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Treatment of brain tumors, particularly malignant gliomas, is challenging using only surgical resection and radiation therapy, and medical treatment plays an important role in the management of these malignancies. Temozolomide has been mainly used for the treatment of malignant gliomas over a decade. However, novel therapeutic options, such as molecular-targeted drugs and oncolytic virus therapeutic agents have been introduced in recent years. Classical anticancer medications, such as nitrosoureas and platinum-based drugs, continue to be administered for treatment of some types of malignant brain tumors.

The patient is a 79-year-old woman who visited her local doctor with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. A lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a circumferential type 3 mass in the transverse colon. The patient was diagnosed with transverse colon cancer (cT3N0M0, cStage Ⅱa)and underwent laparoscopic transverse colectomy(D3). The postoperative course was good, and she was discharged on POD 9. Pathological results showed a diagnosis of medullary carcinoma(pT3N0M0, pStage Ⅱa)with MSI-high. The patient was treated with UFT/UZEL for 6 months as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient has been recurrence-free for 1 year and 6 months postoperatively and is under outpatient follow-up. Medullary carcinoma is a rare histologic type that is estimated to account for 2-3% of all colorectal cancers. Medullary carcinoma of the colon is more common in elderly patients, women, and the right side of the colon, with a relatively favorable prognosis. We report a case of medullary carcinoma of the transverse colon in which the patient had a relatively long survival, with some discussion of the literature.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has considerably affected several social services. The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare has partially revised the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Law and established legislations on permanent online medication instructions. Based on these social needs, the development of human resources to provide online medication instructions is vital. Therefore, we developed a training program for providing online medication instructions in preparatory clinical education. Pharmacy students who had conducted medical interviews with standardized patients participated in the training. Educational outcomes were evaluated using an objective multiple-choice test and free description before and after practical training. The median number of correct answers on objective tests on the legislation on online medication instructions increased significantly. Based on the free description analysis, students were able to comprehend the influence of communication environment on the quality of medication instructions. Based on the results of the direct evaluation using objective testing and indirect evaluation by analyzing the free descriptions, they also acquired the skills necessary for providing online medication instructions. Therefore, this training program can contribute to mastering the provision of online medication instructions.

The patient was an 81-year-old man who visited a clinic for fever and lower abdominal pain. He was subsequently diagnosed with prostatitis based on computed tomography (CT) findings that showed swelling of the prostate. Despite treatment with antibacterial therapy, his symptoms did not improve significantly. Since the patient also had myelodysplastic syndrome, he was transferred to our hospital and subsequently diagnosed with prostate abscess based on findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The abscess had spread widely from the dorsal side of the trigone of the bladder to anterior wall of the rectum. Transperineal drainage was performed to preserve the urethral mucosa of the prostatic urethra. Considering the shape of the abscess cavity, one pigtail catheter was placed in the prostate and another was placed transperineally on the dorsal side of the trigone of the bladder. Cystostomy was performed at the same time. Culture of the abscess revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. As there was little exudate from the abscess 9 days after drainage, the pigtail catheter on the dorsal side of the trigone of the bladder was removed following an injection of minocycline into the abscess. CT showed shrinkage of the abscess 4 days later, and the remaining intraprostatic pigtail catheter was removed after an injection of minocycline. The cystostomy pigtail catheter was subsequently removed since the patient was able to urinate smoothly after clamping. MRI confirmed the disappearance of the abscess cavity 2 months later.

A 61‒year‒old woman observed that she had a lower limb edema approximately 1 month ago and began to feel a general malaise. The symptom was caused by multiple liver metastases, and the primary lesion was suspected to be an ovarian cancer. Peritoneal disseminations throughout the abdominal cavity were found in the exploratory laparotomy. No obvious primary lesion could be found in the searchable gastrointestinal tract. The patient was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)based on the biopsy results of the peritoneal dissemination. Treatment with imatinib mesylate(imatinib) was initiated 13 days after surgery. The severe lower extremity edema disappeared within 2 months. Computed tomography (CT)scan showed a reduction of the multiple liver metastases and peritoneal dissemination, and the appearance and increase of calcifications in the tumor and cystic degeneration inside the liver metastasis. The abnormal accumulation observed by bone scintigraphy also disappeared. Imatinib has a long‒term effect on GIST of unknown primary origin with multiple liver metastases, peritoneal dissemination, and bone metastasis. Five years after the initiation of the treatment, the patient is still alive, and new lesions have not developed.

(Introduction) Percutaneous cystostomy is a standard urological procedure; however, very few reports have focused on the many cases of this procedure performed in Japan. We analyzed the background of the procedure and its approach as well as the incidence of its complications at our institution. (Material and methods) We examined 95 patients who underwent percutaneous cystostomy between April 2010 and March 2019. A comparative analysis was conducted for each type of procedure performed. Furthermore, cases that experienced accidental catheter extraction before the first catheter replacement were analyzed, and the three patient groups were compared based on the type of procedure performed and cases that needed another operation. (Result) The indications for cystostomy were urethral stricture (56.3%), neuropathic bladder (13.5%), and prostatic hyperplasia (11.5%). The complications included hemorrhage, peritoneal injury, urinary tract infection, and catheter damage caused by a puncture needle. The overall complication rate was 10.5%. Based on type of the procedure performed, the incidence of hemorrhage was found to be as high as 25% in patients who underwent the procedure using a cannula puncture needle. Accidental catheter extraction before the first catheter replacement occurred most frequently in patients treated with Seldinger technique (17.0%). The rate of complications including accidental catheter extraction ranged from 25.0% to 25.4% among the three groups. (Conclusion) We prefer the Seldinger technique for the first placement of the cystostomy catheter because of its low rate of hemorrhage, but a cannula puncture needle may also be used by using exploratory puncture if vascular damage and accidental catheter extraction are avoided.

A 75-year-old woman previously underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer(pT3N0M1a[PUL1], Stage Ⅳa)in October 2012. We administered 7 courses of mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab(BV)followed by oral UFT/LV for 6 months. In November 2014, we performed partial lung resection for relapsing metastatic lung tumor. In April 2017, we performed right lower lobectomy for recurrence at the site of partial resection. In October 2018, since serum CEA was gradually elevated, FDG-PET was performed for metastasis. FDG-PET indicated FDG accumulation in the left neck and the trachea. Enhanced CT revealed the thyroid tumor, an enlarged cervical lymph node and a small nodule in the trachea. Needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid tumor and the lymph node showed Class Ⅴ(adenocarcinoma). Bronchoscopy indicated a polypoid tumor Class Ⅴ(adenocarcinoma). After 18 courses of FOLFIRI plus BV, all metastases were reduced significantly. We conclude that FOLFIRI plus BV seems to be effective for patients with thyroid and endotracheal metastasis from rectal cancer.

Metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma(MSCC)of the breast is very unusual and is histologically characterized by rapid progression. Conventionalchemotherapy for ductalcarcinoma of the breast is ineffective against MSCC. Here, we report a case of MSCC of the breast successfully treated with S-1. A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a left breast tumor. A tumor approximately 10 cm in diameter was palpable in the lower-outer quadrant(D region)of the left breast. Core needle biopsy indicated estrogen receptor(ER)-negative, progesterone receptor(PR)-negative, and human epidermalgrowth factor receptor 2(HER2)-negative MSCC of the breast. Computed tomography(CT)showed left axillary lymph node metastases but did not indicate distant metastasis. A diagnosis of T4N3cM0, Stage ⅢC, MSCC of the left breast was made. Each treatment course consisted of the administration of S-1(120mg/body/day)for 4weeks, followed by 2 drugfree weeks. After the second course, significant tumor and lymph node reduction was observed. We concluded that S-1 chemotherapy seems to be effective for patients with MSCC of the breast.

A 69-year-old man with hypertension was referred for an abnormal shadow detected on chest computed tomography(CT) at a medical checkup. Enhanced CT showed a highly enhanced posterior mediastinal tumor of 34×27 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Thus, a neurogenic tumor was suspected and the surgery was performed. The tumor was carefully dissected as it was hyper-vascular and hemorrhagic. Immediately after tumor resection, the patient's blood pressure rapidly decreased, and phenylephrine hydrochloride was needed to maintain the blood pressure. The pathological diagnosis was paraganglioma.

In this study, we attempted to improve the non-aqueous titration method using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia seventeenth edition (JP XVII) for advancement in experimental safety. As an alternative solvent for DMF, we demonstrate titrations using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which has similar properties as and much higher safety than DMF. Five drugs (i.e., acetohexamide, glibenclamide, sulfamethoxazole, tranilast, and furosemide) listed in JP XVII use DMF as a solvent for titrations with sodium hydroxide standard solution. For these drugs, we examined whether DMF can be replaced with DMSO in quantitative analyses. As a result, a quantification similar to that of the Pharmacopoeia protocol is possible by simply replacing DMF with DMSO or using a mixed solvent of DMSO and water.

We herein present the case of a 66-year-old Japanese man with Fanconi's syndrome. He had been receiving adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) for the treatment of entecavir (ETV)-resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB) for four years in his 8-year treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but was referred to our hospital after increased levels of bone pain in his ribs, knees, and ankles. Renal dysfunction, hypophosphatemia, and increased levels of bone alkaline phosphatase were found by a hematology test after admission for treatment of HCC. Radiography and 99m Tc-labeled hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP) scintigraphy revealed multiple insufficiency fractures in the ribs, knees, ankles, and heels. After switching from ADV to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and treatment with calcitriol and sodium dihydrogenphosphate, the patient's serum phosphate levels slightly increased and renal dysfunction did not improve, but after six months his clinical symptoms disappeared. To detect and prevent adverse effects from ADV, physicians and pharmacists should carefully monitor renal function and serum phosphate levels in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) treated for a long time with ADV.

We report a case of a 53-year-old woman with emphysematous pyelonephritis who presented the preservation of the ipsilateral kidney following open drainage. She was transferred to our hospital with chief complaints of right back pain and high fever. On diagnosis, diabetes mellitus and a stone in the right ureter were confirmed, and she was followed up at a local clinic. Computed tomography revealed the presence of gas in the right renal pelvis, and the stone led to right hydronephrosis. Additionally, her hemoglobin A1c level was 11.3%. Hence, we diagnosed the patient with emphysematous pyelonephritis. Although right percutaneous nephrostomy was performed immediately after her admission, the gas in the right renal pelvis extended to the renal parenchyma one day later. Therefore, we performed open drainage of the right kidney to control severe inflammation. The gas disappeared after the procedure, and her systemic status gradually improved. We hypothesize that emphysematous pyelonephritis is treated with open drainage instead of nephrectomy while preserving the ipsilateral kidney.

A 74-year-old man was admitted to a local hospital with liver dysfunction. Imaging modalities revealed bile duct stenosis at the bifurcation of the anterior and posterior trunk. Exfoliative cytology of the bile and brushing cytology of the bile duct both revealed Class Ⅴ, and biopsy from the stenotic bile duct showed well differentiated adenocarcinoma. We diagnosed the patient with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and performed extended right bisectionectomy and biliary reconstruction after percuta- neous transhepatic right portal vein embolization(PTPE). Preoperatively, he was administered S-1(80mg/body weight/day) orally for 19 days. Histopathological assessment of the resected specimen revealed hemosiderin-laden macrophages without viable cancer cells, confirmingpatholog ical complete response(pCR).

A 76-year-old woman with lower bile duct carcinoma underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD)after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainages(PTBD). Nine months after the operation, chest computed tomography revealed a mass in the subcutis of the right chest wall, which was a different lesion from that in the PTBD site. The aspiration biopsy cytology and needle biopsy indicated no malignant findings. However, the mass was growing and was suspected to be a metastasis of bile duct cancer. We resected the mass, including portions of the sixth and seventh ribs. The pathological diagnosis was metastasis of bile duct carcinoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Now, 2 years have passed since the resection of the primary lesion and 9 months since the resection of the chest wall metastasis. Thus far, no manifestations of recurrence have been observed, and the patient has been in a favorable condition. We report this case with a literature review.

Aim: The significance of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)remains to be elucidated. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of RFA for local recurrence of CRLM., Subjects: Between June 2005 and June 2017, we retrospectively examined 63 patients(137 nodules)with CRLM who underwent RFA., Results: The local recurrence rate was 36.5%, and the median local recurrence free survival(LRFS)was 26.3 months. We compared treatment background between the 2 groups with(50 nodules)and without(87 nodules)local recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, tumor size of the ablated lesion and method for ablation(direct tumor puncture)were independent risk factors for local recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic curve for tumor size of the ablated lesion showed an optimal cutoff value for tumor size of 1.8 cm(AUC=0.734, 95%CI: 0.612-0.855, p<0.0001)., Conclusions: RFA for effective control of local recurrence of CRLM might be suitable for selected patients with tumor size of ablated lesion ofC1.8 cm and no touch ablation method.

Locally advanced breast cancer with skin invasion often causes malodor, bleeding, and massive exudates, which degrades patients' quality of life(QOL). A 61-year-old woman presented with locally advanced breast cancer with malodor and massive exudates, which had carcinomatous pleurisy causing dyspnea. We administered endocrine therapy and chemotherapy and used Mohs paste for local therapy. The exposed part of the tumor was fixed using Mohs paste. After continuing to apply Vaseline over the fixed part, the lesion spontaneously detached without surgical removal and completely epithelized, and malodor and exudates disappeared. Cancerous pleurisy also improved, and dyspnea disappeared. Local treatment using Mohs paste and systemic pharmacotherapy dramatically improved her QOL.

Pharmacists are required to contribute to evidence-based medicine (EBM) by providing drug information, which can be collected from various sources such as books, websites, and original articles. In particular, information from original articles is needed in some situations. For example, original articles by international researchers are used to aid the management of novel in-hospital preparations on which little knowledge is available. We introduced an information evaluation program, the Okayama University Hospital EBM Model, into the clinical training of 5th-year pharmacy students. It aims to enable students to evaluate the validity of novel in-hospital preparations using original articles. This program has improved students' knowledge of EBM, and the satisfaction level of those enrolled was high. In addition, customer satisfaction analysis revealed that the overall degree of student satisfaction was related to their understanding of the necessity for EBM and the difficulty of practical training. In addition, students' achievements were evaluated using rubrics, and that method allowed the achievements of each student to be assessed appropriately. We hope to revise this program with the aim of improving students' understanding of EBM.

We report here 3 cases of remnant pancreatic cancer after surgery for invasive ductal carcinoma. Case 1 was a 73-year-old male who underwent distal pancreatectomy(pap, pT3, pN0, M0): fStage II A(JPS 7th). He developed a remnant pancreatic cancer 39 months later, and total remnant pancreatectomy was performed. He died from sepsis 9 months after surgery. Case 2 was a 72-year-old female who underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy(SSPPD)(tub2, pT1c, pN1a, M0): fStage II B. She developed a remnant pancreatic cancer 82 months later. This lesion seemed to be resectable. But she hoped to take a best supportive care, and died 13 months after diagnosis. Case 3 was a 68-year-old female who underwent SSPPD(tub1, pT3, pN1a, M0): fStage II B. She developed a remnant pancreatic cancer 20 months later and was successfully treated by chemotherapy and carbon-ion radiotherapy.

A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for rectosigmoid(RS)cancer. We performed high anterior resection in the patient. Pathological findings showed mucinous adenocarcinoma, pT3(SS), pN1, sM0, sP0, pCy0, fStage III a. Two years and 3 months after the first operation, the patient visited our hospital due to lumbago, and we conducted a detailed abdominal examination. CT images showed the bladder tumor expanding into the vesical trigon and invading the prostate and mesorectum. Cystoscopy revealed the tumor, and tumor biopsy indicated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. These findings were consistent with metastasis of RS cancer; therefore, we performed total cystectomy, prostatectomy, and partial resection of the rectum. We performed a change of the ileum conduit to the urinary tract. Pathological findings showed many poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas in the lymph ducts ofthe bladder and prostate. Therefore, we diagnosed the condition as bladder cancer lymphogenous metastasis. The patient continues to do well without signs ofrecurrence 6 months later.

Cancer patients often develop mental conditions, including anxiety and depressive disorder. And, patients with chemotherapy often exhibit mental changes including anxiety and depressive disorder. Furthermore, it is well known that the frequency of delirium is increased in cancer patients receiving terminal care. Thus, the psychiatric and cognitive functions of cancer survivors are significantly influenced by their quality of life. In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis to identify the risk factors for psychiatric disorders in lung cancer survivors. Most lung cancer survivors that were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders had stage 4 disease. In addition, it was found that an increase in disease stage and high doses of opioids are associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in lung cancer survivors. These findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the mental changes experienced by lung cancer patients during disease progression.

We report a rare case of male hereditary breast cancer in which a sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed. A 62-yearold man was admitted to our hospital because of a palpable tumor in his right breast. Both his younger sister and daughter had had breast cancer. Genetic testing revealed a morbid mutation in the BRCA2 gene. The tumor was palpated to an elastic hard mass and had a clear border in the right DCE area. We performed a core needle biopsy and diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma, specifically, cT1cN0cM0, cStage I hereditary breast cancer. The patient underwent mastectomy and a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Nine days later, tamoxifen therapy was initiated. There has been no sign of recurrence during the 9 months after the operation.

We report a case of remnant pancreatic cancer after pancreatoduodenectomy that was successfully treated using chemotherapy and carbon-ion radiotherapy. A 68-year-old woman received SSPPD for pancreatic head cancer. Gemcitabine(GEM) was administered for a year as postoperative chemotherapy. One year 8 months after surgery, abdominal CT showed a 20 mm solid mass in the stump of the remnant pancreas and dilation of the distal pancreatic duct. FDG-PET revealed a solitary tumor without any recurrence. We diagnosed the patient with a solitary recurrence of pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy (GEM)and carbon-ion radiotherapy were performed. After treatment, the lesion was not detected on CT or FDG-PET. Chemotherapy(GEM)and carbon-ion radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer seems to be effective and there might result in a survival benefit.

Nucleic acid-based drugs (NABDs) have recently attracted considerable attention as next-generation medicines, following the development of low molecular-weight and antibody drugs, because it is likely that they will have fewer side effects and greater target specificity than conventional medicines. Short double-stranded RNAs contain a 2-nucleotide overhang at the 3'-end of each strand. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) inhibit gene expression by RNA interference (RNAi) and thus have great potential as NABDs. However, naked RNA strands have many problems that hinder their application as therapeutics, such as their rapid degradation in biological fluids, poor cellular uptake, and off-target effects. Therefore, artificially modified siRNAs and miRNAs have been studied extensively in an effort to overcome these problems. In this review, I summarize my recent studies on the synthesis of nucleic acid mimics and their application in RNAi-based medicine. The following two topics are specifically discussed: 1) the design and synthesis of chemically modified functional RNAs bearing nucleic acid mimics at their 3'-overhang region, which plays a key role in RNAi; and 2) the practical, reliable synthesis of nucleic acid mimics containing ethynyl groups.

We report a rare case of esophageal carcinoma with an aberrant right subclavian artery. A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a sense of discomfort during swallowing. A detailed gastrointestinal examination revealed advanced carcinoma of the middle thoracic esophagus. Preoperative CT also revealed an aberrant right subclavian artery (AR SA). After the second course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (FP therapy), we conducted a transthoracic esophagectomy with a 3-field lymphadenectomy. The right recurrent nerve was not identified at the right subclavian artery during mediastinal dissection, but the non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN) was identified as going directly from the vagal nerve to the larynx during the neck lymphadenectomy. The thoracic duct ran between the esophagus and the azygos vein, terminating at the right venous angle. We were able to perform a #106recL lymphadenectomy as usual. She continues to do well without signs of recurrence 1 year later. Though ARSA is a relatively rare congenital anomaly, it must be identified preoperatively, and anatomical anomalies such as NRILN must be taken into consideration, in order that the operation can be performed safely.

A 77-years-old man who underwent middle lobectomy for lung adenocarcinoma in our hospital 19 years ago. p-Stage IA was pointed out multiple nodules in bilateral lung fields on a medical examination. Computed tomography scan revealed a tumor measuring 34×34 mm in size in the right lower lung and other 40 small pulmonary nodules. Characteristic pattern of metastatic adenocarcinoma from the previous lung cancer was pathologically demonstrated. Immunostaining revealed anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positivity of the both specimens, which determined the diagnosis of recurrence. Long-team postoperative follow-up for ALK positive lung cancer patients is considered to be necessary especially for younger patients.

Herein, we report a case of esophageal cancer with lung metastases that was successfully resected after chemotherapy. A 61-year-old man was diagnosed with a middle thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma showing lung metastases. The clinical Stage diagnosis was T4NxM1, Stage IVb. After systemic chemotherapy with 1 course of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (CDDP/5-FU)and 3 courses of nedaplatin/5-FU (CDGP/5-FU), lung metastases could not be detected by using computed tomography (CT). We added 2 courses of CDGP/5-FU, followed by 3 courses of docetaxel. The patient underwent esophagectomy and was alive without recurrence for 6 months after surgery.

A 52-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of melena and right abdominal pain. Detailed gastrointestinal examination revealed ascending colon cancer. She underwent laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy and D3 lymphadenectomy using 5 ports. After surgery, the patient refused adjuvant chemotherapy. Outpatient follow-up was periodically performed and included blood examination and imaging studies, but she refused colonoscopy. Four and a half years after the initial operation, stool was positive for occult blood. Following colon examination, descending colon cancer was diagnosed. Therefore, the patient underwent colectomy and D3 lymphadenectomy by double incision laparoscopic surgery (DILS) using the glove method. There were no adhesions in the operation field; therefore, laparoscopic surgery was effortless. Because there were almost no adhesions following the first laparoscopic surgery, the second laparoscopic surgery for metachronous colon cancer was possible.

A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of anal discomfort. A detailed gastrointestinal examination revealed both left cholangiocellular carcinoma and rectal cancer. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for the rectal cancer. Pathological findings suggested the possibility of residual cancer after EMR. The cholangiocellular carcinoma was thought to be of greater influence on the patient's prognosis than the rectal cancer. We performed left hepatectomy and caudate lobectomy. Two months after the initial surgery, we performed laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection and D2 lymphadenectomy. Laparoscopic surgery could proceed since no adhesions were observed. Two-stage surgery can be an effective strategy for avoiding excessive surgical stress when removing 2 cancer types.

Gastric metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a very rare event and treatment for such patients has not been established. We report two cases of gastric metastasis from RCC. The first case was in a 67- year-old man with a past history of right radical nephrectomy for RCC (ypT3aN0M0) six years ago. The whole-body computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple lung nodules. We performed gastrointestinal endoscopy to find the primary lesion, and detected multiple submucosal tumors in the gastric body. Needle biopsy of these tumors revealed gastric metastasis from RCC. Oral sorafenib tosylate therapy was started. Twenty months later, gastrointestinal endoscopy showed only gastric erosion without malignant evidence. The second case was in a 70-year-old man complaining of epigastralgia. He had undergone right partial nephrectomy for RCC (pT1aN0M0) six years ago, and thoracoscopic wedge resection of a solitary lung nodule one year ago. Gastrointestinal endoscopy detected a solitary hyperplastic polyp in the anterior wall of the gastric body. Needle biopsy of this polyp revealed gastric metastasis from RCC. We performed laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. Gastrointestinal endoscopy and CT showed no evidence of metastasis or recurrence for 14 months after gastrectomy.

Intravesical chemotherapy is beneficial for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but optimal drug and regimen selection can be controversial. Mitomycin C (MMC) is commonly used as adjuvant treatment for NMIBC. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 73 patients with NMIBC who were treated with weekly doses of low-dose MMC (20 mg ; n=28 ; 38.4%) or high-dose MMC (40 mg ; n=45 ; 61.6%) for 6 weeks each, at our hospital between 2001 and 2010. Treatment outcomes were examined by Kaplan‒Meier analysis with log-rank tests. Patients in the high-dose group showed greater recurrent-free survival (61.3%) at 2 years than did patients in the low-dose group (32.6%) (P<0.05). We also found that a single early dose of pirarubicin following transurethral resection of bladder tumor improved MMC efficacy in the high-dose group. The high-dose group had a somewhat higher incidence of dysuria, urinary frequency and drug eruption, but the difference was not significant.

In Japan, prostate cancer is treated with non-steroidal anti-androgen (flutamide and bicalutamide). Development of breast pain during bicalutamide treatment, in prostate cancer patients reduces their quality of life (QOL) and treatment compliance. We studied the safety and effectiveness of switching from bicalutamide to flutamide in 13 prostate cancer patients who developed breast pain during bicalutamide treatment. We estimated the change in breast pain using a face scale and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) and EPIC-hormone domain (HD) score. The switch to flutamide relieved breast pain in nine patients, had no effect in one patient, and increased breast pain in two patients. One patient dropped out. Furthermore, summary score and hormone function were improved with a significant difference in the EPIC-HD score. Switching to flutamide in prostate cancer patients who develop breast pain during bicalutamide is safe and effective.

A 7-year-old male presented to our hospital with pain and swelling in the right scrotum for 9 days. On physical examination a swollen right scrotum was noted and right side cremasteric reflex disappeared. Ultrasound examination showed enlarged right testis and epididymis. Subsequent dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 7 mm area of high signal intensity anterior to the right testis on coronal imaging of T2-weighted. Subtraction MRI revealed testicular perfusion and a nonenhanced mass was also identified anterior to the right testis. These findings indicated a diagnosis of torsion of the testicular appendix. We performed excision of the torsed appendage.

We report a case of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the rectum in a 67-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital owing to bowel abnormalities. Colonoscopic examination revealed a submucosal tumor (SMT) in the lower rectum. However, no malignancy was found on rectal mucosa biopsy. After providing informed consent, the patient underwent transanal surgery for the SMT. Rectal MALT lymphoma was diagnosed based on results of histological and immunohistochemical examinations. According to the Lugano International Conference classification system, the present case was classified as stage I MALT lymphoma. After the operation, Helicobacter pylori infection occurred, for which eradication therapy was performed, but no further complications or recurrence occurred.

Here, we report a case of recurrent rectal cancer successfully treated with resective surgery using the extraperitoneal approach. A 73-year-old man underwent the Miles operation for advanced rectal cancer (Rb-P, tub1, pMP, pN0, Stage I). At 20 months after the initial operation, computed tomography( CT) and magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) scans and 2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) images showed a recurrent pelvic tumor( 20 mm in diameter) located in the lower presacral region. The tumor was surgically excised. The presacral space was easily exposed by the surgical procedure using the extraperitoneal approach, and the tumor was easily dissected and resected. We conclude that a surgical procedure using the extraperitoneal approach might be effective for the treatment of pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer.

We report here a case of rapidly progressing anorectal malignant melanoma. A 66-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to bowel abnormalities and anal pain. Detailed gastrointestinal examination revealed a nigrities-like type 1 tumor that occupied a semicircle in the intestinal lumen from the lower rectum to the anatomical anal canal. We diagnosed anorectal malignant melanoma from a biopsy of the tumor. For the first time, we performed abdominoperineal resection. DAV-feron chemotherapy was administered from 18 days after the operation. However, multiple liver metastases, multiple lung metastases, and multiple skin metastases appeared in the early phase after the operation. Metastases increased rapidly and the patient died 138 days after the operation.

We present an adult case of Cowper's syringocele. A 19-year-old male presented with the chief complaint of persistent post-voiding dribbling 5 months after onset. Urethroscopy demonstrated a thin membrane with a small orifice on the ventral aspect distal to the external sphincter. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a restiform shadow on the left side of the corpus spongiosum. Retrograde urethrogram showed filling of diverticulum-like structure in the region of urethral bulb terminating in the urogenital diaphragm. Considering the results mentioned above, we diagnosed the patient with Cowper's syringocele. Transurethral unroofing of the Cowper's syringocele was performed with a cold knife, and the excessive tissue on the edge of syringocele was electroresected to avoid recurrence. His post-voiding dribbling resolved completely after the procedure and has not recurred in 13 months postoperatively. Cowper's syringocele is typically diagnosed presenting with hematuria, urinary tract infection, and disuria in male infants and children. Adult cases of Cowper's syringocele are rare, and only 32 cases including the present case have been reported. Proper awareness of this entity and careful evaluation are important if patients present with persistent adult-onset voiding dysfunction.

This article summarizes detailed facts obtained from the questionnaire conducted in 2010 at about 14 National Universities on the topic of "Research programs and advanced educational programs for undergraduate students". The contents of the questionnaire included: (1) Research programs based on the coalition of university and hospital and/or community pharmacy, other Graduate Schools, such as School of Medicine etc., and the University Hospital, (2) Educational systems for the achievement of research programs and their research outcomes, (3) Research programs based on pharmacist practices, (4) Ongoing advanced educational programs for undergraduate students, taking advantage of the coalition with Graduate School, School of Medicine (and Dentistry), and University Hospital. Some of the advanced educational programs outlined in this questionnaire will be carried out by our group in the coming years and the educational benefits together with associated problems shall as well be clarified. This approach will be informative for the development of the leader-oriented pharmacist programs for the college of Pharmacy.

We previously reported that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-treated rats serve as a valuable animal model for tricyclic antidepressant-resistant depressive conditions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in neurogenesis in the hippocampus of ACTH-treated rats. Chronic treatment of ACTH decreased the number of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus, and the coadministration of imipramine and lithium, and electroconvulsive stimuli recovered these reductions. Furthermore, chronic ACTH treatment also decreased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the coadministration of imipramine and lithium, and electroconvulsive stimuli recovered these reductions. These results suggest that antidepressant-resistant depression is caused by the suppression of neurogenesis, and the coadministration of imipramine and lithium, and electroconvulsive stimuli exert an antidepressant-like effect by recovering proliferative signals and neurogenesis.

A 65-year-old woman underwent a right pneumonectomy 3 years before, because of lung cancer. Two years and 9 months after the operation, she developed a productive cough and complained of dyspnea At that time, the chest X-ray film showed a remarkable mediastinal shift to the right and herniation of the left lung. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed a marked rightward and posterior deviation of the mediastinum, and severe stenosis of the left main bronchus. A 18 gauge-silicon catheter was inserted into the right pleural cavity in order to inject air and 100 ml of air was infused through it. Immediately after injection, she was relieved from severe symptoms. A central vein (CV) port was implanted in the subcutaneous tissue at the right chest wall for periodic infusion of air with safety and ease.

We report here a case of rectal cancer with interstitial pneumonia was successfully treated with preoperative radiation therapy. An 81-year-old man with complaints of constipation and melena was admitted to our hospital for the purpose of close inspection and medical treatment. In colonoscopic examination, we found a type-3 9 cm tumor in mainly occupied lower rectum (Rb), which developed all circumference-related stenosis. We diagnosed the tumor as Group V (adenocarcinoma) in biopsy. In abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, the rectal tumor was directly invaded to the prostate and left internal obturator muscle. We diagnosed it to be cStage II rectal cancer (Rb) from various image findings. In addition, chest CT showed interstitial pneumonia. At first therapy, we did not perform pelvic evisceration nor chemotherapy because the patient was aged having interstitial pneumonia. We performed loop colostomy and preoperative radiation therapy (total 50 Gy). After the radiation therapy, there was a notable reduction in tumor, and a direct invasion to the prostate and left internal obturator muscle was not identified upon imaging. After the one year course of radiotherapy, we performed Mile's operation. After the operation, we did not perform adjuvant chemotherapy, but there has been no recurrence observed.

A 55-year-old woman was found to have a type-4 lesion centered on the greater curvature of the lower portion of her stomach during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination.A diagnosis of inoperable advanced gastric carcinoma [type 4, tub 2/por, T3 (SE), N3, H0, P1, cStage IV], complicated by pyloric stenosis, liver dysfunction, and obstructive jaundice untreatable by bile drainage, was made.After obtaining the informed consent of the patient and her family and explain- ing that under the circumstances surgery was not indicated, chemotherapy [S-1 (granules) 80 mg/m2, CDDP 60 mg/m2] was selected. After starting treatment, an improvement in liver dysfunction and jaundice was observed, and at the start of the second course, the patient had become capable of oral feeding.The patient was discharged after completion of the second course. No choices associated with evidence exist for treatment of patients with inoperable advanced gastric cancer (complicated by obstructive jaundice), who are not elderly and have good performance status (PS).We report this case in which improvement of activity of daily living (ADL) was achieved relatively safely by treatment with S-1/CDDP, together with a brief discussion based on the literature.

Although gefitinib is known to possess an effect inducing apoptosis against lung cancer, it is not clear how clinically effective it is in this regard in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, we tried to reduce its administration from every to every other day in a 73-year-old woman in good condition over 5 years after the recurrence of lung cancer. As a result, her CEA serum level then commenced to increase to the abnormal range within a month. Apoptosis induced by gefitinib was thought not sufficient to kill all lung cancer cells even though well controlled by it for a long period.

Therapeutics targeting disease-sensitive genes are required for the therapy of multifactorial diseases. There is no clinical report on therapeutics for allergic disease-sensitive genes. We are focusing on the histamine H₁ receptor (H1R) as a sensitive gene. H1R mediates allergy histamine signals. H1R is a rate-limiting molecule of the H1R signal because the signal is increased with elevated receptor expression level. We discovered that the stimulation of H1R induced H1R gene expression through PKCδ activation, resulting in receptor upregulation. The mechanism of H1R gene expression was revealed to play a key role in the receptor expression level in studies using cultured HeLa cells and allergic rhinitis model rats. Preseasonal prophylactic treatment with antihistamines is recommended for the therapy of pollinosis. However, the mechanism of the therapy remains to be elucidated. We demonstrated that repeated pretreatment treatment with antihistamines in the allergic rhinitis model rats resulted not only in improvement of symptoms but also in suppressed elevation of H1R mRNA levels in the nasal mucosa. A clinical trial was then initiated. When symptoms and H1R mRNA levels in the nasal mucosa of pollinosis patients with or without preseasonal prophylactic treatment with antihistamines were examined, both symptoms and high levels of H1R mRNA were significantly improved in treated compared with untreated patients. These results strongly suggest that H1R is an allergic disease-sensitive gene.

A 67-year-old woman underwent partial gastrectomy (por2+sig, stage IIIA) for gastric cancer. She was admitted to our hospital because of swelling of her left neck lymph nodes 20 years after surgery. A biopsy specimen revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma. We diagnosed recurrence of gastric cancer and gave chemotherapy, but she died of myelosuppression and disseminated intravascular coagulation 2 years later. On autopsy, we examined all organs except the brain, but the primary lesion was not recognized. We concluded that this case was late recurrence after partial gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer.

The pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include senile plaque, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), synaptic loss, and neurodegeneration. Senile plaque and NFTs are formed by accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau, respectively. Progressive synaptic dysfunction and loss closely correlate with cognitive deficits in AD. Based on studies of the genes responsible for familial AD and temporal patterns of pathologic changes in AD brains, the Aβ accumulation is thought to be a primary event that influences other AD pathologies in the developmental cascade of AD. However, the details of Aβ effects on the other AD pathologies remain poorly understood. In this review, we provide an overview of the effects of Aβ in AD brains, especially focusing on synaptic dysfunction and microglia. We have recently found abnormal accumulation of a key molecule for actin assembly in NFTs of AD brains, and it was revealed that the accumulation requires not only tau pathology but also an Aβ burden in a study using transgenic mouse models of AD. Synaptic integrity is morphologically maintained by the precise regulation of actin assembly. Therefore, the results suggest the possibility that Aβ may promote NFT maturation and induce synaptic dysfunction through the disturbance of actin assembly. Thus Aβ seems to be a promoting factor in brain aging. On the other hand, we have studied microglial phagocytic ability for a compensatory pathologic reaction to Aβ accumulation. Further studies on the Aβ-dependent AD pathologies may contribute to determining novel mechanisms of AD development and new therapeutic targets in AD.