[A Case of Intractable Bile Leakage after Surgery for Gallbladder Cancer Successfully Treated by Transcatheter Arterial Embolization].

An 83-year-old man underwent extended cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer. On postoperative day 13, he developed fever and computed tomography (CT) revealed fluid collection at the cut surface of the liver. Ultrasound-guided fluid drainage was conducted, and he was diagnosed with biliary leakage.

Structural insights into mechanisms for inhibiting amyloid β42 aggregation by non-catechol-type flavonoids.

The prevention of 42-mer amyloid β-protein (Aβ42) aggregation is promising for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. We previously described the site-specific inhibitory mechanism for Aβ42 aggregation by a catechol-type flavonoid, (+)-taxifolin, targeting Lys16,28 after its autoxidation. In contrast, non-catechol-type flavonoids (morin, datiscetin, and kaempferol) inhibited Aβ42 aggregation without targeting Lys16,28 with almost similar potencies to that of (+)-taxifolin.

Characteristics of Lithium Ions and Superoxide Anions in EMI-TFSI and Dimethyl Sulfoxide.

To clarify the microscopic effects of solvents on the formation of the Li(+)-O2(–) process of a Li–O2 battery, we studied the kinetics and thermodynamics of these ions in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMI-TFSI) using classical molecular dynamics simulation. The force field for ions–solvents interactions was parametrized by force matching first-principles calculations. Despite the solvation energies of the ions are similar in both solvents, their mobility is much higher in DMSO.

Peripheral Circadian Clocks Mediate Dietary Restriction-Dependent Changes in Lifespan and Fat Metabolism in Drosophila.

Endogenous circadian clocks orchestrate several metabolic and signaling pathways that are known to modulate lifespan, suggesting clocks as potential targets for manipulation of metabolism and lifespan. We report here that the core circadian clock genes, timeless (tim) and period (per), are required for the metabolic and lifespan responses to DR in Drosophila. Consistent with the involvement of a circadian mechanism, DR enhances the amplitude of cycling of most circadian clock genes, including tim, in peripheral tissues.

Self-Assembly Strategy for Fabricating Connected Graphene Nanoribbons.

We use self-assembly to fabricate and to connect precise graphene nanoribbons end to end. Combining scanning tunneling microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory, we characterize the chemical and electronic aspects of the interconnections between ribbons. We demonstrate how the substrate effects of our self-assembly can be exploited to fabricate graphene structures connected to desired electrodes.

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube in a menopausal woman and a pre-pubertal girl: two case reports.

Introduction: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube without an ovarian abnormality is an uncommon event, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 1,500,000 females. Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube occurs mostly in reproductive-aged women, and is thus extremely rare in menopausal women and pre-pubertal girls.

Case Presentations: In case 1, 63-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 2-day history of acute lower abdominal pain.

Symptom severity, self-reported adherence, and electronic pill monitoring in poorly adherent patients with bipolar disorder.

Objectives: This analysis of screening and baseline data from an ongoing trial examined self-report versus automated adherence monitoring and assessed the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) symptoms and adherence in 104 poorly adherent individuals.

Methods: Adherence was measured with the Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ) and the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS). Symptoms were measured with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).

Genetic and epigenetic aberrations occurring in colorectal tumors associated with serrated pathway.

To clarify molecular alterations in serrated pathway of colorectal cancer (CRC), we performed epigenetic and genetic analyses in sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P), traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) and high-methylation CRC. The methylation levels of six Group-1 and 14 Group-2 markers, established in our previous studies, were analyzed quantitatively using pyrosequencing. Subsequently, we performed targeted exon sequencing analyses of 126 candidate driver genes and examined molecular alterations that are associated with cancer development.

Synthesis and characterization of the amyloid β40 dimer model with a linker at position 30 adjacent to the intermolecular β-sheet region.

Amyloid fibrils in senile plaque mainly consist of the 40-mer and 42-mer amyloid β-proteins (Aβ40 and Aβ42). Although Aβ42 plays more important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Aβ40 could be involved in the progression of AD pathology because of its large amount. Recent studies revealed that variable sizes of Aβ oligomers contributed to the neuronal death and cognitive dysfunction.

[Effect of Post-Gastrectomy Adjuvant S-1 Chemotherapy on Muscle Volume in Gastric Cancer Patients].

Objective: To examine the effect of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy on muscle volume after curative gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.

Patients: Forty-eight gastric cancer patients (31 men and 17 women) who underwent curative gastrectomy (distal gastrectomy: n=37, and total gastrectomy: n=11) between April 2010 and July 2011 were enrolled in this study. Sixteen patients underwent S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy (S-1 group) for 1 year after the operation, and 32 patients did not (NT group).

Clinical Validation of a Multiplex Kit for RAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer: Results of the RASKET (RAS KEy Testing) Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Background: RAS (KRAS and NRAS) testing is required to predict anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Although direct sequencing (DS) with manual microdissection (MMD) is widely used, a diagnostic kit providing rapid detections of RAS mutations would be clinically beneficial. We evaluated the MEBGEN(TM) RASKET KIT (RASKET KIT), a multiplex assay using PCR-reverse sequence specific oligonucleotide and xMAP(®) technology to concurrently detect exon 2, 3, and 4 RAS mutations in a short turnaround time (4.

A germline mutation in SRRM2, a splicing factor gene, is implicated in papillary thyroid carcinoma predisposition.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) displays strong but so far largely uncharacterized heritability. Here we studied genetic predisposition in a family with six affected individuals. We genotyped all available family members and conducted whole exome sequencing of blood DNA from two affected individuals.

Feasibility and Safety of Urgent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis After 4 Days from Symptom Onset.

Background: It is preferable to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in the acute phase, within 72 h of symptom onset. The feasibility and safety of performing urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the late phase (4-7 days after symptom onset) are unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the feasibility and safety of late phase urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Macroscopically Aligned Graphite Films Prepared from Iodine-Doped Stretchable Polyacetylene Films Using Morphology-Retaining Carbonization.

We prepared graphite films using typical Shirakawa-type and stretchable polyacetylene (PA) films as precursors through a morphology-retaining carbonization. A macroscopically aligned PA film was prepared from the drawable PA film using a mechanical-stretching procedure. The degree of orientation of the aligned PA film was evaluated by measuring polarized infrared absorption spectra and an azimuthal-angle profile of a Laue X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern.

Transcriptional Dynamics of Immortalized Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Transformation.

Comprehensive analysis of alterations in gene expression along with neoplastic transformation in human cells provides valuable information about the molecular mechanisms underlying transformation. To further address these questions, we performed whole transcriptome analysis to the human mesenchymal stem cell line, UE6E7T-3, which was immortalized with hTERT and human papillomavirus type 16 E6/E7 genes, in association with progress of transformation in these cells. At early stages of culture, UE6E7T-3 cells preferentially lost one copy of chromosome 13, as previously described; in addition, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, and apoptosis-activating genes were overexpressed.

Multiple functional variants in long-range enhancer elements contribute to the risk of SNP rs965513 in thyroid cancer.

The [A] allele of SNP rs965513 in 9q22 has been consistently shown to be highly associated with increased papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) risk with an odds ratio of ∼1.8 as determined by genome-wide association studies, yet the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Previously, we noted that the expression of two genes in the region, forkhead box E1 (FOXE1) and PTC susceptibility candidate 2 (PTCSC2), is regulated by rs965513 in unaffected thyroid tissue, but the underlying mechanisms were not elucidated.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Spontaneous rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm is extremely rare. Although a majority of these cases have been associated with pregnancy, there have been recent reports and reviews of rare cases that were not directly associated with pregnancy. Transcatheter arterial embolization is considered to be an alternative therapy to surgery.

Solitary uterine metastasis of invasive lobular carcinoma after adjuvant endocrine therapy: a case report.

Introduction: Solitary uterine metastases from extragenital cancers are very rare. Breast cancer is the most frequent primary site of metastasis to the uterine corpus, with invasive lobular carcinoma more likely to spread to gynecologic organs than invasive ductal carcinoma.

Case Presentation: A 62-year-old postmenopausal Japanese woman was diagnosed with uterine leiomyomata more than 20 years ago and had been managed conservatively until menopause.

[A case report of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach with liver metastases curatively resected after neoadjuvant chemotherapy].

The patient was a 73-year-old male with advanced gastric cancer in the lesser curvature of the antrum.Abdominal computed tomography revealed multiple liver metastases(S5, S8).He was diagnosed with clinical Stage IV gastric cancer (cT3N0M1H1).

[A case report of advanced gastric cancer with bulky lymph node metastases successfully treated with induction chemotherapy followed by curative resection].

The patient was a 74-year-old woman with advanced gastric cancer in the greater curvature of the antrum and lesser curvature of the angle.Abdominal computed tomography revealed bulky lymph node metastases of No. 3, 8a, and 11p.

[A case report of surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with a Hugely swollen lymph node that showed high FDG uptake].

A 74-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C was diagnosed with liver tumors. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) revealed hepatocellular carcinomas(HCC) in segments 8 (S8)and 5/8 (S5/8), and detected a lymph node (LN) swelling of 75 mm diameter in the posterior aspect of the pancreatic head. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) was positive for the swollen LN (SUVmax 12.