ABSTRACT
<b>Introduction</b> : To grasp what kind of problems exists in order to solve the shortage of pathologists, we conducted a survey with special focus on the condition of facilities with single pathologists. We also considered whether the use of virtual slide technology is a viable option in mitigating the shortage of pathologists.<br><b>Methods</b> : The survey was conducted at the 58th Autumn Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pathology using questionnaires. Interviews were also obtained with pathologists who use virtual slides<br><b>Results</b> : The percentage of facilities with single pathologists was approximately 30%, and these facilities had the highest rates of using virtual slides for remote pathology consultations. Regardless of the number of pathologist at a facility, outside consultation was often obtained with difficult cases. Although pathologists working alone expressed anxiety over diagnosing cancer, consulting other facilities appeared to be difficult.<br><b>Conclusion</b> : In order to reduce the anxiety of pathologists working alone and to raise the accuracy of cancer diagnoses, a mechanism by which pathologists can consult each other is required. Developing a network for pathologists for such consultations using virtual slides is felt to be important in primary care.
ABSTRACT
Using near-infrared spectroscopy, we monitored changes of oxygenated hemoglobin and myoglobin contents [oxy (Hb+Mb) ], deoxygenated hemoglobin and myoglobin contents [deoxy (Hb+Mb) ], and total hemoglobin and myoglobin contents [total (Hb+Mb) ] of the thigh muscle at rest and during incremental bicycle exercise and recovery in 10 healthy male volnuteers. Gas exchange parameters were also measured in breath-by-breath mode.<BR>The following results were obtained :<BR>1) During low-intensity exercise (216 kpm/min), oxy (Hb+Mb) increased, while deoxy (Hb+Mb) and total (Hb+Mb) decreased. These changes are thought to reflect an increase in arterial blood flow to the exercising muscle and an increase in venous return.<BR>2) During high-intensity exercise (above 972 kpm/min), oxy (Hb+Mb) decreased, while deoxy (Hb+Mb) increased. These findings probably reflect increased O<SUB>2</SUB>extraction.<BR>3) Upon cessation of exercise, oxy (Hb+Mb) and total (Hb+Mb) increased, and deoxy (Hb+Mb) decreased abruptly. These changes probably reflect post-exercise hyperemia with decreased O<SUB>2</SUB>extraction.<BR>4) Oxy (Hb+Mb) level at ventilatory threshold (VT) was the same as or higher than that of resting condition, indicating that VT occurs when the level of O<SUB>2</SUB>in the vessels of the thigh muscle is relatively high.<BR>5) Spontaneous fluctuation of oxy (Hb+Mb) with frequency of 7-10 cycles/min was observed. This fluctuation was more marked during exercise than during rest or recovery.<BR>These findings suggest that the influence of increased blood flow and venous return on oxy (Hb+Mb), deoxy (Hb+Mb) and total (Hb+Mb) are greater than that of O<SUB>2</SUB>extraction during low intensity exercise, whereas the influence of O<SUB>2</SUB>extraction increases with exercise intensity.<BR>Near-infrared spectroscopy provides valuable information with regard to O<SUB>2</SUB>transport and O<SUB>2</SUB>extraction in the exercising muscle.