Extensive methylation analysis of circulating tumor DNA in plasma of patients with gastric cancer.

DNA methylation is known to be involved in tumor progression. This is the first study to perform an extensive methylation analysis of plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) using targeted bisulfite sequencing in gastric cancer (GC) patients to evaluate the usefulness of ctDNA methylation as a new biomarker. Sixteen patients who received chemotherapy for recurrent GC were included.

Comparison of muscle synergies in walking and pedaling: the influence of rotation direction and speed.

Background: Understanding the muscle synergies shared between pedaling and walking is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of human motor control and establishing highly individualized rehabilitation strategies. This study investigated how pedaling direction and speed influence the recruitment of walking-like muscle synergies.

Methods: Twelve healthy male participants pedaled at three speeds (60 RPM, 30 RPM, and 80 RPM) in two rotational directions (forward and backward).

Role of dedicated port cleaning devices in laparoscopic surgery.

Background: Various techniques have been used to prevent smudge on a laparoscope when inserting through trocars; however, there has been no standardized method. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of different cleaning techniques with or without using dedicated devices, and to evaluate the features of cleaning devices.

Methods: The smudge was created in the standard 12-mm and 5-mm ports using pseudo-blood, and port cleaning was attempted using 5 different methods: (1) a surgical gauze + surgical forceps, (2) a surgical gauze + laparoscopic forceps, (3) a small laparoscopic gauze + laparoscopic forceps, (4) a cylinder-type cleaner (Endo Wiper; Osaki Medical), and (5) a swab-type cleaner (Port Cleaner; Hakuzo Medical).

Test-retest reliability of the ten-repetition maximum test in untrained young males and females.

[Purpose] This study investigated the test-retest reliability of the ten-repetition maximum leg press (LP) and chest press (CP) tests in untrained young males and females. The secondary aim was to examine the test-retest reliability of the 10RM test according to gender. [Participants and Methods] All participants underwent the ten-repetition maximum test for the LP and CP across three sessions separated by 2 to 6 days of recovery: the first session was familiarization, the second for the initial test, and the third for the retest.