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Introduction: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy and the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all thyroid cancer cases. It usually has a favorable course, with the 10-year survival rate exceeding 90%. However, the literature reports a recurrence rate of 7–23% after initial surgical treatment. It is important to consider medical treatment policies for this recurrence. Methods: In this study, we examined the risk factors for the recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. We treated 274 patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma at our hospital between 2009 and 2018. Results: Recurrence occurred in 20 cases (7.3%). Lympho-vascular invasion and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis made significant independent contributions. Conclusion: The selection of the surgical mode should be based on the recurrence and after comprehensive consideration of the clinical features.

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Reconstructive surgery using the free jejunum flap for locally advanced head and neck cancer is effective in preserving the swallowing function; however, it does not allow normal oral intake in all patients. A total of 47 patients underwent surgery at Nara Medical University between Jan 2010 and Dec 2019. The patients' ages ranged from 48 to 86 years. Sites were the hypopharynx (33 cases), larynx and cervical esophagus (5 cases each) and oropharynx (4 cases). Swallowing function was assessed using videofluorography, from the start of oral intake to discharge, as well as meal form at discharge. Lateral-retropharyngeal-lymph node dissection (LRPLND), preoperative radiation therapy, extended resection to the nasopharynx and incidence of stenosis in the jejuno-esophageal anastomosis were examined. Significant differences were revealed in the scores of pharyngeal residues of contrast medium and pharyngeal contraction, with and without preoperative radiotherapy. LRPLND did not affect swallowing function; dissection group cases had lower scores for soft palate elevation. Overall, resection extended to the nasopharynx, and the anastomosis method did not affect scores of swallowing function.

The detection rate of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales, microorganisms associated with health care settings, has significantly increased worldwide. Moreover, their community incidence has increased in several countries. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of ESBL-producing

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is associated with rearranged during transfection (RET) mutations. The authors encountered four cases of MTC-related MEN type 2B (MEN2B) with RET codon M918T mutation in one family. Case 1 included a 19 year-old male diagnosed with MTC with lung metastases. Genetic testing revealed an RET codon M918T mutation, which indicated MEN2B. The patient responded partially to vandetanib and the disease has shown no progression in 25 months. Case 2 involved the mother of the patient in Case 1. She underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) when diagnosed with MTC-related MEN2B at 12 years of age, but was not counseled adequately. Cases 3 and 4 involved the sisters of the Case 1 patient and were assessed after Case 1 was diagnosed. Genetic testing revealed the same mutation. Case 3 was diagnosed with MTC and underwent TT. Case 4 was asymptomatic but underwent prophylactic TT; histopathologic examination revealed MTC tissue. Prophylactic TT prevented MTC from being detected at an advanced state. Genetic counseling is essential in treating MEN2B. The mother was uninformed about the genetic characteristics of MEN2B, delaying the detection of MTC in her children. The present study reaffirms the importance of family history and screening.

Background Mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of Acinetobacter baumannii DNA gyrase (gyrA) and topoisomerase IV (parC) are linked to fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance. We developed a mismatched PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay to detect mutations in the gyrA and parC QRDRs associated with FQ resistance in A. baumannii. Methods Based on the conserved sequences of A. baumannii gyrA and parC, two primer sets were designed for mismatched PCR-RFLP to detect mutations in gyrA (codons 83 and 87) and parC (codons 80 and 84) by introducing an artificial restriction enzyme cleavage site into the PCR products. This assay was evaluated using 58 A. baumannii strains and 37 other Acinetobacter strains that have been identified by RNA polymerase β-subunit gene sequence analysis. Results PCR amplification of gyrA and parC was successful for all A. baumannii strains. In 11 FQ -susceptible strains, the gyrA and parC PCR products were digested by the selected restriction enzymes at the site containing gyrA (codons 83 and 87) and parC (codons 80 and 84). PCR products from 47 FQ-resistant strains containing mutations in gyrA and parC were not digested by the restriction enzymes at the site containing the mutation. As for the non-baumannii Acinetobacter strains, although amplification products for gyrA were obtained for 28 strains, no parC amplification product was obtained for any strain. Conclusions This assay specifically amplified gyrA and parC from A. baumannii and detected A. baumannii gyrA and parC mutations with FQ resistance.

Salivary gland carcinoma is a relatively rare disease of the head and neck. Although it frequently presents with distant metastases, few reports have been published on this subject. The present study investigated the prognosis of patients with distant metastases from salivary gland cancer. A total of 24 cases of salivary gland carcinoma with distant metastasis who were initially treated at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Nara Medical University during a 16-year period from August 2004 to July 2020 were included. The histopathological types included salivary duct carcinoma (8 cases), adenoid cystic carcinoma (6 cases), myoepithelial carcinoma (3 cases), Squamous cell carcinoma (2 cases), adenocarcinoma (2 cases), acinic cell carcinoma (2 cases) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (1 case). A total of 18 patients had stage IV carcinoma, which represented the majority. Of all patients, ~80% developed distant metastases within 2 years of initial diagnosis. Survival rates after the appearance of distant metastases were 43.5% at 5 years and 14.5% at 10 years. The results of the current study revealed that no factors significantly influenced long-term prognosis after the development of distant metastases. In future, it may be necessary to re-examine these results in a larger sample size and standardise treatment methods as a result.

Infection with cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastric cancer. Molecular techniques are vital for accurate H. pylori diagnosis. We developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detecting the H. pylori cagA gene and evaluated its use for clinical diagnosis. A LAMP primer set was designed to recognize the homologous regions of cagA gene sequences of 6 H. pylori strains. LAMP sensitivity was evaluated with serial dilutions of H. pylori ATCC 43504 and fecal specimens; specificity was evaluated with H. pylori ATCC 49396 and CIP 104086. The LAMP sensitivity for H. pylori specimens was 10−1 cfu/tube (reaction time, 37 min), which was 10-fold more sensitive than polymerase chain reaction. LAMP was also highly sensitive and rapid for fecal specimens. It detected cagA gene from ATCC 49396 and CIP 104086. The findings suggest LAMP can be used for diagnosing and screening of H. pylori infections to decrease gastric cancer incidence.

Five anionic surfactants widely used in commercial skin cleansers were studied: sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether carboxylate (EC), sodium polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (ES), sodium dodecyl sulfate, potassium laurate, and N-cocoyl-l-glutamic acid monosodium salt. The amount of surfactant from aqueous solution adsorbed into the stratum corneum (SC), the degree of SC swelling, the change of the secondary structure of SC proteins (denaturation). The surface tension of surfactant–zein mixed solutions, and the solubilization behavior of zein were measured. Results showed that EC had the lowest adsorption into SC, the lowest SC swelling, and lowest denaturation of SC proteins. Low interactions between surfactants and SC proteins were also observed for EC/ES mixture solutions as well as. Mixing EC with ES good foaming performance. The EC/ES mixture, at about 1:1 ratio, is an excellent surfactant system for skin cleanser applications having cleansing characteristics and mildness to the skin.

Subglottic stenosis is a disease that causes dyspnoea by congenital or acquired stenosis of the cricoid cartilage and trachea. The cause of acquired subglottic stenosis varies. In this case, we present a case of idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Tracheotomies are performed in many cases, but they require long-term insertion of a tracheal cannula and make treatment difficult. In this case study, we performed a tracheoplasty by resection of the arch of cricoid cartilage and circumcision of the tracheal cartilage and implemented a cannula-free observation protocol.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a poor prognosis. ATC accounts for only 1-2% of all thyroid carcinomas, yet it is one of the most lethal neoplasms in humans. Notably, there are no established treatment protocols for ATC. The present study investigated the prognostic and predictive factors of ATC. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 17 patients with histologically confirmed ATC. The median overall survival of all patients was 3.8 months. In patients under the age of 70 years, the statistically significant prognostic factors indicating longer survival were the absence of distant metastasis and treatment by radical resection. Furthermore, in contrast to previous findings, tumor size and white blood cell count were not associated with ATC prognosis in the present cohort. Importantly, tracheostomy did not contribute to improvement of prognosis and should perhaps not be considered, when unnecessary, to preserve the patient's quality of life. Prognostic factors for ATC are critical to clinicians to enable them to determine which patients will benefit from aggressive treatment strategies, as opposed to supportive care.

The aim of this study was to examine the resistance genes in clinical isolates which produced IMP-6 type metallo-β-lactamase lactamase (MBL) and had mildly reduced susceptibilities to levofloxacin and/or amikacin. The inoculum size effect was also assessed. A total of 14 Enterobacteriaceae isolates (2 Escherichia coli and 12 Klebsiella pneumoniae) which produced IMP-6 MBL, and had mild increases in their MICs for levofloxacin and amikacin were examined. Thirteen out of 14 isolates harbored CTX-M-2, with the remaining isolate co-harboring CTX-M-2 and CTX-M-1 as ESBLs. All isolates carried one or more PMQRs; aac(6′)-Ib-cr was the most prevalent (92.8%), followed by oqxA (64.3%), qnrS (42.9%), oqxAB (21.4%), and qnrB (14.3%). The inoculum size effects were significant in all strains for meropenem, 13 for imipenem, 7 for levofloxacin, and 3 for amikacin. Conjugation was successfully performed with 8 isolates and 11 strains were obtained. Eleven of the experimental strains (100%), and 8 strains (72.7%) showed inoculum size effects for meropenem and imipenem, respectively. No inoculum size effect was seen for levofloxacin. Four strains harbored qnr genes and 2 strains harbored qnr genes and QRDR mutations concurrently. blaIMP-6 positive Enterobacteriaceae with mildly reduced susceptibilities to levofloxacin and/or amikacin also harbored at least one plasmid-mediated drug resistance gene. These represent an unrecognized threat, capable of compromising the in vitro activity of many classes of antimicrobial agents. We conclude that IMP-6 MBL plays an important role in decreasing the MIC for carbapenems, whereas qnr does not for levofloxacin.

Identifying the key molecules that enhance chemo‑ and radiosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as well as reliable biomarkers for predicting recurrence and metastasis would be desirable to improve the prognosis of HNSCC. Previously, we have reported that Regenerating gene III (REG III) expression was associated with an improved survival rate for patients with HNSCC. In addition, resveratrol (3,4',5‑trihydroxystilbene) significantly increased REG III expression in HNSCC cells, and significantly inhibited cell growth, enhanced chemo‑ and radiosensitivity, and blocked the cancer invasion of HNSCC cells in vitro. In the present study, the effect of resveratrol on cancer progression in HNSCC was investigated in vivo using a xenograft nude mouse model. The results revealed that resveratrol increased the mRNA level of REG III in vivo, which was in agreement with our previous in vitro findings. Furthermore, REG III increased the antitumor effect of radiation or cisplatin in vivo, and resveratrol sensitized HNSCC to irradiation and cisplatin in vivo. These results indicated that resveratrol could increase the efficacy of cisplatin and irradiation through the REG III expression pathway, resulting in the inhibition of HNSCC progression in vivo.

Identification of a reliable biomarker for predicting prognosis in head and neck cancers is highly desirable and has long been sought. There have been several reports that members of the regenerating gene (REG) family are highly expressed in chronic inflammation and in tumors of the digestive organs. In addition, it has been described in several reports that REG expression is associated with the progression of digestive cancers. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of REG expression on the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. We investigated 37 cases with hypopharyngeal squa- mous cell carcinoma, determined REG mRNA expression, which is easily detected in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues using the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method, and evaluated the survival rate using the Kaplan-Meier method. According to these results, REG III mRNA expression was significantly associated with prolonged survival. Therefore, we constructed hypopharyngeal cancer cell lines transfected with REG III and assessed the cell prolif- eration and chemosensitivity and/or radiosensitivity in vitro. Cells transfected with REG III exhibited significantly lower cell proliferation and higher chemosensitivity and/or radiosen- sitivity compared with the control cells. These data suggest that REG III may be a reliable biomarker of prognosis in hypopharyngeal cancer. This is the first report concerning the association of REG III expression and the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma including hypopharyngeal cancer.

Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) have prognostic value for induction chemotherapy (ICT) response and survival in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OHSCC) patients. Pretreatment positron emission tomography with the use of fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG PET) may be an aid in deciding the treatment strategy in OHSCC patients.We investigated the association between pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET and response to ICT and survival in OHSCC patients.We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 58 OHSCC patients treated at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital. The predictive impact of SUVmax of the primary tumor site was evaluated using statistical multivariate proportional hazard models.Thirty-one cases (53%) were located in the oropharynx and 27 (47%) in the hypopharynx. Median SUVmax was 11.6 (range 3.2-23.5), and was significantly higher in the 8 patients with less than stable disease than in the 50 with more than partial response (median SUVmax, 17.3 vs 11.1; p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, hazard ratios for the medium and high SUVmax groups relative to the low group were 3.07 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-15.29; p = 0.170) and 4.71 (0.97-22.89; p = 0.055), respectively, and the dose-response relationship was statistically significant (p trend = 0.047). A similar tendency was observed on subclassification by oropharynx and hypopharynx.

Identification of reliable markers of chemo- and radiosensitivity and the key molecules that enhance the susceptibility of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to anticancer treatments is highly desirable. Previously, we have reported that regenerating gene (REG) Ⅲ expression was such a marker associated with an improved survival rate for HNSCC patients. In the present study, we investigated the stimulators for induction of REG Ⅲ expression using REG Ⅲ promoter assay in HNSCC cells transfected with REG Ⅲ promoter vector. We tested inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, polyphenols, PPARγ activator of thiazolidinediones, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, and found that 3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (resveratrol) significantly increased the REG Ⅲ promoter activity and the mRNA levels of REG Ⅲ in HNSCC cells. Moreover, we demonstrated the effect of resveratrol on cancer cell progression, such as cell proliferation, chemo‑ and radiosensitivity and cancer invasion of HNSCC cells. Resveratrol significantly inhibited cell growth, enhanced chemo‑ and radiosensitivity, and blocked cancer invasion of HNSCC cells. These data suggested that resveratrol could inhibit cancer progression through the REG Ⅲ expression pathway in HNSCC cells.

The potential clinical use of ultrasound in inducing cell apoptosis and enhancing the effects of anticancer drugs in the treatment of cancers has previously been investigated. In this study, the combined effects of low-intensity ultrasound (LIU) and cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, on cell killing and induction of apoptosis in HSC-3 and HSC-4 head and neck cancer cells, and its mechanisms were investigated. Experiments were divided into 4 groups: non-treated (CNTRL), cetuximab-treated (CETU), ultrasound-treated (UST) and the combination of cetuximab and US-treated (COMB). Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue staining assay and induction of apoptosis was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining assay at 24 h after cetuximab and/or US treatment. To elucidate the effect of cetuximab and US on EGFR signaling and apoptosis in head and neck cancer cells after the treatments, the expression of EGFR, phospho-EGFR, and the activation of caspase-3 were evaluated with western blotting. More cell killing features were evident in the COMB group in HSC-3 and HSC-4 cells compared with the other groups. No differences in EGFR expression among the CETU, UST and COMB groups was observed, while the expression of phospho-EGFR in the CETU group was downregulated compared with that in the CNTRL group. Phospho-EGFR expression was much more downregulated in the COMB group compared with that in the other groups. In addition, the activation of caspase-3 in the UST group was upregulated compared with that in the CNTRL group. Caspase-3 activation was much more upregulated in the COMB group than that in the other groups. These data indicated that LIU was able to enhance the anticancer effect of cetuximab in HSC-3 and HSC-4 head and neck cancer cells.

Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma is a rare subtype of lymphoma with a significantly worse prognosis than other subtypes, and also tends to be commonly found in people of East Asian, Mexican, or South American descent.Patient 1 was treated with chemotherapy using the CHOP regimen after radiotherapy. At 14 months after the end of treatment the patient demonstrated recurrence to primary site and the jejunum. He is presently alive with this disease at 30 months after the end of treatment. Patient 2 was treated with chemotherapy using the CHOP regimen after radiotherapy, but this schedule resulted in only a partial response to the disease. As a result, chemotherapy was also performed using the DeVIC regimen with 3 cycles. Patient 2 is still alive and has been free of any relapse for 48 months. Patient 3 was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy using 56Gy irradiation with the DeVIC regimen. Patient 3 is still alive and has been free of relapse for 12 months. Because of this chemoradiotherapeutic regimen, patient 3 suffered severe mucositis and pancytopenia, and as a result he could not complete chemotherapy, which normally consists of 3 cycles. Patient 4 was treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy using 56Gy irradiation with the DeVIC regimen. Patient 4 is still alive and has been free of relapse for 6 months. In patient 4, we used 2/3-dose chemotherapy in comparison to the patient 3 dose. As a result, the chemoradiotherapy in patient 4 did not cause any severe side effects. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using the DeVIC regimen may therefore be effective for the treatment of NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process involved in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Furthermore, EMT can induce a cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype in a number of tumor types. We demonstrated that Snail is one of the master regulators that promotes EMT and mediates cancer cell migration and invasion in many types of malignancies including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the present study, we investigated the role of Snail in inducing and maintaining CSC-like properties through EMT in HNSCC. We established HNSCC cell lines transfected with Snail. Stem cell markers were evaluated with real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. CSC properties were assessed using sphere formation and WST-8 assays as well as chemosensitivity and chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo invasion assays. Introduction of Snail induced EMT properties in HNSCC cells. Moreover, Snail-induced EMT maintained the CSC-like phenotype, and enhanced sphere formation capability, chemoresistance and invasive ability. These data suggest that Snail could be one of the critical molecular targets for the development of therapeutic strategies for HNSCC.

The aim of this experiment is to investigate the differences of the generated powers for the roof azimuth on the a-Si PV module developed for direct installation to the roof of wooden houses. The automated measuring system has been constructed to measure the generated powers, the module temperature, and the irradiation for each module from 6 AM to 6 PM with the time interval of 10 min. The system has started from May 1999, and in this paper, the automated measuring system and the analyzed results for eight months are presented.

中咽頭癌の切除の工夫について報告した。以下の3つの観点からの工夫が重要であると考える。1：頸部郭清術の工夫，2：原発巣切除の工夫，3：下顎骨離断の工夫，である。また抗癌剤同時併用放射線治療後再発症例など，いわゆるハイリスク再発症例にも可能であれば，機能温存を最大限に考慮する手術を行うべきである。しかしながらその適応には化学放射線治療後ゆえ，縫合不全，重篤な合併症発生等のリスクがあり慎重さが要求される。術前のinformed consentが重要である。必要かつ十分，安全な術式を選択し提供することが重要である。年齢，PS，その他個々の因子を十分に考慮し術式を選択することが重要である。さらに再建外科医の手術が行いやすい環境を考慮する切除も重要である。以上のような様々な工夫を考慮し，必要かつ十分，安全な中咽頭癌切除を行っていくべきと考える。

A four-stage amphoteric redox hydrocarbon (5) containing two phenalenyl units was prepared. X-ray crystallography of 5 reveals a delocalized D2h structure, which is consistent with the presence of only five signals in the 1H NMR spectrum of 5 at −60 °C. The cyclic voltammogram of 5 exhibits four reversible redox waves with a small numerical sum (E1sum) of first oxidation (E1ox) and reduction (E1red) potentials. Four redox states of 5 were successfully generated from the neutral 5 and were characterized by NMR, ESR, and UV−vis−near-IR spectroscopies and theoretical calculations. These spectral data reveal that phenalenyl units play an important role in the high amphotericity of 5 and the stability of the redox states generated.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known to have a poor prognosis. The resistance to treatment and distant metastasis are important clinical problems in HNSCC. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in successful execution of many steps such as the invasion and metastasis for cancer cells. Snail is one of the master regulators that promote EMT in many types of malignancies including HNSCC. Recently, it has been shown that Snail-induced EMT could induce a cancer stem cell (CSC)‑like phenotype in a number of tumor types. In this study, we investigated the role of Snail in inducing EMT properties and CSC-like phenotype in HNSCC. We established HNSCC cell lines transfected with Snail. E-cadherin was analyzed using western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound-healing assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. CSC markers of HNSCC, CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), were also evaluated with western blot analysis, and chemosensitivity was assessed with WST-8 assay. Introduction of Snail induced EMT properties in HNSCC cells and enhanced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, Snail-induced EMT gained CSC-like phenotype and was associated with increased chemoresistance. These results suggest that Snail could be one of the attractive targets for the development of therapeutic strategies in HNSCC.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) are one of the most common types of cancers worldwide, and despite advances in treatment, they still represent a clinical challenge. Inactivation of one or more components in the p53 signaling pathway is an extremely common event in human neoplasia, including HNSCC. The loss of p53 function is responsible for increased aggressiveness in cancers, while tumor chemoresistance and radioresistance can depend on deleted p53 expression, or on the expression of mutated-p53 proteins. Thus, consideration and manipulation of the p53 status during HNSCC cancer therapy should be considered. This review discusses the p53 signaling pathways activated by various cellular stresses, including exposure to cancer therapies. The recognition of the p53 status in cancer cells is a significant factor and could provide valuable assistance during the selection of an effective therapeutic approach.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in the head and neck region is attracting attention. If intraoperative frozen section and/or cytology of SLN is available, one can select an appropriate patient who must undergo neck dissection in a one-stage procedure. We began intraoperative diagnosis of SLN biopsy in patients who underwent oral cancer surgery in 2003. From August 2003 to December 2006, 44 previously untreated patients were accumulated. All patients underwent SLN biopsy prior to the resection of primary cancer. Intraoperative diagnosis of SLN biopsy was performed by multislice frozen section analysis. Patients with positive SLN underwent immediate neck dissection in the same session. Imprint cytology specimen was prepared at the same time. The results of frozen section analysis and imprint cytology were compared with postoperative pathologic diagnosis of permanent specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of intraoperative multislice frozen section analysis in lymph node basis were 90.9%, 100%, 99.1%, 100% and 99.0%, respectively. On the other hand, the indexes of imprint cytology were 27.3%, 99.0%, 92.0%, 75.0% and 92.6%, respectively. All indexes of intraoperative frozen section analysis were superior to imprint cytology. In our experience, multislice frozen section analysis surpasses imprint cytology in intraoperative diagnosis of SLN biopsy.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known to its rapid clinical progression and poor prognosis. Notably, regional and distant metastases in HNSCC correspond to an extremely poor prognosis with limited treatment options. The treatment resistance and tumor recurrence are important clinical problems in the management of HNSCC. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in successful execution of many steps such as invasion and metastasis for cancer cells. Snail is one of master regulators that promote EMT in many types of malignancies including HNSCC. Recently, it has been reported that Snail-induced EMT could induce cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype in a number of tumor types. Herein, we investigated the role of Snail in inducing EMT properties and CSC-like phenotype in HNSCC. We constructed HNSCC cell lines transfected with Snail. E-cadherin was analyzed using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. CSC markers of HNSCC, CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), were also evaluated with western blotting, and chemosensitivity was assessed with WST-8 assay. Introduction of Snail induced EMT properties in HNSCC cells and enhanced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, Snail-induced EMT gained CSC-like phenotype and was associated with increased chemoresistance. These results suggest that Snail can be one of the attractive targets for the development of therapeutic strategies in HNSCC. Citation Format: Ichiro Ota, Takashi Masui, Shinji Mikami, Toshiaki Yamanaka, Hiroshi Hosoi. Snail-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition generates the properties of cancer stem cells in head and neck cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3054. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3054

2-Alkoxy-3,5-dinitropyridines, easily prepared from 2-fluoro-3,5-dinitropyridine and alcohols react with various thiols in the presence of Lewis acids to give the corresponding unsymmetrical sulfides in good yields.

Monothermal chemical exchange process with electrolysis (wellknown as the CECE process) is an effective method for enriching and removing tritium from tritiated water of low to middle level activity. The thermal diffusion process (ThD) is a low inventory gas phase method for enriching tritium from hydrogen. ThD and CECE process can be combined with each other by hydrogen gas line.

2-Alkoxy-3,5-dinitropyridines, easily prepared from 2-fluoro-3,5-dinitropyridine and alcohols react with various thiols in the presence of Lewis acids to give the corresponding unsymmetrical sulfides in good yields.