AIM:To clarify the significance of combined resection of the spleen to dissect the No.10 lymph node(LN). METHODS:We studied 191 patients who had undergone total gastrectomy with splenectomy,excluding non-curative case...AIM:To clarify the significance of combined resection of the spleen to dissect the No.10 lymph node(LN). METHODS:We studied 191 patients who had undergone total gastrectomy with splenectomy,excluding non-curative cases,resection of multiple gastric cancer, and those with remnant stomach cancer.Various clinico-pathological factors were evaluated for any independent contributions to No.10 LN metastasis,usingχ 2 test. Significant factors were extracted for further analysis, carried out using a logistic regression method.Furthermore,lymph node metastasis was evaluated for any independent contribution to No.10 LN metastasis,using the same methods.The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.The significance of any difference between the survival curves was determined using the Cox-Mantel test,and any difference was considered significant at the 5%level. RESULTS:From the variables considered to be potentially associated with No.10 LN metastasis,age, depth,invasion of lymph vessel,N factor,the numberof lymph node metastasis,Stage,the number of sites, and location were found to differ significantly between those with metastasis(the Positive Group)and those without(the Negative Group).A logistic regression analysis showed that the localization and Stage were significant parameters for No.10 LN metastasis.There was no case located on the lesser curvature in the Posi-tive Group.The numbers of No.2,No.3,No.4sa,No. 4sb,No.4d,No.7,and No.11 LN metastasis were each found to differ significantly between the Positive Group and the Negative Group.A logistic regression analysis showed that No.4sa,No.4sb,and No.11 LN metastasis were each a significant parameter for No.10 LN metastasis.There was no significant difference in survival curves between the Positive Group and the Negative Group. CONCLUSION:Splenectomy should be performed to dissect No.10 LN for cases which have No.4sa,No. 4sb or No.11 LN metastasis.However,in cases where the tumor is located on the lesser curvature,splenectomy can be omitted.展开更多
AIM: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and progresses to the end stage of liver disease. Biochemical markers of liver fibrosis are strongly associated wi...AIM: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and progresses to the end stage of liver disease. Biochemical markers of liver fibrosis are strongly associated with the degree of histological liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. However, data are few on the usefulness of markers in NAFLD patients. The aim of this study was to identify better noninvasive predictors of hepatic fibrosis, with special focus on markers of liver fibrosis, type VI collagen 7S domain and hyaluronic acid. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients with histologically proven NAFLD were studied. RESULTS: The histological stage of NAFLD correlated with several clinical and biochemical variables, the extent of hepatic fibrosis and the markers of liver fibrosis were relatively strong associated. The best cutoff values to detect NASH were assessed by using receiver operating characteristic analysis: type VI collagen 75 domain ≥5.0 ng/mL, hyaluronic acid ≥43 ng/mL. Both markers had a high positive predictive value: type VI collagen 7S domain, 86% and hyaluronic acid, 92%. Diagnostic accuracies of these markers were evaluated to detect severe fibrosis. Both markers showed high negative predictive values: type VI collagen 7S domain (≥5.0 ng/mL), 84% and hyaluronic acid (≥50 ng/mL), 78%, and were significantly and independently associated with the presence of NASH or severe fibrosis by logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Both markers of liver fibrosis are useful in discriminating NASH from fatty liver alone or patients with severe fibrosis from patients with non-severe fibrosis.展开更多
AIM: To clarify the significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer, using the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 compared with the high potential peritoneal dissemin...AIM: To clarify the significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer, using the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 compared with the high potential peritoneal dissemination gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 P. METHODS: The supernatant of culture medium of MKN-45 cells or MKN-45 P cells was collected and the concentrations were measured of various cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, growth factor and angiogenic factors, including VEGF. We performed an initial pilot study to explore whether bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF, had any suppressive effect on the peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer in an experimental nude mouse modelof peritoneal metastasis. RESULTS: The concentrations of interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-8, VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein in the culture supernatant were each significantly higher than each of those for MKN-45. In the in vivo study, the volume of ascites and the mitotic index were significantly lower in the therapy group than in the nontherapy group. The survival curve of the therapy group was significantly higher than that of the non-therapy group. These results suggested that VEGF was correlated with peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that bevacizumab for inhibiting VEGF could suppress peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the effects of a portocaval shunt on the decrease of excessive portal flow for the prevention of sinusoidal microcirculatory injury in extremely smallfor-size liver transplantation in pigs. METHODS：...AIM： To evaluate the effects of a portocaval shunt on the decrease of excessive portal flow for the prevention of sinusoidal microcirculatory injury in extremely smallfor-size liver transplantation in pigs. METHODS： The right lateral lobe of pigs, i.e. the 25% of the liver, was transplanted orthotopically. The pigs were divided into two groups： graft without portocaval shunt （n = 11） and graft with portocaval shunt （n = 11）. Survival rate, portal flow, hepatic arterial flow, and histological findings were investigated. RESULTS： In the group without portocaval shunt, all pigs except one died of liver dysfunction within 24 h afcer transplantation. In the group with portocaval shunt, eight pigs survived for more than 4 d. The portal flow volumes before and after transplantation in the group without portocaval shunt were 118.2±26.9 mL/min/100 g liver tissue and 270.5±72.9 ml./min/100 g liver tissue, respectively. On the other hand, in the group with portocaval shunt, those volumes were 124.2±27.8 ml./ min/100 g liver tissue and 42.7±32.3 mL/min/100 g liver tissue, respectively （P〈0.01）. As for histological findings in the group without portocaval shunt, destruction of the sinusoidal lining and bleeding in the peri-portal areas were observed afl：er reperfusion, but these findings were not recognized in the group with portocaval shunt. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that excessive portal flow is attributed to post transplant liver dysfunction after extreme small-for-size liver transplantation caused by sinusoidal microcirculatory injury.展开更多
C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are representative pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbial polysaccharides expressed on antigen-presenting cells. In the present study, we carried out further detailed ana...C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are representative pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbial polysaccharides expressed on antigen-presenting cells. In the present study, we carried out further detailed analysis on the involvement of Dectin-2, a CLR that senses high mannose polysaccharide, in innate immune responses induced by influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA). Treatment of HA with periodate or PNGase F induced lower interleukin (IL)-12p40 secretion by conventional dendritic cells (DCs) compared with the untreated group. In contrast, treatment with O-glycosidase did not affect cytokine production. Green fluorescent protein expression in canonical Dectin-2-transducing cells was approximately 3% - 12% following HA stimulation, except with the A/H1N1pdm09 subtype HA. This expression was markedly reduced in cells possessing mutated amino acids in the carbohydrate recognition domain of Dectin-2, especially following stimulation with HA derived from the A/H3N2 subtype. Interferon (IFN)-α production from CD11c<sup>+</sup>Siglec-H<sup>+</sup>PDCA-1<sup>+</sup> plasmacytoid DCs was significantly increased in Dectin-2 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice upon stimulation with HA except for the B/Yamagata lineage HA. These results suggested that Dectin-2 is involved in initiating inflammatory responses via mannose polysaccharide on HA. However, other mechanisms may function in the antiviral response, including the type I IFN axis.展开更多
Background: There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) because treatment efficacy, safety, and the influence on subsequent pregnancy must be taken into consideration. Here ...Background: There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) because treatment efficacy, safety, and the influence on subsequent pregnancy must be taken into consideration. Here we report our experience with 11 cases of CSP and review the literature regarding subsequent pregnancy. Methods: Records of 11 CSP cases that were treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. CSP was treated by local methotrexate (MTX) injection or laparotomic or laparoscopic removal of the gestational mass and myometrial repair. Outcome of subsequent pregnancy after treatment was followed-up until delivery. Results: Local MTX injection was performed for six cases, laparotomic removal of the gestational mass and myometrial repair was performed for two, and laparoscopic removal of the gestational mass and myometrial repair was performed for three. The uterus was preserved in all cases. After CSP treatment, eight pregnancies occurred in five cases, resulting in six live births and two miscarriages. Conclusion: Advantages and disadvantages of various treatment methods for CSP continue to be elucidated. Serum hCG level, location of the gestational mass, thickness of the lower uterine segment at the time of diagnosis, and whether the patient wishes for fertility preservation should be considered when choosing a treatment plan.展开更多
Dear editor,Lung carcinoma is responsible for the highest fatal-ity rate among cancer-related deaths globally,with lung adenocarcinoma(LADC)emerging as the prevailing sub-type.
AC loss is one of the greatest obstacles for high‐temperature superconducting(HTS)applications.In some HTS applications,coated conductors carry non‐sinusoidal currents.Thus,it is important to investigate the effect ...AC loss is one of the greatest obstacles for high‐temperature superconducting(HTS)applications.In some HTS applications,coated conductors carry non‐sinusoidal currents.Thus,it is important to investigate the effect of various waveforms on AC loss in coated conductors.In this work,transport AC loss in a 4 mm‐wide REBCO coated conductor carrying sinusoidal and non‐sinusoidal currents,is numerically investigated.The current amplitudes,the frequency of the transport current,and n‐value are varied.Non‐sinusoidal transport current waveforms studied include square,five types of trapezoidal,and triangular waveforms.Simulated results show that,for a given current amplitude,AC loss for the square current waveform is the greatest,that for the triangular waveform is the smallest.The sequence of AC loss in the conductor for different current waveforms coincides with the penetration depth,which implies the penetration depth determines the AC loss of the coated conductor.Furthermore,the transport AC loss in the conductor was found to decrease with frequency as f2=n for non‐sinusoidal transport current.展开更多
Biliary atresia(BA) is one of the major hepatobiliary abnormalities in infants and one of the causes of hepatic osteodystrophy.Bone disease may be caused by the malabsorption of calcium and magnesium by vitamin D in h...Biliary atresia(BA) is one of the major hepatobiliary abnormalities in infants and one of the causes of hepatic osteodystrophy.Bone disease may be caused by the malabsorption of calcium and magnesium by vitamin D in hepatobiliary diseases in which bile flow into the intestines is deficient or absent.Bone fracture before Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy or within one month after the procedure in an infant with BA is very rare.We herein report two infants:one infant with BA who initially presented with a bone fracture before Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy,and the other at 4 wk after Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy,and also provide a review of the literature.Moreover,we conclude that clinicians should consider BA in infants with bone fracture during early infancy.展开更多
Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of many diseases; however, they also induce various side effects. Dexamethasone is one of the most potent corticosteroids, and it has been reported to induce the side effect o...Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of many diseases; however, they also induce various side effects. Dexamethasone is one of the most potent corticosteroids, and it has been reported to induce the side effect of impaired salivary gland function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on mouse submandibular gland function to gain insight into the mechanism of dexamethasone-induced salivary hypofunction. The muscarinic agonist carbachol(CCh) induced salivary secretion and was not affected by short-term dexamethasone treatment but was decreased following long-term dexamethasone administration. The expression levels of the membrane proteins Na^+-K^+-2 Cl-cotransporter, transmembrane member 16 A, and aquaporin 5 were comparable between the control and long-term dexamethasone treatment groups. The CCh-induced increase in calcium concentration was significantly lower in the presence of extracellular Ca^(2+) in the long-term dexamethasone treatment group compared to that in the control group. Furthermore, CCh-induced salivation in the absence of extracellular Ca^(2+) and Ca^(2+) ionophore A23187-induced salivation was comparable between the control and long-term dexamethasone treatment groups.Moreover, salivation induced by the Ca^(2+) -ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin was diminished in the long-term dexamethasone treatment group. In summary, these results demonstrate that short-term dexamethasone treatment did not impair salivary gland function, whereas long-term dexamethasone treatment diminished store-operated Ca^(2+) entry, resulting in hyposalivation in mouse submandibular glands.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy with interferon-α （IFNα） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-eight HCC patients in ad...AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy with interferon-α （IFNα） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-eight HCC patients in advanced stage were enrolled in the study. They were treated with IFNα/ 5-FU combination chemotherapy. One cycle of therapy lasted for 4 wk. IFNα （3×10^6 units） was subcutaneously injected thrice weekly on days 1, 3, and 5 for 3 wk, and 5-FU （500 mg/d） was administered via the proper hepatic artery for 5 consecutive days per week for 3 wk. No drugs were administered during the 4th wk. The effect of combination chemotherapy was evaluated in each patient alter every cycle based on the reduction of tumor volume. RESULTS： Alter the 1^st cycle of therapy, 16 patients showed a partial response （PR, 57.1%） but none showed a complete response （CR, 0%）. At the end of therapy, the number of patients who showed a CR, PR, or no response （NR） was 1, 10, and 17, respectively. The response rate for therapy （CR＋PR） was 21.5%. Biochemical tests before therapy were compared between responsive （CR＋PR） and non-responsive （NR） patients, but no significant differences were found for any of the parameters examined, indicating that no reasonable predictors could be identified in our analysis. CONCLUSION： Attempts should be made to discriminate between responders and non-responders by evaluating tumor size alter the first cycle of IFNα/5-FU combination chemotherapy. For non-responders, therapy should not proceed to the next cycle, and instead, different combination of anticancer drugs should be explored. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved展开更多
A FPED （flexible piezoelectric device） composed of PVDF （polyvinylidene fluoride） and functional resin has been developed to generate electric power from wind energy with wide range in frequency. It was cleared th...A FPED （flexible piezoelectric device） composed of PVDF （polyvinylidene fluoride） and functional resin has been developed to generate electric power from wind energy with wide range in frequency. It was cleared that electrical characteristics of the FPED generated by wind power and availability of an attached bluff body in uniform wind. Moreover, electric performance of the FPED which is laminated with a stretching resin and has a roughness surface such as woolen and small hemisphere, was validated. It was shown that both a force caused by breeze and wind energy with wide range of spectrum could be harvested effectively using the FPED.展开更多
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, worldwide. Fortunately, breast cancer is relatively chemosensitive, with recent advances leading to the development of effective therapeutic strategies, signi...Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, worldwide. Fortunately, breast cancer is relatively chemosensitive, with recent advances leading to the development of effective therapeutic strategies, significantly increasing disease cure rate. However, disease recurrence and treatment of cases lacking therapeutic molecular targets, such as epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and hormone receptors, referred to as triple-negative breast cancers, still pose major hurdles in the treatment of breast cancer. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches to treat aggressive breast cancers are essential. Blood coagulation factor VII(fV II) is produced in the liver and secreted into the blood stream. Tissue factor(TF), the cellular receptor for fV II, is an integral membrane protein that plays key roles in the extrinsic coagulation cascade. TF is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. The TF-fV II complex may be formed in the absence of injury, because f VII potentially exists in the tissue fluid within cancer tissues. The active form of this complex(TF-fV IIa) may stimulate the expression of numerous malignant phenotypes in breast cancer cells. Thus, the TF-fV II pathway is a potentially attractive target for breast cancer treatment. To date, a number of studies investigating the mecha-nisms by which TF-fV II signaling contributes to breast cancer progression, have been conducted. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms controlling TF and fV II synthesis and regulation in breast cancer cells. Our current understanding of the TF-fV II pathway as a mediator of breast cancer progression will be also described. Finally, we will discuss how this knowledge can be applied to the design of future therapeutic strategies.展开更多
Dear Editor,Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is an optimal sperm extraction method for men with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).1 According to a recent systematic review by Corona et al.,2 the sp...Dear Editor,Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is an optimal sperm extraction method for men with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).1 According to a recent systematic review by Corona et al.,2 the sperm retrieval rate by micro-TESE and live birth rate per intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycle among NOA patients were 46%and 24%,respectively.In cases where sperm can be collected from NOA patients,the live birth rate remains low.If the potential outcomes of ICSI can be predicted by sperm motility assessment,such as pregnancy not anticipated because of immotile sperm,unnecessary ovarian stimulation or oocyte retrieval from female partners could be avoided.展开更多
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of both upper and lower motor neurons.Most ALS cases are sporadic,but approximately 5-10%of patients...Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of both upper and lower motor neurons.Most ALS cases are sporadic,but approximately 5-10%of patients have a familial background.To date,more than 30 familial ALS-causative genes have been identified (Maurel et al., 2018).展开更多
文摘AIM:To clarify the significance of combined resection of the spleen to dissect the No.10 lymph node(LN). METHODS:We studied 191 patients who had undergone total gastrectomy with splenectomy,excluding non-curative cases,resection of multiple gastric cancer, and those with remnant stomach cancer.Various clinico-pathological factors were evaluated for any independent contributions to No.10 LN metastasis,usingχ 2 test. Significant factors were extracted for further analysis, carried out using a logistic regression method.Furthermore,lymph node metastasis was evaluated for any independent contribution to No.10 LN metastasis,using the same methods.The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.The significance of any difference between the survival curves was determined using the Cox-Mantel test,and any difference was considered significant at the 5%level. RESULTS:From the variables considered to be potentially associated with No.10 LN metastasis,age, depth,invasion of lymph vessel,N factor,the numberof lymph node metastasis,Stage,the number of sites, and location were found to differ significantly between those with metastasis(the Positive Group)and those without(the Negative Group).A logistic regression analysis showed that the localization and Stage were significant parameters for No.10 LN metastasis.There was no case located on the lesser curvature in the Posi-tive Group.The numbers of No.2,No.3,No.4sa,No. 4sb,No.4d,No.7,and No.11 LN metastasis were each found to differ significantly between the Positive Group and the Negative Group.A logistic regression analysis showed that No.4sa,No.4sb,and No.11 LN metastasis were each a significant parameter for No.10 LN metastasis.There was no significant difference in survival curves between the Positive Group and the Negative Group. CONCLUSION:Splenectomy should be performed to dissect No.10 LN for cases which have No.4sa,No. 4sb or No.11 LN metastasis.However,in cases where the tumor is located on the lesser curvature,splenectomy can be omitted.
文摘AIM: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and progresses to the end stage of liver disease. Biochemical markers of liver fibrosis are strongly associated with the degree of histological liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. However, data are few on the usefulness of markers in NAFLD patients. The aim of this study was to identify better noninvasive predictors of hepatic fibrosis, with special focus on markers of liver fibrosis, type VI collagen 7S domain and hyaluronic acid. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients with histologically proven NAFLD were studied. RESULTS: The histological stage of NAFLD correlated with several clinical and biochemical variables, the extent of hepatic fibrosis and the markers of liver fibrosis were relatively strong associated. The best cutoff values to detect NASH were assessed by using receiver operating characteristic analysis: type VI collagen 75 domain ≥5.0 ng/mL, hyaluronic acid ≥43 ng/mL. Both markers had a high positive predictive value: type VI collagen 7S domain, 86% and hyaluronic acid, 92%. Diagnostic accuracies of these markers were evaluated to detect severe fibrosis. Both markers showed high negative predictive values: type VI collagen 7S domain (≥5.0 ng/mL), 84% and hyaluronic acid (≥50 ng/mL), 78%, and were significantly and independently associated with the presence of NASH or severe fibrosis by logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Both markers of liver fibrosis are useful in discriminating NASH from fatty liver alone or patients with severe fibrosis from patients with non-severe fibrosis.
文摘AIM: To clarify the significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer, using the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 compared with the high potential peritoneal dissemination gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 P. METHODS: The supernatant of culture medium of MKN-45 cells or MKN-45 P cells was collected and the concentrations were measured of various cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, growth factor and angiogenic factors, including VEGF. We performed an initial pilot study to explore whether bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF, had any suppressive effect on the peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer in an experimental nude mouse modelof peritoneal metastasis. RESULTS: The concentrations of interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-8, VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase-2 protein in the culture supernatant were each significantly higher than each of those for MKN-45. In the in vivo study, the volume of ascites and the mitotic index were significantly lower in the therapy group than in the nontherapy group. The survival curve of the therapy group was significantly higher than that of the non-therapy group. These results suggested that VEGF was correlated with peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Findings suggested that bevacizumab for inhibiting VEGF could suppress peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer.
基金Supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Japan, the Ministry of Welfare of Japan, and by a grant from Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University
文摘AIM： To evaluate the effects of a portocaval shunt on the decrease of excessive portal flow for the prevention of sinusoidal microcirculatory injury in extremely smallfor-size liver transplantation in pigs. METHODS： The right lateral lobe of pigs, i.e. the 25% of the liver, was transplanted orthotopically. The pigs were divided into two groups： graft without portocaval shunt （n = 11） and graft with portocaval shunt （n = 11）. Survival rate, portal flow, hepatic arterial flow, and histological findings were investigated. RESULTS： In the group without portocaval shunt, all pigs except one died of liver dysfunction within 24 h afcer transplantation. In the group with portocaval shunt, eight pigs survived for more than 4 d. The portal flow volumes before and after transplantation in the group without portocaval shunt were 118.2±26.9 mL/min/100 g liver tissue and 270.5±72.9 ml./min/100 g liver tissue, respectively. On the other hand, in the group with portocaval shunt, those volumes were 124.2±27.8 ml./ min/100 g liver tissue and 42.7±32.3 mL/min/100 g liver tissue, respectively （P〈0.01）. As for histological findings in the group without portocaval shunt, destruction of the sinusoidal lining and bleeding in the peri-portal areas were observed afl：er reperfusion, but these findings were not recognized in the group with portocaval shunt. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that excessive portal flow is attributed to post transplant liver dysfunction after extreme small-for-size liver transplantation caused by sinusoidal microcirculatory injury.
文摘C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are representative pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbial polysaccharides expressed on antigen-presenting cells. In the present study, we carried out further detailed analysis on the involvement of Dectin-2, a CLR that senses high mannose polysaccharide, in innate immune responses induced by influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA). Treatment of HA with periodate or PNGase F induced lower interleukin (IL)-12p40 secretion by conventional dendritic cells (DCs) compared with the untreated group. In contrast, treatment with O-glycosidase did not affect cytokine production. Green fluorescent protein expression in canonical Dectin-2-transducing cells was approximately 3% - 12% following HA stimulation, except with the A/H1N1pdm09 subtype HA. This expression was markedly reduced in cells possessing mutated amino acids in the carbohydrate recognition domain of Dectin-2, especially following stimulation with HA derived from the A/H3N2 subtype. Interferon (IFN)-α production from CD11c<sup>+</sup>Siglec-H<sup>+</sup>PDCA-1<sup>+</sup> plasmacytoid DCs was significantly increased in Dectin-2 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice upon stimulation with HA except for the B/Yamagata lineage HA. These results suggested that Dectin-2 is involved in initiating inflammatory responses via mannose polysaccharide on HA. However, other mechanisms may function in the antiviral response, including the type I IFN axis.
文摘Background: There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) because treatment efficacy, safety, and the influence on subsequent pregnancy must be taken into consideration. Here we report our experience with 11 cases of CSP and review the literature regarding subsequent pregnancy. Methods: Records of 11 CSP cases that were treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. CSP was treated by local methotrexate (MTX) injection or laparotomic or laparoscopic removal of the gestational mass and myometrial repair. Outcome of subsequent pregnancy after treatment was followed-up until delivery. Results: Local MTX injection was performed for six cases, laparotomic removal of the gestational mass and myometrial repair was performed for two, and laparoscopic removal of the gestational mass and myometrial repair was performed for three. The uterus was preserved in all cases. After CSP treatment, eight pregnancies occurred in five cases, resulting in six live births and two miscarriages. Conclusion: Advantages and disadvantages of various treatment methods for CSP continue to be elucidated. Serum hCG level, location of the gestational mass, thickness of the lower uterine segment at the time of diagnosis, and whether the patient wishes for fertility preservation should be considered when choosing a treatment plan.
基金This research was supported in part by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)(JP15ck0106096 to TK)Japan Science and Tech-nology Agency(JST)Core Research for Evolutionary Science and Technology(JPMJCR1689 to RH)+5 种基金Artifi-cial Intelligence,Big Data,IoT,Cyber Security Integration Project of the Public/Private R&D Investment Strategic Expansion Program(JPMJCR18Y4 to RH)the Japan Soci-ety for the Promotion of Science(JSPS)Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(S)(17H06162 to HN),Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(B)(20H03695 to KS),Grants-in-Aid for the Tailor-Made Medical Treatment Program(BioBank Japan Project)from the Japanese Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,ScienceandTechnology(MEXT),Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund,and National Cancer Center Research and Development Fund(NCC Biobank and NCC Core Facility).The J-MICC study was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research for Priority Areas of Cancer(No.17015018 to KW)Innovative Areas(No.221S0001 to KW)from MEXTby JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research Grant(No.16H06277[CoBiA])The JPHC Study was supported by National Cancer Center Research and Development Fund since 2011(latest grant number:2020-J4)and a Grant-in-Aid for Cancer Research from the Ministry of Health,Labor and Welfare of Japan(1989-2010).ToMMoissupportedinpartbyMEXT-JSTand AMED(most recent grant numbers:JP20km0105001 and JP20km0105002)Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Orga-nization(Iwate Medical University)is supported in part by MEXT-JST and AMED(most recent grant numbers:JP20km0105003 and JP20km0105004).
文摘Dear editor,Lung carcinoma is responsible for the highest fatal-ity rate among cancer-related deaths globally,with lung adenocarcinoma(LADC)emerging as the prevailing sub-type.
基金supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Business,Innovation and Employment under Catalyst Space and Fusion project“International Science Co‐operation on Superconductor Technologies”contract number RTVU1916supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Business,Innovation and Employment under the Advanced Energy Technology Platform program“High power electric motors for large scale transport”contract number RTVU2004.
文摘AC loss is one of the greatest obstacles for high‐temperature superconducting(HTS)applications.In some HTS applications,coated conductors carry non‐sinusoidal currents.Thus,it is important to investigate the effect of various waveforms on AC loss in coated conductors.In this work,transport AC loss in a 4 mm‐wide REBCO coated conductor carrying sinusoidal and non‐sinusoidal currents,is numerically investigated.The current amplitudes,the frequency of the transport current,and n‐value are varied.Non‐sinusoidal transport current waveforms studied include square,five types of trapezoidal,and triangular waveforms.Simulated results show that,for a given current amplitude,AC loss for the square current waveform is the greatest,that for the triangular waveform is the smallest.The sequence of AC loss in the conductor for different current waveforms coincides with the penetration depth,which implies the penetration depth determines the AC loss of the coated conductor.Furthermore,the transport AC loss in the conductor was found to decrease with frequency as f2=n for non‐sinusoidal transport current.
文摘Biliary atresia(BA) is one of the major hepatobiliary abnormalities in infants and one of the causes of hepatic osteodystrophy.Bone disease may be caused by the malabsorption of calcium and magnesium by vitamin D in hepatobiliary diseases in which bile flow into the intestines is deficient or absent.Bone fracture before Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy or within one month after the procedure in an infant with BA is very rare.We herein report two infants:one infant with BA who initially presented with a bone fracture before Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy,and the other at 4 wk after Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy,and also provide a review of the literature.Moreover,we conclude that clinicians should consider BA in infants with bone fracture during early infancy.
基金supported by a grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI (No. 17K17184)
文摘Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of many diseases; however, they also induce various side effects. Dexamethasone is one of the most potent corticosteroids, and it has been reported to induce the side effect of impaired salivary gland function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on mouse submandibular gland function to gain insight into the mechanism of dexamethasone-induced salivary hypofunction. The muscarinic agonist carbachol(CCh) induced salivary secretion and was not affected by short-term dexamethasone treatment but was decreased following long-term dexamethasone administration. The expression levels of the membrane proteins Na^+-K^+-2 Cl-cotransporter, transmembrane member 16 A, and aquaporin 5 were comparable between the control and long-term dexamethasone treatment groups. The CCh-induced increase in calcium concentration was significantly lower in the presence of extracellular Ca^(2+) in the long-term dexamethasone treatment group compared to that in the control group. Furthermore, CCh-induced salivation in the absence of extracellular Ca^(2+) and Ca^(2+) ionophore A23187-induced salivation was comparable between the control and long-term dexamethasone treatment groups.Moreover, salivation induced by the Ca^(2+) -ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin was diminished in the long-term dexamethasone treatment group. In summary, these results demonstrate that short-term dexamethasone treatment did not impair salivary gland function, whereas long-term dexamethasone treatment diminished store-operated Ca^(2+) entry, resulting in hyposalivation in mouse submandibular glands.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy with interferon-α （IFNα） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-eight HCC patients in advanced stage were enrolled in the study. They were treated with IFNα/ 5-FU combination chemotherapy. One cycle of therapy lasted for 4 wk. IFNα （3×10^6 units） was subcutaneously injected thrice weekly on days 1, 3, and 5 for 3 wk, and 5-FU （500 mg/d） was administered via the proper hepatic artery for 5 consecutive days per week for 3 wk. No drugs were administered during the 4th wk. The effect of combination chemotherapy was evaluated in each patient alter every cycle based on the reduction of tumor volume. RESULTS： Alter the 1^st cycle of therapy, 16 patients showed a partial response （PR, 57.1%） but none showed a complete response （CR, 0%）. At the end of therapy, the number of patients who showed a CR, PR, or no response （NR） was 1, 10, and 17, respectively. The response rate for therapy （CR＋PR） was 21.5%. Biochemical tests before therapy were compared between responsive （CR＋PR） and non-responsive （NR） patients, but no significant differences were found for any of the parameters examined, indicating that no reasonable predictors could be identified in our analysis. CONCLUSION： Attempts should be made to discriminate between responders and non-responders by evaluating tumor size alter the first cycle of IFNα/5-FU combination chemotherapy. For non-responders, therapy should not proceed to the next cycle, and instead, different combination of anticancer drugs should be explored. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
文摘A FPED （flexible piezoelectric device） composed of PVDF （polyvinylidene fluoride） and functional resin has been developed to generate electric power from wind energy with wide range in frequency. It was cleared that electrical characteristics of the FPED generated by wind power and availability of an attached bluff body in uniform wind. Moreover, electric performance of the FPED which is laminated with a stretching resin and has a roughness surface such as woolen and small hemisphere, was validated. It was shown that both a force caused by breeze and wind energy with wide range of spectrum could be harvested effectively using the FPED.
文摘Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women, worldwide. Fortunately, breast cancer is relatively chemosensitive, with recent advances leading to the development of effective therapeutic strategies, significantly increasing disease cure rate. However, disease recurrence and treatment of cases lacking therapeutic molecular targets, such as epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and hormone receptors, referred to as triple-negative breast cancers, still pose major hurdles in the treatment of breast cancer. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches to treat aggressive breast cancers are essential. Blood coagulation factor VII(fV II) is produced in the liver and secreted into the blood stream. Tissue factor(TF), the cellular receptor for fV II, is an integral membrane protein that plays key roles in the extrinsic coagulation cascade. TF is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. The TF-fV II complex may be formed in the absence of injury, because f VII potentially exists in the tissue fluid within cancer tissues. The active form of this complex(TF-fV IIa) may stimulate the expression of numerous malignant phenotypes in breast cancer cells. Thus, the TF-fV II pathway is a potentially attractive target for breast cancer treatment. To date, a number of studies investigating the mecha-nisms by which TF-fV II signaling contributes to breast cancer progression, have been conducted. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms controlling TF and fV II synthesis and regulation in breast cancer cells. Our current understanding of the TF-fV II pathway as a mediator of breast cancer progression will be also described. Finally, we will discuss how this knowledge can be applied to the design of future therapeutic strategies.
文摘Dear Editor,Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is an optimal sperm extraction method for men with nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA).1 According to a recent systematic review by Corona et al.,2 the sperm retrieval rate by micro-TESE and live birth rate per intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycle among NOA patients were 46%and 24%,respectively.In cases where sperm can be collected from NOA patients,the live birth rate remains low.If the potential outcomes of ICSI can be predicted by sperm motility assessment,such as pregnancy not anticipated because of immotile sperm,unnecessary ovarian stimulation or oocyte retrieval from female partners could be avoided.
基金the JSPS KAKENHI,grant numbers20H03593 (to KK) and 21H02706 (to MK)Takeda Science Foundation (to KK)。
文摘Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of both upper and lower motor neurons.Most ALS cases are sporadic,but approximately 5-10%of patients have a familial background.To date,more than 30 familial ALS-causative genes have been identified (Maurel et al., 2018).
