The optical properties of human brain tumor tissues, including glioblastoma, meningioma, oligodendroglioma, and metastasis, that were classified into "strong," "vague," and "unobservable" fluorescence by a neurosurgeon were measured and compared. The optical properties of the tissues were measured with a double integrating sphere and the inverse Monte Carlo technique from 350 to 1000 nm. Using reasons of ex-vivo measurement, the optical properties at around 420 nm were potentially affected by the hemoglobin content in tissues. Significant differences were not observed between the optical properties of the glioblastoma regions with "strong" and "unobservable" fluorescence. Sections of human brain tumor tissue with "strong" and "unobservable" fluorescence were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The cell densities [mean ± standard deviation (S.D.)] in regions with "strong" and "unobservable" fluorescence were 31  ±  9  ×  102  per mm2 and 12  ±  4  ×  102  per mm2, respectively, which is a statistically significant difference. The higher fluorescence intensity is associated with higher cell density. The difference in cell density modified the scattering coefficient yet it does not lead to significant differences in the reduced scattering coefficient and thus does not affect the propagation of the diffuse fluorescent light. Hence, the false negatives, which mean a brain tumor only shows "unobservable" fluorescence and is hence classified incorrectly as nontumor, in using 5-ALA for detection of human glioblastoma do not result from the differences in optical properties of human brain glioblastoma tissues. Our results suggest that the primary cause of false negatives may be a lack of PpIX or a low accumulation of PpIX.

Abstract. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy depends on the amount of light distribution within the tissue. However, conventional PDT does not consider the laser irradiation dose during PDT. The optical properties of biological tissues (absorption coefficient μ a , reduced scattering coefficient μ s , anisotropy factor g, refractive index, etc.) help us to recognize light propagation through the tissue. The goal of this paper is to acquire the knowledge of the light propagation within tissue during and after PDT with the optical property of PDT-performed mouse tumor tissue. The optical properties of mouse tumor tissues were evaluated using a double integrating sphere setup and the algorithm based on the inverse Monte Carlo method in the wavelength range from 350 to 1000 nm. During PDT, the μ a and μ s were not changed after 1 and 5 min of irradiation. After PDT, the μ s in the wavelength range from 600 to 1000 nm increased with the passage of time. For seven days after PDT, the μ s increased by 1.7 to 2.0 times, which results in the optical penetration depth decreased by 1.4 to 1.8 times. To ensure an effective procedure, the adjustment of laser parameters for the decreasing penetration depth is recommended for the re-irradiation of PDT. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Theoretical formulas were more accurate than empirical ones in eyes with microphthalmos. The severe hypermetropia in the two eyes with a 30.0 D IOL indicates that such patients require a higher IOL power.

In the treatment of dental caries, less invasive methods are strongly required. However, conventional dental lasers cannot always achieve selective removal of caries or good bonding with a composite resin. Based on the optical absorption characteristics of dentin, wavelengths around 6 μm are promising in this regard. Our previous study indicated the possibility of selective removal of demineralized dentin using a nanosecond pulsed laser at wavelengths around 6 μm. In the present study, the optimal laser irradiation conditions were investigated for achieving selective removal of demineralized dentin. Bovine dentin was used, and its laser ablation characteristics were evaluated. The results indicated that demineralized dentin could be selectively removed, without causing cracking or damage to sound dentin, at laser wavelengths of 5.75 and 5.80 μm and average power densities of 30-40 W/cm(2). These optimal laser irradiation conditions also realized higher bonding strength with a composite resin than was possible using an Er:YAG laser. The use of nanosecond pulses allowed the thermal confinement condition to be satisfied, leading to a reduction in tissue damage, including degradation of dental pulp vitality. Thus, a nanosecond pulsed laser at 5.8 μm was found to be effective for less invasive caries treatment.

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the age‐specific characteristics, prognosis, and complications of patients with lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsBackground factors (age, sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and PNPLA3 gene polymorphism), blood test results, liver histology findings, muscle mass, and grip strength were investigated in 782 patients with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy. Prognosis and complications were compared among 549 patients with nonlean or lean NAFLD who were followed up for 6.5 years. Additionally, background factors, blood test results, liver histology findings, prognosis, and complications were compared according to age (≥60 years vs. <60 years) in patients with lean NAFLD.ResultsLean NAFLD patients showed lower aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, ferritin, and leptin but higher adiponectin and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels than patients with nonlean NAFLD. Furthermore, lean NAFLD patients showed less liver fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and ballooning. Among lean NAFLD patients, those aged 60 years and older were more frequently female, showed higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, had higher HbA1c and type IV collagen 7S levels, lower platelet count, higher liver fibrosis and inflammation grades, and lower muscle mass and grip strength. Lean NAFLD was associated with a worse prognosis in patients aged 60 years and over than in those younger than 60 years of age and with a higher incidence of liver‐related disease, cerebrocardiovascular events, and nonliver cancer.ConclusionsAge is an important consideration in patients with lean NAFLD. Compared with nonlean NAFLD, lean NAFLD was associated with a worse prognosis and higher risk of complications in patients aged 60 years and older.