Neuroinflammation is a well-recognized consequence of subarachnoid hemorrhage（SAH）, and Toll-like receptor（TLR） 4 may be an important therapeutic target for post-SAH neuroinflammation. Of the TLR family members, T...Neuroinflammation is a well-recognized consequence of subarachnoid hemorrhage（SAH）, and Toll-like receptor（TLR） 4 may be an important therapeutic target for post-SAH neuroinflammation. Of the TLR family members, TLR4 is expressed in various cell types in the central nervous system, and is unique in that it can signal through both the myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88-dependent and the toll receptor associated activator of interferon-dependent cascades to coordinate the maximal inflammatory response. TLR4 can be activated by many endogenous ligands having damage-associated molecular patterns including heme and fibrinogen at the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, and the resultant inflammatory reaction and thereby tissue damages may furthermore activate TLR4. It is widely accepted that the excreted products of TLR4 signaling alter neuronal functions. Previous studies have focused on the pathway through nuclear factor（NF）-κΒ signaling among TLR4 signaling pathways as to the development of early brain injury（EBI） such as neuronal apoptosis and blood-brain barrier disruption, and cerebral vasospasm. However, many findings suggest that both pathways via NF-κΒ and mitogen-activated protein kinases may be involved in EBI and cerebral vasospasm development. To overcome EBI and cerebral vasospasm is important to improve outcomes after SAH, because both EBI and vasopasm are responsible for delayed brain injuries or delayed cerebral ischemia, the most important preventable cause of poor outcomes after SAH. Increasing evidence has shown that TLR4 signaling plays an important role in SAH-induced brain injuries. Better understanding of the roles of TLR4 signaling in SAH will facilitate development of new treatments.展开更多
AIM: To assess the safety of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) program in gastrectomy and influences on nutrition state and insulin-resistance. METHODS: Our ERAS program involved shortening the fasting periods and...AIM: To assess the safety of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) program in gastrectomy and influences on nutrition state and insulin-resistance. METHODS: Our ERAS program involved shortening the fasting periods and preoperative carbohydrate loading. Eighty gastrectomy patients were randomly assigned to either the conventional group(CG) or ERAS group(EG). We assessed the clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes prospectively. The primary endpoint was noninferiority in timely discharge from the hospital within 12 d. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of aspiration at anesthesia induction, incidence of postoperative complications, health related quality of life(HRQOL) using the SF8 Health Survey questionnaire, nutrition state [e.g., albumin, transthyretin(TTR), retinal-binding protein(RBP), and transferrin(Tf)], the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance(HOMA-R) index, postoperative urine volume,postoperative weight change, and postoperative oral intake.RESULTS: The ERAS program was noninferior to the conventional program in achieving discharge from the hospital within 12 d(95.0% vs 92.5% respectively; 95%CI:-10.0%-16.0%). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between the two groups. Adverse events such as vomiting and aspiration associated with the induction of general anesthesia were not observed. There were no significant differences with respect to postoperative urine volume, weight change, and oral intake between the two groups. EG patients with preoperative HOMA-R scores above 2.5 experienced significant attenuation of their HOMA-R scores on postoperative day 1 compared to CG patients(P = 0.014). There were no significant differences with respect to rapid turnover proteins(TTR, RBP and Tf) or HRQOL scores using the SF8 method.CONCLUSION: Applying the ERAS program to patients who undergo gastrectomy is safe, and improves insulin resistance with no deterioration in QOL.展开更多
AIM: To identify the actual clinical management and associated factors of delayed perforation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).METHODS: A total of 4943 early gastric cancer(EGC) patients underwent E...AIM: To identify the actual clinical management and associated factors of delayed perforation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).METHODS: A total of 4943 early gastric cancer(EGC) patients underwent ESD at our hospital between January 1999 and June 2012. We retrospectively assessed the actual management of delayed perforation. In addition, to determine the factors associated with delayed perforation, after excluding 123 EGC patients with perforations that occurred during the ESD procedure, we analyzed the following clinicopathological factors among the remaining 4820 EGC patients by comparing the ESD cases with delayed perforation and the ESD cases without perforation: age, sex, chronological periods, clinical indications for ESD, status of the stomach, location, gastric circumference, tumor size, invasion depth, presence/absence of ulceration, histological type, type of resection, and procedure time.RESULTS: Delayed perforation occurred in 7(0.1%) cases. The median time until the occurrence of delayed perforation was 11 h(range, 6-172 h). Three(43%) of the 7 cases required emergency surgery, while four were conservatively managed without surgical intervention. Among the 4 cases with conservative management, 2 were successfully managed endoscopically using the endoloop-endoclip technique. The median hospital stay was 18 d(range, 15-45 d). There were no delayed perforation-related deaths. Based on a multivariate analysis, gastric tube cases(OR = 11.0; 95%CI: 1.7-73.3; P = 0.013) were significantly associated with delayed perforation.CONCLUSION: Endoscopists must be aware of not only the identified factors associated with delayed perforation, but also how to treat this complicationeffectively and promptly.展开更多
AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) re-activation often occurs spontaneously or after withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Severe exacerbation, sometimes developing into fulminant hep...AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) re-activation often occurs spontaneously or after withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Severe exacerbation, sometimes developing into fulminant hepatic failure, is at high risk of mortality. The efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in 'clinically severe' exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B has not been well demonstrated. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of early introduction of high-dose corticosteroid therapy in patients with life-threatening severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: Twenty-two patients, 14 men and 8 women, were defined as 'severe' exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B using uniform criteria and enrolled in this study. Eleven patients were treated with corticosteroids at 60 mg or more daily with or without anti-viral drugs within 10 d after the diagnosis of severe disease ('early high-dose' group) and 11 patients were either treated more than 10 d or untreated with corticosteroids ('non-early high-dose' group). RESULTS: Mean age, male-to-female ratio, mean prothrombin time (FT) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) level, total bilirubin level, positivity of HBeAg, mean IgM-HBc titer, and mean HBV DNA polymerase activity did not differ between the two groups. Ten of 11 patients of the 'early high-dose' group survived, while only 2 of 11 patients of the 'non-early high-dose' group survived (P<0.001). During the first 2 wk after the introduction of corticosteroids, improvements in PT activities and total bilirubin levels were observed in the 'early high-dose' group. Both ALT levels and HBV DNA polymerase levels fell in both groups. CONCLUSION: The introduction of high-dose corticosteroid can reverse deterioration in patients with 'clinically life-threatening' severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B , when used in the early stage of illness.展开更多
Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle （IGCC） and Integrated coal Gasification Fuel-cell Com- bined cycle （IGFC） are being developed as high-efficiency electric power generation technology. However, the...Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle （IGCC） and Integrated coal Gasification Fuel-cell Com- bined cycle （IGFC） are being developed as high-efficiency electric power generation technology. However, the highest theoretical gross thermal efficiency of the conventional IGCC]IGFC is still below 52~. In order to obtain higher power generation efficiency, an advanced IGCC （A-IGCC） or advanced IGFC （A-IGFC） sys- tem making use of the exergy recuperation concept by recycling waste heat from gas turbine or fuel cells for steam gasification of coal and biomass was proposed in our laboratory, Corresponding to this system, a novel high-density triple-bed combined circulating fluidized bed （TBCFB） gasifier, composed of a downer pyrolyzer, a bubbling fluidized bed char gasifier, and a riser combustor, was proposed to replace traditional gasifiers such as the entrained flow bed gasifier. The new system is expected to more effectively utilize the waste heat from gas turbines or fuel cells and the heat produced by the combustion of the unreacted char in the riser combustor for pyrolysis and gasification of coal and biomass. In this short review, the advantages and future challenges in the development of high-density TBCFB gasifier are presented and discussed.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) antimicrobial resistance is an urgent, global issue. In2017, the World Health Organization designated clarithromycin-resistant H.pylori as a high priority bacterium for antibiotic resear...Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) antimicrobial resistance is an urgent, global issue. In2017, the World Health Organization designated clarithromycin-resistant H.pylori as a high priority bacterium for antibiotic research and development. In addition to clarithromycin, resistance to metronidazole and fluoroquinolones has also increased worldwide. Recent international guidelines for management of H.pylori infection recommend bismuth or non-bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 d as a first-line treatment for H. pylori in areas of high clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistance. Although these treatment regimens provide acceptable H. pylori eradication rates, the regimens used should not contribute to future resistance of H. pylori to antimicrobials. Moreover, these regimens can promote resistance, due to prolonged therapy with multiple antibiotics. A new strategy that can eradicate H. pylori as well as reduce the antibiotics used is required to prevent future antimicrobial resistance in H. pylori. Dual-therapy with vonoprazan and amoxicillin could be a breakthrough for H. pylori eradication in an era of growing antimicrobial resistance. This regimen may provide a satisfactory eradication rate of H. pylori and also minimize antimicrobial resistance due to single antibiotic use and the strong inhibitory effect of vonoprazan on gastric acid secretion.展开更多
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains devastating,and the most important determinant of poor outcome is early brain injury（EBI）.In clinical settings,as a surrogate marker of EBI,loss of consciousness at ictus,p...Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains devastating,and the most important determinant of poor outcome is early brain injury（EBI）.In clinical settings,as a surrogate marker of EBI,loss of consciousness at ictus,poor initial clinical grades,and some radiographic findings are used,but these markers are somewhat subjective.Thus,it is imperative to find biomarkers of EBI that have beneficial prognostic and therapeutic implications.In our opinion,an ideal biomarker is a molecule that is implicated in the pathogenesis of both EBI and subsequently developing delayed cerebral ischemia（DCI）,being a therapeutic target,and can be measured easily in the peripheral blood in an acute stage.A good candidate of such a biomarker is a matricellular protein,which is a secreted,inducible and multifunctional extracellular matrix protein.There are many kinds of matricellular proteins reported,but only tenascin-C,osteopontin,galectin-3 and periostin are reported relevant to EBI and DCI.Reliable biomarkers of EBI may stratify aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients into categories of risk to develop DCI,and allow objective monitoring of the response to treatment for EBI and earlier diagnosis of DCI.This review emphasizes that further investigation of matricellular proteins as an avenue for biomarker discovery is warranted.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection using an insulation-tipped diathermic knife (IT-ESD) for the treatment of patients with gastric remnant cancer. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with ...AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection using an insulation-tipped diathermic knife (IT-ESD) for the treatment of patients with gastric remnant cancer. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with early gastric cancer in the remnant stomach, who underwent distal gastrectomy due to gastric carcinoma, were treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or ESD at Sumitomo Besshi Hospital and Shikoku Cancer Center in the 10-year period from January 1998 to December 2007, including 17 patients treated with IT-ESD. Retrospectively, patient backgrounds, the one-piece resection rate, complete resection (CR) rate, operation time, bleeding rate, and perforation rate were compared between patients treated with conventional EMR and those treated with IT-ESD. RESULTS: The CR rate (40% in the EMR group vs 82% in the IT-ESD group) was significantly higher in the IT-ESD group than in the EMR group; however, the operation time was significantly longer for the IT- ESD group (57.6 ± 31.9 min vs 21.1 ± 12.2 min). No significant differences were found in the rate of underlying cardiopulmonary disease (IT-ESD group, 12% vs EMR group, 13%), one-piece resection rate (100% vs 73%), bleeding rate (18% vs 6.7%), and perforation rate (0% vs 0%) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IT-ESD appears to be an effective treatment for gastric remnant cancer post distal gastrectomy because of its high CR rate. It is useful for histological confirmation of successful treatment. Thelong-term outcome needs to be evaluated in the future.展开更多
Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been used to treat patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction(AMI) and subsequent heart failure. Although it was originally assumed that MSCs differentiated into heart cells ...Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been used to treat patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction(AMI) and subsequent heart failure. Although it was originally assumed that MSCs differentiated into heart cells such as cardiomyocytes, recent evidence suggests that the differentiation capacity of MSCs is minimal and that injected MSCs restore cardiac function via the secretion of paracrine factors. MSCs secrete paracrine factors in not only naked forms but also membrane vesicles including exosomes containing bioactive substances such as proteins, messenger RNAs, and microR NAs. Although the details remain unclear, these bioactive molecules are selectively sorted in exosomes that are then released from donor cells in a regulated manner. Furthermore, exosomes are specifically internalized by recipient cells via ligand-receptor interactions. Thus, exosomes are promising natural vehicles that stably and specifically transport bioactive molecules to recipient cells. Indeed, stem cell-derived exosomes have been successfully used to treat cardiovascular disease(CVD), such as AMI, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension, in animal models, and their efficacy has been demonstrated. Therefore, exosome administration may be a promising strategy for the treatment of CVD. Furthermore, modifications of exosomal contents may enhance their therapeutic effects. Future clinical studies are required to confirm the efficacy of exosome treatment for CVD.展开更多
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that may become intractable when treated with conventional medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. The herbal medicine Q...Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that may become intractable when treated with conventional medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. The herbal medicine Qing Dai has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat UC patients, but there is a lack of published data on the efficacy of Qing Dai in UC treatment. We report several cases of patients with intractable UC who take Qing Dai in a retrospective observational study. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. Nine patients with active UC who received conventional medications but wished to receive Qing Dai as an alternative medication were included in our analysis. The UC severity level was determined based on the clinical activity index (CAI). Additionally, 5 of the 9 patients were endoscopically evaluated according to the Matts grading system. Each patient received 2 g/d of Qing Dai orally and continued taking other medications for UC as prescribed. Electron spin resonance was applied to explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. After 4 mo of treatment with Qing Dai, the CAI score decreased from 8.3 ± 2.4 to 2.4 ± 3.4 (mean ± SD; P < 0.001). Similarly, the endoscopic Matts grade decreased from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 2.2 ± 0.8 (P = 0.02). Six of 7 patients who were on prednisolone upon enrollment in the study were able to discontinue this corticosteroid. Electron spin resonance revealed that Qing Dai possesses strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Qing Dai showed significant clinical and endoscopic efficacy in patients who failed to respond to conventional medications. Scavenging of hydroxyl radicals appears to be a potential mechanism through which Qing Dai acts, but the significance of the scavenging ability of Qing Dai with respect to the anti-inflammatory effect in UC patients warrants further investigation.展开更多
AIM:To identify specific colonoscopic findings in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated by cyto-megalovirus (CMV) infection.METHODS: Among UC patients who were hospitalized due to exacerbation of symptoms,...AIM:To identify specific colonoscopic findings in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated by cyto-megalovirus (CMV) infection.METHODS: Among UC patients who were hospitalized due to exacerbation of symptoms, colonoscopic findings were compared between 15 CMV-positive patients and 58 CMV-negative patients. CMV infection was determined by blood test for CMV antigenemia. Five aspects of mucosal changes were analyzed (loss of vascular pattern, erythema, mucosal edema, easy bleeding, and mucinous exudates) as well as five aspects of ulcerative change (wide mucosal defect, punched-out ulceration, longitudinal ulceration, irregular ulceration, and cobble-stone-like appearance). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each finding for CMV positivity were determined.RESULTS: The sensitivity of irregular ulceration for positive CMV was 100%. The specificity of wide mucosal defect was 95%. Punched-out ulceration and lon-gitudinal ulceration exhibited relatively high sensitivity and specificity (more than 70% for each).CONCLUSION:Specific colonoscopic findings in patients with UC complicated by CMV infection were identified. These findings may facilitate the early diagnosis of CMV infection in UC patients.展开更多
Paddy rice samples were parboiled by soaking at 65℃ for 180 min and steaming at 96℃ for 2–10 min,and then dried to achieve the final moisture content of 11% ± 1%. The degree of starch gelatinization （DSG） an...Paddy rice samples were parboiled by soaking at 65℃ for 180 min and steaming at 96℃ for 2–10 min,and then dried to achieve the final moisture content of 11% ± 1%. The degree of starch gelatinization （DSG） andseveral quality attributes （head rice yield （HRY）, color value and hardness） of parboiled rice were measured.Results showed that DSG （46.8%–77.9%）, color value （18.08–19.04） and hardness （118.6–219.2 N） allincreased following steaming. In contrast, the HRY increased （64.8%–67.1%） for steaming times between 2–4min but decreased （67.1%–65.0%） for steaming times between 4–10 min. Linear relations between DSG andcolor value （R2 = 0.87）, and DSG and hardness （R2 = 0.88） were observed. The suitable DSG of parboiled riceleading to the highest HRY was found to be 62.5%, obtained following 4 min of steaming.展开更多
AM: To clarify the role of Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced proliferation in activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs...AM: To clarify the role of Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced proliferation in activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). METHODS: PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue, and used in their culture-activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype. STAT-specific binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Activation of Src, JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, and ERK was determined by Western blotting using anti-phosphospecific antibodies. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. RESULTS: PDGF-BB induced STAT-specific binding activity, and activation of Src, JAK2, STAT1, STAB, and ERK. Ethanol and acetaldehyde at clinically relevant concentrations decreased basal activation of JAK2 and STAT3. PDGF-induced activation of STAT1 and STAT3 was inhibited by a Src inhibitor PP1 and a JAK2 inhibitor AG490, whereas PDGF-induced activation of ERK was inhibited by PP1, and not by AG490. PDGF-induced proliferation was inhibited by PP1 and AG490 as well as by STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide. CONCLUSION: PDGF-BB activated JAK2-STAT pathway via Src-dependent mechanism. Activation of 3AK2-STAT3 pathway, in addition to ERK, may play a role in PDGF-induced proliferation of PSCs.展开更多
Adipose tissue-deried stem cells( ADSCs) are adult stem cells that can be easily harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue. Many studies have demonstrated that ADSCs differentiate into vascular endothelial cells(VECs...Adipose tissue-deried stem cells( ADSCs) are adult stem cells that can be easily harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue. Many studies have demonstrated that ADSCs differentiate into vascular endothelial cells(VECs), vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs), and cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. However, ADSCs may fuse with tissue-resident cells and obtain the corresponding characteristics of those cells. If fusion occurs, ADSCs may express markers of VECs, VSMCs, and cardiomyocytes without direct differentiation into these cell types. ADSCs also produce a variety of paracrine factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 that have proangiogenic and/or antiapoptotic activities. Thus, ADSCs have the potential to regenerate the cardiovascular system via direct differentiation into VECs, VSMCs, and cardiomyocytes, fusion with tissueresident cells, and the production of paracrine factors. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ADSC implantation in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction(AMI), ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM), dilated cardiomyopathy, hindlimb ischemia, and stroke. Clinical studies regarding the use of autologous ADSCs for treating patients with AMI and ICM have recently been initiated. ADSC implantation has been reported as safe and effective so far. Therefore, ADSCs appear to be useful for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the tumorigenic potential of ADSCs requires careful evaluation before their safe clinical application.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the role of positron emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose （FDG-PET） in the surgical management of patients with pancreatic cancer, including the diagnosis, staging, and selection of pat...AIM： To evaluate the role of positron emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose （FDG-PET） in the surgical management of patients with pancreatic cancer, including the diagnosis, staging, and selection of patients for the subsequent surgical treatment. METHODS： This study involved 53 patients with proven primary pancreatic cancer. The sensitivity of diagnosing the primary cancer was examined for FDG-PET CT, cytological examination of the bile or pancreatic juice, and the serum levels of carcinoembrionic antigens （CEA） and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 （CA29-9）. Next, the accuracy of staging was compared between FDG-PET and CT. Finally, FDG-PET was analyzed semiquantitatively using the standard uptake value （SUV）. The impact of the SUV on patient management was evaluated by examining the correlations between the SUV and the histological findings of cancer. RESULTS： The sensitivity of FDG-PET, CT, cytological examination of the bile or pancreatic juice, and the serum levels of CEA and CA19-9 were 92.5%, 88.7%, 46.4%, 37.7% and 69.8%, respectively. In staging, FDG-PET was superior to CT only in diagnosing distant disease （bone metastasis）. For local staging, the sensitivity of CT was better than that of FDG-PEr. The SUV did not correlate with the pTNM stage, grades, invasions to the vessels and nerve, or with the size of the tumor. However, there was a statistically significant difference （4.6 ± 2.9 vs 7.8 ± 4.5, P = 0.024） in the SUV between patients with respectable and unresectable disease. CONCLUSION： FDG-PET is thus considered to be useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. However, regarding the staging of the disease, FDG-PET is not considered to be a sufficiently accurate diagnostic modality. Although the SUV does not correlate with the patho-histological prognostic factors, it may be useful in selecting patients who should undergo subsequent surgical treatment.展开更多
AIM To investigate the location to which a pancreatic stent should be inserted to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP).METHODS Over a ten-year period at our hospital, 296...AIM To investigate the location to which a pancreatic stent should be inserted to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP).METHODS Over a ten-year period at our hospital, 296 patients underwent their first ERCP procedure and had a pancreatic stent inserted; this study included 147 patients who had ERCP performed primarily for biliary investigation and had a pancreatic stent inserted to prevent PEP. We dividedthese patients into two groups: 131 patients with a stent inserted into the pancreatic head(head group) and 16 patients with a stent inserted up to the pancreatic body or tail(body/tail group). Patient characteristics and ERCP factors were compared between the groups.RESULTS Pancreatic amylase isoenzyme(p-AMY) levels in the head group were significantly higher than those in the body/tail group [138.5(7.0-2086) vs 78.5(5.0-1266.5), P = 0.03] [median(range)]. No cases of PEP were detected in the body/tail group [head group, 12(9.2%)]. Of the risk factors for post-ERCP hyperamylasemia(≥ p-AMY median, 131 IU/L), procedure time ≥ 60 min [odds ratio(OR) 2.65, 95%CI: 1.17-6.02, P = 0.02) and stent insertion into the pancreatic head(OR 3.80, 95%CI: 1.12-12.9, P = 0.03) were identified as independent risk factors by multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Stent insertion up to the pancreatic body or tail reduces the risk of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia and may reduce the risk of PEP.展开更多
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains serious hemorrhagic stroke with high morbidities and mortalities.Aneurysm rupture causes arterial bleeding-induced mechanical brain tissue injuries and elevated intracranial ...Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains serious hemorrhagic stroke with high morbidities and mortalities.Aneurysm rupture causes arterial bleeding-induced mechanical brain tissue injuries and elevated intracranial pressure,followed by global cerebral ischemia.Post-subarachnoid hemorrhage ischemia,tissue injuries as well as extravasated blood components and the breakdown products activate microglia,astrocytes and Toll-like receptor 4,and disrupt blood-brain barrier associated with the induction of many inflammatory and other cascades.Once blood-brain barrier is disrupted,brain tissues are directly exposed to harmful blood contents and immune cells,which aggravate brain injuries furthermore.Blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage may be developed by a variety of mechanisms including endothelial cell apoptosis and disruption of tight junction proteins.Many molecules and pathways have been reported to disrupt the blood-brain barrier after subarachnoid hemorrhage,but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.Multiple independent and/or interconnected signaling pathways may be involved in blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides recent understandings of the mechanisms and the potential therapeutic targets of blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.展开更多
Plexiform angiomyxoid myofibroblastic tumor of the stomach is a unique mesenchymal tumor that we first described in 2007.The tumor is very rare,and to date,only 18 cases confirmed by immunohistochemistry have been rep...Plexiform angiomyxoid myofibroblastic tumor of the stomach is a unique mesenchymal tumor that we first described in 2007.The tumor is very rare,and to date,only 18 cases confirmed by immunohistochemistry have been reported in the literature.The patients' ages ranged from 7 to 75 years(mean,43 years),and the male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:1.Representative clinical symptoms are ulceration,associated upper gastrointestinal bleeding(hematemesis),and anemia.The tumors are located at the antrum in all cases,and grossly,the tumor is whitish to brownish or reddish,and forms a lobulated submucosal or transmural mass.Microscopically,the tumor is characterized by a plexiform growth pattern,the proliferation of cytologically bland spindle cells,and a myxoid stroma that is rich in small vessels and positive for Alcian blue stain.Immunohistochemically,the tumor cells are positive for α-smooth muscle actin and negative for KIT and CD34.Differential diagnoses include gastrointestinal stromal tumor and other mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.Some authors proposed that this tumor should be designated as "plexiform fibromyxoma",but this designation might cause confusion.The tumor is probably benign and thus far,neither recurrence nor metastasis has been reported.展开更多
AIM:To use leptin-deficient(ob/ob) mice with demonstrated differences in steatosis levels to test a new diagnostic method using the acoustical structure quantification(ASQ) mode and the associated analytical parameter...AIM:To use leptin-deficient(ob/ob) mice with demonstrated differences in steatosis levels to test a new diagnostic method using the acoustical structure quantification(ASQ) mode and the associated analytical parameter,"focal disturbance ratio"(FD-ratio).METHODS:Nine ob/ob mice,at 5,8,and 12 wk of age(n = 3 in each age group),were used as models for hepatic steatosis.Echo signals obtained from ultrasonography in the mice were analyzed by ASQ,which uses a statistical analysis of echo amplitude to estimate inhomogeneity in the diagnostic region.FD-ratio,as calculated from this analysis,was the focus of the present study.FD-ratio and fat droplet areas and sizes were compared between age groups.RESULTS:No fibrosis or inflammation was observed in any of the groups.The fat droplet area significantly(P < 0.01) increased with age from 1.25% ± 0.28% at 5 wk to 31.07% ± 0.48% at 8 wk to 51.69% ± 3.19% at 12 wk.The median fat droplet size also significantly(P < 0.01) increased with age,from 1.33(0.55-10.52) m at 5 wk,2.82(0.61-44.13) m at 8 wk and 6.34(0.66-81.83) m at 12 wk.The mean FD-ratio was 0.42 ± 0.11 at 5 wk,0.11 ± 0.05 at 8 wk,and 0.03 ± 0.02 at 12 wk.The FD-ratio was significantly lower at 12 wk than at 5 wk and 8 wk(P < 0.01).A significant negative correlation was observed between the FD-ratio and either the fat droplet area(r =-0.7211,P = 0.0017) or fat droplet size(r =-0.9811,P = 0.0052).CONCLUSION:This tool for statistical analysis of signals from ultrasonography using the FD-ratio can be used to accurately quantify fat in vivo in an animal model of hepatic steatosis,and may serve as a quantitative biomarker of hepatic steatosis.展开更多
基金supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Mie Medical Research Foundation to Dr.Suzuki
文摘Neuroinflammation is a well-recognized consequence of subarachnoid hemorrhage（SAH）, and Toll-like receptor（TLR） 4 may be an important therapeutic target for post-SAH neuroinflammation. Of the TLR family members, TLR4 is expressed in various cell types in the central nervous system, and is unique in that it can signal through both the myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88-dependent and the toll receptor associated activator of interferon-dependent cascades to coordinate the maximal inflammatory response. TLR4 can be activated by many endogenous ligands having damage-associated molecular patterns including heme and fibrinogen at the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, and the resultant inflammatory reaction and thereby tissue damages may furthermore activate TLR4. It is widely accepted that the excreted products of TLR4 signaling alter neuronal functions. Previous studies have focused on the pathway through nuclear factor（NF）-κΒ signaling among TLR4 signaling pathways as to the development of early brain injury（EBI） such as neuronal apoptosis and blood-brain barrier disruption, and cerebral vasospasm. However, many findings suggest that both pathways via NF-κΒ and mitogen-activated protein kinases may be involved in EBI and cerebral vasospasm development. To overcome EBI and cerebral vasospasm is important to improve outcomes after SAH, because both EBI and vasopasm are responsible for delayed brain injuries or delayed cerebral ischemia, the most important preventable cause of poor outcomes after SAH. Increasing evidence has shown that TLR4 signaling plays an important role in SAH-induced brain injuries. Better understanding of the roles of TLR4 signaling in SAH will facilitate development of new treatments.
文摘AIM: To assess the safety of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) program in gastrectomy and influences on nutrition state and insulin-resistance. METHODS: Our ERAS program involved shortening the fasting periods and preoperative carbohydrate loading. Eighty gastrectomy patients were randomly assigned to either the conventional group(CG) or ERAS group(EG). We assessed the clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes prospectively. The primary endpoint was noninferiority in timely discharge from the hospital within 12 d. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of aspiration at anesthesia induction, incidence of postoperative complications, health related quality of life(HRQOL) using the SF8 Health Survey questionnaire, nutrition state [e.g., albumin, transthyretin(TTR), retinal-binding protein(RBP), and transferrin(Tf)], the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance(HOMA-R) index, postoperative urine volume,postoperative weight change, and postoperative oral intake.RESULTS: The ERAS program was noninferior to the conventional program in achieving discharge from the hospital within 12 d(95.0% vs 92.5% respectively; 95%CI:-10.0%-16.0%). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between the two groups. Adverse events such as vomiting and aspiration associated with the induction of general anesthesia were not observed. There were no significant differences with respect to postoperative urine volume, weight change, and oral intake between the two groups. EG patients with preoperative HOMA-R scores above 2.5 experienced significant attenuation of their HOMA-R scores on postoperative day 1 compared to CG patients(P = 0.014). There were no significant differences with respect to rapid turnover proteins(TTR, RBP and Tf) or HRQOL scores using the SF8 method.CONCLUSION: Applying the ERAS program to patients who undergo gastrectomy is safe, and improves insulin resistance with no deterioration in QOL.
文摘AIM: To identify the actual clinical management and associated factors of delayed perforation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).METHODS: A total of 4943 early gastric cancer(EGC) patients underwent ESD at our hospital between January 1999 and June 2012. We retrospectively assessed the actual management of delayed perforation. In addition, to determine the factors associated with delayed perforation, after excluding 123 EGC patients with perforations that occurred during the ESD procedure, we analyzed the following clinicopathological factors among the remaining 4820 EGC patients by comparing the ESD cases with delayed perforation and the ESD cases without perforation: age, sex, chronological periods, clinical indications for ESD, status of the stomach, location, gastric circumference, tumor size, invasion depth, presence/absence of ulceration, histological type, type of resection, and procedure time.RESULTS: Delayed perforation occurred in 7(0.1%) cases. The median time until the occurrence of delayed perforation was 11 h(range, 6-172 h). Three(43%) of the 7 cases required emergency surgery, while four were conservatively managed without surgical intervention. Among the 4 cases with conservative management, 2 were successfully managed endoscopically using the endoloop-endoclip technique. The median hospital stay was 18 d(range, 15-45 d). There were no delayed perforation-related deaths. Based on a multivariate analysis, gastric tube cases(OR = 11.0; 95%CI: 1.7-73.3; P = 0.013) were significantly associated with delayed perforation.CONCLUSION: Endoscopists must be aware of not only the identified factors associated with delayed perforation, but also how to treat this complicationeffectively and promptly.
文摘AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) re-activation often occurs spontaneously or after withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Severe exacerbation, sometimes developing into fulminant hepatic failure, is at high risk of mortality. The efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in 'clinically severe' exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B has not been well demonstrated. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of early introduction of high-dose corticosteroid therapy in patients with life-threatening severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: Twenty-two patients, 14 men and 8 women, were defined as 'severe' exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B using uniform criteria and enrolled in this study. Eleven patients were treated with corticosteroids at 60 mg or more daily with or without anti-viral drugs within 10 d after the diagnosis of severe disease ('early high-dose' group) and 11 patients were either treated more than 10 d or untreated with corticosteroids ('non-early high-dose' group). RESULTS: Mean age, male-to-female ratio, mean prothrombin time (FT) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) level, total bilirubin level, positivity of HBeAg, mean IgM-HBc titer, and mean HBV DNA polymerase activity did not differ between the two groups. Ten of 11 patients of the 'early high-dose' group survived, while only 2 of 11 patients of the 'non-early high-dose' group survived (P<0.001). During the first 2 wk after the introduction of corticosteroids, improvements in PT activities and total bilirubin levels were observed in the 'early high-dose' group. Both ALT levels and HBV DNA polymerase levels fell in both groups. CONCLUSION: The introduction of high-dose corticosteroid can reverse deterioration in patients with 'clinically life-threatening' severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B , when used in the early stage of illness.
基金supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization(NEDO)
文摘Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle （IGCC） and Integrated coal Gasification Fuel-cell Com- bined cycle （IGFC） are being developed as high-efficiency electric power generation technology. However, the highest theoretical gross thermal efficiency of the conventional IGCC]IGFC is still below 52~. In order to obtain higher power generation efficiency, an advanced IGCC （A-IGCC） or advanced IGFC （A-IGFC） sys- tem making use of the exergy recuperation concept by recycling waste heat from gas turbine or fuel cells for steam gasification of coal and biomass was proposed in our laboratory, Corresponding to this system, a novel high-density triple-bed combined circulating fluidized bed （TBCFB） gasifier, composed of a downer pyrolyzer, a bubbling fluidized bed char gasifier, and a riser combustor, was proposed to replace traditional gasifiers such as the entrained flow bed gasifier. The new system is expected to more effectively utilize the waste heat from gas turbines or fuel cells and the heat produced by the combustion of the unreacted char in the riser combustor for pyrolysis and gasification of coal and biomass. In this short review, the advantages and future challenges in the development of high-density TBCFB gasifier are presented and discussed.
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) antimicrobial resistance is an urgent, global issue. In2017, the World Health Organization designated clarithromycin-resistant H.pylori as a high priority bacterium for antibiotic research and development. In addition to clarithromycin, resistance to metronidazole and fluoroquinolones has also increased worldwide. Recent international guidelines for management of H.pylori infection recommend bismuth or non-bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 d as a first-line treatment for H. pylori in areas of high clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistance. Although these treatment regimens provide acceptable H. pylori eradication rates, the regimens used should not contribute to future resistance of H. pylori to antimicrobials. Moreover, these regimens can promote resistance, due to prolonged therapy with multiple antibiotics. A new strategy that can eradicate H. pylori as well as reduce the antibiotics used is required to prevent future antimicrobial resistance in H. pylori. Dual-therapy with vonoprazan and amoxicillin could be a breakthrough for H. pylori eradication in an era of growing antimicrobial resistance. This regimen may provide a satisfactory eradication rate of H. pylori and also minimize antimicrobial resistance due to single antibiotic use and the strong inhibitory effect of vonoprazan on gastric acid secretion.
基金supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Novartis Pharmaceuticals to HS
文摘Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains devastating,and the most important determinant of poor outcome is early brain injury（EBI）.In clinical settings,as a surrogate marker of EBI,loss of consciousness at ictus,poor initial clinical grades,and some radiographic findings are used,but these markers are somewhat subjective.Thus,it is imperative to find biomarkers of EBI that have beneficial prognostic and therapeutic implications.In our opinion,an ideal biomarker is a molecule that is implicated in the pathogenesis of both EBI and subsequently developing delayed cerebral ischemia（DCI）,being a therapeutic target,and can be measured easily in the peripheral blood in an acute stage.A good candidate of such a biomarker is a matricellular protein,which is a secreted,inducible and multifunctional extracellular matrix protein.There are many kinds of matricellular proteins reported,but only tenascin-C,osteopontin,galectin-3 and periostin are reported relevant to EBI and DCI.Reliable biomarkers of EBI may stratify aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients into categories of risk to develop DCI,and allow objective monitoring of the response to treatment for EBI and earlier diagnosis of DCI.This review emphasizes that further investigation of matricellular proteins as an avenue for biomarker discovery is warranted.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection using an insulation-tipped diathermic knife (IT-ESD) for the treatment of patients with gastric remnant cancer. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with early gastric cancer in the remnant stomach, who underwent distal gastrectomy due to gastric carcinoma, were treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or ESD at Sumitomo Besshi Hospital and Shikoku Cancer Center in the 10-year period from January 1998 to December 2007, including 17 patients treated with IT-ESD. Retrospectively, patient backgrounds, the one-piece resection rate, complete resection (CR) rate, operation time, bleeding rate, and perforation rate were compared between patients treated with conventional EMR and those treated with IT-ESD. RESULTS: The CR rate (40% in the EMR group vs 82% in the IT-ESD group) was significantly higher in the IT-ESD group than in the EMR group; however, the operation time was significantly longer for the IT- ESD group (57.6 ± 31.9 min vs 21.1 ± 12.2 min). No significant differences were found in the rate of underlying cardiopulmonary disease (IT-ESD group, 12% vs EMR group, 13%), one-piece resection rate (100% vs 73%), bleeding rate (18% vs 6.7%), and perforation rate (0% vs 0%) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IT-ESD appears to be an effective treatment for gastric remnant cancer post distal gastrectomy because of its high CR rate. It is useful for histological confirmation of successful treatment. Thelong-term outcome needs to be evaluated in the future.
文摘Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been used to treat patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction(AMI) and subsequent heart failure. Although it was originally assumed that MSCs differentiated into heart cells such as cardiomyocytes, recent evidence suggests that the differentiation capacity of MSCs is minimal and that injected MSCs restore cardiac function via the secretion of paracrine factors. MSCs secrete paracrine factors in not only naked forms but also membrane vesicles including exosomes containing bioactive substances such as proteins, messenger RNAs, and microR NAs. Although the details remain unclear, these bioactive molecules are selectively sorted in exosomes that are then released from donor cells in a regulated manner. Furthermore, exosomes are specifically internalized by recipient cells via ligand-receptor interactions. Thus, exosomes are promising natural vehicles that stably and specifically transport bioactive molecules to recipient cells. Indeed, stem cell-derived exosomes have been successfully used to treat cardiovascular disease(CVD), such as AMI, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension, in animal models, and their efficacy has been demonstrated. Therefore, exosome administration may be a promising strategy for the treatment of CVD. Furthermore, modifications of exosomal contents may enhance their therapeutic effects. Future clinical studies are required to confirm the efficacy of exosome treatment for CVD.
文摘Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that may become intractable when treated with conventional medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. The herbal medicine Qing Dai has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat UC patients, but there is a lack of published data on the efficacy of Qing Dai in UC treatment. We report several cases of patients with intractable UC who take Qing Dai in a retrospective observational study. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. Nine patients with active UC who received conventional medications but wished to receive Qing Dai as an alternative medication were included in our analysis. The UC severity level was determined based on the clinical activity index (CAI). Additionally, 5 of the 9 patients were endoscopically evaluated according to the Matts grading system. Each patient received 2 g/d of Qing Dai orally and continued taking other medications for UC as prescribed. Electron spin resonance was applied to explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. After 4 mo of treatment with Qing Dai, the CAI score decreased from 8.3 ± 2.4 to 2.4 ± 3.4 (mean ± SD; P < 0.001). Similarly, the endoscopic Matts grade decreased from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 2.2 ± 0.8 (P = 0.02). Six of 7 patients who were on prednisolone upon enrollment in the study were able to discontinue this corticosteroid. Electron spin resonance revealed that Qing Dai possesses strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Qing Dai showed significant clinical and endoscopic efficacy in patients who failed to respond to conventional medications. Scavenging of hydroxyl radicals appears to be a potential mechanism through which Qing Dai acts, but the significance of the scavenging ability of Qing Dai with respect to the anti-inflammatory effect in UC patients warrants further investigation.
文摘AIM:To identify specific colonoscopic findings in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated by cyto-megalovirus (CMV) infection.METHODS: Among UC patients who were hospitalized due to exacerbation of symptoms, colonoscopic findings were compared between 15 CMV-positive patients and 58 CMV-negative patients. CMV infection was determined by blood test for CMV antigenemia. Five aspects of mucosal changes were analyzed (loss of vascular pattern, erythema, mucosal edema, easy bleeding, and mucinous exudates) as well as five aspects of ulcerative change (wide mucosal defect, punched-out ulceration, longitudinal ulceration, irregular ulceration, and cobble-stone-like appearance). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each finding for CMV positivity were determined.RESULTS: The sensitivity of irregular ulceration for positive CMV was 100%. The specificity of wide mucosal defect was 95%. Punched-out ulceration and lon-gitudinal ulceration exhibited relatively high sensitivity and specificity (more than 70% for each).CONCLUSION:Specific colonoscopic findings in patients with UC complicated by CMV infection were identified. These findings may facilitate the early diagnosis of CMV infection in UC patients.
文摘Paddy rice samples were parboiled by soaking at 65℃ for 180 min and steaming at 96℃ for 2–10 min,and then dried to achieve the final moisture content of 11% ± 1%. The degree of starch gelatinization （DSG） andseveral quality attributes （head rice yield （HRY）, color value and hardness） of parboiled rice were measured.Results showed that DSG （46.8%–77.9%）, color value （18.08–19.04） and hardness （118.6–219.2 N） allincreased following steaming. In contrast, the HRY increased （64.8%–67.1%） for steaming times between 2–4min but decreased （67.1%–65.0%） for steaming times between 4–10 min. Linear relations between DSG andcolor value （R2 = 0.87）, and DSG and hardness （R2 = 0.88） were observed. The suitable DSG of parboiled riceleading to the highest HRY was found to be 62.5%, obtained following 4 min of steaming.
基金Supported by the grant-in-aid of Encouragement of Young Scientists from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, No. 16590572 Pancreas Research Foundation of Japan No. 01-01 the Kanae Foundation for Life and Socio-Medical Science
文摘AM: To clarify the role of Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced proliferation in activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). METHODS: PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue, and used in their culture-activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype. STAT-specific binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Activation of Src, JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, and ERK was determined by Western blotting using anti-phosphospecific antibodies. Cell proliferation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. RESULTS: PDGF-BB induced STAT-specific binding activity, and activation of Src, JAK2, STAT1, STAB, and ERK. Ethanol and acetaldehyde at clinically relevant concentrations decreased basal activation of JAK2 and STAT3. PDGF-induced activation of STAT1 and STAT3 was inhibited by a Src inhibitor PP1 and a JAK2 inhibitor AG490, whereas PDGF-induced activation of ERK was inhibited by PP1, and not by AG490. PDGF-induced proliferation was inhibited by PP1 and AG490 as well as by STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide. CONCLUSION: PDGF-BB activated JAK2-STAT pathway via Src-dependent mechanism. Activation of 3AK2-STAT3 pathway, in addition to ERK, may play a role in PDGF-induced proliferation of PSCs.
文摘Adipose tissue-deried stem cells( ADSCs) are adult stem cells that can be easily harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue. Many studies have demonstrated that ADSCs differentiate into vascular endothelial cells(VECs), vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs), and cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. However, ADSCs may fuse with tissue-resident cells and obtain the corresponding characteristics of those cells. If fusion occurs, ADSCs may express markers of VECs, VSMCs, and cardiomyocytes without direct differentiation into these cell types. ADSCs also produce a variety of paracrine factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 that have proangiogenic and/or antiapoptotic activities. Thus, ADSCs have the potential to regenerate the cardiovascular system via direct differentiation into VECs, VSMCs, and cardiomyocytes, fusion with tissueresident cells, and the production of paracrine factors. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ADSC implantation in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction(AMI), ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM), dilated cardiomyopathy, hindlimb ischemia, and stroke. Clinical studies regarding the use of autologous ADSCs for treating patients with AMI and ICM have recently been initiated. ADSC implantation has been reported as safe and effective so far. Therefore, ADSCs appear to be useful for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the tumorigenic potential of ADSCs requires careful evaluation before their safe clinical application.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the role of positron emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose （FDG-PET） in the surgical management of patients with pancreatic cancer, including the diagnosis, staging, and selection of patients for the subsequent surgical treatment. METHODS： This study involved 53 patients with proven primary pancreatic cancer. The sensitivity of diagnosing the primary cancer was examined for FDG-PET CT, cytological examination of the bile or pancreatic juice, and the serum levels of carcinoembrionic antigens （CEA） and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 （CA29-9）. Next, the accuracy of staging was compared between FDG-PET and CT. Finally, FDG-PET was analyzed semiquantitatively using the standard uptake value （SUV）. The impact of the SUV on patient management was evaluated by examining the correlations between the SUV and the histological findings of cancer. RESULTS： The sensitivity of FDG-PET, CT, cytological examination of the bile or pancreatic juice, and the serum levels of CEA and CA19-9 were 92.5%, 88.7%, 46.4%, 37.7% and 69.8%, respectively. In staging, FDG-PET was superior to CT only in diagnosing distant disease （bone metastasis）. For local staging, the sensitivity of CT was better than that of FDG-PEr. The SUV did not correlate with the pTNM stage, grades, invasions to the vessels and nerve, or with the size of the tumor. However, there was a statistically significant difference （4.6 ± 2.9 vs 7.8 ± 4.5, P = 0.024） in the SUV between patients with respectable and unresectable disease. CONCLUSION： FDG-PET is thus considered to be useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. However, regarding the staging of the disease, FDG-PET is not considered to be a sufficiently accurate diagnostic modality. Although the SUV does not correlate with the patho-histological prognostic factors, it may be useful in selecting patients who should undergo subsequent surgical treatment.
文摘AIM To investigate the location to which a pancreatic stent should be inserted to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP).METHODS Over a ten-year period at our hospital, 296 patients underwent their first ERCP procedure and had a pancreatic stent inserted; this study included 147 patients who had ERCP performed primarily for biliary investigation and had a pancreatic stent inserted to prevent PEP. We dividedthese patients into two groups: 131 patients with a stent inserted into the pancreatic head(head group) and 16 patients with a stent inserted up to the pancreatic body or tail(body/tail group). Patient characteristics and ERCP factors were compared between the groups.RESULTS Pancreatic amylase isoenzyme(p-AMY) levels in the head group were significantly higher than those in the body/tail group [138.5(7.0-2086) vs 78.5(5.0-1266.5), P = 0.03] [median(range)]. No cases of PEP were detected in the body/tail group [head group, 12(9.2%)]. Of the risk factors for post-ERCP hyperamylasemia(≥ p-AMY median, 131 IU/L), procedure time ≥ 60 min [odds ratio(OR) 2.65, 95%CI: 1.17-6.02, P = 0.02) and stent insertion into the pancreatic head(OR 3.80, 95%CI: 1.12-12.9, P = 0.03) were identified as independent risk factors by multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Stent insertion up to the pancreatic body or tail reduces the risk of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia and may reduce the risk of PEP.
基金supported by a grant-in-aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(grant number:17K10825)to HS
文摘Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains serious hemorrhagic stroke with high morbidities and mortalities.Aneurysm rupture causes arterial bleeding-induced mechanical brain tissue injuries and elevated intracranial pressure,followed by global cerebral ischemia.Post-subarachnoid hemorrhage ischemia,tissue injuries as well as extravasated blood components and the breakdown products activate microglia,astrocytes and Toll-like receptor 4,and disrupt blood-brain barrier associated with the induction of many inflammatory and other cascades.Once blood-brain barrier is disrupted,brain tissues are directly exposed to harmful blood contents and immune cells,which aggravate brain injuries furthermore.Blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage may be developed by a variety of mechanisms including endothelial cell apoptosis and disruption of tight junction proteins.Many molecules and pathways have been reported to disrupt the blood-brain barrier after subarachnoid hemorrhage,but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.Multiple independent and/or interconnected signaling pathways may be involved in blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides recent understandings of the mechanisms and the potential therapeutic targets of blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
文摘Plexiform angiomyxoid myofibroblastic tumor of the stomach is a unique mesenchymal tumor that we first described in 2007.The tumor is very rare,and to date,only 18 cases confirmed by immunohistochemistry have been reported in the literature.The patients' ages ranged from 7 to 75 years(mean,43 years),and the male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:1.Representative clinical symptoms are ulceration,associated upper gastrointestinal bleeding(hematemesis),and anemia.The tumors are located at the antrum in all cases,and grossly,the tumor is whitish to brownish or reddish,and forms a lobulated submucosal or transmural mass.Microscopically,the tumor is characterized by a plexiform growth pattern,the proliferation of cytologically bland spindle cells,and a myxoid stroma that is rich in small vessels and positive for Alcian blue stain.Immunohistochemically,the tumor cells are positive for α-smooth muscle actin and negative for KIT and CD34.Differential diagnoses include gastrointestinal stromal tumor and other mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.Some authors proposed that this tumor should be designated as "plexiform fibromyxoma",but this designation might cause confusion.The tumor is probably benign and thus far,neither recurrence nor metastasis has been reported.
文摘AIM:To use leptin-deficient(ob/ob) mice with demonstrated differences in steatosis levels to test a new diagnostic method using the acoustical structure quantification(ASQ) mode and the associated analytical parameter,"focal disturbance ratio"(FD-ratio).METHODS:Nine ob/ob mice,at 5,8,and 12 wk of age(n = 3 in each age group),were used as models for hepatic steatosis.Echo signals obtained from ultrasonography in the mice were analyzed by ASQ,which uses a statistical analysis of echo amplitude to estimate inhomogeneity in the diagnostic region.FD-ratio,as calculated from this analysis,was the focus of the present study.FD-ratio and fat droplet areas and sizes were compared between age groups.RESULTS:No fibrosis or inflammation was observed in any of the groups.The fat droplet area significantly(P < 0.01) increased with age from 1.25% ± 0.28% at 5 wk to 31.07% ± 0.48% at 8 wk to 51.69% ± 3.19% at 12 wk.The median fat droplet size also significantly(P < 0.01) increased with age,from 1.33(0.55-10.52) m at 5 wk,2.82(0.61-44.13) m at 8 wk and 6.34(0.66-81.83) m at 12 wk.The mean FD-ratio was 0.42 ± 0.11 at 5 wk,0.11 ± 0.05 at 8 wk,and 0.03 ± 0.02 at 12 wk.The FD-ratio was significantly lower at 12 wk than at 5 wk and 8 wk(P < 0.01).A significant negative correlation was observed between the FD-ratio and either the fat droplet area(r =-0.7211,P = 0.0017) or fat droplet size(r =-0.9811,P = 0.0052).CONCLUSION:This tool for statistical analysis of signals from ultrasonography using the FD-ratio can be used to accurately quantify fat in vivo in an animal model of hepatic steatosis,and may serve as a quantitative biomarker of hepatic steatosis.
