Additional file 1: Table S1. of Prognostic factors in hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia: a retrospective study of a prospective observational cohort

Distribution of causative microorganisms of community-acquired pneumonia. (DOCX 14 kb

Additional file 1: Figure S1. of Impact of lymphocyte differential count > 15% in BALF on the mortality of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic fibrosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonia

The receiver operating characteristic curve for the neutrophil differential count in BALF for predicting the OS in AE of CFIIP. (PPTX 78 kb

Utility and safety of a novel surgical microscope laser light source

<div><p>Objective</p><p>Tissue injuries caused by the thermal effects of xenon light microscopes have previously been reported. Due to this, the development of a safe microscope light source became a necessity. A newly developed laser light source is evaluated regarding its effectiveness and safety as an alternative to conventional xenon light source.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We developed and tested a new laser light source for surgical microscopes. Four experiments were conducted to compare xenon and laser lights: 1) visual luminance comparison, 2) luminous and light chromaticity measurements, 3) examination and analysis of visual fatigue, and 4) comparison of focal temperature elevation due to light source illumination using porcine muscle samples.</p><p>Results</p><p>Results revealed that the laser light could be used at a lower illumination value than the xenon light (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in visual fatigue status between the laser light and the xenon light. The laser light was superior to the xenon light regarding luminous intensity and color chromaticity. The focal temperature elevation of the muscle samples was significantly higher when irradiated with xenon light in vitro than with laser light (p < 0.01).</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The newly developed laser light source is more efficient and safer than a conventional xenon light source. It lacks harmful ultraviolet waves, has a longer lifespan, a lower focal temperature than that of other light sources, a wide range of brightness and color production, and improved safety for the user’s vision. Further clinical trials are necessary to validate the impact of this new light source on the patient’s outcome and prognosis.</p></div

Laser microscope setup details.

<p>The diagram shows a conventional surgical microscope integrated with a laser light source from a laser generator allowing adjustment of color temperature levels and illuminance levels.</p

Visual fatigue assessment results: HFC-1 and strip meniscometry.

<p>Visual fatigue assessment results: HFC-1 and strip meniscometry.</p

Radar chart showing the range of luminance of both xenon and laser lights.

<p>The laser light has a wider range of brightness than the xenon light, especially along the red and green color axes (cd/m² = candela per square meter).</p

Visual fatigue assessment results: VAS scores.

<p>Visual fatigue assessment results: VAS scores.</p

Laser light spectrum.

<p>Four wavelengths: 464 nm (blue), 532 nm (green), 640 nm (red), and 785 nm (near-infrared) were used. There were no ultraviolet wavelengths.</p

CIE1931 chromaticity diagram showing the range of colors of both xenon and laser light.

<p>The color coordinates were measured by a luminance meter. The laser light shows a wider range than xenon light in the red and green zones.</p

Radiological fibrosis score is strongly associated with worse survival in rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease

<p><b>Objectives:</b> High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) parenchymal patterns have been used to predict prognosis in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the fibrosis score (i.e. the combined extent of reticulation and honeycombing) has been associated with worse survival. This study aimed to identify HRCT patterns and patient characteristics that can predict poor prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis-related ILD (RA-ILD).</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> We retrospectively analysed 65 patients with newly diagnosed RA-ILD from 2007 to 2016 at Kurashiki Central hospital. Using univariate and bivariate Cox regression analysis, associations with mortality, were identified.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> During a median follow-up of 56.5 months, 16/65 (24.6%) patients died. Univariate analysis identified six significant poor prognostic factors: lower baseline % predicted forced vital capacity, total interstitial disease score, reticulation score, traction bronchiectasis score, fibrosis score, and definite UIP pattern. Fibrosis score remained to be an independently significant poor prognostic factor of survival on bivariate analysis. Patients with a fibrosis score >20% had higher mortality (HR, 9.019; 95% CI, 2.87–28.35; <i>p</i> < .05).</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> This study showed that fibrosis score is strongly associated with worse survival in RA-ILD, and patients with fibrosis score >20% had a 9.019-fold increased risk of mortality.</p