Beacon-based sleep-wake monitoring in dogs.

The sleep-wake cycle represents a crucial physiological process essential for maintaining homeostasis and promoting individual growth. In dogs, alterations in sleep patterns associated with age and dog's correlation with temperament factors, such as nervousness, have been reported, and there is an increasing demand for precise monitoring of sleep and physical activity in dogs. The present study aims to develop an analysis method for measuring sleep-wake patterns and physical activity in dogs by utilizing an accelerometer and a smartphone. By analyzing time series data collected from the accelerometer attached to the dog's collar, a comprehensive sleep and activity analysis model was constructed. This model classified the activity level into seven classes and effectively highlighted the variations in sleep-activity patterns. Two classes with lower activity levels were considered as sleep, while other five levels were regarded as wake based on the rate of occurrence. This protocol of data acquisition and analysis provides a methodology that enables accurate and extended evaluation of both sleep and physical activity in dogs.

Chondrosarcoma of the temporal bone.

Chondrosarcoma of the temporal bone is a rare disease, with only 36 cases of this tumor having been reported in the English language literature. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with myxoid chondrosarcoma of the temporal bone whose only symptom was progressive hearing loss. The tumor was removed using aspiration, mastoidectomy and tympanotomy, with retention of the jugular bulb. No recurrence has been noted 45 months after the operation. Diagnosis was established from histological examination of the surgical specimens. The clinical characteristics and management of this rare lesion are discussed.

Hematoma-like mass of the maxillary sinus.

CONCLUSIONS: We have reported a non-neoplastic, heterogeneous, hemorrhagic lesion of the maxillary sinus characterized by a mixture of dilated vessels, hemorrhage and fibrin exudation. This lesion should be distinguished from hemangioma and hematoma. We propose the name "hematoma-like mass of the maxillary sinus" for this disease, based on its histological characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of a non-neoplastic, heterogeneous, hemorrhagic lesion of the maxillary sinus associated with mucosal swelling and bone destruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of six patients who were treated surgically for masses and met the following criteria: (i) CT demonstrated an expanding unilateral maxillary lesion, with thinning or destruction of the surrounding bony tissue; (ii) MRI demonstrated a heterogeneous mass; (iii) macroscopically, a mass with a hemorrhagic and heterogeneous appearance was observed; and (iv) histologically, a non-neoplastic tissue with mucosal hemorrhage was observed. RESULTS: The clinical features of this disease, such as a mass expanding from the maxillary sinus with bone destruction, resembled those of maxillary carcinoma. However, CT and MRI provided sufficient information to differentiate this condition from malignancy. Resection was straightforward due to a firm capsule. Characteristic histological findings were a mixture of dilated vessels, hemorrhage and fibrin exudation.

Four cases of simultaneous triple primary cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of intensive chemotherapy for simultaneous triple primary cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case study. METHODS: From April 2000 to March 2002, we treated 4 patients who had simultaneous triple primary cancers, including hypopharyngeal, esophageal, and gastric carcinomas. These 4 patients were designated as the objects for analysis, and the treatment modality for simultaneous multiple primary cancer cases was examined. RESULTS: In 3 of 4 patients, all 3 primary cancers could be controlled by intensive induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer and by endoscopic mucosal resection or argon plasma coagulation for esophageal and gastric carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment modality for simultaneous multiple primary cancers, including head and neck cancer, it is important to select intensive systemic chemotherapy and decide the order for treating each primary lesion in consideration of each patient's curability and prognosis.