Identification of polyethylene glycol-resistant macrophages on stealth imaging in vitro using fluorescent organosilica nanoparticles.

An in vitro imaging system to evaluate the stealth function of nanoparticles against mouse macrophages was established using fluorescent organosilica nanoparticles. Surface-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared by a one-step process, resulting in a brush-type PEG layer. A simultaneous dual-particle administration approach enabled us to evaluate the stealth function of nanoparticles with respect to single cells using time-lapse fluorescent microscopic imaging and flow cytometry analyses.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination which was regressed during vitamin K2 and vitamin E administration.

A 65-year-old man with positive anti-hepatitis C antibody and chronic renal failure was diagnosed as having a ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on computed tomography (CT). The patient underwent transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the HCC. After one more session of TAE, the patient underwent surgery.

Prospective surveillance for atypical pathogens in children with community-acquired pneumonia in Japan.

A total of 141 children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were studied prospectively to determine the causative microorganisms. Microbial investigations included examination of postnasal swabs, cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serology. The atypical pathogens occurring most frequently were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (58 patients [41.

A modified stapling technique for performing Billroth I anastomosis after distal gastrectomy.

Autosuture staplers have provided various operative and postoperative benefits in gastrointestinal surgery. We describe herein our technique of performing distal gastrectomy followed by side-to-end gastroduodenostomy. Eighteen consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent distal gastrectomy by the staple technique.

Should patients over 85 years old be operated on for colorectal cancer?

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors for mortality, morbidity, and long-term survival in very old patients with colorectal cancer compared with old patients.

Methods: Patients operated on with colorectal cancer aged 75 years old or older were divided into 2 groups: Group A (75-84 years, n = 93) and Group B (>or=85, n = 21).

Results: The serum albumin level, oxygen pressure in arterial blood gases, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second in Group B were significantly lower than in Group A, respectively (P = 0.