Comprehensive epidemiology of melanoma at all sites: insights from Japan's National Cancer Registry, 2016-2017.

Background: Melanoma is a highly malignant cancer responsible for 55 000 deaths worldwide annually. Despite its severity, its epidemiology in Japan remains understudied owing to its rarity among Asians. This study aimed to determine the incidence of melanoma in Japan using data from the National Cancer Registry.

Effect of Transforming Growth Factor-β Inhibition on Ureteral and Renal Scarring in a Rat Model of Upper Urinary Tract Ablation with Irreversible Electroporation.

Objective: To determine whether adjuvant transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) inhibition with pirfenidone (PFD) can mitigate ureteral wall scarring and related complications in a rat model of upper urinary tract ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE).

Methods: Transmural ablation of the ureter was performed with IRE in 24 rats. Post-IRE, animals were randomly assigned to receive PFD or no drug, followed by euthanasia at 2-, 5-, or 10-days.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Online and Face-to-Face Teaching for Medical Students in Shared Decision-Making Communication Skills Training.

Background: Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial in healthcare to facilitate effective communication between providers and patients, aiding in making optimal medical decisions. Communication skills training (CST) can improve physicians' ability in SDM. However, SDM CST for medical students in Taiwan is scarce, and research comparing online versus in-person CST outcomes is lacking.

Seroprevalence in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complicated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease is prevented by infection and is a predisposing factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, the prevalence of infection in RA patients with ILD has not been sufficiently investigated.

Cryoablation for Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors and Histological Assessment of Ablated Tumors.

Background/aim: Cryoablation is a new, minimally invasive option for local tumor therapy that is attracting attention due to its potential interactions with the immune system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cryoablation for local control of bone and soft tissue lesions, to elucidate risk factors for recurrence, and to clarify histological changes.

Patients And Methods: Participants comprised 25 patients who underwent cryoablation for 53 discrete lesions of bone or soft tissue recurrence after resection or as metastases of cancer or sarcoma.