Compton Spectrum from Poynting Flux Accelerated e+e- Plasma

We report the Compton scattering emission from the Poynting flux acceleration of electron- positron plasma simulated by the 2-1/2 dimensional particle-in-cell(PIC) code. We show these and other remarkable properties of Poynting flux acceleration and Compton spectral output, and discuss the agreement with the observed spectra of GRBs and XRFs.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Swift GRB Workshop Proceedings 2006 (in press

Visualization of precut DSAEK and pre-stripped DMEK donor corneas by intraoperative optical coherence tomography using the RESCAN 700

Background: To report the feasibility of intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) using the RESCAN 700 for the visualization and evaluation of precut Descemet\u27s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and prestripped Descemet\u27s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) donor tissue. Methods: Precut DSAEK (n = 11), prestripped DMEK (n = 4) preserved in a viewing chamber were examined by intraoperative OCT. Wholly intact donor corneas for penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (n = 8) were also examined as controls. The obtained images were analyzed qualitatively for characteristics of each type of donor. Results: For each type of donor, characteristic images were consistently obtained by intraoperative OCT in both the front and back views through the viewing chamber. In wholly intact donors for PK, appearance of normal corneal curvature and stromal texture with high reflectivity of epithelium and endothelium cell layers were clearly visualized. In precut DSAEK donors, precut lines were characteristically visualized in addition to the intact donor cornea images. In prestripped DMEK donors, identical OCT images to the intact donor cornea were noted when observed from the anterior surface. However, peripheral partial detachments of Descemet\u27s membrane were characteristically observed in all prestripped DMEK donors when viewed from the back of the viewing chamber. Conclusion: Rapid visualization and rough evaluation of donor tissues for PK, precut DSAEK and prestripped DMEK donor corneas by intraoperative OCT was consistently possible through the viewing chamber. Therefore, this device may be used as an alternative of AS-OCT when the eyebank does not have their own AS-OCT. Although the peripheral detachment in DMEK donors are quite common and clinically non-problematic in DMEK donor quality and subsequent DMEK surgeries, it may be useful to distinguish between wholly intact PK donors and prestripped DMEK donors, enabling to prevent mix-ups of donors, especially when several different types of keratoplasties are scheduled in a same day in one operating theater. © 2016 Kobayashi et al

Development of a Donor Tissue Holding Technique for Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Using a 25-Gauge Graft Manipulator

Purpose: To report a modified surgical technique called the “donor tissue holding technique for Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)” using a newly developed 25-gauge graft manipulator. Methods: Six consecutive patients exhibiting endothelial dysfunction were enrolled and treated by DMEK. In brief, after insertion of a DMEK donor into the anterior chamber, the edge of the roll was grasped using a graft manipulator and this grasp was maintained throughout the centering and opening of the roll (holding technique). The following parameters were evaluated in comparison to the previous 10 consecutive DMEK cases in which the no touch technique was used: time of graft unfolding, incidence of intra-/postoperative complications, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD) 6 months after the procedure. Results: In both technique groups, neither intra- nor postoperative complications were noted in any case. No differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative BCVA (p = 0.88). Also, no differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative ECD (holding technique group: 2,108.3 cells/mm2, no touch technique group: 1,491.7 cells/mm2) (p = 0.08) Most notably, the time of graft unfolding prior to filling with air was significantly reduced in the holding technique group (305.5 s) compared to that of the no touch technique group (1,310.0 s; p = 0.01). Conclusions: This donor tissue holding technique enabled rapid and safe DMEK in a reproducible manner, even in Asian eyes with shallow anterior chambers with high vitreous pressure

Radiologic Findings of IgG4-Related Disease

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), characterized by an autoimmune phenomenon of prominent lymphocytes, IgG4-bearing plasma cell infiltration and storiform fibrosis, has been widely reported as a specific type of chronic pancreatitis. Typical image findings of this disease are reported as diffuse pancreatic swelling and a capsule-like rim on CT or MRI. However, AIP presents with a variable morphology, such as focal, segmental and multifocal swellings. Because imaging findings for AIP can look like those of pancreatic cancer, AIP has often been treated with unnecessary surgical resection. In addition, AIP is complicated by the involvement of various other organs besides the pancreas that show lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis. These are frequently misdiagnosed as inherent lesions of corresponding organs. Furthermore, these extra-pancreatic lesions show systemic distribution and share common features of IgG4- bearing plasma cell infiltration as well as favorable responses to corticosteroid, indicating the presence of systemic condition, IgG4-related diseases. AIP is now recognized as an IgG4-related disease. Detailed evaluations of imaging findings of CT, MRI and Gallium-67 (Ga-67) scintigraphy for the involvement of these various organs are useful for a correct diagnosis of this systemic disease.ArticleCurrent Immunology Reviews. 7(2):186-203 (2011)journal articl

Radiologic Findings of IgG4-Related Disease

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), characterized by an autoimmune phenomenon of prominent lymphocytes, IgG4-bearing plasma cell infiltration and storiform fibrosis, has been widely reported as a specific type of chronic pancreatitis. Typical image findings of this disease are reported as diffuse pancreatic swelling and a capsule-like rim on CT or MRI. However, AIP presents with a variable morphology, such as focal, segmental and multifocal swellings. Because imaging findings for AIP can look like those of pancreatic cancer, AIP has often been treated with unnecessary surgical resection. In addition, AIP is complicated by the involvement of various other organs besides the pancreas that show lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis. These are frequently misdiagnosed as inherent lesions of corresponding organs. Furthermore, these extra-pancreatic lesions show systemic distribution and share common features of IgG4- bearing plasma cell infiltration as well as favorable responses to corticosteroid, indicating the presence of systemic condition, IgG4-related diseases. AIP is now recognized as an IgG4-related disease. Detailed evaluations of imaging findings of CT, MRI and Gallium-67 (Ga-67) scintigraphy for the involvement of these various organs are useful for a correct diagnosis of this systemic disease.ArticleCurrent Immunology Reviews. 7(2):186-203 (2011)journal articl