67 research outputs found

    Changes in parotid gland morphology and function in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tumors

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    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphological changes of the parotid glands in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tumors and the correlations with parotid function. METHODS: Ten patients with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tumors treated with IMRT between May 2009 and January 2010 at Hokkaido University Hospital were included in this study. In the morphological assessment of the parotid glands, the sizes and computed tomography (CT) numbers of the bilateral parotid glands before and after IMRT with CT were calculated. For functional assessment of the parotid glands, we conducted the Saxon test and used a visual analog scale (VAS) for xerostomia evaluation. RESULTS: Reductions in saliva secretion were observed in the patients treated with IMRT for nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tumors, and there was a significant correlation between the reduction in saliva secretion and the VAS. The reductions in the parotid gland size and CT number were larger on the ipsilateral side than on the contralateral side. The reduction in saliva secretion was not significantly correlated with the reduction in parotid gland size, but was significantly correlated with the reduction in CT number. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological and functional changes of the parotid glands were observed after IMRT for nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tumors, and preservation of the contralateral parotid glands was only partly achieved. Among the morphological changes of the parotid glands, the CT number may be considered a predictor of parotid function after radiotherapy

    Nationwide retrospective observational study of idiopathic dendriform pulmonary ossification : clinical features with a progressive phenotype

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    Background: Diffuse pulmonary ossification is a specific lung condition that is accompanied by underlying diseases. However, idiopathic dendriform pulmonary ossification (IDPO) is extremely rare, and the clinical features remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to report the clinical characteristics of IDPO. Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey of patients with IDPO from 2017 to 2019 in Japan and evaluated the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of patients diagnosed with IDPO. Results: Twenty-two cases of IDPO were identified. Most subjects (82%) were male, aged 22-56 years (mean (SD), 37.9 (9.1)) at diagnosis. Nearly 80% of the subjects were asymptomatic, and the condition was discovered during a medical check-up. However, 36% of the subjects showed a decline in forced vital capacity (%FVC) predicted <80% at diagnosis. The typical radiological features of high-resolution CT (HRCT) are calcified branching structures that are predominantly distributed in the lower lung fields without any other conspicuous finding. Histopathological analysis also showed dendriform ossified lesions from the intraluminal areas to interstitial areas. Notably, during the follow-up period of 20 years, disease progression was found in 88% on HRCT and more than 50% on pulmonary function tests (FVC and/or forced expiratory volume in 1s). Two cases with rapid decline of 10% /year in %FVC predicted were observed.)) at diagnosis. Nearly 80% of the subjects were asymptomatic, and the condition was discovered during a medical check-up. However, 36% of the subjects showed a decline in forced vital capacity (%FVC) predicted <80% at diagnosis. The typical radiological features of high-resolution CT (HRCT) are calcified branching structures that are predominantly distributed in the lower lung fields without any other conspicuous finding. Histopathological analysis also showed dendriform ossified lesions from the intraluminal areas to interstitial areas. Notably, during the follow-up period of 20 years, disease progression was found in 88% on HRCT and more than 50% on pulmonary function tests (FVC and/or forced expiratory volume in 1s). Two cases with rapid decline of 10% /year in %FVC predicted were observed. )) at diagnosis. Nearly 80% of the subjects wereasymptomatic, and the condition was discovered during a medical check-up. However, 36% of the subjects showed a decline in forced vital capacity (%FVC) predicted <80% at diagnosis. The typical radiological features of high-resolution CT (HRCT) are calcified branching structures that are predominantly distributed in the lower lung fields without any other conspicuous finding. Histopathological analysis also showed dendriform ossified lesions from the intraluminal areas to interstitial areas. Notably, during the follow-up period of 20 years, disease progression was found in 88% on HRCT and more than 50% on pulmonary function tests (FVC and/or forced expiratory volume in 1s). Two cases with rapid decline of 10% /year in %FVC predicted were observed. Conclusions: IDPO develops at a young age with gradually progressive phenotype. Further research and long-term (>20 years) follow-up are required to clarify the pathogenesis and clinical findings in IDPO

    Impurity emission characteristics of long pulse discharges in Large Helical Device

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    Line spectra from intrinsic impurity ions have been monitored during the three kinds of long-pulse discharges (ICH, ECH, NBI). Constant emission from the iron impurity shows no preferential accumulation of iron ion during the long-pulse operations. Stable Doppler ion temperature has been also measured from Fe XX, C V and C III spectra
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