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Background: Several methods are used for reconstruction in colon cancer surgery, including hand-sewn or stapled anastomosis. However, few reports have compared short-term outcomes among reconstruction methods. This study compared short-term outcomes between delta-shaped anastomosis (Delta) and functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1314 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery with FEEA or Delta reconstruction between January 2016 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to reconstruction by FEEA (F group; n = 1242) or Delta (D group; n = 72). Propensity score matching was applied to minimize the possibility of selection bias and to balance covariates that could affect postoperative complications. Short-term outcomes were compared between groups. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 215 patients (17.3%) in F group and 8 patients (11.1%) in D group. Before matching, transverse colon cancer was more frequent (p = 0.002), clinical N-positive status was less frequent (44.1% versus 16.7%, p < 0.001), distant metastasis was less frequent (11.7% versus 1.4%, p = 0.003), and laparoscopic approach was more frequent (87.8% versus 100%, p < 0.001) in D group. After matching, no differences in any clinical factor were evident between groups. Blood loss was significantly lower (28 mL versus 10 mL, p = 0.002) in D group, but operation time and postoperative complication rates were similar between groups. Conclusions: Delta and FEEA were both considered safe as reconstruction methods. Further studies are needed to clarify appropriate case selection for Delta and FEEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the strong extension groups of Cuntz–Krieger algebras, and present a formula to compute the groups. We also detect the position of the Toeplitz extension of a Cuntz–Krieger algebra in the strong extension group and in the weak extension group to see that the weak extension group with the position of the Toeplitz extension is a complete invariant of the isomorphism class of the Cuntz–Krieger algebra associated with its transposed matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blazars are active galactic nuclei (AGN) with relativistic jets whose non-thermal radiation is extremely variable on various timescales1–3. This variability seems mostly random, although some quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), implying systematic processes, have been reported in blazars and other AGN. QPOs with timescales of days or hours are especially rare4 in AGN and their nature is highly debated, explained by emitting plasma moving helically inside the jet5, plasma instabilities6,7 or orbital motion in an accretion disc7,8. Here we report results of intense optical and γ-ray flux monitoring of BL Lacertae (BL Lac) during a dramatic outburst in 2020 (ref. 9). BL Lac, the prototype of a subclass of blazars10, is powered by a 1.7 × 108 MSun (ref. 11) black hole in an elliptical galaxy (distance = 313 megaparsecs (ref. 12)). Our observations show QPOs of optical flux and linear polarization, and γ-ray flux, with cycles as short as approximately 13 h during the highest state of the outburst. The QPO properties match the expectations of current-driven kink instabilities6 near a recollimation shock about 5 parsecs (pc) from the black hole in the wake of an apparent superluminal feature moving down the jet. Such a kink is apparent in a microwave Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) image.Analysis of the optical and γ-ray flux monitoring of the blazar BL Lacertae during its outburst in 2020 shows the existence of quasi-periodic oscillations in the relativistic jet with cycles as short as 13 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the pivoting problems of the geochemistry and geophysics of the Moon is the structure of its central region, i.e., its core and adjacent transition layer located at the boundary between the solid mantle and liquid or partially molten core. The chemical composition of the mantle and the internal structure of the central region of the Moon were simulated based on the joint inversion of seismic, selenophysical, and geochemical parameters that are not directly interrelated. The solution of the inverse problem is based on the Bayesian approach and the use of the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm in combination with the method of Gibbs free energy minimization. The results show that the radius of the Moon's central region is about 500–550 km. The thickness of the transition layer and the radii of the outer and inner cores relatively weakly depend on the composition models of the bulk silicate Moon with different contents of refractory oxides. The silicate portion of the Moon is enriched in FeO (12–13 wt %, FeO ~ 1.5 × BSE) and depleted in MgO (Mg# 79–81) relative to the bulk composition of the silicate Earth (BSE), which is in conflict with the possibility of the formation of the Moon from the Earth's primitive mantle and does not find an adequate explanation in the current canonical and non-canonical models of the origin of the Moon. SiO2 concentrations in all zones of the lunar mantle vary insignificantly and amount to 52–53 wt %, and the predominant mineral of the upper mantle is low-Ca orthopyroxene but not olivine. With respect to Al2O3, the lunar mantle is stratified, with a Al2O3 content higher in the lower mantle than in all overlying shells. The partially molten transition layer surrounding the core is about 200–250 km thick. The radii of the solid inner core are within 50–250 km, and the most probable radii of the liquid outer core are ~300–350 km. The physical characteristics of the lunar core are compared with experimental measurements of the density and speed of sound of liquid Fe(Ni)–S–C–Si alloys. If the seismic model of the liquid outer core with VP = 4100 ± 200 m/s (Weber et al., 2011) is reasonably reliable, then this uncertainty range is in the best agreement with the VP values of 3900–4100 m/s of liquid Fe(Ni)–S alloys, with sulfur content up to ~10 wt % and a density of 6200–7000 kg/m3, as well as with the inverted values of density and velocity of the outer core. The VP values of liquid Fe–Ni–C and Fe–N–Si alloys at 5 GPa exceed seismic estimates of the speed of sound of the outer lunar core, which indicates that carbon and silicon can hardly be dominant light elements of the lunar core. The inner Fe(Ni) core (possibly with an insignificant content of light elements: sulfur and carbon) is presumably solid and has a density of 7500–7700 kg/m3. The difference in density between the inner and outer cores Δρ ~ 500–1000 kg/m3 can be explained by the difference in their composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab treatment beyond progressive disease (PD) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients/methods: Medical records of consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC who received nivolumab between December 2015 and December 2018 were reviewed. Clinical outcomes of three groups of eligible patients who received nivolumab as a second-line treatment after PD were compared based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. We conducted subgroup analyses in patients with and without new lesions at first PD. Results: Twenty-eight patients continued nivolumab treatment beyond PD (TBP). Post PD, 46 patients switched to other anti-cancer treatment (OAT), and 21 received no further anti-cancer treatment (NAT). There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) or survival post progression (SPP) between TBP and OAT groups (OS: 15.6 vs. 13.4 months, P =.40, SPP: 12.2 vs. 9.3 months, P =.42). Subgroup analyses indicated that among patients without new lesions at first PD, SPP was longer in the TBP than in the OAT groups (12.6 vs. 9.3 months, P =.22, HR: 0.64; 95% CI 0.31‒1.31). The frequency of immune-related adverse events leading to discontinuation during nivolumab beyond PD was equivalent to that for pre-PD (10.7 vs. 12.6%). Conclusions: No significant benefits were associated with continuation of nivolumab for advanced NSCLC patients. Continuation of nivolumab beyond PD could be a more useful option in patients without new lesions at first PD. Treatment-related toxicities require attention during nivolumab treatment not only before PD but also beyond PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We analyzed osteoporosis in 20 HME patients. According to the T-score of BMD, 30% and 67.5% of the patients fell in the range of osteopenia in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Our results indicate HME patients have low bone mass. They do not have abnormal bone metabolism. Introduction: There are few reports of osteoporosis in hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze osteoporosis in HME patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 20 patients diagnosed with HME. Patients underwent bone mineral density (BMD) measurement of the lumbar spine (n = 20) and femoral neck (n = 40). Bone metabolic parameters, including serum osteocalcin and urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTx), were analyzed in all subjects. EXT1 and EXT2 genes were sequenced using genomic DNA. We also examined the correlation between genotype and BMD Z-score and T-score. Results: The mean BMD values of the lumbar spine were 1.085 ± 0.116 g/cm2 (n = 11) in male and 1.108 ± 0.088 g/cm2 (n = 9) in female. The mean BMD values of the femoral neck area were 0.759 ± 0.125 g/cm2 (n = 22) in male and 0.749 ± 0.115 g/cm2 (n = 18) in female. Z-score of most HME patients show < 0, indicating that these patients tend to have low bone mass compared with the age-matched population. According to the T-score of BMD, 30% (6 of 20) and 67.5% (27 of 40) of the patients fell in the range of osteopenia in the lumbar spine and femoral neck areas, respectively. Serum osteocalcin and urinary NTx were in the normal range in most patients. There was no significant correlation between genotypes and Z-score. Conclusion: HME patients have low bone mass, especially in the femoral neck area. They do not have abnormal bone metabolism, and there was no correlation between genotypes and Z-score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal fetuses and embryos may have applications in the generation of human organs. Progenitor cells may be an appropriate cell source for regenerative organs because of their safety and availability. However, regenerative organs derived from exogenous lineage progenitors in developing animal fetuses have not yet been obtained. Here, we established a combination system through which donor cells could be precisely injected into the nephrogenic zone and native nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) could be eliminated in a time- and tissue-specific manner. We successfully achieved removal of Six2+ NPCs within the nephrogenic niche and complete replacement of transplanted NPCs with donor cells. These NPCs developed into mature glomeruli and renal tubules, and blood flow was observed following transplantation in vivo. Furthermore, this artificial nephron could be obtained using NPCs from different species. Thus, this technique enables in vivo differentiation from progenitor cells into nephrons, providing insights into nephrogenesis and organ regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T1 rho and T2 mapping are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to detect early degenerative changes in cartilage. Recent advancements have enabled 3D acquisition for both techniques. The objective of the present study was to examine the correlation of 3D T1 rho and 3D T2 mapping with macroscopic and histological characteristics of knee cartilage. Twenty-one patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis with involvement of the medial compartment but with minimum involvement of the lateral compartment were enrolled. Prior to surgery, five series of MRI were acquired with a 3-T scanner. 3D T1 rho/T2 analyses were performed following determination of regions to be assessed using in-house software that incorporated three series of MRI acquisitions data (3D-MERGE, 3D-SPGR, and 3D-CUBE). During surgery, the cartilage of the lateral compartment was macroscopically assessed with the International Cartilage Research Society (ICRS) articular classification system. The extracted specimens were histologically assessed using the OARSI histology score. Three regions of interest (ROI) were assessed for each slice (two slices per knee): the central lateral femoral condyle (cLFC), the posterior portion of the lateral femoral condyle (pLFC), and the lateral tibia plateau (LTP). For each ROI, the mean T1 rho and T2 relaxation time, the ICRS grade, and the OARSI score were compared. Neither the T1 rho nor the T2 reflected the macroscopic grading. The T1 rho could discriminate between histological grades 1 and 2. However, the T2 could not. The T1 rho relaxation time was higher in the pLFC than in the cLFC even in the same grade. Compared to T2 mapping, T1 rho mapping may have an advantage in differentiating grades I and II cartilage degeneration on OARSI histological grading system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the magnetic susceptibility and magnetization of the single-crystal CeF $$_{3}$$ precisely measured in external magnetic field-directed B $$\vert \vert $$ c and B $$\bot $$ c in wide ranges of temperatures from 1.8 to 300 K and magnetic field strength of 0-40 kG. Magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and Ce $$^{3+}$$ Stark energies of CeF $$_{3}$$ have been calculated in the framework of the crystal field theory; good agreement with the experimental data has been achieved in the whole range of temperatures and magnetic fields without taking into account the mixed-valent Ce $$^{3+}$$ -Ce $$^{4+}$$ behavior or super-exchange interaction of cerium ions that have been proposed before. Anomalous behavior of the magnetic susceptibility near T $$\sim $$ 50 K is naturally explained in the crystal field model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated seasonal changes in carbon demand and flux by mesozooplankton communities at subtropical (S1) and subarctic sites (K2) in the western North Pacific Ocean to compare the impact of mesozooplankton communities on the carbon budget in surface and mesopelagic layers. Fecal pellet fluxes were one order higher at K2 than at S1, and seemed to be enhanced by copepod and euphausiid egestion under high chlorophyll a concentrations. The decrease in pellet volume and the lack of any substantial change in shape composition during sink suggest a decline in fecal pellet flux due to coprorhexy and coprophagy. While respiratory and excretory carbon by diel migrants at depth (i.e., active carbon flux) was similar between the two sites, the actively transported carbon exceeded sinking fecal pellets at S1. Mesozooplankton carbon demand in surface and mesopelagic layers was higher at K2 than S1, and an excess of demand to primary production and sinking POC flux was found during some seasons at K2. We propose that this demand was met by supplementary carbon sources such as feeding on protozoans and fecal pellets at the surface and carnivory of migrants at mesopelagic depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the recommendations for multiparametric prostate MRI (mp-MRI) interpretation introduced in the recently updated Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2), and investigate the impact of pathologic tumour volume on prostate cancer (PCa) detectability on mpMRI.Methods: This was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, retrospective study of 150 PCa patients who underwent mp-MRI before prostatectomy; 169 tumours ≥0.5-mL (any Gleason Score [GS]) and 37 tumours <0.5-mL (GS ≥4+3) identified on whole-mount pathology maps were located on mp-MRI consisting of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI. Corresponding PI-RADSv2 scores were assigned on each sequence and combined as recommended by PI-RADSv2. We calculated the proportion of PCa foci on whole-mount pathology correctly identified with PI-RADSv2 (dichotomized scores 1-3 vs. 4-5), stratified by pathologic tumour volume.Results: PI-RADSv2 allowed correct identification of 118/125 (94 %; 95 %CI: 90-99 %) peripheral zone (PZ) and 42/44 (95 %; 95 %CI: 89-100 %) transition zone (TZ) tumours ≥0.5 mL, but only 7/27 (26 %; 95 %CI: 10-42 %) PZ and 2/10 (20 %; 95 %CI: 0-52 %) TZ tumours with a GS ≥4+3, but <0.5 mL. DCE-MRI aided detection of 4/125 PZ tumours ≥0.5 mL and 0/27 PZ tumours <0.5 mL.Conclusions: PI-RADSv2 correctly identified 94-95 % of PCa foci ≥0.5 mL, but was limited for the assessment of GS ≥4+3 tumours ≤0.5 mL. DCE-MRI offered limited added value to T2WI+DW-MRI.Key Points: • PI-RADSv2 correctly identified 95 % of PCa foci ≥0.5 mL • PI-RADSv2 was limited for the assessment of GS ≥4+3 tumours ≤0.5 mL • DCE-MRI offered limited added value to T2WI+DW-MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenomenological theory is developed for the metamagnetism observed in heavy Fermion compounds by extension of the Landau theory for phase transitions. From simple analysis, the crossover behavior in high magnetic fields is indicated for the extended Landau-type free energy density. According to the finite temperature behavior of the extended Landau free energy density, theoretical magnetic phase diagrams that resemble those observed in CeRu $$_{2}$$ Si $$_{2}$$ and Ce(Ru $$_{0.92}$$ Rh $$_{0.08}$$ ) $$_{2}$$ Si $$_{2}$$ are obtained by using two sets of parameters, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid susceptibility testing for slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) using a colorimetric microbial viability assay based on the reduction of the water-soluble tetrazolium salt {2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt (WST-1)} using 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone as an electron mediator was developed. Using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method, a long-term incubation time (7-14 days) was required to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the slowly growing NTM. The MICs for a variety of different antibiotics against the slowly growing NTM were determined by the WST-1 colorimetric method and compared with those obtained using the broth microdilution methods approved by the CLSI. Good agreement was found between the MICs determined after 3-4 days using the WST-1 colorimetric method and those obtained after 10-14 days using the broth microdilution method. The results suggest that the WST-1 colorimetric assay is a useful method for the rapid determination of the MICs for the slowly growing NTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the thermoelectric properties of 2% Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films depending on the postdeposition cooling atmosphere [in oxygen pressure (AZO-O) or vacuum (AZO-V)]. Thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition on sapphire ( $$\hbox {Al}_2\hbox {O}_3$$ ) substrates at various deposition temperatures ( $$400^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ to $$600^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ ). All films were c-axis oriented. The electrical conductivity of AZO-V thin films was higher than that of AZO-O thin films across the whole temperature range from 300 K to 600 K, due to the optimal carrier concentration ( $$10^{20}\,\hbox {cm}^{-3}$$ ) of AZO-V samples. Furthermore, the thermoelectric performance of AZO-V films increased with the deposition temperature; for instance, the highest power factor of $$0.87\,\times \,10^{-3}\,\hbox{W} \, \hbox{m}^{-1} \, \hbox{K}^{-2}$$ and dimensionless figure of merit of 0.07 at 600 K were found for AZO-V thin film deposited at $$600^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study aimed to investigate the influence of pretransplant serum ferritin levels on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). In total, 190 patients with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome were consecutively enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: low-ferritin group (<1000 ng/mL) and high-ferritin group (⩾1000 ng/mL). The primary end point was the cumulative incidence of infection within 100 days after HSCT, which was similar between the two groups: bloodstream infection, 35 vs 38%, P=0.65; bacterial infection, 44 vs 41%, P=0.68; and fungal infection, 6 vs 8%, P=0.71. The 1-year adjusted probability of OS of the high-ferritin group was significantly lower than that of the low-ferritin group (76 vs 63%, P=0.017). Using receiver operating characteristic curve, the threshold of pretransplant serum ferritin levels for bloodstream infection was 1400 ng/mL; the threshold for OS, EFS and non-relapse mortality was 1349 ng/mL. In conclusion, pretransplant serum ferritin levels of ⩾1000 ng/mL did not influence the incidence of infection but adversely affected OS after HSCT. A higher threshold of pretransplant serum ferritin levels may predict HSCT outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

POU5F1B (POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1B), a processed pseudogene that is highly homologous to OCT4, was recently shown to be transcribed in cancer cells, but its clinical relevance and biological function have remained unclear. We now show that POU5F1B, which is located adjacent to MYC on human chromosome 8q24, is frequently amplified in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. POU5F1B, but not OCT4, was also found to be expressed at a high level in GC cell lines and clinical specimens. In addition, the DNA copy number and mRNA abundance for POU5F1B showed a positive correlation in both cancer cell lines and GC specimens. Overexpression of POU5F1B in GC cells promoted colony formation in vitro as well as both tumorigenicity and tumor growth in vivo, and these effects were enhanced in the additional presence of MYC overexpression. Furthermore, knockdown of POU5F1B expression with a short hairpin RNA confirmed a role for the endogenous pseudogene in the promotion of cancer cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. POU5F1B overexpression induced upregulation of various growth factors in GC cells as well as exhibited mitogenic, angiogenic and antiapoptotic effects in GC xenografts. Finally, amplification of POU5F1B was detected in 17 (12%) of 145 cases of GC and was a significant predictor of poor prognosis in patients with stage IV disease. In conclusion, we found that the POU5F1B pseudogene is amplified and expressed at a high level in, as well as confers an aggressive phenotype on, GC, and that POU5F1B amplification is associated with a poor prognosis in GC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical theory of lunar physical librations based on its two-layer model consisting of a non-spherical solid mantle and ellipsoidal liquid core is developed. The Moon moves on a high-precision orbit in the gravitational field of the Earth and other celestial bodies. The defined fourth mode of a free libration is caused by the influence of the liquid core, with a long period of 205.7 yr, with amplitude S = 0″0395 and with an initial phase Π = −134° (for the initial epoch 2000.0). Estimates of dynamic (meridional) oblatenesses of a liquid core of the Moon have been estimated: ɛ = 4.42 × 10, μ = 2.83 × 10 (ɛ + μ = 7.24 × 10). These results have been obtained as a result of comparison of the developed analytical theory of physical librations of the Moon with the empirical theory of librations of the Moon constructed on the basis of laser observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared 2 % Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on SrTiO substrates by a pulsed laser deposition technique at various deposition temperatures ( T = 300-600 °C). The thermoelectric properties of AZO thin films were studied in a low temperature range (300-600 K). Thin film deposited at 300 °C is fully c-axis-oriented and presents electrical conductivity 310 S/cm with Seebeck coefficient −65 μV/K and power factor 0.13 × 10 Wm K at 300 K. The performance of thin films increases with temperature. For instance, the power factor is enhanced up to 0.55 × 10 Wm K at 600 K, surpassing the best AZO film previously reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs), the proto-oncogene EWS that encodes an RNA-binding protein is fused by chromosomal translocation to the gene encoding one of the E-twenty six (ETS) family of transcription factors, most commonly friend leukemia virus integration 1 (FLI-1). Although EWS/FLI-1 chimeric proteins are necessary for carcinogenesis, additional events seem to be required for transformation to occur. We have previously reported that a protein product of an EWS mRNA target, whose expression is negatively regulated by EWS but not by EWS/FLI-1, contributes to ESFT development. However, the mechanism by which EWS represses protein expression remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that overexpression of full-length EWS repressed protein expression and induced nuclear retention of reporter mRNAs in a tethering assay. In contrast, when a mutant lacking the EWS C-terminal nuclear localization signal (classified as a PY-NLS) was expressed, reporter protein expression was upregulated, and the number of cells exporting reporter mRNA to the cytoplasm increased. EWS binds to the 3′-untranslated region in another mRNA target, cofilin 1 (CFL1), and negatively regulates the expression of CFL1. Overexpression of EWS induced nuclear retention of CFL1 mRNA. Furthermore, ESFT cell proliferation and metastatic potential were suppressed by small interfering RNA-mediated CFL1 knockdown. Together, our findings suggest that EWS induces nuclear retention of CFL1 mRNA, thereby suppressing expression of CFL1, and that CFL1 promotes development of ESFT. Targeting CFL1 might therefore provide another novel approach for treatment of this aggressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the anisotropy of the adiabatic relaxation time $T_{2}^{\prime}$ ( T( ω), ω→∞, where ω is the Larmor frequency) of adsorbed monolayer solid He. We calculate $T_{2}^{\prime}$ based on the phenomenological Heisenberg Hamiltonian with the nearest-neighbor and the next nearest-neighbor exchange interactions. Furthermore, the four particle exchange in the triangular plane is also incorporated. To calculate $T_{2}^{\prime}$, it is necessary to compute the second and the fourth moments of the resonance line $M_{2}^{0}$ and $M_{4}^{0}$. To obtain them, we can use the formulas published in previous studies. From the results, we can observe no significant difference between the nearest-neighbor Heisenberg model and the four particle spin interaction models. A comparison of the present results and the experimental data is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:We and others previously reported the prognostic significance of PTEN mutational status on favourable survival in endometrial carcinomas. Here, we demonstrate that loss of PTEN expression in immunohistochemistry is an independent prognostic marker for favourable survival in endometrial carcinomas.Methods:We conducted immunohistochemical analyses of PTEN, PIK3CA, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and p27 in primary endometrial carcinomas from 221 patients. Mutation of PTEN was analysed further.Results:Expression of PTEN was lost in 56 patients (25%), and PIK3CA was overexpressed in 159 patients (72%). Overexpression of PIK3CA was associated with p-Akt overexpression (P<0.001), which was in turn associated with loss of nuclear p27 expression (P=0.028). Loss of PTEN expression was found to be associated with endometrioid histology (P=0.03), and was inversely associated with the presence of lymphovascular space invasion (P=0.03). Univariate and multivariate survival analyses revealed that factors of PTEN loss, age <70, histological grade 1, early International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and absence of lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic indicators for better overall survival (P=0.03, 0.04, 0.01, <0.001, and 0.03, respectively). The subset analysis showed a stronger tendency of PTEN loss towards favourable survival in advanced-stage (III and IV) disease than in early-stage (I and II) disease (P=0.05 vs 0.14). Moreover, our mutational analysis demonstrated that PTEN expression loss was associated with PTEN-truncating mutations (P=0.03).Conclusion:The current observations further support the prognostic significance of PTEN aberration on favourable outcome in endometrial carcinomas, providing useful implications for the individualised management of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary graft failure (pGF) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Salvage hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) can rescue pGF patients; however, the optimal preconditioning regimen and stem cell source are yet to be determined, particularly in children. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 102 pediatric patients who received salvage allogeneic HSCT for pGF. Salvage HSCT from matched or one-Ag-mismatched related donors (rMM01) provided superior OS compared with that from two- or three-Ags-mismatched related donors (rMM23) or cord blood transplantation (CBT). CBT showed a trend toward a slightly lower engraftment rate and late engraftment achievement compared with rMM23; however, the OS rate was similar between the two groups (47.6±7.7% for rMM23 and 45.7±8.6% for CBT, at 1 year after salvage HSCT). Multivariate analysis showed that preconditioning regimens with fludarabine or irradiation were associated with a higher engraftment rate and those with alkylating agents were associated with better OS. In conclusion, our results showed that rMM01 was the most suitable donor for salvage HSCT for pediatric pGF, and that CBT was an equally important option compared with rMM23 for patients without rMM01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:We evaluated the efficacy of aprepitant plus granisetron and an increased dose of dexamethasone in selected patients undergoing moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC).Methods:Nondrinking women <70 years undergoing MEC were randomly assigned to aprepitant (day 1, 125 mg; days 2 and 3, 80 mg) or placebo. Dexamethasone on days 1-3 was 12, 4, and 4 mg with aprepitant and 20, 8, and 8 mg with placebo. The primary end point was complete response (CR; no emesis or rescue therapy) during 120 h of the first cycle. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of overall CR.Results:Of the 94 patients enrolled, 91 were assessable. Most received carboplatin-based chemotherapy. In the aprepitant (n=45) and placebo (n=46) groups, the overall, acute (day 1), and delayed (days 2-5) CR rates were 62% and 52%, 98% and 96%, and 62% and 52%, respectively. Although not statistically significant, the overall CR rate was 10% higher in the aprepitant group. Both regimens were well tolerated. On multivariate analysis, advanced ovarian cancer (OR, 0.26 (0.10-0.72)) was independently associated with a lower CR.Conclusion:Even with an increased dose of dexamethasone, aprepitant seemed more effective than placebo in these selected patients undergoing MEC; however, delayed phase management remains a significant problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the width and morphology of the mandible in the impacted third molar region, and to identify the location of the mandibular canal prior to planning impacted third molar operations. Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of 87 mandibular third molars from 62 Japanese patients were analyzed in this study. The width of the lingual cortical bone and apex-canal distance were measured from cross-sectional images in which the cortical bone was thinnest at the lingual side in the third molar region. Images were used for measuring the space (distance between the inner border of the lingual cortical bone and outer surface of the third molar root), apex-canal distance (distance from the root of the third molar tooth to the superior border of the inferior alveolar canal) and the cortical bone (width between the inner and outer borders of the lingual cortical bone). Results: The means of the space, apex-canal distance and lingual cortical width were 0.31, 1.99, and 0.68 mm, respectively. Impacted third molar teeth (types A-C) were observed at the following frequencies: type A (angular) 37 %; type B (horizontal), 42 %; type C (vertical), 21 %. The morphology of the mandible at the third molar region (types D-F) was observed as: type D (round), 49 %; type E (lingual extended), 18 %; and type F (lingual concave), 32 %. Conclusions: The width and morphology of the mandible with impacted teeth and the location of the mandibular canal at the third molar region could be clearly determined using cross-sectional CBCT images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bose glass theory for the vortex matter in superconductors with correlated disorder predicts the depinning of vortices due to the renormalization of the vortex pinning barriers by thermal fluctuations. For YBCuO (YBCO) in external magnetic fields H oriented along the columnar pins generated by various techniques theoretical estimates give a depinning temperature T very close to the critical temperature T ( T∼0.95 T), whereas the results of standard magnetization relaxation experiments are repeatedly interpreted in terms of a much lower T (∼0.5 T). We investigated the temperature T variation of the normalized magnetization relaxation rate S for YBCO thin films containing BaZrO (BZO) nanorods preferentially oriented along the c axis, with H along the nanorods. The nonmonotonous S( T) variation below the matching field observed up to close to T does not support a low T. The often considered S( T) maximum occurring at relatively low T (which was connected to a disappointing T) is related to the occurrence of thermomagnetic instabilities. We show that the accommodation of vortices to the columnar pins in the presence of the T dependent macroscopic currents induced in the sample is signaled by a pronounced S( T) deep located at high T, in agreement with a T close to T. By increasing the film thickness and using the substrate decoration the BZO nanorods splay out, leading to the inhibition of (detrimental) vortex excitations involving double vortex kink or superkink formation, characteristic for high-quality thin films and single crystals with columnar pins along the c axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in the Cyba gene as the primary cause of hereditary eosinophilia in the Matsumoto Eosinophilia Shinshu (MES) rat strain. We also identified a modifier locus for eosinophilia named eos3 in rats. In this study, we examined the interleukin-33 (Il33) gene as a candidate for the eos3 and found a missense nucleotide substitution in the gene, which resulted in a G171S amino-acid substitution in the IL-33 protein. Recombinant IL-33 isoform with the G171S substitution had approximately 50% of activity of normal isoform in NF-κB-dependent reporter assay, and reduced bioactivity (∼65% of normal) to provoke eosinophilia when injected into mice. In a genetic association study using (ACI × MES) × MES backcross rats, we found that the effects of polymorphic Il33 alleles on blood eosinophil level were manifested only in rats with loss of Cyba function. In these rats, the blood eosinophil level was significantly lower (∼50%) in heterozygotes for the ACI allele of Il33 compared with homozygotes for the MES allele. Oddly, however, eosinophilic MES rats had blood IL-33 content below the detectable limits. These results suggest that the Il33 gene polymorphism could be a modifier of eosinophilia in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The natural history, including growth and rupture, of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remains unknown. Here, we present the results of serial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) follow-up study in 111 patients with 136 UIAs. Method: A total of 111 patients with 136 UIAs were followed annually over the past 12 years, using 1.5-Tesla MRA. Follow-up was ended when UIAs were treated surgically, or the patients died of subarachnoid hemorrhage or other causes. Various factors influencing aneurysm rupture or growth were examined statistically. Results: Aneurysm rupture and growth occurred in six and 13 of the 111 patients, respectively. Annual rupture rate was 1.8 % per year and annual growth rate was 3.9 % per year. Aneurysm size was the sole factor influencing rupture(H.R. 1.214, 95 % CI, 1.078-1.368) and multiplicity was the sole factor influencing aneurysm growth (H.R. 5.174, 95 % CI 1.81-14.80). Conclusions: Serial MRA study showed that the incidence of UIA growth was twice as high as that of UIA rupture. As four patients showed aneurysm rupture or growth within 1 year, further investigations are necessary to determine the optimum interval of radiological investigation and to identify which UIAs grow or rupture within a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Frequency of FGFR2 amplification, its clinicopathological features, and the results of high-throughput screening assays in a large cohort of gastric clinical samples remain largely unclear.Methods:Drug sensitivity to a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor was evaluated in vitro. The gene amplification of the FGFRs in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) gastric cancer tissues was determined by a real-time PCR-based copy number assay and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).Results:FGFR2 amplification confers hypersensitivity to FGFR inhibitor in gastric cancer cell lines. The copy number assay revealed that 4.1% (11 out of 267) of the gastric cancers harboured FGFR2 amplification. No amplification of the three other family members (FGFR1, 3 and 4) was detected. A FISH analysis was performed on 7 cases among 11 FGFR2-amplified cases and showed that 6 of these 7 cases were highly amplified, while the remaining 1 had a relatively low grade of amplification. Although the difference was not significant, patients with FGFR2 amplification tended to exhibit a shorter overall survival period.Conclusion:FGFR2 amplification was observed in 4.1% of gastric cancers and our established PCR-based copy number assay could be a powerful tool for detecting FGFR2 amplification using FFPE samples. Our results strongly encourage the development of FGFR-targeted therapy for gastric cancers with FGFR2 amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The potential role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the promotion of tumour growth has been investigated, and the administration of RAS inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), may improve disease control in malignancy. We investigated the prognostic impact of RAS inhibitors by analysing data from patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).Methods:A total of 279 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for localised UTUC (pTa-3N0M0) were identified at our three institutions. We retrospectively investigated the prognostic outcomes following nephroureterectomy in patients administered or not administered ACEIs or ARBs.Results:The median follow-up period was 3.4 years. RAS inhibitors were administered to 48 patients (17.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that the appearance of pathological T3, positive lymphovascular invasion, and no RAS inhibitor administration (P=0.027 HR=3.14) were independent risk factors for a decrease in subsequent metastasis-free survival. The 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 93.0% in patients who administered RAS inhibitors, and 72.8% in their counterparts who did not (P=0.008).Conclusion:The absence of RAS inhibitor administration was an independent risk factor for subsequent tumour metastasis in patients with localised UTUC. We propose RAS inhibitors may be a potent choice as an effective treatment following nephroureterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the greenhouse gas concentrations for the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and their extensions beyond 2100, the Extended Concentration Pathways (ECPs). These projections include all major anthropogenic greenhouse gases and are a result of a multi-year effort to produce new scenarios for climate change research. We combine a suite of atmospheric concentration observations and emissions estimates for greenhouse gases (GHGs) through the historical period (1750-2005) with harmonized emissions projected by four different Integrated Assessment Models for 2005-2100. As concentrations are somewhat dependent on the future climate itself (due to climate feedbacks in the carbon and other gas cycles), we emulate median response characteristics of models assessed in the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report using the reduced-complexity carbon cycle climate model MAGICC6. Projected 'best-estimate' global-mean surface temperature increases (using inter alia a climate sensitivity of 3°C) range from 1.5°C by 2100 for the lowest of the four RCPs, called both RCP3-PD and RCP2.6, to 4.5°C for the highest one, RCP8.5, relative to pre-industrial levels. Beyond 2100, we present the ECPs that are simple extensions of the RCPs, based on the assumption of either smoothly stabilizing concentrations or constant emissions: For example, the lower RCP2.6 pathway represents a strong mitigation scenario and is extended by assuming constant emissions after 2100 (including net negative CO emissions), leading to CO concentrations returning to 360 ppm by 2300. We also present the GHG concentrations for one supplementary extension, which illustrates the stringent emissions implications of attempting to go back to ECP4.5 concentration levels by 2250 after emissions during the 21 century followed the higher RCP6 scenario. Corresponding radiative forcing values are presented for the RCP and ECPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Activin A is a multi-functional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily; however, the effect of activin A on angiogenesis remains largely unclear. We found that inhibin β A subunit (INHBA) mRNA is overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC) specimens and investigated the effect of activin A, a homodimer of INHBA, on angiogenesis in GC.Methods: Anti-angiogenic effects of activin A via p21 induction were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and a stable INHBA-introduced GC cell line in vivo.Results: Compared with TGF-β, activin A potently inhibited the cellular proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs with induction of p21. A promoter assay and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that activin A directly regulates p21 transcriptional activity through Smads. Stable p21-knockdown significantly enhanced the cellular proliferation of HUVECs. Notably, stable p21-knockdown exhibited a resistance to activin-mediated growth inhibition in HUVECs, indicating that p21 induction has a key role on activin A-mediated growth inhibition in vascular endothelial cells. Finally, a stable INHBA-introduced GC cell line exhibited a decrease in tumour growth and angiogenesis in vivo.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the suppressive role of activin A, unlike TGF-β, on tumour growth and angiogenesis in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SELENE mission, consisting of three separate satellites that use different terrestrial-based tracking systems, presents a unique opportunity to evaluate the contribution of these tracking systems to orbit determination precision. The tracking data consist of four-way Doppler between the main orbiter and one of the two sub-satellites while the former is over the far side, and of same-beam differential VLBI tracking between the two sub-satellites. Laser altimeter data are also used for orbit determination. The contribution to orbit precision of these different data types is investigated through orbit overlap analysis. It is shown that using four-way and VLBI data improves orbit consistency for all satellites involved by reducing peak values in orbit overlap differences that exist when only standard two-way Doppler and range data are used. Including laser altimeter data improves the orbit precision of the SELENE main satellite further, resulting in very smooth total orbit errors at an average level of 18 m. The multi-satellite data have also resulted in improved lunar gravity field models, which are assessed through orbit overlap analysis using Lunar Prospector tracking data. Improvements over a pre-SELENE model are shown to be mostly in the along-track and cross-track directions. Orbit overlap differences are at a level between 13 and 21 m with the SELENE models, depending on whether 1-day data overlaps or 1-day predictions are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Catenin is constantly degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. In this study, we report that a different type of β-catenin degradation is causally involved in epidermal cell death. We observed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused β-catenin degradation in the epidermal cells through a caspase-dependent mechanism, which results in disruption of cell adhesion. Disruption of cell adhesion increased ROS and activated caspases. Upregulation of the intact β-catenin blocked ROS accumulation and caspase activation. These results indicate that a feed-forward loop consisting of ROS, caspases activation and β-catenin degradation induces epidermal cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lunar gravity field model up to degree and order 100 in spherical harmonics, named SGM100i, has been determined from SELENE and historical tracking data, with an emphasis on using same-beam S-band differential VLBI data obtained in the SELENE mission between January 2008 and February 2009. Orbit consistency throughout the entire mission period of SELENE as determined from orbit overlaps for the two sub-satellites of SELENE involved in the VLBI tracking improved consistently from several hundreds of metres to several tens of metres by including differential VLBI data. Through orbits that are better determined, the gravity field model is also improved by including these data. Orbit determination performance for the new model shows improvements over earlier 100th degree and order models, especially for edge-on orbits over the deep far side. Lunar Prospector orbit determination shows an improvement of orbit consistency from 1-day predictions for 2-day arcs of 6 m in a total sense, with most improvement in the along and cross-track directions. Data fit for the types and satellites involved is also improved. Formal errors for the lower degrees are smaller, and the new model also shows increased correlations with topography over the far side. The estimated value for the lunar GM for this model equals 4902.80080±0.0009 km/s (10 sigma). The lunar degree 2 potential Love number k was also estimated, and has a value of 0.0255 ± 0.0016 (10 sigma as well). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal neoplasms with a type V(I) pit pattern include various lesions, such as adenomas, intramucosal cancers, and submucosal carcinomas.Methods: We analyzed 96 colorectal neoplasms with a type V(I) pit pattern and identified six different variants: (1) unclear outline of the pit; (2) irregular margins of the pit; (3) narrowing of the pit; (4) ragged array of the pit; (5) high residual density of the pit; (6) abnormal branching of the pit. We examined the relationship between the appearance of each V(I) pit pattern and histology, including the depth of invasion.Results: In univariate logistic regression analysis the unclear outline, irregular margins, and narrowing of the pit were significantly associated with a submucosal (SM) invasion ≥1000 μm (P < 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, unclear outline of the pit was shown to be the only significant predictor of highly invasive submucosal cancer (odds ratio = 24.20, P < 0.0001). Regarding tumor morphology, the following were significantly associated with an SM invasion ≥1000 μm: in protruded type, ragged array (P = 0.022), irregular margins of the pit (P = 0.011), and unclear outline of the pit (P < 0.01); in flat type, irregular margins of the pit (P < 0.01) and unclear outline of the pit (P < 0.01); and in the depressed type, narrowing of the pit (P = 0.015) and unclear outline of the pit (P < 0.01).Conclusions: Subclassification of the type V(I) pit pattern is useful for determining the depth of invasion of colorectal neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From January 1991 to March 2007, 61 children and adolescent with acquired severe aplastic anemia received BMT in our institutions. We retrospectively compared the outcome of 30 cases of matched-sibling donor BMT (MSD-BMT) and 31 cases of unrelated donor BMT (URD-BMT). We observed one graft failure among MSD-BMT recipients and three graft failures among URD-BMT recipients, respectively. No patients in the MSD-BMT group developed grades II-IV acute GVHD compared with 11 of 30 patients (37%) in the URD-BMT group (P<0.001). One of 30 MSD-BMT recipients (3%) developed chronic GVHD compared with 8 of 30 URD-BMT recipients (27%) (P=0.013). The incidence of EBV and CMV reactivation was 11 of 20 URD-BMT recipients and 23 of 30, respectively. One patient in the URD-BMT group died of a motor accident 5.5 years after BMT. Ten-year OS was 100% in MSD-BMT recipients and 93.8% (95% CI, 81.9-100%) in URD-BMT recipients, respectively (P=0.252). Ten-year failure-free survival was 96.7% (95% CI, 90.2-100%) in the MSD-BMT group and 84.7% (95% CI, 70.2-99.2%) in the URD-BMT group, respectively (P=0.161). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenovirus-mediated gene therapy shows remarkable promise as a new strategy for advanced pancreatic cancer, but satisfactory clinical results have not yet been obtained. To improve this gene therapy, we investigated the effects of gemcitabine (GEM) on transgene expression by adenoviral vectors and their biological effects. We used Ad-lacZ and adenoviral vector-expressing NK4 (Ad-NK4) as representative adenoviral vectors. These vectors express β-galactosidase (β-gal) and NK4 (which inhibits the invasion of cancer cells), respectively, under the control of the CMV promoter. Cells were infected with the individual adenoviruses and then treated with GEM. GEM increased β-gal mRNA expression and β-gal activity, and increased NK4 expression in both culture media and within infected cells, in dose-dependent manners. The increased expression of NK4 delivered by Ad-NK4 had biological effects by inhibiting the invasion of cancer cells. GEM also enhanced NK4 expression in SUIT-2 cells transfected with an NK4-expressing plasmid, suggesting that GEM enhanced CMV promoter activity. In in vivo experiments, NK4 expression within subcutaneously implanted tumors was increased in GEM-treated mice compared with control mice. These results suggest that adenovirus-mediated gene therapy with GEM may be a promising approach for treating pancreatic cancer, and that this combination therapy may decrease the risks of side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between tacrolimus concentration and acute GVHD is not well known, with few published data available for lower target levels. We hypothesized that lower levels of tacrolimus would correlate with higher incidence of acute GVHD and poorer prognosis. Receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC) were used to quantify tacrolimus blood levels as predictors of grade II–IV acute GVHD. A total of 97 pediatric patients with hematological malignancies met the study criteria. On the ROC, a cutoff of 7 ng/ml provided the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (62.8 vs 68.2%, respectively). Cumulative incidence of acute GVHD was 65.9% (range 58.5–73.3%) in patients with mean tacrolimus concentration of 7 ng/ml and 34.8% (range 27.8–41.8%) in patients with mean tacrolimus concentration of >7 ng/ml (P=0.002). Incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) was higher in patients with tacrolimus of 7 ng/ml (42.9%; range 35.6–50.2%) than in patients with tacrolimus of >7 ng/ml (28.3%; range 17.4–39.2%; P=0.008). This translated into better EFS in patients with tacrolimus of >7 ng/ml (48.9%; range 39.8–58.0%) than in patients with tacrolimus of 7 ng/ml (31.8%; range 25.0–38.6%; P=0.031). Multivariate analysis showed that tacrolimus concentration was significantly associated with clinical outcomes. Mean whole-blood level of tacrolimus as continuous infusion should be maintained at 7 ng/ml for pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical properties of halogen-doped CdTe layers grown on Si substrates using iodine and chlorine dopants are presented. No change in electrical properties of the layers was observed with chlorine as a dopant. However, doping with iodine resulted in highly conductive n-type layers or highly resistive p-type layers depending upon the growth conditions, even though a similar amount of dopant was introduced into the growth chamber. Layers grown at 560°C, with a vapor-phase Te/Cd precursor ratio of 3.0, were p-type. The resistivity of the layers remained unchanged for low dopant supply rates, but increased abruptly when the dopant supply rate was increased beyond a certain value. On the other hand, layers grown at 325°C with Te/Cd ratios from 0.1 to 0.25 were n-type. A maximum free electron concentration of 1.3 × 1017 cm−3 was obtained at room temperature. The types and conductivities of the grown layers were strongly dependent on the growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for detection and subtype classification in pulmonary adenocarcinomas through comparison with short TI inversion recovery turbo spin-echo imaging sequence (STIR).Methods: Thirty-two patients (mean age, 65.2 years) with 33 adenocarcinomas (mean diameter, 27.6 mm) were enrolled in this study. The detection rates of both sequences were compared. The ADC values on DWI and the contrast ratio (CR) between cancer and muscle on STIR were measured and those were compared across subtype classifications. Finally, ROC-based positive tests were performed to differentiate subtype classifications, and differentiation capabilities were compared.Results: The DWI detection rate [85% (28/33)] was significantly lower than that of STIR [100% (33/33), P < 0.05]. The ADC values showed no significant difference regarding subtype classification; however, the CRs of bronchio-alveolar carcinomas (BACs) were significantly lower than those of other types (P < 0.05). When threshold values for differentiating BACs from others were adapted, the sensitivity and accuracy of DWI were significantly lower than those of STIR (P < 0.05). For differentiating adenocarcinomas with mixed subtypes from those with no BA component, there were no significant differences between the two sequences.Conclusion: STIR is more sensitive for detection and subtype classification than DWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 65-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as having microscopic polyangiitis developed sudden abdominal pain and entered a state of shock. Abdominal CT showed massive hemoperitoneum, and emergent angiography revealed a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. After direct catheterization attempts failed due to tortuous vessels and angiospasm, transcatheter arterial embolization using an n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-lipiodol mixture was successfully performed. Fifty days later, the patient developed sudden abdominal pain again. Repeated angiography demonstrated recanalization of the splenic artery and splenic artery aneurysm. This time, the recanalized aneurysm was embolized using metallic coils with the isolation method. Physicians should keep in mind that recanalization can occur after transcatheter arterial embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate, which has been used as a permanent embolic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hitherto, the efficacy of enteral nutrition (EN) on clinical outcomes during biological maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease (CD) has not been investigated. This prospective study was to assess the efficacy of EN on the maintenance rate of clinical remission in patients with quiescent CD receiving infliximab as maintenance therapy.Methods: Fifty-six patients who achieved clinical remission with infliximab induction therapy received infliximab as maintenance therapy (5 mg/kg, every 8 weeks). Thirty-two of the 56 patients received concomitant EN: elemental diet infusion during night-time and a low fat diet during daytime (EN group), while the remaining 24 patients received neither nutritional therapy nor food restriction (non-EN group). All patients were followed for 56 weeks; CD activity index (CDAI) was assessed and CDAI < 150 was defined as clinical remission.Results: During the 56-week observation, the mean CDAI was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Seven patients in the EN group ceased EN therapy because they maintained complete remission. On an intention-to-treat basis, 25 patients in the EN group (78%) and 16 patients in the non-EN group (67%) remained in clinical remission during the 56-week observation (P = 0.51).Conclusions: The outcomes of this prospective study showed that concomitant EN during infliximab maintenance therapy does not significantly increase the maintenance rate of clinical remission in patients with CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]