Yoko Ueda

Background: Vertebral artery calcification (VAC), a critical indicator of cerebrovascular disease, is often overlooked in head-and-neck imaging. Manual detection is time-consuming and prone to inter-observer variability. This study aimed to develop and validate a deep learning model for automated detection and quantitative risk assessment of VAC in non-contrast head-and-neck computed tomography (CT) images, bridging the diagnostic gap between dentistry and vascular medicine. Methods: We developed a deep learning model based on the ResNet-18 architecture, designated as Grayscale ResNet, optimized for single-channel CT images. The development followed a two-phase strategy: initial training on 539 axial images from head-and-neck CT image followed by iterative refinement (fine-tuning) using a targeted dataset of clinically significant cases to ensure generalizability. The model’s performance was evaluated using patient-level Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and saliency map visualization for clinical interpretability. Results: The optimized model demonstrated a robust performance in distinguishing between cases with and without VAC. In the independent cohort, the model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.846. At a specific threshold value (98.6%), the system yielded a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 90.6%. A saliency map analysis confirmed that the model consistently focused on anatomically relevant vascular regions. Conclusions: The proposed automated system provides an accurate and reliable method for VAC screening using routine head-and-neck CT scans. By transforming incidental imaging findings into a quantifiable risk index, this tool can serve as a vital decision-support system for dentists and radiologists, facilitating early patient referrals and contributing to global stroke prevention.

Sulfoxaflor, an insecticide, acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It has a functional group similar to that of neonicotinoid insecticides, which are testicular toxicants. Recently, the adverse effects of sulfoxaflor on the testes have been reported in rats. This study aimed to address the lack of reports on sulfoxaflor administration in mice and its effects on the testes. ICR mice (3- and 10-week-old) were treated ad libitum with two different concentrations (10 and 100 mg/kg) of sulfoxaflor for 4 and 8 weeks. Histological analysis and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed. Testis weights relative to body weights in the sulfoxaflor groups showed no significant difference compared to the control group. Testicular tissue in the sulfoxaflor groups was unchanged compared to that in the control group. The sulfoxaflor-treated group showed no significant differences in the mRNA expression of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the pituitary gland compared to the control group. Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in the mRNA expression levels of various gene markers in the testes between the sulfoxaflor-treated and control groups. These markers include those related to Leydig cells, testosterone synthesis, Sertoli cells, proliferating cells, meiotic cells, pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, apoptotic cells, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress factors, and mitochondrial function. In contrast to findings in rats, which showed testicular toxicity, sulfoxaflor administration at low concentrations did not adversely affect intratesticular cells in either mature or immature mice at the doses and time points examined. In the future, we would like to conduct research on high concentrations of sulfoxaflor by changing the administration method.

The variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery are clinically significant. We report an extremely rare combination of arterial variations discovered during the routine anatomical dissection of the left upper limb in a 73-year-old male cadaver. The most significant findings were a superficial ulnar artery originating directly from the axillary artery, proximal to the ansa pectoralis. The superficial ulnar artery coursed superficially in the forearm and terminated as the primary contribution to the superficial palmar arch. Additionally, a common trunk for the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries arose directly from the axillary artery. Finally, the anterior circumflex humeral artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery arose from a common trunk originating from the deep brachial artery. The posterior circumflex humeral artery passed through the triangular interval bordered by the teres major, long head of the triceps brachii, and humerus. A common trunk for the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal arteries arose directly from the axillary artery, separate from the subscapular artery. The superficial course of the superficial ulnar artery and the atypical posterior circumflex humeral artery course increase the risk of iatrogenic injury during shoulder and arm surgeries.

Background: A simple and easy‐to‐use method for recording jaw muscle activity is important for minimising the need for specialised expertise in electrode placement, reducing the burden on the subject.Objective: This study aimed to determine whether masseter muscle activity analysis by sound myography (SMG) combined with laser displacement‐induced skin movement sensing (LDSMS) is comparable to surface electromyography (SEMG).Methods: Eight healthy volunteers (21.0 ± 1.67 years) were included in the study. The measurement tasks consisted of clenching (CL), maximum jaw opening (MJO) and jaw closing and biting (JCB). Masseter muscle activity was recorded simultaneously using SMG, LDSMS and SEMG.We analysed the frequency amplitude spectrum using wavelet analysis and relationships between the signals from the three measurement methods (SMG, LDSMS and SEMG) using principal component analysis (PCA).Results: The masseter muscle activity during jaw tasks analysed using SMG, LDSMS and SEMG was clearly defined. The peak of the integral time–frequency power (ITFP) (mV²/Hz) of the SMG was indicated by approximately CL, 9.8 ± 0.9, JCB, 10.5 ± 1.4 and MJO, 11.3 ± 1.4 Hz. The peaks of the LDSMS (CL, 4.2 ± 0.5, MJO, 4.2 ± 0.5 and JCB, 4.4 ± 0.6 Hz) and SEMG (CL, 54.7 ± 4.6 MJO, 102.1 ± 9.9 and JCB, 71.7 ± 9 Hz) were shown. PCA analysis revealed clusters of masseter muscle activity during jaw tasks obtained by the SMG, SEMG, and LDSMS devices.Conclusion: The SMG with the LMSMS by wavelet analysis is a simple and easy‐to‐use method that can be used to detect jaw muscle activity issues.

The vascular systems of the kidneys and gonads are highly susceptible to variations because of the degeneration of the mesonephros and mesonephric artery and the progressive ascending development of the metanephros. In this report, we present a rare case of a common arterial trunk originating from the left renal artery and supplying the left diaphragm, adrenal gland, and testis. Anatomical dissection of a 95-year-old male was conducted during the 2023 academic year at Tokai University Medical School. The left renal artery had a common trunk that bifurcated to superior and inferior branches, forming a T-shape. The superior branch was distributed in the left adrenal gland and diaphragm, whereas the inferior branch was distributed in the left testis. This anatomical variation likely results from the remnant of the mesonephric artery network structure, particularly the rete arteriosum urogenitale. Understanding such variations is crucial for radiologists and surgeons to avoid potential complications during diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions.

Background: Learning and memory deficits and pathologic changes in the hippocampus caused by toothlessness and soft diet feeding are related to reduced masseter muscle (MM) function.Objective: Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression in the MM also changes under different chewing conditions. The neurotransmitter calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) are involved in MM formation. However, the relationship between CGRP, VEGF‐A and MyHC isoforms in the MM in the senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) strain, a model of learning and memory deficits, remains unclear.Methods: Changes in CGRP, VEGF‐A, vasculogenesis marker and MyHC isoform mRNA expression in the MMs of ageing SAMP8 and senescence‐accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice was investigated through quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) and in situ hybridization.Results: qRT–PCR revealed obviously high CGRP levels in the SAMP8 mouse MM (p < .001). MyHC‐IId/x mRNA expression in the MM was higher in 24‐week‐old SAMP8 mice than 24‐week‐old SAMR1 mice (p < .001) but lower in slow‐MyHC SAMP8 mice than SAMR1 mice (p < .001). CGRP mRNA was observed on the muscle fibres of the SAMP8 mouse MM but not the SAMR1 mouse MM through in situ hybridization. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed strong positive contributions of SAMP8‐MyHC‐IId/x, SAMP8‐CGRP, SAMR1‐MyHC‐emb, SAMR1‐CGRP, SAMR1‐VEGF‐A, SAMR1‐CD31, SAMP8‐VEGF‐A, and SAMP8‐CD31 in the MM at 12 and 24 weeks.Conclusion: Calcitonin gene‐related peptide is also key for the MyHC‐IId/x and slow‐MyHC patterns in the MMs of SAMP8 mice.

Purpose Total mesopancreas excision has been found to be helpful for increasing no residual tumor resection rate and improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. This study analyzed the relationships among the mesopancreas and pancreatic head plexus from the morphological, developmental, and clinical perspectives. Methods Twenty-four cadavers were employed. The upper abdominal viscera were resected en-bloc with the hepatoduodenal ligament, abdominal aorta, and nerve plexuses, and the innervation of the pancreas was dissected. Ten additional cadavers were used for histological examination of the pancreatic head and neck, part of the duodenum, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and its surrounding tissues, and the related arteries and veins. Results As results, cross-sections of the SMA revealed 6–9 layers of membranous structures resembling the layers of an onion, and the nerve fibers of the superior mesenteric plexus ran between the layers. Loose areolar tissue, adipose tissue, and lymphatics existed between the SMA and the pancreatic head/uncinate process, along with abundant thin blood vessels and capillaries, but very few nerves were found approaching the pancreas. Several parallel layers of collagen fibers (so-called Treitz's fusion fascia) existed between the dorsal aspect of the pancreatic head and the aortocaval plane. Conclusion The mesopancreas was continuous and connected with the para-aortic area. It may be better termed the mesopancreatoduodenum than the mesopancreas, as the duodenum–pancreas–SMA forms a complex morphological, developmental, functional, and pathological structure.

Angiogenesis is an important issue related to normal growth and differentiation, and it is a critical issue in the progression of human disease in oral mucosa. Tooth marks occur after clenching the teeth for a long period under muscle tension in the human oral cavity. However, the sites of angiogenesis, cell differentiation and microvessel density are not known for human mucosa with tooth marks. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the markers of differentiation (Ki-67), angiogenesis (CD31, D2-40, VEGF-A), and marks from teeth in the second molar region using immunohistochemical methods. In addition, we compared these areas with the mucous membrane. Our results revealed blood and lymphoid vessels in irregular mucosa structures, and the vessels in the oral mucosa were observed in three types of samples: dentulous, denture attachment (containing partial teeth), and edentulous samples. The localization of the angiogenesis was related to the structure of the oral mucosa of connective tissue in humans, such as the mucosal fold-like of the buccal region. Using principal component analysis (PCA), we found that tooth occlusal condition, gender, anti-VEGF-A reaction levels in oral mucosa of the epithelium were positive factors in all groups, which is in contrast to the negative association of Ki-67 reaction in the epithelium and CD31 expression. In addition, Ki-67 reaction in oral mucosa had negative impacts, in contrast to the positive association of D2-40. These PCA properties provide useful information for future study of tumour progression or mechanical stress in remodelling of oral mucosa and angiogenesis. Moreover, mechanical stress of the occlusal condition may be correlated with tumour angiogenic activity and cell differentiation in human oral mucosa.