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Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is widely recognized as the most lethal gynecological malignancy; however, its early-stage detection remains a considerable clinical challenge. To address this, we have introduced a new method, named Comprehensive Serum Glycopeptide Spectral Analysis (CSGSA), which detects early-stage cancer by combining glycan alterations in serum glycoproteins with tumor markers. We detected 1712 glycopeptides using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry from the sera obtained from 564 patients with EOC and 1149 controls across 13 institutions. Furthermore, we used a convolutional neural network to analyze the expression patterns of the glycopeptides and tumor markers. Using this approach, we successfully differentiated early-stage EOC (Stage I) from non-EOC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.924 in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. This method markedly outperforms conventional tumor markers, including cancer antigen 125 (CA125, 0.842) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4, 0.717). Notably, our method exhibited remarkable efficacy in differentiating early-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma from endometrioma, achieving a ROC-AUC of 0.808, outperforming CA125 (0.538) and HE4 (0.557). Our study presents a promising breakthrough in the early detection of EOC through the innovative CSGSA method. The integration of glycan alterations with cancer-related tumor markers has demonstrated exceptional diagnostic potential.

Abstract Approximately 500,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) estimated to be 20 times higher. The diathermy ablation is an inexpensive minimally invasive surgeries for CIN. However, little is known about the treatment outcomes. A prospective clinical trial was therefore conducted to evaluate ablation outcomes based on detailed colposcopy findings, cytology, and biopsy results over a two-year period. We enrolled CIN2 (n = 32) and CIN3 (n = 7) patients. Eligibility criteria included: aged between 29 and 49 (median: 36, mean: 36.3), visible transformation zone with high-grade lesions not entirely occupying the cervix, and histologically diagnosed with CIN2 or CIN3. Cytology and HPV genotyping were performed, and colposcopic findings were evaluated. Colposcopy-guided diathermy ablation was conducted by a certified gynecologic oncologist. The incidence of recurrent or residual disease was 5.1% (2/39, 95% confidence interval: − 0.02 to 0.12). The prevalence of HPV infection at 12 months decreased after surgery, as 67.6% (23/34, 0.52–0.83) of patients were HPV-negative. No severe adverse events were reported, while there were five pregnancies with full-term deliveries. The promising outcome was possibly due to selection of rigorous surgical indication and skilled surgical techniques. The study highlights the importance of experienced and skilled colposcopists. TrialRegistry This study was registered in the clinical trial registration system of the University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR ID: UMIN000024483). Open for the trial to the public through the website: 01/11/2016. First registration of the patient: 30/01/2017.

Abstract Aims Cigarette smoking is a preventable risk factor for various diseases such as cancer, ischemic stroke, cardiac stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking cessation is of great importance not only for individual smokers but also for social health. Regarding current cessation therapies, the effectiveness of nicotine replacement is limited, and the cost of varenicline medication is considerable. Thus, a method for screening smokers who are responsive to cessation therapy based on the therapeutic effectiveness is required. Peripheral biomarkers reflecting smoking dependence status are necessary to establish a method for achieving effective cessation therapy. Methods Methylation status of smokers' blood DNA was evaluated focusing on SHATI/NAT8L, an addiction‐related gene. Eight CpG sites in SHATI/NAT8L were quantified by pyrosequencing. Results There was no difference in the methylation status of this gene between smokers (n = 129) and non‐smokers (n = 129) at all CpG sites. No correlations between the methylation status of SHATI/NAT8L and indicators of smoking dependence were found. Conclusions Although the present study found no significance in the DNA methylation of SHATI/NAT8L among smokers, the exploration of predictable peripheral biomarkers for the effectiveness of smoking cessation therapy is required.

Objectives: Nectin-4 is a cell adhesion molecule with vital functions at adherens and tight junctions. Cumulative evidence now indicates that the NECTIN4 gene is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, and that the nectin-4 protein is both a disease marker and therapeutic target in a subset of these cancers. We previously demonstrated that NECTIN4 is overexpressed in placenta during pre-eclamptic pregnancy, which is one of the most serious obstetric disorders. Methods: Nectin-4 protein levels were measured in maternal sera from pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and its related disorder, unexplained fetal growth retardation. Results: Maternal serum concentrations of nectin-4 were significantly elevated in pre-eclamptic women compared with those with an uncomplicated normotensive pregnancy. However, no increase was observed in pregnancies with unexplained fetal growth retardation. Serum nectin-4 levels were higher in cases with early-onset pre-eclampsia that generally showed more severe clinical symptoms, but levels were not correlated to other clinical indicators of disease severity. Conclusions: Nectin-4 is a potential new diagnostic and predictive biomarker for severe pre-eclampsia.

Objectives: Fetal human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection might be involved in fetal growth restriction (FGR). Maternal serostatus and the prevalence of congenital HCMV infection are affected by various factors, such as socioeconomic status and ethnicity. Therefore, the prevalence of congenital HCMV-related FGR should be examined in each region. Methods: Seventy-eight cases of FGR with delivery between January 2012 and January 2017 at Fujita Health University Hospital were studied. Twenty-one non-FGR cases were also included as a control group. Placental sections obtained from the FGR and control cases were immunostained with two primary antibodies for detecting immediate early antigens. Results: Nineteen placental samples from FGR cases with another etiology were excluded. Finally, 59 placental samples from FGR cases of unknown etiology were included in the pathological analysis. Four of 59 (6.8%) placental samples were positive for HCMV antigen. All four positive cases were stained with the M0854 antibody, and there were no positive case with the MAB810R antibody. Neither maternal nor infantile clinical features were different between the HCMV-positive and -negative FGR cases. A pathological examination showed a hematoma in three of four cases and infarction in two of four cases. Conclusions: HCMV antigen was detected in 6.8% of placental samples obtained from FGR cases without an obvious etiology. No remarkable maternal or neonatal clinical features discriminated HCMV-related FGR from FGR due to other causes. Vasculitis and inflammation might play important roles in the pathogenesis of HCMV-related FGR.

Multilocular cystic leiomyomas rarely develop following myomectomy. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published reports on recurrent multilocular cystic leiomyoma following myomectomy. We here present such a case. A 45-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic because of heavy vaginal bleeding. She underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for a solid mass in the uterine cavity. Subsequent pathological examination of the operative specimen revealed a tumour with well-demarcated borders and spindle cells arranged in intersecting fascicles. Seven days postoperatively, ultrasonography revealed a cystic lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging performed 28 months postoperatively revealed a large, well-defined, multilocular cystic mass that was homogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted images on the exterior of the uterus. Abdominal hysterectomy was performed. On pathological examination of the operative specimen, she was found to have a leiomyoma with marked cystic degeneration. Incomplete excision of a multilocular cystic leiomyoma may result in recurrence in the form of a large cystic mass. Clinical differentiation between a multilocular cystic leiomyoma and an ovarian tumour may be difficult. Complete resection of a uterine multilocular cystic lesion prevents recurrence.

Abstract Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Although cytology or HPV testing is available for screening, these techniques have their drawbacks and optimal screening methods are still being developed. Here, we sought to determine whether aberrant expression of miRNAs in cervical mucus could be an ancillary test for cervical neoplasms. The presence of miRNAs in 583 and 126 patients (validation and external cohorts) was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Performance of a combination with five miRNAs (miR-126-3p, -451a -144-3p, -20b-5p and -155-5p) was estimated by ROC curve analysis. Predicted probability (PP) was estimated by nomograms comprising -ΔCt values of the miRNAs, HPV genotype and age. A combination of five miRNAs showed a maximum AUC of 0.956 (95% CI: 0.933–0.980) for discriminating cancer. Low PP scores were associated with good prognosis over the 2-year observation period (p

Objectives: Alterations in the vaginal bacterial flora reflect the status of various obstetric conditions and are associated with mechanisms that underlie certain pregnancy-associated complications. These changes are also a predictive biomarker for clinical outcomes of these adverse events. Methods: We examined the vaginal microbiome in samples from pregnant Japanese women with preterm labor. Results: The microbiota composition in preterm delivery (PD) samples differed from those of control or threatened preterm delivery (TPD) samples in principal component analysis. An increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Actinobacteria were significantly associated with PD only (both P

Edwardsianthus England, 1987 is a genus of Edwardsiidae, a family of burrowing and worm-like sea anemones characterized by lacking four mesenteries in the first cycle and containing only one type of nematocysts in nemathybomes. Until now, this genus has accommodated only two species since its establishment and has been recorded only from Indo-West Pacific regions. In this study, six species are reported from Japan: two are previously known species, E. pudicus (Klunzinger, 1877) and E. gilbertensis (Carlgren, 1931); four are new species, E. carbunculus sp. nov., E. sapphirus sp. nov., E. smaragdus sp. nov., and E. amethystus sp. nov. Based on these results, the diagnostic features of the genus are revised.

Actinernoidea is a superfamily of the suborder Anenthemonae of the order Actiniaria, subclass Hexacorallia. This superfamily has been diagnosed by a peculiar endocoeletic mesenterial arrangement and included two families, Actinernidae and Halcuriidae. Although the monophyly of this superfamily is anticipated based on preceding molecular phylogenetic works, the relationship between these two families was not certain because of the rarity of actinernoidean anemones. We conducted comprehensive sampling in Japan, where the highest diversity of actinernoideans is known, and conducted phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and mitochondrial gene markers. According to the comprehensive analyses, both Actinernidae and Halcuriidae were not indicated as monophyletic but rather as poly- or paraphyletic. Based on our phylogeny reconstruction, we propose a new classification for Actinernoidea composed of three families, including Isactinernidae fam. nov., and seven genera, including Isohalcurias gen. nov. We also describe four new species, Halcurias hiroomii sp. nov., H. fragum sp. nov., Isohalcurias citreum sp. nov., and I. malum sp. nov.; and propose a new combination, Isohalcurias carlgreni comb. nov. This work is the first study of Actinernoidea that comprehensively analyzes its phylogeny and rearranges its classification, showing that there is highly divergent fauna in the seas around Japan.

An automatic adjustment method of the model-based controller of an HCCI engine was designed in this study. As modeling errors are inevitable, feedback control is usually introduced to reduce the effect of the modeling errors. However, especially under transient conditions, the control performance may deteriorate, because this is a control with the information of the previous cycle. The transient control performance is thought to be improved by taking modeling errors into consideration. Therefore, an algorithm to adjust the feedback input based on the prediction of the modeling error was developed. The modeling error was learned and predicted by ReOS-ELM (Regularized Online Sequential Extreme Learning Machine), which is a method of online machine learning with low computational load. The modeling error learning was conducted every engine cycle. The feedback input was adjusted so that the output prediction by the engine model including its modeling error prediction coincided with the output reference. The reference tracking performance was improved by the proposed method.

Abstract Persistent HPV infection associated with immune modulation may result in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (CIN)2/3. Currently, there is little information on the cervicovaginal microbiome, local cytokine levels and HPV infection related to CIN. Follow-up of patients after local surgery provides an opportunity to monitor changes in the cervicovaginal environment. Accordingly, we undertook this longitudinal retrospective study to determine associations between HPV genotypes, cervicovaginal microbiome and local cytokine profiles in 41 Japanese patients with CIN. Cervicovaginal microbiota were identified using universal 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) bacterial primers for the V3/4 region by PCR of genomic DNA, followed by MiSeq sequencing. We found that Atopobium vaginae was significantly decreased (p

Everolimus (EVE), an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, is an emerging second‐line therapeutic option for hormone therapy‐resistant breast cancers. However, some patients do not respond to EVE, whereas in others it exacerbates the disease. Cellular inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is a human oncoprotein that can promote cancer cell growth and apoptosis resistance. Although CIP2A is upregulated in hormone‐related cancers, such as breast cancer, little is known about potential anti‐tumor effects of downregulating CIP2A. As a model to study the resistance of breast cancer cells to hormone treatment, we previously established clones of long‐term estrogen depletion‐resistant MCF‐7 (LTED) cells. Here, we selected three clones highly responsive to EVE and three clones poorly responsive to EVE. When cells were treated with EVE, CIP2A mRNA expression was decreased in highly responsive EVE clones (DC‐cells) whereas it was increased in poorly responsive EVE clones (IC‐cells). Using Kaplan–Meier survival plots, we report that high expression of CIP2A was associated with significantly reduced overall survival in patients with luminal A breast cancer. In IC‐cells, cell growth was enhanced upon EVE treatment whereas an EVE range of 0.1–100 nm decreased growth in DC‐cells. The mRNA expression of genes involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as CDH1, CLDN3, and CK19 was significantly decreased in IC‐cells, but remained unchanged in DC‐cells. These findings highlight a relationship between CIP2A and EMT in the intrinsic resistance of hormone therapy‐resistant breast cancers to EVE.

The Ryukyu ayu Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis is an endangered amphidromous fish that inhabits rivers in the Ryukyu Archipelago (Japan). Populations of the species have declined dramatically. Consequently, the Ryukyu ayu has been registered as a natural monument in Japan and monitoring surveys with direct catching are restricted legally. This restriction, unfortunately, makes monitoring of population abundances difficult and creates a barrier to both advancing understanding of the species’ status and the development of appropriate conservation plans.We developed a non-invasive monitoring methodology using eDNA analyses. We designed a specific quantitative PCR assay for the Ryukyu ayu using the mitochondrial ND4 region. Using this primer/probe set, we conducted eDNA analyses in three rivers on Amami-Ohshima Island. The DNA fragments were amplified from the eDNA extracted from natural water in each river. The numbers of DNA fragments detected were positively correlated with individual counts of fish obtained by visual snorkelling surveys. Our method does not contravene restrictions and facilitates abundance monitoring of this endangered fish species.

Abdominal radical trachelectomy is a fertility-sparing surgery for early invasive cervical cancer. The surgical steps involved in abdominal radical trachelectomy are similar to those for radical hysterectomy prior to removal of the uterus. The difference is that in trachelectomy, the uterine corpus and infundibulopelvic ligament are conserved and the cervical remnant is connected to the vaginal wall. Surgeons should pay close attention to avoiding postsurgical complications such as infection and ileus, which might interfere with subsequent fertility treatments.

Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is often a problematic complication in patients with gynecological cancer. Despite increasing opportunities to use direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to treat VTE, there are no reports on the therapeutic outcomes of DOACs in patients with gynecological cancer; however, there are some studies on cancer patients in general. We retrospectively examined the efficacy and safety of using DOACs to treat VTE in such patients. Methods: The study cohort comprised 43 patients with gynecological cancer and VTE who received treatment between May 2005 and April 2016. They were divided into two groups: DOACs used (DOAC group, n=21) and only unfractionated heparin (UFH) and warfarin used (standard group, n=22). The rates of improvement and recurrence of VTE and incidence of adverse events were compared between these groups. Results: At 6 months, the VTE of 85% of patients in the DOAC group and of 75% in the standard group had improved (p=0.59). No recurrences of VTE occurred in the DOAC group; where VTE recurred in 12.5% of patients in the standard group. Adverse events occurred in three patients in the DOAC group (15.3%) and one in the standard group (7.7%). Chemotherapy significantly impacted improvement in VTE (p=0.01). Conclusions: Rates of VTE improvement and of recurrence of VTE and adverse events did not differ significantly between the study groups.

Polarized infrared (IR) reflectance measurements were performed on polyoxymethylene (POM) prepared by the extrusion method, and an abnormally high reflectance of ∼90% was observed along the extruded direction in the 1000 cm−1–900 cm−1 region. High reflectivity was found in samples made by the conventional injection molding. However, the response of the extrusion sample was higher than that of the injection sample, which can be attributed to the Reststrahlen band. The relative permittivity calculated from the polarized reflection spectrum of the extruded direction shows a notably deep negative region in this high reflectance frequency. Using x rays, by differential scanning calorimetry, and by field emission scanning electron microscopy characterization, the difference in crystallinity and morphology from the extrusion and the injection molding plate was investigated, and the difference in IR optical response was discussed. The conventional IR band assignment of POM was also discussed.

Abstract Background Nectins are cell adhesion molecules that play a pivotal role in adherens junctions and tight junctions. Our previous study using whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays revealed that nectin-4 was upregulated in pre-eclamptic placentas. We investigated the role of nectin-4 in the etiology of pre-eclampsia. Methods We investigated the expression of nectin-4 using real-time RT–PCR, western blot and immunostaining. Additionally, we performed matrigel invasion assay and cytotoxicity assay using cells overexpressing the nectin-4. Results NECTIN4 transcripts were elevated in pre-eclamptic placentas relative to uncomplicated pregnancies. Nectin-4 protein levels in pre-eclamptic placentas were higher on a semi-quantitative western blot. Nectin-4 was localized at the apical cell membrane in syncytiotrophoblast cells and not at the adherens junctions. Nectin-4 was also detected in cytotrophoblasts and a subset of cells in the decidua. Nectin-4 overexpressing trophoblast cells migrated normally in the matrix. However, Natural killer (NK) cells showed a strong cytotoxic effect against nectin-4 overexpressing trophoblast cells. No causative genetic variation was evident in the NECTIN4 gene from a pre-eclamptic placenta. Conclusions There are as yet unknown factors that induce nectin-4 overexpression in trophoblast cells that may contribute to abnormal placentation via an aberrant immune response and the onset of a pre-eclamptic pregnancy.

Obesity commonly occurs in postmenopausal women, increasing the risk of various diseases. Estrogen can prevent obesity by activating lipid metabolism and suppressing depressive behavior. However, the reasons for obesity in postmenopausal women are not clearly elucidated.To mimic the effect of estrogen decline in postmenopausal women, we analyzed the behavior and the lipid metabolism-related genes, PPARγ and CD36 in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. The OVX mice showed increased visceral fat mass and PPARγ and CD36 expression in the visceral fat. In contrast, they were not significantly affected in terms of physical activity and food intake. Further, subcutaneous supplementation of estrogen effectively suppressed the increase in subcutaneous and visceral fat mass in OVX mice.We conclude that obesity in postmenopausal women is unlikely to be caused by overeating and reduction in physical activity, and subcutaneous supplementation of estrogen is an effective strategy to prevent obesity in postmenopausal women. Keywords: Obesity, Estrogen, Postmenopausal women, Exercise

Abstract microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in regulation of gene expression during cervical carcinogenesis. We investigated expression profiles of miRNAs in cervical cancer and its precursor lesions by utilizing cervical mucus. Cervical mucus was collected from 230 patients with a normal cervix, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or adenocarcinoma (AD). The levels of miRNA in the mucus were quantified by miRNA array and real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The performance for detecting diseases was statistically analysed. The expression of miRNAs was further validated in the surgical tissues of enrolled patients. Four miRNAs (miR-126-3p, -20b-5p, -451a, and -144-3p) were significantly up-regulated in SCC and AD compared with normal, and their expression levels correlated with disease severity and high-risk human papillomavirus infection. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the area under the curve values for miR-126-3p, -20b-5p, -451a, and -144-3p were 0.89, 0.90, 0.94, and 0.93, respectively, for SCC plus AD compared with normal, showing high accuracy of cancer detection. Real-time RT-PCR analyses confirmed the expression of these four miRNAs in frozen tissues from cervical cancer. miR-126-3p, -20b-5p, -451a, and -144-3p in cervical mucus are promising biomarkers for cervical cancer and high-grade CINs.

We herein present a case of primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cervix. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 38-mm cervical tumor, and computed tomography revealed no findings suggestive of distal metastasis or other tumor origins. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no abnormal findings. Histopathology revealed signet-ring cell-type mucinous adenocarcinoma. By immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were negative for the mammary neoplasm marker, gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 and gastrointestinal neoplasm markers, MUC2, MUC6, and CDX2, but positive for p16. These findings suggested human papillomavirus (HPV)-related adenocarcinoma of the cervix. HPV genotyping assays with exfoliated cervical cells and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues demonstrated HPV16 positivity, suggesting that the primary origin of the tumor was the cervix. The full HPV16 genome was amplified by polymerase chain reaction from exfoliated cervical cells, and the full-genome sequence was determined by next-generation sequencing. This is the first report of primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the cervix containing the full HPV16 genome.

In this study, three new species of macrocnemic zoantharians (Hexacorallia, Zoantharia) are described from localities in the Indo-Pacific Ocean including the Red Sea, the Maldives, Palau, and southern Japan: Antipathozoanthus obscurus sp. n., A. remengesaui sp. n., and A. cavernus sp. n. Although the genus Antipathozoanthus is currently restricted to species living on antipatharians, A. obscurus sp. n. is not associated with any living substrate and instead is found on coral reef carbonate substrate within narrow caves or cracks. The two new species that have association with antipatharians, A. remengesaui sp. n. and A. cavernus sp. n., can be distinguished by their relative coenenchyme development and the antipatharian species that each uses as substrate. Additionally, all new species described in this study have unique nuclear internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA) sequences. Our results indicate that more phylogenetic studies focusing on increasing the numbers of species examined within each of the genera of Parazoanthidae are required in order to better understand the evolutionary history of substrate specificity within the family Parazoanthidae.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the correlation between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of myoma and the incidence of bleeding during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). Methods: We investigated the preoperative MRI findings of 25 patients who underwent LM from January 2012 to December 2014, including patients who had undergone myoma resection. We evaluated the correlations between perioperative blood loss and the size of the myoma as well as between perioperative blood loss and the maximal minor axis of flow void (MMAFV) of the myoma margins. Results: The mean diameters of the myomas were as follows: longest axis, 60.4 ± 20.6 mm; occipitofrontal diameter, 55.0 ± 15.7 mm; upper and lower diameters (ULDs), 53.7 ± 19.3 mm; and transverse diameter, 56.5 ± 21.7 mm. The mean MMAFV was 2.1± 0.9 mm. The estimated mean blood loss was 104.9 g (range, 5–450 g). All myoma diameters showed a significant linear positive correlation with the estimated perioperative blood loss. The correlation of the ULDs was the highest among all myoma diameters (r = 0.59, P = 0.0021). The MMAFV showed a significant linear positive correlation with the estimated perioperative blood loss (r = 0.62, P = 0.0010). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the ULDs and MMAFV of the myoma margins are risk factors for bleeding during LM, as determined using preoperative MRI.

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine has some advantages such as high efficiency and low emissions. On the other hand, it has challenges that it is difficult to avoid knocking and misfire. Therefore, the precise control system of HCCI combustion is necessary. In this paper, firstly, a control-oriented model which was discretized to several representative points in 1 cycle of an HCCI engine was developed. Secondly, a control system based on the modern control theory was constructed. It consists of a feed-forward controller and a feedback controller with Kalman filter to estimate state variables. The controller based on only a sole linear model has a disadvantage that its performance deteriorates except when the controller works at equilibrium points. Therefore, a gain-scheduling controller was introduced to the nonlinear system. The control simulation was conducted for the nonlinear plant model with the developed gain-scheduling controllers, and both IMEP and the in-cylinder pressure rising rate were controlled over a wide range IMEP.

Ovarian cancer arising from an ovarian endometriotic cyst is frequently encountered; however, this condition has rarely been reported in young patients. We herein report a case of malignant transformation of an ovarian endometriotic cyst in a 26-year-old woman (gravida 0, para 0). During the initial examination at our hospital, ultrasound revealed an endometriotic cyst in the right ovary measuring 49×44×29 mm and an endometriotic cyst in the left ovary measuring 59×53×32 mm with no marked mural nodules on either side. The patient was followed up every 3 months while receiving hormone therapy. At the 6-month follow-up, ultrasound revealed 10-mm mural nodules within the endometriotic cyst of the left ovary. At 10 months, ultrasound revealed that these the mural nodules had enlarged to 15 mm. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the tumor in the left ovary was 64×63 mm in size, which was slightly larger than in the previous scan. The patient underwent laparotomy because of the potential for malignant transformation. Pathological examination revealed clear cell adenocarcinoma. Although malignant transformation of this cancer is rare in women in their 20s, its possibility should be considered; this is true even when cyst enlargement can be controlled during hormone therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging is extremely useful in the diagnosis of malignant transformation.

The zoanthid genus Neozoanthus was originally described in 1972 from a single species in Madagascar. This monotypic genus was placed within its own family, Neozoanthidae, given its unusual characters of only partial sand encrustation, and an endodermal sphincter muscle combined with a brachycnemic mesenterial arrangement. Recently, undescribed specimens of Neozoanthus were discovered thousands of kilometers away in both Australia and Japan. While the phylogenetic and evolutionary aspects of Neozoanthus spp. are now somewhat well understood, the new specimens remained undescribed. Here we describe the specimens as two new species, N. uchina sp. n. from the Middle Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan, and N. caleyi sp. n. from the waters around Heron Island, on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Both species can be distinguished from each other and the type species, N. tulearensis, by their distributions, oral disk colors, and average numbers of tentacles. Additionally, each species appears to have subtle differences in their cnidae. The division of Japanese and Australian specimens into two species is strongly supported by recently reported phylogenetic data. The discovery and description of these two species highlights how little is known of zoanthid species diversity in the Indo-Pacific.

Recent research has confirmed the presence of several species of undescribed macrocnemic zoanthids (Cnidaria: Hexacorallia: Zoantharia: Macrocnemina) in the Galapagos. In this study four new species, including two belonging to a new genus, are described. Two species, Terrazoanthus onoi sp. n. and Terrazoanthus sinnigeri sp. n., both belong within the recently erected family Hydrozoanthidae to the new genus Terrazoanthus, which can be distinguished from the type genus Hydrozoanthus by being attached to abiotic substrate as opposed to hydrozoans for Hydrozoanthus. Each new species of zoanthid can be clearly distinguished by a number of characters. Antipathozoanthus hickmani sp. n. is distinguished by its exclusive association with the antipatharian Antipathes galapagensis, and has approximately 40 tentacles. Parazoanthus darwini sp. n. is distinguished by its frequent association with sponges, with approximately 24–30 tentacles and polyps embedded in a well-developed coenenchyme. T. onoi sp. n. is distinguished by its bright red oral disk color, 32–40 tentacles, and has only basitrichs and mastigophores present in the pharynx. T. sinnigeri sp. n. is distinguished by usually occurring on the underside of rubble and rocks on sandy bottoms, showing 30–36 tentacles, and numerous nematocyst types in the pharynx. The two Terrazoanthus species, although divergent in both morphology and ecology, are apparently very closely related, with identical mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences. These two species can be molecularly distinguished by their subtly different yet distinct sequences of internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA).

Aneuploidy in fetal chromosomes is one of the causes of pregnancy loss and of congenital birth defects. It is known that the frequency of oocyte aneuploidy increases with the human maternal age. Recent data have highlighted the contribution of cohesin complexes in the correct segregation of meiotic chromosomes. In mammalian oocytes, cohesion is established during the fetal stages and meiosis-specific cohesin subunits are not replenished after birth, raising the possibility that the long meiotic arrest of oocytes facilitates a deterioration of cohesion that leads to age-related increases in aneuploidy. We here examined the cohesin levels in dictyate oocytes from different age groups of humans and mice by immunofluorescence analyses of ovarian sections. The meiosis-specific cohesin subunits, REC8 and SMC1B, were found to be decreased in women aged 40 and over compared with those aged around 20 years (P

Little is known about effects of large storm systems on mesophotic reefs. This study reports on how Typhoon 17 (Jelawat) affected Ryugu Reef on Okinawa-jima, Japan in September 2012. Benthic communities were surveyed before and after the typhoon using line intercept transect method. Comparison of the benthic assemblages showed highly significant differences in coral coverage at depths of 25–32 m before and after Typhoon 17. A large deep stand of Pachyseris foliosa was apparently less resistant to the storm than the shallower high diversity area of this reef. Contradictory to common perception, this research shows that large foliose corals at deeper depths are just as susceptible to typhoon damage as shallower branching corals. However, descriptive functional group analyses resulted in only minor changes after the disturbance, suggesting the high likelihood of recovery and the high resilience capacity of this mesophotic reef.

Background/Aim: The frequency rate of injection site reactions (ISR) due to fosaprepitant meglumine (Fos APR) has been shown to vary depending on the types of combined anticancer drug. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of Fos APR on ISR in patients receiving paclitaxel and carboplatin, with and without bevacizumab therapy (TC±Bev). Patients and Methods: This study focused on patients with gynecologic cancer (n=93) who received TC±Bev administration at Fujita Health University Hospital from March 2016 to February 2020, and monitored up to six cycles. The patients were randomly assigned to the Fos APR group (n=47) and the Aprepitant (APR) group (n=46). Using Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) scores, ISR was evaluated by comparing the VIP scores of all cycles using a linear mixed model. The risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of vascular pain throughout all cycles were also examined. Results: The VIP scores of all cycles showed a near significant intergroup difference (p=0.071). Factors that affected the development of vascular pain included Fos APR and age (p=0.027 and 0.049, respectively). Regarding age, patients aged <65 years had a higher risk. Four patients underwent a switch from the originally assigned neurokinin- 1 receptor antagonist; in all of these cases, Fos APR was changed to APR for vascular pain. Conclusion: Fos APR may increase the risk for ISR associated with TC±Bev therapy for gynecological cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]