UNLABELLED The severity of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is defined by the degree of flow limitation measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 s, which mainly reflects impairment of large and intermediate airways. However, COPD is primarily a small airways disease. Therefore, better diagnostic tools are needed. Ventilation-Perfusion (V/P) SPECT is a sensitive method to detect obstruct...

Student populations are diverse such that different types of learners struggle with traditional didactic instruction. Problem-based learning has existed for several decades, but there is still controversy regarding the optimal mode of instruction to ensure success at all levels of students' past achievement. The present study addressed this problem by dividing students into the following three ...

BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the quality in oncology registration trials for new drug application (NDA) or supplemental new drug application (sNDA) as extensions of the indications for use in Japan based on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) audit findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected audit reports of on-site GCP inspections for registration trials in 383 NDAs or sNDAs that were re...

The antioxidant capacities and the total phenolic content in cocoa liquor directly manufactured chocolate from an artisan manufacturer were measured using different in vitro methods (BR, TEAC, and Folin– Ciocalteu Reagent). These parameters were then compared with those of a chocolate made by a leading manufacturing company producing chocolate and cocoa-containing products. A statistical analys...

Ruminal bacteria from axenic cultures of Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD1, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens 49, and bacterial types from the ruminal ecosystem that were fixed with 50 mM lysine (l-lysine hydrochloride) added to glutaraldehyde had better-preserved capsules and extracellular material than bacteria fixed without lysine.

Although it is well established that transfusion of platelets in cases severe bleeding reduces mortality, the availability hampered by harsh restrictions on shelf life due to elevated risks microbial contamination and functional losses with room temperature-stored (RTP) kept at 22°C. In contrast, many recent studies have shown 4°C cold-stored (CSP) are able overcome these shortcomings leading F...

BACKGROUND To prevent postoperative air leakage after lung segmentectomy, we used two methods for the intersegmental plane: closing it by suturing the pleural edge (pleural closure), or opening it with coverage using polyglycolic acid mesh and fibrin glue (mesh-cover). The preserved forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of each lobe and the postoperative air leakage were compared betwee...

Intestinal explants are a useful model for toxicological and pathological studies, but the maintenance of tissue viability for longer periods of incubation remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on the viability of intestinal explants. Jejunal explants were obtained from 24and 42-day-old piglets. The explants were incubated for two or four hours and were th...