Search

Abstract Background Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is widely used in gastrointestinal surgery and is considered useful for reducing anastomotic leakage; however, because ICG remains in the tissue for a certain amount of time, we occasionally must re-evaluate colonic blood flow over a short time period during surgery. Herein, we verify the usefulness of thermography (TG) for evaluating colonic blood flow in a patient who underwent a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. Case presentation The patient is 43-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon for colon cancer. After vascular treatment of the colonic mesentery, ICG/TG identified the boundary between ischemic and non-ischemic colon tissues. An additional 2 cm of colonic mesentery was resected because of the presence of a diverticulum noted at the intended site of oral anastomosis when attaching the anvil head. After additional vascular treatment of the colonic mesentery and administration of ICG, fluorescence was observed in the colon; however, TG identified the zone of the temperature transition on the surface of the colonic mesentery, even after additional colonic mesentery resection in the same region as previously observed. This zone was used as the cut-off line. There were no complications, such as anastomotic leakage, after the surgery. Conclusion Although accumulation of similar cases is necessary, TG has the potential for use as an auxiliary diagnostic tool in clinical practice. TG can depict the presence or absence of blood flow based on surface temperature without the use of imaging agents, and is inexpensive and easy to perform.

Abstract Aiming at knowledge discovery for temporal sequences of cooking recipes published in social media platforms from the viewpoint of network science, we consider an analysis of temporal higher-order networks of ingredients derived from such recipe streams by focusing on the framework of simplicial complex. Previous work found interesting properties of temporal simplicial complexes for the human proximity interactions in five different social settings by examining the configuration transitions before and after triplet interaction events corresponding to 2-simplices. In this paper, as an effective extension of the previous work to the case of higher dimensional n-simplices corresponding to newly published recipes, we propose a novel method of configuration transition analysis by incorporating the following two features. First, to focus on changes in the topological structure of temporal simplicial complex, we incorporate analyzing the transitions of boundary-based configurations. Next, to focus on the temporal heterogeneity in usage activities of ingredients, we incorporate analyzing the transitions of active configurations by introducing the activity degree of configuration. Using real data of a Japanese recipe sharing site, we empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and reveal some characteristics of the temporal evolution of Japanese homemade recipes published in social media from the perspective of ingredient co-occurrences.

Abstract Background Spontaneous regression (SR) of cancer occurs in 1 in 60,000–100,000 patients. This phenomenon has been reported in almost all cancer types, most commonly neuroblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and lymphoma/leukemia. However, SR in colorectal cancer (CRC) is extremely rare, particularly in advanced cases. Hence, this report describes a very rare case of spontaneous regression of advanced transverse colon cancer. Case presentation A 76-year-old female with anemia was diagnosed with a type II well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the middle transverse colon. Two months later, a second colonoscopy examination was performed for preoperative marking, and it revealed tumor shrinkage and a shift to type 0–IIc morphology. Endoscopic tattooing was then performed, followed by a laparoscopic partial resection of the transverse colon with D3 lymph node dissection. However, the resected specimen contained no tumor, and colonoscopy showed no tumor remnants in the remaining colon. Histopathological examination revealed mucosal regeneration and a mucus nodule in between the submucosal and muscular layers, with no cancer cells detected. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the loss of MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) and postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2) expression in the cancer cells of biopsied specimens, suggesting deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). The patient continues to be followed up until 6 years postoperatively, and no recurrence has been observed. In this study, we also reviewed similar reported cases of spontaneous regression of cancer involving dMMR. Conclusion This study presents a rare case of spontaneous regression of advanced transverse colon cancer wherein dMMR is strongly involved. However, further accumulation of similar cases is needed to elucidate this phenomenon and to develop new treatment strategies for CRC.

Abstract Background Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is common during preoperative chemotherapy for esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between AKI after preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients who had received preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin and underwent surgical resection for esophageal cancer under general anesthesia from January 2017 to February 2022 at an education hospital. A predictor was stage 2 or higher cisplatin-induced AKI (c-AKI) defined by the KDIGO criteria within 10 days after chemotherapy. Outcomes were postoperative complications and length of hospital stays. Associations between c-AKI and outcomes including postoperative complications and length of hospital stays were examined with logistic regression models. Results Among 101 subjects, 22 developed c-AKI with full recovery of the estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) before surgery. Demographics were not significantly different between patients with and without c-AKI. Patients with c-AKI had significantly longer hospital stays than those without c-AKI [mean (95% confidence interval (95%CI)) 27.6 days (23.3–31.9) and 43.8 days (26.5–61.2), respectively, mean difference (95%CI) 16.2 days (4.4–28.1)]. Those with c-AKI had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and prolonged weight gain after surgery and before the events of interest despite having comparable eGFR trajectories after surgery. c-AKI was significantly associated with anastomotic leakage and postoperative pneumonia [odds ratios (95%CI) 4.14 (1.30–13.18) and 3.87 (1.35–11.0), respectively]. Propensity score adjustment and inverse probability weighing yielded similar results. Mediation analysis showed that a higher incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients with c-AKI was primarily mediated by CRP levels (mediation percentage 48%). Conclusion c-AKI after preoperative chemotherapy in esophageal cancer patients was significantly associated with the development of postoperative complications and led to a resultant longer hospital stay. Increased vascular permeability and tissue edema due to prolonged inflammation might explain the mechanisms for the higher incidence of postoperative complications.

Abstract Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a lethal disease, but no beneficial therapeutic agents have been established to date. Previously, we found that AAA formation is suppressed in microRNA (miR)-33-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Mice have only one miR-33, but humans have two miR-33 s, miR-33a and miR-33b. The data so far strongly support that inhibiting miR-33a or miR-33b will be a new strategy to treat AAA. We produced two specific anti-microRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs) that may inhibit miR-33a and miR-33b, respectively. In vitro studies showed that the AMO against miR-33b was more effective; therefore, we examined the in vivo effects of this AMO in a calcium chloride (CaCl2)-induced AAA model in humanized miR-33b knock-in mice. In this model, AAA was clearly improved by application of anti-miR-33b. To further elucidate the mechanism, we evaluated AAA 1 week after CaCl2 administration to examine the effect of anti-miR-33b. Histological examination revealed that the number of MMP-9-positive macrophages and the level of MCP-1 in the aorta of mice treated with anti-miR-33b was significantly reduced, and the serum lipid profile was improved compared with mice treated with control oligonucleotides. These results support that inhibition of miR-33b is effective in the treatment for AAA.

Abstract Background In gastrectomies, especially subtotal gastrectomies and operations on the gastroesophageal junction, identifying the exact location of the tumor and establishing the appropriate resection line is very important. Accurate resection lines have a major impact on the preservation of organ function and curability. Preservation of as much as possible of the remaining stomach, including the fornix, may be an important surgical goal for maintaining an adequate postoperative quality of life. In adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, the height of the esophageal dissection may affect reconstruction of the transhiatal approach. Methods We perform a new technique, near infrared ray-guided surgery, for the accurate localization of a tumor using the Firefly technology of the daVinci Xi system and intra-operative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. We used this new technique for cases of upper gastric cancer or adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. In this retrospective study, we examined to determine the extent (mm) of the tumor invasion of the esophagus, visualization of near infrared ray contained within endoscopic light, and distance from the proximal margin of the tumor to the surgical cut line on rapid histopathology and in the permanent preparation, including the operative videos and extracted specimens. Results We performed near infrared ray-guided surgery for 12 patients with gastric cancer or adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, and the near infrared ray was clearly seen as green light with Firefly mode in all the patients. Near infrared ray-guided surgery was useful for obtaining localization of the tumor. In addition, it was possible to resect organ with adequate margins from tumor. Rapid intraoperative histopathological examinations confirmed that the resected specimens had negative margins. None of the patients required additional resection. Conclusions We believe that because near infrared ray-guided surgery can provide an accurate resection line, it will be useful for the resection of upper gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. It will also provide patients with a good postoperative quality of life after surgery.

Polymyxin B (PMB) is an antibiotic that exhibits mucosal adjuvanticity for ovalbumin (OVA), which enhances the immune response in the mucosal compartments of mice. Frequent breakthrough infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants indicate that the IgA antibody levels elicited by the mRNA vaccines in the mucosal tissues were insufficient for the prophylaxis of this infection. It remains unknown whether PMB exhibits mucosal adjuvanticity for antigens other than OVA. This study investigated the adjuvanticity of PMB for the virus proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus, and the S1 subunit and S protein of SARS-CoV-2. BALB/c mice immunized either intranasally or subcutaneously with these antigens alone or in combination with PMB were examined, and the antigen-specific antibodies were quantified. PMB substantially increased the production of antigen-specific IgA antibodies in mucosal secretions and IgG antibodies in plasma, indicating its adjuvanticity for both HA and S proteins. This study also revealed that the PMB-virus antigen complex diameter is crucial for the induction of mucosal immunity. No detrimental effects were observed on the nasal mucosa or olfactory bulb. These findings highlight the potential of PMB as a safe candidate for intranasal vaccination to induce mucosal IgA antibodies for prophylaxis against mucosally transmitted infections.

Adaptive thermogenesis is regulated by central neuronal circuits. Here, the authors show that microRNA-33 in the brain contributes to the maintenance of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and whole-body energy balance via enhanced sympathetic nerve tone, and regulating the expression of GABAa receptor subunits.

Obesity is an important health problem, which can be prevented through appetite control. Ghrelin is an appetite-stimulating hormone considered to promote obesity. Thus, we examined whether gastric stretching affects ghrelin secretion. We investigated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in gastric glands in the regulation of ghrelin secretion. TRPV4 immunostaining was performed in tissue samples from 57 patients who underwent gastrectomy. TRPV4 expression was compared between patients with (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30) and without (BMI

Summary: No effective treatment is yet available to reduce infarct size and improve clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction by enhancing early reperfusion therapy using primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The study showed that Kyoto University Substance 121 (KUS121) reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress, maintained adenosine triphosphate levels, and ameliorated the infarct size in a murine cardiac ischemia and reperfusion injury model. The study confirmed the cardioprotective effect of KUS121 in a porcine ischemia and reperfusion injury model. These findings confirmed that KUS121 is a promising novel therapeutic agent for myocardial infarction in conjunction with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Key Words: ATP, ER stress, KUS121, myocardial infarction

Chitooligosaccharides exhibit several biomedical activities, such as inflammation and tumorigenesis reduction in mammals. The mechanism of the chitooligosaccharides’ formation in vivo has been, however, poorly understood. Here we report that mouse acidic chitinase (Chia), which is widely expressed in mouse tissues, can produce chitooligosaccharides from deacetylated chitin (chitosan) at pH levels corresponding to stomach and lung tissues. Chia degraded chitin to produce N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) dimers. The block-type chitosan (heterogenous deacetylation) is soluble at pH 2.0 (optimal condition for mouse Chia) and was degraded into chitooligosaccharides with various sizes ranging from di- to nonamers. The random-type chitosan (homogenous deacetylation) is soluble in water that enables us to examine its degradation at pH 2.0, 5.0, and 7.0. Incubation of these substrates with Chia resulted in the more efficient production of chitooligosaccharides with more variable sizes was from random-type chitosan than from the block-type form of the molecule. The data presented here indicate that Chia digests chitosan acquired by homogenous deacetylation of chitin in vitro and in vivo. The degradation products may then influence different physiological or pathological processes. Our results also suggest that bioactive chitooligosaccharides can be obtained conveniently using homogenously deacetylated chitosan and Chia for various biomedical applications.

Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) enables detection and quantification of degradation products from artificial and natural chitin substrates such as 4-NP-(GlcNAc)2, (GlcNAc)4 and colloidal chitin. The FACE method has been improved by our group for analysis of chitooligosaccharides in the presence of several buffer systems commonly used in the biochemical evaluation of chitinolytic activities of enzymes at pH 2.0–8.0. FACE is a very sensitive technique detecting picomolar amounts of molecules. We optimized the detection conditions as follows: exposure type, precision; sensitivity, high resolution; exposure time, 5 s. We evaluated the (GlcNAc)2 levels using a standard curve that allows chitooligosaccharides quantification at up to 10 nmol amounts. Using the method presented here, the chitinolytic properties of different chitinases can be compared directly. Serratia chitinase A (ChiA) and chitinase B (ChiB), two well-studied bacterial chitinases, have been shown by HPLC to have a synergistic effect on the chitin degradation rate. Using the FACE method, we determined the combinatory effects of mouse chitotriosidase (Chit1) and acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) in natural chitin substrates processing. • FACE is a simple and quantitative method. • Our improved procedure enables the quantification of chitooligosaccharides produced by chitinases at pH 2.0–8.0. • FACE is able to quantify chitooligosaccharides at up to 10 nmol amounts.

Background MicroRNA (miR)‐33 targets cholesterol transporter ATP‐binding cassette protein A1 and other antiatherogenic targets and contributes to atherogenic progression. Its inhibition or deletion is known to result in the amelioration of atherosclerosis in mice. However, mice lack the other member of the miR‐33 family, miR‐33b, which exists in humans and other large mammals. Thus, precise evaluation and comparison of the responsibilities of these 2 miRs during the progression of atherosclerosis has not been reported, although they are essential. Methods and Results In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the difference between the function of miR‐33a and miR‐33b using genetically modified mice. We generated 4 strains with or without miR‐33a and miR‐33b. Comparison between mice with only miR‐33a (wild‐type mice) and mice with only miR‐33b (miR‐33a−/−/miR‐33b+/+) revealed the dominant expression of miR‐33b in the liver. To evaluate the whole body atherogenic potency of miR‐33a and miR‐33b, we developed apolipoprotein E–deficient/miR‐33a+/+/miR‐33b−/− mice and apolipoprotein E–deficient/miR‐33a−/−/miR‐33b+/+ mice. With a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet, the apolipoprotein E–deficient/miR‐33a−/−/miR‐33b+/+ mice developed increased atherosclerotic plaque versus apolipoprotein E–deficient/miR‐33a+/+/miR‐33b−/− mice, in line with the predominant expression of miR‐33b in the liver and worsened serum cholesterol profile. By contrast, a bone marrow transplantation study showed no significant difference, which was consistent with the relevant expression levels of miR‐33a and miR‐33b in bone marrow cells. Conclusions The miR‐33 family exhibits differences in distribution and regulation and particularly in the progression of atherosclerosis; miR‐33b would be more potent than miR‐33a.