前佛 聡樹

In clinical practice, bowel sounds are often used to assess bowel motility. However, the diagnosis differs depending on the literature because diagnoses have been based on empirically established criteria. To establish diagnostic criteria, researching the mechanism of bowel-sound occurrence is necessary. In this study, based on simultaneously measured X-ray fluoroscopy and bowel sounds, correlation and Granger causality among bowel movement, luminal content movement, and abdominal sound were estimated. The results supported our hypothesis that the bowel moves luminal contents and luminal contents generate abdominal sounds.

Computed virtual chromoendoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) is a new dyeless imaging technique that enhances mucosal and vascular patterns. However, a method for selecting a suitable wavelength for a particular condition has not been established. The aim of this study is to evaluate the color difference method for quality assessment of FICE images of the intrapapillary capillary loop in magnifying endoscopy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The color difference between 60 microvessels and background mucosa observed using the magnifying endoscope was 8.31 +/- 2.84 SD under white light and 12.26 +/- 3.14 (p = 0.0031), 11.70 +/- 4.49 (p = 0.0106), and 17.49 +/- 5.40 (p < 0.0001) in FICE modes A, B, and C, respectively. The visibility scores for microvessels observed by medical students were 6.00 +/- 1.12 points under white light and 11.1 +/- 2.25 (p < 0.0001), 8.65 +/- 2.06 (p = 0.0001), and 12.55 +/- 2.56 (p < 0.0001) in FICE modes A, B, and C, respectively. Furthermore, the measurement of color difference was correlated with the visibility score assigned by medical students (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.583, p < 0.0001) In conclusion, the color difference method corresponds to human vision and is an appropriate method for evaluation of endoscopic images. (C) 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3502666]

Objective: For novice surgeons, successful laparoscopic radical nephrectomy depends on the treatment of the renal vessels, and the use of computed tomography assists in navigation during the surgery. Methods: To navigate during surgery, three-dimensional volume-rendered images of the renal vessels, kidneys, and surrounding organs were created intraoperatively by the surgeon using an image-processing application. A surgeon adjusted the angle of view and the size of the images according to surgical views during the operation, using a wireless mouse enclosed in a sterilized bag. These images were simultaneously fused onto live video using image-capture software. Results: Novice surgeons easily constructed the augmented reality images intraoperatively and were able to successfully treat the renal vessels. Conclusion: The combination of three-dimensional computed tomography volume-rendered images with live video is a valuable navigation system for use intraoperatively.

The probability density function (PDF) of the echo signal envelope is animportant factor for ultrasound tissue characterization (TC). Fibrotic tissue isinhomogeneous therefore, its envelope PDF cannot be accurately modeled by asingle PDF. Additionally, some regions have variable scatterer densities. Inorder to detect and characterize the fibrotic liver quantitatively, we examinedthe relationship between the scatterer distribution and the PDF of echoenvelopes of inhomogeneous scattering media using computer simulations. Then,the analysis parameters in the simulated fiber tissue were successfully used tocharacterize fibrosis in clinical data sets. © 2010 IEEE.

Objective: At present, computed tomography (CT) is used in almost all patients with renal tumors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as assessed by CT, and various other factors in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: We undertook an examination of VAT in 117 male patients undergoing nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy at Chiba University Hospital using software designed to detect VAT in the horizontal plane of the body cavity. Pathological stage, microvascular invasion, tumor grade, performance status, C-reactive protein, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipemia, hyperglycemia, history of smoking and cause-specific survival rate were examined in relation to VAT, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of cause-specific survival. Results: VAT in patients with stage I disease was significantly greater than that in patients with more advanced disease (p = 0.0219). VAT in patients with microvascular invasion was significantly smaller than in those without microvascular invasion (p = 0.0260). Patients with high VAT had significantly higher cumulative cause-specific survival when compared to patients with low VAT (p = 0.0257). Conclusion: VAT was associated with better clinical features in patients with RCC. Further study is necessary in order to clarify the role of VAT in RCC. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

We developed new software that enables three-dimensional (3D) images of the ureter and urethra to be automatically processed from the video image of a conventional endoscope. The entire image of the ureter or urethra is displayed opened in a picture like a 3D map. The locations of lesions and the 3D structure of the prostatic urethra are depicted using this method, which enables quantitative evaluation of lesions and the obstructive potential of the prostatic urethra. Application of the technology in the urinary tract is discussed. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2008.