Absolute X-ray energy measurement using a high-accuracy angle encoder

This paper presents an absolute X-ray photon energy measurement method that uses a Bond diffractometer. The proposed system enables the prompt and rapid in situ measurement of photon energies over a wide energy range. The diffractometer uses a reference silicon single-crystal plate and a highly accurate angle encoder called SelfA. The performance of the system is evaluated by repeatedly measuring the energy of the first excited state of the potassium-40 nuclide. The excitation energy is determined as 29829.39 (6) eV, and this is one order of magnitude more accurate than the previous measurement. The estimated uncertainty of the photon energy measurement was 0.7 p.p.m. as a standard deviation and the maximum observed deviation was 2 p.p.m

Smoking Status and Risk Awareness of Heated Tobacco Product Use among General Dental Practitioners Belonging to the Aichi Dental Association, Japan

The awareness of healthcare practitioners concerning heated tobacco product (HTP) use risks has been evaluated; however, few studies have investigated general dental practitioners’ awareness regarding HTP-use risks. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated dentists’ awareness of the risks of smoking, particularly HTP use. A self-administered questionnaire, including eight questions on conventional cigarette and HTP smoking/using status and both knowledge and awareness of HTP-use risks, was posted to 3883 dentists belonging to the Aichi Dental Association, Japan, in August 2019. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. We analyzed the data of 1317 dentists (participation rate, 41.6%). The study group included cigarette smokers (11.5%) and HTP users (8.5%), among whom 41.1% were dual users. HTP users were more likely than never smokers/users to correctly perceive HTP-use risks (p < 0.05). This study indicates that in Japan, the proportion of HTP users is higher than that of the general population. It is important to educate not only smokers/users but also never smokers/users on the risks of smoking and using HTPs. Smoking cessation, including ceasing HTP use, and aiming to quit smoking and HTP use among dentists would contribute to appropriate smoking cessation among patients

Comparison of diagnostic performance in on-site based CT-derived fractional flow reserve measurements

Background: Computed tomography fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), which can be acquired on-site workstation using fluid structure interaction during the multiple optimal diastolic phase, has an incremental diagnostic value over conventional coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). However, the appropriate location for CT-FFR measurement remains to be clarified. Method: A total of 115 consecutive patients with 149 vessels who underwent CCTA showing 30–90% stenosis with invasive FFR within 90 days were retrospectively analyzed. CT-FFR values were measured at three points: 1 and 2 cm distal to the target lesion (CT-FFR1cm, 2cm) and the vessel terminus (CT-FFRlowest). The diagnostic accuracies of CT-FFR ≤ 0.80 for detecting hemodynamically significant stenosis, defined as invasive FFR ≤ 0.80, were compered. Result: Fifty-five vessels (36.9%) had invasive FFR ≤ 0.80. The accuracy and AUC for CT-FFR1cm and 2cm were comparable, while the AUC for CT-FFRlowest was significantly lower than CT-FFR1cm and 2cm. (lowest/1cm, 2 cm = 0.68 (95 %CI 0.63–0.73) vs 0.79 (0.72–0.86, p = 0.006), 0.80 (0.73–0.87, p = 0.002)) The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CT-FFRlowest were 100%. The reclassification rates from positive CT-FFRlowest to negative CT-FFR1cm and 2cm were 55.7% and 54.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic performance of CT-FFR was comparable when measured at 1-to-2 cm distal to the target lesion, but significantly higher than CT-FFRlowest. The lesion-specific CT-FFR could reclassify false positive cases in patients with positive CT-FFRlowest, while all patients with negative CT-FFRlowest were diagnosed as negative by invasive FFR

High-affinity monoclonal IgA regulates gut microbiota and prevents colitis in mice

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the main antibody isotype secreted into the intestinal lumen. IgA plays a critical role in the defence against pathogens and in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. However, how secreted IgA regulates gut microbiota is not completely understood. In this study, we isolated monoclonal IgA antibodies from the small intestine of healthy mouse. As a candidate for an efficient gut microbiota modulator, we selected a W27 IgA, which binds to multiple bacteria, but not beneficial ones such as Lactobacillus casei. W27 could suppress the cell growth of Escherichia coli but not L. casei in vitro, indicating an ability to improve the intestinal environment. Indeed W27 oral treatment could modulate gut microbiota composition and have a therapeutic effect on both lymphoproliferative disease and colitis models in mice. Thus, W27 IgA oral treatment is a potential remedy for inflammatory bowel disease, acting through restoration of host–microbial symbiosis