Background-A myocardial bridge (MB) that partially covers the course of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) sometimes causes myocardial ischemia, primarily because of hemodynamic deterioration, but without atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism of occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) as a result of an MB in patients with spontaneously developing atherosclerosis is unclear. Methods and Results-One hundred consecutive autopsied MI hearts either with MBs [MI(ϩ)MB(ϩ) group; nϭ46] orwithout MBs (nϭ54) were obtained, as were 200 normal hearts, 100 with MBs [MI(Ϫ)MB(ϩ) group] and 100 without MBs. By microscopy on LADs that were consecutively cross-sectioned at 5-mm intervals, the extent and distribution of LAD atherosclerosis were investigated histomorphometrically in conjunction with the anatomic properties of the MB, such as its thickness, length, and location and the MB muscle index (MB thickness multiplied by MB length), according to MI and MB status. In the MI(ϩ)MB(ϩ) group, the MB showed a significantly greater thickness and greater MB muscle index (PϽ0.05) than in the MI(Ϫ)MB(ϩ) group. The intima-media ratio (intimal area/medial area) within 1.0 cm of the left coronary ostium was also greater (PϽ0.05) in the MI(ϩ)MB(ϩ) group than in the other groups. In addition, in the MI(ϩ)MB(ϩ) group, the location of the segment that exhibited the greatest intima-media ratio in the LAD proximal to the MB correlated significantly (PϽ0.001) with the location of the MB entrance, and furthermore, atherosclerosis progression in the LAD proximal to the MB was largest at 2.0 cm from the MB entrance. Conclusions-In the proximal LAD with an MB, MB muscle index is associated with a shift of coronary disease more proximally, an effect that may increase the risk of MI. (Circulation. 2009;120:376-383.)Key Words: myocardium Ⅲ myocardial infarction Ⅲ anatomy Ⅲ atherosclerosis T he coronary artery that runs through epicardial adipose tissue is often covered in part with myocardial tissue. This structure is known as a myocardial bridge (MB) 1 ; it exists almost exclusively in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), 2 and it is regarded as a common anatomic variant rather than a congenital anomaly. 3 The frequency of an MB in the LAD is high, sometimes Ͼ50% by autopsy, 2 but it is Ͻ5% by angiography. 4 Because MBs have been identified angiographically indirectly through a "milking effect" phenomenon induced by systolic compression of the MB, a thin or short MB is often missed. 4 The use of other invasive imaging, such as intracoronary ultrasound and Doppler, has improved MB detection. 5,6 More recently, multidetector computed tomography (CT) has been used noninvasively to detect the MB itself directly, 7 and surprisingly, the use of multidetector CT for myocardial ischemia increases Editorial see p 357 Clinical Perspective on p 383The clinical outcome of patients with MBs has been considered benign 4 ; however, the significance of an MB to myocardial ischemia remains controversial. By multidetector CT imaging,...

The biological effects of far-infrared ray (FIR) on whole organisms remain poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate not only the hyperthermic effect of the FIR irradiation, but also the biological effects of FIR on wound healing. To evaluate the effect of FIR on a skin wound site, the speed of full-thickness skin wound healing was compared among groups with and without FIR using a rat model. We measured the skin wound area, skin blood flow, and skin temperature before and during FIR irradiation, and we performed histological inspection. Wound healing was significantly more rapid with than without FIR. Skin blood flow and skin temperature did not change significantly before or during FIR irradiation. Histological findings revealed greater collagen regeneration and infiltration of fibroblasts that expressed transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in wounds in the FIR group than in the group without FIR. Stimulation of the secretion of TGF-beta1 or the activation of fibroblasts may be considered as a possible mechanisms for the promotive effect of FIR on wound healing independent of skin blood flow and skin temperature.

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Assessing fear and anxiety regarding COVID-19 viral infection is essential for investigating mental health during this epidemic. We have developed and validated a Japanese-language version of The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) based on a large, nationwide residential sample (n = 6,750) recruited through news and social media responding to an online version of the questionnaire. Data was collected from August 4–25, 2020. Results correlated with K6, GAD-7 and IES-R psychological scales, and T-tests and analysis of variance identified associated factors. All indices indicated the two-factor model emotional fear reactions and symptomatic expressions of fear a better fit for our data than a single-factor model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis (χ2 = 164.16, p<0.001, CFI 0.991, TLI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.043). Socio-demographic factors identified as disaster vulnerabilities such as female sex, sexual minority, elderly, unemployment, and present psychiatric history associated with higher scores. However, respondent or family member experience of infection risk, or work/school interference from confinement, had greatest impact. Results suggest necessity of mental health support during this pandemic similar to other disasters.

Background: Whi3 is known as a negative regulator of the G 1 cyclin. Results: The phosphorylation of Ser-568 in Whi3 by PKA plays an inhibitory role in Whi3 function. Conclusion: Phosphorylation of Whi3 by PKA plays an important role as a direct modulator of cell fate decision in response to external signals. Significance: A new aspect of the interface between the cell cycle and cell fate has been discovered.