High-resolution 3D imaging method using chirped optical frequency combs based on convolution analysis of the spectral interference fringe

We applied an imaging optical system and convolution analysis to a one-shot 3D imaging method with a chirped optical frequency comb to greatly improve the transverse spatial resolution and depth accuracy. We obtained the high contrast spectral interference of a diffusive surface using the designed lens system and developed a simple and robust analysis technique using convolution of an obtained the interference fringe. The developed method was demonstrated to realize submicron-level uncertainty for the depth measurement. When applied to the surface structure of a coin, it demonstrated a transverse spatial resolution of 8.98 lp/mm and depth resolution of 0.35 µm

Pregabalin- and azithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis with purpura: An unrecognized interaction: A case report

AbstractIntroductionRhabdomyolysis associated with the use of pregabalin or azithromycin has been demonstrated to be a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse event. Here, we report an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis with purpura in a patient who had used pregabalin and azithromycin.Presentation of caseWe present the case of a 75-year-old woman with a history of fibromyalgia who was admitted with mild limb weakness and lower abdominal purpura. She was prescribed pregabalin (75mg, twice daily) for almost 3 months to treat chronic back pain. Her medical history revealed that 3days before admission, she began experiencing acute bronchitis and was treated with a single dose of azithromycin (500mg). She had developed rapid onset severe myalgia, mild whole body edema, muscle weakness leading to gait instability, abdominal purpura and tender purpura on the lower extremities. Laboratory values included a white blood cell count of 25,400/mL and a creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration of 1250 IU/L. Based on these findings and the patient’s clinical history, a diagnosis of pregabalin- and azithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis was made.DiscussionThe long-term use of pregabalin and the initiation azithromycin therapy followed by a rapid onset of rhabdomyolysis is indicative of a drug interaction between pregabalin and azithromycin.ConclusionWe report an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis with purpura caused by a drug interaction between pregabalin and azithromycin. However, the mechanisms of the interactions between azithromycin on the pregabalin are still unknown

A novel insertion pathway of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins with multiple transmembrane segments

The central channel Tom40 of the preprotein translocase of outer membrane (TOM) complex is thought to be responsible for the import of virtually all preproteins synthesized outside the mitochondria. In this study, we analyze the topogenesis of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), which integrates into the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) through five hydrophobic transmembrane segments (TMSs) and functions in cholesterol import into the inner membrane. Analyses of in vitro and in vivo import into TOM component–depleted mitochondria reveal that PBR import (1) depends on the import receptor Tom70 but requires neither the Tom20 and Tom22 import receptors nor the import channel Tom40, (2) shares the post-Tom70 pathway with the C-tail–anchored proteins, and (3) requires factors of the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Furthermore, membrane integration of mitofusins and mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase, the MOM proteins with two and four TMSs, respectively, proceeds through the same initial pathway. These findings reveal a previously unidentified pathway of the membrane integration of MOM proteins with multiple TMSs

Primary adenocarcinoma of the stomach in von Recklinghausen's disease with high serum levels of multiple tumor markers: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Gastric tumors in patients affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 are usually carcinoids or stromal tumors, and rarely adenocarcinomas.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of an adenocarcinoma of the stomach in a 53-year-old Japanese man with neurofibromatosis type 1. An abdominal computed tomography scan and ultrasonography showed tumors in his liver. Gastric fibroscopy revealed a Borrmann type III tumor on his cardia that had spread to his esophagus and was highly suspicious for malignancy. Multiple biopsies showed an adenocarcinoma of the stomach, which was evaluated as gastric cancer, stage IV. Chemotherapy with TS-1 was performed. Our patient died four weeks after initial admission. Histological examination of a liver needle biopsy showed metastatic adenocarcinoma in his liver.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>To the best of our knowledge, high serum levels of α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 72-4, resulting from gastric adenocarcinoma, have not been reported previously in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. We report this rare case along with a review of the literature.</p

Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Fenofibrate Monotherapy in a Patient with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Rhabdomyolysis associated with fenofibrate monotherapy is extremely rare. Here, we report a rare case of rhabdomyolysis of the psoas muscle in an 82-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). He was prescribed fenofibrate because of a hypertriglyceridemia. The patient reported generalized muscle pain and right abdominal pain while receiving fenofibrate monotherapy. An abdominal computed tomography scan and an abdominal ultrasound showed a large and low attenuation and high echogenicity, respectively, in the right middle abdominal area. Laboratory values included a serum creatine concentration of 4.1 mg/dl and a creatinine phosphokinase concentration of 5,882 IU/l. During laparotomy, a large hematoma and necrotic mass was identified in the right psoas muscle. Histological examination revealed that the resected specimens were of the psoas muscle with irregular fiber sizes, degenerating fibers surrounding the inflammatory reaction, and fiber necrosis that is typical for polymyositis. Based on these findings and the clinical history, a diagnosis of fenofibrate-induced rhabdomyolysis was made. To the best of our knowledge, no patient has ever been diagnosed with fulminant psoas rhabdomyolysis due to a fenofibrate monotherapy. This report details the rare case of rhabdomyolysis in a patient with CML associated with fenofibrate monotherapy and offers a review of the literature

Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Combined with CT-GC

Purpose: Despite the widespread use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes, their placement may be associated with a variety of complications, including gastrocolic fistula. Materials and Methods: In total, seven high-risk individuals diagnosed using computed tomography (CT)-gastrocolonography (GC) underwent laparoscopic-assisted PEG (LAPEG) placement. Study endpoints included the success of LAPEG under local anesthetic and intravenous sedation, inability to thread the PEG tube, the eventual tube location, the number of tube adjustments needed, adverse events, the operating time, and PEG tube-related infection. Results: In total, 135 PEG procedures were performed during this study. Successful CT-GC was achieved in all 135 patients, and we successfully used a standard PEG technique to place the gastrostomy tube in 128 patients (95%). In seven patients (5%), the LAPEG technique was used because the transverse colon became interposed between the abdominal wall and the anterior wall of the stomach. LAPEG procedure-related minor complications were observed in two patients. Conclusions: LAPEG combined with CT-GC can be used for patients with difficult anatomical orientations and may minimize the risk of complications in PEG placement

Pravastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis and purpura fulminans in a patient with chronic renal failure

Introduction: Rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of pravastatin has been demonstrated to be a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse effect of statins. Here, we report a rare case of rhabdomyolysis and purpura fulminans in a patient who had used pravastatin and developed chronic renal failure (CRF) necessitating the initiation of dialysis. Presentation of case: We present the case of an 86-year-old man with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with dialysis who was admitted with back pain. He was prescribed and took pravastatin for almost 3 years to treat hyperlipidemia. He received hemodialysis therapy 7 times prior to presentation. Laboratory values included a serum creatine concentration of 6.6 mg/dl and a creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration of 2350 IU/L. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed swollen muscles with reduced muscle density and air density in the multifidus muscle. Two days after admission, he had large, tender ecchymotic lesions and purpuric progressive skin necrosis over the back, abdomen, and upper and lower extremities. The patient died 6 days after the initial admission due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Based on these findings and the clinical history, a diagnosis of pravastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis and purpura fulminans was made. Discussion: The long-term use of statin therapy and the initiation of dialysis therapy due to ESRD, followed by a rapid onset of rhabdomyolysis within 6 days, is indicative of an elevated statin concentration. Conclusion: We report an extremely rare case of pravastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis and purpura fulminans with DIC in a patient with CRF