The number of circulating CD34-positive cells is an independent predictor of coronary artery calcification progression: Sub-analysis of a prospective multicenter study

Background: Decreases in circulating CD34-positive cells are associated with increases in cardiovascular events. We investigated the association between the number of CD34-positive cells and the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC), a marker of atherosclerosis, in patients with hypercholesteremia under statin therapy in a sub-analysis of a multicenter study. Methods: In the principal study, patients with CAC scores of 1–999 were treated with pitavastatin. Measurement of CAC by non-enhanced computed tomography and a blood test were performed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: CAC progression (change in CAC score > 0) and non-progression. The number of circulating CD34-positive cells was counted using flow cytometry. Results: A total of 156 patients (mean age 67 years, 55% men) were included in this sub-analysis. CD34 positive cell numbers at baseline as a continuous variable was inversely correlated with annual change in the log-transformed CAC score (r = –0.19, p = 0.02). When patients were divided into high and low CD34 groups based on the median value of 0.8 cells/μL, the adjusted change in CAC score in the low-CD34 group was significantly greater than that in the high-CD34 group (54.2% vs. 20.8%, respectively, p = 0.04). In multiple logistic analysis, a low CD34-positive cell number was an independent predictor of CAC progression, with an odds ratio of 2.88 (95% confidence interval 1.28–6.49, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Low numbers of CD34-positive cells are associated with CAC progression in patients with hypercholesterolemia under statin therapy. The number of CD34-positive cells may help to identify patients at increased cardiovascular risk

3D Shape Reconstruction of 3D Printed Transparent Microscopic Objects from Multiple Photographic Images Using Ultraviolet Illumination

We propose and demonstrate a simple, low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) shape acquisition method for transparent 3D printed microscopic objects. Our method uses ultraviolet (UV) illumination to obtain high-contrast silhouette images of transparent 3D printed polymer objects. Multiple silhouette images taken from different viewpoints make it possible to reconstruct the 3D shape of this transparent object. A 3D shape acquisition system consisting of a UV light-emitting diode, charge-coupled device camera and a rotation stage was constructed and used to successfully reconstruct the 3D shape of a transparent bunny model produced using micro-stereolithography. In addition, 3D printed pillar array models, with different diameters on the order of several hundred micrometers, were reconstructed. This method will be a promising tool for the 3D shape reconstruction of transparent 3D objects on both the micro- and macro-scale by changing the imaging lens

Bronchoscopic Microsampling for Bacterial Colony Counting in Relevant Lesions in Patients with Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection

信州大学博士（医学）・学位論文・平成23年3月31日授与（甲第891号)・牛木淳人Objective The incidence of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections with nodular/bronchiectasis lesions is increasing. However, factors determining deterioration are unknown. In the present study, we investigated quantitative MAC cultures obtained through bronchoscopic microsampling (BMS) from patients with pulmonary MAC infection and analyzed the relationship between MAC culture and the short-term natural history. We also assessed chest computed tomography (CT) findings for the deteriorating factors. Design For this prospective study, MAC was collected from peripheral lung lesions by BMS through endobronchial ultrasonography. MAC colonies were counted on Middlebrook 7H11 agar. We compared the number of MAC colonies with laboratory data and chest CT findings. Patients We studied 26 patients with pulmonary MAC infection. Results The patients were divided into 2 groups: 11 patients in the non-deteriorated group and 15 patients in the deteriorated group. The number of MAC colonies was significantly correlated with deterioration of MAC infection (p<0.001). In the non-deteriorated group, chest CT scans showed nodular/bronchiectasis lesions in 8 patients (73%) and consolidated lesions in 3 patients (27%). In the deteriorated group, chest CT scans showed nodular/bronchiectasis lesions in 1 patient (7%), consolidated lesions in 6 patients (40%), and cavitary lesions in 8 patients (53%). Conclusion The number of MAC colonies in relevant lesions investigated by BMS was significantly larger in the deteriorated group than in the non-deteriorated group. Cavitary and consolidated lesions observed from chest CT scans are thought to indicate a high risk of progression of pulmonary MAC infection.ArticleINTERNAL MEDICINE. 50(12):1287-1292 (2011)journal articl

3D Shape Reconstruction of 3D Printed Transparent Microscopic Objects from Multiple Photographic Images Using Ultraviolet Illumination

We propose and demonstrate a simple, low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) shape acquisition method for transparent 3D printed microscopic objects. Our method uses ultraviolet (UV) illumination to obtain high-contrast silhouette images of transparent 3D printed polymer objects. Multiple silhouette images taken from different viewpoints make it possible to reconstruct the 3D shape of this transparent object. A 3D shape acquisition system consisting of a UV light-emitting diode, charge-coupled device camera and a rotation stage was constructed and used to successfully reconstruct the 3D shape of a transparent bunny model produced using micro-stereolithography. In addition, 3D printed pillar array models, with different diameters on the order of several hundred micrometers, were reconstructed. This method will be a promising tool for the 3D shape reconstruction of transparent 3D objects on both the micro- and macro-scale by changing the imaging lens

Molecular Cloning and the Nucleotide Sequences of Two Novel Cdnas That Encode Anionic Peroxidases of Populus Kitakamiensis

We have cloned and characterized two novel cDNAs for peroxidases from a cDNA library constructed with mRNAs from the young stem tissue of hybrid aspen, Populus kitakamiensis. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of the two cDNAs, designated pA2 and pA3, with those encoded by other known genes for peroxidases revealed several already identified regions of homology (the regions of the two His residues, the distal and proximal His residues that are bound to protoheme). Southern blot analyses indicate that pA2 and pA3 correspond to two or three genes in each class of isoenzymes. The respective transcripts of the pA2 and pA3 groups were detected by use of gene class-specific probes and it was revealed that transcripts of both groups were expressed in the lignifying tissue of P. kitakamiensis

The number of circulating CD34-positive cells is an independent predictor of coronary artery calcification progression: Sub-analysis of a prospective multicenter study

Background: Decreases in circulating CD34-positive cells are associated with increases in cardiovascular events. We investigated the association between the number of CD34-positive cells and the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC), a marker of atherosclerosis, in patients with hypercholesteremia under statin therapy in a sub-analysis of a multicenter study.Methods: In the principal study, patients with CAC scores of 1–999 were treated with pitavastatin. Measurement of CAC by non-enhanced computed tomography and a blood test were performed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: CAC progression (change in CAC score &gt; 0) and non-progression. The number of circulating CD34-positive cells was counted using flow cytometry.Results: A total of 156 patients (mean age 67 years, 55% men) were included in this sub-analysis. CD34 positive cell numbers at baseline as a continuous variable was inversely correlated with annual change in the log-transformed CAC score (r = –0.19, p = 0.02). When patients were divided into high and low CD34 groups based on the median value of 0.8 cells/μL, the adjusted change in CAC score in the low-CD34 group was significantly greater than that in the high-CD34 group (54.2% vs. 20.8%, respectively, p = 0.04). In multiple logistic analysis, a low CD34-positive cell number was an independent predictor of CAC progression, with an odds ratio of 2.88 (95% confidence interval 1.28–6.49, p = 0.01).Conclusions: Low numbers of CD34-positive cells are associated with CAC progression in patients with hypercholesterolemia under statin therapy. The number of CD34-positive cells may help to identify patients at increased cardiovascular risk