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Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumour with intermediate malignant potential. Although this tumour arises in several sites, prostatic SFT is an extremely rare neoplasm and may prove confusing owing to the lack of clinical experience because of tumour rarity. The diagnosis may be further difficult because SFTs can manifest positive immunoreactivity for CD34 and progesterone receptor, which are known markers of prostatic stromal tumours. Herein, we describe a case of prostatic SFT that was difficult to differentiate from a prostatic stromal tumour of uncertain malignant potential because of positive immunoreactivity to CD34 and progesterone receptor.A 40-year-old Japanese man presented with lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a prostatic mass; furthermore, prostate core needle biopsy revealed proliferating bland spindle cells, without necrosis or prominent mitoses. Tumour cells were positive for CD34 and progesterone receptor on immunohistochemical analysis; thus, a prostatic stromal tumour of uncertain malignant potential was initially suspected. However, as the tumour cells showed positive immunoreactivity for STAT6, the final diagnosis was an SFT of the prostate. The patient underwent tumour resection, and at the 6-month postoperative follow-up, neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis occurred.For an accurate diagnosis of an SFT of the prostate, STAT6 immunohistochemistry should be conducted for all mesenchymal tumours of the prostate. When STAT6 immunohistochemical analysis is unfeasible, pathologists should be aware that the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of SFT variable from case to case and diagnose with combined analysis of several immunohistochemical markers.

Objective The purpose of chemotherapy for recurrent cancer is to get survival benefit, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. We used oral cyclophosphamide (CPA) and bevacizumab (BEV) combination therapy in cases of recurrent ovarian and peritoneal cancer, where standard chemotherapy was difficult to conduct. We subsequently evaluated the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Methods Between August 2014 and June 2020, subjects who provided informed consent received the following regimen: oral CPA 50 mg daily and intravenous BEV15 mg/kg every 3 weeks as 1 cycle. Data from the two facilities were retrospectively studied. Result Twenty-two patients were enrolled (20 with ovarian cancer and 2 with peritoneal cancer). The median follow-up period was 18.9 months (range, 5.0–51.5), and median age was 60 years (range 37–81). Sixteen patients had platinum resistance. The median number of previous chemotherapy regimens was 2.5 (range 0–5). The median implementation cycle was 5 (range 2–14). Eighteen patients discontinued treatment: three due to side effects, and fifteen due to disease progression. Grade 2 toxicities included neutropenia (1), protein urea (1), hypertension (2), and esophagitis (1). Two patients had a complete response, and one patient had a partial response. Five patients had stable disease. The response rate was 13.6%. Median PFS was 5.3 months (range, 0.8–23.5). The median OS from the initiation of CPA/BEV was 9.2 months (range, 4.8–51.5+). Conclusions The combination therapy of oral cyclophosphamide and bevacizumab had relatively effective, and can be used safely in patients who have become difficult to treat after second-line chemotherapy.

Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare tumour that mainly arises from the thyroid gland, or occasionally, from the head and neck. Although the 10-year survival rate of patients with CASTLE is approximately 80%, local recurrence and distant metastasis are observed in some cases. A recent systematic review for CASTLE indicated that the prognostic factors are treatment-dependent, and postoperative radiotherapy significantly improves patient survival.Herein, we describe and compare three cases of CASTLE, including a case with distant metastasis despite administering postoperative chemotherapy. Thus, the mechanisms underlying metastasis of CASTLE are unclear. This case study helps to elucidate the histopathological risk factors of metastasis in CASTLE.We found that prominent lymphovascular invasion and higher proliferative activities might be risk factors of metastasis in CASTLE. In addition, we have summarised the cytological, morphological, and immunohistochemical features of CASTLE for an accurate diagnosis.

To evaluate the association betweenData were collected from 40 patients with grade II and III gliomas who underwent both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) andA threshold of MGMT promoter methylation of 1% was significantly associated with tumour/normal tissue (T/N) ratio. The T/N ratio in samples with MGMT promoter methylation ≥1% was higher than that in samples with MGMT promoter methylation1%, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.011). Reliable prediction of MGMT promoter methylation (1% versus ≥1%) was possible using the T/N ratio under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% each (cut-off value=1.6: p=0.0226, area under the ROC curve [AUC]=0.76172). Conversely, the T/N ratio had no association with IDH mutation (p=0.6). The ROC curve revealed no reliable prediction of IDH mutation using the T/N ratio (p=0.606, AUC=0.60577).

It is important for emergency medicine (EM) residency programs to be able to correlate the United States (US) Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) scores of applicants.We sought to determine the correlation between USMLE and COMLEX scores for EM residency applicants.Retrospectively, from 2006 through 2013, USMLE and COMLEX examination scores for applicants to our 4-year, 56-member, dually approved EM residency were analyzed. Using the COMLEX score as the outcome variable and USMLE score as the predictor, multiple linear regression models, stratified by test step, were created.There were 556 students representing 25 discrete medical schools included. Pair 1 consisted of applicants submitting COMLEX Level-1 and USMLE Step-1 scores (n = 486). Pair 2 were those with COMLEX Level-2 and USMLE Step-2 scores (n = 356). For Pair 1, mean, standard deviation, and median scores on the COMLEX were 551, 69, and 548, respectively; for the USMLE, scores were 216, 16, and 217, respectively. Results for Pair 2 on COMLEX were 566, 80, and 562, respectively; USMLE results were 228, 18, and 229, respectively. A strong correlation was observed for Pair 1 (r = 0.78; p 0.001). A 1-point increase in USMLE Step-1 is associated with a 3.55-point increase in the COMLEX Level-1 score (β = 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.30-3.80; p 0.001). A similar strong correlation was observed for Pair 2 (r = 0.72; p 0.001), where a 1-point increase in USMLE Step-2 is associated with a 3.29-point increase in the COMLEX Level-2 score (β = 3.29; 95% CI 2.96-3.62; p 0.001).A strong positive correlation between Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE and COMLEX was found.

This paper presents the results of tests to determine the host range of Sericothrips staphylinus Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an agent selected for control of Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae). It also describes the biology of the thrips and its release and establishment in New Zealand and Hawaii. Eighty-three plant species were tested. Research was conducted in several institutions by use of five testing methods. Adult thrips survived for up to 15 days without food or longer on nonhost plants (causing small feeding scars). Female thrips laid eggs on several species of the Fabaceae other than U. europaeus, but with one exception, larvae died. Chamaecytisus palmensis (Christ) Bisby et K. Nichols supported the development of one adult in nine laboratory tests. Thrips produced adults on this plant in field cage tests, but in small numbers compared to controls. S. staphylinus appears to be narrowly oligophagous, but might establish on C. palmensis. At 19°C, females laid 1 egg per day on seedlings, for up to 8 weeks. Lifetime fecundity averaged 76 eggs per female. Development from egg to adult took 42 days. Thrips originating from the United Kingdom were released at 129 sites in New Zealand and have established at 59% of sites to date. Thrips originating from the United Kingdom, Portugal, and France were released in Hawaii, and all established. Thrips have caused heavy foliar damage at some field sites, and growth of the target weed has been significantly reduced in laboratory experiments. However, the impact of S. staphylinus on the gorse problem in New Zealand and Hawaii remains to be seen.

The effects of a simplified handrail on the separated shear flow near leading edge and on the vortex-induced oscillation are investigated by several wind tunnel experiments, by use of flow visualization, to observe aerodynamic behavior and pressure distribution around the deck surface. The handrail is composed of vertical posts and a horizontal bar whose depth and height from deck surface are varied. The flow pattern near the leading edge is greatly influenced by the depth and height of the horizontal bar. Different responses for several handrails are clarified by the flow patterns and unsteady pressure properties.

To treat metabolic syndrome, fat tissue dysfunction should be corrected rather than controlling conventional risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. For this purpose, accumulating evidence suggests increasing plasma adiponectin levels can be a key treatment strategy, especially in setting of food or drug selection. Here we report that adipocyte precursors obtained from several sites of fat tissue, which we call Metabolic Stem Cells (MSC), could be used as a novel screening system to identify adiponectin enhancing drugs or food for individual patients. MSC were prepared from fat tissues collected from 29 patients. They were differentiated in cultures into mature adipocytes. The time course of adiponectin production was independent of the number of mature adipocytes and gradually decreased at 48 h after differentiation. Pioglitazone, a full PPARgamma agonist, stabilized adiponectin production at days 8-16 after differentiation, whereas telmisartan, a partial PPARgamma agonist, showed variable response. Dividing the adiponectin secretion of day 12 by that of day 10 provided an estimate of adiponectin-producing activity irrespective of the number of MSC-derived adipocytes in culture. Using this score of adiponectin-production activity, we successfully assessed 16 agents in a 96-well plate. The effect of each agent on adiponectin production showed a similar pattern, independent of the site of isolated adipose tissue. Our results show that MSC can be used as a tool for selecting drugs that enhance adiponectin-production activity.

Introduction Cervical Cancer (CC) caused by oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cancer in young Japanese women. Vaccination against HPV offers a primary prevention strategy. This study investigates knowledge of and attitudes towards CC and HPV vaccine in Japanese mothers. Methods Mothers (n=2192) with daughters aged 10–14 yrs were recruited from five elementary and 14 junior high schools in Sapporo city. After ethical approval, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed in schools and returned to the main investigator by post between July and September 2010. Results In total 876 questionnaires (40%) were returned and 862 used for analysis. Median age was 42 yrs. A total of 61.6% of mothers had undergone recent CC screening and 12.3% had experienced abnormalities. If vaccination were free 92.6% of mothers would vaccinate, but this decreased to 4.3% if the cost was >40 000 yen. While 52% of mothers knew of HPV, only 6.4% knew it caused CC. While, 73.1% thought their daughter was at risk of HPV infection, 72.5% also believed their daughter may die from it. While 85.7% wanted more information, 67.6% said they would use the Internet. Only 9.8% would ask a doctor. Factors significantly associated with vaccination intent were recent screening (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.7), >13 yrs education (OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.3), believing vaccines prevented disease (OR=15.1, 95% CI 6.3 to 36.5) and no concerns about childhood vaccine safety (OR=3.8, 95% CI 1.9 to 7.9). Abnormal smears were not significant. Conclusion Knowledge of HPV is poor. However, high HPV vaccination coverage may be possible if appropriate funding and education are provided.

The purpose of this study was to clarify quantitatively the contribution of the intestine to the first-pass metabolism of eperisone in rats.The systemic availabilities of eperisone were estimated by administering the drug into the duodenum, portal vein, and femoral vein in rats in vivo. The first-pass metabolism of eperisone was confirmed in the perfused rat small intestine in situ. Metabolism of eperisone to an omega-1-hydroxylated metabolite (HMO), the first step of eperisone metabolism, was studied using rat intestinal microsomes in vitro.The bioavailabilities in the intestine were 0.176 and 0.0879 at administration rates of 100 and 25 mg/h/kg, respectively, whereas those in the liver were 0.532 and 0.486, respectively. In the intestinal perfusion experiment, the appearance clearance to the portal vein from the intestinal lumen was much lower than the elimination clearance from the intestinal lumen, resulting in high metabolic clearance of eperisone in the small intestine. Eperisone was biotransformed to HMO by rat intestinal microsomes, and this was inhibited by alpha-naphthoflavone and an anti-rat CYP1A antibody.Those data strongly suggest that eperisone may be metabolized to HMO by CYP1A in rat intestinal microsomes during the first-pass through the epithelium of the small intestine.

Spawning of the chiton Acanthopleura japonica was examined in 1983 and 1984, by means of consecutive sampling of newly spawned eggs from Tanabe Bay, Japan. Abundant collection of the eggs was recorded just before the high tide peaks on the days around spring tide, predominantly in the morning, for 7 to 9d, and subordinately in the afternnon for 3 to 4d. Water temperature has no effect on spawning time.

Annual reproductive cycle of the chiton Acanthopleura japonica (Lischke) was studied by observing both gonad index and histological features from October 1980 to October 1981. No significant changes in each factor were observed from October to April. Increased values of gonad index and spermatogenesis or vitellogenesis in gondas were observed from May to September. In the same time, gonad index decreased and sperms or oocytes in gonalds disappeared in the days around spring tide, and they were recovered around neap tide. Suggested spawning around spring tide from May to September is also supported by the occurrence of released eggs in the days around the new and full moons.

The environmental time cues entraining the diurnal and tidal spawning periodicity of the chiton Acanthopleura japonica (Lischke) were analysed experimentally by providing artificial tidal and lighting conditions. The timing mechanism of synchronous spawning is entrained by a diurnal light-dark cycle and a semidiurnal tidal immersion cycle, sensed at both the beginning and the end of immersion. Consequently, gametes are released principally before the peak of morning high water on spring tides. The timing mechanism guarantees that chiton gametes are released at the time of high water, when they are immersed and that release is concentrated within a short period, independent of the height of the shore inhabited by the chitons.

研究目的傾斜式引張試験機を改造し, 低荷重における布帛の性質を調べる.研究結果1) 既存のIPテスタに伸びの拡大装置を附した.2) これによる予備的実験より次の結果を得た. (イ) 布帛のよこ方向伸びとたて方向伸びを重量に対してプロットするとほぼ一定の値を示す. (ロ) たてメリヤス編地の高い伸縮性は低荷重の時に限られ, 且つその大部分は遅れ回復である. (ハ) 布帛の回復性におよぼす材質の差, 機械的調質の有無は大きく, 組織の影響は余りない.