have been identified in various adult tissues. However, the stem/progenitor cells of the peripheral nerves have been isolated only from fetal tissues. Here, we isolated Schwann-cell precursors/immature Schwann cells from the injured peripheral nerves of adult mice using a floating culture technique that we call “Schwann-spheres." The Schwann-spheres were derived from de-differentiated mature Schwann cells harvested 24 hours to 6 weeks after peripheral nerve injury. They had extensive self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. They strongly expressed the immature-Schwann-cell marker p75, and differentiated only into the Schwann-cell lineage. The spheres showed enhanced myelin formation and neurite growth compared to mature Schwann cells in vitro. Mature Schwann cells have been considered a promising candidate for cell-transplantation therapies to repair the damaged nervous system, whereas these “Schwann-spheres" would provide a more potential autologous cell source for such transplantation

Source Localization and Classification of Pulmonary Valve-Originated Electrocardiograms Using Volume Conductor Modeling with Anatomical Models

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common arrhythmia characterized by ectopic excitations within the ventricles. Accurately estimating the ablation site using an electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for the initial classification of PVC origins, typically focusing on the right and left ventricular outflow tracts. However, finer classification, specifically identifying the left cusp (LC), anterior cusp (AC), and right cusp (RC), is essential for detailed preoperative planning. This study aims to improve the accuracy of cardiac waveform source estimation and classification in 27 patients with PVCs originating from the pulmonary valve. We utilized an anatomical human model and electromagnetic simulations to estimate wave source positions from 12-lead ECG data. Time-series source points were identified for each measured ECG waveform, focusing on the moment when the distance between the estimated wave source and the pulmonary valve was minimal. Computational analysis revealed that the distance between the estimated wave source and the pulmonary valve was reduced to less than 1 cm, with LC localization achieving errors under 5 mm. Additionally, 74.1% of the subjects were accurately classified into the correct origin (LC, AC, or RC), with each origin demonstrating the highest percentage of subjects corresponding to the targeted excitation origin. Our findings underscore the novel potential of this source localization method as a valuable complement to traditional waveform classification, offering enhanced diagnostic precision and improved preoperative planning for PVC ablation procedures

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided cryobiopsy of a rare epicardial tumour

Background Cardiac tumors are rare, and a nonsurgical diagnosis is preferred for determining appropriate treatment strategies.Research Question Can Endobronchial ultrasound-guided cryobiopsy (EBUS-cryo) be useful for diagnosing cardiac tumors?Study Design and Methods This paper presents a case report on the successful diagnosis of a rare cardiac tumor using EBUS-cryo. A 60-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after echocardiography revealed an epicardial tumor compressing the bilateral atria. Computed tomography revealed a 90-mm cardiac tumor adjacent to the tracheal bifurcation compressing the surrounding large vessels. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided cryobiopsy (EBUS-cryo) was performed, and a histological diagnosis of schwannoma, a type of peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST), was made without severe complications. Surgical resection was performed, and the tumor was found to originate from the pericardium on the left atrial wall.Results The surgical specimens contained small areas of perineurioma in addition to schwannoma, leading to the final diagnosis of extremely rare hybrid PNST.Conclusion EBUS-cryo can be one of useful biopsy techniques for diagnosing cardiac tumors